September 3, 2014
Summer to Fall Fashion: Buy Now, Wear Now... and Later
Mac Smith READ TIME: 7 MIN.
It's that time of year again where a sudden wave of fashion disconnect washes over the world. It's the end of summer and temperatures continue to swelter, but mannequins in the store windows are deep in a pile of leaves and an even thicker pile of layers. All you want is a fresh look for the end of the season, yet the racks are flooded with shearlings and merino wools.
Fear not: there's a strategy to choose new pieces for fall that are wearable now and that can also carry into the new season. Here are EDGE's top picks to buy now, wear now... and wear later, too.
The Essential Retro Suit
There's no getting around it: the slim suit is here to stay. Featuring a narrow silhouette, tapered leg, and form fit, this skinny shape has been forcing us to up our cardio time in the gym for many seasons now, but for Fall 2014 the look is updated in subtle retro prints. Think smaller scale version of dots, checks and herringbone.
This micro-houndstooth version from Zara perfectly emulates that coveted Italian mid-century class. Roll and cuff the pants with loafers and an untucked chambray shirt during late summer parties for a laid back level of sophistication. Pair the blazer and pants with a thin black turtleneck and a black, oversized leather bag for a spot-on mod look (a key fashion look right now) later in the season. Either way, every stylish man knows the beauty of any suit is the possibilities to mix and match the jacket and pants, or wear as a fully realized look. It's a fashion philosophy that will serve you well time and time again.
The Essential Retro Suit
$248.90
The Botanical Print Shirt
Not to be confused with the blown-out florals that were everywhere for spring, the new way to feel in touch with nature is about leaves, twigs, and logs. There's an obvious nod to the impending change of colors and barren branches of upcoming months, but in a lightweight cotton and casual button down collar, this shirt is a sleek fit for warm weather, too.
A crisp pair of khakis and boat shoes gives this motif a certain palm leaf feel now, while a cuffed charcoal wool pant, knit tie and tweedy, professor style blazer delivers a more serious and seasonal vibe once the weather cools.
The Botanical Print Shirt
$98.50
The Striped Long Sleeve T-Shirt
From Coco Chanel to Jean Paul Gaultier, the Breton stripe shirt has always been an essential part of a well-dressed wardrobe. Nothing is as eternally classic and versatile; it's that ideal mix of Cape Cod preppy meets French laissez-faire. Searching for no-brainer beach bonfire attire for right now? Simply slip this on with your swim trunks once the tide rolls in and the sun sets. It'll be clear your fashion know-how has risen to the occasion. On an autumnal day, pull this wardrobe essential back out of your closet, layer with a sharp mid-weight navy blazer, and roll up the sleeves for a new take on collegiate cool.
The Striped Long Sleeve T-Shirt
$19.90
The Wool Blended Cardigan
A good looking, quality cardigan is one of those investment pieces you forget about until you really need it. And you always need it; whether it's the cold blast of your office A/C in the summer or when that crisp winter air starts rolling in. While this beauty is a tad pricey, the soft and lightweight blend of wool, cotton, cashmere and silk makes it a truly luxurious evergreen.
This indulgent knit is handmade by knitting experts in the Aran Islands, adding a sense of heritage to this cardigan's modern appeal. Trust us: this isn't your dad's cardigan. Although he'll wish it was.
The Buffalo Check Shirt
Flannels are a staple for any fall wardrobe and the runways were built around the perennial lumberjack chic trend. Heavyweight flannel, while appreciated in winter, is the kiss of death in August. This lightweight cotton shirt is a new Indian summer alternative: a large buffalo check in warm, sun-kissed colors and a contrast patterned patch pocket.
You'll feel crisp and cool biking to work in this shirt now. To add warmth down the road, simply wear under a cashmere v-neck sweater or a suede bomber jacket.
The Suede Boot
It wouldn't be fall shopping without a new pair of boots. But we're not quite trudging through snow piles yet, so how can you stretch your style dollar and the amount of days to rock your new boots? These supple suede chukkas are an ideal transitional choice. In a rich shade of navy, they'll flow beautifully with your favorite shorts now and later receive a stream of compliments when you pull them back out during corduroy weather. Bonus: the contrast stitching and bondwelt construction also hit on the emerging, rugged '70s revival trend.
The Suede Boot
$145
Mac Smith Mac Smith is a New York City based fashion writer who has never met a cat, coat or cake he didn't love. Follow him on Instagram at @macsmith1218 and Twitter at @itcantallbedior.
