How to Wear Suede After Memorial Day
Though suede is considered a cool-weather fabric, it is no longer a fashion faux-pas to continue wearing it during the warmer months. Instead of baking in a suede jacket under the July sun, to wear suede after Memorial Day and stay cool, start rocking some suede accessories like purses, sandals, and more.
Sandals
To keep your feet feeling cool but looking hot, try some suede sandals. If you live in your flip flops all summer, try dressing up rubber flip flops by upgrading to a suede version. UGG Australia Kayla Suede Flip Flops have padded insoles and ultra-soft suede for maximum comfort. At only $45, these mint green suede flip flops are versatile and grown-up casual.
If you like to keep on top of trends, go for suede gladiator sandals. Gladiator sandals are bold, trendy pieces that also come in suede. High-end designer Miu Miu’s fashion-forward suede gladiator sandals come in black and a sand color and retail for $540. For something more budget-friendly and with more dazzle, try the Sam Edelman ‘Ginger’ Gladiator Flat. Available in yellow and bright flamingo red and under $100, this chic suede gladiator has smooth metal beads covering its T-strap and suede straps at the ankle.
For a classic sandal in suede, take a look at the Iris Suede Sandals, $118, at J. Crew. They come in beige, magenta, and bright turquoise, some of the summer’s hottest colors.
Purses
Another great way to wear suede through the summer is by carrying a suede bag. Summer styles generally feature vibrant colors, so look for purses that are brightly colored to make sure your suede bag looks seasonally appropriate (and a bright bag adds a nice pop of color to your winter wardrobe as well). Clutch bags are in this year, as are vintage styles, and the Urban Outfitters Vintage ‘60s Orange Suede Clutch is a perfect blend of everything. Bright and fun enough to use during the day, but suitable refined for the evening, it is the perfect suede accessory to go through summer and beyond.
A slightly larger tote bag is best for carrying everywhere all year long. LL Bean’s Over the Arm bag is simple and stylish with a touch of vintage. Available in summery colors like Indigo Blue and Aztec Gold. At $145, it’s a fashion steal and will be a staple for years.
Other Accessories
All kinds of accessories are available in suede. Belts have been very popular accessories this year, especially over dresses. Why not perk up your sundress with a suede belt? A bright and unexpected way to work suede into your summer wardrobe is a pair of bright suede earrings. Available from curiodesigns on Etsy.com, these fun and flirty suede earrings are made with recycled suede from vintage leather jackets. They add a bold but decidedly summery accent to any outfit.
As with any suede piece, be sure to care for your suede. Suede is notoriously easy to stain, even in water, and difficult to clean, so don’t take your suede bag or shoes out on a rainy day. Other than care, the rules of suede have changed markedly in the past years, so wearing suede in the summer is no longer a no-no. As long as it’s bright, light, and fun, suede will never look out of season.
