FAVORITES: Sweet Autumn

Summer came to a close and you're wishing you would have made that last trip to the lake. Alas, the time was cut short and the end of the season crept up on your sooner than you hoped. 

Fall is here. Well, for some of us. Some of you are heading back to campus and swapping around your schedule so you can have Tuesday and Thursday off. For others, that's just a fond memory in the rearview mirror. Get ready, man.

You've already started to remember your favorite sweaters and beloved boots from the last year. Some, you forgot about; others you purchased at the end of the season for a killer deal, and you're antsy to break them in. While only one of us is actually taking a semester this season, we're all still excited about the back to school season. Here's a quick recap of what's new:

• Seth is taking inventory of his gin stash and vowing not to repeat the mistake he made last year: not buying summer clothes on sale at the end of the season. Priorities, bro.
• Cam is conspiring to eBay snipe some luxe Ralph Lauren sweaters, rationing his beer and pizza stash on an espresso-slinger's budget, and juggling his senior year plans because, "What the hell am I supposed to do now that I'm graduating this year?" Good luck, man.
• I'm kicking myself right now for not selling more clothing, because my new closet is the size of a bookshelf in my new apartment...in a new city. Yeah, I hopped in a big, ugly Penske truck a month ago and trekked to the East Coast. Betrayal, indeed. More to come on that.

We rounded up a few things we either own that are new favorites or things that are sitting in our shopping. Take a peek and give us your thoughts.

Cam's picks:

1. Corter Bottlehook in copper: If you're like me you've been using a carabiner to carry your keys around ever since you can remember. Or ever since you've had keys. Whichever, the point is that it's officially the future. Step up your game with this little guy from Corter. Rustic, functional, and even more rustic. Plus, the most awkward thing on all of our key rings is a bottle opener, right? So why not just make the bottle opener the main apparatus. Do you follow? Be better than the carabiner.
2. Baldwin Camo Ryan Trousers: How do you blend in and stand out at the same time? Camouflage. The fit and details on these are perfect: a trim, straight leg, a perfectly scaled print, made in the States. Plus nobody will be able to see the degree of pastiness your legs progressed to this summer because you had an inside job and couldn't sit at the pool all day every day like you have the past, oh, 20 summers of you life. 
3. Filson Zip Tote: Get this tote, grab some Otter Wax, and set this thing up for all-weather badassery. It has a zipper so rain, snow, and your girlfriends hands can't get inside (to steal your money). Plus all the street style photographers will get that great bag handle/leather gloves/watch/wrist accessories shot that they all kill for. We all love those. 
4. Black Thorogood 6" Moc-Toe Boot: Real talk, this is the best bang for your buck in the boot department. Thorogoods are made in the USA, have a perfect silhouette and don't break the bank ($130–160 depending on your website of choice). These come in a few other color ways, but I'm most attracted to black.

Seth's picks:

1. Trident barspoon: I'm smitten with this combination. Use one end for stirring, the other for spearing olives and cherries out of the jar for your boozy concoctions.
2. Hoof-pick belt: The hoof-pick belt we've been going crazy for? (Cam's got one, and we featured Blake's last year.) Well here it is for $37.95 from an actual equine-outfitter store. Better than its more-than-reasonable price? Made in the U.S., baby.
3. Shorts: End of summer. In other words, the best time to get deals on cut-offs for next year's dog days. Like these linen boys for $40 at J.Crew.
4. Blazer: I need some Fair Isle in my life this year. Like this badass blazer from Lands' End Canvas.
5. Beer bike: I like bikes. I like beer. I like carrying beer on bikes without crashing and burning like last year.

