When you think of fallen leaves and crisp temps, it’s understandable that your mindset would immediately shift to “but, what will I wear when the seasons actually change?” Whether you’re reflecting on settling into a worn-in pair of denim or planning the rescue of your favorite suede bag from storage, there are a few cold-weather staples that tend to make their way back to us each fall. And while suede is a fall mainstay, it also happens to be bigger than ever this fall.
From knee-high boots to bucket bags and fringe jackets, fall 2024 runways offered a robust assortment of suede must-haves. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, many of this season’s top trends, including—ding, ding, ding—this one, can be attributed to ’70s-inspired collections from the likes of Chloé, Ralph Lauren, and even Louis Vuitton.
Although suede is synonymous with a higher price tag, this season, there are a wide range of both high-end and affordably priced pieces that are easier on the wallet, but pack just as much of a seasonal punch. Beyond the usual selection of brown suede ankle boots and shoulder bags, brands are cementing the trend’s return by offering selections in additional colorways like chartreuse and indigo, as well as exciting, updated silhouettes. (Suede fringe jacket, you’re calling my name). Keep scrolling for the best suede pieces you can add to your cart right now.
Jackets
Besides the barn jacket, the most-talked about outerwear of the season is the infamous, ’70s-rooted suede fringe jacket. Though the piece is meant to lean more Western, if you aren’t careful, a fringe moto jacket can make you feel like you just earned a one-way ticket to the rodeo. The key to styling any suede jacket—fringe or no fringe—is to take a pared-back approach. Start with something as simple as jeans and a tee, and add the suede outerwear as a finishing touch. Opt for a pair of ballet flats for a refined, off-duty look.
Bottoms
From suede mini skirts to full-fledged suede trousers, opting for suede bottoms just might be the best thing you do for your closet this season. Just last week I found a pair of suede micro shorts—I know, we’re still doing the whole itsy, bitsy shorts thing— and haven’t been able to stop thinking about how badly I need them to style with my leather knee-high boots and oversized blazer.
Bags
At the beginning of the season, I told myself that no, I didn’t need another bag this fall. Well, you can’t fight fate. When I saw Cult Gaia’s green suede Natasha Shoulder Bag, I just knew it was meant to be. (Or perhaps it was Madewell’s new arrivals page that had me originally breaking my self-inflicted contract.) Their Western-inspired suede accessories are some of their best work to date, so much so that many of them are either sold out or already posted with a backorder as late as November. But, as fate would have it, there are dozens of other brands with praise-worthy options to choose from this season.
Shoes
When I think of fall fashion, I’m quick to drum up an image of a suede knee-high boot. It’s one of the few fall-dubbed essentials that seems to never go out of style; yet, remarkably, I don’t own a pair. Although I have my eye on a pair of Staud’s Wally Ankle Boots, there are a few pairs of suede Mary Janes that may be more worthy of my attention. In a sea of varying footwear trends, suede has no shortage of top contenders to choose from.
Belts
If you haven’t previously boarded my “everyone needs a statement belt” train, then by all means, hop aboard. With this season’s array of studded statement-worthy options, it’s be easier than ever to secure your seat on the fall it-girl express. Though we’ve seen our fair share of pricey options in seasons past, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at fall’s more affordable assortment. If you’re feeling a bit non-committal about suede this season, start with a belt.
Shop More of the Best Suede Pieces of Fall
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.