4 Outfits: Sweaters & Jeans for Easy Casual Dressing

CASUAL FRIDAY.
Why is it a Find? Bar stripes continue to be a big deal for fall and J.Crew’s Italian cashmere sweater is one of the best interpretations. The lighter weight of the cashmere is just right, ensuring you won’t get too hot (or cold), regardless of the temperature in your office or a restaurant.
Wear it with: The cream and dark navy stripe is easy to accessorize. We’re all about jeans this week, and this sweater works with denim, and all of those neutrally colored twill versions - tan, grey, olive and dark taupe. Layer it over a solid blue chambray or white button up shirt, or a long sleeve heather grey or white t-shirt.
Fit Tip: Cut in J.Crew’s typically modern fit, go with your normal size. If you prefer a truly relaxed look, go ahead and size up.
Alternatives: There is a great looking cream/heather grey option through the ‘shop it’ button, too.

Why is it a Find? These Joe’s Jeans are all about the incredibly soft twill they are made of. Seriously, wait until you get your hands on these. They have just a hint of stretch for comfort, but they’re not a skinny fit. And they are washed to give this great shade of navy (called Beryl through the ‘shop it’ button) just the right amount of broken-in feel. We are directing you to Joe's Jeans site, where they offer free shipping and returns, too.
Wear it with: Just like any great pair of dark wash denim jeans, this washed navy blue twill goes with everything. So, wear them with sweaters, as we’re suggesting in this outfit, button up shirts, and fall sport coats. They’re a great denim alternative for the office or a night out.
Fit Tip: These are cut in one of Joe’s Jeans most popular fits, the Brixton, which has a mid-rise, straight updated leg, and enough room in the seat and thigh for most every gent.
Alternatives: If you prefer an easier fit, AG’s version is a solid option.

Why is it a Find? To add a little polish to the sweater featured in this outfit (and most any sweater), layer this J. Crew brushed cotton button up shirt underneath. The pale heather grey color compliments the sweater and the button down collar sits perfectly under a crewneck. And gents, this wonderfully soft brushed fabric holds up effortlessly on its own, too.
Wear it with: The neutral color of this button up makes it the perfect backdrop for all of your pullover and cardigan sweaters. And it’s an easy option for any jeans, cotton pants, and corduroys – especially if you have any in wintery shades of burgundy, green or brown.
Fit Tip: In J.Crew’s typically modern fit, it’s not too fitted in your normal size. It does come in Slim and Tall though, so there’s one for every gent.

Why is it a Find? With the blurring of lines between dressy and casual, sneakers continue to be the footwear option of choice in most any setting. This grey suede version from Sperry gives sneakers a more dapper feel with a contrasting white sole that gives them a cool, vintage feel.
Wear it with: The upscale suede holds up to the outfit we’re showing here, so you can wear them on a casual work day and straight to a fun night out. And, of course, work with any casual bottoms.
Fit Tip: They run true to size, constructed to be comfortable all day long with an EVA mid-sole and leather lining.
Alternatives: Sperry also has similar sneakers in black and brown leather.

WORKDAY READY.
Why is it a Find? Zip front cardigans continue to be a stylish alternative to sport coats in the season ahead, making them an easy - and more comfortable – option for an informal work day (and any social outing). Made in Italy, Peter Millar’s wool sweater adds a textured knit to the front of this timeless staple that gives it a bit more substance. The navy color makes it easy to match with most every shirt and pants in a gent’s closet.
Wear it with: Dress it up with charcoal grey wool pants, give it a modern edge with dark wash jeans, or tackle both needs with the caramel brown twill jeans we’re showing in this outfit. A solid or pattern button up shirt finishes the outfit.
Fit Tip: The fit is modern, well-suited for most any gent. Size down if you prefer a trimmer fit.

Why is it a Find? The rich, dark caramel shade of brown twill is an awesome alternative to dark jeans this season – for work and for play. And Peter Millar does it in a seriously soft fabric that has just enough stretch for endless comfort.
Wear it with: This unique shade of versatile brown will work with navy (as we’re showing in this outfit), as well as grey, olive, camel, and most any shade of red or green. The color holds up really well to pattern, so pair it with any of your favorite plaid button ups.
Fit Tip: Peter Millar has a modern fit that is comfortable for every gent, without being too fitted.
Alternatives: These jeans come in navy and olive, too – all great neutrals for the season.

Why is it a Find? Small scale check patterns continue to look modern, and this one from David Donahue will end up being one of the most versatile shirts in your closet. It is polished enough for the office, yet works with broken-in jeans for the weekend. The subtle details, like the French placket and hidden button under collar, give it a clean look.
Wear it with: It’s a blue check sport shirt…it goes with everything. The shade of blue in the pattern pops nicely under navy, as we’re suggesting here, and with all the darker neutrals of the season.
Fit Tip: It is cut in a gentleman’s fit, meant for ease and comfort.
Alternatives: If you prefer a trimmer, contemporary fit, this Zachary Prell shirt is for you.

Why is it a Find? Made of super durable (and surprisingly light in weight) Horween® leather, these Timberland plain toe oxfords have a rugged yet refined look that perfectly plays into the whole dress/casual crossover that is so prevalent in today’s workplaces – and the outfit we’re highlighting here. The leather lining and EVA footbed make these shoes comfortable and durable. The lug sole adds to the ideally balanced look.
Wear it with: The rich shade of brown is a versatile neutral that works with grey, blue, brown and tan pants – whether they are dressier wool ones or casual denim and everything in between.
Fit Tip: These are available in whole sizes only. If you are a half-size, we found that many gents have actually sized down.
Alternatives: You can get an even better view of the cool distressing of the leather on Timberland’s site –  where they are also available in a couple other great colors.

