Winter Essentials 2021

Whether you love it or hate it, winter is upon us, but fear not! Because it’s time for a mood boost and a bit of winter gratitude. So, get the hot cocoa ready, because after watching this video, you’re going to the most stylish guy on the bunny slopes. See all my favorite selects for each of these items over on the private community.

Wool Trousers

First up is a pair of pants that are tailor-made for this time of year. The wool flannel trouser is a warm, comfortable, sharp and sexy pant that I put on all my clients during the cooler seasons. I love them because they can be dressed up or worn more casually.

I’d highly recommend them when you want to give denim a break but still want something season-appropriate. Go for a tapered fit and pair them with sneakers or boots in nearly any type of outfit and watch the compliments start pouring in.

Shawl Collar Cardigan

Speaking of warm and sexy, sweaters should be at the front of your closet now, so it’s time to reach for thicker, heavier options like a shawl collar cardigan. I love them because they’ll keep you warm, duh, but also allow you to create a bunch of new looks depending on how you pair them with the other items you own. Not only that, but they’re flattering on every body type. I recommend you grab a few in navy, gray, brown and black.

Just like crewnecks, they’re great worn over most shirts from t-shirts to dress shirts but the only caveat is if you’re a husky guy, leave them unbuttoned so they don’t shine a spotlight on your mid-section, but if you’re a thinner guy, feel free to wear them any way you like.

Wool Flannel Shirts

Flannel shirts pair well with all of the heavier seasonal fabrics you’ll be wearing now, so if you’re looking for a midlayer and a way to add some color, personality and patterns into your wardrobe, I recommend picking up a few.

Patterns are a great option, but if you aren’t sure how these will work for you, then definitely don’t neglect the solid color versions, as well. For winter, I’ll always advocate getting some classic jewel tone colors like: burgundy, green, mustard and blue. Just ensure those colors will work well with your skin tone.

Avoid Dry, Flaky Skin

During the colder time of year, there’s another essential element of your appearance that lots of men overlook. But not you, because hopefully at this point, you understand that looking your best isn’t just the shirts and pants you wear, but having chapped, dry, unmoisturized skin is a style faux-pas that is easily fixable with today’s sponsor, Geologie!

You may not think so, but cold-weather skincare is just as important as warm weather skincare. I cannot stress it enough! The cold, dry weather can be incredibly harsh on your skin and it strips away its protection, so it’s super important to cleanse and moisturize properly and stay hydrated on a daily basis.

Luckily, our friends at Geologie have you covered. Geologie puts together a simple, effective skincare routine that is specifically created and personalized to your skin’s needs. Because no two men are the same, Geologie works to identify your specific skin profile and matches it with a personalized regimen. Every Geologie set contains simple, science–based products with high–quality active ingredients that your body makes anyway, formulated by our renowned dermatologist and team of cosmetic chemists. No fads, no fillers, no compromises. Just real ingredients that work specifically for you.

My husband, Dorian, has been using their set that comes with 4 different products: Everyday Face Wash, Vital Morning Face Cream w/ SPF, Repairing Night Cream & Nourishing Eye Cream. It even includes 2 extra bottles of face wash, one for your sink and one for your shower or to take with you to the gym or when you’re traveling.

Use this special limited-time link to get up to 70% off your Geologie skincare routine purchase and get your skin looking better than it ever has before.

Chino Pants

Despite the colder temperatures, you still want to keep your options open when it comes to pants. This is why I’d suggest picking up a few heavier-weight chino pants in your standard navy, gray, brown and olive colors. Stores typically carry these options during this time of year, so if you have an inkling to get some and aren’t sure if they’re the correct fabric weight, then now would be the perfect time to get them. There’s also options that have flannel lining, so if you want a pair of pants that are super cozy and warm, explore those options, as well.

Heavy Jacket

Next up is probably the most important item you’ll own for the winter months – a jacket. I recently released a guide to my favorite styles of jackets for all climates, including Bombers, Puffers, Peacoats and beyond. Click here to check out that video, because below I’m only going to talk about heavier jackets you should consider owning.

