Once dismissed as a relic of 70s nostalgia, or a Western cliché, 2024 saw the return of suede, again proving fashion's ability to resurrect classics. Suede and the British weather don't exactly make for the most harmonious pairing, but if the recent flurry of impeccably dressed influencers and celebrities flaunting suede is anything to go by, it seems that nobody really cares about the practicalities.
At the forefront of the resurgence was Prada back in its autumn/winter 2023 show, where oversized suede jackets were paired with crisp white mini and long skirts. The collection's appeal set the tone for what would become one of 2024's defining trends; western-inspired fringed suede jackets, crop jackets and most notably perhaps, the suede blazer.
The arrival of suede as the textile of the moment has coincided with the quiet luxury trend we have Sofia Richie to thank for. The trend, rooted in the appreciation for texture, craftsmanship and that all-important subtle refinement, has changed the way we dress. Suede swooped in with its velvety nap, rich colours, and the way it feels expensive without trying too hard. The high street has taken notice and while Prada may have lit the match, brands like H&M and M&S are fanning the flames, making suede refreshingly accessible.
One style leading the charge is the H&M Single-Breasted Blazer, an influencer-favourite that's so popular it's spent more time out of stock than in. And it's no wonder, with its oversized fit, notch lapels, buttery soft texture, and its ability to elevate everything from wide-leg trousers to rigid denim.
Shop: H&M's Influencer-Favourite Suede Blazer
H&M www2.hm.com
The viral H&M blazer is now finally back in stock, and there's a reason it originally sold out. We're putting it down to its loose fit, notch lapels and flap front pockets. Style with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to a satin midi dress or skirt.
Another fab high street option comes from M&S, and there's no surprise there. The Suede Blazer by Jaeger on M&S features a deep yoke panel across the back for shaping, notched collar and double jet pockets at the waist - perfect for layering a jumper or t-shirt underneath.
Shop: The Best M&S Suede Blazer
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
This suede blazer from Jaeger on M&S makes for the most luxurious layering piece as it's made from the softest suede material. Add a turtleneck on underneath, or a thick wool coat on top and you've established a cheat code to layering that'll get you through even the iciest of days.
For styling, suede will work with almost anything you already have in your wardrobe. For the daytime, layer the blazer over a turtleneck, wide-leg tailored trousers and pointed black boots to achieve a fool proof winter dressing formula. For the evening, tie a chunky belt around the blazer and wear with tights and kitten heels, or throw it on over a slip dress. With its endless styling possibilities, the suede blazer isn't going anywhere - so now might be a good time to invest in a piece that will carry you with ease into fashion's next frontier.
Shop: More Of The Best Suede Blazers
Newlookwww.newlook.com
Made from a smooth brown suede, this blazer from New Look has a notched collar, front flap pockets and long sleeves. A brilliant winter layer that's as functional as it is stylish, this blazer is available in two different shades too, brown and tan.
Selfridges www.selfridges.com
The OG of suede blazers, Prada's iteration is also part of its ready-to-wear collection. Although, there's one downside, it's selling super fast so if you like the designer style, you might want to snap it up before it's gone. Takes notes from Prada's styling and pair with a jumper and midi skirt.
Mint Velvetmintvelvet.com
Mint Velvet also has an excellent suede offering with similar smart details, like a single-breasted silhouette and buttoned cuffs. With a slightly darker tan tone, this blazer would look best styled with similar earthy tones.
Reiss www.reiss.com
This best-selling Charlie blazer has been recently updated to include welt pockets, peak lapels and tortoiseshell effect buttons that give the jacket a vintage look. Style with a pair of flared trousers for the ultimate 70s-inspired outfit.
Massimo Dutti www.massimodutti.com
Thanks to the darker tan colour of this suede blazer, this one could get away with being vintage, too. Massimo Dutti knows how to make a great suede jacket, with its cropped suede style that quickly became an influencer favourite at the end of last year. Now, the brand has done it again with a new suede style.
Anthropologie www.anthropologie.com
Another great blazer in a chocolate brown shade is this one from Anthropologie. Either style with a belt cinched around the middle or on its own over a t-shirt - regardless it will have any outfit looking chic in no time.
Harvey Nichols www.harveynichols.com
Arma, a Dutch brand that's famous for its leather coats, has now branched into the realm of suede blazers, too. This style has dropped shoulders, button-fastened cuffs and two front flap pockets.
M&S www.marksandspencer.com
If you're on the hunt for a suede blazer that's less office chic and more Western-wild, this one from Per Una at M&S is an excellent option. With a button-through front that makes it feel more like a blazer, two side pockets, and of course fringing at the back, the jacket looks like it's just been plucked from the boho wardrobe of Sienna Miller.
Main image credit: Instagram/@laurakinsman_, @lilliegracep, @amybethvdl
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look - yes, she can tell you exactly where a specific coat is from. When not writing, shopping or scrolling Instagram (find hers here), Gemma will likely be dreaming up her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).