You know fall has really arrived when the suede comes out! We don’t see much of it the rest of the year, so slipping into a pair of faux suede leggings always feels like a bit of a treat.

They’re soft, stretchy, and cozy, with that rich, velvety finish that makes a fall outfit feel extra special. I also find them a little more elegant and feminine than faux leather leggings—and much less edgy.

Faux suede leggings have been around for a while, but they’re still a popular fall choice. If you’re wondering what to wear with faux suede leggings, here’s how I like to style them with the right tops, shoes, colors, and accessories.

 

faux suede leggings | these are good too

What to Look for in Faux Suede Leggings

The best faux suede leggings are soft, stretchy, and substantial enough to smooth without feeling stiff. They should fit close to the body but not dig in, bunch behind the knees, or slide down as you move.

I also prefer a wide, comfortable waistband and a matte finish. If the fabric is very thin or shiny, the leggings can look more like inexpensive costume suede than luxurious suede.

These rusty-brown leggings have plenty of stretch and feel soft and lightweight. I love this warm color for fall. It reminds me of autumn leaves and looks beautiful with chocolate brown, cream, camel, black, and animal print.

Brown Faux Suede Leggings Outfit

Brown faux suede leggings have a warm, rich look that is softer than black and a little more unexpected. My leggings are a rusty cognac shade, which I’ve paired with a chocolate-brown ribbed mock-neck sweater.

The sweater is slim enough to follow my shape, but it isn’t tight. That’s important because suede already has texture. A simple top keeps the outfit looking modern instead of heavy or fussy.

You could also wear brown suede leggings with:

• An ivory or cream sweater
• A camel coat or cardigan
• A silky blouse in warm white
• A chocolate-brown knit
• A denim or chambray shirt
• A soft blouse in rust, forest green, or burgundy

Try a Tone-on-Tone Suede Leggings Outfit

Wearing different shades of one color is an easy way to make faux suede leggings look elegant. My rust-colored leggings and chocolate sweater are not an exact match, but they belong to the same warm-brown color family.

That slight difference in color makes the outfit more interesting, while the continuous column of brown creates a long, slimming line.

You don’t need to match every piece perfectly. In fact, an outfit often looks richer when you mix several related shades, such as camel, cognac, chocolate, and cream.

What to Wear With Black Faux Suede Leggings

Black faux suede leggings are easy to style because they work with almost anything you would normally wear with black leggings. However, the suede texture makes them feel warmer and a little dressier.

For a casual outfit, try black suede leggings with a relaxed sweater, a long-sleeved tee and cardigan, or a shorter sweater layered over a crisp white shirt.

To dress them up, add a silky blouse, a beautiful knit jacket, or a soft sweater with a flattering neckline. Black suede leggings also look fabulous with cream, camel, red, cobalt blue, and deep jewel tones.

Since today’s tops are generally shorter and less voluminous than the extra-long tunics we wore years ago, choose a top that finishes around the low hip or upper thigh. If your leggings are thick and completely opaque, you don’t necessarily need to cover every inch of your backside. Wear the length that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

The Best Tops for Faux Suede Leggings

The texture of faux suede is the star, so you don’t need a complicated top. I like to pair suede leggings with something that provides a little contrast.

Soft Sweaters

Cashmere, merino wool, fine ribbed knits, and soft cotton blends all look beautiful with faux suede. A relaxed sweater is lovely, but avoid anything so enormous that it overwhelms your shape.

Silky Blouses

A silky blouse creates an elegant contrast with the matte finish of suede. Try a button-up blouse, a soft popover, or a draped blouse that skims rather than clings.

Shirts and Jackets

A white shirt, denim shirt, knit blazer, or suede-look jacket can also work well. If you’re layering, keep the pieces fairly streamlined so the outfit doesn’t become bulky.

Tunic-Length Tops

You can still wear a tunic with faux suede leggings, but choose one with clean lines and a modern shape. Skip the old sharkbite hems, exaggerated points, and huge swingy silhouettes. A straight or softly curved hem that hits around the upper thigh looks much fresher.

What Shoes to Wear With Suede Leggings

Your shoes can completely change the mood of a suede leggings outfit.

For everyday wear, try:

• Sleek ankle boots
• Loafers
• Ballet flats
• Minimal leather sneakers
• Low suede boots

For a dressier look, choose:

• Pointed-toe flats
• Kitten heels
• Heeled ankle boots
• Knee-high boots
• An elegant mule

I’ve worn my brown leggings with leopard flats and a green suede tote for a casual look. At other times, I’ve dressed them up with black suede booties and an animal-print bag.

Yes, you can wear black shoes with brown leggings. Black and brown look very current together, especially when you repeat the black somewhere else in the outfit or carry a bag that includes both colors.

Add One Interesting Accessory

Animal print is a natural partner for faux suede because both have a warm, earthy feeling. A leopard bag, belt, or pair of flats adds personality without competing with the leggings.

You don’t have to wear animal print, of course. A beautiful leather bag, gold earrings, a sculptural bracelet, or a colorful tote can do the same job.

I’d keep it to one main statement. Suede already adds plenty of texture, so piling on a bold necklace, patterned bag, dramatic belt, and embellished shoes can make the outfit feel busy.

Keep the Jewelry Simple

A little jewelry finishes the outfit, but it doesn’t have to be elaborate. I’m wearing delicate layered necklaces here, which look light and feminine against the ribbed sweater.

Small hoops, sculptural earrings, a pendant, or a few slim bracelets would also work beautifully. The idea is to add a bit of shine without taking attention away from the gorgeous suede texture.

How to Care for Faux Suede Leggings

Always check the label because care instructions vary by brand. Many faux suede leggings can be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle, but some require handwashing.

Turn them inside out before washing, use a mild detergent, and avoid fabric softener. I would also skip the dryer and hang them to dry. Heat can affect the stretch and change the soft texture of the fabric.

If the surface becomes slightly flattened, gently brush it with a soft clothing brush once the leggings are completely dry.

Deb’s Takeaway

Faux suede leggings are a lovely change from regular black leggings and a softer alternative to faux leather. Choose a pair with good stretch and a matte, velvety finish, then let the texture do the talking.

I love brown suede leggings worn tone-on-tone with a simple knit, but they’re just as pretty with cream, black, or a silky blouse. Add sleek shoes, one interesting accessory, and a touch of jewelry, and you have a suede leggings outfit that feels modern, comfortable, and very wearable.

Prefer a little more shine? Here’s how to wear faux-leather leggings. And if you’re considering Spanx, read my honest Spanx faux suede leggings review for details about the fit, sizing, and feel.