Don’t come for me but, as much as I love a good pair of boots, I do start to tire of wearing them on repeat once winter rolls around. The solution? A chic pair of flats to break up the inevitable monotony.

There’s something about a great flat shoe that makes an outfit feel a little fresher, offering a welcome alternative to the knee-highs and ankle boots we’ll be living in for the next six months. The trouble is, most flats aren’t exactly designed for a British winter (or, frankly, any winter that requires you to leave the house). Which is where shearling loafers come in.

Loafers have long been a fashion-person favourite, and it’s not hard to see why. They’re polished without being overly formal, have a little more structure than your average ballet flat and somehow make even the most basic jeans-and-knitwear combination look like you’ve put some thought into getting dressed. A high priority in the months where you’d rather be hibernating. They’re also remarkably versatile, working just as well with wide-leg trousers as they do with mini skirts. In other words, they’ve well and truly earned their place in the capsule wardrobe hall of fame.

But with colder weather on the horizon, stylish types are giving this tried-and-tested silhouette a cosy upgrade. And, honestly, I’m all for it. There was a time when I’d happily head out on a Saturday night in the highest heels I could find and absolutely no coat, apparently under the impression that being cold was simply part of the experience. Thankfully, I’ve grown out of that particular fashion phase. These days, I’d much rather find a way to dress appropriately for the weather without sacrificing the outfit, and shearling-lined loafers feel like a rather clever compromise. Warm toes and good taste? Turns out you really can have it all.

Gucci’s Princetown backless shearling-lined loafers were a standout in the 2010s, and I’ve spotted that style cropping up again recently. But this time around, the trend has spread well beyond one designer’s interpretation, with everyone from Chanel and The Row to Prada, UGG and Zara getting in on the action. I’ve learned that when a shoe idea makes sense at both the luxury end of the market and the high street, it’s probably worth paying attention.

The colour palette is pleasingly understated, too. Alongside classic black and rich cappuccino brown, I’m seeing plenty of tan leather paired with cream shearling, which creates a particularly stylish contrast. Sandy neutrals, beige and the slightest hint of butter yellow are also making an appearance, lending the shoes a softer, luxury-looking finish. There’s a mix of suede and leather, too, while the choice between backless styles that show off the fluffy lining and full-coverage loafers really comes down to personal preference (and just how committed you are to keeping your feet warm).

Either way, it’s a trend that makes a convincing case for putting your boots to one side every now and then. With that, scroll on to shop my edit of the chicest shearling loafers around.