On a par with leather jackets, trench coats and puffer coats, suede has always been an autumn essential - and for AW24, the textile is certainly taking over the season’s sartorial conversations more than usual. While we're already justifiably obsessed with suede jackets, it's the suede bag revival for which the fashion set seems to be making a strong case.
If suede bags give you noughties flashbacks of fringed and tasselled carryalls, you can rest easy in the knowledge that for AW24, suede bags are far from their kitschy predecessors. More quiet luxury than indie sleaze, designers are now offering an elevated take on suede bags with sleek silhouettes in a rich autumnal palette. First spotted on Chemena Kamali’s Chloé runway, where ruffled floaty dresses were styled with slouchy suede bags heralding the boho revival, these totes soon featured in several collections across labels including Miu Miu (whose suede bag is so popular, it featured in Lyst's Q3 list of hottest products) Khaite, Gucci and Prada. But it’s not just the runways either. Consider the street-style metrics; from Bella Hadid’s Coach Brooklyn tote moment to Dakota Johnson’s The Row hobo bag, the style set seems taken with the trend.
Grazia's Best Black Friday Suede Bag Deals
Black Friday 2024 has ended, but there are still plenty of discounts on suede bags and other accessories. We've found some of the best deals from our favourite labels so you don't have to, from Coach to Anthropologie.
Best Black Friday deal: Coach, Eliza Shoulder Bag With Zipper Closure, was £395, now £219 with extra 20% off at checkout
Under £80: Jw Pei Hana Mini Faux Suede Tote, was £100, now £79
25% off: Anthropologie Nora Round Circle Suede Tote Bag, was £135, now £101.25 with code
If you’re prepared to make a hefty investment, consider Prada’s crescent-shaped shoulder bag or Khaite’s studded bag, both of which require a serious splurge. For those of us not psychologically prepared to drop a small fortune on autumn accessories, the good news is that plenty of high street stalwarts are offering an array of options that are just as good.
Take, for example, the internet-favourite Marks & Spencer suede tote bag which is surprisingly still in stock (for now) and makes for the perfect work bag. Jigsaw, meanwhile, has a sophisticated chocolate brown slouchy tote which can be styled easily with a midi skirt and knee-high boots. Elsewhere, the John Lewis x Awake Mode collaboration offers a trend-forward studded design that is sure to clean up in time for party season.
From neutral chocolate browns and caramel hues to trendy khaki and burgundy options, these are the anti-sleaze grown up suede bags you’ll want to wear this autumn and beyond.
Shop: The Best Suede Bags 2024
www.marksandspencer.com
Practical, stylish and endlessly versatile, M&S’ tote bag will add a chic finish to your work dresses and will look equally nice with jeans and an oversized jumper for the weekends.
www.johnlewis.com
Y2K-reminiscent studs on a sleek and modern design, this trendy bag is the high-street's answer to Khaite’s popular studded suede design the fashion set is obsessed with.
www.riverisland.com
With its whipstitched handles and ochre-hue, River Island’s shopper is so Chloé inspired that it’s difficult to believe you can get it for just £75. While it’ll pair with your entire autumn wardrobe, we highly recommend leaning into the boho vibes with a ruffled dress.
www.harrods.com
Part of Alessandro Michele's debut collection for Valentino, this suede crossbody bag, with its statement stud and fringe detailing is a greta throwback piece. Take styling cues from Bella Hadid and pair it with neutral basics and cowboy boots to lean into the Western aesthetic and bring the Y2K-themed showstopper firmly into the present.
www.massimodutti.com
Offering The Row’s sleek quiet luxury at a fraction of the price, Massimo Dutti’s chic slouchy hobo bag is made from buttery soft leather in a rich chocolaty hue perfect for autumn.
www.sezane.com
Designed with a chic Parisian flair, you’ll find this tall tote’s sleek silhouette and neutral palette works with everything from matching mini skirts to ruffled dresses and wide-leg trousers. Plus, it's already beloved on the internet and selling fast – so we suggest investing in this one quick.
www.jigsaw-online.com
Similar to the Coach suede bag Bella Hadid was recently seen toting around town with, this trapezoidal Jigsaw tote is roomy enough to fit everything-but-the-kitchen-sink inside and will pair exceptionally well with just about everything in your wardrobe.
www.dunelondon.com
Approved by modern style icon Katie Holmes, Dune’s extra-large woven suede bag is the most stylish way to keep your daily essentials in tow in the capital this season.
www.newlook.com
Designed with a plush borg trim and finished with a metallic hardware closure, this bag offers the sleek look of a YSL Le 5 à 7 shoulder bag without the hefty price tag.
www2.hm.com
Already stocked up on neutrals? Add a pop of colour to your outfit with Arket’s boxy khaki green crossbody bag. Plus the adjustable shoulder strap and wide top handle make it highly wearable and easy to style.
Hitanshi Kamdar is a senior commercial content writer for Grazia. Hitanshi is always on the hunt for the latest trends, emerging designers and the internet’s most bizarre style discourse. When not writing, she can be found IDing outfits during Netflix binges and shopping for the latest It-girl shoe trends.