Parka

With temperatures reaching below freezing in some climates, it’s important to have a warm, well-fitting, stylish parka jacket. I recommend investing in a high-quality one because, in my experience, you’ll absolutely get what you pay for here and cheap options can be inferior in construction and materials – leaving you more exposed to the elements. A high-quality parka will last for many, many years to come, keep you warm, and have you looking stylish, so if your budget allows, get something of quality.

Here’s a few things to consider when looking for a parka:

First is the length. Depending on your climate and how cold it gets determines how long your parka should be. The longer it is, the colder your climate. So you would wear a waist or hip-length parka if you were in an area that gets cold, but not too cold. Or if you were in a colder place, you’d wear a parka that hits your knees, or even past that. And if you live in a climate somewhere in the middle, go with a parka that hits mid-thigh.

In terms of colors: I love Navy, Black or Olive. One note is to make sure the material isn’t shiny. If I had to choose a color, I’d prefer Navy because it’s a very dark color, like Black, that will work well in nearly any outfit. I find black can sometimes look a bit jarring in such a big jacket.

As for fit, make sure your parka fits relatively well. That means the shoulders should fit snugly and the body should lightly hug your torso. When trying on parkas, make sure you’re wearing at least a sweater and shirt underneath so you can ensure it won’t be too tight when actually wearing it outside. Also, make sure to zip up that bad boy in case it feels too tight in the body!

For the lining, I prefer a down lining, but synthetic is also good. I always find down to be warmer, but as always, your mileage may vary.

The final note for a parka jacket is the detachable fur lining, which allows you to enjoy two different types of jacket for the price of one, allowing for more options when choosing an outfit. It’s a nice thing to have because it creates a slightly different look, so I like the option whenever possible.

As for style inspiration, the best way to wear your parks is over all of your heavy winter layers. Like you saw in the image above, I styled Dorian in a grey crewneck sweater, wool trousers, and wingtips. And of course, I threw on a scarf and some gloves.

Overcoat

Next up is a coat that is more formal in nature and typically requires you to wear more layers if it’s really cold in your area, but they look extremely polished and well put together when paired with some wool trousers and more business casual items. That’s not to say you can’t dress them down, either. The overcoat is definitely a versatile piece I would consider owning.

You’ll want to keep the design simple and clean with no unnecessary flourishes, which you’ll usually find with cheaper alternatives.

Like your parka, you want the coat to fit snug in the torso and arms while wearing a few layers underneath it, so don’t try one on without making sure it fits over those layers. If you wear suits and you’re not going to freeze to death without a thick parka, then an overcoat is absolutely the first jacket I would grab. Just make sure the jacket is long enough to cover the bottom of your suit jacket, otherwise, it will look off.

Peacoat

I’d say every guy, unless he lives in a tropical environment, should have a navy peacoat in his closet. It’s great for casual outfits all the way up to business casual since they are naturally less formal than an overcoat. If you live in a colder climate, it’s also great for warmer winter days and through the early parts of Spring. And if you live in moderate to warmer climates, like Southern California, a Peacoat would be your casual “winter” coat.

Turtleneck Sweater

You should definitely look into a turtleneck sweater for this season because if it’s good enough for James Bond it should be good enough for you!

Layered under your suit or a casual jacket, they instantly add a smart, polished touch to your outfit. Black, navy, charcoals, and greys are always a good bet, and even ivory turtlenecks can look good with the right outfit. So I’d definitely recommend considering one.

As for fabrics, wool and cashmere are the main options and I like both, so get whatever you budget will allow. Unless you already have the standard colors and styles of turtlenecks, I’d say keep the cable knit and other styles of turtlenecks as secondary options.

Now if you’re tall, thin and have a longer neck, a turtleneck is a no-brainer, and can be worn layered or by itself. Broader body types should layer a blazer or jacket over it, which frames your body and draws attention up to your neck and away from your belly. Otherwise, larger men should stick to other sweaters layered over a shirt, and you can always keep your neck warm with a scarf, instead.

Hope you enjoyed this one! Have comments or questions? Head over to the private community and let’s chat.

