Are You Ready for the Coming of.....Autumn?

Autumn is two months away, and that mean that temperatures for most regions will drop, not that I'm a meteorologist or anything of the sort.  It just so happens that fall is one of my favorite times of year.  Actually, I'll be honest, I love all seasons equally.  Each season requires significant pieces from my wardrobe.  For example, summer usually calls for pastel color pants and shirts, cotton blazers, various colored shorts, and no socks.  Fall is no different from summer except for it's taste buds for tweed, camel hair, cashmere, and layering depending on the climate.

Here in North Carolina, our fall is usually mild for about a month.  During that period, I like to use transitional pieces such as light cotton sweaters with warmer colors, cotton chinos, and maybe even a pair of chukka boots to complete the look.  As fall progresses, I tend to slowly ease into corduroy and flannel pants, scarves, lambswool, and merino wool sweaters.  What I love about most of my fall collection of garments, is that they are versatile.  For example, I often pair my burnt orange merino wool v-neck sweater with either a pair of flannel glen plaid dress pants, khakis, or maroon pants which make for a great color palette.  In addition, the outfit depending on the trousers that are worn with the sweater, can be accompanied with a navy blazer or sport coat.

Working in men's clothing, I am very excited about what new styles of sweaters, blazers, sport coats, and outer wear we may or may not receive. Haha.  Anywho, I have put together a few ideas for fall to help start you on your journey this fall.  Enjoy

This look includes a herringbone crew neck sweater, purple corduroy trousers, wingtips boots, leather gloves, a wool driving cap, and layered with a tweed top coat.  This look is perfect for casual Fridays, or maybe a date night for those that are that lucky. Lol  Don't be afraid to play with warm colored cords.  

You can never go wrong with a navy blazer.  You just can't.  This fall, make it a goal to pursue layering a patterned sweater, preferably fair-isle with cotton chinos in a darker color, or maybe mustard colored chinos.  This outfit is perfect for class, business casual meetings, dress down Sunday at church, or even date night, for those that are lucky haha. I did not feature any over coats in the above picture, but if the weather calls for such, a three quarter length top coat is in order.  Generally, I personally prefer my 100% cashmere scarf which sometimes eliminates the use of a heavy, bulky jacket.  Footwear, or shoe game as some of us call it, is up for discussion.  Suede double-monk strap shoes seem to be on trend for fall 2014, however these can be substituted with classic brown wingtips, chukka boots, or a plain toe oxford in brown.

Now for my fashion killas, dope dudes, trendy fellas, or whatever you prefer to be called, this look is for you.  Above, we have a Paul Smith sweater, paired with harem pants, a top hat and Dsquared boots.  These looks certainly work for trendy or edgy gentleman.  You can always add your accessories such as necklace, watch, and maybe cuff on the opposite arm of the watch.  Which ever you choose to do, be mindful that you don't overdo an outfit similar to the one in the above photo.

Last but not least, my favorite outfit of the four.  This would include the flannel suit, with a crisp white shirt, red and blue rep stripe tie, double monk-strap shoes, brief case, and topped off with 3-quarter length tan top coat.  This look is most appealing at the office, church, business meeting, or that date to the opera or fall wedding. Don't hesitate to add a top hat, or a ushanka.  Flannel plaid suits are looking really promising for Fall/Winter 2014.  Let's stay tuned and see!