Wipe dust and city grit with a soft, dry cloth after each wear. Moisture and salt are the biggest enemies of leather, so address spills quickly with a lightly damp cloth and let the piece dry away from direct heat.
Condition leather every few months with a cream suited to the finish. Smooth leather benefits from a light polish afterward, while suede needs a brush and protective spray instead of cream.
Store boots with shoe trees or rolled tissue to hold shape, and keep handbags upright with light stuffing. Proper storage prevents creases from becoming permanent folds.