Winter Accessories Every Man Should Own | Best Men’s Winter Accessories

Winter can be a tough time for your personal style, plus the weather and elements require special attention for your wardrobe and, more importantly, your accessories. That said, the right winter accessories will bring both function and personality to your wardrobe. It doesn’t all have to be about keeping warm (though that’s definitely important), it’s a great opportunity to add some extra style to whatever you’re wearing. For more basic tips, make sure to check out all of our Winter Essentials and our article on Winter Style Do’s and Don’ts

Here are our picks for the Men’s Winter Accessories That Every Man Should Own!

 

Cashmere / Wool Knit Hat

A must when it’s freezing. Go for a thicker rib knit and try cashmere for a luxurious touch that’s soft, light, and warm. Don’t be afraid to try a pop of color here too!

Hat 1

Hat 2

Budget-Friendly

 

A Patterned Scarf

The perfect time to add some color or pattern into the mix. Just a hint of it peeking out from under a coat is a sharp, stylish look. Cashmere is a great option here too, it’s very light and warm.

Picks:

Scarf 1

Scarf 2

Budget-Friendly

 

Gloves

We’re not talking about thick ski-style gloves, but something lighter but still warm. Look for knit versions in wool or cashmere or lined leather options for a sharp touch (especially if you dress up often).

Gloves 1

Gloves 2

Budget-Friendly

 

Slim Dressy Watch

Add in a thin watch that toes the line between dressy and casual so you can dress it up or down. Layered and formal outfits need a watch that’s not big and bulky. Wearing a big, sporty watch with dressier looks can just throw off the proportions. Luckily our friends at Nove watches have the perfect styles.  Their watches are high-quality, Swiss-made, and come in a variety of slim styles that work well with a range of looks. Plus, we’ve got a special deal for you guys. Use offer code AW20 for 20% off your purchase.

Picks (from the video):

Watch 1

Watch 2

 

Merino Wool Socks

Merino wool has incredible technical properties (warm, lightweight and dries quickly) and there are great options out there that are lightweight, warm, and stylish. 

Our Favorite Merino Wool Socks

Another Pick

 

Thermals

We discussed in our Winter Do’s and Don’ts, and the right pair won’t be bulky or too hot and can easily layer underneath both casual and dressy clothes. We really like our go-to pick below because they are very light, warm, and won’t break the bank.

Thermals Pic

 

Extra-moisturizing skincare products

Nobody likes the look of dull, dry skin and the cold, dry air can be brutal on your hands and face so take extra care to moisturize properly. The right products and a solid morning routine and evening grooming routine will really help keep your skin looking great during the winter.

Picks:

Moisturizer 1 – Get 30% Off With Code Ashley30

Moisturizer 2

Moisturizer 3

Moisturizer 4

 

Leather Lace-Up Boots With A Rubber Sole

Proper boots for the winter are crucial and if you’re dealing with a lot of rain and snow you want to make sure your boots are protected and have a rubber sole for traction and durability. Some of our picks below have a Dainite sole which is the gold standard in terms of protection and grip in wet, snowy conditions.

Picks:

Dress Boots 1

Dress Boots 2

Casual Boots 1

Casual Boots 2

 

Dorian’s Outfit Details

Jeans

Boots (similar)

Glasses

Peacoat

Sweater

Gloves (similar)

Scarf (similar)

Men’s Winter Style Do’s and Don’ts | Men’s Winter Style Tips

Winter can be a tough time for your personal style. Cold weather and the elements can lull you into just giving up, but don’t do it! These few simple tips can keep you looking sharp and feeling great, no matter how cold it gets! For more tips, make sure to check out our Fall/Winter Essentials Series!

Here are our Winter Style Do’s and Don’ts!

Winter Style Do’s

Do Add Some Colorful Jewel-toned Accessories

The right hats, scarves, and gloves are crucial for warmth and style. They’re also a great opportunity to add some color and pattern to brighten up your look. Colors like emerald green, a mustardy yellow, dark purples, reds, and blues are all easy to incorporate into your winter wardrobe and pack a stylish punch of color.

Picks:

Scarf 1

Scarf 2

Scarf 3

Hat 1

Hat 2

Hat 3

Gloves 1

Gloves 2

Gloves 3

 

Do Invest In Quality Outerwear

We talk a lot about where and when to invest, and outside of dress shoes & boots, outerwear is the other major area we really recommend investing in. You get what you pay for and with the right investment, a high-quality coat, peacoat, or jacket will last for years to come, keep you warm, and have you looking stylish.

