We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. if you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
It’s one thing getting excited about the prospect of adding layers for autumn, and another altogether finding and, y’know, layering them. You suddenly need to start getting a lot better at covering your skin, and you’re not sure which patch to start with. Sound familiar?
We’re feeling generous and have taken (most of) the pain out of recalibrating your wardrobe for autumn. All essential and all wallet-friendly, here are 35 things that will help you leave the house a warmer and better-dressed man.
Chunky Cardigan
This autumn, getting chunky isn’t a bad thing. In fact, when it comes to cardigans, it’s a very good thing.
Unlike fine gauge examples, which can (on occasion) add decades to your wardrobe, with a thicker version there’s no such danger. Simply throw one over a shirt or crew-neck T-shirt and, as well as switching it in for your blazer on dress-down days, you can go easy on the central heating until November.
Wool Trousers
Dark indigo may be the de facto king of off-duty trousers, but before denim took over men’s wardrobes, wool held the fort during the colder months.
Offering a smarter alternative to jeans, but a more textural take on classic suit kecks, this season the high street has plenty of luxury-looking pairs that don’t come with a matching price tag. Stick to neutral colors but look for subtle checks or lightly flecked patterns to stand out from the funeral procession of boring winter work wardrobes.
Chunky Trainers
Not only are swollen sneakers massively en vogue, but when you think about it, their semi-technical stylings are also incredibly well suited to autumn. Durable uppers are perfect for combating the elements, while thick sole units lend themselves nicely to protecting the ends of your trousers from puddles.
However, for all their various plus points, styling can present a challenge. Avoid tailoring at all costs unless you want to look like a businessman on his morning commute and instead go for fitted cargos and an equally technical jacket to take on the wet weather in style.
Flannel Shirt
Designed by the Welsh as a means of protection against the country’s famously soggy weather, the flannel shirt is rooted in workwear but is ironically now an essential for days when you’re looking for maximum style with minimal effort.
Whether thrown on open over a T-shirt or buttoned to the top, this genuine classic is hard to get wrong, which explains why it has graduated from the valleys and never once waned in popularity.
Umbrella
Nobody likes bad weather. Not even those suspiciously chirpy fellows from Singin’ In The Rain. So, add an umbrella to your arsenal to keep looks high (style) and dry (well, just dry) during a downpour.
Spending a few extra coins will deliver a brolly that lasts several rounds on the commute to and from work, all the while looking decidedly better than battling the elements with a paper-thin protector.
Sweatshirt
If you haven’t seen Paul Newman wearing a sweatshirt, look it up immediately. It’s all the reason you need for making sure that you’re never without one.
To come off sports-inspired rather than slovenly, make sure yours fits like a glove (none of that oversized malarky, unless you want to start a hip-hop collective or don’t plan to leave the sofa). Pair with chinos and you’re ready to give the mid-century menswear icons a run for their money.
Check Coat
Every year we’re told checks are back. Every year it proves to be true. We can deduce from this that checks never actually go away, making them one of the few patterns to never fall from grace and therefore an excellent choice for your next coat.
Whether you’re wearing it over a suit through the week or as a top layer to a jeans and T-shirt combination at the weekend, stick to muted colors like greys or browns for best results.
Lace-Up Boots
The last time they were a ‘thing’ lace-up boots were hijacked by boybands, sending them nose-diving to a sartorial low point.
Yes, they’re back (again), but before you run in the other direction there’s good news. This time they come under the guise of worker styles, complete with moc toe construction techniques and thick, textured treads. The perfect partner for your pin-rolled jeans.
Raincoat
It’s notoriously difficult to be prepared for autumn’s biblical downpours when most ‘proper’ coats are still too thick for the humid heat. That’s where a lightweight raincoat comes in.
The best examples are waterproof (shockingly) and stripped-back enough in design that they offer a spin at the color wheel, with oranges, blues and canary yellow all on display this season.
Light Gauge Roll Neck
The last few seasons have seen the light gauge roll neck go from standard-issue nerd uniform to bonafide menswear power player. Good news too, as the garment is practically unrivaled in its ability to keep the chill out in the run-up to winter.
Whether you stick yours under a tailored blazer or a leather jacket, there are few things not to love about something that performs well and looks good.
Oxford Shirt
If you’re the kind of guy that just doesn’t really ‘do’ smart, allow the Oxford shirt to provide a less dressed-up alternative that’s a couple of notches down on the formality scale.
