Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Mens Journal
We Researched Hundreds of Menswear Products. These Are the Pieces You Need for Fall
By Michael Stefanov,
12 hours ago
As someone who has spent my career in menswear, fall is when I begin to flex my style muscle. To wit, this is the season to wear more clothes, giving me more options to create various natty outfits: chunky knits, light coats , shells, flannel shirts , and hefty khakis , all layered to their full potential.
But men's fashion trends can be as fleeting as a seasonal cross-body bag or as enduring as a classic topcoat. Just as a particular garment or fit is "in" now, the pendulum will eventually swing back. The same guys sporting super voluminous jeans now will inevitably wear skinny jeans when they return in a few years—trust us.
There's no pressure to follow every micro-niche trend dictated by the fashion cycle. Actually, you're better off avoiding that exhausting habit. What's always in style? Authenticity. More specifically, it's a return to foundational garments that have stood the test of time, like cardigan sweaters or derby shoes, but worn or styled in modern ways.
Awareness of style is smart, but wearing what works for you is paramount. The style tips below embrace a classic sensibility and are intended to provide a range of garments to consider for fall 2024. So, with our finger firmly on the menswear pulse, read on to elevate your wardrobe this season. And if you're curious about more men's fall fashion staples, check out our list of the best jeans , coolest leather jackets , and most stylish corduroy pants .
Oversized coats are a long-lasting fall style trend.
Courtesy Images
Fashion-conscious guys have been rocking oversized coats for some time, but it shouldn't just be relegated to the street-savvy set. Allowing for more volume and length in your coat allows for comfort infused with a confident swagger.
A longer, roomier overcoat opens possibilities—wear it with a hoodie (classic move, but it works), or leave space for a chunky cable knit, denim, or tailored jacket underneath. A voluminous coat keeps you warm, allows you to wrap yourself in an enveloping fit, and creates an interesting aesthetic with its bold sartorial silhouette draping in the wind.
Whether it's double-breasted, a car coat, or a belted trench, the extra volume exudes a certain flair and ease of movement that an extremely fitted coat might lack. You can often tell if a coat has these attributes by how it fits the model online, and some are even labeled oversized.
Gant Donegal Coat
Gant Donegal Coat is an elegant, comfortable coat for fall.
Courtesy Image
Banana Republic Italian Twill Mac Coat
Banana Republic Italian Twill Mac Coat is a high-fashion take on a reliable style of overcoat.
Courtesy Image
Rag & Bone Slater Cotton Trench Coat
Rag & Bone Slater Cotton Trench Coat is Sherlock Holmes-ish chic in the best way possible.
Courtesy Image
Todd Snyder Italian Wool Officer Top Coat
Todd Snyder Italian Wool Officer Top Coat features double-breasted buttoning for an additional refined look.
Courtesy Image
Elevated Joggers
A streetwear staple, joggers have been around for a long while. But they've recently earned a deserved upgrade.
Courtesy Images
Joggers have become a closet staple as the quintessential lounge pant that doubles as activewear. And in a post-COVID-19 world, they're ready to flourish.
As the lifestyle element in men's fashion continues to grow, brands specializing in activewear and loungewear are putting even more thought into the details, textiles, and fit of our favorite joggers, which are now almost as elevated as any other pair of well-tailored pants. (And for those not in the know, yes, joggers and sweatpants are notably different, with joggers generally being more tapered.)
They should feature pockets to fit your essentials on the go, with a fit that's neither too loose nor too tight—no one needs to see too much leg definition at the grocery store. The elastic bottom cuffs already provide a natural form-fitting quality, so opt for a slightly relaxed leg that flatters almost any physique and adds refinement to the jogger's casual appeal. Just don't call them sweatpants.
Taylor Stitch Apres Pant
Taylor Stitch Apres Pant is comfortable enough for any post-adventure activity that requires you to dress up just a tiny bit.
Courtesy Image
Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger
Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger is the perfect pant to take you from the gym to happy hour.
Courtesy Image
Polo Ralph Lauren Double-Knit Cargo Jogger Pant
Polo Ralph Lauren Double-Knit Cargo Jogger Pant plays on cargo pants by adding outside pockets.
Courtesy Image
Duer No Sweat Jogger
Duer No Sweat Jogger look astonishingly like regular pants but with all the comfort of joggers.
Courtesy Image
Cardigans With Character
Cardigans have made a big comeback this year. They're a must-buy for your wardrobe.