WEEKEND ON-THE-GO.
Why is it a Find? A quarter-zip sweater is perfect for any and every weekend activity. Robert Graham’s version is made of a soft cotton/modal knit that is all about comfort with contrast seaming that makes it a whole lot better looking than that old college sweatshirt.
Wear it with: The heather indigo blue color gives the sweater the same versatility as any great pair of jeans – and it looks good with those, too. With any bottom, layer it over your favorite t-shirt and you’re all set.
Fit Tip: It is a modern fit, easy and comfortable for most every gent.
Alternatives: If you prefer a trimmer, contemporary fit, this Hugo Boss zip-neck sweater is a great alternative.

Why is it a Find? AG’s corduroy jeans capture a couple of trends this season – rich and textured corduroy fabric, and every shade of brown. But they’re a top Find for their soft, all cotton, material that makes them so comfortable, and their versatility that not only looks good with the sweater in this outfit, but most any top in your closet.
Wear it with: While these corduroy jeans can be a great option for the office with a button up shirt and sport coat (where suits aren’t required), we also love them as an alternative to your favorite old jeans. With t-shirts, thermals, flannel shirts, and hoodies they have a great laid back look.
Fit Tip: AG’s Graduate fit is modern with a mid-rise and straight, narrower leg, so they are a great fit for most every gent.
Alternatives: There are a few other great looking neutral colors through the ‘shop it’ button, too.

Why is it a Find? J.Crew’s wonderfully soft cotton jersey t-shirt is simply the perfect layering piece. Under sweaters and flannel shirts, the ribbed trim on the collar and cuffs make great accents.
Wear it with: The marled graphite grey color we’re highlighting here looks great under a sweater, like the one in this outfit. And gents, you know it works under anything. J.Crew’s quality fabric makes it a t-shirt that can be worn on its own, too.
Fit Tip: The fit is typical J.Crew modern and not too oversized so it can layer easily. It’s also available in Tall. Size up for an easier fit.
Alternatives: There are tons of colors to choose from through the ‘shop it’ button, whether you are looking for a neutral (like this grey Find) or a pop of fall color.

Why is it a Find? The wrinkled grained steer leather, raw edge and brushed nickel buckle of this Trask belt create the ideal casual belt Find.
Wear it with: The dark cognac brown color compliments the dark bark of the corduroy jeans in this outfit, and looks great with any shade of denim.
Fit Tip: This belt runs true to size.
Alternatives: Black is also available through the ‘shop it’ button.

RELAXING WEEKEND.
Why is it a Find? Billy Reid’s modern approach to a shawl collar is a great alternative to just any ole’ sweater for a casual day or night out. This comfortably cozy cotton sweater has awesome squared-off elbow patches (click through the ‘shop it’ button to see the alternative image showing them off) and a leather loop button-closure to really up your casual look…without any effort on your part.
Wear it with: Layer this sweater over a white or grey heather long sleeve t-shirt and pair it with a great pair of jeans, like we’re showing to the right. On non-casual days, flat front cotton pants and a button-up will give it a more polished feel.
Fit Tip: The fit is contemporary, so it doesn’t look too over-sized or bulky. Size up if you prefer an easier, relaxed fit.
Alternatives: J.Crew also has a version that comes in cream or navy.

Why is it a Find? AG’s dark wash jeans have just enough subtle sanding and distressing to give them a relaxed feel that is ideal for the weekend – even if you are heading out for drinks and dinner. The cotton denim is really comfortable, and has 2% polyurethane in it, which basically gives them a soft feel and helps them keep their shape and color.
Wear it with: Dark jeans are no longer a fashion statement for gents – they’re a closet essential, working for the most casual of hang-outs when paired with a t-shirt or hoodie, to nicer dinners and work days when outfitted with a button up and sport coat. Here, we’re highlighting them with a casual sweater – it all works.
Fit Tip: AG’s Graduate fit has mid-rise, a straight leg and a slightly trimmer fit. But there is enough room in the seat and thigh for most every gent, giving them an updated feel without being at all skinny.
Alternatives: If you prefer a trimmer, contemporary fit, go with these Citizen of Humanity jeans in a similar wash.

Why is it a Find? Brooks Brothers uses a special indigo dyed Italian cotton so that each shirt has its own unique color variations. It fades to a perfect blue hue with wears and washes, so this is a shirt you’ll have forever and want to wear over and over. It is a wonderful color under the striped sweater in this outfit (above).
Wear it with: The perfect shade of blue denim, this shirt is a great layer under sweaters and sport coats, and still coordinates with dark wash jeans without looking matchy. The fabric isn’t too rugged, so you can even add a tie when you want to give it a more dressed up feel.
Fit Tip: The fit is modern, in Brooks Brothers' Regent fit, which is slightly trimmer to the body than what you may expect from Brooks Brothers.
Alternatives: If you prefer an easier fit, more typical of Brooks Brothers, go with this style in their Madison fit.

Why is it a Find? Maximum Henry’s Brooklyn-made, black cowhide leather belt has an updated 1 ¼” width, and large oval brass buckle to give it a modern look that is perfect with jeans.
Wear it with: While we’re recommending this belt with jeans like the ones above, it’s also an easy go-to with any cotton pants, corduroys, and even shorts next summer.
Fit Tip: This belt runs true to size.
Alternatives: It is also available in a rich brown mahogany color and they are both great basics.