As nights grow longer and days get a little colder, one can surely tell autumn is around the corner.
However, when the sweltering summer sun is gathering its things to make way for the cold winter months, how do you update your outfit to match the season between the two extremes?
It is easy: buy some good fall menswear! As summer comes to a close, every man should have a few indispensable essentials in his wardrobe, from sweaters to jackets.
In today’s article, we’ll cover:
- Lightweight Coats and Jackets
- Sweaters and Thick Shirts
- The Best Men’s Boots
- Slacks and Dress Pants
- Best Fall Accessories For Men
#1 Lightweight Coats And Jackets
Autumn is an awkward time of year. The wind is blowing in, and there’s a chill in the air, but it’s definitely not cold enough for that thick winter coat you’ve been storing since February.
So what’s a stylish man to do? Simple – invest in a high-quality lightweight coat or jacket to get you through this transitional period.
When it comes to lightweight coats and jackets, your options are plentiful! However, there are a few classic pieces that I always recommend guys invest in to keep warm in the slightly cooler months of fall.
Leather Jacket
A leather jacket is an investment piece that every man ought to possess.
When you’re just going to throw on a comfortable T-shirt and jeans for a fantastic autumn day or dress up in pants and button a nice shirt, throw on a leather jacket; it will always be there to protect you (ugly, true!).
This is for those who do not wish to pretend they are going to be full bikers. I suggest a soft leather bomber-type jacket. This is a great option if you are thinking of something a little bit classier than the rest but still has that kick that leather jackets are known for.
For the fall, I would steer clear of suede whenever possible. This season has a lot of rainfall, which is not good for any clothing made of suede. Stick to plain leather; honestly, you can’t go wrong!
Trench Coat
The most stylish piece of fall outerwear has got to be the classic trench coat. No piece of clothing is more suited to layering when the weather suddenly becomes cold—which is a frequent occurrence during the fall, let us be honest.
Trench coats are a perfect example of clothing appropriate for short but warm days with quite mild temperatures because they do not have extra weight or bulkiness yet will still keep you warm as the autumn wind begins blowing in.
When you look at your fall wardrobe and find that there’s no trench coat there, do not miss out on having it on your fall shopping list. Regarding the fit, pick the timeless one in light shades.
As if that wasn’t enough, a trench coat is also an excellent top layer, so even when winter comes and you need to wear bulky knitted tops, scarves, and other winter gear, a trench coat will still go over those quickly.
Wool Coat
Woolen coats are usually available in two dominant varieties, which I think every man should have: the pea coat and the topcoat.
Of course both are excellent for autumn weather conditions, but there are reasons to opt one over the other.
Pea coats are unusually short, which makes them perfect for wearing in very built-up urban settings when you do not want to get your coat on things or drag it on the pavement.
On the other hand, topcoats, with their longer length and extended coverage, exude a sense of sophistication and elegance. They are particularly suitable for chilly weather, adding a touch of refinement to your autumn wardrobe.
Either way, choose a wool coat with a well-fitted cut. This is essential in achieving that nonchalantly chic appearance that we love to pull off during autumn!
Be cautioned that wool can be really warm, and since these are coats or jackets made from this fabric, they should be reserved for the cooler fall months. To avoid this, you can reduce the number of layers worn underneath and consolidate on the wool coat for warmth.
Denim Jacket
When it comes to fall staples, a denim jacket is just as practical and essential as a leather jacket. In fact, it’s a must-have for every man’s wardrobe, adding a touch of style and versatility to your look.
Different styles of denim jackets work with different outfits, be it a warm layer that replaces a hoodie with jeans or a smart-casual piece that can bring together a collared shirt and chinos.
However, one piece of advice: for the sake of durability and style, seek out mid-blue denim jackets. This will ensure that the jacket complements virtually all outfits and does not look overly chic.
In addition, for style reasons, just do not wear a denim jacket with denim jeans. ‘Double denim,’ we refer to this as – must never be done. At a push, different shades of denim can be worn together but I honestly think it’s better to err on the side of caution and wear a pair of chinos with your denim jacket.
#2 Sweaters and Thick Shirts
Finally! It’s now cold enough to start wearing those new sweaters and lumberjack shirts you’ve had your eye on all year!
Slow up there, buddy. Don’t go overboard – fall is still pretty warm at times and you could end up becoming a sweaty mess in your thick sweaters and brushed cotton button-downs.
No one wants that – so it’s important to ensure that your fall sweaters and shirts are just right when it comes to warmth and thickness.
Sweater
Each type and style of sweater is unique, so some people may not know which one suits them best or how to wear it. But don’t stress out—I have you covered on this one!
A crucial factor when selecting a sweater for fall is the knit fabric used to make it. Wool, cashmere, or cotton wool will do as long as it is not too light or flimsy.
