Suede bags come back every fall, and this season the shapes range from slouchy totes and structured top handles to 90s-style shoulder bags, mostly in chocolate and sandy beige. A tan or black shoulder bag is the easiest place to start. Staud's tan Harlow bag, Demellier's black Sienna crossbody, Valentino's chocolate patchwork Panthea and Métier's tan Tilt 22 bag are all good options.

A slouchy suede tote is the most relaxed way to carry a lot. Khaite's brown Lotus tote, Toteme's dark brown belted tote and The Row's N/S Park tote all soften with wear, and Loewe's black Switch tote mixes suede with crinkled leather.

A structured suede top handle is the polished alternative. Savette's mint Symmetry Pochette and Gabriela Hearst's turquoise Leonora bring colour, while Brunello Cucinelli's pastel pink beaded bag and Bottega Veneta's brown Bang Bang top handle are softer.

Suede works surprisingly well after dark. Simkhai's black beaded River clutch and McQueen's crystal Knuckle clutch are the dressy options, while Loeffler Randall's knotted Helga clutch and Manolo Blahnik's houndstooth Maycap clutch are easier to carry every day.

The 90s shoulder bag is back in suede. Chloé's taupe Marcie and Saint Laurent's camel Cassandre bag are the classics, Balenciaga's brown Rodeo mini is the smaller option, and Alaïa's studded black bag adds a harder edge.

Suede has a reputation for being fragile, but most bags handle normal daily wear with a little care. If you take one thing away, let it be that colour matters more than shape here: chocolate brown and sandy beige go with nearly every fall outfit, while brights are best as a second bag. We would skip very pale suede if you commute or carry the bag every day, since it marks easily. A protective spray and a suede brush help it last. The shoulder bag is the most versatile shape on this list, and a slouchy tote is the most practical.