At MR PORTER, we’ve always stressed the importance of style, as opposed to transient fashion. So, it would be disingenuous of us to suggest that suede is any more deserving of a place in your wardrobe now than it was last year, or indeed the year before that.

As for the quintessentials, the fabric takes its name from the soft, napped-leather gloves made in Sweden for import to France, which became known as gants de Suède – or “gloves of Sweden”. But gloves are just the start for this wonderfully versatile fabric, which is just as comfortable taking centre stage as the hero fabric of a bomber jacket or trench coat as it is playing a supporting role as a textural accent on a pair of panelled sneakers.

This versatility means there are a huge number of ways to work it into your look. In this stylish gent’s guide to suede, you’ll be introduced to just a few of them.

The best looks are often those that seem to have occurred by happy accident, ones where we doubt a whole lot of fussing was involved. What strikes us about our man casually strolling, above, is how the elements shouldn’t work, but do. A navy polka-dot scarf and a workwear-inspired chore jacket aren’t natural friends, but feel right at home here, thanks, in part, to the synergy in this simple yet eye-catching combination. It’s worn with insouciance, too. Note the popped collar and casually draped scarf. This is the unmistakable expression of a man who knows he’s well dressed.

A black velvet blazer is a popular choice for after dark because of the fabric’s ability to soak up light, which lends it a deep, blacker-than-black appearance. Suede, another richly textured fabric, has the same quality. This makes it ideal for adding another dimension to the monochrome look, which, despite its enduring popularity among the fashion cognoscenti, is always susceptible to accusations of being a little unadventurous. Here, a bomber jacket in black suede elevates a simple sportswear-inspired look into something sharp enough to turn the head of a passing street-style photographer.

If you were to ask us, can I wear a buffalo-checked shirt, Cuban boots and a trucker jacket all at once, our instinctual answer would be: absolutely not, unless you are attending a fancy dress party. But we are willing to be proved wrong, and how wrong we were, eh? The reason this look doesn’t end up approximating cosplay has a lot to do with the choice of suede jacket – its clean lines, in particular – as well as the decision to opt for smart trousers, rather than jeans, and add a pair of Wayfarers. We are humbled.

What immediately grabs the eye here is the unexpected juxtaposition of the sharp lines of the tailored trousers and shirt and tie combo and the soft suede bomber jacket, which wouldn’t look out of place on a WWI fighter pilot (or a very smartly dressed one, anyway). Notice also that the jacket here is used as a substitute for a blazer or suit jacket. Our subject has opted for a cardigan underneath, but has wisely chosen one in a complementary colour. There are contrasts here, sure – contrasting textures and contrasting modes of attire – but also harmony.

If you’re going to do something, you may as well do it properly. And there is perhaps no better way to welcome suede into your life and your wardrobe than with a trench coat. It’s a true investment piece and something you’ll find yourself returning to again and again, especially if you buy it in this timeless, shade of tobacco. But how to wear it in a contemporary fashion, we hear you ask. The gentleman in this picture offers one particularly stylish solution: go all in. Other than the glimpse of a crisp cotton shirt, this entire outfit is suede. Sure, a top-to-to look is not for everyone, but we can’t help but applaud skater and surfer Mr Evan Mock’s results.