DESIGN
Guide to Fall Textures and Materials
Suede, leather, denim and more striking autumnal textures and materials.
- Some of the most popular textures and materials to style throughout the fall include suede, leather, denim and shearling.
- Here, we dig into each—with tips on how to care for and style the material for the season ahead.
The style transition from summer to fall can feel drastic (along with the drop in temperatures). From lightweight linens and flowy skirts to chunky knits and leather jackets, it can be difficult to find just the right mix of textures to take your wardrobe from one season to the next.
Here, we dig into all the core fall textures and materials, particularly when it comes to styling a handbag for the season.
Suede
Coach suede is extra soft and luxurious with a fine, velour-like feel. A suede bag adds rich texture and timeless elegance to any look, any season (especially fall).
How to Care for Suede: Extra soft and luxurious, Coach suede is durable but should not be exposed to water. To clean your suede handbag, gently brush the surface with a suede brush to lift dirt and restore texture. For stubborn spots, use a suede eraser and avoid water to prevent staining—always store it in a dust bag when not in use. Explore more care tips here.
Style Tip: Style suede handbags with cozy knitwear or smooth leather for a layered look with depth when the chill hits the air. Plus, the flexibility of a suede bag gives it that slouchy, off-duty vibe that’s always on trend for fall.
Style Picks: Pillow Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Chelsea Shoulder Bag 36
How to Care for Suede: Extra soft and luxurious, Coach suede is durable but should not be exposed to water. To clean your suede handbag, gently brush the surface with a suede brush to lift dirt and restore texture. For stubborn spots, use a suede eraser and avoid water to prevent staining—always store it in a dust bag when not in use. Explore more care tips here.
Style Tip: Style suede handbags with cozy knitwear or smooth leather for a layered look with depth when the chill hits the air. Plus, the flexibility of a suede bag gives it that slouchy, off-duty vibe that’s always on trend for fall.
Style Picks: Pillow Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 34, Chelsea Shoulder Bag 36
Natural Grain Leather
Natural Grain Leather only gets better with time, bringing personality and vintage charm to any bag while serving as a living record of all the places you've been and experiences you've had over the years. When worn often, your bag will mold to you—taking in the sunlight, air and oils from your skin for a naturally “broken in” look that complements the rich color palettes and cozy layers of autumn.
How to Care for Leather: Natural Grain Leather is crafted for living. The best way to care for and maintain Natural Grain Leather is to put it to good use—wear it out to wear it in.
Style Tip: Contrast the smooth texture of your leather bag with chunky fall wardrobe staples like corduroys, flannels and cashmere sweaters for a balanced look. Bonus points for an autumnal color scheme (for example, a maple-colored bag with a burgundy leather jacket and dark wash jeans).
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
How to Care for Leather: Natural Grain Leather is crafted for living. The best way to care for and maintain Natural Grain Leather is to put it to good use—wear it out to wear it in.
Style Tip: Contrast the smooth texture of your leather bag with chunky fall wardrobe staples like corduroys, flannels and cashmere sweaters for a balanced look. Bonus points for an autumnal color scheme (for example, a maple-colored bag with a burgundy leather jacket and dark wash jeans).
Style Picks: Brooklyn Shoulder Bag 28, Tabby Shoulder Bag 26
Denim
Just like your favorite pair of jeans, denim bags are inherently casual and incredibly versatile year-round. Team a denim shoulder bag or crossbody with just about anything in your day-to-day fall wardrobe—from vintage tees to casual cardigans and beyond.
How to Care for Denim: Clean denim bags with a damp or dry soft cloth to restore the fabric. Note that colors may transfer to other items, and the hue of colored denim may fade with continuous wear or exposure to strong sunlight.
Style Tip: Wear a denim shoulder bag with matching loungewear, oversized mocknecks or even everyday jeans for a denim-on-denim style. For some extra oomph, choose a bag crafted of Crystal Signature Denim—it’s the same double C-motif you know and love, reimagined with a sparkling twist.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Alter/Ego Small Slouchy Shoulder Bag
How to Care for Denim: Clean denim bags with a damp or dry soft cloth to restore the fabric. Note that colors may transfer to other items, and the hue of colored denim may fade with continuous wear or exposure to strong sunlight.
Style Tip: Wear a denim shoulder bag with matching loungewear, oversized mocknecks or even everyday jeans for a denim-on-denim style. For some extra oomph, choose a bag crafted of Crystal Signature Denim—it’s the same double C-motif you know and love, reimagined with a sparkling twist.
Style Picks: Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, Alter/Ego Small Slouchy Shoulder Bag
Shearling
Shearling is a luxuriously soft material considered a symbol of American cool (and one of our house codes). Embrace the newfound chill in the air with a shearling bag charm that attaches right onto your perfect plus-one—it’ll add another layer of coziness to all your warm fall wardrobe staples.
How to Care for Shearling: To care for shearling, remove any surface dirt by gently wiping with a dry cloth. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Style Tip: Clip a shearling charm right onto your leather, denim or suede bag for added textural dimension that feels just right for fall.
Style Picks: Teddy Bear Bag Charm, Ducky Bag Charm
How to Care for Shearling: To care for shearling, remove any surface dirt by gently wiping with a dry cloth. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
Style Tip: Clip a shearling charm right onto your leather, denim or suede bag for added textural dimension that feels just right for fall.
Style Picks: Teddy Bear Bag Charm, Ducky Bag Charm
Discover even more styles you’ll love.
FAQs: You asked. We’ve answered.
What bag should I wear with a flannel?
What bag should I wear with a flannel?
Keep it cozy all season long by pairing your favorite flannels with an extra soft and luxurious suede handbag. Thanks to their soft, supple exterior that molds to you, these bags often have the slouchy silhouette that feels just right for fall. Go for a roomy suede style (like the Chelsea or Brooklyn) for that effortless, off-duty vibe.
What bag colors go best with a fall wardrobe?
What bag colors go best with a fall wardrobe?
Styling for cozy season is all about warmth. Luckily, warm neutrals are your wardrobe's superpower come fall. Pair shades of brown like maple, toffee and honey with soft textures like suede or shearling for a monochromatic look that embraces the chill in the air.
What bag size is best for fall?
What bag size is best for fall?
The best size bag for fall depends on your intended use. For example, expandable, slouchy carryalls are a go-to choice for toting around with a few extra layers (think a light sweater or comfy pullover). But if you plan to take your fall style companion with you for nights out on campus or college game days in the stadium, you might want to go with a smaller style that fits just the essentials (like your phone, keys and wallet).