Style Scenario: The First Day it Feels like Fall (nothing over $100 edition)

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. For most of us, fall is starting to arrive. And after a long, hot, sweaty summer, it’s plenty welcome. Now’s the time for layers, fall fabrics, boots, and jeans. Here’s one way to dress well, as well as seasonally appropriate, that first day the highs stay in the 60s.

The Sportcoat: Target Merona Cotton Herringbone Blazer – $50 ($59.99). Or, whatever your preferred fall fabric/pattern sportcoat happens to be. Kudos to Target for getting a LOT about this sportcoat right. All cotton exterior. Cotton, butterfly back lining (not poly!) for ventilation. Tail isn’t chopped, and the sleeves don’t seem to run overly long. Sleeve buttons are non functioning. This thing has a LOT going for it. The one drawback? The shoulders do have quite a bit of structure to them. Depending on the shape of your delts, the shoulders might look a little too square (here’s how a size medium looks, straight on, on 5’10” / 185.) Many thanks to James W. for the tip!

The Shirt: J. Crew Factory SLIM Blue OCBD – $35.50. Good quality, perfect light blue shade, and available in their much appreciated slimmer fit.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Blue Dial Brown Strap Chrono – $99. Looks a LOT like a Red Wing… without the Red Wing price. Being fulfilled by Amazon at post time, so that means fast and free shipping if you’ve got Prime. Easy returns too.

The Socks: Nordstrom Wool Blend Over the Calf Dress Socks – $14.50. Over the calf = doesn’t droop as the day goes on. Plus, if you’re doing lots of walking, they’ll keep your feet cool and dry.

The Shoes: DSW Aston Grey “Uptown” Suede Chukka – $99.95. Chukkas that aren’t desert boots (so, no crepe sole) are just that much more versatile. And so is a chukka in grey suede. From DSW’s dependable, affordable, in-house Aston Grey brand.

The Jeans: Levi’s 514 in Tumbled Rigid – $39.99. Or, WAIT FOR IT… whatever your favorite pair of dark denim happens to be. (That’s for you, threads user “phatte.”)

The Card Case: Brooks Brothers Harris Tweed Card Case – $28.90 ($68). How positively autumnal. Extra 15% off happens at checkout. It’s 25% off if you’re a card member. Promo expires today.

The Sunglasses: Northern Lights Optic NL4 – $59.98 w/ DAPPERED20 ($159). Code is good for 20% off if you’re a new customer to Huckberry. Otherwise, they’re $75. Gotta say I’m unfamiliar with the brand, but boy they nailed the shape and details on this pair. 57mm width, so, not small, but not oversized.

The Belt: GAP Centerbar Belt in Dark Brown – $39.95. A bit wider in terms of the buckle, but it certainly won’t look like you won it at a rodeo. Goes on sale from time to time, but does get excluded under the “leather accessories” category often.