I just added a new pair of gorgeous loafers to my fall shoe wardrobe, so I thought I’d take this opportunity to share them with you and also address this question!

sweater (S) // jeans (29) // loafers (8.5) // bag // earrings // necklace // sunnies (option)

This is probably a good time to talk about the difference between trends and styles. Loafers are a style or type of shoe, so they aren’t really “in” or “out,” but they do wax and wane in terms of popularity.

In that sense, you could say that loafers are trending or “having a moment” this season. But loafers can still look dated if the shoe itself is frumpy, or you style them in an old-fashioned way.

Last year, we saw a lot of chunky lug sole loafers, and those are still very much on trend, but this year we’re also seeing more preppy, streamlined styles… like the ones I’m wearing here.

Horse-bit hardware and chain details are also really big right now.

I was wandering through Nordstrom a few weeks ago, just perusing the shoe department to get a sense of what’s out there, not really shopping for anything in particular, when I spotted these loafers.

Jeffrey Campbell Velviteen Bit Loafer (size up half)

It was actually the black pair that I saw, and I asked to try them on, but as it happened, they didn’t have the black in my size. Instead, the sales associate brought out this chocolate brown croc-embossed pair to try on for size.

*cue angels singing*

I’m not usually drawn to brown, but something about these spoke to me. I think they’re so classy, but with a great modern vibe. They’re also shockingly comfortable. The leather is very soft, and they have a cushioned footbed as well.

Since I don’t wear brown shoes a lot, I had to think through the outfit possibilities before I purchased them.

I knew they would be a great complement to the taupe and ivory and oatmeal sweaters that dominate my fall wardrobe, and then it occurred to me that chocolate brown also looks really pretty with shades of pink.

I shared this cardigan in last week’s try-on haul, and it’s one of the first things I grabbed when I started playing around with these shoes.

It’s lightweight and soft, and a lovely shade of pale pink. Plus, it plays right into the cropped cardigan trend that is happening right now.

Madewell Mayfair Sweater Cardigan (size S)

I paired the sweater with a pair of slim straight ankle jeans in a medium indigo wash, knowing that loafers and straight ankle jeans are pretty much a fool-proof combo.

These are the Frame Le High Raw Hem Ankle Straight Leg Jeans from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, and they’re back on sale again, so sizes may be picked over.

A similar option for less is this Wit & Wisdom pair. I compared measurements, and they’re almost identical to the Frame pair I’m wearing. Plus, they also come in petite sizes.

Gold jewelry was a must to tie into the gold hardware on the shoes, so I picked up these twisted oval hoop earrings and multi-strand necklace.

I love the ease of a layered look necklace, and this one actually has four chains, rather than the two or three that I usually see. They’re all attached in the back, and it’s adjustable.

Nordstrom Twisted Oval Hoop Earrings // Baublebar Astrid Multistrand Necklace

Since I don’t have any handbags that come close to the same color as the shoes, I decided to go for a complementary neutral. I debated a few options before deciding ivory was my best bet, and in this case, gold hardware is a must.

Tory Burch Kira Chevron Quilted Small Convertible Leather Crossbody Bag // Jeffrey Campbell Velviteen Bit Loafer

And no casual outfit is ever complete without a great pair of sunglasses. Oversized glossy black frames are my current favorite.

That was a very long way of confirming that yes, loafers most certainly are in style for Fall 2022. And some are so gorgeous that you can build an entire outfit around them!

I will warn you, though, these run small and narrow. I usually wear a size 8, and I thought the 8.5 was too small at first, especially in the toe box. But when I tried the 9, I could see that they were too big, and I didn’t like how they gaped on the sides.

Because the leather is so soft, I decided to stick with the 8.5, and I’m so glad I did. They soften up with wear, and you can always wear a lightweight no show sock to reduce the friction.

I also rounded up some other loafer options for you at Nordstrom, in case you like the idea but these don’t make your heart sing the way they do mine.

As always, when you shop at Nordstrom, you get free shipping and free returns. If you aren’t sure what size you need, just order both, and return what doesn’t work.

And don’t forget about their BOPUS (Buy Online Pick Up in Store) and contactless curbside pickup options. Finally, be sure to sign up to be a Nordy Club member so you can earn points toward Nordstrom Notes when you shop.

For Pinning Purposes

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photos: Alison Cornell