Fall. A time of warm colors and cool breezes…and all too often confusing wardrobes. You're either too hot in heavy coats or too cold in short sleeves.
Instead of freezing in your summer clothes, roasting in your winter clothes or awkwardly mashing the two together, how about investing in some solid men's fall outfits?
That doesn't mean getting a whole set of new clothes exclusively for fall. Some pieces like jeans work well for most of the year. If you want to look like you know how to dress at this time of year though, you need to own a few fall pieces.
Today I'll be showing you the key tips for dressing in fall:
- How to layer your clothes in fall
- Understanding the fall color palette
- How to leverage the power of textured clothes
- Why you should trade cotton slacks for wool
- How to upgrade your underwear for fall
- The importance of knitwear
- Why boots are best
- How to expand your light coat selection
Plus, the 5 men's fall outfits that will have you ready for any occasion:
- The “outdoorsman” outfit
- The “first date” outfit
- The “bad boy casual” outfit
- The “smart casual” outfit
- The “mix and match” outfit
8 Style Essentials For Men's Fall Outfits
Before we get into specific outfits – let's do some housekeeping. Here are some general fall facts to keep in mind.
#1 It's Layering Season
Cool weather means coats, jackets, and sweaters — some of the time!
Layering allows you to beat the unpredictable fall weather. Wearing several thin layers rather than one thick coat makes you look more like a man and less like a bundle.
This is both practical and stylish. Showing multiple visible layers makes you more interesting visually — and therefore eye-catching. It also gives you a way to regulate your temperature by adding or shedding layers.
TIP: Don't be the guy who layers 5 things. Keep it to 3 max!
Some pieces you can use for layering (not ALL in the same outfit) include:
- Long-sleeve t-shirts
- Polos
- Henleys
- Work shirts, button-down shirts, and dress shirts
- Odd vests & waistcoats
- Sweaters and cardigans
- Scarves
#2 Fall Color Palette = Warm Earthy Tones
Fall means changing leaves, harvest vegetables, and so forth. The earth is changing colors – your wardrobe should too.
This is the time of year for muted, solid colors. It's not an absolute rule but fall looks tend to be heavy on solid earth tones. Think dark shades of green and orange or other simple, solid schemes.
So keep the colors varied, but keep them mostly solid. Once you're wearing three or four pieces at once, the overlap between them creates plenty of pattern on its own.
Here are the colors I recommend including in your fall wardrobe:
- Burgundy
- Burnt oranges & golds
- Browns
- Olive greens
- Navy
#3 Wear Textured Fabrics
A good way to keep your look interesting but easy on the eyes: wear solid colors in textured fabrics.
Corduroy, tweed, woolen knits, and even velvet or suede all give you a nice, autumnal feel. They work well in dark solids or in lighter grays and other muted shades.
As an added bonus, most of the most common fabrics with a visible texture to them are on the thicker side of things. You can expect them to keep you warm on a cool day without having to throw an overcoat on top of everything.
Take the traditional sports jacket for example. Opt for a classic, earth-tone tweed or corduroy with big flap pockets and even elbow patches if you want them. You'll look right at home on any leaf-lined boulevard you choose.
#4 Trade Cotton Slacks For Wool
The upper body is easy to layer as much as you need, but there's a limited amount you can do to warm your legs.
One way to keep the lower body comfy in the cooler months is to switch to wool slacks. Even lightweight wool will hold some heat, and stouter weaves are like a sweater for your lower body.
As an added bonus, wool slacks often come in both the muted dark colors and the textured weaves we've already recommended, making them natural fits for your fall wardrobe overall.
#5 Upgrade Your Underwear
Some men save their heavy-duty underclothes for the deepest part of winter. But breaking them out early can let you keep lighter clothing options in rotation for longer.
If you've got a pair of very light, breathable wool slacks that you're fond of, for example, slip a pair of insulated long johns underneath when the weather gets cold. You'll be able to keep wearing the pants, and you'll get the warmth of both the outer layer of wool and the insulating underlayer protecting you from wind and cold air.
Sporting goods and farm supply stores tend to have a better selection of insulated undergarments than most department stores — don't be ashamed to shop at a Cabella's or a Farm & Fleet when you want a nice underlayer. No one's going to see it, and it'll help you keep the lightweight layers you do want people to see in service for more of the year.
#6 Knitwear Is Key
The benefit of knits? Women want to subconsciously touch textured clothing. They are an essential part of the ‘rugged yet cuddly' fall look.
Some key points to remember with knits:
- They should be well-fitted, not baggy.
- Thin and smooth knits are always useful in layering (as opposed to big & bulky).
Lightweight sweaters give you a more casual look, and can be layered with sports jackets or blazers for the coolest fall days. If you've got two or three each of good sweaters and good sports jackets, you're in good shape for the fall.
