Fall’s the best, ain’t it? But the season is not without it’s style complications. Here are ten tips, strategies, suggestions, and maybe a trend or two to consider adding into your personal style arsenal for the upcoming season.
#1. Get great at layering.
Easy for some, and intimidating to others. Yet, it’s not as hard as those others would think. Three keys: Contrast, texture, and… remember that your outfit is like Thanksgiving Dinner. Further explanation over here. And remember, you can go overboard with layering. Like, suede blazer + mock zip + shirt + tie plus… well, y’know. Shown above: A moleskin Old Navy Blazer (RIP Old Navy Blazers), a lambswool v-neck, and a poplin shirt from Ratio clothing.
#2. Invest in a slim pair of gloves
Gloves are like sunglasses. Just like how a pair of chunky, sporty shades doesn’t look right with a suit, a pair of thick, technical ski gloves might not look the best with a topcoat and a blazer. Most of us spend the winter moving from heated building, to heated vehicle, to heated building, with some time outdoors but not a ton unless it’s for a specific recreational purpose. Unless it’s bitter out, an unlined pair of leather gloves should hold in enough heat while deflecting the wind. Shown above: The oft mentioned drivers from Orvis (with a year of wear on them) and some newish Cole Haans picked up during a Rue La La sale.
#3. Get a Clothes Brush.
Here’s the cliff’s notes version: A clothes brush is far superior to a sticky roller. And now the in depth explanation: There’s going to come a point that your peacoat, or corduroy blazer, or flannel suit is going to start looking a little… littered with life debris. You could break out one of those pet hair rollers (which do just fine in a pinch) or, you could invest in a clothes brush like the Kent pictured above. The bristles get into the space between the fibers, kick up the dirt/hair/etc. then pick it up on that same or next swipe. All without the use of adhesives that might be pulling and tearing at the fabric. Well worth it, especially around this time of year. More on the value of a clothes brush from RealMenRealStyle over here. Meanwhile, Amazon has a few modles of Kent Clothes Brushes
#4. Switch out some of your shoes to suede.
Suede doesn’t handle precipitation the best, but it still looks all kinds of right in fall. The soft texture of suede looks warm. And the muted/matte appearance is in line with other fall fabrics and materials. Shown above: The on sale but still super spendy Allen Edmonds Strand in Suede. For cheaper options, DSW, Banana Republic, and Zara are good places to start.
#5. Get Quilted.
Quilted jackets have been on a great run in the world of casual outerwear. And for good reason. Most are warm, have a good amount of pockets for holding your cell/wallet/keys/dog-poop bags/etc… , they move well, and unlike their puffer coat cousins, the new-look quilted jackets are good and trim. Look for one that’s blazer-length. One that covers most of your butt. A jacket like this won’t chop you in half like a hits-at-the-belt Bomber or Harrington. Seen above: The pricey ticket-pocket-equipped Massimo Dutti in a size Large (cheaper option over here), and Boden’s Quilted jacket.
#6. Feel free to facilitate some face fuzz.
Now’s a good time to get a jump on movember. Facial hair, even the too-trendy-for-some shorter beard/scruff, has become pretty well accepted in our more casual than ever society. Especially during the colder months. The ladies (and plenty of fellas) seem to like it too. Plus, it’s functional. A bit of a beard helps protect your skin from old man winter (especially on early morning jogs in inclement weather). But before you go all mountain man (or Tony Stark) make sure you’re gradually moving into a new facial hair style.
#7. Sweater(s)? Make it Merino.
Skip all the cotton-cashmere blends. Merino wool is the perfect balance between affordability and wearability (see this NES ice-hockey inspired graph for how Merino compares to other types of sweater fabrics). Merino wool isn’t as itchy and thick as lambswool, yet it still has that tougher feel + texture when compared to spongy cotton. Usually affordable too. And it’s not just for sweaters. A good pair of merino wool socks are a great thing to have for casual days when you’re in boots. But speaking of sweaters… for merino wool, Banana Republic’s Extra Fine Merino V’s are great, but can run a little boxy. For a trimmer fit while still saving money, try the J. Crew Factory Slim Fit merino V. That slim fit makes a big difference, and the 100% merino wool fabric is a solid mid-weight. But they will pill over time. This right here works quite well on the personal factory sweater collection.
#8. Find a perfect fitting topcoat. Not boxy, but not too-trim either.
