Sept
7
2010
Style At Large
Menswear veteran and Valet's Editor at Large, Michael Macko, presents an insider's take on what's new and noteworthy in the world of style.
 

What You'll (Really)
Be Wearing
This Fall

By now, the newsstands are full of September issues touting the newest creations from Armani and Dries, Junya and Yohj. Now, I'm not one of those fashion people who bites the hand that dresses him, but the price and accessibility of these pieces are limited. Which got me thinking, what are most guys really going to wear this fall?

I decided to ask this particular question to four men who combined, dress hundreds of thousands of men every morning, about what guys should look like once the weather starts getting cooler. Along with what they're looking most forward to wearing this fall.

 

Club Monaco

 
Tim Farah

VP of Men's Design

What should guys be wearing this fall?

Tweeds, wools and sweaters. I've always loved how those different fabrics and textures come together. Scottish Donegals, herringbones, flannel shirts under a cozy sweaters. I love the idea of comfortable layering.

What will you be wearing this fall?

I count myself as a Club Monaco customer. I'm always looking for that perfect flannel shirt. It has to be the right plaid in the right colors. And they're usually too oversized and bulky. I like how our slim fit shape looks untucked. Pair it with a cardigan, some 501's and these beaten-up work boots I've had for a while. That's what you'll find me in the most of the time this fall.

Favorite item from your collection this season?

Definitely one of our sweaters. Honesty, I can't pick one in particular. We've really perfected our cashmere and this season we've got some Nordic designs and these amazing chunky hand-knit styles in different stitches and patterns.

Something not from your line that you're looking forward to buying this fall?

An authentic Aran cable sweater from the Aran Isles. Scratchiness aside, they are really beautiful sweaters. And I love the history behind them; how each different cable pattern is identified and represented different families. [Aran sweater, $189 at Orvis]

And something that every man should have?

A well-tailored suit. You can always spot the guy at the wedding who had to borrow (or looks like he borrowed) a suit from his friend or father, because it just doesn't fit him correctly. When a guy puts on a suit that really fits, he looks incredibly polished—no matter how much it cost.

One thing guys should never wear?
Boot cut jeans. They're just not necessary.
 

Gap

 
Patrick
Robinson

Executive VP of Design

What should guys be wearing this fall?

I'm really into khakis right now. But when I say khaki, I don't just mean the color, but the material too. This fall, shades of grey and black look really modern. Layered with textured knits on top, in a neutral palette of camel, grey and navy with maybe some pops of color like burgundy and eggplant. Finish it off with a clean, simple chocolate brown lace-up boot. You can't go wrong.

What will you be wearing this fall?

Our slim tailored khaki, they're my new obsession. And long sleeve T-shirts and thermals layered underneath everything. For me it's all about the texture and layers.

Favorite item from your collection this season?

Fall to me is always signaled by those great, textural sweaters.

Something not from your line that you're looking forward to buying this fall?

I really want some simple wrist jewelry—a woven leather or braided bracelets. I'm actually on vacation right now, and hope to find some to remind me of this time when fall comes and the days get shorter. [Leather bracelet, $11]

And something that every man should have?

A simple pair of slim dark denim. Jeans look great on all guys, just make sure they fit properly.

One thing guys should never wear?
Clothes that are too big for them!
 

Banana Republic

 
Simon
Kneen

Creative Director

What should guys be wearing this fall?

Tailored overcoats, slim cargos and some sturdy boots.

What will you be wearing this fall?

I feel like it's one of those seasons that I want to carry over very little from last year, so almost everything will be new.

Favorite item from your collection this season?

Definitely the slim cargos.

Something not from your line that you're looking forward to buying this fall?

Burberry's outerwear this season. Especially those shearing bomber jackets.

And something that every man should have?

A great cut blazer. It's probably the one piece of clothing that will hide most imperfections.

One thing guys should never wear?
Not a fan of those overly graphic, blingy T-shirts.
 

J.Crew

 
Frank Muytjens

VP of Men's Design

What should guys be wearing this fall?

A mix of utilitarian and dressy, distressed yet clean. I like pairing something rough—maybe our distressed field mechanic jacket—with a pair of slim dress pants.

What will you be wearing this fall?

The new dark green New Balance for J.Crew sneakers. They're a little more edgy, a little more classic with the right twist. And I also really love our collaboration with Crescent Down Works. Unfortunately, they're not available quite yet. But soon.

Favorite item from your collection this season?

The navy tweed sport coat, without a doubt. I'll be wearing that all fall and winter. It's rugged, and yet still simple and understated.

Something not from your line that you're looking forward to buying this fall?

I bought this vintage, perfectly faded black raincoat a while ago and have just been waiting for it be cool enough out to start wearing. It even has a furry, zip-out lining for when the weather really turns cold. I can't wait. I also just splurged on a camel cardigan by Martin Margiela that I couldn't pass up.

And something that every man should have?

A pair of dark wing tips—preferably oxblood cordovan—without a doubt. It makes every outfit, no matter what you're wearing, look like a million bucks.

One thing guys should never wear?
Those awful square toe shoes.
That's an easy fix.
 

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