For us, this is the gold standard when it comes to buying that raincoat that you're going to wear over a business suit, on the weekends, on every trip imaginable. The color is perfect because it references a traditional tan raincoat, but the people at Jack Spade have warmed up the hue to make it more skin-tone friendly. It's cut trim and a bit shorter than normal, which gives it a more contemporary edge, and the orange interior ensures you're not wearing your dad's old vintage raincoat. Form follows function in the details, like a fly-front closure and bonded seams that keep out the water and gussets under the armholes that help the rubberized cotton breathe. There's no lining, so it's easy to throw on over your heaviest flannel wool suit, or fisherman sweater, or even a hoodie. This is a raincoat fit for running errands or a meeting with the CEO.
When I think of Fair Isle sweaters I think of Polo by Ralph Lauren, because Ralph is the master of taking something that is so traditional and making it contemporary and cool for the modern guy. Not only is this sweater cut a little bit slimmer, but the pattern has been recolored slightly from the super-fusty, folkloric versions. It looks great with a shirt and tie; just remember to keep your underpinnings clean. We paired it with a pink shirt in the magazine for a preppy look, but it also can look incredibly modern when paired with gray flannel pants, a white oxford shirt, and a pair of black loafers. I think we're at a time in fashion where pieces that are a little bit geezer look great again. So while this obviously pays homage to a classic Scottish Fair Isle, it still feels new.
Another one of the things Ralph Lauren does so well is to keep some of the old-world trappings of a garment, but still make it wearable. These corduroy pants have a utilitarian workwear look to them, but the fabric is extremely soft and the garment washing has faded them into a beautiful blue color. Corduroy is a heavier fabric, so you should always go for a slimmer cut, like these, to avoid adding extra pounds to your physique. It's a great weekend pant for those autumn days when the mercury starts to dip a little low.
The most traditional knit ties are made of silk, followed by wool and then cotton, and what makes this Burberry one incredibly modern, but just as sophisticated, is the fact that it's slimmer and has this wonderful stripe pattern. Because the colors in it are muted it doesn't come across as being too preppy or too nautical. It really marries beautifully with a pinstripe suit or a fall tweed sports jacket. Put it with a chambray shirt, put it with a white oxford, put it with anything.
David Hart kills it this fall by taking classic menswear patterns, in this case a houndstooth and a windowpane, and putting them together in one tie. It pairs well with tweeds, a khaki dress shirt, even just a work shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Pattern mixing with an accessory like this can be tricky, so opt for solid colors that let the bold tie stand out.
It's the season of the polka-dot die, and this Gitman one is exciting because it's made of wool and the dots are embroidered, not printed. Polka-dot ties are usually silk, so when crafted in this soft wool, the tie becomes a unique piece that stands out from the pack. It comes in this beautiful pale blue, almost chambray, which gives a little dash of color to your fall wardrobe.
Ferragamo is really a footwear dynasty, and incredibly masterful when it comes to building a shoe. I always tell people to spend a little more than you would normally want to on a pair of shoes, because it will be worth it in the long run. The last is built to last a lifetime on these double monks, as long as you take care of them, and the rubber sole helps to keep the them light and comfortable from the get-go. Wear these with jeans, or a suit and unbuckle the top for a little extra savoir faire. This is the quintessential monkstrap in a rich brown that goes with everything—especially those heavyweight fabrics you're going to be wearing for fall.
In so far as we love really bright colored socks for summer, for fall we're loving the pale sock in a gray or tan or this incredible baby blue. It's just one of those colors that is so attractive with any combination. You put it with gray trousers, you put it with black shoes, corduroy, anything—it's a great neutral for fall. This pair by Pantherella is cashmere and while guys don't think they want to spend money on cashmere socks, the truth is they'll last a long time if they're cared for, and keep you warm.
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