Style Scenario: The First day it really feels like Fall

What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. The equinox was weeks ago, but only now is most of the hemisphere starting to feel fall’s cooler weather. We acclimate, so fall will feel different depending on where you’re at, but most of us know that first day when it really, truly feels like fall. Just look around. If you don’t know what that feels like (say, you’re surrounded by palm trees and/or alligators), try this?

The Coat: Topman Trim Fit Trench – $59.97. ($150) Or, whatever trench you wear in the Spring. The advantage of blue, instead of tan, is that it looks a little more fall/winter-like. And if you were lucky enough to snag the H&M trench from back in August (it’s now sold out), now’s the perfect time to use it. Sizes are real limited on the Topman. It’s probably going to still be a little too warm for a wool overcoat, but if it’s not, Topman has a wool blend option for you as well. Ships & returns free through Nordstrom. UPDATE: annnnd the trench is gone. Got any leads on other navy or fall-ready trench coats? Leave those in the comments…

The Shirt: UNIQLO Slim Fit OCBD in Light Grey – $29.90. Yep. We’re going grey on grey. But there’s noticeable contrast here, and a bright white OCBD might look a little stark. If it’s too risky for you, try a light blue OCBD and you’ll be set.

The Blazer: B.R. Tailored Fit Grey Cotton Blazer – $179.99 ($198). A staple. Just because the clouds have rolled in a bit doesn’t mean you have to switch all your greys to charcoal. A medium to lighter grey blazer looks real sharp with jeans, and it also allows you to wear darker shirts (like chambray) underneath if you wish. Be patient and you should be able to pick this up for the low to mid $100s with codes, but you have to wait for one that doesn’t exclude blazers.

The Belt: GAP “Dipped Centerbar” Belt – $34.50. Really liking the gold-tone, rounded edge buckle up against the black leather. Always on sale.

The Pocket Square: TheTieBar Crown Plaid Serene Blue – $8.00. Totally optional.

The Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive White Dial Chrono – $225. Shades of the IWC Portugese… hey, there’s a lotta wiggle room with “shades”, okay? Still a stunner. Powered by light. Trusted brand. Nice size but not overwhelming at 42mm. Review here.

The Jeans: Levi’s 511 in Rigid Dragon – $36.99. Or… whatever your favorite pair/fit of dark denim happens to be. Remember: Clothes should skim. Not cling, not billow. 511s are awfully trim if you’ve got some beef on the ol’ lower half. But if you’re more gazelle than rhino, you don’t want to be drowning in your jeans from the knee down. Find your fit. Trust your gut.

The Shoes: Stafford Gunner – $55 – $65. Were you expecting brown? Lotta time to wear brown. We’re all going to wear brown. Feel free to mix in a little black this year. It’s just a little less friendly than all of that professorial brown we tend to put on and lace up this time of year. Full review here. Price right now has gone back up to $99, so it might be best to wait a few days for them to go “on sale” for around $70, and then apply an extra 15% or 20% off code.

The Gloves: Autodromo String-Back Driving Gloves – $125. A total splurge. But… wow.