I’m a big fan of suede pants because they hit that sweet spot between denim and leather. They’re a little more luxe than your everyday jeans, but softer and not quite as edgy as leather or faux leather.

I’ve had these chocolate brown faux suede flares from Spanx for several years, and I still love them. They’re soft, stretchy, super comfy, and that rich chocolate brown is gorgeous for fall.

Suede pants come in all kinds of styles, from flares and bootcuts to straight and wide legs. Here are a few easy ways to wear them and make them look modern.

Mix Suede With a Different Texture

One of the prettiest things about suede is its soft, brushed texture, so rather than pairing it with more of the same, I like a little contrast.

Try suede pants with a silky blouse, crisp cotton shirt, fine knit sweater, or smooth leather jacket. That mix of textures makes a simple outfit much more interesting.

For a dressier fall or holiday look, I especially love the idea of chocolate suede pants with a cream or champagne satin blouse and a beautiful pair of earrings.

Treat Brown Suede Like a Neutral

It’s easy to automatically reach for camel and cream with brown suede—and they’re beautiful—but don’t stop there.

Chocolate brown also looks fabulous with burgundy, navy, red, soft blue and even a pop of yellow. This is an easy way to make brown suede feel fresher and a little less predictable.

If you prefer a quieter look, try several shades from the same color family. Chocolate, caramel and cream together look rich without being overly matchy.

Pay Attention to Proportion

Suede has visual weight, especially in a wide-leg or flare, so I like to balance it with a top that gives me some shape.

A fine-gauge sweater, shorter cardigan, tucked blouse or fitted jacket works beautifully. You don’t necessarily need something tight—you just don’t want so much volume on top that your shape disappears.

These Spanx flares are fitted through the hips and thighs before opening up below the knee, which is one reason I find them so flattering.

Get the Length Right With Flares

If you’re wearing suede flares, length makes a huge difference.

I like mine long enough to almost skim the floor with my shoes on. A bootie or shoe with a little heel gives the flare room to fall properly and creates a beautiful long leg line.

Straight-leg suede pants are easier if you prefer flats. Try them with loafers, ballet flats, a sleek ankle boot, or even a simple sneaker for a more casual look.

Try Suede With Animal Print

This is an old favorite of mine, and I still think it works beautifully.

Leopard and brown suede are natural partners because they share those warm, earthy tones. The key is to let the print be the accent rather than covering yourself in it.

Here I’ve worn my suede flares with a leopard sweater, but a leopard blouse, belt, bag, or shoe would give you the same idea in a smaller dose.

Suede Doesn’t Have to Be Brown

Chocolate and camel may be the classics, but suede can be gorgeous in color too.

I’ve also been wearing faux suede leggings in pink and blue, and they have a completely different personality from these brown flares. They’re a fun reminder that suede doesn’t always have to feel earthy or traditional.

What About Faux Suede?

For pants, I actually really like faux suede. It gives you that soft, luxurious look, but it’s generally lighter, stretchier. That’s particularly nice in a fitted pant because you can move!

My Spanx flares have a smooth pull-on waistband and plenty of stretch, which is what originally sold me on them.

If you wear jeans most days and are craving something different this fall, suede pants are an easy change. You can wear them casually with a sweater and boots or dress them up with something silky and a little jewelry. Either way, that gorgeous suede texture brings something special to a fall outfit.

Prefer suede leggings to pants. Check out this post on What to Wear With Faux Suede Leggings.