Suede and The City
And just like that... we're back in suede
There’s something about suede that just feels like fall. It’s cozy without being heavy, polished without being precious. And every September, I find myself circling back to it, like clockwork. Leather gets all the glory for being sleek and cool, but suede is leather’s softer, moodier cousin—the one who reads French novels, wears boots to the grocery store, and somehow manages to look elegant even with a latte in hand.
Suede is having a moment again, and it feels stronger this year than years past?Maybe it’s the seventies influence creeping back into fashion (thank you, Gucci and Saint Laurent), or maybe we’re all just craving a little more texture in our wardrobes. Either way, suede feels right—especially now, when the days are still warm but the mornings and evenings are cooler.
The thing I love about suede is that it has range. It can be quite luxury or straight-up bohemian depending on how you style it. A suede blazer? Chic. A suede skirt? Fun. A slouchy suede tote? Cool-girl uniform. Even a simple suede belt can transform jeans and a tee into something that looks intentional instead of accidental.
And let’s talk about shoes. Suede boots are fall’s unofficial mascot. (I’ve been waiting for this pair to come out since May and I cannot wait to get my hands on them!) I’d argue they look better a little lived-in—the nap softening with time, the edges darkening in spots, telling the story of actual life being lived in them. They’re the opposite of patent leather, which always feels like it should be stored in a dust bag and only worn to dinner. Suede invites you to wear it, to break it in, to make it yours.
Of course, suede comes with its quirks. The water stains, the fear of brushing up against a dirty curb, the way it picks up every bit of city grime like a magnet. It’s a high-maintenance friend, yes, but one that pays you back in personality. And honestly, a little wear makes suede better. A pristine suede jacket looks too…uptight. A broken-in one tells tales of running around collecting memories in it.
I recently tried on a suede shirt jacket and immediately understood why people call suede “buttery.” It melts against the skin. It’s soft but structured, drapes just right, and makes everything underneath feel more elevated. Suede has a way of making you look pulled-together even if you’re just wearing it over a white tank and jeans.
The seventies spirit is strong here, too. Suede is forever tied to that era—earth tones, fringe, wide-leg trousers, oversized collars. But modern suede feels more pared back. Instead of head-to-toe Woodstock, think one really good piece that anchors your look. A pair of suede block heels with straight-leg trousers. A caramel suede skirt with a crisp button-down. A boxy suede bag in deep olive or chocolate brown. It’s seventies-adjacent but with sharper lines and fewer bells and whistles.
If you’re wondering how to dip your toe into suede without going full-on coat or boots, accessories are the gateway. A suede clutch, belt, or loafer is an easy entry point that won’t break the bank—or your patience when it rains. I’m especially into suede sneakers right now. They have that sporty-casual vibe but with an elevated twist.
And because I know someone will ask: yes, you can wear suede year-round. It’s not just for fall. I think we’ve been conditioned to put suede away once spring arrives, but that feels outdated. Light suede in sandy neutrals looks incredible with linen and cotton in the summer. A pair of pale suede mules with a sundress? Perfection. The key is to swap the darker shades for lighter ones when the weather turns warm. And also- it just doesn’t feel right to talk about suede without including a pair of blue suede shoes.
So this fall, I’m leaning into suede. Maybe it’s a pair of boots I’ll wear until they practically disintegrate. Maybe it’s a coat that will feel like armor on days I want to look more polished than I feel. Or maybe it’s just a belt that makes my jeans feel new again. Whatever form it takes, suede has that rare ability to feel both nostalgic and current. Which is exactly what I want my wardrobe to be right now. Happy fall! xx
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