Get your autumn outfits dialled in with our trend-led fall capsule wardrobe
Sartorial mojo severely lacking after several months in shorts and T-shirts? You’re not the only one. As great as summer is for fun in the sun, it doesn’t provide much in the way of opportunities to flex your menswear muscles. By the time the cooler weather rolls in, you might feel as though you’ve forgotten how to put outfits together for anything below 10 degrees. But building a solid fall capsule wardrobe can help.
In our humble opinion, fall is one of the best times of year for men’s fashion. It’s layering’s gateway season, there are lots of rich and earthy seasonal colours to experiment with, and options for incorporating textures into your outfits skyrocket. In short, fall makes it easy to put fantastic ‘fits together… provided you’re up to speed with the trending pieces and have a good grasp of the seasonal mainstays.
No? Fear not. Below you’ll find an easy-to-digest rundown of the need-to-know garment in each category. From the perfect big coat to the trending denim, here’s your complete men's fall capsule wardrobe for 2024.
The coat: Textured wool overcoat
A massive wool coat in a textured fabric is your fall 2024 style cheat code. Create the illusion that you’re impeccably dressed at all times by simply chucking one of these over whatever you’re wearing and calling it an outfit. But in all seriousness, a textured wool overcoat makes it easy to dress up even the sloppiest of outfits, and it goes great with your finery too. Talk about versatility.
Offering warmth without compromising on style, the textured wool not only provides depth and interest but also enhances durability, ensuring it withstands the elements while still looking sharp. Choose a neutral or earthy tone like charcoal, navy, or camel to seamlessly integrate it into your wardrobe. Pair it with everything from tailored trousers for the office to jeans and boots for a more laid-back weekend look. This should be the first thing you add to your fall capsule wardrobe.
The jacket: Leather flight jacket
For a touch of classic military ruggedness (but not at the expense of style), the leather flight jacket takes centre stage this autumn. These things are nothing new, obviously, but they’ve been experiencing an uptick in popularity of late, making now a great time to buy. Look for one crafted from supple leather with shearling or fleece lining for added warmth and texture.
The beauty of the flight jacket lies in its versatility – wear it over a heavyweight knit for a casual daytime look or throw it on over a shirt and trousers for an evening out. Opt for classic shades of brown or black, which will wear beautifully over time, developing that trademark patina. This jacket is an investment piece that gets better with age, offering the perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality.
The shirt: Heavyweight flannel
Nothing says fall like a heavyweight flannel shirt. Whether worn alone or layered under a jacket, it’s the ideal piece for embracing the colder months in comfort. This season, choose one in a deep, rich colour, such as burgundy, forest green, or navy to complement the autumn palette.
The best heavyweight flannel shirts provide warmth, making them a versatile option for those unpredictable fall temperatures. It can be worn either as a top layer in mild weather or as an insulating layer in extreme cold. Pair it with straight-leg jeans or pleated trousers for an easy, laid-back look.
The knit: Knitted polo
The knitted polo is a sophisticated twist on a menswear classic. Offering a smart-casual option that can be dressed up or down, it brings a touch of elegance to your layering game. Whether worn under a textured wool overcoat or paired with loose-fit trousers, this piece works across a variety of settings.
Look for designs in merino wool or cashmere blends, offering both warmth and a refined finish. Rich tones like deep burgundy, olive, or mustard will keep your look in line with the season’s palette. We think this piece really comes into its own when worn in place of a shirt with tailoring, so if you’re looking for a seasonally appropriate way to upgrade your fall wedding attire, this could be it.
The sweater: Fisherman knit jumper
A fisherman knit jumper is a perfect addition to a fall capsule wardrobe, offering both warmth and timeless style. Originally designed to withstand harsh coastal weather, its thick, textured knit makes it a dependable choice for cooler temperatures.
The classic cable-knit pattern adds visual interest, while its neutral tones—such as cream or navy—make it incredibly versatile. Layer it over a T-shirt or button-down for casual weekend outings or under a coat for added insulation. Its robust, cosy nature ensures it’s not only functional but also elevates your look with a nod to heritage menswear.
