'Things I Like This Month,' is a monthly newsletter where I share things I genuinely like or that stood out to me and felt worth talking about.

Everything you read in this article is my honest opinion, and nothing is paid for. I’m always excited to see new quality products and discover new brands or makers, so I’m always very happy when you guys send me suggestions or something you think I might like.

Padded Vests

Fortela Nylon Vest on the left, Lavenham Stud Front Bomber Gilet on the right

September is that month when it’s chilly in the morning but can get hot in the afternoon. One day it can be 30 degrees and then three days later 16. It’s when planning the right layers matters the most, you can’t wear too many because you’ll be sweating, or too little because you’ll get cold.

Over the next couple of weeks we get that short window when we can enjoy wearing a vest. I love a thick, padded vest, but here in Vienna they are not really that useful, because they’re too warm for most days in autumn and not warm enough for most days in winter.

I believe a mid-weight vest (like this one from Fortela or this from Lavenham) is probably the most versatile, as you’ll likely get the most wear out of it. But I also like thin, light vests that you can use as layering under coats or jackets. What’s better for you will come down to the climate where you live. Here you can find my full list of the best quality vests currently available.

Whitefeather Mfg Co. Jackets

1920s Hunting Jacket Dryback on the left, a modified version of 1920s A1 style jacket on the right

I already mentioned Whitefeather Mfg Co. as the best menswear shop in Vienna, but what many of you might not know it that it’s also a clothing brand, making jackets and trousers inspired by designs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of the jackets are original designs, and some are reproductions (like the one I’m wearing in the photo on the left, which is an accurate reproduction of a 1920s hunting jacket).

The most special pieces Fardin makes are the leather jackets, which are really worth checking out, because the value for price is probably the best among all leather jackets on the market. The quality and fit are incredible. And if the fit is not perfect, you can get all jackets made to order with possible length and width changes, very similar to made-to-measure. That way you can really get a jacket that will fit you like no other. All jackets are made locally in Vienna, using only the best fabrics from Japan and leathers from Italian tanneries. You can check out his online shop here, but Fardin is a great guy, so if you are ever in Vienna, you should visit the shop at Lerchenfelderstrasse 63.

Poszetka White Dobby Cord Shirt

White western shirt made from dobby cord cotton, which looks and feels like a fine corduroy, for those days when you want to dress down a white shirt. The fabric and western shirt elements make it more casual, and I love casual shirts with two front pockets, even more if they have flaps. And the mother of pearl snap buttons add a lot of character and work really well with the dobby cord cotton used for the shirt. It’s a very versatile piece that works with everything, from tailoring to denim, and you can even wear it as an overshirt.

You can get 10% off with code OUTFITNARRATIVE

Check it out.

High Socks

Pedemeia Organic Cotton Ribbed Socks in Yellow

I like to show ankles during warmer months and even prefer to wear a suit without socks in the summer, even though I know it’s not “by the rules” (I wear socks in formal settings). But I’m happy that the weather is cooling down, so I can wear them without getting hot, because I enjoy wearing colorful socks with casual outfits. I think they add that extra personal touch, since you usually have a couple of different options that all work, so it comes down to personal choice and what you’re feeling in that moment, and the option you choose can change the vibe of the whole outfit. I prefer ribbed socks because they have these textured lines that make the whole outfit more elegant, and I usually wear the knee-high version so they don’t slip down when I walk. I currently swear by the 100% Cotton Fil D'Écosse and Merino Wool versions from Pedemeia. You can also check out the Best Quality Sock Makers or read How to Find the Right Balance Between Value and Price in Socks.

Peplord Tote Bags

I have seen Peplord pieces on the internet and social media constatly worn and used by very stylish guys, but I haven’t had the chance to see any of his stuff in person until I met Giuseppe in Florence this summer at Pitti uomo. You can own a product, but it’s often not until you meet the person who created it that you really understand it. And it was just like that with Giovanni. If you get the chance to talk with him, you will understand his style and that he makes the products that he loves and wants to wear. Everything that he makes is not only the best possible quality, the way everything is constructed and even more so the materials and fabrics he chooses make every time you handle any of his pieces feel like a special experience. The most recognisable is The Peplord Tote (the two bags with a leather pocket on the right side of the left photo in natural and green, and the natural leather version on the left), then there is also the Passenger Tote (available in natural in the middle of the left photo, and green on the bottom left), and the Almiriki (available in natural, green, frogskin camo and m-29 camo).

But Peplord are not only bags, he also makes wallets and passbooks, a couple of different hats, unique leather sandals, but also very special accessories like bespoke horn glasses or horn and bone pens, and even more items are coming soon. All his items are made locally in Florence or in the region.

If you want to buy, send him a DM here. (The website is currently offline, so Giuseppe is accepting orders via DM.)

Lightweight Knitwear

Benny Wool-Cashmere Polo from Berg & Berg on the left, Malloch’s Natural Easton Merino Crew Neck Sweater on the right

Even though most of September is usually warm, the mornings and evenings can get chilly, so lighter knitwear is a good alternative for when you don’t want to wear a jacket. When it gets colder it works well with tailoring as well.

There are currently a couple of great options that I have my eyes on, like this Malloch’s Natural Easton Merino Crew Neck Sweater, the Natalino Cotton Crew Neck Sweater, or the Brushed Wool Polo Collar Jumper from Harley. Also this lovely Brown Merino Wool Turtleneck from Poszetka, Benny Wool-Cashmere Polo from Berg & Berg, V-Neck Sweater or Cardigan from Rubato, or if you want something very special, the Cashmere Light Aran Sweater from Inis Meáin.

Jack Carlson as new J.Press Creative Director

A couple of weeks ago, J. Press announced Jack Carlson as its new creative director.

Carlson founded the brand Rowing Blazers and served as its Creative Director until selling to Tory Burch co-owners Burch Creative Capital in 2024. He also led the revival of several heritage brands, including Warm & Wonderful, a knitwear label beloved by Diana, Princess of Wales.

In his official statement he wrote: “I plan to bring a renewed focus on Made-in-America, as well as England, Scotland, Canada, and Japan. J. Press is one of the only menswear brands of its size still making most of its products in the United States, the old-fashioned way, in places many other brands have abandoned.”

We all know how important J. Press is for classic menswear, so I was very happy when I read this. The methods of making clothes “the old way” are rapidly declining, and with every new generation there are fewer people with the knowledge and skills needed to keep these processes alive and running. Having a brand say something like this is powerful, and I really hope they will be able to achieve that goal.

The new Fall-Winter collection that they just released was already Jack’s work. Check out the runway show, fall-winter lookbook, or shop the new collection.

IWC Ingenieur Automatic 35

I know it’s been almost 6 months since IWC introduced the Ingenieur in 35mm. In “What I Think About This Year’s New Watch Releases” I explained why I’m not really a fan of the updated Ingenieur they released two years ago. The smaller size makes this watch really sleek on the wrist, which I can’t say for the 40mm version. Even though the design is exactly the same, 35mm seems like a totally different watch. I have to admit that while I still prefer the design of the original Ingenieur, the new, updated design works really well in the 35mm version, and it has that charm we love and desire(appreciate?) so much in vintage sports watches. I liked this version from the day it was released, and it has only grown on me since. Even though I think the retail price is too high, in my opinion this is a perfect modern sports watch.

Check it out.

Is there anything that caught your attention this month? Let me know in the comments.