‘Don’t buy those granny shoes!’ my friend Alice shrieked at me while I was earnestly perusing some loafers in New Look. That was a few years ago and loafers were just another footwear option and it was unusual to find a pair which weren’t black or brown. Thanks to Gucci, they are now an A/W 2016 essential. I still love these ‘granny shoes’ and I’m also still friends with Alice. 😉

Definitely on the Xmas wishlist 😍😍😍 • • @gucci #gucci #gucciloafers #guccishoes #roses #floralloafers #guccigucci #guccigirl #mymomsclothesarebetter

A post shared by My Mom's Clothes are Better (@mymomsclothesarebetter) on Oct 26, 2016 at 8:14am PDT

The loafer craze started with Gucci’s gorgeous horse bit loafers, the arrival of which left fashionistas foaming at the mouth. Not only did Gucci make loafers cool again, they also introduced new styles, heeled loafers, printed loafers and a rather dubious backless slipper loafer.

For all my shoeloving friends, #happyhumpday from me to you ❤️️ #guccilovers #gucciloafers#guccishoes #guccijordaan #gucci #shoes #shoesoftheday #shoeporn #sotd #shoegame #shoestagram #viewfromthetop #myview #dungarees #zara #zaradaily #pineapples #lips #hearts

A post shared by N A T A L I A (@shedreamsofgucci) on Oct 26, 2016 at 1:07am PDT

Finally got these bad boys out of there box ✔️ #gucci #gucciloafers

A post shared by Breanne Menezies (@bre973) on Oct 24, 2016 at 1:40am PDT

The furry slipper style look like something you’d wear to take the bins out but if you like them Shein.com have excellent dupes for under €40!

Gold loafers. Pic: Shein.com

Furry backless loafers. Pic: Shein.com

Floral “Gucci” dupes. Pic: Shein.com

There are loads of great dupes to be found on the high street also. Topshop have an impressive range of loafers this year, with leather loafers for €89 euro and cheaper styles as low as €16!

Classic black loafers are a great investment piece but I can’t help but be drawn to these metallic blue and pink ones. If you’re on a tighter budget Penney’s have excellent dupes in pink and silver for about €11.

Metallic blue loafer. Pic: Topshop.com

Pink loafer. Pic:Topshop.com

If metallics aren’t your thing, these heeled loafers with pearl details also from Topshop are perfect for work or dressed up with frayed hem jeans and a black top.

Heeled loafers with pearl detail. Pic: Topshop.com

Another amazing dupe comes courtsey of Mango. These gold heeled loafers are just like the Gucci version and just under €60.

Gold heeled loafer. Pic: Mango.com

Personally I feel the need to invest in at least two pairs, a plain black pair and a patterned pair. Office have a fab brocade pair that I’m lusting after.

The "IT" Loafer is back! #Shop our Destiny Loafers in Brocade straight from our bio. #newin #loafers

A post shared by OFFICE (@officeshoes) on Oct 26, 2016 at 12:03pm PDT

Not to mention these beautiful floral jacquard pair from Asos just under €30!

Floral loafers. Pic: Asos.com

The only issue I have with loafers coming into winter is you can’t wear socks with them! The answer? Flesh colour tights or pop socks under jeans. Black tights work well with a skirt or shorts just don’t choose overly thick ones.

New Look have some of the best affordable black loafers around, in leather, suedette and patent styles. In fact these are under €30!

Black leather loafers. Pic: New Look.com

I don’t know about you but I need some “granny shoes” in my life! What do you think of loafers, would you wear them?  Leave me a comment below and let me know. Thanks for reading as always and don’t forget to check out my Instagram, Twitter and Facebook page here.