Loafers are a classic shoe, and as such, were a favourite in the '90s. In a decade where outfits that exuded luxury and frugal elegance were the norm, shoes like these were the most valuable asset of celebrities like Cameron Diaz, Julia Roberts, and Sarah Jessica Parker.
This season the ’90s remain a key source of inspiration for fashion houses like Coach, Max Mara, and Ferrari. The decade's elegance is still on our moodboards, especially when it comes to footwear. Just look at the wide range of loafers that were popular at the time and that have made a magnificent comeback this summer.
These are the ’90s loafers that are returning for the rest of summer 2025
Cameron was one of the first to opt for hard-to-miss loafers. In one particular case, a red pair was the perfect way to liven up a monochromatic look consisting of a turtleneck blouse, leggings, and a light sweater, all in black. Meanwhile, Julia, always one to make a statement, chose velvet loafers instead of strappy sandals to wear with a floral-print summer dress on the red carpet for the 1990 film Die Hard 2.
Sarah Jessica has always had a soft spot for shoes. Her ’90s collection featured combat boots, low-heeled shoes with elegant clasps, and square-heeled loafers. She wore the latter during a time when she traded her curly blonde hair for a mahogany bob; she paired the loafers with a classic white shirt and a black pencil miniskirt—a timeless combo that still looks incredible today.
How to wear ’90s-era loafers instead of heels
The ever-distinguished ’90s loafers are back to add variety to your wardrobe and give heels a rest from time to time. Below, the experts demonstrate how to wear them.
You can take cues from Sarah Jessica's look with a white shirt and black skirt, but if you don't want to be quite so literal, it can be reinterpreted with the help of a shirtdress. You attain the same elegance but with a preppy interpretation with the addition of white socks, regardless of whether you wear almond-toe, flat, or slingback loafers.
In the ’90s, the colour palette was solid, with black, brown, and grey being the favourites. Taking this as a reference, you can create a perfect office look with high-waisted brown pants, a white shirt, and two-tone heeled loafers. If you’d like you can add more excitement with accessories, such as long necklaces or an animal-print bag.
And speaking of a solid colour palette, you can take inspiration from Cameron in the '90s, but with a modern touch. Just combine flared jeans in black with an off-the-shoulder top, then add vivacity with a bold pair of red, burgundy or espresso-coloured loafers.
Julia liked to employ comfortable yet distinguished shoes to pair with minidresses, which made her naturally gravitate toward loafers. She did so on red carpets and on the street; she was seen wearing an oxford-style pair in 1991 while in New York. Summery minidresses are a must this season for suede loafers.
A version of this article originally appeared on Vogue Mexico and Latin America.
