You may have noticed, looking out your window, that summer is starting to wave a long, drawn out goodbye. Autumn (or fall, for our friends over the Atlantic) is a season of change. The weather begins to turn colder, the environment takes on a different face - at first slowly, then rapidly - and there is an abiding sense of the whole wheel turning again.
This doesn’t mean it’s a melancholy time, despite what the thermometer might say. This time of the year has the best food, the best scenery and, in our view, the best wardrobe. Long coats, hats, scarves, tailoring, robust shoes - all of these go hand in hand with the turn in seasons. A man has more options at this time of year than perhaps any other, with neither the heat of summer nor the chill of winter, and a wonderful natural palette to play with.
Chunky knitwear, fine tailoring, long overcoats, heavier fabrics and elegant detailing all have a part to play at this time of year, giving you the chance once again to break out your favourite outfits.
Colours
Autumn’s colour palette is its most famous attribute. You probably already know how that happens, but just in case; deciduous trees break down chlorophyll to reclaim essential nutrients, as the weaker seasonal sunlight is no longer enough. This turns their appearance from a lustrous green into dramatic browns, reds and golds, readying them for winter and creating one of nature’s finest spectacles.
This natural phenomenon gives you all the styling cues you need to make a success of your seasonal attire. Earth tones are your friend - browns and golds, deep conifer greens and blazing reds. Heavy natural fibres also nod to the world outside, whether wool, tweed or heavy cotton, never forgetting the season’s tendency to dump a lot of rain suddenly. Truly, change is in the air.
Warm clothes
Early autumn could almost be an extension of summer, with the sun still retaining some warmth and the weather more liable to change than it is to force you inside. Later on however, it’s a different story, as colder winds and darker nights begin to herald winter.
Thankfully all this inclement means that you have plenty of dress options. A good coat is something every gentleman needs, as is a good suit. And why not make it something seasonal while you’re at it? Tweed, houndstooth, dark wool, or even a waxed jacket can all be spectacular in this context. However, the need to break out mountaineering gear or full-on winter wear is not yet upon us, so a woolen scarf here, a heavy fibre there will add character to your cooler-climes look.
Layering
This won’t be the only place you’ll hear it; layering is your friend! Adding layers allows you to customise your outfit on the go, meaning you can account for changeable weather while allowing yourself endless stylistic options. Whether it’s a three-piece suit with a cravat and pocket square, or a shirt-and-jacket combo for casual days, layering helps you stay comfortable.
From a stylistic standpoint, it’s all about having multiple points of interest that you can add or take away at will. Putting on a scarf or hat will change an outfit dramatically, while a pocket square might pick out a different detail in the pattern of your jacket. Equally, removing your jacket when the sun comes out is so much easier when you have a workshirt on underneath, avoiding the inevitability of a t-shirt being too cold for the season. Really we’re talking about versatility and adaptability, both things that a healthy collection of accessories can help with.
Dark vs Light
Autumnal colours come in two distinct flavours. On the one hand, you have deep earth tones such as browns, khakis and forest greens. On the other, you have blazing reds, shining golds and glowing bronzes. As you may imagine, this gives the fashion-conscious a ready contrast to play with, with a palette that can veer between bold and delicate with ease.
So, while earth tones are a great base level, a bit of colour and delicacy goes a long way. Lighter greens, purples and coral oranges are wonderful partners to the more traditional colours of bright red and yellow. We’d encourage experimentation, as an old garment can take on a new lease of life with the right accessory.
Dress for the weather
All this discussion about weather reminds us that there’s nothing wrong with dressing for the conditions! When it’s windy, wear something with a strong collar. When it’s wet, it might be best to stray away from heavy wool. When that late summer sun makes a brief appearance, don’t necessarily feel that you have to dress for November. This most unpredictable of seasons can play havoc with your sartorial plans, so be ready to rethink.
Back to work
September, in the UK at least, means it’s back to school and for many, back to work. This may be cause to mourn, but for your wardrobe, the fun is only just beginning. The more serious and grown-up garments make their own case for this environment, with stylish workwear and well-made outerwear everywhere you look.
Don’t feel as if you have to blend however - accessories are a great way to lift yourself out of the sea of browns and greys. A little touch of colour or pattern is what Cravat Club is all about, and a cleverly-placed pocket handkerchief or ascot can bring an outfit from being adequate to being incredible.
Some of our Favourite Autumn Accessories
This stunning pocket square, in blazing red and orange, gives the impression of fallen leaves. On closer inspection however, you’ll see the details of a serene pool of Koi carp swimming. A small but dramatic touch to a subdued outfit.
This striking orange and navy paisley cravat is exactly what we mean when we speak of extending the autumnal palette. Will pair gloriously with earth tones or tweed.
A true head-turner, this silk evening scarf in deep burgundy polka dot is the finishing move of your season’s best outfit. A playful take on outdoor wear and a very elegant piece indeed.
Take full advantage of the seasonal colour palette with this strident Japanese dragon design. While certainly bold, this print will play extremely well with earth tones and subtle colours, walking the line between luxury and subtlety perfectly.
Another deceptive print that appears to be autumn leaves at first glance, while at the second, revealing the “huntsman” of the name - a powerful brown bear wrestling with its quarry. A truly beautiful scarf that pulls no punches.
Deep burgundy is the best friend of a tweed jacket or wool overcoat. This cravat, with its playful Western motif, offers stately elegance along with a touch of the unusual.
Leave a comment