Commandments of Style: The Stylish 5 – Fall Staple Pieces for Men

When the weather starts to cool off, I like to reassess my wardrobe and add any staple items that might be needed. This is the time of year where I like to update my denim, sweaters, shoes and ties — as well as add some new items to my closet to fill in any gaps I notice. If you don’t have a great pair of slim or straight dark jeans with no wear, get some now before you purchase anything on this list. Those pants will go with almost anything, are perfectly suited for fall and can be dressed up or down in the months to come. Since most of you undoubtedly have a pair already, here are my top five picks this fall to add to your wardrobe that will pull a number of cool weather looks together.

The Patterned Suit

Oliver Wicks Cashmere Wool Brown Houndstooth Suit ($679)

This is really an amazing suit from Oliver Wicks and one of my favorite fabrics I own in general. It’s a Cashmere Wool blend, and the material is soft and smooth to the touch, not like many lower-end fabrics you’ll see in a tweed houndstooth type garmet that can be scratchy and uncomfortable. I always like grabbing a 3-piece suit when I can, and I really love the way this fabric and suit can be broken up into separates. Using the jacket, pants and waistcoat/vest with other outfits makes a quality 3-piece excellent bang for your buck.

A Statement Sweater

Banana Republic Cashmere Textured Shawl Collar Sweater ($298)

A great sweater is a must for chilly fall nights, moving into the colder winter months and this sweater from Banana Republic is amazing. The shawl collar. The texture. It looks super warm and comfortable — because it is — and the cashmere fabric makes it that much more appealing. At $298 it’s a little pricey for many, but hopefully it will be included in one of the multitude of BR sales this fall.

Wingtip Boots

Grenson Fred Brogue Wingtip Boot ($325)

Fall weather also calls for a great pair of more casual wingtips boots like this pair from Grenson. The larger holes in the brogue design makes the boots more casual, along with the tan color and the rounded toe. These boots are flexible, and can be worn with denim, flannel pants, the houndstooth suit listed above, chinos, a sweater… pretty much anything you’d want to wear these with will work. These boots are a wardrobe staple, and won’t leave you disappointed.

A Simple Light Blue Shirt

J.crew Poplin Light Blue Button Down Shirt ($59.50)

Not much to say about this besides it’s a “must.” Get a simple light blue button down to wear under sweaters, jackets, blazers, around the house, to the grocery store and everywhere else. Wear it tucked or untucked… just wear it! A quality and super-versatile piece like this can’t go wrong.

A Striped and/or Textured Tie

Masel White & Vinaccia Textured Striped Tie ($140)

As you can tell, I am a big fan of adding texture to your wardrobe this fall — and this tie from friend Luca Masel, owner of Masel Milano, is one of the best I’ve ever seen. The fabric and craftsmanship is truly exceptional and has to be seen in person to be appreciated. I picked this out at Luca’s store in Milan when I was there back in January and highly recommend his brand. I love to support small retailers that are competing with the larger brands and producing high quality products that you can’t find everywhere. Give Masel a try on your next tie purchase!

Durham resident, world traveler, gentleman-about-town — Matthew Coppedge lives by the Commandments of Style. You can check back here on Chapelboro regularly to follow his journey, find new looks, explore refinements on old favorites and peruse seasonal style guides to suit the taste of the times.