Fall is arguably the most fun season to dress for, but also difficult. The weather is all over the place–it’ll be balmy one day and a crisp 55 degrees the next. The sun shines, the sun disappears. It might even start raining. And this is all on just Monday and Tuesday. Who knows where the weather will take us by the time the weekend arrives? That’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in. Creating a base of essentials means you’ll be able to weather any storm–literally.
The change of seasons means rocking your favorite hoodie and shorts combo, flexing the light outerwear you bought when it was still unbearably hot, and slipping into that pair of jeans you spent all of last winter breaking in (please tell me you washed them). As the season progresses, you’ll finally get to wear the topcoat that’s been hanging like a sad sack in your closet since April and the leather boots that were tucked away in favor of Vans and Havaianas.
The Fall Capsule Shopping List
Regardless of how you like to dress for fall, the key is to pick out some basic pieces you can rely on all season long. This means refreshing your t-shirt drawer, snagging (another) denim jacket, and maybe a new sweater or two. This is the foundation of your wardrobe–the clothes that go with anything, no matter the occasion, no matter the weather, and no matter whether your team is winning or not.
A T-Shirt
A quality t-shirt is the backbone of your wardrobe. It can be worn on its own, under a flannel, or even with a suit jacket. The brand doesn’t matter much; find a t-shirt that fits you and can be a versatile part of your daily wardrobe, and you’re good to go.
Uniqlo Supima Cotton T-Shirt
Hanes Short Sleeve Beefy-T (Pack of 2)
Now 46% Off
Sunspel Classic T‑shirt
Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee
Mack Weldon Silver Crew Neck T-Shirt
A Pair of Jeans
Like a t-shirt, your jeans need to fit well, no matter what. You could buy the greatest pair of jeans from the most hyped-up brand, but if they don’t fit, you won’t want to wear them. They’re going to be something you put on almost every day, so take your time making a choice.
Levi’s 501 Original Fit Men’s Jeans
Now 40% Off
Taylor Stitch The Straight Jean
Wrangler Cowboy Cut Original Fit Jean
Now 50% Off
Abercrombie Baggy Jean
Now 30% Off
Buck Mason Japanese Denim Ford Standard Jean
Huckberrt RRL Relaxed Straight Fit Selvedge Denim Jeans
A Suit (That Can Be Worn As Separates)
In 2025, opportunities to wear a suit may be few and far between, but you still need to have one you can rely on when the moment arises. The best modern suits can also be worn separately; throw on the jacket with a pair of jeans for a night out with friends or rock the pants with a t-shirt or sweater to feel dressed up.
Todd Snyder Italian Flannel Wythe Suit
J.Crew Kenmare Relaxed-Fit Suit Jacket
Now 30% Off
J.Crew Kenmare Relaxed-Fit Suit Pant
Now 30% Off
Buck Mason Woolen Cashmere Carry-On Jacket
Banana Republic Relaxed Italian Herringbone Suit Jacket
COS Cotton-Twill Straight-Leg Pleated Pants
A Casual Jacket
After a summer spent sweating, nothing matches the feeling of finally being able to layer up without overheating. A good jacket is hard to find, but you can start here.
Levi’s Trucker Jacket
Now 20% Off
Filson Tin Cloth Short Lined Cruiser Jacket
Baracuta G9 Classic Jacket
Ralph Lauren Suede Trucker Jacket
Gap Canvas Moto Jacket
Now 51% Off
A Sweater, to Layer or Wear on Its Own
A sweater is your sartorial secret weapon. Dress it up, dress it down, wear it on cold days with a layer over it, or wear it on warmer days as your outermost layer. The options are endless.
Buck Mason Seafarer Cotton Rib Crew
J. Crew 1988 Rollneck Sweater
Finisterre Wool & Recycled Polyester Sweater
Todd Snyder Cashmere Turtleneck
Calvin Klein Merino Wool Relaxed V-Neck Sweater
Everlane The No-Sweat Sweater
A Pair of Boots
If you don’t have a good pair of boots for fall, then you’re def getting off on the wrong foot. These are the pairs you can wear with your favorite jeans and beyond.
