No matter how many years it’s been since you last raised your hand in English Lit, September still has that unmistakable back-to-school energy. The crisp air, the urge to buy new stationery you don’t actually need, and of course, the all-important question: what’s my uniform this season?

Enter the brown suede jacket — autumn’s star pupil. Equal parts timeless and trendy, it’s strutted down the runway, popped up on street-style darlings, and is now waiting patiently to slide into your wardrobe. Think of it as the fashion equivalent of a straight-A student who also happens to be ridiculously popular.

The beauty? No two are the same. Whether you’re the type who wants a trusty wear-every-day throw-on or you’re curating a future “personal archive” (aka, investment wardrobe), there’s a suede jacket calling your name.

First lesson: find your brown. Do you lean towards tan and latte shades (perfect with denim) or are you tempted by indulgent, rich chocolate brown? The latter feels especially luxe — ideal for the all-black-everything crew who refuse to wear colour until at least April.

Second lesson: contrast is key. Brown suede sings when paired with colour. A pop of green, a flash of pink, or the forever classics — a crisp white shirt, a grey knit, and your favourite blue jeans. Translation: this jacket is basically your autumn cheat code for looking pulled-together with zero stress.

As for silhouettes, go boxy with a collar (rounded or sharp, both work). If you’ve got a fuller bust or broader shoulders, size up — that way you get the effortlessly slouchy, lived-in feel that makes it look like you’ve had it forever (in the best way possible).

So, sharpen your pencils (or just your style game) — here are three of the best brown suede jackets you’ll want to shop before the leaves even finish falling.