Style Scenario: Fall Layers & Textures (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. We’ve finally made it. Ragweed Season! Well, other than that, it’s now officially Autumn. And that means women wearing riding boots, and unpredictable weather. Layers are your answer. Specifically, lighter weight layers that breathe well and avoid too much bulk. Here’s one way to execute that plan:

The Sportcoat: Old Navy Brushed Twill Blazer in Camel – $52.46 ($74.94). Not only have they restocked the navy option (full review here by the way), they’ve added another color. Camel is perfect for fall, and the moleskin like brushed twill fabric is a terrific weight now that the temperatures have started to recede. Currently 30% off, with the discount happening at checkout.

The Shirt: J. Crew Factory SLIM Fit OCBD – $41.50. Most of us probably already have a favorite, slim fit, light blue, OCBD in our closet. Now’s the time to use it.

The Sweater: Everlane Cashmere Crew – $100 or UNIQLO Merino Crew – $39.90. If you have a tendency to run hot, skip the sweater. If you’re on a budget or just don’t think Cashmere is worth the upcharge, then go with Merino. But hat tip to Everlane who sent an email blast out to their customers, claiming that cashmere prices are down 16%. So, their cashmere crew, which cost $125 last year, will cost $100 this year. Nice. Doesn’t appear to be the slimmest fit, but Everlane does a nice job for their price points.

The Gloves: Unlined Lambskin Driving Gloves – $64 w/ FSFALL25 ($89). Yep. These things again. But fall is the perfect time to wear them. It’s cool/cold out, but not so bitter that you’d want heavy insulation. Also shown at the top of the post.

The Mac: Old Navy 97% Cotton / 3% Spandex Mac – $80.99 ($89.94). For most, it’s still too early for a heavy wool topcoat. So a lightweight mac or trench is the answer. Shown at the top of the post is GAP’s old cotton/nylon mac from last year.

The Watch & Strap: Casio Diver – $40.99 + Heavy Duty Nato Strap – $17.49. Everybody’s favorite bargain dive watch, only with the rubber strap switched out for a striped NATO option.

The Jeans: GAP HIGH Stretch Slim Fit Jeans in Resin Rinse – $52.46 ($69.95). Fabric composition works out to 85% Cotton, 13% Polyester, and 2% Elastane. Engineered for much greater ease of movement compared to other “stretch” jeans. Sizes are starting to get a bit scattered.

The Belt: GAP Basic Leather Belt in Dark Brown – $27.96 ($39.95). A standard from GAP. Not too thick, not too thin. Just right.

The Boots: Aston Grey Payton Wingtip Boot – $89.95 w/ FALLSAVINGS ($109.95). From one of DSW’s in-house exclusive brands. Might be a bit of a risk, but usually Aston Grey delivers on the bang-for-the-buck front.

The Briefcase: Bespoke Post “Dispatch” – $45.00. A decent, entry level briefcase. Lightly waxed canvas exterior with leather accents. Minimalist. Casual without looking frumpy. Full review here.

The Umbrella: Totes “Gentleman’s” Wood Handle Umbrella – $20. Dependable. Plenty of coverage. Wood handle hooks over your arm/wrist when not in use so you can keep that hand free. Not as big as a golf umbrella. Not as dinky as one of those compact things. Just right.