Cheryl Shops

Suede has been surging in popularity for a few years now—I included it in last year's fall trends—and we're either about to reach Peak Suede or maybe it's just a sign that it's here to stay. I am a fan; because of the natural nap, it has a richer, softer texture than leather and it takes dye beautifully, particularly in autumnal colors like brown, which has also been trending for awhile now. That said, suede can be a little more high-maintenance than leather—it stains more easily and I find it to be harder to keep clean—but for what it lacks in ease of care, it makes up for in pure luxuriousness. And yet there's something inherently boho about suede, which is what appeals to me—it's the ultimate rich-hippie essential. Which brings me to my latest, very specific fall trend: the fringed suede jacket. 

I was inspired to seek out a brown fringed suede jacket after seeing A Complete Unknown, the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothee Chalamet and Monica Barbaro, who plays Joan Baez and wears several fantastic jackets in the movie, including this one. I was so inspired by the outfit she's wearing in this scene, I decided to re-create it for this post. 

While I ideally wanted a vintage fringed suede jacket, I found most of what's out there to be rather stiff and heavy, so I then honed in on a Massimo Dutti jacket, which I featured in my birthday wishlist earlier this year. That jacket was originally $590, so I added it to my shopping bag then waited (and waited and waited) for a sale. Long story short, my patience paid off and I finally scored it for 60% off in July. The wait was worth it; this jacket is buttery soft and the cropped fit is *chef's kiss*. It's finally getting cool enough to actually wear it, and while I love the more transitional way I've styled it here, I can't wait to pair it with high-waisted wide-leg jeans and a great pair of boots. This exact jacket is sadly long gone, but read on for more great options. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Massimo Dutti jacket (similar here) | Madewell tee | Old Navy skirt | Sojos sunglasses |  Vicenza Mary Jane shoes 

More fringed suede jackets

1. Madewell had a really great suede boyfriend blazer last year that I had my eye on; I think this shirt jacket might be even better, albeit in a slightly different style. The caramel shade is really versatile, and the fit of this looks generous enough that you can layer a big, thick sweater underneath and still have a lot of room. 

Madewell Fringe Shirt Jacket

2. While I'm generally not a fan of faux animal hides, I wanted to include a few faux suede options here for price sensitivity and because real suede can be challenging to care for. But this jacket is so unique, I would have included it regardless—it's definitely the most '80s-inspired option here, but in a more refined way than you'd expect. I love the placement of the fringe and the cropped fit. 

Zara Faux Suede Fringed Jacket

3. I will admit, I didn't realize that Lucky Brand was still around, but this fringed suede jacket feels very on-brand (pun intended) for them. I like the tonal whipstitching around the edges—it's a very Western detail that works here. Also, I should note that this jacket is currently 50% off, making it an excellent deal, especially for real suede.

Lucky Brand Fringed Suede Jacket

4. If you want to try this trend but like a more streamlined look, this zip-front jacket reads more minimalist than boho—it has a sleek, almost '90s-inspired aesthetic that feels a little more elevated and polished than the rest of the jackets here. 

Lysse Candence Fringe Trim Faux Suede Jacket

5. Edikted is a brand I keep reading about—apparently it's huge with Gen Alpha and younger Gen Z—and if this jacket is indicative of their line, I get it. The oversized silhouette feels a little '80s (I think my sister had a jacket like this, but in white) but it feels young and fun, and the price is right. 

Edikted Evonka Fringe Faux Suede Jacket 

6. I've had Nour Hammour's outerwear on my radar for awhile now; these are definitely investment pieces, but they're so uniquely detailed that they're kind of in a league of their own. This jacket reads '70s thanks to fringe but the belted silhouette feels so refined and I can only imagine how buttery-soft the suede must be. This is a textbook example of a "rich hippie" jacket. 

Nour Hammour Cassidy Oversized Suede Fringe Jacket