I love the fall: Cooler temperatures, an extra hour of sleep thanks to Daylight Savings Time, and football season is in. Fall is the season where earth tones can be maximized and darker colors become more significant. Just because Labor Day has passed doesn’t mean that wearing white is out – just minimized. And guys, get the leather out. This season’s edition of Five Easy Pieces requires a bit of execution. If done successfully, you’ll win big on style points.
Plaid Suits: Solids and pinstripes are year-round options, but plaids stand out in the fall. The colors should be bolder than those you may see in summer suits. Brown and charcoal plaids are best suited for the season. Because of the cooler temps, three-piece models are right in stride. For those who live in warmer climates, wearing two of the three pieces reflects a practical sensibility. For those who want value, Joseph A. Bank has classic glen plaid jackets and suits at reasonable prices. Brooks Brothers and Polo also offer a variety of plaid patterns. If you’re into the finer things, Zegna’s custom fabrics include a number of elegant plaid options.
Hats: The fedora is timeless, though it does face challenges in warmer climates like in Houston. Fur felt is the first choice, though wool is perfectly acceptable. If you’re on a budget, black covers the bases with all outfits, then you can branch out to brown and other colors that match up with your outerwear and suits. Borsalino, Stetson, and Makins are among the heavy hitters in the hat department.
Cardigan Sweaters: Cardigans are another old-school choice that exudes “preppiness.” These days, you might see the likes of NBA starts LeBron James and Dwyane Wade rocking a cardigan in their sartorial repertoire. Combined with a white T shirt, a dark-colored cardigan really stands out. Ralph Lauren’s Rugby line can transform young guys into members of the varsity in a hurry. J. Crew, Lands End, and L.L. Bean offer a range of shawl collars and zip-ups. Brooks Brothers, steeped in its history with outfitting Ivy Leaguers since 1818, remains a constant where cardigans are concerned.
Boots: In a world of convenience, boots are great when you don’t have to lace ‘em up. But it would be a shame to miss out on the classic shoe styles — the wingtips and cap toes of the world — especially when an ankle-high boot offers increased support. To that end, Prada’s wingtip boot is rugged yet traditional. Wolverine’s 1,000 Mile line is reminiscent of frontier fashion befitting of its 125-year history.
Leather bags: It’s all about function when it comes to selecting a bag. Size matters, whether one wishes to carry a
laptop or do the “pony express” courier look and carry just files and letters. While canvas bags are usually lighter, leather provides a stronger complement to your overall presentation. I like matching the color of the bag with my shoes where possible. If brown is the color du jour, check out the Col. Littleton collection. These are truly an elegant bunch. For men in black, Mulholland Brothers offers a professional aesthetic that balances the most casual of dressers.
David Yarbrough is a freelance style commentator based in Houston and editor of Style Points blog.
Great tips. A plaid suit is definitely a statement piece. It might be time for me to make one.
I like how a cardigan looks over a dress shirt and skinny tie . It reminds me of Mr. Rogers a little, but there are ways to modernize the look.
leather bags are nice specially if you get the original ones that are made by Prada or Gucci ..
[...] these pieces, combined with the previous seasons’ suggestions, form the basis of a solid wardrobe that should carry you from year to year in style. Even with the [...]