Skip Navigation.
BBG: Be Better Guys
BBG
Home Your Clothes What to Wear Five Easy Pieces -- Fall 2009
Five Easy Pieces -- Fall 2009
Written by David Yarbrough | Style Points   
| More
Heading into the homestretch of the year, temperatures get progressively cooler and it’s time to assess what to wear. If you’re in warmer climates, don’t ditch the summer fabrics just yet. Cotton and linen are viable options; just shift toward earth tones such as olive, rust and brown as part of the palette. One example of a summer-to-fall casual piece is the Brooks Brothers madras sport shirt. Its orange and brown elements are in alignment with the season. Add some jeans, a pair of suede bucks, your favorite baseball cap and you’re comfortably good to go.
This season's Five Easy Pieces is pulled together by style blogger David Yarbrough. As always, BBG gives you savvy recommendations on what to add with what exists in your closet, giving you an up-to-date wardrobe without spending a fortune each year.

Heading into the homestretch of the year, temperatures get progressively cooler and it’s time to assess what to wear. If you’re in warmer climates, don’t ditch the summer fabrics just yet. Cotton and linen are viable options; just shift toward earth tones such as olive, rust and brown as part of the palette. One example of a summer-to-fall casual piece is the Brooks Brothers madras sport shirt. Its orange and brown elements are in alignment with the season. Add some jeans, a pair of suede bucks, your favorite baseball cap and you’re comfortably good to go.
For those who experience a more appreciable change of seasons, the pieces are not only easy but distinctive. To appreciate the full effect of fall wear, let’s get out of the city suits and into the countryside attire, from toe to head.

Shoes: It’s not as hard-and-fast a rule these days, but the color of one’s shoes usually signifies where you’re going. Black is for city dwellers and professionals; brown is worn by country folk and can carry a rugged look (especially for those who wear facial hair) or a more leisurely presentation. For fall, a brown shoe resonates with the season. Suede dirty bucks are a classic choice. So are loafers for the collegiate look, and Chelsea boots for a simpler elegance in putting your best feet forward. Round up the usual shoemakers: Alden, Allen Edmonds, Bass, Brooks Brothers and Cole-Haan. Also, check out H.S. Trask, Havana Joe and Polo.

Trousers: Choosing the right weight for fabric is important when making the transition to fall wear. It’s a common mistake to select wool that is suited more for winter than for fall, and such trousers wind up not getting worn at all because they’re not part of the wardrobe rotation. Gabardine wool works year-round and is a no-brainer. On the other end of the fabric spectrum, the poplin that was working well in the summer becomes less effective in the fall. Cotton twill and corduroy are what you want here. Anyone who goes sailing knows that the weave is comfortable and can withstand wind, wear and tear. Corduroy holds heat well and breathes well. Once you get a feel for the fabric, color is next. Dark khaki and olive are excellent earth-tone colors that are complementary with navy blazers. When it comes to cotton slacks, Orvis chinos are solid for the money. Brooks Brothers is always in the conversation. If you want the World War II-style roominess in the leg and tough cotton fabric, consider Bills (as in the football team, no apostrophes, please) Khakis out of Reading, Pa. These pants are produced in three different cuts, depending on how slim or generous you’re looking for these trousers to be.

Shirts: In the era of wrinkle-free and non-iron, dress shirts are an important easy piece for everyday wear. But let’s get outside the convenience box for a second. (Besides, all shirts have to be washed sometime.) This is where rugby shirts come into play. Feel the fabric and check the stitching that goes into a well-made rugby shirt. Brooks Brothers, Rugby Ralph Lauren, and Lands’ End have put forth quality shirts on the market. Turtlenecks and mocks are another fundamentally sound piece to have. Just about everyone makes them, so do some comparison shopping and see what works for you.

Outerwear: The defining piece of your fall wardrobe is the three-quarter jacket. In warmer climates, you’ll be able to get by with a sportcoat, which probably will be taken off by high noon. But where there are real fall temperatures, a cotton canvas barn coat, a fine wool or leather jacket are smart choices. The jacket is the one piece where you’ll want to spend pretty pennies. Burberry pea coats are a fundamentally sound choice that covers fall and winter. Loro Piana offers a variety of calfskin leather jackets. Etro does interesting interpretations on the classic plaid patterns for its wool three-quarter jackets.

Hats: The right hat fits not only the fall climate but is a statement piece. The most casual is any baseball cap, but J. Peterman’s Hemingway Cap is by far a classic throwback, a tribute to this great American author. If you want to convey a more serious tone, a fur-felt black fedora is the all-round answer, hands down. Borsalino and Stetson get the nods here. Newsboy caps are a familiar favorite as well, giving the wearer a more care-free appearance. You may find some old-school caps at Urban Outfitters, otherwise check your local men’s hat store. The styles don’t change much. And it’s trial-and-error for caps to fit your look.

Fall is my favorite season for coordinating pieces because of the range of colors and styles. There’s plenty of room for unique expression during this time of year. Have fun making the most of it.

David Yarbrough writes a men's style blog, Style Points and consults on fashion and style in the Houston area.
 
Most Popular - Clothes

Your Body ::: Your Life ::: Your Place ::: Your Clothes ::: About Be Better Guys ::: Sitemap ::: BBG Recommended Sites ::: BBG Press