The List: These are the Best Men’s Gear Picks to Start off October the Right Way

The best casual sweater for a fall weekend? I’ll let you be the judge of that.

So, join me for another edition of The List — and this one, the first one of October, is all about ever-critical, versatile fall layers. The time for fun and games is over (well, in a way) — you’ve had some Oktoberfest beers, you’ve attended a tailgate or two or three, and now, it’s time to keep gearing up for more fall fun. With a focus on rugged-yet-wearable picks like the Relwen Windzip Popover, I’m betting you’re going to layer up for fall with ease (and style) in mind. Of course, you’ll find plenty of complementary picks on the docket, including rugged flannel shirt from Taylor Stitch — that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Happy October, my friends.

Relwen Windzip Popover — $218

No wrong way to go with this durable popover sweater, guaranteed.

As discussed above, you’ll see we’re all about versatile fall layers this time around — after all, it’s in the air right now. That being said, the Relwen Windzip Popover is one of the best layers for fall, made to durably take you through tailgates and camping trips aplenty.

Timex x Todd Snyder Beekman Watch — $158

I’ll leave it up to you as to whether this is one of the best black leather watches on the market.

As far as the most affordable men’s watches go, the ongoing Timex x Todd Snyder collaboration has to take the cake. The Beekman Watch could just be the best black leather dress watch for men, and it’s well-suited for a fall wedding, too.

Filson Watch Cap — $45

A tough watch cap to wear into fall.

We’ll move from talking about a watch to wear to a fall wedding to the rugged beanie cap to wear in your downtime. Get on this affordable Filson beanie cap while there’s still time.

Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley — $98

An excellent men’s henley for every fall weekend.

Rest assured, this won’t be the last rugged henley we’ll talk about in today’s post — but it’s simply one of the best men’s henleys around, so it gets the nod here. Faherty Brand does a wonderful job using rich fall fabrics and excellent seasonal colors.

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket — $220 

The return of an old favorite via Flint and Tinder.

If you read the blog, you’ll recall the simply magnificient, perfectly rugged and (newly) iconic Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Trucker Jacket. Well, folks. It’s back. Layer up for fall accordingly.

Rancourt & Co. Court Classic 2.0 — $280

The best white leather sneakers are up for the taking as we move into fall.

Can you wear white sneakers into the fall? Yes, you can (white jeans are another story). But the best white sneakers can be worn plenty of days (and ways) during October, particularly when it’s warmer than expected. Rancourt & Co. does things the right way with this sleek leather pair.

Taylor Stitch Crater Shirt in Rust Plaid — $98 

One of the best flannel shirts you can pre-order at the moment — like, right now.

You’ve got just enough time to pre-fund this rugged flannel shirt from Taylor Stitch. The Crater Shirt is the kind of shirt you’re going to love to wear on fall weekends aplenty, particularly with classic raw denim from Mott and Bow — speaking of …

Mott and Bow Slim Oliver Raw Denim Jeans — $108 

Slim, deep blue denim to wear deep into fall from Mott and Bow.

Now, just because we talked above about the best white sneakers doesn’t mean we’re giving up on tried-and-true fall dressing entirely. Case in point: This rich, dark blue pair of classic raw denim from Mott and Bow. Perhaps the best men’s jeans to wear all fall.

Good + Well Supply Co. Sequoia National Park Candle — $36

A simple, subtle way to upgrade your home this fall.

As to be expected, scented candles for fall are all the rage right now — so don’t be surprised if this one is sold out. That being said, a candle is a perfectly simple way to upgrade your home, seeing as it’s inspired by an American treasure.

Howler Brothers Merlin Jacket —$199

Need a jacket that doesn’t quit when the going gets tough? Get this Howler Brothers jacket.

When it comes time to gear up for inclement fall weather — either as you tackle early morning yard work or gear up for an early morning tailgate — the tough Howler Brothers Merlin Jacket (as previously seen here on the blog) is one of the toughest fall jackets you can ask for, and it’s crafted from micro-ripstop, at that.

Astorflex Bootflex Boots — $195

These are the best new boots for fall, full-stop.

You’ll find plenty of gems when it comes to the best men’s boots for fall via Huckberry, but the Astorflex Bootflex Boots — perfectly rugged and casual all the same — are a must-have for your closet.

Flint and Tinder French Terry Pullover Hoodie — $69.98

The perfect weekend hoodie? Yes, it could be.

This stylish hooded sweatshirt — and others like it — have popped up across The Style Guide in recent weeks, and with good reason. This French Terry hoodie is premium and rugged, able to be worn atop your favorite T-shirt or alongside an Oxford shirt for the right blend of casual and laidback appeal. Team it up with those Astorflex Bootflex Boots, too.

Old Enfield Heritage Dopp Kit — $62.98

The perfect dopp kit for your favorite grooming essentials.

For fall travel, be it an upstate weekend getaway or a jaunt to a fall wedding, you need one of the best men’s dopp kits. It’s an understated accessory that pays big dividends, and the Old Enfield Heritage Dopp Kit checks all the right boxes.

