:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/suedesocial_GettyImages-2175773452-e68ba48449e64ebab8fcf7263288ae16.jpg "12 Modern Ways to Wear Suede")
Suede is an absolutely classic material, but it’s also one of 2024’s biggest trends. The soft material is an investment and can be quite expensive, but it also lasts longer. “Suedes are rich-looking and feeling and are notably easier to care for than is commonly believed,” explains Scarlett Chase founder Sandra Powers Murphy. “In fact, they often stay fresh-looking longer, with less ability to be easily scratched or nicked than a basic Napa leather or textile.”
If you’d like to invest in suede, you may want to start with a wardrobe staple, like a jacket or bag. Sarah Flint, founder and designer of Sarah Flint, adds. “Smart investments include classic loafers, sleek pumps, and ankle boots in neutral tones, which easily pair with various outfits.” But you can also integrate suede into your modern wardrobe in such a way that these pieces don’t feel old, outdated, or too “basic.” Suede is surprisingly versatile, as you’ll see.
If you want to know what suede pieces you should invest in, or you just need more outfit ideas for the colder weather, read on.
Boots or Booties
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Suede boots are probably the most classic option on this list. “A pair of suede high Italian stretch boots is a classic that will take you from day to night, from work to weekend and back again, in sophisticated style,” says Powers Murphy. “Booties are another staple that works beautifully in fall, adding warmth and texture,” adds Flint. You can opt for a tall cap-toe style, like this if you want a little visual interest; these would pair well with tights and a black overcoat when the temps are too cold for bare legs.
A Coat or Jacket
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Another simple, but effective, way to wear suede is in your outerwear. Suede has a naturally soft texture and some innate warmth, much like leather; wherever you might wear a leather jacket, you can swap it out with a suede option. This is a cropped tan jacket with a matching skirt, but you could also opt for a longer, trench-like coat if you wanted a bigger statement piece. A light color might get dirtier more easily, but it also shows off the texture and enlivens a neutral outfit.
A Cute Bag
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Suede bags are never out of style, and they can add a little structure to a soft and cozy outfit. This is the Hermès “Lindy“ bag with a classic looping shoulder strap. Mixing and matching different colors of suede in the same outfit is exceptionally chic.
Colorful Pumps
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“We also love suede on pumps and in more than just the classic colors of nude, black, and navy. How about a head-turning camel or wine suede pump?” explains Powers Murphy. A bright, bold shoe can elevate a neutral outfit like a tee and jeans; it can also pair well with a colorful outfit, as we see with this tweed cape and dress. These red slingbacks are actually more versatile than you might initially think, thanks to the black cap toe.
In Layers
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If fall and winter are good for one thing, it’s layers—especially in transitional weather—and suede can be an important part of your look. This outfit includes a beige suede cargo jacket (a shacket like this is awesome when the weather’s cool but not cold) and orange suede platforms. Pairing the orange shoes with the yellow bag ensures that, even though both colors are bright, the whole look feels cohesive.
Loafers or Ballet Flats
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Let’s say you need a low-stakes way to try the material. “To bring suede into your wardrobe, start with classic pieces like loafers or ballet flats, which offer timeless style and a touch of luxury,” explains Flint. Powers Murphy adds that flats and even backless mules can provide “elevated ease that can take you from the mailbox to the jetway.” Even if you don’t have any interest in wearing suede on your body, well-made suede footwear is such a good investment: the quality is high and the upkeep is low to keep them looking good. A neutral one works well, but if you like some extra polish and verve, choose a pretty color like this cerulean blue.
Weathered Pieces
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“A high-quality, natural suede is a great investment that gains character and softness as it ages,” explains Powers Murphy; in other words, the material looks more lived-in the more you wear it, instead of falling apart. This works well for vintage and pre-owned suede pieces; it also works well for new pieces that you’d like to keep for years. This suede long skirt, for example, is a rich brown color and goes with a variety of outfits, and it will only get softer and more luxurious the more you wear it (just don’t forget to waterproof it, since it grazes the ground).
Casual Sneakers
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Adidas has Sambas options with suede uppers, so you may actually be wearing the material already, and you don’t even know it! A number of other fashion sneaker brands also use the material, as it provides contrast and looks lush. Much like a colorful flat, you could opt for a fashion sneaker in a fall-ready color like burgundy; not only is it on-theme for the season, but you can match it to other plum and deep red clothing or accessories (the color of the shoe doesn’t have to match exactly, as we see here).
Mixed Materials
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Suede goes well with “tougher” materials; in this case, metal buttons up the side of this skirt. This is a great choice if you want to make the investment since you can customize the look and feel by buttoning more or fewer buttons. You can also opt for a mixed-metal shoe, explains Flint, as metal pieces (like studs or buckles) work beautifully with suede footwear.
A Pop of Color
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Bordeaux-colored high boots might feel like a bridge too far if you don’t naturally gravitate toward color. But I promise that you can style them just like any other neutral, so long as there’s another piece that ties the look together (in this case, the scarf and bag). You could even go with a matching lip color or belt for a look that’s elevated without being too “matchy.”
As Visual Interest
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While you might not automatically think of suede loafer moccasin kitten heels as your “go-to” wardrobe piece, bear with us. Your statement pieces should still be high-quality—particularly since you should aspire to wear them for more than one season—and footwear can be the best place to wear something edgy or trendy. You can pair these with socks, as we see here, but they’d work just as well under long trousers or a maxi.
Matching
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If you love suede, there’s no harm in leaning in. A matching two-piece (this one’s from Miu Miu) is so very classic; you’d style it just as you would any other skirt suit. If you keep things simple, with a white top underneath and pumps, you’ll look like Audrey Hepburn—which is never a bad thing—but if you want to modernize it, pair it with a cargo bag and contrasting tights as we see here.
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