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Men's fall fashion quick picks

There’s a lot more to men’s fall fashion than throwing on a shacket and some dark denim, though that’s certainly a good start. For a proper fall fashion reset, you’ll want to consider your entire wardrobe — all the way down to your socks. But don’t be intimidated.

We spoke to men’s style experts to come up with a comprehensive guide to what stylist and founder of Pivot Image Consulting Patrick Kenger calls “menswear’s favorite season.”

What are the basics of men’s fall fashion?

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The key to men’s fall fashion? Layers and versatility.

“Fall gives you the opportunity to style more outfits by simply layering different pieces together,” says men’s stylist and content creator Najm Loyd. “This is the season to experiment with new outfits and color combinations and [to] stay cozy while doing so.” Kenger also thinks of fall as an opportunity, describing it as the “Goldilocks season of clothing.”

“We can start layering and have a lot of options when it comes to the items and fabrics we can wear, more than any other season,” Kenger says.

Building a balanced wardrobe is important too, which brings us to our second point: versatility. Dan Gilligan, vice president of men’s design at Abercrombie & Fitch, calls this the “key to a winning wardrobe.”

“From the endless summer of September to the temperature fluctuations right up to the holidays, you need a smart combination of pieces that can adapt,” he says. Jian DeLeon, the men’s fashion director at Nordstrom, agrees.

“A great transitional wardrobe is about having go-to versatile pieces that work with each other,” DeLeon says. “A shirt jacket can be worn over a knit sweater on temperate days, but also works underneath a topcoat for when the weather becomes more brisk”

More than anything, streamlining your wardrobe is the chance to showcase your individual style and feel proud of how you’re presenting yourself each and every day. “When I think of fall fashion, I get excited about new beginnings and the opportunity to express a new outlook,” says Ian Velardi, VP of product design at Bombas. “You don’t need to have a new wardrobe to make your look feel fresh — you can change up the way you’ve been wearing something the past few years.”

Ahead, we’ve consulted expert stylists, our in-the-know editors and everyday, fashion-loving guys to come up with a list of pieces and brands that embody these principles so you can start fall prepared to show off your new look.

Where to buy sweaters

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J.Crew

J.Crew is an undeniably great place to shop year-round. The brand’s timeless and effortless styles are functional and high quality, and the breadth of options makes it a fun destination for spicing up your most essential pieces. When it comes to sweaters, there’s something about having a wide range of styles, colors, materials and designs to choose from that makes curating your fall wardrobe a little more fun.

Alex Mill

“If you’re a fan of J.Crew, you’ll love Alex Mill,” says New York City-based fashion stylist and editor Audree Kate López. That’s because the brand was founded by the son of a former J.Crew CEO as well as past J.Crew and Madewell designer Somsack Sikhounmuong. And like those brands, Alex Mill kills it when it comes to basics like sweaters.

Banana Republic

Whether it’s a fashion-forward cashmere crewneck or a lightweight cardigan, Banana Republic has your sweater needs covered. The timeless brand is a great retailer for year-round fashion, though its range of options and overall quality-to-price ratio make it an easy one-stop shop for all your wardrobe needs, from basics to statement pieces, outerwear, accessories and, of course, sweaters.

Huckberry

Beloved by outdoorsy and active guys since 2010, Huckberry specializes in high-quality clothing, gear and accessories that work equally well for everyday life and the outdoors. The brand’s design manager, Nick Kemp, says that when it comes to sweaters, you should be looking for pieces you “can layer and wear stand-alone” and that “fit in seamlessly to your wardrobe.”

AYR

When it comes to fall, versatile pieces are key. And that’s exactly what AYR specializes in. “You want to find something that’s going to get along with everything else you already own, that’s going to fit right into your day-to-day,” says Brice Pattison, VP of menswear at AYR. “High-quality, well-made, well-fitting things that you don’t have to overthink.” At AYR, that manifests in the “all year round” — hence the brand’s name — approach to dressing.

Todd Snyder

Designer Todd Snyder’s eponymous brand, inspired by his love for New York City, is a go-to fall fashion destination for many of our experts. Specializing in well-tailored, beautifully designed and expertly crafted pieces across the board, the brand’s quality and attention to detail is particularly standout when it comes to one of our most often-worn pieces: sweaters.

