Fall Fashion, Men Suits

Fall fashion collections are often the more favored by consumers and are certainly my favorite. The reason being fabrics are rich in color and texture yet made lighter for those mild fall days and can often be worn year round. And since colors are typically neutral, it makes it easy to mix and match. But more importantly, fall is about layering and I love a layered look. When it gets cooler in the evenings or as the season progresses, you can throw on a sweater or jacket or both. Fall 2005 is a particularly exciting season for men’s fashion. Tweeds are a highlighted feature as well as various striped patterns. It’s a bit retro. The colors of the season are mossy greens, teal blues, and deep reds mixed with classic earth tones such as gray, black and brown. It’s also about mixing vintage-inspired items that have a modern edge with classic pieces, and you won't have to worry color coordinating your ensembles because the new craze is about contrasting colors and mixing patterns. Fall looks also include pairing a tweed sports jacket with a modern striped shirt or a printed tee with jeans or twill trousers. Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune to look stylish, but try to incorporate these six fall musts into your wardrobe. Cardigan This is not your grandfather’s cardigan. It’s a different kind of sweater that has a slimmer, more modern cut that you can wear at the office or on a date. It’s thin enough to wear over a dress shirt and underneath a jacket. It can even be worn over your favorite tee with a pair of jeans. It’s one of the most versatile items you can have in your wardrobe. Try one made out of light weight merino wool or cashmere and that has a double zipper so you unzip the bottom when you are sitting. And for an extra kick, try a cardigan with small pockets or some sort of patch on the elbows. Pinstriped Pants Pinstripes are one of the most in looks of the season. Perfect for formal or more casual occasions, the detailing on pinstriped pants spices up what otherwise might be an ordinary ensemble. And for a funkier look, try matching them with a fun striped shirt and your argyle sweater. It doesn’t matter what you go with--navy with gray pinstripes, gray with brown pinstripes, or black with any color of pinstripe, they are all good. Striped Shirts Every designer and manufacturer has come out with some sort striped shirt or another. Just get one. It can be worn independently with jeans, with a suit or under a sweater. Remember, fall is about layering and from bold and thick stripes to thin ones; it’s a good look that you will find easy to incorporate into many ensembles. Blazer/Sports Jacket A cool blazer is one of this fall's must-have items, and the styles that are out there really give blazers a life of their own. You can find some with patch pockets and/or elbow patches, others with big lapels and double-sided vents, but they are all a revival of retro looks. And don't forget moleskin and corduroy options which can be a less formal look than tweed. For more information about blazers, read my article Fall 2005 is About the Blazer. A stylish tweed jacket is a great way to upgrade your look. Choose a nice wool or wool and cashmere combination, three-button style jacket. Don’t get to wild with color though; go for a neutral color that can easily be worn with jeans, flat-front pants and dressier pants. This is something that can be worn with a dress shirt or a printed tee underneath. It has so much versatility. Flat-Front Twill Pants Pick up some twill flat-front pants--they are a great, simple addition which will go with just about everything. And they come in an array of colors and patterns to boot. Go for straight-legged version and whose fabric features a textured look. They are great for a night out with your friends, with anything from a turtleneck to a printed tee, or for a more casual day at the office, with a button-down shirt or a merino wool sweater. Jeans The last few years have seen jeans take a stronger role in the American wardrobe. And it seems every few months a new, high end jeans company pops up. I might add some of the prices these jeans are fetching are quite steep; even The Gap has a high end, pricier line. In terms of color, we've seen everything from dark to light washes, but one thing is for certain--the washed-out, worn-in look is here to stay. Since there is so much variety there is no excuse not to pick up a pair that enhances your best features.