What to Wear Next: Fall’s 10 Key Casual Items

2. Pop of Pattern. Strong checks continue to be an important look for gents. The red and black check in this Thomas Dean shirt looks crisp and rugged with its white accenting and contrast fabric in the cuffs - this is the city slicker version of any good lumber jack’s shirt. The easy, modern fit is comfortable and relaxed with jeans of any wash, all weekend long.

3. The Updated Sport Coat. Just because it’s a casual day, doesn’t mean your outfit can’t have some sartorial edge. Do it by adding this softly constructed sport coat from Brooks Brothers’ Red Fleece Collection. The fit is contemporary and the silhouette is modern, with narrower lapels and a shorter length. It will serve not only as a sport coat, but also as a jacket on a cool Fall afternoon or evening. The basket weave black and white tweed gives the wool a rugged feel that works as a neutral to pair with any of your favorite jeans. It looks great with a plaid button up to play off the tweed, and a sweater layered underneath gives off a very English vibe.

4. Denim Reinterpreted. If you checked out our “Clothes & Conversation” last week, you’ll recall us talking about the many uses of denim this season. Ralph Lauren’s rugged Denim & Supply line is the right resource to grab up a western style shirt. They designed it with many of the classic western details – a snap front and flap chest pockets, as well as a western yoke detailing. But gents, they do it in a super soft cotton denim that is washed to give it a vintage look so you will definitely not look like a cowboy. You’ll just have that rugged Marlboro Man style, and we assure you, there is everything style-right about that. And to make sure of it, pair it with grey, tan, or olive twill jeans (avoid blue denim) or layer it under your favorite sweaters.

5. The New Shape of Pants. Joggers continue to be a modern choice for weekend wear. Technically, joggers are different than true sweats in that they mix the comfortable elastic waist and cuffed bottom of sweatpants with more traditional fabrics like wool, cotton twill and corduroy to give them the feel of “real” pants. You can see what we mean in these Jack Spade joggers. The rich black cotton twill steps up the drawstring waist and elastic bottom, making them perfectly appropriate for places other than the couch. The contemporary fit isn’t skinny, but prevents them from looking like sloppy sweatpants – even once you pair them with your favorite t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, or flannels. They even have front and back pockets, as well as a rear welt cell phone pocket, giving them additional structure and functionality.

6. Fall’s Dusty & Deep Color. Dark, smoky burgundy is one of the best colors of the season, and this Vince 3-button Henley sweater shows it off perfectly, in a wool and linen fabric that has just enough texture to really highlight its rich tones. Layer it over a grey or white t-shirt and wear with jeans (dark ones will dress it up, broken-in ones will keep it casual) or the stylish joggers above. The fit is Vince’s typically modern shape – not too over-sized or too trim, ideal for most gents.

7. The Inspired Shirt. If you’re like most gents, your closet is probably full of checks and plaids. Bugatchi’s indigo floral print is about to change that. If floral makes you think of a Hawaiian shirt, take a second look at this one. The fabric actually goes through a silk protein wash to create the washed indigo look - and it has an incredibly soft feel. But it also mutes the look of the floral to create, what looks like just a cool, rugged pattern at first glance. The contrast trim on the inside of the cuffs, placket, and collar really grounds the pattern, too. It looks effortless with twill pants and even corduroys for a casual dinner or brunch.

8. The Shoe Update. You may have a pair of Converse sneakers in your closet but you probably don’t have this new version. With Nike now owning Converse, they married the best of both worlds by adding Nike’s Zoom Air technology to the iconic look of Jack Purcell’s. The result? Pure comfort and support with timeless style. The white leather upper and rubber sole never looked so good or felt so comfortable. Toss out the old ones and go for a new update that your feet will thank you for.

9. It’s All in the Details. Backpacks, a comfortable and practical way to haul your stuff, are getting sleeker and more appropriate for everyday use thanks to their new fashion acceptance. This one from Everlane is one of our favorites. Not only does their business model support excellent quality with even better, transparent pricing, it’s super good-looking. The shell is water resistant cotton twill and it has black leather trim for style – this is not your old hiking backpack. It has a padded laptop compartment, cinch top closure, and 3 outer zip close pockets for all the non-outdoorsy things you quickly need to reach. Available in 5 color combinations (all through the ‘shop it’ button), the olive/black is our favorite. You will not beat the price for the value.

10. The Key Item Coat. A quilted shirt jacket is a timeless go-to throughout the Fall weekends. It’s a look that simply never goes out of style. Victorinox Swiss Army uses a water resistant fabric, along with a polyfill that will keep you warm and dry. The slightly curved hem gives it an overshirt-look, which keeps it casual and stylish for a weekend of errands. The black color is a fresh alternative to the typical blues and olives you find in a style like this, and still goes with absolutely everything. The fit is modern but not skinny. For a truly easy fit, size up. If you’re not familiar with Patrick James, the store we’re directing you to through the ‘shop it’ button, we think of it as the West Coast version of what Mark Shale’s retail stores were like – filled with an edited assortment of timeless high-quality pieces from many of the same brands we used to carry and still recommend. And you can return with a pre-paid label if it doesn’t work out…which isn’t likely.