Posted By:Frank Jedda aka "Professor Blogman"
November 5, 2010
Here we are right in the middle of autumn and this week the temperatures have really started to drop. The air is crisp, the wind carries a chill, and people all around are wearing more and more layers. It is now time to make sure that our wardrobe has those essential timeless and classic pieces needed for the hot toddy season.
Here is a short check list of must haves that will enhance your fall wardrobe.
The Heavy Blazer:
Wonderful thick and heavy luxurious cloths in Vintage Tweeds, Camel Hair, Houndstooth, Herringbones - meant to handle the elements during the months when the sun starts going down earlier. They keep you warm, keep the cold off your back and add a wonderful depth to your daily ensemble.
Most men have a cotton, linen or wool blend blazer, but few have that heavier tweed on hand. This classic blazer is a staple for the cool weather wardrobe of the well dressed gent. Wear it with flannel trousers, corduroy’s or your jeans for that assured nonchalance classic American too-cool-to-care attitude.
Grey Flannel Trouser:
Flannel Trousers—these are the most versatile in a man's wardrobe.
They can be worn dressed up or dressed down, in the city or in the country, at the country club or the movies- with a cashmere jacket, tweed sport coat, denim or leather jacket.
A Charcoal Grey color is preferred in a high quality wool.
The Grey Flannel trouser is the ultimate selection for the 21st century guy...
(Not to be compared to "The Man in a Grey Flannel Suit" - the fictional look of conformity in the executive suite of 1950’s America)
Corduroy:
This thick rugged woven cotton is perfect for these crisp autumn days.
Corduroy is measured in Wales. The wider the distance between each ribbed wale (i.e. 3 wale- 3 per inch) the more casual the garment; the closer the wale (i.e. 11 wale- 11per inch) the more formal or less casual the garment. Then there is the fine wale or pin wale (16 or 21 wale) which is usually used for shirts.
While corduroy is a versatile fabric that is used for sport jackets, trousers, jeans, or shirts, it is casual in nature and should be avoided in a business environment, unless of course you are attending a casual meeting in a country setting. Then, you can master the art of fine dressing in your corduroy and ascot...
Cardigan:
The classic sweater cardigan is named after the Earl of Cardigan (maybe a relative of the Earl of Sandwich…or maybe not).
It is a staple for the cool weather, made popular by the early Ivy Leaguers and the crooners of the day. It is stylish and a little nerdy;
The 'boyfriend' sweater as the ladies like to snuggle up next to you or borrow it, especially if is in a wool/cashmere blend. A very versatile piece – can be worn with a shirt and tie or a t-shirt...
No sir it is not your Grandfather’s sweater any more, but your own personal expression – a point where tradition and creativity meet.
Cashmere Sweater:
V-Neck, Crew Neck, Polo, Turtle, Cardigan…a style or all...
The Ultimate in luxury and function: an investment that you will enjoy for years to come. Cashmere is soft to the touch and warm to the body- perfect for the layering look.
Fine gauge in light two ply weight in a plethora of colors—you cannot go wrong.
This is a must for your fall wardrobe—worn over a shirt and tie, alone, and with your jeans—accepted in any mode of dress. You can always bank on this staple.
Boots:
Good footwear is the mark of a complete wardrobe, and in fall, boots should be on all men’s short list of fall footwear.
Suede Boots (Chukka or Desert) can be dressy or casual...
Chelsea Boots for dress occasions and a sturdy pair of work boots to weather the elements...
Suede Dress Shoes:
The Suede dress shoe is a very important autumn item, especially in dark chocolate brown.
Captoes, brogues, monk straps, wingtips, loafer—any style is appropriate.
Suede has made a stylish transition for city dressing (once only meant for country living). It keeps the feet warm, while providing a welcome contrast to the everyday leather, also perfect to dress up or down.