Sumptuous suede is the fabric to be seen in this autumn. Designers such as Miu Miu and Prada sent it down the AW24 catwalk in spades, while the High Street’s newly launched autumn collections use it for everything from bags to skirts.
Of course, suede items fall firmly into the category that fashion editors describe as ‘an investment buy’ – but there are more affordable options than ever this season, that are both durable and high quality.
Or, for a cheaper way to buy real suede, look to secondhand websites like Vinted.
That said, how well your suede lasts depends on your care of it, especially at this time of year when we live with the ever-present threat of a sudden rain shower.
Get a spray protector, like the one from Scotchgard (£10.99, amazon.co.uk), and mist the entire garment to give it a protective armour from water and dust.
Wet suede should be left to dry naturally then given a brush with a special suede brush, in the direction of the leather grain.
If you’re going to try one suede item, make it a jaunty jacket – this season’s are slightly cropped and either a boxy or biker style.
Monsoon has a caramel version that echoes the Miu Miu embroidered jacket that was seen on the catwalk, while Sezane’s comes with gold button embellishments (£330, sezane.com).
Take your styling cue from Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan, who made a convincing case for layering a suede jacket over a floaty dress at the Gucci show in Milan last week.
The classic trench has been given an elegant upgrade this season, thanks to John Lewis and Marks & Spencer who both offer full-length, taupe suede trenches as part of their new collections.
The M&S version has become a viral sensation and already sold out twice – insiders tell me it’s restocking this week, so be quick if you want to get your hands on it.
Suede trousers are certainly more of a statement. This slightly flared pair from Mango have a Western feel and at £199, while not cheap, they’re a decent price for real suede.
Don’t size up though, even if you normally would – like any natural fabric, suede has a tendency to give once worn several times.
When it comes to suede accessories, there’s none more covetable than the woven Bottega Veneta bags that were seen on the catwalk.
These will set you back upwards of £3,000, but the High Street has plenty of convincing imitations like Mint Velvet’s dark brown knot-detail bag (£149, mintvelvet.co.uk).
Or if you’re partial to a saddlebag, look no further than Penelope Chilvers’ intricately detailed taupe bag (£269).
Boden’s wearable suede skirt, meanwhile, has a front slit that allows you to move with ease and not wiggle.
If you’d rather save your pennies, there are some good faux suede styles available – just make sure you shop in person, to feel the fabric for yourself before you buy.
This dress from Monsoon, £70, is a convincing take on the real deal and has a bit more stretch to it. It’s also machine washable, a definite plus.
Layer it over a crisp white shirt for autumnal elegance, then switch to a black polo-neck for the winter months.