The tee: Plain heavyweight T-shirt
A plain heavyweight T-shirt is an essential piece for any fall wardrobe. Its thicker fabric provides extra warmth compared to your standard summer tee, making it ideal for layering as temperatures drop. The minimal design allows it to be paired easily with everything from jeans and chinos to more tailored pieces like blazers or overshirts.
Versatile enough to be worn on its own during warmer fall days, it also serves as an insulating base layer when the chill sets in. Opt for neutral tones like white, grey, or navy for maximum compatibility with your existing wardrobe.
The trouser: Loose-fit pleated pants
The loose-fit pleated pant continues its resurgence in 2024, offering a stylish yet comfortable alternative to more structured trousers. With a nod to vintage tailoring, these trousers provide a relaxed silhouette that feels modern when paired with more fitted upper layers. Look for wool or wool-blend options that provide warmth and comfort, allowing the pants to drape elegantly.
Neutral tones like grey, navy, or beige will integrate seamlessly into your autumn wardrobe. Whether you’re pairing them with a knitted polo for a smart look or a flannel shirt for something more casual, pleated trousers provide versatility and comfort, while the loose fit keeps things relaxed yet polished.
The denim: Straight-leg, mid-wash jeans
Denim takes on a classic form this fall with straight-leg, mid-wash jeans continuing their menswear takeover. This season’s style focuses on simplicity and timelessness, with a fit that offers comfort without being overly baggy. The mid-wash hue is perfect for everyday wear, making these jeans a versatile staple in your autumn wardrobe.
Whether dressed down with sneakers and a flannel shirt or elevated with a fine-gauge knit and boots, straight-leg jeans offer a clean, uncomplicated silhouette that suits any occasion. Opt for quality denim that will wear well over time, developing its own character with each wear. The Levi’s 501 is an all-time classic. Or try OrSlow’s elevated 105 for something a bit more special.
The shoe: Moc-toe Derby
The moc-toe derby shoe, especially in the style of the Kleman Padror or the Paraboot Michael, is an autumn staple thanks to its rugged yet refined design. With a sturdy sole and leather upper, it’s well-equipped to handle unpredictable fall weather, from damp streets to weekend walks.
The moc-toe detailing adds a touch of character, making it versatile enough to dress up with tailored trousers or down with denim. Its durable construction ensures longevity, while the neutral colourways available make it an easy complement to any fall outfit, offering both style and practicality in one reliable package.
The sneaker: Approach shoe
Blending outdoor functionality with an on-trend, outdoorsy aesthetic, the approach shoe is one of the best shoes for autumn in 2024. Originally designed for hiking, approach shoes have rapelled down from the mountainside and found their way into the fashion world, offering a rugged, practical option for city life.
Look for designs that combine suede or leather uppers with durable rubber soles for added traction. Neutral or earth-toned options will complement the season’s colour palette, making them easy to pair with casual outfits. That being said, a pop of something more vibrant rarely looks bad on this type of footwear either.
The boot: Retro hiker
Retro-inspired hiker boots continue their comeback this fall. With their chunky soles and high-top design, these boots are perfect for navigating unpredictable autumn weather while maintaining a rugged aesthetic.
Look for styles made from sturdy leather or suede, with padded collars for added comfort. Earthy tones like tan, brown, or even just plain old black will fit right into your seasonal wardrobe. Whether paired with loose-fit trousers or straight-leg denim, retro hiker boots offer a blend of practicality and style that’s ideal for weekend adventures and casual outings alike.
The accessory: Cashmere scarf
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective premium update it’s possible to make to your fall wardrobe, here it is. A cashmere scarf will add a touch of luxury in seconds, and the best part is you can wear it with anything and everything. Sure, it’s not a cheap purchase, but when you factor in cost per wear, it’s actually incredible value for money.
Opt for neutral tones like grey, black, or camel for maximum versatility, or go for a deep autumn hue like burgundy or olive for a pop of colour. Drape it over a wool overcoat or even just a hoodie for instant refinement.
The fragrance: Deep and earthy
Fall is the perfect time to switch up your fragrance, and this season calls for something deep and earthy. Think scents with notes of sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, and patchouli that evoke the crisp air and the changing leaves. These warm, grounding fragrances complement the mood of autumn and pair well with heavier layers and rich textures.
That's your wardrobe sorted. Now check out some of autumn's must-have shoes.