Where to buy pants

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Dickies

López says that workwear brands like Carhartt, Wrangler and Dickies are gaining popularity, making their way into street-style outfits. Not only are pieces from these brands on-trend but they tend to be rugged, affordable and accommodating for men of all body types. That’s certainly true of Dickies pants, which offer some of the best value — and widest range of sizes — that you’ll find on our list.

Bonobos

If you’re in search of new pants that work equally well in a business-casual office and for apple-picking dates, Bonobos truly nails the sweet spot of polished yet still stylish. A favorite of our director of business development, Hunter Capobianco, the brand offers a range of incredible, high-quality pieces across the board, but we’re partial to some of its pant styles, which are comfortable, durable and, like many great fall staples, easy to incorporate into your wardrobe, no matter the season.

Uniqlo

“Uniqlo is pretty much my go-to for anything,” says associate testing writer Joe Bloss. The Japanese casual wear brand has skyrocketed to global popularity with its affordable prices, durable construction and range of versatile pieces, which makes it no surprise that the brand comes recommended by various guys.

Levi’s

There’s nothing like a great pair of jeans to tie together an outfit, and there’s no brand that nails denim quite like Levi’s. The classic American brand has been a go-to for decades when it comes to all jean styles, and today it carries a comprehensive range of styles, sizes, fits and more. In short, if you’re in need of some new jeans for the fall, you can’t go wrong with Levi’s.

Everlane

The popular direct-to-consumer brand is one of our favorite places to stock up on staples without breaking the bank. By skipping the retailer and, in turn, the traditional retailer markup, Everlane is able to work with ethical factories, focus on quality materials and keep prices down. And it shows in its collection of pieces, which include stellar pant options and an impressive range of denim.

Where to buy jackets

Abercrombie & Fitch

“Fall is synonymous with layers,” Gilligan says. “I personally love the cooler weather and the chance to get out the sweaters and jackets again. Layers provide an opportunity to introduce texture and dimension to outfits that maybe wouldn’t exist as much during warmer weather.” And when it comes to perfect-for-layering jackets in a range of styles, Abercrombie & Fitch boasts a super-impressive collection.

Kühl

Outdoor apparel brand Kühl is the place to go if you’re looking for a practical jacket for the fall that is as high performance as it is stylish. One of the few privately owned and independent companies in the outdoor space, Kühl prioritizes the quality of its products and customer satisfaction over everything else, which has led to the performance-focused brand having a dedicated fan base.

Buck Mason

“We typically associate fall attire with outdoorsy types of items,” Kenger says, adding that, in general, the fabrics you’re looking for “should start getting a bit heavier and focus on being more robust.” Buck Mason, a brand that he recommends, is all about curating a collection of the very best basics in line with their commitment to craftsmanship and consistent high quality.

Where to buy coats

Ralph Lauren

Velardi calls a “navy wool topcoat the undisputed champ” of fall fashion. “There are lots of fit and style choices in this category, but it’s all about determining what works best for you personally,” he says. If you’re looking to invest in an option that will last you far longer than a single fall season, you can’t go wrong with Ralph Lauren, a brand that continues to create beautifully designed, well-constructed pieces beyond just polo shirts. We’ve selected pieces from the brand’s “blue label,” Polo Ralph Lauren, which strikes a balance between opulence and affordability.

Weekday

“There’s nothing like a new great outerwear piece,” says Fischer, who recommends adding a statement coat to your fall rotation. “This season, there are many oversized options to accommodate all the layers comfortably.” Tim Washington, an New York City-based music marketing manager, agrees, recommending the Swedish brand Weekday, which offers a ton of fashion-forward styles at an accessible price point.

Suit Supply

“Everyone needs a good top coat,” Kenger says, “and Suit Supply has a lot of options with fabric from great mills.” The Dutch brand, which specializes in custom suits and menswear, is quickly rising in global popularity, in large part due to its Custom Made program that boasts personalized online advice, tools to help you customize your fit and expert in-store alterations.

Where to buy boots

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Thursday

A favorite among many of our experts, New York City-based brand Thursday was founded out of a frustration that founders Nolan Walsh and Connor Wilson had while shopping for their own boots in 2014. There weren’t a lot of stylish yet durable, unique yet practical options available at an accessible price point. Today, the brand is a staple for men across the world who love its range of fashionable styles that are equally comfortable and well constructed.

