If you've been keeping a close eye on London's most stylish residents, you'll have likely noticed that suede has been making a serious sartorial splash as of late. Blame it on the continued appeal of the Western trend (thank you, Cowboy Carter tour announcement) or the fact that recent runways including Miu Miu, Bottega Veneta, Loewe and Chloé have been dotted with the sumptuous fabric, but suede has singlehandedly dominated this season.
Despite British weather's near-constant cover of rain which would prove catastrophic for suede, the 70s throwback has been reintroduced this autumn/winter in everything from handbags and loafers to oversized jackets, and as we head into spring, sleek skirts and notably, trousers. First spotted at Loewe's AW24 show, where JW Anderson reworked the napped leather into baggy wide leg silhouettes, more recently, suede trousers have also found favour among the stylish show-goers at Copenhagen Fashion Week as well as style icons such as Sienna Miller and Bella Hadid.
Now, the buttery soft fabric is gracing a selection of silhouettes such as straight-fit and wide-leg, making it the perfect elevated alternative to jeans. Armed with an undeniable boho charm, suede trousers, with their velvety finish and rich autumnal palette of caramel, chocolate brown, burgundy and olive, are the easiest way to appear instantly polished. No matter if you style yours with a sleek T-shirt, a chunky jumper or with a matching suede blazer, they're sure to be a winner as long as you remember to spray a protective solution liberally.
As any fashion girl worth her salt, I've been obsessed with Loewe's suede trousers, but they've been firmly out of reach of my budget. So naturally, I've been browsing the online racks at my favourite high street retailers, and happily, they boast a wealth of affordable designs. Case in point, Zara's influencer-favourite faux suede straight-leg trousers which are regrettably selling out fast. Mango and H&M also offer brilliant under-£200 options, both currently on sale.
If you're looking for a low rise alternative, Reformation's Veda Vida trousers encapsulates the LA cool girl vibe with their roomy construction. You could also always go for a 70s working girl outfit with Mango's suede flared trousers topped with a matching blazer.
Shop: The Best Suede Trousers
On sale
www.asos.com
If Gen-Z is to be believed, flares are cool again. Mango's suede style offers a luxe and subtle entryway into the retro trend and will look as good with clogs and a ruffled blouse as with sleek boots and a turtleneck.
30% off
www2.hm.com
With their deep brown hue and baggy silhouette, H&M's suede trousers look much more expensive than they are and will definitely be your most worn piece through the years.
www.marksandspencer.com
M&S' barrel leg suede trousers are perhaps one of the best designs on the high street thanks to their high waistline, roomy silhouette and cropped fit. They'll pair well with everything from button-downs to jumpers.
25% off
www.manieredevoir.com
With a zipped split hem detail, this refined pair will instantly elevate any look, whether you pair it with a sleek blouse and kitten heels for work or a biker jacket and ankle boots for the weekend.
www.thereformation.com
Wear these low-rise trousers with everything from tank tops and T-shirts to more dramatic shirts, they're more versatile than you might imagine.
70% off
www.zara.com
So popular they're almost sold out, these khaki trousers from Zara make for the perfect addition to your everyday uniform. Plus, faux suede is likely to be less damaged by accidental exposure to water.
On sale
www.whistles.com
Offering the street style edge of cargos in an expensive-looking suede finish, Whistles' suede trousers will add a sophisticated touch to your favourite graphic tees while also equally as good with a fine knit cardigan.
www.shopcider.com
Another pair of straight fit trousers, this cider design is an instant classic with its mid-rise waist and slightly baggy silhouette and will fit seamlessly into your jumper and trousers rotation this winter.
www.thereformation.com
The second Reformation style on this list, we're obsessed with the stud detailing on this pair. It's perfect for adding a subtle Western edge into your look without veering into cosplay territory.
www.sezane.com
If you're not one for lighter shades, Sézane's cropped Damiano trousers are rendered in a deep chestnut hue for a nostalgic finish and will work wonders with a frilly boho chic blouse.
www.cos.com
Take a page out of the Scandi street style rulebook and pair these chocolate brown longline shorts with a bomber jacket and knee-high boots.
Main image credits: ©Instagram/ @polinailieva @kasiachin
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.