Thanks to its fence-sitting appeal, cost-per-wear calculations are healthy too, as you’ll be able to wear it with everything from a casual suit to a sweatshirt.
Dark Denim
Sometimes indecisiveness pays off. Take dark denim, for example, which is not entirely casual, but not really smart either.
This is good news for your wardrobe, as it means you can get away with wearing indigo jeans for evening drinks while dark black versions can be used in place of smarter chinos on occasion. Up top, they work with everything – everything – except for a dinner jacket.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea boots were initially created for Queen Victoria in the 1830s, but that hasn’t stopped everyone from Darth Vader to Kanye West from copping a pair.
Examples in black or brown leather are incredibly popular (and for good reason), capable of dressing down tailored trousers and shirts with ease. Fit for a queen. Or a king.
Field Jacket
As far as military coats go, the field jacket (also known as the M-65) may not come to mind as quickly as the bomber or peacoat, but it’s no less of a smart investment.
Invented to help soldiers battle the extreme conditions in Vietnam, today it’s an all-season piece that works best in autumn. Wear it over a more tailored look for a modern edge.
Pleated Trousers
“Pleats sir, can we have some more?” Why yes you can, because — having been relegated to your grandad’s wardrobe since the 1980s — pleated trousers are back in a big way.
It’s great news for anyone who enjoys being comfortable (i.e. everyone), especially since the slightly looser-fitted, cropped styles are currently dominating the world of menswear.
Leather Holdall
No self-respecting man should cart his stuff around in a gym bag anywhere outside the locker room. Instead, invest in a leather holdall that can double-up as short-haul luggage.
Just remember to consider size and durability. Too small, and it’s basically a handbag, too large, and you’re left with a half-empty vessel too cumbersome even for a weekend away.
Desert Boots
Desert boots (or Chukka boots) are a rugged menswear classic that sit on the right side of Indiana Jones. As in, expeditionary without making you look like you’re in fancy dress.
They’re on the right side of versatile, too, pairing nicely with indigo jeans as well as pin-rolled chinos. Just use your sartorial savvy and avoid suede (or at least invest in a quality protector). Otherwise, one spot of rain and your footwear will be consigned to far worse than The Temple Of Doom.
Wool Baseball Cap
Men of the world, rejoice: the baseball cap is no longer confined to football hooligans and incognito celebrities.
Thanks to the rise (and rise, and rise) of athleisure, this sportswear essential can be worn with a range of looks, from commuter-friendly streetwear to off-duty classics like smart joggers and a T-shirt. Stick to a staple shade and autumn-appropriate fabrics like wool.
Dark Joggers
To state the obvious, athleisure is still big news in menswear. That means that it’s still ok to practically live in your joggers (#winning).
The downside is that the autumn months often bring with them unexpected showers. And even a semi-permanent water stain on your crotch is guaranteed to leave a permanent stain on your reputation. Do yourself a favor and invest in a darker pair, which helpfully also look great with a camel coat on the weekend.
Denim Shirt
If you thought the denim shirt was an exclusively off-the-clock piece, think again. Yes, it’s an easy go-to on the weekend when worn under an overcoat, but it can also work just as well under a navy blazer to nail that tricky smart-casual territory.
As well as adding some texture alongside your staple knitwear, a denim shirt in lighter washes works better in the autumn than the same shade in your jeans.
Cable Knit Jumper
Few staples are likely to link fishermen, preppy Ivy League-sters and cricket players, but the cable knit jumper does just that.
The charm of the garment’s distinct raised patterns goes beyond the visual, providing near-unbeaten insulation whether worn alone or layered over a shirt. Pair with dark jeans or wool trousers for that smart-casual sweet spot.
Long-Sleeve Polo Shirt
While the short sleeve polo shirt has a tendency to be misused (stag parties, we’re looking at you), the piece’s smarter, more grown up and more seasonally appropriate long-sleeved cousin is an invariably safer bet.
Pick a thicker style for maximum wear potential as this can be worn solo now or under a coat when things get cooler. These really aren’t expensive but to max out your cost-per-wear, stick to dark autumn shades.
Gloves
When temperatures dip, the body reduces blood flow to extremities like hands, feet and yeah, that, making them the first thing to feel the nip.
