Casual: The Gent’s Top 10 Fall Essentials Check List

2. The Casual Pants: Athletic inspiration can be seen in more technical and functional influences, too. Cargo pants aren’t going anywhere, and Tommy Bahama has designed a nicely updated version with the weekend in mind. It’s their trimmer model (though definitely a great fit for the classic gent), so the rise is a little lower and the leg fashionably straight and narrower. Cargo pockets are very practical for storing your keys, phone, wallet, money and everything else we carry around. These pants are a great choice for that weekend bike ride - the knee is articulated to make it easier to bend and the bottoms snap up to let you ride a bike without your pant leg getting caught in the gears. Wear with a t-shirt, thermal or casual button up shirt. For a trimmer fit, 7 For All Mankind’s version is amazing.

3. The Casual Sport Coat: We are seriously into this black 3-button blazer from Victorinox Swiss Army blazer – it is definitely one of our favorites of the season. It’s just so cool looking, while actually being functional since it’s water repellent AND insulated for warmth. It is the perfect piece for weekend shopping or hanging out at a nice bar watching football. Wear it with a sweater, casual sport shirt and jeans. It is the perfect jacket to go from your daytime activities straight out to dinner.

4. The Casual Sport Shirt: From Hugo Boss, this shirt hits all the important marks of the season. Plaid? Check. Blue? Check. Grey? Check. Slimmer silhouette for a clean, yet casual shape? Check. Good looking? Double check. The awesome ombre plaid looks great with dark jeans, as well as navy or grey twill versions. For a similar shirt in a classic fit, Peter Millar’s got a really good one.

5. The Casual Dressier Pants: Every gent should have a really great pair of “dress” khakis for a nicer alternative to jeans for a casual weekend brunch or easy night out. Something that will look great with a long sleeve t-shirt or casual plaid button down and a cool pair of sneakers. Here it is. The cotton fabric on these AG’s has a really luxurious hand with a little stretch in them so the modern fit works on most of us. Of course, the silhouette is on trend with a narrower straight leg, while still maintaining a universal mid-rise with plenty of room in the waist and seat. It comes in several neutral options, all great, but this season we are partial to the versatile grey. J Brand has a really dapper trimmer fitting version, too.

6. The Casual Coat: Anorak and field coat styles are two of the season’s trends. How cool is this washed orange hooded version from RVCA? (We’ll tell you – super cool.) The poly/cotton shell is weather resistant to keep you dry. And the double entry lower front pockets and additional chest zip pocket are conveniently functional to store your sunglasses and phone. This is a great jacket for weekend afternoons with jeans (or shorts, weather permitting). Add a t-shirt and you are weekend ready.

7. The Casual Accessory (Hat): As mentioned earlier, baseball caps are delightfully “in” this season (like we wouldn’t wear them, anyway). This Ebbets Field Flannels ® cap for J. Crew is so right for the season in its mid grey cotton twill. It’s actually a replica of the 1946 Calgary Purity baseball team hat. Pretty cool, right? Not only is it a subtle conversation starter, but it will keep the sun out of your eyes (and off the exposed part of your head, if you have one).

8. The Casual Shoe: We’ve talked about the importance of the chukka style (low boot silhouette) and Sperry Top-Sider has a great take on it by using the style to create a canvas sneaker. It comes with a removable support insert and Sperry’s famous non-skid soles. The lighter tan color is stylishly unexpected and works well with jeans, cotton twill pants and even shorts (if you are lucky enough to be somewhere warm). And it’s a great price to try this style.

9. The Casual Bag: Whether you look forward to working out or look forward to the end of your workout, you’ve got to get your stuff back and forth from the gym. Do it with some style by using this Herschel Supply Co. rugged canvas duffel. The handles are nylon for comfort and it has a detachable shoulder strap. It is lined and has ventilation ports on the bottom to better deal with your stuff after your workout. There is even an outside pocket for your cell and keys. It’s a great price for a bit of fashion and a lot of function.

10. The Casual Accessory (Belt): A chunkier belt for our casual wear is still important, but as we’ve been talking about, the widths are now trimmer than what we’ve been wearing in the past. This John Varvatos harness leather belt is the perfect solution for your jeans and casual khaki’s with its 1-¼ inch width. The belt is available in black and dark brown – of course, we recommend both to cover all your bases for a complete update to what is already in your closet.