Suede jackets are the must-have trend in fall 2024

As strange as it may seem to think about autumn clothing when the sun only Only decided to come out (and only just), the end of summer is actually the best time to for the coming season. Not only are there a number of sales currently running with reduced prices on winter weather essentials, but after weeks (okay, days) of wearing as little as possible, the idea of actually styling something substantial is particularly tempting. Plus, there's the fact that the British weather tends to change dramatically from one day to the next, so who knows how much time we really have left…

If that sounds a bit dramatic, think back to a few weeks ago when we were all strutting around town in knee-high leather boots, knitted dresses, jeans and cashmere cardigans pulled straight from our autumn/winter wardrobes – in July. One upside to this wet and cold summer, however, is that some key trends for the season ahead are already emerging.

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The most important of these? The simple suede jacket, which will be one of the must-haves for autumn/winter 2024. For those who follow the catwalks closely, this should come as no great surprise: the luxurious leather fabric has been seen again and again in recent designer collections.

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Valentino AW24

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The jacket was seen in its most classic chocolate brown form at Ralph Lauren and with a Western twist as part of Pharrell Williams' AW24 menswear show for Louis Vuitton, while Bottega Veneta and Jacquemus gave the classic a modern update in bright yellows and greens. There were also several variations at Gucci's recent resort show – think playful short-sleeve, cropped, monogram and cape styles.

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But as always, it was Miu Miu that really cemented the trend, giving the suede jacket cult status with embossed logos and luxurious embroidery at its AW24 show – and despite the increased price, some versions of the brand's classic are already selling out online.

Naturally, the street style scene was quick to notice, and some Copenhagen Fashion Week attendees were spotted wearing suede outerwear with summer dresses, oversized shirts and sheer skirts, or over a white tank top and jeans combo. The piece's versatility is key to its appeal: it provides extra warmth on chilly days, but also adds a sophisticated touch to casual looks – especially if you opt for a more structured blazer-style option.

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The recent resurgence of the boho aesthetic has certainly played its part in the return of the suede jacket, too. For the full Sienna Miller look, pair a tan fringe design with a breezy lace dress and wedges or boots from Chloé. You can also turn to a more western bohemian aesthetic à la Bella Hadid, who recently shared a casual photo of herself in a more relaxed style with a cotton shirt and jeans.

Due to its leather composition, a suede jacket can be quite an investment, but there are plenty of more affordable versions that are no less chic. Look for COS's black embroidered design for sleek Miu Miu vibes at a lower price, Loewe-style bomber jackets from Massimo Dutti, while vintage is the way to go for a jacket with an authentic, worn-in feel (and you'll find some genuine pre-owned designer treasures on Vestiaire and eBay too). Don't miss the men's section, either, if you're after oversized, boxier styles.

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Whatever you choose, one thing is for sure: this is a piece you'll wear again and again, whether it's summer, fall, winter, spring or even the tricky transitional seasons – so if we're talking about cost per wear, it's practically zero. At least, that's what we tell ourselves to justify the price of this epic Miu Miu embroidered suede jacket…

COS sequin suede jacket

Oversized suede jacket by Magda Butrym

Miu Miu embroidered suede jacket

Bode Trefoil suede jacket with leather trim

Saint Laurent Pre-Loved suede jacket, EU 38

Massimo Dutti – Suede bomber jacket

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Clementina Jackson is Acting Site Fashion Editor at ELLE UKwhere she works in news and features, trends, e-commerce and SEO. Previously, she was fashion editor at Cosmopolitan And Women's healthand current Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UKwhere she was recognized as a PPA 30 Under 30 honoree for her work on size inclusivity. As an experienced fashion, travel and luxury lifestyle journalist, Clementina has also written for Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair, Condé Nast Traveller, Tatler, Red And Italy Segreta.