Courtesy Images
With its 2024 resurgence, the cardigan is a must-own menswear staple once again. Besides being innately stylish, cardigans are also versatile and look equally cool with a T-shirt as they do with an Oxford shirt and knit tie.
This fall, however, consider cardigans with a pop of texture or interesting prints. While a basic merino cardigan is suitable for dressing up, it can sometimes feel uninspired. Instead, give your cardigan some character with a fuzzy mohair or angora, a thicker wool shawl collar, or even luxe cashmere. Don't shy away from incorporating a print either; a cardigan offers a canvas to reflect your personality, so feel free to experiment. And if it doesn't resonate, no worries—there's always next season. The cardigan isn't going anywhere.
J. Crew Alpaca-Blend V-Neck Cardigan Sweater
J. Crew Alpaca-Blend V-Neck Cardigan Sweater looks beautiful and feels softer than any sweater you already own.
Courtesy Image
L.L.Bean Classic Ragg Wool Cardigan
When you think of a classic cardigan, this L.L.Bean Classic Ragg Wool Cardigan must come to mind.
Courtesy Image
Corridor Raga Cardigan
Corridor Raga Cardigan adds unique colored accents to make itself stand out.
Courtesy Image
Pendleton Shetland Collection Cardigan
Pendleton Shetland Collection Cardigan is a soft, beautiful cardigan for fall weather.
Courtesy Image
Archival (Retro-Inspired) Sneakers
Retro sneakers are back in. Or maybe they never really left?
Courtesy Image
The classic New Balance 574 is a staple, and brands like Koio and Greats have each brought their unique touch to the retro paneled sneaker vibe. This fall, however, many heritage brands are delving into their archives and reinterpreting their classic styles with a modern twist.
From Keen’s A86 , a nod to the brand's trail-running roots, and Gola’s '80s-inspired Chicago jogging shoes crafted from recycled parachute nylon, to Sperry’s reimagined US12, inspired by the iconic sneaker worn during the 1987 America’s Cup, these sneakers blend style, substance, and heritage.
Not only are these options visually striking with their retro athletic paneling, but they’re also versatile enough for casual weekend wear and light jogs or hikes. If you don't like these choices, chances are your favorite sneaker brand has a reinterpreted style rooted in tradition but crafted for today.
Keen KS86 Sneaker
Keen KS86 Sneaker adds a rugged look to the classic sneaker style.
Courtesy Image
Gola Chicago Sneakers
Gola Chicago Sneakers give big brands like Adidas and New Balance a run for their money.
Courtesy Image
Sperry US12 Sneaker
Known for boat shoes, Sperry also makes the good-looking US12 Sneaker.
Courtesy Image
Saucony DXN Trainer
Running shoe brand Saucony also makes retro-style sneakers like the Saucony DXN Trainer.
Courtesy Image
Oxford Shirts
Oxford shirts are a menswear classic, but they're getting extra nods this fall.
Courtesy Image
A structured dress shirt has its place with suits and formal wear but can feel too stiff for everyday wear. In contrast, a classic Oxford shirt—which, okay, never really went anywhere—is just as timeless but more versatile, with a casual yet dressy look that exudes a preppy, chic vibe and gains character with each wear.
It steps down from the formality of a dress shirt while still pairing effortlessly with blazers or leather jackets. What sets the Oxford shirt apart is its button-down collar and generally heavier, more durable weave. Despite being featured in many trend forecasts, it never goes out of style. While white or light blue is the most common, consider choosing any color or pattern that resonates with your personal style.
Buck Mason Perfect Oxford
Buck Mason Perfect Oxford lives up to its name.
Courtesy Image
Mack Weldon 37.5 Oxford
Mack Weldon gets every detail right on this 37.5 Oxford.
Courtesy Image
Taylor Stitch The Jack
Taylor Stitch The Jack is a no-frills, high-quality Oxford shirt.
Courtesy Image
Charles Tyrwhitt Button-Down Collar Washed Oxford Plain Shirt
Charles Tyrwhitt Button-Down Collar Washed Oxford Plain Shirt has a pleasing striped pattern on the inside.
Courtesy Image
Rugged Tote Bags
Tote bags are the perfect grab-and-go storage device—whether you're going into the city or just the grocery store.
Courtesy Images
Some occasions call for a technical backpack or a work briefcase, but for everyday use, nothing beats the convenience and style of a tote bag. These are not the flimsy totes you pick up at a farmer's market. Crafted from durable materials like tin cloth, canvas twill, or suede, these bags are built to handle your daily commute and weekend outings and even slip effortlessly over your roller case luggage handle.
