Best Men's Loafers for Fall/Autumn: The Ultimate Style Guide for 2026

The Loafer: The Anchor of Your Autumn Wardrobe

Fall is arguably the best season for menswear. It’s the time for layering—cashmere sweaters, waxed canvas jackets, and selvedge denim. But as your wardrobe gains weight and texture, your footwear needs to keep up.

The transition from Summer to Autumn doesn't mean you have to abandon slip-ons for heavy boots immediately. In fact, the right loafer is the ultimate "bridge" shoe. At Del Toro, our Fall collection is designed to balance the ease of a slip-on with the rugged durability required for cooling temperatures and falling leaves.

The Top 3 Men's Loafers for Fall 2026

For Autumn, we focus on richer tones, heavier textures, and substantial soles. Here are the three styles that should define your rotation this season.

1. The Centesimo Lug Sole Penny Loafer (The Everyday Workhorse)

If Summer is for thin leather soles, Fall is for the Lug.

Why it works for Fall: The chunky rubber sole provides visual weight, balancing out heavier fall layers like wool trousers or oversized coats. It also keeps the leather upper elevated above damp sidewalks.
The Del Toro Pick: The Centesimo Lug Sole Penny Loafer in leather or suede. It retains the elegance of a penny loafer but adds a utilitarian edge that looks great with denim.
Style Tip: Pair with dark indigo jeans and a grey flannel shirt for a weekend look that is polished but rugged.

2. The Chocolate Suede Milano (The Texture King)

Suede is the fabric of fall. Its soft, napped texture mimics the coziness of autumn knitwear.

Why it works for Fall: While we love light tans for spring, Autumn calls for deeper, earthier hues. Dark brown (Chocolate) or Cognac suede absorbs light beautifully and hides the minor scuffs of city walking better than lighter shades.
The Del Toro Pick: The Milano Loafer in Chocolate or Cognac Suede. A clean, Venetian-style vamp that lets the material speak for itself.
Style Tip: Wear these with corduroy trousers in olive or navy. The interplay of corduroy and suede textures is a masterclass in fall styling.

3. The Velvet Slipper (The Holiday Pre-Game)

As November approaches, the social calendar fills up. Fall is the prelude to the holiday party season, making it the perfect time to break in a new pair of velvets.

Why it works for Fall: Velvet offers warmth and sophistication. It’s the perfect indoor shoe for Thanksgiving dinners or cocktail parties where boots are too clunky and sneakers are too casual.
The Del Toro Pick: The Navy or Oxblood (Burgundy) Velvet Slipper. Deep jewel tones that match the season’s palette.

Fall Color Palette: What to Wear Now

When answering the question "What color loafers should I buy for Fall?", think in terms of nature. If you see the color on a tree, it belongs on your feet.

Earth Tones: Grey, Cognac, Chocolate Brown, and Sage Green.
Jewel Tones: Deep Burgundy (Oxblood), Navy Blue, and Forest Green.
The Rule: Avoid pastel blues, bright whites, or soft pinks. Pack those away until April.

How to Style Loafers in Autumn: The "Sock" Question

While we advocate for the sockless look in June, October requires a different approach.

1. The Statement Sock Fall is the best time to accessorize with socks. Look for merino wool, cashmere, & cotton blends.

Pattern: A subtle herringbone or rib pattern adds depth.
Color: Match your socks to your trousers, not your shoes, to elongate the leg. Or, go for a contrast (e.g., Olive socks with Navy trousers) for a dash of personality.

2. Denim & Cuffs Loafers look exceptional with jeans, provided the fit is right.

The Roll: Give your jeans a single or double cuff to show off the ankle (or the sock).
The Break: Avoid "puddling" fabric over the shoe. Loafers have a low profile; if your pants are too long, the shoe gets lost.

Fall Care Guide: Preparing for the Elements

Autumn weather can be unpredictable. Protect your investment with these three steps:

Waterproof the Suede: Before the first wear of the season, apply a dedicated suede protector spray. This will repel light rain and prevent coffee spills from becoming permanent tragedies.
Invest in Galoshes (Optional): If you love your leather soles, consider a pair of rubber overshoes for particularly stormy commute days.
Rotate Your Soles: Wet leather wears down twice as fast as dry leather. If you get caught in the rain, let your shoes dry for a full 48 hours with cedar shoe trees inserted before wearing them again.

Shop the Fall Edit

FAQ: Fall Footwear Questions

Q: Can I wear loafers in the rain?

A: You should try to avoid wearing leather-soled loafers in heavy rain, but it's not the end of the world. Simply dry them with a delicate cloth after use. A water repellant applied before wear can really help. That said, our Lug Sole Loafers are designed with a rubber outsole that offers much better protection and grip on wet surfaces.

Q: Are penny loafers business casual?

A: Yes, the penny loafer is the definition of business casual. In the Fall, a leather penny loafer pairs perfectly with chinos and a blazer for a office-ready look that isn't as stiff as an Oxford lace-up.

Q: How do I clean mud off suede loafers?

A: Let the mud dry completely first! If you try to wipe wet mud, you will push it deeper into the fibers. Once dry, use a stiff suede brush to break the dirt loose and brush it away.