Picks:

Overcoat

Overcoat 2

Parka

Puffer Parka

Parka 2

Peacoat

Peacoat 2

 

Do Get The Right thermals

There are many great brands offering very thin/lightweight thermals that’ll layer comfortably underneath your clothes and keep you warm. The key is to get a trim fit, that way they’ll lay flat and layer easily under everything from jeans to suits. Our pick below is light, warm and you can wear these as a base layer underneath your clothes or on their own as a long sleeve shirt.

Thermals Pick

 

Winter Style Don’ts

Don’t Neglect Your Skin

You may not think so, but cold-weather skincare is just as important as warm weather skincare. The cold, dry weather can be incredibly harsh on your skin and strip away it’s protection, so it’s super important to cleanse and moisturize properly and stay hydrated. There’s nothing more distracting and unattractive than dry, dull skin.

Luckily, our friends at Geologie have you covered. Geologie puts together a simple routine formulated for daily use. The products are personalized to your skin’s needs and work great for every skin type. We tested out their set that comes with 4 different products:  Everyday Face Wash, Vital Morning Face Cream w/ SPF, Repairing Night Cream & Nourishing Eye Cream. It even includes 2 bottles of face wash, one for your sink and one for your shower or to take with you to the gym. Plus, just for our readers and viewers, you can get 30% off your purchase with code Ashley30! Shop here and enter the code at checkout.

 

Don’t Forget To Layer

We talked about it for Fall, and it’s just as applicable in Winter.  Proper layering can help you regulate your temperature and look stylish no matter how cold it is, making sure you’re comfortable going from the cold outside to warm inside (subway, office, etc.).

 

Don’t Forget To Winterize your boots

Boots are essential footwear for Winter (our go-to picks for this year are right here) and the right pair can look amazing and last a long time. But, you’ve got to prepare them with the right leather treatments to keep them from getting ruined in the inclement weather.

Boot Treatment Kit

3 Men’s Boots You Need Right Now | Best Men’s Boots

It’s boot season! As we talked about in our Fall Shoes video, boots take an important place in your wardrobe and the right ones can have you looking stylish and protected from the elements all the way to Spring! If you’re in a part of the country that deals with a lot of rain, snow, or other inclement weather make sure you take the extra steps to protect your boots with proper weather-proofing and care. Great boots are all about versatility and all of these picks can be worn with multiple types of outfits from casual to dressy.  Here are the 3 men’s boots you need right now!

Click here to Get 20% off you ENTIRE Beckett Simonon purchase with code: AW. Thanks to our friends at Beckett Simonon for sponsoring this video!

 

The Dress Boot

Obviously this one goes best with your smart-casual outfits and Fall/Winter suits. If you don’t really wear many suits and wool trousers, then the next type of boot we’ll talk about is definitely more for you. As for these, there’s need to mess with a classic – it’s sleek and sophisticated, like the Porsche of dress boots. A captoe boot will add a bit of polish to everything and we love how the boot silhouette just adds a different vibe to your outfit. If you want something with a little extra flair, you can go with their version featuring broguing details.

Picks:

Captoe Dress Boot

Brogue Dress Boot

Wingtip Brogue Boot

Outfit Details:

Captoe Dress Boot

Jacket (similar)

Sunglasses

Sweater

T-Shirt

Pants

Watch

 

The Casual Boot

If you’re a man, and you don’t live in a tropical climate, you absolutely need a casual boot. There are many different options but like the dress boot, a super-versatile captoe style is sharp enough to dress up or down. You can also go with a plain-toe version too, but we prefer a captoe as our pick as it adds a more interesting touch. As far as broguing, we can go either way but overall we tend to like a cleaner design for this type of boot. This style of boot is outstanding because it is so versatile, wear it with casual denim looks or dress it up a bit with chinos or wool trousers. The sturdy, casual sole is polished but not too dressy.