While you can carry a tote by the handles, I prefer slinging it over one shoulder to free up my hands. And for music fans, they're perfect for weekend record shopping in the fall. Totes are the new messenger bag—they're stylish, convenient, and just as versatile.
Steele Canvas Utility Tote
Steele Canvas Utility Tote is a next-level tote bag that will make sure you never wear a backpack again.
Courtesy Image
Flint & Tinder Waxed Canvas Tote
Flint & Tinder Waxed Canvas Tote uses the eponymous material to provide waterproof coverage for your key items.
Courtesy Image
Taylor Stitch The Roughout Tote
Yes, you can rest assured that no matter the adventure, the rugged Taylor Stitch The Roughout Tote will remain intact
Courtesy Image
Filson Rugged Twill Open Tote Bag
Filson Rugged Twill Open Tote Bag is abrasion-resistant and water-repellent.
Courtesy Image
Trad Ties
You heard that right. Ties are coming back.
Courtesy Images
Ties, you say? "Trad" what? Yes, ties are making a slow but steady comeback, alongside a resurgence in tailoring—just look at recent menswear runway shows or street style. But these ties aren't the shiny, pastel versions in a department store spiral. Instead, they have a heritage or trad (meaning traditional) feel, giving a modern twist to Ivy League style.
Solid colors work well if they have texture, like wool, silk knit, or Donegal fleck. Prints include handsome foulards, mosaics, and repp stripes, all offering a lived-in charm without ever feeling stuffy or outdated. Wear them with suits or dress up an Oxford shirt for your upcoming holiday engagements. This fall, the right tie makes a cool style statement that's effortlessly rakish without trying too hard.
The Tie Bar Flecked Solid Knit Brown Tie
The Tie Bar Flecked Solid Knit Brown Tie adds little bits of color to a sharp brown tie.
Courtesy Image
The Tie Bar Strisce Stripe Green Tie
Every man needs a striped tie in his closer. The Tie Bar Strisce Stripe Green Tie is the one right now.
Courtesy Image
Buck Mason Italian Silk Knit Tie
Material matters. Buck Mason Italian Silk Knit Tie is soft and comfortable.
Courtesy Image
Brooks Brothers Silk Foulard Print Tie
Brooks Brothers Silk Foulard Print Tie has an elegant pattern to look your best.
Courtesy Image
Technical Outerwear—Anywhere
Technical outerwear isn't just for hiking, biking, and running anymore. It makes a fashion statement.
Courtesy Images
Technical outerwear, once reserved solely for outdoor activities, now looks great anywhere you want to wear it. Patagonia, perhaps unintentionally, led this shift as its jackets were adorned on office tower-packed city streets, and more recently, Arc'teryx, renowned for its technical features and sleek designs, is a favorite of the fashion-forward street style crowd.
There's a growing number of brands merging lifestyle and technical elements, crafting jackets that fit effortlessly into metropolitan and small-town settings alike. With waterproof membranes, Gore-Tex, seam-sealed construction, and hidden pockets, they maintain a streamlined, sleek look, proving that technical gear can look as good as it performs.
Aether Stornaway Insulated Hoodie
Stornaway Insulated Hoodie is a handsome, technical zip-up for any weathered occasion.
Courtesy Image
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Patagonia is a household name at this point, but it's because it makes incredible products like this Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket.
Courtesy Image
Helly Hansen Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket
Helly Hansen Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket isn't just for ski season. Wear it to any fall gathering and rake in the compliments.
Courtesy Image
Columbia Watertight II Jacket
Columbia Watertight II Jacket is an affordable lightweight jacket that's waterproof.
Courtesy Image
Double-Breasted Blazers
Double-breasted blazers bring a roaring '20s vibe into the modern times.
Courtesy Images
Several years ago, mentioning double-breasted blazers might have conjured images of bygone eras—movie stars from the '50s or Gatsby-inspired pinstripes. However, these blazers are now the stylish guy's everyday jacket, offering a tailored twist with added character and innate swagger. Opt for a peak lapel; it allows you to pop the collar and lapel for a more casual vibe or wear it traditionally with just the top button fastened.
Double-breasted blazers are versatile, pairing with everything from wool flannel trousers and chinos to jeans, oxford shirts, and T-shirts. Choose cotton, wool, or silk fabrics, but ensure they have some texture and scrunch. Avoid a sheen or matte finish unless it's for an especially formal occasion.
