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?
Molly Flores
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
Molly Flores
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.
J.Crew Heritage Cotton Crewneck Sweater
You can’t go wrong with this versatile everyday crewneck sweater, which is available in sizes XS through XXL.
$90 From $60 at J.Crew
J.Crew Heritage Cotton Half-Zip Sweater
Snag the navy shade of this half-zip style and you’ll have a classic fall piece that will pair with most outfits.
$98 $70 at J.Crew
J.Crew Cashmere Cable-Knit Sweater
If you’re looking for a warm, substantial sweater to take the place of outerwear this fall, this cashmere cable knit is a timeless choice.
$228 at J.Crew
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.
Expert Recommended
Alex Mill Marlon Sweatshirt in Cotton Fleece
López recommends this cozy, relaxed cotton fleece sweatshirt, which comes in four colors inspired by vintage pieces.
$135 at Alex Mill
Alex Mill Jordan Sweater in Washed Cashmere
Weighty, extra-soft and easy to pair with any outfit, this washed cashmere sweater would make an excellent addition to any fall wardrobe.
$295 at Alex Mill
Alex Mill Alex Sweater
Since this knit is as breathable as it is warm, you can wear it when it’s blustery or toasty.
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.
Expert Recommended
Banana Republic Alta Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Want cashmere at non-cashmere prices? Try Banana Republic, Kenger says. “The quality at BR has felt higher recently, and their stores have undergone some great renovations.”
$150 From $75 at Banana Republic
Banana Republic Cotton Button-Down Sweater Polo
When it comes to fall staples, shackets are must-haves. But sweater polos (swolos?) deserve a shout-out too. This one takes inspiration from the past with its colorblocked retro pattern and is made from extra-soft mercerized cotton.
$120 at Banana Republic
Banana Republic Italian Merino Half-Zip Sweater
Elegant, comfy and perfect for sitting by the fire with a cup of tea, this stylish half-zip is great for a casual weekend ‘fit.
$100 at Banana Republic
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.”
Wellen Recycled Cotton Headlands Crewneck Sweater
Kemp calls this the perfect sweater for early fall. “Not too heavy and not too light,” he says. “It’s great as a jacket substitute for those nights when it’s just a little too chilly but not cold enough for a jacket.”
$128 From $51 at Huckberry
Barbour Sid Buttoned Half-Zip Sweater
For over 100 years, Barbour has designed some of the most luxurious, buy-it-for-life menswear on the market. This incredibly well-made marbled lambswool and cotton half-zip is proof of that.
$160 at Huckberry
Wellen Recycled Cotton Headlands Cardigan Sweater
While this may look like your standard cardigan, it’s actually made from an itch-free combination of recycled cotton, acrylic and polyester. The material is soft, flattering and super comfortable.
$168 From $75 at Huckberry
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.
AYR The Everyday Shirt in Cool Wool
Though not quite a sweater, Pattison describes this piece as “versatile and as good a layer as any sweater.” It’s incredibly lightweight, machine-washable and made from 100% merino wool, which is three times more moisture-wicking than cotton, naturally wrinkle-resistant and antimicrobial. “Layer it over tees and under sweaters without getting overheated,” he says, “or wear it on its own. The quality of the wool’s so high it’ll never feel scratchy.”
$195 at AYR
AYR The Grad Sweater Vest
Since fall is about layering, we can’t publish this guide without including a sweater vest. And AYR’s The Grad is one of the best. It’s sophisticated, subtle and made from extra-fine merino wool.
$225 at AYR
AYR The Masters V-Neck Sweater
Over $200 is a lot to spend on this sweater. But what if we told you it was so well fitting and versatile that you could pair it with anything? That, combined with the fact that it’s made from Italian merino wool, should be enough to sell you.
$275 at AYR
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.
Todd Snyder Cashmere Cardigan
Cardigans are a foolproof layering piece. Throw this luxe cashmere option over any of your go-to tees to stay warm and look super polished.
$398 at Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Merino Waffle Crew
Kenger recommends this bestseller from the brand. The sweater’s fabric is a bit lighter than cashmere but just as comfortable and soft.
$228 at Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Champion Midweight Pocket Sweatshirt
All the comfort of a sweatshirt, all the style of a tailored sweater. And it’s available in colors perfect for fall, including Bisque, Original Navy, Army Green and Antique Grey Mix.
$98 at Todd Snyder
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