Red Wing Shoes

“Nothing beats a pair of Red Wings,” says our senior travel and money editor Andrew Kunesh. The iconic brand is well known for its protective work boots, which are designed to keep feet safe. Its heritage styles boast similar durability but are a bit more comfortable and conducive to everyday wear. Regardless of the style you choose, there’s no doubt that they’ll hold up well over time and against the elements.

Blundstone

“Blundstone boots are perfect for fall transitioning into those winter snowing months,” Fisher says. The Australian footwear brand is well known for its easy-to-slide-on, unbelievably comfortable shoes, which are now available in an impressive range of material and style options. No matter what your fall looks like — whether it’s stomping through puddles, piles of leaves or just the streets of a big city — you can’t go wrong with a pair of Blundstones.

Clarks

When it comes to Velardi’s fall shoe of choice, he opts for a classic: Clarks Wallabees. But whether it’s that iconic style, the brand’s desert boots or one of its newer styles or collaborations, Clarks’ ongoing dedication to comfort and durability has made it one of the must-have brands for fall footwear.

Dr. Martens

Since the 1970s and ’80s when Dr. Martens were staples of the punk and new wave scenes, the UK-based footwear company has been a perennial favorite among the youth. Fans’ zeal for the brand’s iconic chunky soles and yellow stitching continues today, especially among men who’ve embraced the workwear trend. With their rugged designs — perfect for trudging through the mud — they’re an excellent choice for the fall.

Where to buy socks

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Bombas

“Fall is such a great time to mess around with different shoes — chukkas, loafers or sneakers,” Velardi says. And what is a must-have when you’re experimenting with different shoes? Different socks, of course! Bombas is a long-time CNN Underscored staff favorite and also where many of our experts go to when they’re looking for comfortable socks, especially warm ones that will pair well with boots throughout the chillier months.

Gold Toe

Sometimes refreshing the pieces that aren’t necessarily on display but are crucial to your comfort is an easy way to start building a wardrobe you’re proud of. And what better place to start than with socks? “Gold Toe socks are my favorites,” Lee says. “They’re great quality and comfortable any time of the year.”

London Sock Company

“London Sock Company is my go-to for dress socks,” Fisher says. “Socks are a great way to show you have style, game and character.” He adds that he’s a big fan of the brand’s variety of colors and styles. The options are endless, and each is a perfect way to add that bit of elegant detail to any outfit.

Where to buy fall accessories

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Nordstrom

There aren’t many department stores as versatile as Nordstrom, making it a natural place to pick up accessories and extras. In a single visit, you can grab a buy-it-for-life wallet, stylish briefcase and a cozy hat — all from on-trend, high-end brands. While the annual Anniversary Sale is one of our favorite times to shop at Nordstrom, we encourage you to check out the offerings all year.

Madewell

When it comes to a one-stop shop for all your fall accessories, Loyd recommends Madewell. From men’s wallets to sunglasses and belts, the brand carries a ton of styles and variety — all perfect for sprucing up your seasonal wardrobe. But that’s not all the apparel brand does. It’s worth noting their incredible denim selection, which is one of the best on the market.

Mr Jones Watches

There are an endless number of watch brands to choose from. So when we come across one that’s truly unique, we can’t resist sharing. London-based brand Mr Jones Watches specializes in conversation-starting pieces that people can’t resist complimenting. Whether they make you think or just make you smile, the designs — many of which are created in partnership with artists — are the perfect accessory to any outfit.

Bloomingdale’s

When you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for — whether that’s a length of scarf or a type of cool-weather hat — it can be useful to browse a retail site like Bloomingdale’s, which Bruno recommends. Not only will they carry a range of product styles and types but you can discover different brands and better learn what types of products you gravitate toward. You might also find discounted products from some of your favorite high-end brands.

Tie Bar

While heading back into the office isn’t exactly back-to-school season, the fall might be a great time to refresh your office attire. “If you’re looking for a tie or a pocket square, my go-to is Tie Bar,” Lee says. “They have a great selection at great prices.”

FAQs

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