Fashion lovers can be divided into two camps: summer-philes who will always be the first to go tights-free at the first sign of spring (and cling to their broderie anglaise frocks until plummeting temperates threaten pneumonia) and the cold-weather crew who plod through the balmy months in black dresses until they can dive head first into a pile of chunky knitwear come September.
I am and have always been in the second camp, and it’s around this time that my fellow cold-weather dressers are coming out of the woodwork on Instagram and revealing their purchases for the coming season. Over the last few months, it’s become clear that there’s one style in particular that is set to dominate this year: the suede jacket. Available in a range of different styles and colourways, this outwear trend follows on from the throwback vibes that have proliferated this summer. After all, the suede jacket has had a unique manifestation every decade—from the patchwork styles of the ’70s to the stripped-back button-downs of the ’90s—and unlike other fabrics, it has the benefit of improving with age. Plus, it’s the sort of style that genuinely works all-year round. My personal favourite has to be the Wild West–inspired fringed jacket I’ve spotted on the likes of Monikh and Jen Wonders. I bought an H&M iteration roughly three years ago, and I’ve worn it more than any other jacket, both in summer and winter. This is also a trend that can easily be bought second-hand, so I’d recommend checking out Etsy and Vestiaire Collective for the real deal at a fraction of the price. (I’ve included a few below.) Scroll down to see and shop my full suede-jacket edit.
Style Notes: Monikh was the person who inspired me to think seriously about fringed jackets for autumn/winter. She subverts the trend’s Wild West connotations with sporty trousers and a white tee. I bought a faux iteration from H&M, but I’d also recommend checking out vintage sites for retro originals.
Style Notes: There’s something very ’00s about a boxy suede jacket, but the new creations, as seen on Alexis Foreman, offer a far more contemporary finish. This is the sort of jacket that will look just as chic over a pleated midi as it will with trousers and smart shoes.
Style Notes: The suede biker has got to be one of the most classic styles to invest in and is a great choice for a special birthday. (It’s probably worth going for the real deal with such a timeless jacket.) The great thing about this style is that it can easily be dressed up over a nice top or dressed down with denim and a white tee.
Up Next: Autumn/Winter 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know
