It feels a little wrong to call the suede bag a trend—it is, after all, a staple in so many closets. But it’s undeniable that the soft-to-the-touch leather is having an even bigger year than usual, and it’s only going to get more popular as fall settles in. My advice: Buy in now.
Though you might think of it as an autumnal material, suede has enjoyed an exceptionally strong summer. Boho handbags, simple sandals, and studded belts were all made of the stuff, bringing a low-key, lived-in vibe. And now that fall is practically here, there’s already been a major uptick in the amount of suede I’ve seen on the street, from chic pants to cowboy boots.
But the easiest way to wear suede, hands down, is via your handbag; you can just throw it on as you’re leaving the house—trend sorted. The textured, soft material adds rich dimension to earth tones like chocolate brown and tawny orange, a slightly more relaxed take on quiet luxury. Stylish celebs like Jennifer Lawrence, Katie Holmes, and Bella Hadid have worn them in a range of neutral shades. But perhaps their biggest proponent is Dakota Johnson, who seemingly owns a different option for every outfit.
While any silhouette can be rendered in a stiffer, smooth leather, I’ve noticed a few key shapes that look the best in suede. Oversized totes, hobo bags, and boho satchels are especially trendy thanks to labels like Chloé, Isabel Marant, and Zimmermann, who all featured variations on their latest runways. (If you could fit a laptop, farmers-market haul, or weekend’s worth of clothes in your pick, you’re on the right track.) Meanwhile, slender east-west shoulder bags are also surging in popularity, and they’re gorgeous in suede.
To style a suede bag, a timeless trick is to stick to neutrals like black, white, cream, navy, tan, and brown. An extra-large bag will probably look best with fitted tops and baggier bottoms, while a smaller shoulder bag’s svelte proportions will play nicely with oversized tops and miniskirts. These aren’t rules, though—just play around to see what feels right. Ready to get in on the trend before everyone else does? Shop my favorite finds of the suede bag trend below, starting at $78.
