If summer is all about easy, laid-back raffia totes, then the autumn season brings a renewed sense of luxury—with fabrics like suede, leather, and cashmere spearheading our ensembles. The best suede handbags work as the perfect transitional accessory as we return from beachside escapes to our city dwellings. Though technically a type of leather, suede is a material that exists within its own category. The luxe, soft handle has a polished and elevated tone to it that is, above all, versatile and complementary. While suede is most often associated with jackets, belts, and Western-leaning boots, the new crop of handbag offerings proves that they can be sophisticated, modern, and unique.
Vogue’s Favorite Suede Bags:
- The Editors’ Favorite: Manu Atelier Tote du Jour suede bag, $645
- The Under-$300 Find: Banana Republic Vida slouchy suede bag, $260
- The Soft Carry-all: Madewell The Shopper Tote, $188
- The Slouchy Tote: Tod’s Api suede tote, $1,725
- The Timeless Top-Handle: Bottega Veneta Andiamo bag, $5,500
- The Oversized Must-Have: Hereu Calella tote bag, $535
- The Studded Option: Khaite Elena suede shoulder bag, $1,980
What’s additionally stimulating is that, at the moment, designers are playing with a range of silhouettes that show off suede’s versatility. There are slouchy, relaxed shapes from Gucci and Tod’s—styles that pair easily with leather midiskirts and waist-cinching blazers. In contrast, Savette and Métier are reimagining structured work bags, swapping croc-embossed leather for soft suede—in neutrals and faded greens—instead. Most recently, a new offering of trending chocolate brown bags is available, from Manu Atelier, Madewell, and Hunting Season—an assemblage for every price point. Ahead, find a range of the best suede bags worthy of adding to your collection now—and forever.