10 Ruched Loafers That Are Comfy Enough to Wear Everywhere

E! Illustration/ G.H. BassIf you were to tell my private elementary school self that all the cool girls are now wearing loafers, I probably wouldn’t believe you. As someone who wore loafers with a uniform until college, they have always been a little bit triggering. I can still smell the fresh leather of a brand new pair of G.H. Bass penny loafers just waiting to be broken in. Now, what I once considered a back-to-school shoe is appearing on the feet of trendsetters everywhere, and poised to be a go-to in fall fashion. But it's a very specific loafer style. It's the ruched loafer. Cute & On Budget Loafers: Beach by Matisse Carlton Ruched LoafersUltra-Chic Loafer Collab: G.H.BASS x Aritzia Spence Penny LoaferSlip-On Mules: Zara Gathered Open Back LoafersWhat loafer style is trending for fall 2026? Of course, loafers have always been a staple for both men and women. But this fall, ruched loafers are the style dominating both the runways and the city streets. Ruched loafers are designed with pinched or gathered leather uppers along the toe box that creates a scrunched effect. They have a more lived-in feel than other sleeker styles, and look equally chic whether you wear them with or without socks. G.H. Bass—the brand my mother bought me for so many years—even collaborated with Aritzia on a pair, anointing the style with a cool girl stamp of approval. In the summer-to-fall transition, you can pair them with bermuda shorts and an oversized button down. Come fall, wear them with straight leg denim, a collegiate-inspired rugby shirt, and 80s-esque slouchy socks. With everyone from Nordstrom to Zara and even Amazon carrying expensive-looking yet affordable suede and leather options, the ruched loafer trend is totally worth trying this fall. Shop our favorites below.QIY Penny LoafersThese low-profile loafers come in smooth or patent leather and suede options, each one as chic and versatile as the last. At just under $50, they're a great way to try out the ruched trend.Beach by Matisse Carlton Ruched LoafersWith their slim silhouette, you can rock these ruched loafers from the office to post-work drinks. Choose from black or brown.G.H. Bass x Aritzia Spence Penny LoaferHeritage brand G.H. Bass collaborated with Aritzia to create these ultra-chic penny loafers (which are on sale BTW).Nordstrom Sylvie Loafer Trendy yet timeless, these sleek loafers have scrunched uppers and vintage style brass details. Choose from three colors. WJZDSJCO Chunky Penny LoafersA small chunky heel adds a bit height in this preppy and polished pick that comes in both suede and textured faux leather options.Banana Republic Vegan Leather Gathered LoaferInspired by traditional driving loafers, these streamlined loafers with a gathered toe deliver an old money feel at a reasonable price.Steve Madden Ronie LoaferFrom patent leather croc to ostrich feather texture, this contemporary take on the classic shoe is a versatile winner.G.H. Bass Women's Rumi Penny LoaferWith their flexible rubber soles and stretchy backs, these deconstructed penny loafers are effortlessly laidback yet still sophisticated.Divanne Loafer MulesThese loafer mules are the perfect thing to slide on as you're running out the door. Apart from patent leather croc and suede, they also come in a sherpa-lined option perfect for cozy fall days.Leopard print is trending (again)—here’s how a stylist wears it in 2026.How We ChooseThe E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.