Jennifer Garner Just Wore the Practical Shoes Gen Z Made Cool Again

Of all the fashion to be obsessed with come fall — cozy knits, flannels, and denim everything —  what I get most excited for is the footwear. Summer’s heat can limit you to sandals while winter’s freeze means you must wear boots and sneakers with thick, wooly socks, leaving fall’s options feeling, well, a bit limitless. And while, of course, I’m as into Mary Janes and knee-high boots as the next person, there’s one style that’s been sitting at the top of my wish list. In fact, Jennifer Garner just convinced me to finally invest in a pair.

When the actress arrived at New York’s JFK airport earlier this week, she was wearing what I’m making my go-to travel uniform. Pairing a camel-colored T-shirt with an olive-green cardigan and off-white, straight-leg pants, her look was practical and cozy without looking sloppy (aka, exactly what I want in a travel ‘fit). While I will be recreating her exact look next time I head out of town, what I really couldn’t stop thinking about were her chunky black loafers that added an elevated touch to the everyday look.

Madewell the Bradley Lug-Sole Loafer

Coach Leah Platform Loafer

Loafers have been the shoe on everyone’s mind (and feet). The throwback style that once leaned slightly studious saw a cool-girl takeover when Gen Z started to pair the chunkiest versions with crew socks. Now, they’re a must-have wardrobe staple, with everyone like Katie Holmes, Selena Gomez, and Gigi Hadid wearing the unexpected shoes. So obviously, I love them. What’s more, Garner’s look made me realize the practical style’s ability to elevate a simple, everyday look in seconds. 

Of course, any shoe you wear to the airport earns points from me in terms of comfort and walkability, but what I was most struck by was how the loafers managed to make Garner’s look more cool. With one simple swap — loafers rather than sneakers — her entire outfit was taken up a notch, transforming a classic fall look into a stylish, polished ensemble. It also proved the sophisticated shoes are the versatile staple every closet needs this fall — and beyond

If you’re ready for a pair of shoes that can be worn with everything, shop more styles inspired by Garner’s chunky airport-approved pair below.

Get the Look:

Calvin Klein Grant Lug-Sole Penny Loafer
Shop now: $99; nordstrom.com 

J. Crew Winona Lug-Sole Penny Loafers
Shop now: $228; jcrew.com 

LifeStride Madison Loafer
Shop now: $60 (Originally $70); amazon.com

G.H. Bass Whitney Super Lug-Sole Penny Loafer
Shop now: $185; freepeople.com 

Franco Sarto Balin Platform Loafer
Shop now: $99; nordstrom.com 

Eastland Classic II Penny Loafer
Shop now: $64 (Originally $100); amazon.com 

Banana Republic Luz Lug-Sole Loafer
Shop now: $230; bananarepublic.gap.com 

Sam Edelman Laurs Platform Lug-Sole Loafer
Shop now: $150; nordstrom.com 

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