Transition to Fall: A Style Guide

While items for Fall have been trickling into stores for a while now, it can be hard to visualize why you need that great new sweater when even the thought of going outside makes you sweat. 

But I felt it was time for a story on transitional dressing into the new season and how to create versatile looks. The key word is: versatility. With a few key pieces you can easily be comfortable in and out of work, and even continue wearing some of it once winter approaches. 

To that end I relied heavily on two retailers that have been focusing on growing their men's business: Club Monaco and J. Crew. Each are accessible and provide a mix of basics and more seasonal trend driven items.

Look #1: 

In colder months I love using texture to create a standout look. Here the heft of the tweed jacket contrasts against the formality of the slacks. Using a small-checked shirt provides  pattern-on-pattern with the striped wool tie. While the burgundy brogue may not be for everyone it is a rich color and stands out.

Jacket: Aubin & Wills (similar), Shirt: Club Monaco, Pants: J. Crew, Tie: Fahlgren, Shoes: Florsheim by Duckie Brown

For a more casual day I swapped out the blazer for a shawl collar sweater. I'm a big fan of a shawl collar as it provides a nice smooth visual line around the neck. In a cream color this one lightens up the whole look, and while the sweater keeps the whole outfit business ready it is also a comfortable alternative.

Shawl collar sweater: Club Monaco (similar)

Look #2:

Again using texture was important, as seen with the quilted vest and corduroy tie. I used a white oxford and ginger khaki as the base so there would be more neutral colors to contrast with the shock of yellow. I have always been drawn to a bright hue like this, and think it is perfect for the transition into Fall. It also serves as the fashion piece that helps pull together your basics. We kept the brogues as again that rich color provided a nice blend with the rest.

Quilted Vest: Club Monaco, Oxford Shirt: Uniqlo, Pants: Club Monaco, Tie: Unis (similar), Shoes: As above, Bag: Model's own

For the variation here I replaced the vest with a cotton shirt jacket. The navy darkens the whole look -- and while I personally haven't worn any camo, everyone else seems to be, and the collar is a nice surprise. To take him from the office to canvassing design showrooms, we switched out the footwear to a bold red sneaker. Still holds its own with the rest of the look!

Shirt Jacket: Unis, Shoes: Nike

Look #3:

Now I don't subscribe to "no white after Labor Day" and received some looks when wearing white jeans during fashion week. But I think when changing seasons it is perfectly acceptable. Paired with a gray heathered shirt for a soft and nubby feel, and with a military inspired khaki tie. I kept the shirt jacket which can stand in for a casual blazer, and those red sneakers just wouldn't quit.

Shirt Jacket: As above, Shirt: Club Monaco, Jeans: Uniqlo, Tie: Todd Snyder, Shoes: As Above, Bag: As Above

As seen here it didn't require a whole new closet to create a lot of different looks -- you can even pull from what you already have. Everything shown can be worn in any number of ways -- encouraging layering, mixing up colors, and making it your own! 

Photo Credit: Mikey Kay

Model: Jon Call

Handmade Gingham Bow Tie: Things I Have

Last month I had a long overdue catch up with my Aunt Diane and was telling her about my growing bowtie collection. My aunt is crafty, creative, and very good with a sewing machine... she asked, if she made me a bowtie, what would I want.

Well... a few weeks later the result arrived! A brown gingham for Fall! I am so excited, it is exactly what I wanted + I can't wait for the weather to change so I can wear it... I think it'll be perfect with my new Gant Rugger tweed blazer.

A huge thanks to my aunt, for this handcrafted bowtie for Fall 2011!

Tweed Jacket from Gant Rugger: Things I Have

Even though it is the middle of summer, I cannot get my mind off of Fall! I am itching to wear sweaters, cords, and jackets. So today I had a bit of a spree on Bleecker Street and started my Fall wardrobe off right! Black Fleece, Gant Rugger, Tommy Hilfiger....

I walked into the Gant Rugger store and immediately saw this tweed jacket. Tried it on + thirty seconds later handed it to the salesperson to take it home! It's amazing -- I love the fit, the tweed isn't too heavy, and it has nice (and expected from Gant) detailing.

Cannot wait to get some wear out of this come chillier weather!

Tweed Hat by Flechet: Things I Have

I'm not normally a big wearer of hats -- I have two, one black wool (from Agnes B) for winter and a brimmed hat from Engineered Garments that I wear in the summer. But the other day I was at BHV in Paris and saw this amazing tweed hat.

Sure I felt a bit like I was in "Newsies", but it fit me perfectly and it's made in France by a Parisian brand started in 1859.

The brand, Flechet, was begun by Gabriel Flechet in 1859 and at one point had 700 employees. I liked the idea of not only supporting local industry but also that this can be my new cold weather hat. The wool is thick and warm and perfect for winter days in the city.

Here's a little more info, If you want to know about Flechet (en francais).

Tweed Coat by Billy Reid: Things I Want

I guess I'm going to be on a Billy Reid kick this week. It is all because of the shop Bloomingdale's created for his wares... everything appealed to me!

I've already written about the Levi's x Billy Reid wool coat I bought. What I didn't tell you was that I was equally tempted by this awesome tweed sports coat.

I tried it on over and over, finally putting it on hold. But alas, I did not go back to make it mine. Yet.

The coat had great construction, fit me perfectly through the shoulders and wasn't too boxy (a dilemma I often face). I loved the warmth and roughness of the tweed. And for an added bonus, I loved the colorful striped lining. This is a piece I could easily put into frequent rotation!

You can also check it out on the Billy Reid website, along with the rest of his F/W collection. Oh and I wouldn't say no to some of his bowties either!