As autumn settles in, the air turns crisp and the temperatures drop. On my morning jog, I was greeted by the chilly breeze, which quickly sent me back inside to grab another sweater. Fast forward to later, and I’m comfortably sitting in a café with a warm drink, layered in a cozy brown wool zip-up over a light blue dress shirt—just the right amount of warmth for the cool autumn day.
However, it’s common for many guys to still dress as if it’s the end of summer when autumn arrives. Just swapping shorts for jeans doesn’t cut it. Our upper bodies, especially, are more sensitive to the cold, so it’s important to layer up properly, or else you’ll catch a chill.
A solid autumn outfit, in my opinion, should involve at least three layers: a shirt or t-shirt underneath, a heavier wool or cotton layer (think cardigans, turtlenecks, or zip-up sweaters), and optionally, a scarf. While layering is key, warmth should always come first. Make sure you’re using fabrics that actually provide insulation—autumn is the perfect time to start wearing wool and thicker cotton garments.
If you’ve been waiting for winter clothing sales, they typically start after January 15th. If you’ve already snagged some pieces, now’s the time to pull them out of your closet. If not, you’ll need to spend a bit more to get what you need for the season until the next sale comes around.
Here are a few tips to help you stay warm and stylish this fall:
1. Embrace the Turtleneck
The turtleneck has had a modern makeover, making it a great option for today’s man. Forget the bulky ones your grandmother used to make you wear—go for something thinner, like a wool or cotton version. Adding an undershirt or t-shirt underneath gives you extra warmth.
One important note: Avoid wearing both a dress shirt and scarf with a turtleneck. The collar under the turtleneck can feel uncomfortable, and the scarf won’t offer much extra warmth. Stick to just the turtleneck for a sleek, warm look.
2. Find the Perfect Scarf
A good scarf can be a game-changer for autumn style and warmth. I was shopping for one recently and found some great options at H&M—until I noticed that most were made with over 50% synthetic fibers. I had to walk away disappointed, but it made me realize how important it is to choose the right scarf. Avoid generic black-and-white checked scarves or cheap options with lots of wrinkles. Look for scarves made from quality fibers like wool or cashmere, and steer clear of polyester if it makes up more than 10% of the fabric, as it can irritate your neck.
3. Wear a Hat or Cap
Did you know that a significant amount of body heat escapes through your head? A stylish flat cap or fedora is the perfect solution. Not only will it keep you warm, but it will also elevate your overall look. Just remember to take it off when you enter a room—it’s all about balance.
4. Get Your Overcoats Ready
As the weather gets colder, it’s time to transition from lighter jackets to heavier overcoats. It’s always better to be prepared for the drop in temperature than to risk being underdressed. Wearing too few layers can make a bad impression, while adding extra warmth ensures you’re comfortable and stylish throughout the day.
Conclusion
Staying warm in the fall doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. By layering with the right fabrics, choosing timeless pieces like turtlenecks and scarves, and paying attention to your outerwear, you can keep comfortable and look great as the temperatures drop. Remember, warmth should always come first, but with these simple tips, you can easily fight the cold in style.
