By design, suede speaks volumes. Its natural, velvety fabrication, an honest marker of its wearer’s preferences. It breeds an air of nonchalance; it’s lived-in quality painting a picture of one who isn’t too fussed or concerned about things looking too perfect. The epitome of cool and unbothered, if you will.
So in a time when fashion lusts after personality (read: it’s a vibe) suede is a statement-maker. It’s no wonder we’re seeing it all over the runway and the streets and back on the runway again—as designers work towards reflecting the desires of its customer base as well. It also takes its cues from the resurgence of boho-chic; the incorporation of the fabric is ultimately a pared-back yet straightforward approach to achieving its casual sense of bohemian grunge.
Whilst in part spurred on by boho’s current poster girl, Chloé, the runways of recent seasons past have seen suede become a mainstay. From Miu Miu’s clutch-me-close satchels to Prada’s rotation of colourful suede outerwear options for spring/summer 2025, it’s clear Miuccia Prada’s onto something with the earthy leather finish. Then, there’s the saucy yet practical appeal of the Coach Brooklyn bag—made even hotter with Bella Hadid’s stamp of approval when she was seen toting it around late last summer.
But the downsides to the delicate material are not lost on us. Indeed, in our parts of the world—prone to unreliable bouts of weather—there’s a certain degree of trepidation that comes with wearing anything suede. If pristine perfection is your thing, that is. But if you don’t mind a scuff or two, and you’re a proponent for items that look like they’ve been worn from use, then completing your outfit with a suede accessory might just be the thing for you.
Whilst brown suede is understandably where the fashion-forward zeitgeist might flock to, designers are also putting forth propositions for incorporating the vintage natural leather in a variation of hues to keep things creative. Here, peruse our edit of suede accessories that will imbue your outfit with that much-coveted retro appeal.
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New Balance X Miu Miu 530 SL suede sneakers, $1,700
Available at Miu Miu.
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JW Anderson suede platform moccasins, $1,420
Available at JW Anderson.
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Gabriela Hearst suede waist belt, $1,515
Available at Net-a-Porter.
