As someone who has spent my career in menswear, fall is when I begin to flex my style muscle. To wit, this is the season to wear more clothes, giving me more options to create various natty outfits: chunky knits, light coats, shells, flannel shirts, and hefty khakis, all layered to their full potential.
But men’s fashion trends can be as fleeting as a seasonal cross-body bag or as enduring as a classic topcoat. Just as a particular garment or fit is “in” now, the pendulum will eventually swing back. The same guys sporting super voluminous jeans now will inevitably wear skinny jeans when they return in a few years—trust us.
There’s no pressure to follow every micro-niche trend dictated by the fashion cycle. Actually, you’re better off avoiding that exhausting habit. What’s always in style? Authenticity. More specifically, it’s a return to foundational garments that have stood the test of time, like cardigan sweaters or derby shoes, but worn or styled in modern ways.
Awareness of style is smart, but wearing what works for you is paramount. The style tips below embrace a classic sensibility and are intended to provide a range of garments to consider for fall 2024. So, with our finger firmly on the menswear pulse, read on to elevate your wardrobe this season. And if you’re curious about more men’s fall fashion staples, check out our list of the best jeans, coolest leather jackets, and most stylish corduroy pants.
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Fall Fashion Trends for Men at a Glance
- Oversized Coats: Gant Donegal Coat
- Elevated Joggers: Taylor Stich The Apres Pant
- Cardigans With Character: J. Crew Alpaca Blend V-Neck Cardigan Sweater
- Archival Sneakers: Keen KS86 Sneaker
- Oxford Shirts: Buck Mason Perfect Oxford One Pocket Shirt
- Rugged Tote Bags: Steele Canvas Utility Tote
- Trad Ties: The Tie Bar Flecked Solid Knit Tie
- Technical Outwear—Anywhere: Aether Stornaway Insulated Hoodie
- Double-Breasted Blazers: Billy Reid Basket Weave Double Breasted Archie Jacket
- Derby Shoes: Dr. Martens 1461 Ambassador Shoes
Men’s Fall Fashion Trends for 2024
Oversized Coats
Fashion-conscious guys have been rocking oversized coats for some time, but it shouldn’t just be relegated to the street-savvy set. Allowing for more volume and length in your coat allows for comfort infused with a confident swagger.
A longer, roomier overcoat opens possibilities—wear it with a hoodie (classic move, but it works), or leave space for a chunky cable knit, denim, or tailored jacket underneath. A voluminous coat keeps you warm, allows you to wrap yourself in an enveloping fit, and creates an interesting aesthetic with its bold sartorial silhouette draping in the wind.
Whether it’s double-breasted, a car coat, or a belted trench, the extra volume exudes a certain flair and ease of movement that an extremely fitted coat might lack. You can often tell if a coat has these attributes by how it fits the model online, and some are even labeled oversized.
Gant Donegal Coat
Banana Republic Italian Twill Mac Coat
Rag & Bone Slater Cotton Trench Coat
Todd Snyder Italian Wool Officer Top Coat
Elevated Joggers
Joggers have become a closet staple as the quintessential lounge pant that doubles as activewear. And in a post-COVID-19 world, they’re ready to flourish.
As the lifestyle element in men’s fashion continues to grow, brands specializing in activewear and loungewear are putting even more thought into the details, textiles, and fit of our favorite joggers, which are now almost as elevated as any other pair of well-tailored pants. (And for those not in the know, yes, joggers and sweatpants are notably different, with joggers generally being more tapered.)
Consider the Apres pant from Taylor Stitch with its horn buttons and refined texture, Ralph Lauren’s double-knit cotton blend with cargo side pockets in a handsome olive, or Vuori’s Sunday Performance jogger, which is moisture-wicking and equipped with zip pockets.
They should feature pockets to fit your essentials on the go, with a fit that’s neither too loose nor too tight—no one needs to see too much leg definition at the grocery store. The elastic bottom cuffs already provide a natural form-fitting quality, so opt for a slightly relaxed leg that flatters almost any physique and adds refinement to the jogger’s casual appeal. Just don’t call them sweatpants.
Taylor Stitch Apres Pant
Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger
Polo Ralph Lauren Double-Knit Cargo Jogger Pant
Duer No Sweat Jogger
Cardigans With Character
With its 2024 resurgence, the cardigan is a must-own menswear staple once again. Besides being innately stylish, cardigans are also versatile and look equally cool with a T-shirt as they do with an Oxford shirt and knit tie.
