The Princess of Wales just proved the loafer trend isn’t going anywhere

If you’d written loafers off as a flash-in-the-pan fashion trend, you might want to plate up some humble pie – they’re not going anywhere.

Don’t believe us? Look to the UK, where the classic unisex shoe has recently appeared en masse at London Fashion Week and now on the feet of the Princess of Wales.

Kate wore Boden’s Nya Penny Loafers in a deep brown shade as she visited the Forward Trust in Southend on Thursday, to mark Addiction Awareness Week.

She previously wore the shoes during a royal engagement in February.

The mum of three committed to an autumnal look, teaming her loafers with black straight-leg pants and a top with a check blazer.

It’s a timely reminder that loafers could just be the ultimate ‘shoulder season’ shoe.

In spring and autumn, when it’s not cool enough for boots, but not warm enough for sandals – and you want something more elevated than a sneaker – these elegant lace-free flats step up to the plate.

Shop an affordable dupe to Kate Middleton’s favourite loafers:

$179 | Country Road

If you’re not already on board the loafer train, you might view the style as a little stuffy or even pretentious, thanks to its association with the preppy Ivy League aesthetic.

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Forget sneakers: shop the most stylish loafers here

But there really is a version of the shoe for everyone, as was demonstrated at London Fashion Week, both on the streets and on the runway.

Loafers in an array of silhouettes and shades were seen at the event last week, from scrunched leather designs to the more modern chunky look to versions with tassels and bow details.

While Catherine wore her loafers on bare feet, Fashion Week attendees and models largely paired theirs with socks.

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