4 Tips For Incorporating Suede Into Your Outfits (Without Overdoing It)

There's no question, it's suede season. In fall 2025, no texture is fresher or more in demand. This luxuriously finished leather is elegant and cozy at the same time. Whether you're rocking it in a minimalist or bohemian way, it adds visual interest and depth to your outfit while keeping the overall vibe sophisticated. "It's a material that adapts across temperatures yet looks distinctly autumnal," fashion writer Sarah Shapiro told Marie Claire.

"Suede is one of those materials that cycles in and out of trends, but it never fully goes out of style," observed one Reddit commenter. '"It has a timeless, vintage appeal that can make it feel like a statement piece rather than just a passing trend." That means there are ways to incorporate this leather texture into your wardrobe without looking like you walked out of a fall fashion spread. 

So what's the key to wearing suede without losing focus on your personal approach to dressing? We asked style coach and color analyst Rayne Parvis for her best tips in an exclusive Women interview. Just remember to look for this material in colors and silhouettes that feel more organic to your closet — after all, personal style is timeless.

You don't need to run out and buy a head-to-toe suede look to embrace the material in your year-round wardrobe. Instead, select one statement suede piece to add texture to your look, advises Rayne Parvis. "Choose one suede item to wear — and let it be the 'hero' piece," Parvis exclusively tells Women. The key is avoiding a fully matched look, and choosing secondary items that complement the focal piece. "For example, if you're wearing a suede blazer, pair it with a simple cotton tee, wide-leg dark denim, and a leather belt and boots," says Parvis. Plus, swapping in a fresh suede outer layer can be a great way to keep a repeat outfit looking new.

Look for opportunities to increase the visual tension of your ensemble by selecting materials and shapes that contrast with the suede. "Suede can be dense, heavy, and matte, so contrast it with something lightweight, shiny and flowy like silk, satin, or chiffon," style coach Rayne Parvis exclusively tells Women. "For example, if you're wearing knee-high suede boots, pair them with a silk tank dress and a soft cashmere oversized cardigan to add movement and soften up the stiffness from suede. Pairing the boots with head-to-toe suede would be 'too matchy matchy.'"

While we might associate suede with fringe jackets and chaps, there's a way to wear this leather without looking like you're cosplaying a cowgirl. "Timeless cuts make suede look elevated and refined," Rayne Parvis exclusively tells Women. "Opt for a clean, tailored style. It keeps the look modern and current without giving 'wild wild west' costume vibes." The textured leather offers an interesting tension with the sleeker shapes, which means your outfit gets a heavy dose of visual depth.

While we're most used to seeing suede piece in brown, that doesn't mean you're restricted to a boring color palette. "Suede doesn't have to mean tan!" says style coach Rayne Parvis. "Jewel tones and muted pastels can make it feel fresh." These color trends to have on your fashion radar for fall 2025 can look stunning in suede leather. "Try burgundy ankle boots, olive-green suede trousers, or even a dusty blue moto jacket," says Parvis. Choosing a colorful suede moment can be one way of getting away from the Western wear look for more of a high fashion feel.