Jeff's picks:

1. Stubbs & Wootten Earl Crest embroidered slippers: I'm not tired of thrifting loafers and slippers  in every shade of brown, black and burgundy with various tassels, weaves and fringe details from dead men in Kansas City. But I am tired of not finding brightly colored, velvet smoking slippers. Probably because if you had a pair, you were probably buried in them. Made in Italy, obnoxious and I'll just say it's my family crest on the top if you ask.
2. Alexander McQueen skull print silk scarf: I'm typically touch and go with scarves. Ain't so with this bad boy. It's gorgeous, McQueen and was given to me as a gift from a former coworker. I throw it on with a T-shirt, jean jacket, well-worn denim and sneakers. The color is a little off, yet it goes with blue denim rather nicely.
3. Moncler camouflage hooded down vest: I want to tell you not to even ask about this, beceause I thought I'd be wearing this nearly everyday this fall with a jean jacket or a blazer. Yet, it's sitting in my closet wit the tags still on it. I'm debating whether or not I'm keeping this. It's about as much as my rent, yet I paid a fraction of the cost because I snagged at the right time during a sale. Judgement is welcome. Please forward it to my spam address. 

midweSTYLE: Whiteout

Few pieces in a man's arsenal are more divisive than white denim. 

There are two sides of the fence—and few people are actually on the fence itself. Dudes either love white denim, or they hate it. I fall on the former side, obviously. That said, I've had conversations with guys who tend to stay away from the white for fear of a painful amount of upkeep. But, perhaps there's a mental shift that needs to be had. Listen...

You guys remember when you got your new kicks at the beginning of the school year, right? As boys, we all feared that if those snow-white Converse All-Stars got a speck of playground dust on or around their perfectly pure uppers, that cute girl who sat at the desk next to you would not shoot you a second glance and all of third grade would be an ultimate failure. But, if you remember correctly, you ended up wearing those pristine kicks to a muddy kickball game a few weeks later and still managed to get playground-married to Elizabeth during recess. 

Point being: White stuff was never really meant to stay white.

I tend to treat white denim as a kind of blank canvas that's supposed to be painted. The more specks they get, the better. In fact, I want them to be pretty disgusting when it's all said and done. Am I going to try to remove stains? No. Am I even going to try to prevent them in the first place? Probably not. The dingier they get, the more character they've got. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going rub myself down with sod or intentionally dump a cup of coffee on them. But life happens.

Yes, if they start to smell bad, I'll wash them, relax.

Yes, you can wear them after Labor Day. The guy who said you couldn't was a Communist, and he didn't even own anything white.

Also, Indys in the summertime is okay, too. Maybe I should be wearing Vans or Tretorns, but I can't take these things off. 

On Cameron: "The Paulie" chambray shirt by Baldwin Denim; tri-blend tank top by American Apparel; double O-ring belt by Narragansett Leathers; "The Henley" in white by Baldwin Denim; Indy boots by Alden; "Preston" eyeglasses by Warby Parker; submariner watch by Military Watch Co.

Photography by Jarred Donalson

midweSTYLE: Desert Boots Resoled

So, after a little over two years, I wore a hole straight through the crepe sole of my Clarks desert boots. After a round of violent weeping and gnashing of teeth, I was prepared to hold a burial service, or another memorial of similar gravitas. These felt like the boots I became a man in, or something. 

While the term "essential" is egregiously overused, desert boots are one of a handful of items that actually deserve the title. They go with damn near everything, and I found myself wearing them almost every day for a year or so—a default for my feet. Thus, when they were finally unwearable, I was just short of devastated. 

Then came the decision. Do I pitch them? Buy a new pair? Do I spring for a resole? WHAT DO I DO NOW?

What it really came down to was whether I should re-support Clarks, who was probably going to just fine if I didn't, or whether I should put money toward a local cobbler to hook me up with a new sole. 

In that light, the answer made itself abundantly clear. 

Tucked away in the shadows of the Francis Quadrangle's infamous columns, on 8th Street in Columbia, Missouri, sits a little shop called Dawson's Shoe Repair. I had walked by countless times, never giving the unassuming brick storefront a second thought—that is, until I wore a hole in the sole of one of my most beloved possessions. 

Inside, I was greeted by a friendly man named Bob who took my Clarks, offered me a slew of resoling options, and promised to do his best with the monster ripple soles I had chosen. Bob, who has worked at Dawson's since he completed his service in the Air Force in 1971, made quick work of my order and after a few days, I had fallen back in love with my old, worn-out desert boots. When it was all said and done, the price tag came to $75 to have my well-loved boots resurrected with a patina and sole that I don't think you'll find anywhere else. Compare that to the $100 I might have spent on a pair of new boots, and I'd say I came out with the better end of the deal.

