Suede has become a hallmark of autumn, which is reintroduced to our wardrobes on cue when Starbucks starts brewing its pumpkin-spice lattes and you start thinking of watching When Harry Met Sally. This season, though, things have gotten a little more interesting. The street style galleries from fashion month were filled with plush separates and elevated tote bags realised in burgundy, olive, toffee and chocolate shades of suede, with a more refined and polished take on this perennial autumn trend.
Instead of exaggerated tassels and fringing, the focus is on beautiful silhouettes and fabrications, which when layered with other elevated basics creates an effortless look. One item that always tends to reappear in new-in sections each autumn is suede skirts. Back in 2015 Alexa Chung generated a PR storm for M&S when she was photographed wearing its viral caramel-hued midi – a product placement that even made its way onto BBC News.
A suede skirt will always be a sensible investment, whether you go for the micro minis seen at Prada or Miu Miu in recent seasons, or opt for a longer length (Paloma Elsesser wore a floor-sweeping maxi in Marni’s spring/summer 2024 show). So what is this year’s answer to Alexa’s M&S midi? The Vogue shopping team is eyeing up a ’90s-style skirt by Massimo Dutti, a dark brown mini by Reformation and an embellished, flared black skirt by Cos.
When it comes to styling, this will look most expensive when blended with other neutral tones, such as chocolate browns, olive greens and lighter khakis. Whatever length you opt for, a suede skirt will pair perfectly with leather knee-high boots or ballet flats. A word of caution, however: we advise you limit how much other suede you bring into the mix – it tends to look the chicest (and less costume-like) when worn in small doses.
