If You Want to Look Luxurious and Classy, This Winter Skirt Trend Will Deliver

One of the most luxurious fabrics out there, there’s no denying the outfit-altering capabilities of suede. Now, you might be thinking that suede is the same as leather, what makes it so special? Well, technically, you’re right—both real suede and leather are made from animal hide, subtle suede being the inner hide while tougher leather forms the outer. It’s this distinction of softness that puts suede, in my opinion, just before leather in terms of looking sophisticated. Leather is typically more commonplace across clothing, shoes and accessories, too; suede, although not rare, just isn’t as prevalent on the market, which also makes it feel more exclusive by proxy. All of this combined means that suede was pretty well primed to be a huge trend for winter, as 2024 has ultimately been the year where this level of elegance reigned.

First cropping up on bags and shoes, and then jackets and coats, suede has been dominating the trend cycle lately, with supple pieces in the fabric selling out faster than brands can keep them in stock. My friend was shopping for a suede trench coat last week and, between us, there was only one that we could find in stock in her size, such is the level of demand. However, one item that’s only recently been given the suede treatment and, therefore, is still suitably stocked, is the suede skirt.

Suede skirts are a wardrobe classic. Not necessarily a “staple”—something which one would struggle to get dressed without—but they’re generally considered to be a pretty timeless investment. I will say, however, that I haven’t seen as many of them on the market over the past few years as I had previously. Now, it’s a different story. Decreed one of the season’s key buys by fashion people, who have been enthusiastically wearing suede nonstop since late August, suede skirts are the latest way to channel the fabric. Why now? Like leather, suede is considered to be a warm fabric, so it makes sense that its appeal goes hand-in-hand with the colder months.