The only task left is to find a fitting nickname. Suggestions welcome.

On Cameron: "The Henley" in California wash by Baldwin Denim; green waffle henley by Old Navy; striped shirt by Steven Alan; submariner watch by Military Watch Co.; whiskey tortoise "Preston" eyeglasses by Warby Parker; desert boots by Clarks, resole by Bob Wood at Dawson's Shoe Repair. 

Photography by Jarred Donalson.

midweSTYLE: West Bottoms, two.

Cam made several great points about thrifting: If you're an avid thrifter, you often time buy something because it's so cheap and it may fit a little sloppy. You know, you slip it on and think of all the ways you could make it perfect but never end up doing it. Even though that $2 blazer almost fit correctly, you still needed to let out the sleeve and take in the waist, but it just sits in your closet. The whole tailoring thing for me, well....I would rather save the time and money when I can and just spend a little more. 

Plus, does anybody have a great tailor? Let us know if you do (anywhere in the Midwest, but especially in KC or Chicagoland.) We'd love to publish a list on the site. We've been receiving a handful of inquiries lately, and we've been slacking on that front.

Furthermore, my two recent purchases were a little impromptu but definitely filled a void in my closet, especially my winter essentials. I needed a tweed blazer and a pair of thick pants for the Chicago winter.

So, while picking up some last minute gifts for my sisters and mother down on the Plaza in Kansas City, I strolled into Standard Style wearing my J.Brand cargo pants and walked out wearing the duck canvas "Reed" pant by Baldwin Denim. Yeah, it happened. I was that guy that wore the clothing out of the store because I loved it so much. So warm and substantial for this not-so-nauseatingly cold Chicago winter we're having that I don't even need to throw on my retired running tights on underneath.

 

And then if the stars align and your step has that pep, you walk into Barney's on day when a sale is happening. My guy at Barney's helped me find exactly what I was looking for that day. "I need a tweed blazer, and I'm don't want to get it it tailored."

Shout out to Riley at Barney's on Rush Street in Chicago for being a boss and knowing what I needed: Harris tweed, two-button, dope fabrication and phenomenal fit. And it was on sale.

Whammy.
Sold.

Extra credit: It was A.P.C., one of my favorite labels. Size small, any season, any pant or shirt, fits like a glove. Gotta love that consistency between seasons with the label. You're a genius and fascinating, Jean Touitou. (See also: WSJ interview, Jean's Rules of Style from Details, Interview Magazine.)

On Jeff: Two-button "Harris Tweed" blazer (Barney's, sale $260 reg. $580) by A.P.C.,; denim shirt (thrifted, $2); Timex weekender watch (Amazon, $20) with colored strap ($10) from J.Crew; the duck canvas "Reed" pant ($158) by Baldwin Denim; chocolate suede "8878" boots by Red Wing; skinny Giles & Brother railroad spike cuff ($50); sterling silver southwest inspired bracelet; deadstock copper bracelet that looks like a Cartier that girls keep on trying to steal from me but I say, "Hell nah, shawty;" black-framed glasses by Gant Rugger.

Shout out to our homeboy, Grant Heinlein, for goofing off with us for a day in Kansas City, photographing us jerks and enjoying some badass BBQ later in the day.

midweSTYLE: West Bottoms

Every now and again, I'll do a round of thrifting in my home neighborhood in Kansas City. If I've recently gotten a paycheck, I get a little chance-y and pick up pieces that I know I'll probably never wear. Some of them are ill-fitting, others are just ridiculous, and more than not, they end up in my closet unworn. If you thrift with any regularity, you've been there. You know that feeling. You don't need it, and you don't really even want it that badly, but you grab it just in case. After all, it only costs ¢50 or a few bucks. If worse comes to worst, it would make for a good Halloween costume at some point in the future. 

Anyway, that was the story behind this blazer, initially. I didn't have a go-to blue blazer at the time, so I bought it, even though it didn't really fit. The shoulders framed me well enough and the chest wasn't bad, but it had a huge waist measurement. The gentleman that owned it before definitely had a belly. Seriously, Santa Claus status. Regardless, I bought it for a staggering $4.50. A navy blue, American-made, hopsack blazer for under $5? Sure.

