The discussion of essentials is always most important right before the turn of a new season. It's the preparation or even an update to your wardrobe. Again, gentlemen, get ready to take notes. These are the Fall essentials.
Some of these items are a given, but in any case, the designs change and so do the details after every season. If you have invested correctly, there are certain clothing items and pieces of accessories you will be able to use with new purchases.
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J.Crew Ludlow fine stripe

• Grey Suit - You should have one already in your closet. It's one of the basic three colors of suits you should have. The difference here is there are plenty of different shades of gray. A pale gray suit is a favored shade this Fall. The cut of the suit is still on the lean side but remember, the most important thing is the fitting of the suit. Don't ever compromise your comfort for a trend.

Canali herringbone cotton shirt

• White Dress Shirts - This is one of those givens I mentioned earlier. This is a must in any wardrobe during all seasons. The white dress shirt is the most versatile.You should always have more than a couple of white shirts in your closet. Keep it lively though to add to your style. Think of the different types of collars, cuffs, fabrics, and fitting as well. This also means you have to consider which type of knot you should have on your tie with certain types of collars. Hence, versatility; it's in the style and different colors you can group with. From casual to formal, this is a must!

John Smedley Bobby Merino wool v-neck

• V-Neck Sweater - Fall is when all that quality layering begins. Try to keep this in a more slim fit and also keep in mind the shape of your torso. The neck-line should never plunge too deep; it should compliment the length of your neck. For example, if you have a slender/long neck, make sure the neck line is closer to your throat. Vice versa for those with shorter necks. Leave enough room for yourself to breathe and to show off the collar of the shirt or polo underneath. Also try to keep the collars within the border of your v-neck sweater.

Maison Martin Margiela wool blend

• Dark Overcoat - Slim-fit, single breasted, in wool or cashmere is the way to go. If you ever find yourself wearing a suit on a regular, keeping the cooler months to come in mind, a black and or navy overcoat is the choice to have. Most of the coats nowadays are cut to right about around the knee, some you will find goes as long as the lower thigh region. The reason for this is so that it doesn't take away from the rest of the outfit. It's not the center piece, it only pays the compliment to the overall look and keeps the shape to look as if it was tailored just for you. Again, this also is an important layering article of clothing.

Richard James velvet suit jacket

•  Velvet Jacket - Believe it or not, as in fashion, this little item has returned to some popularity. I have mentioned plenty of times before, with new technology and design (like the corduroy), the jacket has come back as an essential. It doesn't have the formality of a dinner jacket, but it's classy and sophisticated enough to be worn for a dinner out - not just a piece to be worn at home in the evening. Gentlemen, it's also important to keep in mind that you should keep it simple and not go out of your away to look tacky. The color of the jacket should be of the basic shades so you don't have to struggle over what you should wear with the jacket.

J.Crew ludlow wool suit trousers

• Grey Wool Pants - The color of the season is actually grey. The brilliance of styling the color is that there are plenty of shades in plenty of different designs. But even in the most solid gray pants, you can find that it is pure class. Team it up with a nice white dress shirt, blue tie, and with black or brown shoes. A blazer isn't a must but it is recommended since the months are colder. Black, navy, and grey blazers are straight chic. If you want to sport a belt, make sure it matches with your shoes. Brown belt? Brown shoes. Black belt? Black shoes. Simple.

J.Crew ludlow tuxedo suit jacket

• Dinner Jacket - Although, you should have at least one of these in your closet, it is important to keep this jacket simple. It's the most formal of all the jackets. Tuxedos don't come cheap so when the time comes, make sure it is the most basic solid black tuxedo you are purchasing. There is a slight forgiveness in the use of this. Really, how many times will you be wearing a tux in a single year? This is exactly why it is important to keep the cut and design very simple. It also means the comfort should be kept in consideration - you want to have fun in it.