I recommend a thick cardigan for colder temperatures or if you're looking for a light outer layer. This can be your go-to piece for nights by the bonfire, tailgating parties, and anywhere else you're going to be sitting still in cold weather for a long period of time.
Go big, soft, and thick on this one. Buttons and zippers are both fine. Make sure the fit is right in the shoulders (the top of the seam where the sleeve meets the shoulder shouldn't be drooping down your bicep), but don't worry if it's a little loose in the torso. You'll be wearing it over other clothes anyway.
There is a huge variety when it comes to types of men's sweaters. Other options I recommend for men's fall outfits include:
- Sweaters (crew & v-neck)
- Button mock knecks
- Cable knit sweater
- Half-zip mock neck
- Sweater vest
- Turtlenecks
#7 Boots Are Best
Trade your summer sandals and light lace-ups for sturdy boots. Light boots like chukkas or brogue dress boots are an excellent halfway point between style and practicality, especially on rainy days.
You'll want slightly higher socks to go with any high-ankled boots, so make sure you've got a couple of pairs. Wool/synthetic blends in plain, dark tones work well — try to match them to your trousers when you can, though the boots will probably hide them if you can't quite manage it.
Boots are great because:
- They give you more height
- Their solidity makes you look more masculine
- They're functional
- Weatherproof
- Even the smartest dress boots are more practical to walk in than smart shoes.
#8 Expand Your Light Coat Selection
The winter parka will come out eventually. Until you have snowfall though, keep to lighter coats.
If you're heading out to a bar or casual meet-up, a fleece-lined jean jacket, peacoat or plaid ‘lumberjack' coat are all good medium-weight options. These are perfect for when a sweater on its own isn't enough but a heavy overcoat would be too much.
What about at work? For most of the fall you won't need a coat with your suits and sturdy sports jackets — those should be warm enough on their own. If you're going to outdoor or evening events in suits, a longer wool overcoat will be a worthwhile addition as well.
A classic Chesterfield or polo coat are both warm and stylish. A slightly more informal option is the trusty trenchcoat. Just make sure whatever you select is longer than the hem of any jackets you wear it over. A suit jacket poking out from under a coat at the bottom hem looks strange.
What are the different types of men's coats I recommend for men's fall outfits? These pieces make for great final layering options:
- Overcoats
- Pea coats
- Leather jackets
- Down coats
- Parkas
- Waxed cotton jackets
- Duffel coats
- Topcoats
5 Men's Fall Outfits (With Boots) – From Casual To Formal
Men's Fall Outfit #1 The “Outdoorsman” Outfit
Style = Rugged
Number of Layers = 2
Key Pieces:
- Men's hiking boots
- Rugged wrangler jeans
- Brown weaved leather belt
- Gray or white crew neck t-shirt
- Waxed cotton jacket
Men's Fall Outfit #2 The “First Date” Outfit
Style = Casual
Number of Layers = 2
Key Pieces:
- Blue suede chukka boots (click here to discover how to take care of suede shoes)
- Slim fitted dark wash denim
- Light blue casual check shirt
- Green shawl cardigan
- Brown belt
- Tortoise wayfarers
Men's Fall Outfit #3 The “Bad Boy Casual” Outfit
Style = Edgy
Number of Layers = 3
Key Pieces:
- Tan men's cap toe laced boots
- Slim fitted dark wash denim
- White button-down shirt
- Navy crew neck sweater
- Brown leather jacket (what is the difference between a bomber jacket and a biker jacket?)
- Gunmetal aviators
Men's Fall Outfit #4 The “Smart Casual” Outfit
Style = Classic
Number of Layers = 3
Key Pieces:
- Dark brown blucher-style men's boots
- Olive corduroy or chino pants
- White or light blue button-down shirt
- Charcoal V-neck sweater
- Navy peacoat
- Clubmaster glasses (what are clubmaster style glasses?)
Men's Fall Outfit #5 The “Mix & Match” Outfit
Style = Elevated casual
Number of layers = 3
Key Pieces:
- Men's black wingtip boots (why are they called wing tips?)
- Charcoal flannel trousers
- White dress shirt
- Navy patterned odd vest or waistcoat
- Red knit tie
- Light gray blazer
- Black leather belt
Bonus: The “Suited & Booted” Outfit
Style = Classic
Number of Layers = 2
Key Pieces:
- Brown men's chelsea boots
- Light brown wool/tweed suit
- Navy turtleneck
- Burgundy patterned pocket square
- Brown leather belt
Read next:
12 Fall Outfits Every Man Needs
15 Top Fall Fragrances For Men
Click below to watch the video – 5 Fall Outfits For Men