Picks:

Black Casual Boot

Dark Brown Casual Boot

Wingtip Brogue Casual Boot

Captoe Brogue Casual Boot

Outfit Details:

Boots

Jacket (similar)

Sunglasses

Sweater

T-Shirt

Pants

Boots

Watch Strap

 

The Chelsea Boot

Super-sleek and stylish, the Chelsea boot should be treated as a dressier shoe. We like pairing black leather or dark brown suede Chelsea boots with slim, tapered black jeans or suiting and wool trousers. Protip: the key is to make sure your pants are tapered so they ever so lightly hug the top your boot. Black and dark brown are the key colors here and we like a suede version to mix up the texture a bit.

 

Picks:

Black Leather Chelsea

Dark Brown Suede Chelsea

Outfit Details:

Boots

Jacket (similar)

Sunglasses

Sweater

T-Shirt

Pants

Best Men’s Fall Jackets For 2019 | Best Men’s Outerwear

The right versatile jackets can take your style a long way during Fall and you’re definitely going to need a few options for your Essential Fall Wardrobe. It’s important to have picks that are both dressy and casual but also versatile enough for a variety of situations and light enough to allow for layering.

Before we jump in, there’s one thing you won’t notice on this list, and for good reason, that’s puffer vests. We’re not fans of puffer vests because their usage is pretty limited and they’re just not that stylish. These are the cliche items for the tech bros the past few years – wearing these over their gingham shirts and baggy chinos is…meh. You can do better!

Here are all of our tips and picks for the Best Men’s Fall Jackets for 2019!

 

The Denim Jacket

Timeless and great on a variety of body types, this go-to is perfect with casual looks. Important note: nail the fit. A lot of denim jackets are boxy which you want to avoid. A trim fit will look sharp and compliment your frame, you want them to be fitted throughout the torso (like the pic above), especially if you’re a bigger guy. Specifically, you want to barely be able to button it across your chest. For more, we’ve got a full fit breakdown right here. Wear them with everything from a t-shirt, sweatshirt, to an oxford/flannel and pair it with either denim or chinosIn terms of washes: medium blue, black or light grey as they can easily be worn your existing pants. Avoid matching the wash of your jacket with your jeans, the Canadian Tuxedo isn’t a good look. Protip for the older gentlemen out there: upgrade to a version in suede for a great look. 

Picks:

AllSaints

Everlane

Levis

Todd Snyder

Suede 1: Todd Snyder

Suede 2: John Varvatos

Outfit Details:

Jacket (similar)

Sunglasses

Sweater

T-Shirt

Pants

Boots

Watch Strap

 

The Wool Sport Coat

The perfect way to dress up everything from denim to wool trousers, a great sport coat is super versatile. Look for versions in tweed, herringbone or other weaves and patterns, and we recommend wool or wool blends with some texture and thickness, they’re great for the Fall season. Look for dark fall colors like charcoal, navy, dark green and brown. Solids or patterns like herringbone, houndstooth, or windowpane are perfect!

Picks:

J.Crew

Brooks Brothers 1 

Brooks Brothers 2 

H&M

Outfit Details:

Jacket (similar)

Sunglasses

Sweater

T-Shirt

Pants

Boots

 

Wool or Suede Bomber Jacket

Another way to add some weight and texture to your casual jacket rotation that’s perfect for this year is with a bomber in suede or wool.  By now you know how much I love bombers (perfect for every body type and age range) and a wool/suede version is the perfect casual fall jacket. The fabric can easily take you from day to night and be dressed up or down. Navy, black, brown and grey will pair easily with your existing wardrobe.

Picks:

ASOS

APC

All Saints

Calibrate

Hugo Boss

Outfit Details:

Jacket

Sunglasses

Sweater

T-Shirt

Pants

Belt (similar)

Sneakers

Watch Strap

Top 5 Men’s Shoes & Boots For Fall 2019

Now that Fall is officially here it’s an important time to consider your shoe rotation. Since we’ll probably get asked, no, this doesn’t mean these are the ONLY shoes you should wear during the Fall. Year-round essentials like sneakers and lace-up oxfords will always look stylish no matter what time of year. But, these are some specific style upgrades we’ve chosen to complement your wardrobe for this time of year. Make sure you check out our other shoe suggestions and our Fall Essentials to make sure you’ve got your Fall wardrobe dialed in for maximum style and versatility.

