The suede jacket is still the big-ticket item women are spending their hard-earned cash on this season. Far from being something of a 70s or 90s fashion throwback, suede was a key fabric on the catwalks and a mainstay of Copenhagen Fashion Week - my barometer of what to buy ahead of spring. And I'm pleased to say that the trend for women's suede jackets has gone back to basics and it's all about brown suede - we're talking decadent chocolate shades from mahogany to camel and teetering on khaki-brown. Throw in the deliciously soft feel of the fabric and it's heavenly for spring.
- Best suede blazer: H&M Single-Breasted Suede Blazer, £49.99 / $59.99
- Suede trench coat: ASOS Suede Trench Coat, £250 / $359
- The cropped suede jacket: Mango Suede Jacket, £139 / $229
- Suede bomber jacket: Next Suede Jacket
- The vintage style suede jacket: Rixo Suede Jacket, £350 / $475
The brown suede jacket women are searching for right now? A brown suede blazer, chic, smart and yet somehow relaxed too. It's in parts boho and chic, playful yet smart, with Gucci, Miu Miu and Prada featuring the humble suede blazer in their collections. It's a warmer way to wear a jacket, on those days when trench coats feel too light and shearling jackets too heavy. Brown suede trench coats are also trending, and I love the reincarnation of the spring classic in a fresh material, plus cropped boxy suede jackets for a shorter suede jacket.
Search new in on any high street brand and you'll see a suede jacket - NET-A-PORTER can hardly keep the trending Khaite suede jacket in stock, and brands including Massimo Dutti and Arket sold out of their suede jackets long ago.
Suede has always been a classic (suede boots have never gone out of fashion) but this season it is everywhere - as well as jackets, suede mini skirts, suede tote bags and even suede waistcoats are par for the course. And while suede fringe jackets are festival season essentials, I'd keep it stashed till summer. This season, the spotlight is on the minimalist, chicer side of suede, more pared back than party.
Much like leather, the fabric gets better with age - just be sure to treat it before you wear it with a suede protector. If you're wanting something a little more unique, search your local vintage or charity shops for suede jackets, or try Vinted and eBay for retro styles.
How to wear a suede jacket
Nothing looks cooler than brown suede and denim; the fabric clash, the colours, its perfection. Rochelle Humes is the poster girl for a brown suede trench and a casual look - she wore hers with frayed jeans and sneakers for a day out in London.
I've had this shot of digital creator Nnenna saved since she posted it, in part as inspiration for my own wardrobe and proof that a brown suede jacket and black denim are a beautiful combination. Again, brown suede and denim, whatever their wash, is a style treat. For a super luxe look, add a tonal creamy shaded knit underneath, like influencer Freya Killin.
A brown suede trench jacket would make a great partner to a spring floral dress or leopard midi, too, or layered over leather trousers.
How I chose the best women's suede jackets
- Style: I've focused on the big suede jacket designs for women for spring - suede blazers, trench coats, bomber jackets and vintage styles.
- Price: Suede is pricey, but I've searched for women's suede jackets with a variety of price tags, from £50 to £500+. Look for faux suede or suedette designs if your budget can't stretch to 100% lleather.
- New in: We're so ready for the new season, and I've filtered all searches to show the latest jackets.