By Evana Arvantis
As the autumn air returns and the weather begins to cool down, there’s a marked shift away from the vibrant warmth of summer fashion toward something softer and warmer: suede.
This year, it is not making an average seasonal return. In Fall 2025, suede is reclaiming center stage—not just in fringe jackets and Western boots, but across bags, flats, boots, and outerwear. All kinds of designers are leaning into suede’s texture, using it in rich earth tones, unexpected colors like moss green and burgundy, and silhouettes that mix structure and effortless drape. We have already started to see this in collections from Loewe and Ralph Lauren to J.Crew and Free People.
Historically, suede has always been associated with boho chic, 70s nostalgia, and quiet luxury: it has warmth, depth, and ages beautifully when taken care of. This season, it’s also playing into the trend for texture mixing, layering, and more approachable luxury: you’ll see suede paired with knits, with denim, or contrasted against shiny hardware. When not carefully selected or paired, suede can begin to evoke a stereotypical outfits of the 1970s or cliché western outfits rather than a modern, sophisticated look.
So here is how to wear suede without looking costume-y. You can lean in on the timeless trend this season, with three tiers of price-points per item type so no matter your budget you can join the trend.
Bags
Luxury: A structured chocolate brown or mossy green suede tote, perhaps with a top handle and clean lines. Ex: Veronica Beard Vida Suede Shoulder Bag
Mid-luxury: Labels like Reformation, J-Crew, or Sézane pieces. Ex: J-Crew Berkeley Chainlink Shoulder Bag
High street: Some options may be faux suede but many pure leather options are still available at this price point. Ex: Madewell Camren Mini Bag
Style tip: Go for chocolate brown or moss green for versatility. A slouchy, softer bag adds a relaxed feel while a more structured one leans formal or quiet luxury.
Boots
Luxury: A premium suede boot with good lining, true suede hides, fine finishing. Ex: Isabel Marant Susee Low Boots
Contemporary: Think brands such as Stuart Weitzman, Frye, or Dolce Vita. Ex: Dolce Vita Auggie Boots
High street: Zara, Steve Madden, Sam Edelman etc. Faux or suede-look versions, already broken in or easy to break in. Ex: Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boot
Style tip: Match boots to other suede pieces lightly (belt, bag, etc.), or let them stand out by combining with textures (knits/denim) so they don’t overwhelm.
Flats
Luxury: Ballet flats or loafers in real suede with premium craftsmanship, subtle embellishments (metal, studs, clean finishing), possibly designer names like Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin flats, etc. Ex: Manolo Blahnik Maysale Suede Buckle Ballerina Flats
Contemporary: Brands like Reformation, Madewell, Sézane, or similar. Good suede, decent sole, more comfortable. Ex: Madewell The Remy Mary Jane Flats or Reformation Bethany Ballet Flats
High street: Comfortable flats from Zara or Aritzia at a lower price point without sacrificing style and composition. Ex: Sperry x Aritizia Authentic Original Boat Shoe – Suede Leather or ZARA Barefoot Leather Ballet Flats
Style tip: Suede flats are great for transitional weather; choose a classic silhouette (ballet or loafer) so that texture is the statement. Pair with cropped trousers or midi skirts so the shoe shows.
Outerwear
Luxury: Suede trench coat, biker or moto style, or suede lady jacket. Ex: J-Crew Lucie Jacket
Contemporary: Reformation, Banana Republic, Acne Studios, etc., offering suede shirt-jackets, bomber styles, cropped moto jackets. Ex: Banana Republic Heritage Suede Jacket
High street: Faux suede or suede blend coats/jackets. Ex: Abercrombie & Fitch Vegan Suede Button-Through Jacket
Style tip: Pay attention to liner and hardware. Suede doesn’t handle moisture well, so choose pieces with some water resistance or plan to protect them (spray with a suede protector, avoid rain). Also, pair suede outerwear with simpler underlayers so the texture isn’t competing with patterns or shine.
Fall 2025’s suede moment is about texture, depth, and bringing warmth into wardrobes. It’s a trend that bridges luxury and accessibility nicely, so with the right pick, you can wear something that feels elevated without having to splurge. Whether you go big with a coat, experiment with flats, or simply add a chocolate brown suede bag, there’s something in this trend for every budget.