 

Diesel shawl collar cardigan

• Cardigan - Oh, yes. One of the very important items in the wardrobe that had its own post on this style blog. I absolutely love this style of knitwear. Another wonderful layering piece for the colder months. It can be used in dressed-up or dressed-down. With a pair of dress pants or some quality denim, it can be rounded up nicely with sneakers or even lace-up oxfords. (To view the cardigan post, click here: A Little Fall, Please)

Boss Black james stretch wool two-button

•  Blue Suit - One of those must-haves in your wardrobe, regardless the season. If you do end up buying a suit, make sure it's a blue one this season. The beauty of this trustworthy (and serious) suit is that it goes with white, pink, and pale blue shirts. Tie it up with a navy, burgundy, black, brown, and yellow ties. It's like having a grey suit, it can be still versatile. Shoes wise, black, brown, oxblood, and even navy. Although, it's recommended you stay away from completely wearing an all blue outfit. Again, remember to match your belt with your shoes. Black with brown is a no-no. If you want to keep it safe and your pants fit fine, it's perfectly fine to skip the belt.

YMC three button stretch cotton blazer

• Blazer - I know what you are thinking, why so many? Just as I have mentioned before, the times have changed and so has the structure and make of the suit jacket or blazer. This time, regardless the color, aim for something that is less traditional. You can find real quality dressed-up styles of blazers now. It is more about the comfort, the cardigan type, or the corduroy blend. Something along the lines of deconstructed blazers is the way to go as well.

Gucci slim fit corduroy trousers

• Corduroy - This, like the cardigan, had its own post on this blog. I may not love it as much as I do cardigans, but the important thing is it's an essential. From corduroy pants to shirts to blazers, this adds more comfort and style to your autumn essentials. (To view the corduroy post, click here: Plug in the Cords)

Salvatore Ferragamo faraone cap-toe

•  Black Lace-ups - One of those items that is a must in all seasons. The simpler the design the more formal it'll look. Remember, there are different kinds of lace-ups. There are Oxfords that come with cap-toes with/without an intricate design, plain toed, and wing-tips (or brogue), along with Derbys. These are mainly referred to a more "dressy" style of shoes. They can be worn to work or to a special event. They can be worn with a suit or dress pants and worn with a pair of jeans - don't forget the corduroys.

Gucci oxford wing tip brogues

• Brown Lace-ups -  Again, I cannot stress then enough, black and brown is a must in the wardrobe. You never want to limit yourself to only one color because being that simple just doesn't cut it. There's a difference between being safe and complete boredom. You want to make a statement without being loud. These beauties will go great with your grey and blue(navy) suits. That will also have you make a more careful judgement. You want to make sure the shade of the brown is darker than the shade of your pants and vice versa.

Gucci leather bamboo horsebit

• Black Loafers - Yes, it doesn't stop with just lace-ups. You need something elegant and comfortable during the non-working or dressed-up hours of the day. Even then, you can actually head for a more dressed-up look with the right loafers. This can only be done if you are more comfortable with your style and you have the confidence in your step (pun intended?).

Salvatore Ferragamo Francisco leather slip-ons

•  Brown Loafers - Not surprised, right? You'd have to apply the same judgement into these as you would with the lace-ups. Carry these with the swagger even if it is in the most casual circumstance. The key to all of these quality pairs of shoes is that they should be seen as smart investments. They last even longer if you know how to take care of them. Gentlemen, like it or not, people (especially women) will judge you by your shoes! But it's not just the quality or color of the shoes, it's the way you were them with the entire outfit. Look smart, keep it stylish.

Gentlemen, these are the key items to cross of your list. Make sure every purchase is seen as a smart investment. I cannot stress enough that little but very important fact. The fit, comfort, and style should all be put into consideration, and in that order. Never sacrifice your comfort and fit for a flashy (and borderline arrogant) style. It's common sense, you will look more sophisticated with clothes that actually fit, rather than purchasing an item just because it reads Giorgio Armani on the tag.