With the return of (an updated version) of boho this past fall came a total abundance of suede styles. After years of the fabric looking outdated, it got a long-deserved reboot in the appearances of cool handbags, chic jackets, and iconic micro minis. But with summer upon us and the boho trend going strong, what do we do with our suede? Is it possible to reimagine these pieces again, but for warm weather dressing?
Before we answer those questions, let’s get into what this reconceptualized version of boho looks like. Whereas the early 2010s had us donning floor length lace cardigans, flower crowns, and dramatically flared pants, 2025 has things looking a little different. This time around, the trend is more balanced, pairing the classic ultra-ruffly and bold-patterned pieces with muted styles like fitted leather styles and structured denims. The flares are more subtler, the patterns are more responsibly combined, and the extreme-ness of the aesthetic has been pared down into something that can be worn more casually. It’s Daisy Jones meets clean-girl. And while I don’t necessarily love the concept of the clean girl aesthetic (read: the associations with the rise of conservatism), the general notion works to describe this iteration of bohemian. The opposing energies of the two balance each other out to create something wearable and totally cool.
Suede is a classic aspect of the bohemian aesthetic, and it’s absolutely back. Seen on runways from Prada’s 2025 womenswear show to Miu Miu’s ready-to-wear Fall 2025 collection, the major fashion houses are locked in on the trend. But the question remains: does suede work for the summer season?
The simple answer: duh. Obviously, heavier pieces like suede jackets get a little tricky, but anything beyond literal winter-wear is a resounding yes, in my opinion. So let’s get into my fool-proof & favorite ways to style suede for the warm weather.
Denim on Suede
Goodbye Canadian tuxedo, hello whatever the hell you’d call this. Nothing screams summer like a lightwash denim, making it the perfect fabric to bring suede into the sunnier season. I love the idea of a slightly-cropped suede jacket or vest paired with low-rise light wash denim shorts. Throw on a cute tank or blouse and finish the look with a pop-of-color kitten heel, and you’ve got a summer outfit.
Another style I’m loving right now is a suede tank top. There are so many different versions, but my personal favorite is one with an open or tie back, just to really lean into the summery, bohemian vibes. It’s ultra-casual with a pair of jeans, or can be dressed up for happy hour with a denim mini and heels.
Boho to the Max
Boho, to me, screams summer. It’s running through flower fields, basking in the sun, dancing at a festival. So leaning into the aesthetic can only bolster your summer vibes, even if you’re wearing a traditionally fall/winter fabric. I’m obsessed with the idea of a super feminine, ruffly blouse paired with suede micro shorts—especially if the shorts are in a non-neutral tone.
Suede is typically going to get you a more structured piece, which balances beautifully with a maxi skirt or a little babydoll dress. Maybe I’m taking this too far, but suede always reminds me earth signs—yes, we’ve switched gears to astrology now. But only sort of, I swear! Just bear with me. Suede is an earth sign, and the flowy, soft silhouettes are air signs. The energies are totally opposite, but bring qualities to an outfit that—when done right—can make the look feel complete. The air sign (flowy dress) is grounded by the earth sign (suede accessory). I’m sure a lot of you have given up on me at this point, but I stand by my astrology reference. And I have more to say, so let’s get a move on.
Suede Accessories
The simplest of all the ways to style suede in the summer time: break out your suede accessories. I can’t promise I won’t bring up astrology again, but let’s get into it.
Suede handbags. The things I would do to get my hands on this one vintage suede Fendi handbag—borderline scary. There is something so cool about a suede purse, designer or not. I love a slouchy suede tote bag for casual daytime outings, especially in a bold hue, and smaller, darker toned bags are so cute for nights out.
Beyond bags, there’s no shortage of ways to incorporate suede into your accessories. A suede belt is so effortlessly cool, especially worn low rise over a fitted long dress—it elevates and personalizes simple outfits so effortlessly. A suede boot is appropriate for year round wear, in my opinion, though I’m always a cute-boot year round girl, so that might be contentious. I’ve always thought that a boot, styled right, makes a summer outfit look so elevated. Denim shorts and boots are not exclusive, people. I’m even loving suede incorporated into jewelry—a big charm hanging off of a suede necklace, a cute suede cuff, and the list goes on.
Keep it Colorful
I’ve touched on my love of a colorful suede moment already, but I want to really lock in on it. I feel like suede is most often associated with neutrals, specifically muted brown tones. But I can’t get enough of a suede pop of color. A soft yellow suede belt, a pair of light blue suede shorts, a jewel-toned suede top. Suede does pastels so well, but a well-done rich hue can look unbelievably good, too. Bright and fun colors lean inherently towards a more summery look, so a fun-toned suede translates into the warmer weather with hardly any effort on your part.
I know that the return of the boho aesthetic, to many, felt like a threat. I’m sure war flashbacks to Coachella 2012 abounded. But I’ve found that in this resurgence of boho, suede—along with other subtler aspects—are taking the forefront. And as a result, the trend feels so much more timeless and so much more wearable. Even as the temperatures rise and suede might feel unmanageable, I promise you, it’s still doable. I resent the idea of a certain style or color belonging to any one season. Maybe it’s the San Diego in me—convinced that you can wear anything, anytime of year—but as an eight-time Boston winter survivor, I feel confident in my assertions about seasonal dressing. I will not imprison suede to the fall and winter months. Not when it feels so at home in so many cool, summery looks.
As always, take what you love and leave what you don’t. If you’re a linen lover, keep on wearing it. I dare you to pair your favorite linen top with a pair of suede shorts or a suede handbag and tell me it doesn’t look amazing—but still. Enjoy your summer dressing, regardless of what it is your putting on. Your personal style is just that—personal. But if you loaded up on suede in the colder months, just consider breaking them out for some iconic outfits as the weather heats up.




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