Fall is here and we at the style desk are stoked. As the trees strip down to their barest, we're dressing up to the max. Layers are back and textures are on full throttle — it's arguably the best season for dressing.
It's also the most complicated. More layers means more pieces to coordinate, more to balance and more ways to get confused. But the complexity of a fall wardrobe is exactly what makes it fun. Dressing for fall ain't as tricky as you're building it up to be. If you're still struggling to see the forest for the bare-branched trees, we're here with some gentle suggestions. While we're calling these fall style essentials, the products we're listing are just suggestions. So take them and run.
Pants
What makes me a big simp for fall is that you can really pick almost any pair of pants you want. Jeans, a pair of chunky cords, chinos. Toss out the no-white-after-Labor-Day shit because a pair of cream painter pants looks great with a shaggy wool sweater and a beanie.
Shirts
Flannel is an obvious choice when the weather takes a slight dip. But don't forget about other autumnal fabrics like chamois (basically a brushed fabric) and corduroy.
Sweaters
Cardigans, half-zips, quarter-zips, pullovers, hoodies — if you can call it a sweater, it's a fall style essential. Try a slouchy cardigan to achieve inner nirvana, a smart half-zip to be cosplay as an architect, or a hoodie because you like comfort. This is where you'll get the most opportunity to show off some texture, so don't be shy. Think flecked donegal, fuzzy mohair, chunky cable knits.
Outerwear
Fall is the overshirt's time to shine. You won't need something super heavy like a duffle coat until things get real icy, but a solid chore coat, wool CPO shirt, even a trucker jacket would work well. Fleece is also a great choice that'll give your fit some serious texture.
Shoes
Loafers are still fair game this season, too. Maybe they're even better now because you can mess around with textural socks. On that note, clogs like Birkenstock Bostons or Dansko's are also primed for the season with a pair of thick, heathered socks from the likes of Anonymous Ism or Thunders Love. Bean boots, sure. Flip flops, surely not. Wallabees, work boots, the heritage classic boots you're familiar with are a safe bet.
Accessories
It's beanie season, y'all. And what better time than now, after months of avoiding the barber? You can keep your dome from freezing over while taming the lettuce. So it's a double whammy. Bucket hats can rise up, too. Top off with a wool number or a rain-proof Gore-tex variant, extra points if it has an autumnally-appropos pattern.
