I’m guilty of not wearing my clothes enough. In part, that’s due to the fact I work from home and live in pyjamas 80% of the time. The other factor is that I do have too many clothes and, even if I wore a new item every single day, it would probably take me over a year to wear everything once.
In recent years, I’ve tried to be more conscious about my purchases, buying less than I used to and really considering what’s missing from my wardrobe. And this autumn, I added a much longed-for jacket to my collection, and I’ve already worn it on repeat all season.
Chocolate tones and suede textures have both been major trends in 2025, from boots and skirts, to accessories and outerwear emulating a 70s, western vibe. But what’s so good about both of these trends is that they’re still timeless, versatile and won’t end up on Vinted in six months’ time.
I had been eyeing up a blazer, but found many of them to feel too long, or too oversized, so I opted for this collared button-down faux suede jacket from Topshop, which wasn’t as tailored, felt a bit more laidback, but was a great length and fit. I didn’t expect it to become such a staple, but it has slipped so seamlessly into my outfits that I’ve found myself reaching for it endlessly.
One of my favourite styling hacks is to use the suede jacket to transform summer dresses into autumn staples, so that said frocks don’t find themselves restricted to a few months of the year. I wore the jacket buttoned up over a yellow and brown strappy number as though it were a shirt, and suddenly the whole outfit felt autumn-ready. The colours blended together beautifully, and the texture of the suede gave the airy dress a bit more structure.
The jacket proved to be ideal for milder autumn days when we visited Krakow – it actually ended up being the only piece of outerwear I packed for the trip. Styled with a light pink knit and cream jeans, the soft pastel tones contrast really well with the rich brown suede, creating a look that feels bright but still seasonal.
I’ve adored exploring different colour combinations with this jacket, with one of my favourites being chocolate and red. I teamed it with a red checked skirt, a Levi’s white tee and a red gilet layered on top. The brown suede is the perfect neutral to ground the brighter tones, and it adds that subtle retro touch. The little horseshoe detailing on the tee also gave this look a little cowboy nod, too.
What I love most about this jacket is that it adapts itself to so many moods, be it cosy, classic, or a little more playful, like this layered look. Over a long sleeved brown base and denim top paired with a kilt, this outfit really went all out with textures and patterns to generate more interest.
The warm brown tone, the soft faux suede texture and that slightly structured-but-still-relaxed fit works over almost anything. It’s the kind of piece that pulls a look together without trying too hard – cosy enough for crisp mornings, light enough for those strangely warm afternoons, and stylish enough to elevate even the simplest outfit. It’s become my go-to for those in-between days when the weather can’t decide what it’s doing, and it has genuinely surprised me with just how many outfits it complements.
If you’re looking for a piece to see you through the season and beyond, consider a brown faux suede jacket, because this Topshop faux suede number has absolutely earned its keep.