R.M.Williams R.M. Williams Craftsman Boots
Grant Stone Crimson Chromexcel Brass Boots
Red Wing 6-Inch Iron Ranger Boots
Our Legacy Camion leather Chelsea Boots
Florsheim Forge Lace-Up Boots
Rain Wear
For many of us, fall also means the return of the rain. But we see it as a fun way to flex your personality—throw on a crunchy Arc’teryx jacket if you’re an outdoorsman or embrace city living vibes with a trench coat. Or both.
Barbour Classic Beaufort Waxed Jacket
J.Crew Rivington Trench Coat
Snow Peak SR-1 GORE-TEX Storm Shield Wading Jacket
Suit Supply Black Belted Trench Coat
An OCBD
An icon of menswear, the OCBD (Oxford cloth button down) is a must-have. It works with a suit and tie, looks great on its own, and can easily fit into any wardrobe.
Todd Snyder Japanese Selvedge Oxford Button-Down Collar Shirt
Polo Ralph Lauren The Iconic Oxford Shirt
J.Crew Giant-Fit Oxford Shirt
Gitman Vintage Classic Cambridge Oxford Shirt
Brooks Brothers American-Made Oxford Cloth Button-Down
A Pair of Sneakers
Just because you’ve broken out your boots from their hibernation period doesn’t mean you need to lock up your sneakers until spring. But a fresh pair will make all your outfits feel like new.
AUTRY Reelwind Low Sneaker
Now 25% Off
Alohas Tb.490 Rife Taupe Leather Sneakers
New Balance Made in USA 990v6 Sneaker
A Pair of Dress Shoes
Odds are you probably won’t need these much, but every guy should have a go-to pair of dress shoes in his closet for when the need arises. You don’t need to overthink it, but also don’t be afraid to venture slightly out of the norm for these.
Myrqvist Smögen II Penny Loafers
JM Weston 180 Penny Loafer
Grenson Cambridge Handpainted Leather Oxford Shoes
Ferragamo Foster Bit Loafer
Jacques Solovière Edouard Lace-Up Dress Shoe
J.Crew Ludlow Derbys
Now 30% Off
A Do-Everything Bag
The gym, work, travel—you need one bag to rule them all. A tote-style bag will work best for this, but a backpack isn’t a bad option either (as long as it doesn’t have a tech logo slapped onto it).
Porter Tanker 2Way Document Bag
Filson Tin Cloth Compact Briefcase
The Brown Buffalo Conceal Tote
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
A Dress Shirt
Like dress shoes, the need for a dress shirt may not arise often, but keeping one hung up next to your suit is never a bad idea. The aforementioned OCBD might work for this, but for more formal situations, you’ll want a dedicated dress shirt.
Lululemon New Venture Long-Sleeve Shirt
J.Crew Bowery Performance Stretch Dress Shirt
Bonobos Everyday Slim Fit Stretch Cotton Button-Down Shirt
Calvin Klein Slim Fit Dress Shirt
Now 25% Off
Drake’s Cotton Oxford Cloth Long Point Collar Shirt
Ralph Lauren Purple Label Poplin Shirt
A Sweatshirt
Buy one quality sweatshirt and you’ll never need to buy another one. For days when you’re lounging around, running around doing yard work, or heading to the gym, the ubiquitous hoodie or crewneck will be your best friend.
Flint & Tinder 10-Year Hoodie
Todd Snyder x Champion Canadian Fleece Relaxed Hoodie
Hanes Pullover EcoSmart Hooded Sweatshirt
Now 40% Off
Abercrombie Essential Popover Hoodie
Now 20% Off
Lululemon Steady State Crew
A Watch You Can Wear With Everything
Thanks to the mini computers we carry around in our pockets all day, a watch isn’t a necessity, but we think avoiding constant glances at your phone screen is always a good idea. A simple, understated watch that you can wear every day is one of your wardrobe’s most underrated champions.
Seiko 5 Sports Style GMT Series
UNIMATIC U1 Classic NATO Strap Watch
Hamilton American Classic Boulton Quartz Watch
Fossil Carraway Quartz Watch
Apple Watch Series 9
Now 16% Off
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