The two words “size down” get thrown around quite a bit around here, but when buying a topcoat, sizing down can get you in trouble mighty quick. In fact, don’t put the idea of sizing up completely out of mind. The key is to wear a suit jacket or blazer when shopping for a new coat. If you have to fight to get the potential coat to sit nicely over your suit-jacket, then try a size up. If that size up looks boxy, look for another brand or different style of coat. A trim fitting topcoat is a great thing, but it shouldn’t squash and scrunch your suit jacket or blazer in the process, and finding one that’s not too big nor too trim can be a bit of a chore. But when you find the perfect one? It’s just that. Perfect. Shown above: two best case scenarios from last winter (left: BR, right: Uniqlo). Slightly fitted.
#9. Broaden your denim spectrum
All hail tumbled rigid, but denim doesn’t always have to be blue. Denim keeps the wind off your legs. It molds to your body over time. Some of us feel unreasonably “dressed up” in a pair of simple chinos, and would rather wear heavier fabrics. Colored denim is back in a big way, and you can get great quality denim in plenty of fall ready shades at many a retailer. High End would be the Bonobos travel jeans. Mid-price would be the L.E.C. colored jean. Dirt cheap and a little on the thinner side is Target’s Mossimo 5-Pockets.
#10. Brush up on your Hot Cocktail skills
Hot Toddy? Basic but excellent. So is the hot whiskey sling.
Your turn guys… have any fall style-specific knowledge you’d like to pass along? What’s your favorite hot drink? Any upcoming autumn trends you’re going to give a shot this year? Leave it all in the comments.
Hear, hear to the Bonobos Travel Jeans. I have the slim khakis. They’re incredibly versatile and buttery soft. Love them.
Does anyone have that Boden quilted jacket? I like the look of it, and the fact that it doesn’t have those bulky breast pockets that most quilted jackets have. But I just can’t bring myself to pull the trigger without seeing it in person, especially considering I’d have to pay shipping both ways. That seems counter to what the likes of Zappo’s and Bonobos are doing.
Is there anything around that’s similar to that jacket around?
I have the Boden jacket in blue and I am happy with it. It has a trim fit and isn’t ‘overstuffed’ like quilted jackets of old (and cheaper knock-offs of today). The lining is pretty ugly and is its biggest downfall, IMO. It hardly shows when wearing it however. The jacket is a perfect weight for fall and could be used as a liner under a bigger overcoat coat come winter. My jacket came with a free return shipping label.
Hmm…that the Billy Reid Skyfall Peacoat getting the brush job up there?
Hi Joe–Do you still recommend the Silk/Cotton/Cashmere V Neck Sweaters from BR? Which do you prefer the Merino or these https://dappered.com/2011/03/from-the-mailbag-whats-the-best-all-around-v-neck-fabric/
I love sweaters, but one issue I often have is that I often get collar gap between the sweater and the back of the collar of my button-up. I’ve found that shawl-collar sweaters are a great fix for this.
I bought the Boden quilted jacket in grey but returned it. I wanted to like it but realized I was trying to convince myself it was worth keeping (which is never a good sign).
Mini-review:
– The material (wool-mix herringbone) was good, and I would still like to find another jacket using something similar.
– The color is a dark charcoal (as advertised, but I had been hoping it was a little lighter).
– It runs large. I’ve never sized down on outwear before, but did so on this one because Joe mentioned it in another post. Sizing down one was the right call.
– The fit wasn’t quite as trim as I had hoped, which is surprising since I sized down one. It flared a little at the hips.
– And the main reason I returned it:
The sleeves are lined in polyester and there is an “inner cuff” with elastic around the wrist. It’s almost like the sleeves of a windbreaker are inside of what is otherwise a nice mid-weight jacket (the body of the jacket is lined in cotton).
Richard- are you sure your return shipping was free? Mine came with a prepaid label, but the return shipping cost- about $10- was subtracted from my refund.
Ahhh, clothes brush! Joe, you’ve educated me again. Any idea if they help with sweaters that have begun pilling?
I’m also searching for a similar quilted jacket. I was hoping for something with a more dense fabric (for both warmth and structure) than the Boden one. Please let me know if anyone knows of anything like that!
Damn I wish I bought that BR topcoat last year! Can’t wait for the best of outerwear thread this year. It is coming, right Joe? 🙂
If you wear a suit or blazer at least once a week, you should own a winter coat designed to be worn with them. Period. It will feel “too big” without a jacket underneath, but that’s fine, because you’re not going to wear it without a jacket (or some other layers) underneath.
I’ve also found a regular horsehair shoe polishing brush works great as a clothes brush as long as you keep it clean (i.e. no using it to polish shoes).
I have the olive poly version from last year and love it. Mine is lined in a flannel like cotton, and it’s served me well. Medium fits my frame great, but like jb2 mentions, Boden can run surprisingly large. I’d get on Boden’s email list if you’re okay with that kind of thing. They run free-shipping promotions every once in awhile.
