The loafer is a versatile wardrobe staple that is being offered in countless new permutations, from the demure penny loafer and fur-lined to elaborately embroidered styles that will likely attract attention.

With this in mind, we've narrowed down our four favourite loafers of the moment. From pared-back tassels to convertible heels, each of these styles offers just the right twist on this classic model, making them easy additions to your wardrobe.

Collapsible heel

Throughout the past year, backless versions of 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, $US650 (about $A845), 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. (gucci.com)

Tasselled

For a sleek take on the tasselled loafer, look to this minimal style from Santoni, $US880 (about $A1150). 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. (santonishoes.com)

Two-toned

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, US$1940 (about $A2530), 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. (exclusively available via leffot.com)

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, $US630 (about $A820), 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. (fratellirossetti.com)