These fashion tips make styling suede in summer easier than you think

With the 70s revival in full swing, suede fabric has been making an appearance everywhere. It has dominated the Spring/Summer 2025 runways and will soon rule closets too. From luxury labels to local thrift stores, people can't get enough of suede and there's a reason for it. The luxurious fabric is versatile and can be styled easily to create a wide range of outfits and spaced between different aesthetics. Though this fabric does have a sort of autumnal feeling to it, there’s no reason you can’t wear suede in any season.

The name “suede” came from the French phrase “gants de suede,” meaning gloves from Sweden. The fabric was a popular choice in 18th and 19th century France, particularly for gloves and other smaller accessories. However, it gained popularity in the 20th century when European artisans and garment makers started crafting bags, shoes and jackets from the leather. By the 1970s, the fabric became a fashion favourite due to its soft feel and luxurious appeal.

Suede remains a popular choice due to its versatility. It provides buyers with a world of aesthetic wardrobe play due to its luxurious texture and relaxed sensibilities. The fabric is usually not seen in warmer months, as it is typically associated with autumn and winter, owing to its heavy fabric and its susceptibility to damage with overexposure to the sun and water. But thanks to celebrities and style influencers, suede may be the perfect choice even for the summer months. 

STYLING SUEDE FOR SUMMER 

1. Style As Skirts And Shorts 

You may have seen the suede skirts everywhere in autumn; when styled right, these can be summer staples as well. Opt for mini to midi sizes for the hotter days instead of the longer ones you would usually choose.

Shorts are a summer staple that everybody loves. Suede shorts are snug and are a comfortable option instead of plain old denim or linen shorts. So if you love the minimalist or old-money aesthetic, you are going to love these shorts. Pair it with white or other summer colours, the result is a soft and sophisticated look achieved with ease.

2. Accessorise With It Girl Bags

Bags are the easiest way to wear this fabric throughout the year, especially during the hotter months. The retro features of the fabric give the bags a timeless feel. The bag perfectly captures this summer's bohemian feel, minus the effort. 

The bags are often overlooked due to their lack of practicality; the lived-in appearance of the bags gives them an edge this season, where old is gold. These bags have become a fast celebrity favourite in the recent past. Daisy Edgar-Jones was spotted with an oversized suede Gucci bag, while Kendall Jenner made a statement with a suede Hermes Birkin. Bella Hadid added a touch of suede to her street style with a Coach Brooklyn tote having a fringe element, crowning it with It girl status.

3. Style suede sandals for summer

This leathery texture is best worn on the feet. This season, suede flip-flops are set to be the fashion set's footwear of choice. Many brands have adopted suede sandals as the sandals of the season. This trend has been adopted by a number of other high-street fashion brands. In addition to sandals, ballet flats are a summer time suede shoe alternative that will go well with your bohemian ensembles.

Compared to your typical leather or rubber sandal, suede offers a tactile richness that seems far more refined. Now is the perfect moment to invest in this footwear trend.

None of us can have enough of this soft, velvety fabric. So, why deprive yourself of this luxurious fabric for the summer?

Edited by Sabrina Mathews, Dayle Pereira