Suede Is the Rich-Looking Fall Trend for Everyone
Soft, sophisticated, and surprisingly versatile, fashion's favorite material is making luxury more accessible than ever.
Some trends inspire reinvention, prompting you to incorporate new colors or prints into your closet. Others invite a fresh perspective on what we already own. As one of fall’s most coveted trends, suede does both, marrying modern takes with a tried-and-true autumn classic.
And if it seems that suede is suddenly everywhere, you’re not imagining it. While it never truly fades from fashion, retail consultant and Retail Diary author Sarah Shapiro notes the influence of Western motifs, popularized by the runways of Ralph Lauren and figures like Beyoncé, as a driving force behind its sudden resurgence. Not to mention suede's ability to span cold-weather styles, from barn jackets to fall bags in every shape and size. The fabric also feels inherently seasonal—available in rich shades of brown and on-trend hues like olive green and burgundy.
Beyond aesthetics, suede also proves practical—"It’s a material that adapts across temperatures yet looks distinctly autumnal,” Shapiro explains. And a luxe effect is achievable at any price point.
For those looking to invest in this timeless texture for fall 2024, we’ve curated a selection of standout suede pieces across categories, with expert insights on how to use the fabric to bring depth to any wardrobe.
Suede Bags
Models carried suede bags in a variety of hues on the runways at Altuzarra, Bottega Veneta, and Ralph Lauren.
This fall, suede bags have seen the sharpest spike in growth across all categories. Kendall Becker, Director of Fashion and Media Relations at Trendalytics, says there has been an 841 percent increase in searches for suede bags year-over-year. Brands leading the charge include Coach, whose suede Brooklyn Bag has been sold out for weeks (but don't fret—we've included a few great alternatives), and excellent suede work bags from Madewell and J.Crew. On the luxury side, Gucci's Blondie Bag has also cemented itself as an often-worn celebrity favorite.
Suede Jackets
Suede jackets added an easy (sometimes colorful) touch at Anna Sui, Bottega Veneta, and Isabel Marant.
Suede has also appealed from the runway to the real world. "Suede jackets [highly coveted on the catwalks of Miu Miu and Bottega Veneta] are another trend in high demand right now, with social buzz across platforms up 57 percent over last year," Becker notes. Brands like Sezane (a favorite of Shapiro's, who mentioned its Will Jackets style in a recent post) and Free People offer more affordable looks.
Suede Bottoms
Suede pants and skirts prove they can work just as well as denim or leather options at Altuzarra, Bottega Veneta, and Ralph Lauren this season.
Incorporating suede trousers or skirts into your fall wardrobe blends the laid-back elegance of bohemian style with the effortlessly chic French-girl aesthetic—think Jane Birkin’s iconic, relaxed allure. American classics like Banana Republic and bohemian-inspired brands like Free People have perfected the look this season.
Suede Flats
Suede popped in shades of blue at Alaia, while Ralph Lauren and Jaquemus worked in neutral shades.
While suede boots are a forever staple (more on that later), suede has expanded to every facet of the fall shoe trend category this season. Shapiro names loafers and ballet flats as some of her favorite classic silhouettes. Meanwhile, some of the season's trendiest sneakers are crafted from suede—especially amongst best-selling brands like Adidas and Golden Goose.
Suede Boots
Suede boots got the French-girl stamp of approval at Chanel and Isabel Marant, while Khaite showed that they've long been a favorite of New York-based shoppers, too.
You can find almost every type of boot in a suede fabrication right now, from cozy shearling-lined Uggs to sleek knee-high fall boot options from brands like Sam Edelman and Madewell. You can even tap into the cowboy boot trend using suede.
Meet The Experts
Kendall is an experienced fashion editor, trend forecaster, stylist, and strategic consultant. She’s currently the Director of Fashion and Media Relations at Trendalytics. Most recently, Kendall was on contract as the Assistant Fashion Director for Women’s RTW at Bloomingdale’s in New York City.
Currently: Retail Strategist and Consultant. Personal Shopper to family and friends - I’m the friend that keeps sending you links and articles of what you will love. LinkedIn and my personal website here.Past: Bloomingdale’s, Williams-Sonoma, Brandless, Clorox. Fashion Accessories Entrepreneur and Designer, Consultant. (Merchandising).
