Casual Menswear Essentials for Autumn

The start of autumn is always a bit tricky when it comes to dressing. We need to master the game of layering. The difference in temperature between morning and afternoon can be more than 15 degrees on a sunny day, which means we have to dress properly to avoid being cold in the morning and minimise sweating in the afternoon. That’s why it’s important to know how layers work. You need to figure out what works best for you and your personal style, so that on a day like this, you can lose a layer or two throughout the day.

Outerwear

Raincoat - Autumn brings more rainy days, so a raincoat or a waxed jacket is a must-have. I would even go further and say they’re different enough that it’s worth having both in your closet: a mac coat for days when you dress up, and a waxed jacket for when you want to be more casual. (My list of the best Mac coats and best Waxed and Hunting Jackets)

Denim Jacket - For days when you want to go more casual, a denim jacket is also a must-have for me. I don’t have to write much about this style, everyone knows it and there’s almost no other piece that’s as effortlessly cool as a well worn denim jacket. There are a couple of different types of denim jackets, so you’ll have to figure out which one you prefer or which fits you best. (I prefer the Type II model, so here’s my ultimate guide to the best Type II denim jackets.)

Army Field Jacket - Another must-have is the classic olive army field jacket. This is a piece you don’t have to think about when putting together your outfit, because it works so well with almost everything. (My list of the best quality U.S. Army field jackets)

Suede Jacket - Next up is a nice suede jacket. Suede is a fantastic fabric that always looks luxurious and elevates every outfit. If you get it in the right style, it works well with smarter outfits, but it looks just as good with jeans and a sweater. If you don’t feel that suede works for you, you can get a jacket in a similar style, but in canvas or corduroy instead.

Padded Vest - The last piece on the must-have outerwear list is a nice vest. Here you have a lot of freedom, and you can go with whatever works best for you. I will only say: allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone and go with a color that you don’t wear often, choose something bright, like yellow or red. But if you want to play it safe, you can always go for navy, olive, or brown. And if you want something that can also work with smarter outfits, look for suede and wool versions. (My list of the best quality padded vests)

Mid layers: Jackets and Sweaters

This is an area where you have plenty of options, and I would suggest going with colors that match the palette of your wardrobe.

A Sportcoat - When it comes to sport coats or jackets that will often serve as mid-layers, I would pick something with a pattern, because outerwear and trousers are usually the pieces that are plain. So, add an interesting pattern with a jacket or some texture with a sweater.

Sportcoats with patterns add character to simple looks and usually make the whole outfit a bit more interesting, but also a bit more casual, since plain jackets in autumn-winter fabrics can quickly look more formal.

Knitwear - If you’ve just started building your knitwear rotation, I suggest going with safer and more versatile colors like beige, grey, navy, or brown. Once you have the basics covered, you can start adding brighter colors or patterns. I think everyone should own a good crewneck, roll neck, and cardigan. Read more about different types of knitwear here.

Trousers

Jeans - I am more of a casual dresser, so I would suggest starting with some denim first. A nice blue wash, ecru, and indigo jeans are a must-have if you ask me.

Chinos - add a pair of classic chinos in khaki, stone, or olive.

Corduroy trousers - can also be a very versatile piece for fall–winter, it just depends on how you dress.

I intentionally didn’t mention grey because I believe the colors above are more versatile for casual wear. If you’re looking for something dressier, then grey would be a great option, but that’s a topic for another article.

Footwear

When it comes to footwear, spring and autumn are the best seasons because you can wear all of your favorite shoes, from sneakers and loafers to boots.

Loafers - I would start with a pair of loafers because they work with all of the essentials mentioned above. If you only want one pair, then dark brown or black leather is probably the most versatile option, because you can also wear them with smarter and even formal outfits. But I personally would pick suede over leather. (My list of Best Quality Loafers at Every Price Point)

Derbies - Another must-have in autumn is a pair of derbies. I would suggest going with black leather if that’s your only pair. They will work for all possible situations and occasions from fall, through winter, all the way till the end of spring. (My list of Best Quality Derby Shoes)

Boots - You should also consider a pair of boots for those days when the weather is really bad and you want to stay warm and dry. If you're a very casual dresser and only want one pair of boots, then suede chukka boots could be the best option for you, for smarter looks leather Chelseas are a safe choice. (My list of Best Quality Chukka Boots)

Sneakers - And don’t forget, on warm, dry days you can still wear canvas sneakers. (My list of Best Quality Canvas Sneakers)

Socks

As it gets colder, socks will get a more visible role in our wardrobe. When it comes to casual outfits, they can be an accessory that elevates your outfit, not just something to keep your feet warm and dry. Either with a color that complements your outfit, creates an interesting contrast, or just a very nice pattern that adds a subtle finish to your outfit. (My list of Best Quality Sock Makers)

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Building a wardrobe is very personal, which is why there’s no ultimate solution that works for everyone. Let me know if there are any pieces you consider essential that I didn’t include.

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