Above all, you must not let your sweater be too bulky! Wearing a chunky knit turtleneck in the fall, for instance, will do little but make you uncomfortable; such necks are to be reserved for frigid winters.
Then where exactly is the middle way? What are the ideal jumpers for adults’ thicknesses in the fall?
I think it’s a middle-thickness of wool or cashmere knit. Sweaters like those do allow movement and warmth. Wearing them in the fall will prevent you from feeling hot, plus when it really gets cold, it is a good sweater that can be worn under a coat or jacket.
Men’s Fall Shirts
As autumn approaches and the temperatures drop, it is time to start reaching for the thicker shirts hiding in the closet.
It does not matter if it is a flannel shirt, a chambray shirt, or a button-down shirt with brushed cotton material; these kinds of shirts fit perfectly in the autumn season because they are warmer than standard dress shirts but not as heavy as a sweater.
A nice complement to these shirts would be some dark jeans and some Chelsea boots, which are a nice fall look. However, depending on the event, they can also be dressed sophisticatedly or casually.
When it comes to fashion, though, I would prefer classic colors and patterns like ballet stripes and plaids.
Another important aspect to address is fit. Avoid making your clothes too loose or too boxy since it will be hard to layer them underneath other outfits without making the whole outfit look bad.
At the same time, though, do not ever wear those skin-tight “muscle” tops. Not only are these horrible-looking, but they will also make it seem as though one is overdoing it.
Fall is the perfect time to experiment with different shirt styles and materials. Ensure they fit well and look good when layered under a sweater or jacket.
#3 The Best Men’s Boots For Fall
The earth becomes slightly damp in autumn, and feet start getting numb. Thus, cradle those suede loafers you have been accustomed to wearing throughout summer-spring. No cut.
What’s the answer? You should purchase at least two pairs of good-quality men’s boots, as they are accommodating on those fall days when you need to be dressed up but the elements are not so cooperative.
There are so many styles of boots that it becomes impossible to narrow down which shoes are for you. Fear not, though; I am the one who can give you a hand!
The most critical factor in selecting boots for the fall season is the material. Leather never goes out of style, for you can use it even during the rain, and it would still look good twenty years later.
There is an option to try suede, but make sure to use weather-resistant sprays and shields and cleanliness instead. Let’s put it this way: If you know it’s going to be mud, then your suede is left at home, and you wear the proper dark leather.
Another factor is the type of boot. Chelsea boots are a pretty autumn footwear option as they are quite versatile. However, if you are after a more rough-looking cut, you can try on a pair of military boots instead.
Lastly, select a style that each person is comfortable with and one that also feels like it will be able to wear for a number of years. A good pair of boots is an investment piece that should last forever if taken care of properly.
#4 Corduroy Slacks And Wool Dress Pants For Fall
It’s time to put your chino shorts into storage for another year. Chances are, in the colder months of fall, you just won’t have use for them.
Instead, trade them out for a pair of slacks or dress pants. Sure, jeans are an all-year-round type of trouser, but chances are you haven’t been able to wear your thicker pants for a good few months now.
Now that the weather is getting colder, you should be able to wear your corduroy slacks and wool dress pants more often. These types of pants are ideal for fall because they’re thicker and will keep you warm, but they’re still relatively lightweight, so you won’t get too hot.
Pairing corduroy slacks or wool dress pants with a button-down shirt and some loafers is a great fall look for work or formal occasions. If you’re going for a more casual vibe, then consider pairing them with a sweater or flannel shirt instead.
No matter how you style them, make sure your pants fit well. Nothing ruins an outfit quicker than ill-fitting trousers! Ensure that you take them to the tailor if needed – get the legs hemmed and the waist taken in so that they fit you like a glove, and you don’t have to worry about your pants legs dragging in the mud behind your feet!
#5 Best Fall Accessories For Men
No outfit is complete without a few accessories to finish it off. In fall, there are a few key accessories that every man should have in his wardrobe.
The first is a good scarf. A scarf not only keeps you warm but can also add a pop of color or pattern to your outfit. Look for scarves made from wool or cashmere—these materials are ideal for fall as they’re warm and comfortable without being too heavy. Chunky knit scarves can come out in the winter, but for now, opt for something a little thinner that won’t make your neck sweat.
Another essential fall accessory is a hat. A beanie is always a good choice, as it will keep your head warm and give you that ‘stylish hiker’ look that’s perfect for the autumnal months!
When it comes to color and fit, opt for a dark color that isn’t too ‘stand out’ and a snug fit. Oversized baggy beanies might have looked good in the 90s, but they don’t work for men who want to look timelessly stylish!
Finally, remember your hands. In the fall, you’ll want a good pair of gloves to keep your hands warm. Leather gloves are always a good choice – they look stylish and hold up well against the elements.
If you don’t like the feel of leather, plenty of other materials are available, from wool to cashmere. Ensure your gloves fit well and allow you to move your fingers freely.