After a few lonely months in the closet, I finally took it to get tailored. Tailoring thrifted clothing sounds and feels a little unnatural. Taking something that you bought dirt cheap and investing another $25 to $75 seems wrong at first. But, if the piece is of high enough quality, the investment is well worth the fit and wearability that comes with tailored clothing. I've gotten a jacket or two fitted, some legs of old trousers tapered, waists taken in. It can turn a forgotten thrift store purchase into one of your wardrobe favorites. In this case, the arms ride up a bit, making them appear a little shorter, but hey, it's perfect everywhere else.

Clarks, beat to death.

On Cameron: hopsack blazer, thrifted ($4.50), tailored for $45; patchwork button-down (eBay) by Gitman Vintage; cream sweatshirt (sale, $80 at the Baldwin Men's Shop) by Todd Snyder; the Henley in California wash, (sale at the Baldwin Men's Shop $116, reg. $232), by Baldwin Denim; beeswax desert boots (gift) by Clarks; WWII-era Russian watch (Etsy, $30) by Vostok; leather wrap (gift) by Tanner Goods; recycled cotton socks (Christmas gift purchased from Hickoree's), by Solmate Socks.

Photography by the one and only Grant Heinlein, check him out!

Street Style: Tuesday in Wicker Park

A quick little street style update courtesy of Amy Creyer of Chicago Street Style. 

There isn't anything particularly exciting about my outfit, especially for my general thrust for anything obnoxious or questionable. However, take a closer look at the jacket.

A recent find at Barney's, the Harris Tweed A.P.C. (although Context carries this) blazer has quickly became my favorite fall/winter wardrobe piece. The different colors woven in this badboy are beautiful. It's easy to pair with denim for a casual look. Or I pair it with another color trouser or button down that is woven throughout the jacket, like the rich burnt orange/brown, purple and blue. A definite investment piece, sure. Worth it though.

On Jeff: Grey Harris Tweed blazer by A.P.C.; grey crewneck sweatshirt by Jack Spade, thrifted purple madras shirt by GANT; blue cotton scraggly scarf by rag & bone; thrifted two-tone knapsack; beloved dark wash 11.5 oz slim "Henley" with stretch no wash for 2 years by Baldwin Denim; chocolate suede boots by Red Wing; black framed glasses by Gant Rugger.

Thanks again, Amy. You're a sweet and talented friend who's also got some wacky style. 

Also, Can we pause and talk about this bookshelf print top? I want that in a button down.

The Good Guys: Grant Heinlein

Meet Grant.

A born-and-bred Midwest boy ripening out on the East Coast, Grant is the guy to keep your eyes on in the coming years. Rather than getting snared in the talons of the Kansas Jayhawks, he opted out and fled the state for art school.

He's mad talented—far more than we ever were in undergrad—and earned his spot at RISD. It's no surprise that he's at one of the top schools for design studying graphic design and photography.

When I asked Grant about his style, he reflected on stories of high school habits we can relate to. You know: the standard slouchy basketball shorts, Jordans and hooded sweatshirts. Like us, he was that guy.

"Between my freshman year uniform of basketball shorts and hoodies and the over-saturated preppy, country club wannabes, I had to break out and develop my own sense of style."

But he didn't quite feel the jam of having reptiles, wild game or flying critters plastered over his heart...

"My whole thing is simplicity. I think that also stems from my artwork, but it's definitely what I would describe my style as if I had to choose a word. It's this relatively small mix of simple items that are going to last, like my denim, boots, Barbour, etc. I definitely don't wear many bright colors. I'm a neutral guy, keeping it simple with browns, greys, and mostly navy blue."

Someday, Grant would love to be an art director. His passion and creativity for seeing the bigger picture of how each art form is used and displayed stimulates him like nothing else. If the opportunity arises one of these summers, he'd love to intern for Kinfolk or Inventory. He recently accomplished quite a feat that many photographers attempt but never complete: the 365-day photography blog.

"The whole point is to get better, push yourself and your creativity. Once I got into it, I got addicted to it. The feeling of capturing a photo a day that portray emotions on what I was feeling that day, or hell, even a cool thing to look back on, was enough to keep me going. I was tested in my patience to take the time to do it each day and try new concepts that I developed."

