Sweater weather has finally arrived in Syracuse. But instead of seeing sweaters, I’ve seen a lot of guys in sweatpants and sweatshirts — perfectly acceptable garb if you’re going to the gym, but not if you’re trying to be a fashionable man. This season is the time to experiment with layering and having more complicated outfits (because you can’t just walk outside in a T-shirt anymore). Here are the four items that every man needs in his closet for this fall, at least according to me.

 

Puffy (but not too puffy) Vest

 

This retro fall staple is bringing fashion back to the ’80s — think Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.” Except this time it’s back slightly different — they’re not as puffy as before. Smaller indie designers, outdoors-wear titans, fast-fashion retailers are all coming out with sleeker designs with less bulk and less shiny material. Not to mention they come in so many different fabrics (from wool to cotton to the traditional down-filled vest), colors (anywhere from black to neon green) and styles (sporty, sleek, classic, etc.). As the weather is still transitioning, this vest will help you stay warm without feeling like you’re sweating bullets.

Flannel

 

I don’t know too many men who don’t already own a flannel, but if you don’t, buy one now. Flannels are the ultimate fall top because the thicker fabric helps you stay warm, while the actual structure of the shirt frames your shoulders to give a very streamlined look. You can either wear it buttoned all the way down or left open with your favorite comfy tee underneath. Throw it on with a pair of khakis, your Timberlands, and a beanie for the ultimate lumberjack-esque vibe.

 

Turtleneck

 

Channel your inner Joey (you know, he did get all the ladies in “Friends”) or Ron Burgundy with this classic sweater. Turtlenecks are extremely versatile and can come in all shapes, colors and sizes. They look good oversized or fitted, a plain single color or patterned, and with heavy cable-knit textures or smooth-looking jersey knits. Try pairing them with some dark-wash jeans and a pair of oxfords for a super sleek and sophisticated look.

 

Corduroys

 

Forget your traditional pair of jeans or khakis (even though I fully endorse everyone having a good pair of both) and go for a more textured look with corduroys. Ignore the stigma that dorks or dads are the only ones that actually wear them. Everyone should wear them. The key to finding a good pair of corduroys is fit. For every man, any pair of pants can go bad if they don’t fit right, and the texture of the corduroys will only make the fit issues more obvious. Corduroys are great because they can come in a wide variety of colors, so you can make your look even bolder with a brighter color. For a classic look, try them on with a simple button down and pair of boots.

There are many other items that should be on this list: Timberlands, the half-shirt half-jacket combo, etc. But this fall is really about trying out different trends to findthe look that suits you, and fits you, the best. When in doubt, layer, my male friends.

Published on October 5, 2015 at 9:53 pm