As far as a similar jacket, I checked to see if Target had released a new version of their Merona Quilted from last year: https://dappered.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Merona-Quilted-Jacket.jpg, but no dice quite yet.
Agreed about the inner cuff elastic. Meant to keep snow out I believe, but sorta annoying. I haven’t cut it yet, but I’ve considered taking a scissors to it since it is on the inside of the jacket.
I just recently ordered Apolis Wool Chore Jacket. I know it is a little pricey, but if you can get it with %15-20 discount, it is so worth it – fantastic jacket. It is warm and light enough and it is a great alternative to short coats and peacoats.
YES. But… the v’s dip a little too low. I personally love that fabric, but most have merino trump that blend. And with the Factory slim-fit, I think the merino + slim fit there is a winner.
Y’know, I haven’t tried it on a pilling sweater, since I use this thing instead: https://dappered.com/2012/11/saving-our-sweaters-with-the-lilly-brush/ Good luck!
Indeed!
Thanks for the heads up Joe!
As far as colder weather beverages go, it’s hard to beat mulled wine. And I’m not normally crazy about red wine. It’s easy to make a big pot and serve to friends. You can make it more or less boozy depending on how hot and how long you cook it.
I bought that exact same Kent brush off Ebay after reading the benefits of one in various blogs. I have no complaints.
Took my girlfriend apple picking and she made a batch of homemade cider with our spoils. Her coworkers were talking about Hot Toddies which we had never had so we made some. It was delicious. +1 for that suggestion. In fact, I recommend some apple picking + home made cider this fall as an activity if you are in the Northeast.
Living in SoCal, our winters are like your fall so I’m going to second the motion for the vest. Quick and easy. I like the 70’s/80’s camper style vibe too.
Here’s hoping for a fall/winter sweater round up?
Still regretting missing out on the Target version last year…
I just got a couple merino pullovers from Gap. They’re a little less dense than the BR merinos, but they still have a good feel. Who knows how they’ll wear over time. Definitely size down! I wear an S in shirts (14.5/32), but I got an XS sweater, and it fits perfectly.
Seconded.
Jack Spade makes a wonderfully thick Merino v-neck sweater. I napped one in navy blue on sale for under $70. It’s my essential fall sweater.
Was wondering if anyone has had a problem with the quality of the J. Crew Factory slim v-neck merino sweaters? I bought two near the end of last season. Loved the fit and price, but both developed noticeable pilling and even holes after approx. 5 wears.
Either bigger sweaters or slimmer shirts. Just thinking about wearing short sleeve shirts under my lambs wool sweaters made my arms itch.
I think sweater vests are hard to get right, they just look incredibly dorky on most people (including myself). The only time I would wear one is under a jacket. You have to be in good shape and the sweater needs to be close fitting for it to look good.
I don’t think KJR was talking about sweater vests.
Oh, hah. Damn my poor reading comprehension skills. But yeah, I agree, quilted/puffer vests are awesome.
I just purchased one from H&M, decent quality and looks great. I would recommend buying a size down from your regular suit size.
http://www.hm.com/us/product/15417?article=15417-A
Thanks BJ. Will check those out. This could be way off, but I thought I had heard that merino shrinks quite a bit after a few washes. Any truth to that?
Not sure about the washes. I’ve never had to wash any of my merino sweaters, as they don’t get a ton of wear here in TX.
I am, yes. In my experience they and their kid brother (zara) run pretty lean + tight. I loved that ticket pocket quilted jacket, but there was no way a Medium would work on my frame. Large on the other hand, was perfect.
No worries, thanks BJ. Just starting to get cool enough here in NC to start busting out the sweaters.
Damn. That looks awfully good for $70. Corduroy collar too? And that might be the first time anyone has had to size down at H&M. Thanks for the tip!
great jacket…can you share how you get it for a 15-20% discount?
Apolis does some surveys once in a while and gives you discounts for taking them.
ok thanks.
Whoa. Will have to try this as soon as possible to preserve my LEC striped shawl neck sweater that I love. Joe, you sir, are an onion ring among french fries!
Mine says pre-paid. I didn’t realize that they deducted it from the refund. Boo. The elastic cuffs are a little obnoxious. They have a snap to reduce the tension a little bit. The blue jacket seems to run true to size (for me). The arms are a little long but turning them up slightly is perfect and for those who are a little taller (I’m 5’10”, regularly proportioned, I guess) they are probably perfect. I like the cut of the jacket a lot. It is trim and athletic. Too bad that the the herringbone didn’t work out for you JB. Better luck next time, eh? Did you find something similar in another brand or just move on?
I haven’t found anything else yet. I’ve found a few potential options (the jcrew quilted jacket, for example), but none that I like quite enough.