This fall, however, consider cardigans with a pop of texture or interesting prints. While a basic merino cardigan is suitable for dressing up, it can sometimes feel uninspired. Instead, give your cardigan some character with a fuzzy mohair or angora, a thicker wool shawl collar, or even luxe cashmere. Don’t shy away from incorporating a print either; a cardigan offers a canvas to reflect your personality, so feel free to experiment. And if it doesn’t resonate, no worries—there’s always next season. The cardigan isn’t going anywhere.
J. Crew Alpaca-Blend V-Neck Cardigan Sweater
L.L.Bean Classic Ragg Wool Cardigan
Corridor Raga Cardigan
Pendleton Shetland Collection Cardigan
Archival (Retro-Inspired) Sneakers
The classic New Balance 574 is a staple, and brands like Koio and Greats have each brought their unique touch to the retro paneled sneaker vibe. This fall, however, many heritage brands are delving into their archives and reinterpreting their classic styles with a modern twist.
From Keen’s A86, a nod to the brand’s trail-running roots, and Gola’s ’80s-inspired Chicago jogging shoes crafted from recycled parachute nylon, to Sperry’s reimagined US12, inspired by the iconic sneaker worn during the 1987 America’s Cup, these sneakers blend style, substance, and heritage.
Not only are these options visually striking with their retro athletic paneling, but they’re also versatile enough for casual weekend wear and light jogs or hikes. If you don’t like these choices, chances are your favorite sneaker brand has a reinterpreted style rooted in tradition but crafted for today.
Keen KS86 Sneaker
Gola Chicago Sneakers
Sperry US12 Sneaker
Saucony DXN Trainer
Oxford Shirts
A structured dress shirt has its place with suits and formal wear but can feel too stiff for everyday wear. In contrast, a classic Oxford shirt—which, okay, never really went anywhere—is just as timeless but more versatile, with a casual yet dressy look that exudes a preppy, chic vibe and gains character with each wear.
It steps down from the formality of a dress shirt while still pairing effortlessly with blazers or leather jackets. What sets the Oxford shirt apart is its button-down collar and generally heavier, more durable weave. Despite being featured in many trend forecasts, it never goes out of style. While white or light blue is the most common, consider choosing any color or pattern that resonates with your personal style.
Buck Mason Perfect Oxford
Mack Weldon 37.5 Oxford
Taylor Stitch The Jack
Charles Tyrwhitt Button-Down Collar Washed Oxford Plain Shirt
Rugged Tote Bags
Some occasions call for a technical backpack or a work briefcase, but for everyday use, nothing beats the convenience and style of a tote bag. These are not the flimsy totes you pick up at a farmer’s market. Crafted from durable materials like tin cloth, canvas twill, or suede, these bags are built to handle your daily commute and weekend outings and even slip effortlessly over your roller case luggage handle.
While you can carry a tote by the handles, I prefer slinging it over one shoulder to free up my hands. And for music fans, they’re perfect for weekend record shopping in the fall. Totes are the new messenger bag—they’re stylish, convenient, and just as versatile.
Steele Canvas Utility Tote
Flint & Tinder Waxed Canvas Tote
Taylor Stitch The Roughout Tote
Filson Rugged Twill Open Tote Bag
Trad Ties
Ties, you say? “Trad” what? Yes, ties are making a slow but steady comeback, alongside a resurgence in tailoring—just look at recent menswear runway shows or street style. But these ties aren’t the shiny, pastel versions in a department store spiral. Instead, they have a heritage or trad (meaning traditional) feel, giving a modern twist to Ivy League style.
Solid colors work well if they have texture, like wool, silk knit, or Donegal fleck. Prints include handsome foulards, mosaics, and repp stripes, all offering a lived-in charm without ever feeling stuffy or outdated. Wear them with suits or dress up an Oxford shirt for your upcoming holiday engagements. This fall, the right tie makes a cool style statement that’s effortlessly rakish without trying too hard.
The Tie Bar Flecked Solid Knit Brown Tie
The Tie Bar Strisce Stripe Green Tie
Buck Mason Italian Silk Knit Tie
Brooks Brothers Silk Foulard Print Tie
Technical Outerwear—Anywhere
Technical outerwear, once reserved solely for outdoor activities, now looks great anywhere you want to wear it. Patagonia, perhaps unintentionally, led this shift as its jackets were adorned on office tower-packed city streets, and more recently, Arc’teryx, renowned for its technical features and sleek designs, is a favorite of the fashion-forward street style crowd.
There’s a growing number of brands merging lifestyle and technical elements, crafting jackets that fit effortlessly into metropolitan and small-town settings alike. With waterproof membranes, Gore-Tex, seam-sealed construction, and hidden pockets, they maintain a streamlined, sleek look, proving that technical gear can look as good as it performs.
