Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

10 Quick Style Suggestions for Fall 2013

October 8, 2013 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

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.

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

smell these 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.

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, and Valet points out that you can get a great Kent Brush via ebay for a reasonable price.

 

#4. Switch out some of your shoes to suede.

Strand in 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

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.

scruffy

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.

merino solo

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.

slighty fitted topcoats

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

Denim colors

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 whiskey sling

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.

Filed Under: Accessories, Clothing, Drink, Shoes, Too Expensive

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Long Weekend Men’s Sales Roundup – 2023 Unofficial Start of Summer Edition

Long Weekend Men’s Sales Roundup – 2023 Unofficial Start of Summer Edition

25% off Bonobos. Target 20% off select (including a polopalooza winner.) 30% off BR. Grant Stone, Rhone, adidas, and $248 off the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat. Updated for the weekend.

J. Crew: 40% off Long Weekend Sale (new arrivals too)

J. Crew: 40% off Long Weekend Sale (new arrivals too)

Stretch chino shorts. Irish linen shirts. New sunglasses, camp mocs, seersucker short sleeve button downs, and more.

Repair, Don’t Replace – Getting Your Goodyear Welted Shoes Resoled

Repair, Don’t Replace – Getting Your Goodyear Welted Shoes Resoled

What’s worth it, when to do it, and what to expect when you’re getting your welted shoes fixed, recrafted, etc.

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Long Weekend Men’s Sales Roundup – 2023 Unofficial Start of Summer Edition
  • J. Crew: 40% off Long Weekend Sale (new arrivals too)
  • Repair, Don’t Replace – Getting Your Goodyear Welted Shoes Resoled
  • The Dappered Space: Most Wanted Affordable Home Style May 2023
  • The Best Affordable Watches for Grads or Dads of 2023
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – REI Anniversary Sale, Gustin’s CXL Briefcase, & More

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.