New arrivals, modern classics.
There’s something undeniably special about fall. Maybe it’s the crisp air, the kaleidoscope of leaves, or the socially questionable excuse to consume pumpkin-flavored everything. But for me—and I’m guessing for you too—it’s the absolute best season for men’s style. Layering becomes second nature, textures take center stage, and rich colors make even the simplest outfits look thoughtfully put together. Dressing well in the fall isn’t just easy; it’s almost inevitable.
Every year, as summer fades, I find myself genuinely excited to swap out lightweight fabrics for something with a bit more substance. So grab your preferred fall beverage (I’m partial to a classic mulled cider), settle in, and let’s dive into my list of new fall finds that not only embrace the season’s best but also offer enduring style you’ll appreciate long after the leaves have fallen.
A new soft button up alternative
J.Crew
Combining the texture of a thermal, the softness of a sweatshirt, and the weight of a light flannel, a cotton waffle shirt is the silhouette of your favorite button up.
Insulated Commuter Shirt Jacket
Land’s End
Sometimes you don’t need a mega-thick cozy layer – the morning just calls for something light to kill the chill.
A budget-friendly Barbour alternative
J.Crew Factory
A rugged classic, the field-style waxed canvas jacket pairs well with a t-shirt and jeans or a more dressed up Getup.
Re-discovering the blazer in a comfortable alternative
Land’s End
Outside of specific professions or subcultures, many of us don’t find the need to dress up with a blazer very often. But mashup a sweatshirt with the cut of a blazer and you get the French terry blazer, an easy-to-wear alternative to a sweater or lightweight jacket that gives even the simplest outfits an edge of refinement without looking out of place.
Or go the other way with a cool riff on the trucker jacket that doesn’t add flash
Gap
Gap takes the Type III trucker design and brings in the Scottish menswear pattern Houndstooth in a wool-blend. Old British hunting jacket meet Americana.
A minimalist leather jacket that still has some edge
Banana Republic
The suede Garage Jacket has the wear-it-anywhere silhouette, collar, and crop of a trucker jacket with the streamlined front of a bomber.
Or for half the price, go for a moleskine bomber
Huckberry
Moleskine is a menswear staple that’s made out of cotton and brushed to have a suede-like texture. Traditionally used for suit jackets and pants, Flint & Tinder created a lightweight bomber out of it.
A looser fit chino
Land’s End
Maintain your comfort into fall embracing the relaxed silhouettes reemerging in the last several years. A straight fit, while still nailing a refined inseam length keeps everything looking intentional, not sloppy.
Classic fit Italian corduroy suit jacket
J.Crew
For a more traditional blazer alternative to the knit terry option above, the corduroy suit (and plenty of other 80s favorites) easily layers over a zip-up hoodie or a rugby polo as J.Crew has styled here. Soft, plenty of texture, and more affordable than many of its wool counterparts – what’s not to love?
Or a budget alternative
Land’s End
If you don’t need to splurge for the Italian cotton of the J.Crew version, Lands’ End has a more conservative notch lapel at half the price.
The heavyweight overshirt
Huckberry
You know the comfort of laying under a heavy blanket? Imagine it’s a shirt. Heavyweight utility workshirts like these soft premium versions from Relwen have the enduring details of decades past with an already broken-in feel.
A quilted jacket
J.Crew Factory
The office friendly hoodie
J.Crew
One of our core style tenets at Primer is to consciously invest in nicer versions of the pieces you wear the most. If you’re a hoodie man looking for something with a little more refinement than your usual go-to this cashmere waffle knit hoodie is a brilliant upgrade.
Large vintage plaid flannels
J.Crew
Layer it over a tee or under a jacket, and you’ve got a versatile piece that brings both warmth and character to any outfit. The bold plaid patterns aren’t just eye-catching—they’re a nod to 70 years of style that’s as at home in the city as it is on a weekend getaway.
Textured wrinkle resistant cotton dress pants
Banana Republic
Strap on your favorite chunky boots and your go-to fall shirt and jacket combo and you’ve got yourself a smart casual outfit that’ll rock you all the way to winter.
A knit chore jacket
J.Crew Factory
One part sweater, one part shirt jacket, this knit version of the chore coat is a minimalist’s dream. See 12 chore coat picks we’re keen on right now.
Add some iconic fall texture
J.Crew
A cable knit sweater has deep roots in seaside and maritime tradition but it’s also core American prep.
Or go the opposite way
Banana Republic
When we talk about “texture,” in an outfit that doesn’t necessarily mean intricate and heavy knits. The super-smooth Italian merino wool on this pullover sweater is perfect for fall temps and looks effortlessly refined. I like this one because of the larger, button-less collar that feels retro but not costume-y.
What kind of fall list would this be without a —
Gap
Shawl collar cardigan. It is Primer after all.
