Fashion moves at a breakneck pace – blink too slowly and you could miss it. Ever-accelerating trend cycles and microcosmic fads that fizzle out as fast as they erupt have all but decimated the meat and potatoes of menswear, making it immensely difficult to get a handle on exactly what’s going on with fall style and what rules up that you should pay attention to.
Fear not – InsideHook is here to hold your hand through the difficult fall fashion process. From respecting the classics to ignoring age-old adages about the viability of brown and black, we’ve updated the time-honored canon of fall style rules for the year of our Lord 2022. Below are 10 style rules for the upcoming fall season.
Who says brown and black don’t go well together?
Uniqlo
Do: Mix black and brown (or any color, really)
The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the men’s style world that black is not a universal color. Much like its white counterpart, the blank slate that offers a true black is not only invaluable, but a suitable base for virtually any color. The combination of black and brown is particularly exciting for fall, and labels like Todd Snyder and Corridor are leaders in breaking the taboo by combining the two hues in their roomy fall offerings.
Don’t: Forego the classics
Corduroy, comfy knitwear, sturdy work boots: Fall is full of fun styles we’ve been missing all summer. Why should you deprive yourself of the joys of fall dressing by trying to chase the latest trend? Proven styles that lean into the core of fall clothing—workwear, prep, etc.—are the way to go.
Do: press folds
Tell me: wrinkles are cool. We don’t know how, we don’t know why, but somewhere along the line those excessive piles of fabric feel out of style… and that’s okay, because everyone makes mistakes. Luckily they’re back in a big way now and we’re downright optimistic about a massive pair of pleated pants. You should be too – Alex Mill’s relatively inexpensive version is a great entry point for anyone who’s still comfortable (or getting to know again).
Boots, derbies and the popular loafers – the selection of shoes for autumn is endless.
GH bass
Don’t: Be a sneaker guy
There are many, many great sneaker options out there, and I will routinely discuss the best ones with anyone who will listen at length. However, do not ignore the variety of excellent shoes that are available to you. Studded boat shoes, chunky loafers, fiendishly durable work boots; They are all there, ready to wear. Don’t miss it.
Do: wear shorts (reasonable)
Shorts are fine. For real. Reject the idea of your cutoffs being truncated in September. In fact, I contend that fall is one of the best times to rock 7″ inches as its ever-cooling temperatures turn the hoodie shorts dream into a blissful reality. That’s not to say that you shouldn’t still consider what kind of thigh hugs you wear. cord? Big. Charge? Not as much. But in general, get out there and show the world what you and your legs have been up to this fall.
Don’t: Ignore the weather
That being said, don’t be the guy in a short sleeve shirt when the weather turns from chilly to freezing. Autumn brings its own set of challenges, most notably bad weather, and ignoring that would be foolish. Prepare with the appropriate wardrobe or risk looking like an idiot (and maybe catching a nasty cold too).
So much everything fits. So little time.
stuffa
Do: Lean into suiting
Tailoring is back baby! From the funky European menswear of Séfr and Husbands Paris to the laid-back tailoring of Brooklyn-based Stòffa to the nuevo-prep offerings of Brendan Babenzian’s J.Crew, there’s a plethora of tasteful fall suits just waiting to be worn. With a return to office on the horizon and fall weddings galore, there should also be ample opportunity to blast your new digs.
Don’t: Put the house on GORP
Conversely, while GORP has been a driving theme in menswear in recent years, the hype surrounding technical outdoor gear seems to be cooling off a bit. A good, weatherproof jacket – Arcteryx or Japanese label And Wander are the main contributors for the best shells – is still essential, but think twice before jumping on that $400 vest.
Do: Have fun with it
Now we come to the real brass nails. When it comes to menswear, fall is the most versatile season and you should treat it as one. Whether you consider yourself a die-hard uniformist or an adventurous extremist, wear clothes you love this fall — it’s that simple.
Don’t neglect fit
It goes without saying that fit is king above all else. You can follow every single do’s and don’ts on this list, and it still doesn’t matter if your wardrobe doesn’t suit you. Spend time taking your measurements (guides are literally everywhere) and if you feel you’re not up to the task, contact your local tailor instead.
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