There are some classics in here for sure. Evergreen items if you will. But, trends can change from year to year, so we’ll keep this list focused on what’s big (and for good reason) for fall 2017. Specific, affordable examples of each are also included below. As always, these won’t be “essential” to everyone. Far from it. They’re more guidelines.
The funny thing about puffer vests and jackets is that they make you look… puffy. Opt for something less life-jacket like. That quilting provides insulation AND it looks terrific (there’s just something about those symmetrical lines). Remember, these are for casual use. So not to be worn with a suit or sportcoat.
Henleys are a masculine classic that’ll never go out of style. The long-sleeve polo is a bit of a throwback that’s getting some good run this year. Both are thankfully now being made by major brands and retailers in a wool or wool blend. Wool is just so far superior to cotton, especially in more extreme temperatures.
For those mornings where you want to protect your hands from the wind but it’s still not full blown heavy wool mitts or ski gloves weather. You want something that provides protection and a bit of warmth, but you don’t lose much if any of your dexterity. It’s a bit early in the season for gloves of any kind, but watch for them (especially at Nordstrom) to start showing up in the coming weeks.
These are the kind of boots that you wear on a road trip into the mountains for a long weekend getaway, where you can go for a light hike in them in the morning, and then head out to dinner in them in the evening. They’re somewhere between a dress boot and a true, sh*t kicking classically styled work boot. A slimmer toe box but still hefty leathers (depending on the price) and good support. Can’t say enough about the Higgins Mill (shown above). Love mine. I have not taken good care of them, but the Chromexcel uppers and subtly studded sole walk the line between utility and style, and can handle what I dish out for sure.
Not quite flannel thick, but not poplin or oxford either. Brushed shirts have been, wait for it, brushed for extra softness. And most corduroy shirts come with the inherent softness that the wale provides. Yet neither are as thick or weighty as a true flannel shirt.
Now’s the time to nerd out to find and fall in sartorial love with a jacket that’s got a bit more texture and heft. Think tweeds, corduroy, etc. It’s one of the great style-joys of cooler weather. And don’t worry; as we always do, we’ll have a best sportcoats round up for the season, now that they’re starting to arrive in stores and online.
Because the heft of the timepiece itself as well as a thick leather strap can often be a bit much in the dead of summer. Plus, chances are you won’t be getting into open water anytime soon, so, a diver can take a back seat for a bit. Now’s the time for your field watch if you’ve got one.
Shawl collar, mock neck, fisherman’s, whatever. Just ditch that old bulky hooded sweatshirt. It’s not doing you any favors. Head here for more hoodie alternatives.
Lighting matters. Boy howdy does it. Most men will default to just using the harsh, overhead lights that are in the ceiling of their house/apartment. But having a couple of well placed lamps can make a big difference in terms of how your place feels to you and your guests. Many of us spend far too much time under harsh overhead lighting at work. Bring it down to closer to eye level (or lower) at home, and you’ll probably be pleased with the atmosphere it creates during the colder/darker months.
Doesn’t have to be an alcoholic drink. Doesn’t have to be some gut-bomb of a meal. Doesn’t have to involve pumpkin spice (far from it). But, it helps when you’ve having guests over (or, bringing something to share to someone else’s shindig) to have something autumnal in style in your culinary arsenal. So learn how to make great cold weather cocktails, or a killer fall-inspired pizza. Whatever. Cooking is like getting dressed. It shows you can assemble and therefor create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Again, there are always exceptions and these are more guidelines than anything. If you’re sick of the blistering summer heat? Here’s to you getting to break out some if not all of the above, awfully soon.
The Huck team is off on vacation. Which means their big winter clearance is very…
Brooks Brothers starts their winter clearance with an additional 25% off sale items.
Plus a Christmas album you probably haven't heard yet this year. Maybe.
With a focus on holiday events. It's their last sale before their shipping cutoff.
Style choices to make for those times when how you're perceived is critical.
Timex grows into a solid, grown-up dive watch design.