As the leaves turn golden and a crisp chill fills the air, it’s time to embrace the coziest, most stylish menswear trends of the autumn season. From rugged boots to heritage checks and statement knits, these key pieces spotted on the runways of Europe will elevate your cold weather wardrobe. Get ready to layer up and step out in style with our curated roundup of the top 10 must-have menswear looks for fall.
1. Step Ahead with Heavy-Duty Boots
Toughen up your autumn ensembles with a pair of durable, lugged sole boots. Hiking, combat, and mountaineering-inspired styles in leather and suede add a rugged edge to any outfit. Look for details like contrasting laces, waterproof finishes, and padded collars for extra warmth and comfort. Team them with cuffed selvedge denim or wool trousers for a stylish off-duty look.
2. The Double-Breasted Jacket Revival
Spotted in dusty pink silk at Dries Van Noten, sleek black at Saint Laurent, and paired with matching shirts and ties at Brioni, the double-breasted jacket is back and better than ever. Wear it as part of a dapper suit or layered over a rugby shirt or relaxed knit for a nonchalant take on tailoring. This versatile piece is an instant outfit elevator.
3. Monochromatic Magic
The key to mastering monochromatic dressing this season? Mix up the textures within your tonal looks. Combine a chunky wool sweater with a smooth leather jacket and twill trousers in the same color family for a put-together outfit that’s anything but boring. Shades of camel, olive, and navy look especially sophisticated and easy to wear.
If there’s one styling tip to take from the AW24 shows, it’s to dress in an outfit consisting of just one color palette, but mix up the textures to keep it modern.
– According to a fashion insider
4. Grandpa-Core Cardigans
Embrace the comforting nostalgia of a classic cardigan this autumn. Chunky, homespun knits with old-school logos and intarsia motifs channel vintage charm. Layer one over a collared shirt and under a heritage check coat for a timeless look that would make your grandpa proud. Bonus points for elbow patches and tortoiseshell buttons.
5. Luxe Shearling Outerwear
A plush shearling jacket is the cold weather upgrade your outerwear collection needs. Channel forever style icons like Steve McQueen and Alain Delon in a classic aviator or trucker style, or opt for a longer belted coat for added drama. Vintage stores and charity shops are ideal for hunting down a unique, lived-in hide.
6. Gauntlet Gloves
Gloves emerged as the surprise must-have accessory on the autumn runways. The freshest styles extend past the wrist in supple leather or suede, with a nod to gardening and motorcycle gear. Opt for a jewel-toned shade like burgundy or forest green to add a pop of color to neutral outerwear. Tech-friendly designs ensure you can stay stylishly connected.
7. Highland Heritage Checks
Take style cues from Princess Anne‘s ’80s countryside looks, as seen at Fendi. Traditional Balmoral checks in mossy, heathered tones add aristocratic flair to outerwear, trousers, and accessories. A tartan trench looks dashing over a hoodie and jeans, while a cozy plaid scarf is the perfect finish to a tweed blazer and cords.
8. Sleek and Spacious Totes
Trade in your battered backpack or cumbersome briefcase for an oversized tote or hybrid holdall this season. Look for structured styles in premium leather or weather-resistant technical fabrics with ample room for your daily essentials. Zippered compartments and padded laptop sleeves keep you organized on the go. An understated tote in black or navy projects polished professionalism.
9. Relaxed and Roomy Denim
Slim fits take a backseat as loose, laid-back jeans dominate for autumn. Look to the runways of JW Anderson and Gucci for inspiration, where extra-high rises and exaggerated wide legs reigned supreme. Carpenter-style pockets and distressed washes tap into ’90s nostalgia. Balance the silhouette with a fitted turtleneck or cropped bomber jacket.
10. A Touch of Evening Sparkle
Menswear takes a glamorous turn for evening with crystals, sequins, and metallic embellishments adding opulent shine to tailoring and separates. A crystal-dusted collar transforms a camel coat at Emporio Armani, while allover embroidery on tuxedo jackets at Dolce & Gabbana recalls the glitz of Old Hollywood. Subtle or statement-making, a hint of sparkle goes a long way.
There you have it, gentlemen – the key trends and hero pieces to update your wardrobe for autumn. Mix and match these elements to express your personal style, whether that’s rugged and outdoorsy or sleek and metropolitan. The most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable as the weather cools down and the layers pile on. Happy autumn dressing!