Ralph Lauren Polo Soft Tailored Stretch Chino Jacket
Ralph Lauren Polo Soft Tailored Stretch Chino Jacket is a classy addition to your fall wardrobe.
Courtesy Image
Billy Reid Basket Weave Double-Breasted Archie Jacket
Billy Reid Basket Weave Double-Breasted Archie Jacket, cut from luxurious silk and virgin wool, is unstructured, adding just the right amount of nonchalance.
Abercrombie & Fitch A&F Collins Tailored Double-Breasted Blazer blends modern sensibilities with past subtleties.
Courtesy Image
Derby Shoes
Derby shoes look classy but are casual enough to wear to a regular old kickback, too.
Courtesy Images
Narrower and more elegant shoe styles like Chelsea boots or monk straps, though timeless, can sometimes feel too regal for our relaxed, easygoing climate. Enter the derby, the unsung footwear hero of versatility. With its distinct construction featuring quarters sewn atop the vamp for an open lacing system and a generally rounder toe and more robust silhouette, a derby contrasts with the pointed formality of Oxfords.
Derbies come in many forms—brogues, boots, split toes—but this fall, you can't go wrong with a streamlined pair. Their versatility extends to nearly any outfit that needs a touch of casual polish, from jeans with white socks to twill chinos, corduroy trousers, and, of course, tailoring. Keep them polished or let them develop a patina over time, which only enhances their aged charm.
Dr. Martens 1461 Ambassador Leather Oxford Shoes
Dr. Martens 1461 Ambassador Leather Oxford Shoes are the go-to derby shoes right now.
Courtesy Image
Beckett Simonon Dunham Derbies
Beckett Simonon Dunham Derbies have a classic look for more formal occasions.
Courtesy Image
Thursday Boot Co. Renegade
Thursday Boot Co. Renegade is a trusted, rugged derby shoe.
Courtesy Image
Mr. Porter Mr. P Jacques Leather Derby Shoes
Mr. Porter Mr. P Jacques Leather Derby Shoes are made from leather and set on Vibram soles.
Courtesy Image
Fall Style Tips to Dress Comfortably and Look Your Best
Fall is the perfect season to dive into layering, explore new tones, and experiment with textures. But it can initially feel overwhelming, especially as we transition into cooler weather. To guide you through building your fall wardrobe, we tapped into the expertise of Seth Howard , a style expert who's worked with Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Nordstrom , and Nautica. Here are some foundational styling tips to remember as you curate your fall ensemble and invest in key pieces to master your autumn look.
Layering
Fall calls for layering, so start easy with a core piece like a knit or Oxford and work from there.
"Layering is key to achieving a stylish fall look, and it's all about balancing textures and proportions. Try wearing an oversized hoodie or sweater under a classic topcoat for a trendy, laid-back vibe," says Howard. "The contrast between the relaxed fit of the hoodie and the structured silhouette of the coat creates a modern, effortlessly cool appearance.
Here's what he recommends: "Start with a button-down collar shirt as your base layer for a more polished ensemble. It's the perfect foundation for a put-together look, whether adding a sweater, a vest, or a simple jacket on top. This approach adds depth to your outfit and keeps you comfortably warm as the temperatures drop."
Tonal Colors to Monochromatic Looks
Wearing the same hues might seem counteractive, but it can be a cool visual style swerve that also happens to be very of the moment.
“Executing a monochromatic look requires a keen eye for color and detail. The key is to embrace a variety of tones and shades within the same color family. If the hues aren’t an exact match, it’s better to intentionally choose different shades—like pairing charcoal with light grey—so it’s clear that the variation is deliberate," Howard says.
He goes on to say that the approach adds a little extra depth to your outfit. It looks thoughtfully curated and cohesive—each piece subtly complementing the others.
Add Texture
Fall is a favorite season among the style set as we get to add texture. Cable knits, wools, soft velvety corduroy, robust tweeds, and shaggy mohair all add depth and character to your fall ensemble. So embrace the heft.
Why You Should Trust Us
In addition to writing for Men's Journal , I have covered topics ranging from menswear to fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men's Health . I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and most of the grooming pages.
I have always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I write, since while trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse, and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it's this approach that often positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it's about coats, colognes, or turntable needles, people recognize that I've done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others to seek out their unique interests in things that might improve their lives.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0