Aether Stornaway Insulated Hoodie
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket
Helly Hansen Verglas Backcountry Ski Shell Jacket
Columbia Watertight II Jacket
Double-Breasted Blazers
Several years ago, mentioning double-breasted blazers might have conjured images of bygone eras—movie stars from the ’50s or Gatsby-inspired pinstripes. However, these blazers are now the stylish guy’s everyday jacket, offering a tailored twist with added character and innate swagger. Opt for a peak lapel; it allows you to pop the collar and lapel for a more casual vibe or wear it traditionally with just the top button fastened.
Double-breasted blazers are versatile, pairing with everything from wool flannel trousers and chinos to jeans, oxford shirts, and T-shirts. Choose cotton, wool, or silk fabrics, but ensure they have some texture and scrunch. Avoid a sheen or matte finish unless it’s for an especially formal occasion.
Ralph Lauren Polo Soft Tailored Stretch Chino Jacket
Billy Reid Basket Weave Double-Breasted Archie Jacket
Abercrombie & Fitch A&F Collins Tailored Double-Breasted Blazer
Derby Shoes
Narrower and more elegant shoe styles like Chelsea boots or monk straps, though timeless, can sometimes feel too regal for our relaxed, easygoing climate. Enter the derby, the unsung footwear hero of versatility. With its distinct construction featuring quarters sewn atop the vamp for an open lacing system and a generally rounder toe and more robust silhouette, a derby contrasts with the pointed formality of Oxfords.
Derbies come in many forms—brogues, boots, split toes—but this fall, you can’t go wrong with a streamlined pair. Their versatility extends to nearly any outfit that needs a touch of casual polish, from jeans with white socks to twill chinos, corduroy trousers, and, of course, tailoring. Keep them polished or let them develop a patina over time, which only enhances their aged charm.
Dr. Martens 1461 Ambassador Leather Oxford Shoes
Beckett Simonon Dunham Derbies
Thursday Boot Co. Renegade
Mr. Porter Mr. P Jacques Leather Derby Shoes
Fall Style Tips to Dress Comfortably and Look Your Best
Fall is the perfect season to dive into layering, explore new tones, and experiment with textures. But it can initially feel overwhelming, especially as we transition into cooler weather. To guide you through building your fall wardrobe, we tapped into the expertise of Seth Howard, a style expert who’s worked with Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, Nordstrom, and Nautica. Here are some foundational styling tips to remember as you curate your fall ensemble and invest in key pieces to master your autumn look.
Layering
Fall calls for layering, so start easy with a core piece like a knit or Oxford and work from there.
“Layering is key to achieving a stylish fall look, and it’s all about balancing textures and proportions. Try wearing an oversized hoodie or sweater under a classic topcoat for a trendy, laid-back vibe,” says Howard. “The contrast between the relaxed fit of the hoodie and the structured silhouette of the coat creates a modern, effortlessly cool appearance.
Here’s what he recommends: “Start with a button-down collar shirt as your base layer for a more polished ensemble. It’s the perfect foundation for a put-together look, whether adding a sweater, a vest, or a simple jacket on top. This approach adds depth to your outfit and keeps you comfortably warm as the temperatures drop.”
Tonal Colors to Monochromatic Looks
Wearing the same hues might seem counteractive, but it can be a cool visual style swerve that also happens to be very of the moment.
“Executing a monochromatic look requires a keen eye for color and detail. The key is to embrace a variety of tones and shades within the same color family. If the hues aren’t an exact match, it’s better to intentionally choose different shades—like pairing charcoal with light grey—so it’s clear that the variation is deliberate,” Howard says.
He goes on to say that the approach adds a little extra depth to your outfit. It looks thoughtfully curated and cohesive—each piece subtly complementing the others.
Add Texture
Fall is a favorite season among the style set as we get to add texture. Cable knits, wools, soft velvety corduroy, robust tweeds, and shaggy mohair all add depth and character to your fall ensemble. So embrace the chunk.
Why You Should Trust Us
In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I have covered topics ranging from menswear to fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men’s Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and most of the grooming pages.
I have always tried to add a timeless element to whatever I write, since while trends are interesting and relevant to a degree, my heart has always been drawn to more perennial guidance and themes. My obsessive-compulsive tendencies are both a blessing and a curse, and while I often delve into researching items to the point of exhaustion, it’s this approach that often positions me as a go-to person for advice. Whether it’s about coats, colognes, or turntable needles, people recognize that I’ve done the legwork. I enjoy inspiring others to seek out their unique interests in things that might improve their lives.
Related: The 10 Men’s Fashion Trends You Should Know for 2024