LARA OLADUNNI
The loafer is a multipurpose wardrobe staple that is being offered in limitless new variations, from the demure penny loafer and fur-lined to elaborately embroidered styles that will likely attract attention. Here is a list of four favourite loafers of the moment:

Gucci Horsebit Loafer
Get that unique look with this classic loafer that staged a comeback in 2016, with the backless versions. This classically designed loafers have become runway and street-style mainstays. If you want to dip your toe in the trend without fully committing to purchasing a pair, try Gucci’s latest update to its iconic horsebit loafer, which features a collapsible back heel. Keep the heel upright for now, and once the temperatures start to rise, experiment with the backless trend by folding the heel down and styling the shoes with a pair of lightweight chinos. (Price: N204, 587.50 ($650). Available at: gucci.com.

Tasselled Loafer
You will surely love this tasselled loafer for that minimal style from Santoni. This loafer is a departure from the typical highly detailed tasselled design, pairing backstitching on the upper in favour of simple leather laces woven through the quarter. The clean lines allow for the shoe’s richly coloured leather to take centre stage, and ensure that it will pair easily with everything from suits to khakis. Price: N276, 980.00 ($880) santonishoes.com.

CorthayTwo-toned Loafer
Liven up an otherwise simple loafer by picking a pair that features a subtle two-toned coloration. The two-toned suede examples from acclaimed Parisian shoemaker Corthay add just the right amount of visual interest to an outfit but remain an extremely refined design. The tone-on-tone gradation from a bright saddle brown to a rich coffee colour makes the pair an easy addition to any wardrobe, as they will be a breeze to style for both formal and casual occasions. Price: N610, 615.00 ($1,940). Exclusively available via leffot.com.

Fratelli Rossetti Moccasin
Although moccasin-style loafers can often read overly casual, when constructed with a more rigid sole and luxuriously pebbled leather, they become boardroom ready. This pair from Fratelli Rossetti ($630) features an expert combination of buttery-soft leather and a structured shape, earning our top marks for a modern moccasin design. Play on their casual roots by pairing them with jeans on the weekend, and then transition them into a week full of meetings with a sharply tailored pair of trousers. Available at: fratellirossetti.com.