Many are just fine with sticking to their blue, charcoal, brown and black rut when the weather turns to cold and dreary. But others wouldn’t mind an injection of something more colorful now and then. Gone are the flashy colors of summer seen at the Kentucky Derby Party and the Catalina Wine Mixer (nsfw language). But that doesn’t mean you still can’t pick a few retina-grabbing shades off the spectrum once fall hits. It’s just a matter of leaning on deep, richer tones, instead of the glaring primary colors. Here’s four to work in, right now, and on into the upcoming months.
Camel
- Spier & Mackay 85% Merino Wool / 15% Mongolian Cashmere Overcoat – $398
- Banana Republic Slim Heathered Traveler Pant – $98.50
- J. Crew Cotton Cable-knit Shawl Cardigan Sweater – $128
- Target Goodfellow & Co Textured Cotton Crew – $20
- UNIQLO Wool/Cashmere Chesterfield Topcoat – $149.90
- Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos in Chestnut – $98
- Banana Republic Organic Soft Wash Long-Sleeve T-Shirt – $39.50
- Rodd & Gunn Waverley Water Repellent Quilted Suede Bomber Jacket – $478.80 ($798)
- Amazon Goodthreads Merino Cardigan – $40.90
What it goes well with: Dark blues, Greys, Dark Greens, and even Black (think black & tan)
In a sea of black, navy, and charcoal, camel stands out. When it comes to topcoats, even cheap camel topcoats can look super luxurious. But don’t limit your use of camel to outerwear. Other torso options include sportcoats and sweaters. For your bottom half, try to find a pair of rich looking chinos, 5-pockets, or cords in camel, then go for it. And camel as a shade doesn’t have to be super pale. It can be a bit deeper, darker, and richer. It’s got range. It’s got chutzpah. It spits. (or, spits *nsfw lyrics*).
Light or Medium Grey
- Suitsupply Light Grey Wool Overcoat – $399
- Banana Republic Untucked Standard-Fit Flannel Shirt – $89.50
- Spier & Mackay Long Sleeve Merino Knit Polo – $68
- Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Knit Blazer – $298
- Target Goodfellow Stretch Canvas Chore Shirt Jacket – $39.99
- J. Crew Slim-fit Knit Suit Jacket in wool-cotton blend – $188
- Amazon Goodthreads Merino V-Neck Sweater – $35.90
- Wellen Seawool Fisherman Sweater – $128
- Suitsupply Havana Fit Light Gray Wool Sportcoat – $399
- Banana Republic Slim Traveler Corduroy Pant – $98.50
- Old Navy Built-In Flex Modern Jogger Pants in “Street” Gray – $35
What it goes well with: Dark blues, Charcoal, Burgundy, Brown, Black, Greens… just about everything
So where’s the color? Some of us would argue that in terms of style, grey is in fact a color. And it becomes more noticeable the further you get from almost-black-charcoal. Meanwhile, there’s also the Greys that have slight hues of cool blues, turquoise, or green in them. Think slate.
Burgundy / Dark Red
- Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer in Burgundy Plaid – $450
- Banana Republic Italian Wool-Blend Crew-Neck Sweater – $98.50
- Made in Canada Kent Wang Shawl Collar Sweater – $195
- Goodthreads Men’s Standard Slim-fit 5-Pocket Comfort Stretch Corduroy Pant – $30.90
- Taylor Stitch The Ojai Jacket in Burgundy Cord – $198
- Allen Edmonds Dalton Weatherproof Wingtip Dress Boots with Dainite Rubber Sole – $349.97 ($495)
- Target Goodfellow Shawl Collar Cardigan – $29.99
- Old Navy Color-Blocked Raglan Long-Sleeve T-Shirt for Men – $19.99
What it goes well with: Dark and Medium Blues, Greys, Tans, Greenish/Brown (think tweeds)
Leave the fire engine red to good ol’ St. Nick. Not a lot of guys wear any kind of red (ranging from pink to burgundy). But Burgundy & Fall go hand and hand. Need proof? Look at the leaves on the trees. If you really think you’re not down with wearing red, start small with a scarf or a pair of socks or a belt (no, a burgundy belt doesn’t have to match your brown shoes perfectly). You’ll be surprised how easy it is to wear this shade of deep dark red.
Olive / Forest Green
- Amazon Goodthreads Merino V-Neck – $35.90
- Made in the USA Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker in Moss – $268
- Spier and Mackay Chunky Merino Cardigan – $198 (waitlist)
- Suitsupply Wool Flannel Sportcoat – $399
- Banana Republic Brushed Waffle-Knit T-Shirt – $69.50
- J. Crew Factory Thompson fit Suit Jacket & Trouser in Donegal wool blend – $300ish
- Old Navy Slim Taper Built-In Flex Anytime Chino Pants – $35
- J. Crew Camden loafers in English suede – $148
- Goodthreads Men’s Standard Slim-fit 5-Pocket Comfort Stretch Corduroy Pant in olive – $30.90
- J. Crew Factory Flannel Lined Walker Vest – $60ish
What it goes well with: Dark Blues, Greys of all kinds, Burgundy around Christmas, Brown
Mint and Kelly green were for the warmer months. Now is the time when you can easily start working in the darker, more earthy greens. Olive leans warmer, while forest green is cooler. The perfect pairings for these shades of green are blues and browns. So dark wash jeans + brown leather boots = a big win when worn with green.