So, with that, here are our picks for the top 5 shoes and boots you need this Fall!

 

 

Lace-Up Boots

Fall is boot season and a sharp pair is an absolute necessity. There are a myriad of styles these days and a wide range of price points but if you’re just getting into the game, stick with the basics:  a sharp, slightly dressy pair of captoe or round toe boots. The right pair is sleek and sexy, pairs easily with your jeans and chinos as well as your heavier suits.

Picks:

Allen Edmonds 1 (from the video)

Allen Edmonds 2

Kenneth Cole

Johnston & Murphy

 

Leather High Tops

Dressy and casual shoes are pretty interchangeable these days, and a nice leather high top can work with a variety of different looks. This isn’t a basketball sneaker, it’s more of a cool hybrid between a boot and a standard leather sneaker so don’t be afraid to dress this one up.

Picks:

Wolverine (from the video)

Common Projects

 

Captoe Brogue Dress Shoes

Assuming you have a solid pair of oxford lace-ups in your rotation, a brogued pair is the next logical step. You can find conservative pairs to wear with suits or more informal pairs to wear with chinos and denim. Don’t forget, it’s important to invest in quality where you can and shoes are one of the best places to invest. We recommend these in either brown or black but black is the most versatile.

Picks:

Allen Edmonds (from the video)

Kenneth Cole

J. Crew

Brooks Brothers

 

Chukka Boots

The dress boot’s slightly more low-key cousin, the chukka silhouette is extremely versatile and looks just as good with a suit as it does with denim and chinos. This style looks great in brown or black leather and also is an excellent style to look for in suede.  We love suede for the fall season because it adds just a bit of texture to your overall look.

Johnston & Murphy Leather (from the video)

Wolf & Sheppard Suede

Allen Edmonds Suede

Allen Edmonds Leather

 

Chelsea Boots

If you don’t already have a Chelsea boot in your rotation, now’s the time.  It’s a great alternative to a dress boot for your heavier suits, wool trousers, and black or dark wash denim.  For Fall we are recommending a black leather or dark brown suede as the choices here.  These picks are great because they will work for you year-round, no matter what you’re wearing. One warning though, if you’re on the bigger/broader side Chelsea boots aren’t a great choice for your body type, so just stick to lace-up boots.

Picks:

Kenneth Cole (from the video)

To Boot (similar to video pick)

Cole Haan

Johnston & Murphy

Best Budget-Friendly Men’s Fall Essentials For 2019

Key pieces for a sharp Fall wardrobe don’t have to be expensive, and a few wallet-friendly updates can add a ton of style to your overall look. As we mentioned in our previous Fall Essentials piece, the key thing to think about with your fall wardrobe is changing temperatures, you want items that layer easily or can be versatile enough for varying temps. Like with the rest of the items in your Essential Wardrobe you want pieces that will have you looking sharp no matter your height, body shape, or age.

Here are our picks for the Best Budget-Friendly Fall Essentials for 2019!

 

H&M Wool crewneck sweater – $20

A simple versatile item that can be worn a ton of different ways, from casual to dressy.  We love the one from H&M, it’s budget-friendly and super stylish.

H&M Wool Crewneck

H&M Merino Crewneck

 

The Tie Bar Wool Knit Tie – $25

An easy way to add some texture and personality to dressier looks, these simple additions are great with suits or chinos.  We love the options from the Tie Bar specifically, the bang-for-the-buck is outstanding.

Tie Bar Wool Knit Ties

Tie Bar Wool Ties

 

H&M Quilted Jacket – $79.99

Budget-friendly quilted jackets are very tough to come by but this one from H&M hits all the marks. A solid price, great casual style, and a nice light weight make for a very versatile jacket for your Fall layering.

 

Suede / Perlon / Wool watch straps – $5-$20

A super simple (and cheap!) way to mix up your accessory game. Try something in suede or perlon for some added texture and style to your watch.

Suede Straps

Leather and Suede Nato Straps

Perlon Straps

Wool Straps

 

Uniqlo Corduroy Jeans & Chinos – $39.90

We discussed these in our previous Fall Essentials video, and for good reason, a few solid pairs of pants can really set your rotation up nicely. We really love the corduroys and chinos from Uniqlo because they’re super affordable and great quality for the money.  The range of colors is great too, so make sure you invest in a few pairs to mix up your rotation from denim.

