Trend Forecast: Suede

Kicking off Retail Diary's Fall 2024 Trend Insights - Let's look at trends & ideas that will have an impact on retail in Q3. Suede has made an impression already so let's start here.

Fall 2024 Fashion Forecast: Trends to Watch

Retail Diary's Fall 2024 Fashion Forecast kicks off with a deep dive into key trends set to dominate stores, social media, and street style. We'll explore merchandise available to shop, history, how it became a trend, retail significance and strategic approaches.

Trend 1: Material Interest: Suede

The Goods:

Jackets

• Jacket obsession: this one is on my list. I love it and I don’t have any suede in my closet at the moment.

• I’m also a huge fan of Veronica Beard’s Dickey Jackets and own a couple. This one in suede is gorgeous and I love that with the dickeys you can layer the look. It makes it so much more versatile.

• Love this Toteme Suede Shacket too.

• For a statement and special fringe jacket, The Great just launched their Collectors edition. The pieces in the Collectors edition are all inspired by their beloved vintage finds. This lamb leather jacket was inspired by a 1970s western jacket and each piece has hand-cut fringe.

• This Free People is a bit boxier and has a wider sleeve, it is vegan suede.

• A peter pan collar and patch pocket give this suede jacket a bit more of a ladylike fit (I love the brand ba&sh.)

• This roomy jacket reads more masculine and has a strong stand collar from Staud.

• DÔEN has this suede jacket but as it is an older style there isn’t a lot of units left. My guess is later this Fall we might get a suede version of this jacket or something similar.

Handbags

• Handbag I purchased: I just found this bag via resale and it is on its way to me! I’m so excited as it will be great to throw my laptop in as I work wherever I can find 5 extra minutes (soccer field, hair salon, co-working café, etc.)

• I also love the Parker Thatch XL Jane in Suede (I met the owners last week in their boutique and this is an incredible brand run by the kindest couple!)

• This Madwell bag nails it. This bag from Madwell I’m seeing pop up all over my feed (in a good way - it is a great shape.)

• This Chloé bag has a more ladylike shape but in the light suede.

• And this handbag has a trending silhouette (add a bag charm or 3 to it) and a sharp price point.

• Demellier’s handbag is part of Net-a-porter’s Net Sustain program and in a beautiful olive green shade.

• And a gorgeous half moon shape from Proenza Schouler.

Pants

• SPWMN leather pants have a strong silhouette and this brand has also pulled together a Suede collection. The pants are great in a variety of colors and fits. They also have a beautiful trench coat.

• Kick Flare: Similar to the kick flare of the SPWMN, another lettered name, NYDJ, has a pair in extended sizes in a cool kick flare silhouette.

Shoes

• Western Boots: suede, studs and western. These hit all the trends.

• Since I have a thing for flats: I tried these on recently and love them. Very cool silhouette. I love the V vamp and the double buckles for a western twist. Also from Le Monde Beryl, I love these simple but cool mary janes.

• A pair just under $100 too.

• The Staud x Keds collab has a suede sneaker.

• These Paris Texas boots are western inspired but very polished.

Belts - add just a touch of suede

• A great little touch for texture. Suede & studs for a major statement. This is a favorite belt from Dehanche now in olive suede and for a bolder hardware look there is the “Revenge Suede” belt. (at the time of publishing, Dehanche is running a sale, 30% off the purchase of 2 or more belts.)

Vintage!

• Great finds at thrift stores (or in the back of a family member’s closet!), eBay and Etsy etc since this is material and plenty of ‘70s and Western inspired options. Slouchy tote without any branding. A few finds: fringed jacket, ‘90s jacket - more fitted, love the details and fit of this one, go iconic with a vintage Gucci Jackie Bag.

  

  All styles linked above.

Origin:

Suede is certainly not new or different for Fall. In fact, you can find a Suede jacket or handbag every Fall and often year round (especially in handbags) but I’ve see this material holding a lot more interest lately. Let’s start with the history and background, then I’ll dive into why it is trending now. I’ll wrap up with strategies and retail insights I’m seeing this season so far as well as suggestions for brands & retailers.

Below the paywall let’s get into the history & background, roadmap to a trend and retail strategies & opportunities.