Wellen Hemp Long-Sleeve Henley — $39.98 

The henley to wear all fall — and then some.

Finding an affordable long-sleeve henley can be tough — but in terms of sustainability and style, Wellen is unmatched. This is the rugged fall henley to wear all season.

Obermeyer Carson Down Vest — $129

A casual, cool, adventure-ready vest.

In the way of essential fall layers, it’s tough to go wrong with a rugged, insulated vest for fall — especially this retro-inspired, colorblocked number for fall.

Howler Brothers Howler Club Snapback — $30

A cool canvas cap for a fall weekend.

We’ll close out today’s roundup of the best men’s gear with a casual fall weekend cap, crafted with retro style and laidback sensibility in mind. Throw on this Howler Brothers cap (yes, more from that brand!) to grab some beers at your favorite bar.

Alright,  now mark my words … that was a HECK of a lot of classic fall gear to sort through, was it not? From the small essentials (like a casual fall weekend cap or a scented candle for fall) to the bigger purchases (see: The best black leather dress watch for men and the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Trucker Jacket), I hope you found something you’ll enjoy. Have any particular favorites? Let me know on Twitter!

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Fall Weekend Wedding

Perhaps you’ve had the save-the-date on your calendar or on your fridge for a while — the antipation of a fall wedding growing by the day. But the age-old question looms: What am I going to wear to this shindig? Perhaps it’s outdoors on a rolling farm or a large estate, maybe it’s downtown followed by a reception long into the night — either way, you need the right gear picks (including one of the best men’s blazers) to carry you through the only way you know how … in style. An  since dressing for a fall wedding also involves nodding to the season without going overboard, you’ll find, stylish, classic picks like a textured cotton shirt and a stylish wool tie, all the better to take on what could be a chilly wedding. At the least, it’s going to be slightly breezier than average, so I think you’ll find the Taylor Stitch Gibson Jacket is well-suited to fall’s demands (and perhaps for traveling a long way to said wedding, too). The other picks in this #OOTD, as you’ll see are geared to help you tackle the season in style, including classic chukka boots and some tailored chinos to tie everything together nicely. This is all dependent on the dress code, of course, but I think with this ensemble, you’ll stay put-together without one-upping anyone (or sacrificing comfort). What more can you ask for, really?

The right mix of versatile, casual gear for a fall wedding.

  • The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Gibson Jacket, $298 — Looking for the perfect fall travel jacket … even the sort you can wear on the plane and then wear to a fall wedding? Well, here you go. The Taylor Stitch Gibson Jacket is one of the best men’s blazers on the market.
  • The Shirt: Wellen Organic Hemp Denim Shirt, $78 — Whether you go with a classic denim shirt or not can depend on the wedding itself, but this textured cotton shirt pairs very well with the colder climes of fall (in most places, that is).
  • The Tie: Neck & Tie Co. Matrix Necktie, $29 — It seems some times, a tie is optional at a fall wedding — but it’s always nice to go more tailored, and this stylish wool tie is a handsome change of pace given the season.
  • The Pants: Proof Nomad Pants, $78 — Does any guy ever look bad in tailored grey chinos? Nope, no sir. This cool color palette works well for fall, allowing those classic chukka boots to really pop. Speaking of …
  • The Dress Boots: Rhodes Felix Chukka Boots, $198 — Can your wear suede chukka boots to a fall wedding? Of course — especially when they’re sleek and yet versatile, a la the Rhodes Felix Chukka Boots.
  • The Watch: Armogan Regalia Watch, $220 — When you want to look your best, a classic leather dress watch is simply the only way to go — that’s all there is to it.
  • The Grooming Essential: Alder New York Everyday Face Moisturizer, $32 — The advent of chilly weather means you need to keep your face looking fresh. Alder New York can help with that.
  • The Travel Essential: Bellroy Dopp Kit, $55 — Hitting the road for a wedding is no excuse not to look your best — take along this stylish dopp kit to carry all your grooming essentials, will you?

So, as we said, a fall wedding can tie in multiple demands when it comes to style — perhaps you’re traveling a long way, or dealing with some unexpectedly chilly weather. Either way, the perfect fall travel jacket is going to help you tackle both those extremes — not to mention the wedding ceremony itself. That mix of versatility is key if you want to pack light (and really, who doesn’t?). That’s also an area in which a classic denim shirt can add some casual flair, while also still dressing up nicely thanks to a stylish wool tie — make no mistake, it’s all about texture and fall-ready style. In that case, classic chukka boots in a rich suede are possibly the perfect pair of fall boots for the occasion. We’re talking timeless style, seasonally friendly texture and a relatively sleek look that won’t quit — yes, even out on the dance floor. Because looking great is often all about the little things, a classic leather dress watch is a fitting way to tie this outfit together. Before you leave for the night, reach for a classic face moisturizer from Alder New York, and be sure to pack it all in your stylish dopp kit. From A-to-Z, top-to-bottom, this is the right way to dress for a fall wedding — guaranteed. What do you say? Let me know on Twitter.