Uniqlo Corduroy Jeans

Uniqlo Chino Pants

 

Leather Lace-Up or Chukka Boots – $130 – $250

A solid and versatile lace-up boot or chukka boot is an indispensable style foundation for fall.  Keep in mind that affordability is relative and you get what you pay for. Ultimately, It’s tough to find anything of quality below $150 or so. The picks below are a great mix of quality and affordable prices.

Picks:

Johnston & Murphy 1

Johnston & Murphy 2

Kenneth Cole 1

Kenneth Cole 2

Clarks

 

Wool Scarf – $13-$60

Easy warmth when you need it and it can be a great accessory.  Go for solid black, grey or navy for an understated look or opt for a pattern like plaid or a bolder color for more of a statement.  Wool blends and cashmere are the most comfortable.

Picks:

Uniqlo 1

Uniqlo 2

Gap

H&M 1

H&M 2

 

Uniqlo Suede Belt – $30

You’ve hopefully got a few casual and dress belts in leather already, but adding a suede version is an easy way to change up your accessory game and add some nice texture to your outfit. As another option, a nice braided leather belt is a cool update as well.

Uniqlo Suede Belt

Uniqlo Braided Belt

 

Flannel Shirts – $30 – $50

We discussed the importance of great casual button-ups for fall and there are a number of good flannel options that are perfect for the cooler months.  You can go for a solid color or a bolder plaid and these are great as a layer under a denim or bomber jacket or just worn on their own. We love the ones from Uniqlo the most but there are other great picks we love below as well.

Picks:

Uniqlo

Gap

J.Crew Factory

 

H&M Blazer – $70

Another super versatile jacket, we love that this blazer can add a bit of polish to any casual outfit, like with denim or chinos, or it can be dressed up with some trousers and a tie. The checked pattern is a nice way to add a bit of personality but in a subtle way and you can even layer a sweater underneath for added warmth.

Picks:

H&M 1

H&M 2

Uniqlo 1

Uniqlo 2

J. Crew Factory

Best Men’s Denim | Jeans Under $100

Denim is the absolute foundation of your pants rotation and the importance of stylish, well-fitting denim can’t be overstated.  It’s so important, in fact, that we’ve covered it multiple times before, in our Dark Wash Jeans Essentials piece and in our Jeans Fit Guide.  So, before you go any further, make sure you check those out, the basics we cover in those articles are critical in knowing what to look for in your denim.

These days jeans come in a huge range of price points and while many people can get snobby about their jeans, we believe that great denim doesn’t have to be expensive.  The picks we have below offer you everything you need at an affordable price. One thing to remember, when it comes to denim colors focus on dark washes first, so dark indigo and black, and then grey and medium blue.

DSTLD – $80-$85

DSTLD offers great fit and quality for the money. They have great black and grey options and we also love their dark indigo wash, it’s a nice rich color and the subtle grey stitching blends in.

DSTLD Skinny Slim Fit

DSTLD Straight Fit

 

Banana Republic – $98

Banana Republic offers a range of fits and styles but we really their basic version the most.  At just under $100 the quality is great and there are fits for every body type.  Just a solid, all-around classic pair of denim.

Banana Republic Slim Fit

 

Uniqlo – $49.90

We’ve always been big fans of Uniqlo’s budget-friendly style.  They always do clean and versatile very well and like their awesome chinos, their jeans are no exception.  They’ve got two great fits, and we love the black jeans they have in stores and online right now.

Uniqlo Slim Fit

Uniqlo Straight Fit

 

Levis $50-$60

You can’ talk great denim without talking about Levis, they still make awesome jeans. We recommend the 511 Slim Fit and the 514 Straight Fit as the two to look for. (The 513 slim straight is also a nice in-between option too.) Stick to the dark and medium wash indigo or their black and grey options. At around $50-$60 these are classic and affordable, you can’t go wrong.

Levis 511 Slim Fit

Levis 511 Grey

Levis 514 Straight Fit

Levis 514 Grey

513 Slim Straight Fit