Is Suede Really a Trend or Are We Stuck in a Fashion Rut? Discover the Truth Behind Fall Styles

Every season, we're itching for a fashion revolution to jazz up our closets, but this fall leaves much to be desired. As we scroll through Instagram and browse store aisles, suede jackets, chunky knitwear, and leather boots are being touted as the "new trends," but spoiler alert—they're not! These so-called "trends" seem to boomerang back each year, especially suede, making us question: is it even a trend if it never leaves?

Since the dawn of time, trends have been a way to signal status. In today's hyper-connected world, we're hooked on celebrity and influencer style for our fashion fix. The "20-year trend cycle" used to be the name of the game, but thanks to the fast-paced world of social media and fast fashion, we're whizzing through trends every 5 to 10 years. Kylie Jenner's recent return to her 2016 blue hair made waves online as a reminder that yesterday's looks are today's "new" trends.

Vogue's latest fall fashion guides have us déjà vu-ing all over again. Last year's pant-boots trend, originally sparked by influencers like Trisha Paytas, is back for another round. Even the glitzy Paris Fashion Week couldn't escape the nostalgia overload with collections full of heritage vibes, nostalgic tailoring, and sheer fabrics.

While once upon a time fashion brought us fresh energy thanks to cultural shifts, this season we find ourselves in a transitional slump. Could it be that designers are falling back on trusty fabrics amid the chaos and unpredictability of today's world?

Take suede, the supposed star of the season. It's touted as a fashionable must-have every fall, and you can’t help but wonder if it ever truly went away. Is this repetitive cycle of calling suede new evidence of creativity burnout, or are designers hinting at a larger shift toward sustainability and timeless style?

Fast fashion's relentless cycle may be feeding our trend fatigue. With giants like Zara and H&M on a constant grind to churn out "new" collections, the sustainability of seasonal fashion feels precarious. The influencer culture, championing fast fashion hauls and promoting the idea of "shopping therapy," fuels this never-ending cycle. Despite brands like Shein being under the lens for controversial practices, #sheinhaul on TikTok has more than a million videos islanding old styles as the next best thing.

However, there’s something intriguing about the push for timelessness. Perhaps suede's comeback isn't design laziness, but a nod to the growing demand for quality and sustainability. Fast fashion might dominate now, but let’s not forget the charm of familiar, enduring fabrics. Yet, while we bask in the comfort of the tried-and-true, we crave bolder risks from the fashion industry.

Will we see a comeback of ‘40s to ‘70s inspirations? The current focus on ‘90s and 2000s styles leaves us wanting more. Accessories like pillbox hats and fascinators were all the rage in the ‘50s—why not bring those into the limelight again? As individuals, it’s time to embrace our unique style, break away from celebrity-driven trends, and pave the path for groundbreaking fashion revolutions.

Fashion is in a transitional dance, juggling fast fashion pressures, sustainability needs, and the allure of familiarity. Yet, is there space to blend tried-and-true like suede with breakthrough innovations? I’m itching for that fashion breakthrough—are you ready for the next big trend?