Therefore it makes sense to keep a pair of gloves close to hand even in autumn. While there’s every case for investing in a leather pair lined with shearling and finished with snap-wrist closures, budget pieces rarely deliver these well. And let’s face it, you’re going to lose them.
Hoodie
Hoodies, like umbrellas, are pretty handy for keeping your head rain-free but are ultimately less likely to be left in the pub. Sod’s Law says it will rain on the weekend and your brolly will be AWOL, so there’s no sensible reason not to own one.
If you’re conscious of giving off angry adolescent vibes (which you should be, unless you are one), stick to premium fabrics that wouldn’t look out of place with tailored trousers.
Henley Top
Originally intended to be worn as underwear before being adopted by collegiate rowers, today the Henley top has managed to transcend both beginnings to become a solid choice for casual plans.
Simple enough to be worn with practically anything, we’d suggest starting with a pair of wool trousers and a chunky cardigan.
Bomber Jacket
From military fatigue to menswear essential, the classic MA-1 bomber jacket has seen it all from the skies to the sidewalk.
A slightly more generous cut – somewhere between suffocation and billowing blogger at Seoul Fashion Week – is ideal for autumn, allowing room for thicker knits and hoodies underneath. What’s more, you needn’t stick to the khaki military colorway either, with shades of black, blue and grey all offering modern variations and maximum opportunities to wear.
Worker Chinos
While we appreciate any piece that can both walk the walk and talk the talk, worker chinos have traditionally erred a little too close to function over form for our liking.
Thankfully these hard-grafting trous have been given enough attention from brands and designers to register on the right end of the menswear barometer. Robust, comfortable and firmly wearable, who cares that the most strain they’re going to endure is a walk in the park?
Overshirt
Not quite a jacket, but not quite a shirt either, the overshirt is a masterstroke in the great art of autumnal layering.
Thicker examples with minimal lining can flit between climates with ease, while a block color version in navy or grey will pack a tonal punch to white tees below and jackets above.
Socks
Gentlemen, it’s time to face facts: mankle season is over, and it’s time to reacquaint your calves with cloth.
As a rule of thumb, you should own at least two weeks’ worth of matching socks in monochrome colors – no holes, no loose threads and certainly no novelty patterns. As one of the easiest – and cheapest – backbones of your wardrobe, there’s simply no excuse.
Gilet
Before you scoff and call ‘toff’, know that a gilet is a legit layering piece that will help you ace getting dressed over the next few months.
Don’t believe us? Take it from the endless number of brands that have championed the sleeveless mid-layer as both a streetwear piece to be worn over a T-shirt on the off-duty, and then under a sharp jacket the very next (blustery) day.
Cross-Body Bag
From trainers that weigh more than breeze blocks to oversized hoodies with sleeves so long they render the wearer’s hands redundant, it’s fair to say streetwear trends aren’t exactly known for their practicality. However, this one is different.
A cross-body bag is the accessory you didn’t know you needed, but won’t be able to live without; ideal for stashing your phone, wallet and keys, or even a pair of gloves and a hat for when things get nasty.
Denim Jacket
By now you’re probably well aware that a good denim jacket is a summer essential for any man’s wardrobe. But far from a one-season pony, it also puts the work in during the colder months.
If you spent the beer garden months in a neatly cut option, it’s easy to eek out its wear by using it as a layering piece under an overcoat or unstructured blazer.
Practical Sneakers
While they embody everything we love about summer (described using words like ‘light’, ‘clean’ and ‘fresh’), white sneakers also do well to highlight the sartorial pitfalls of autumn. Mainly mulchy leaves ruining your new kicks.
But don’t resort to toggle-fastened walking boots just yet. By opting for a dark pair in wipe-clean leather, you can keep the style alive with little need for maintenance.
Scarf
With thicker scarves on hold until winter hits, look to less bulky examples as a way to fight off the chill while injecting some much-welcomed color and texture into an autumnal outfit.
Lighten up in every sense by side-stepping anything Lennie Kravitz might be seen in and instead seek out styles that can be draped either side of your neck until the time to bundle up arrives.
Grandad Collar Shirt
The grandad collar shirt has become one of those modern wardrobe essentials that you hear much lip service paid to. Fortunately, it lives up to the hype.
This collarless cousin to the OCBD shares it’s relative’s versatility, which is a roundabout way of saying it can be easily paired with everything else in your wardrobe.
