You might be wondering exactly how the slipper shoe trend evolved from house shoe to a designer buy.
Like Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, the arrival of this footwear silhouette outside of the cosy four walls of our abodes was like one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. (Well, at least the members of humanity who worship at the altar of the Olsen Twins, wear Le Labo Santal 33 and think orange wine is the only acceptable thing to sip on).
You see, once upon a time, slippers were reserved for keeping your feet warm around the house, and they'd typically only be worn with a nightgown and cotton poplin pyjamas, akin to some geriatric children’s book character. (Or chic loungewear from the likes of Sleeper, Olivia Von Halle, Honeydew Intimates or Kat The Label.) Unless you were making a last-minute dash to a Pilates class or were someone as unfussy as Adam Sandler or Justin Bieber—two stars whose commitment to The Big Lebowski-esque level of casual dressing is unparalleled—stepping outside in slippers was unthinkable.
Then came the pandemic. Loungewear became socially acceptable, ushering in a wave of underwear-as-outerwear pieces, including slip nighties, lace-trimmed satin shorts and babydoll dresses, to reign supreme. The slipper shoe trend isn’t as intimate as these examples. Still, there is something to be said for the way this once relegated closed-toe mule has been given a new lease of life.
What is the Slipper Shoe Trend?
The slipper shoe trend refers to the way this casual indoor style has been reclaimed as chic, covetable and most importantly, suitable for city wear. According to Anna McLaren, the Australian designer and founder of independent fashion brand A.Emery, the slipper shoe trend speaks to the way our values have changed to prioritise comfort. This idea of ease is "no longer reserved for time spent at home," she tells me. "There’s a growing desire for pieces that feel effortless and luxurious at once, and that’s translated into footwear that’s pared-back, considered and comfortable enough for all-day wear."
To me, this is best seen in The Row’s spring/summer 2024 collection. Months after Mary-Kate Olsen was pictured around Los Angeles risking the California cold in black leather slippers, a grey tracksuit, a trench coat and a navy scarf, she and her twin sister presented a more opulent take on the style by recontextualising hotel slippers into a cult buy. The message was clear: when you can invest in all matters of luxury goods, what’s more self-indulgent than slipping into something snug as a slipper?
McLaren echoes this sentiment. "There’s a softness to the way people are dressing now; a leaning into calm, unfussy silhouettes and pieces that feel grounded and personal. The slipper trend speaks to that desire for simplicity."
On the heels of The Row’s endorsement came a flood of celebrity co-signs; Jennifer Lawrence wearing suede slippers whilst out in Manhattan, Kendall Jenner arriving at a New York hotel ahead of the 2025 Met Gala in a pair costing £960. Other designers followed too, including a patent pair shown on Miu Miu’s autumn/winter 2024 runway.
Why are Slipper Shoes In Style?
But why now, five years after homebound fashion became de rigueur? "People are looking for wardrobe staples that don’t feel performative, that prioritise ease without sacrificing design integrity," McLaren tells me about why slippers are quickly becoming adopted by refined minimalists.
"[The slipper shoe trend] is understated," she continues. "There’s no excess, no embellishment—it’s about restraint. The slipper-style silhouette reflects a broader shift toward timelessness and subtle design codes, which align naturally with a more refined and pared-back aesthetic. A flat shoe, particularly one with thoughtful proportions and premium materials, can feel just as sophisticated as a heel; it’s about how it’s made, how it’s styled and how it fits into a modern, intelligent wardrobe."
On the latter, you don’t have to tell me twice to embrace the flat. Earlier this month, I was perusing a Zara Home store in Athens and came across the most delicious slipper. Ivory satin and trimmed with faux fur, it was like an invitation to prioritise cosiness. Turns out, relaxation is the ultimate extravagance, after all.
Shop the Slipper Shoe Trend
Speaking to McLaren, she tells me that the Spencer flat was designed to "carry the same ease of a slipper, but with a level of refinement that makes them feel elevated for everyday dressing."
The bow detail on this cappuccino-coloured pair from Manolo Blahnik makes them worth an outing, don't you think?
You can always count on high-street favourite COS to have designer-looking pieces in stock.
The pony-hair detailing on these makes them look far more expensive than £30.
The mesh flats trend is still going strong.
Just picture slipping into these on a brisk morning come autumn.
A slipper that could actually convince you to leave the house.
Silver flats will have their moment again next season—just you wait.
The satin is just so luxe.
A shoe for running only the chicest errands in.
The Row on a Zara budget? Don't mind if I do.
This dark-cherry colour is such a luxe alternative to black and browns.
Prepare to look like the most elegant grandmother in existence.
The suede powder-pink style is just so darling.
As the name suggests, this style is as easy as a Sunday morning.
The Slipper Shoe Trend on Celebrities
Style Notes: Zoë Kravitz wore crimson slippers outdoors all the way back in 2021. Dare I say she helped this trend take a step in the right direction?
Style Notes: Mary-Kate Olsen often flies under the radar, as do her slippers in this look. Pairing black slippers with black socks is an inconspicuous way to embrace the trend.
The Slipper Shoe Trend on the Runway
Style Notes: This trend received Mrs Prada's tick of approval in Miu Miu's autumn/winter 2024 runway.
The Slipper Shoe Trend on Influencers
Style Notes: Content creator Lizzy Hadfield is a great resource for chic, nonchalant dressing oriented to city living.
Style Notes: Brittany Bathgate has an enviable wardrobe worth mining, too.
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