I don't even have the dedication to shower once a day for a year. Let alone dream a concept, put it in action and publish the results every single day as a tool to grow, learn and push myself.

You can find Grant and view his stunning flickr account over at flickr.com/grantheins, on the Tumblrs at formelle.tumblr.com and on the Twitterwebz at @grantheinlein.

On Grant: quilted navy vest by J.Crew; wool crew neck pullover by Gant Rugger; button-down by J.Crew; navy wool trousers by Pendleton; Iron Ranger boots by Red Wing.

Photos by Jarred Donalson.

midweSTYLE: Renegade

Remember when you that uncool guy in your high school was, well, uncool until he turned 16 and bought an Acura and pimped it out with lights and shit and then became "cool"?

Well, that's not how I felt nor was I ever that guy. But I do want to just pimp out this jacket with hoods and zip-in vests. Ok, I've already said pimp twice in this paragraph. Let's pretend like I didn't and just watch another episode of "Pimp My Ride."

Breaking in the Baldwins.

Also, the best part about the hood is the copper wire that is embedded around the edge of the hood, so you can pry that puppy around your sweet little face and it won't fly back when the wind/haters are in your face.

Christmas came early with J.Crew's Black Friday sale.
As well as this past weekend's Renegade Craft Fair over in Wicker Park.
Loads of goodies to be found and bought.

Above: This summer, it was leather on the wrists. For now, it's metal.

On Jeff: "Bedale" waxed jacket with snap-on hood by Barbour; obnoxious button-down by Gant Rugger; glasses by Gant Rugger; the slim-straight "Henley" selvedge by Baldwin Denim; "8878" moc boot by Red Wing. Accessories: Canvas tote by Filson; Timex "Weekender" with bright yellow nylon strap; brass Giles & Brother railroad spike cuff; sterling silver arrow cuff; deadstock latch bracelet with holes.

Photos by Carolina Mariana Rodriguez.

THRIFTY THURSDAY: Louis

When it comes to bags and the necessities that go into your everyday carry, you have to decide what works for your lifestyle.

You've got a big-boy office job: Try a briefcase.

You're one of those guys that carry a messenger bag: Fine.

You're a snot-nosed liberal arts undergrad rat (like I was): Give a backpack a go.

You're not a fan of carrying any of those: Tote along, friends.

Carry what fits with your setting and lifestyle. Bags with top handles are particularly my game. I love a good Filson tote, as well as a Jack Spade dipped-canvas coal tote. Durable, beat up and broken in.

My preference comes from not wanting to carry something across my body. It cramps my style, usually dishevels my blazer, and I don't want scoliosis. Enter the tote.

Photography by Jarred Donalson

Hold up, what is this guy doing with a Louis Vuitton? Hear me out. I got it for a killer deal and it's a freaking Louis?! Do you know how many middle-aged, Gold Coast housewives armed with LVs, hauling strollers and pumped with Botox have stopped me on the streets of Chicago complimenting this bag? Well, three this week and I don't know if that's a really good indicator of "cool" either, but who's keeping track....Not me. Nope.

Plus, tell us you'd turn down this Louis Vuitton luggage from Darjheeling Limited if you had the chance. No? Neither would we.

I thought you guys were about thrift. It's in the title. Thrift can be relative. Sure, we generally mean it in the Salvation Army sense, but occasionally a thousand-dollar piece comes along for a couple hundo, and we call that a deal. I snagged this sucker off of eBay from the wonderful ladies over at eDrop-Off. I was Googling leather handbags one day and stumbled across this one on their eBay page. It was very clear in the description as it being "well-loved and worn" which I read as, "generally beat up and perfect."

With my interest peaked and time ending soon on the auction, I called the store and asked to speak with an associate. They promptly answered my questions, and I went for it.

Bidding ensued, and I had a price point where I was going to stop bidding (It goes without saying, but always have a figure in mind where you're going to stop. It's too easy to get sucked in to simply wanting to win. And boom: Immediate and brutal buyer's remorse.)

I also happened to thrift this oatmeal-flecked wool cardigan by Pendleton a few years ago when I was in undergrad. If you want to burn up, look for anything wool and itchy. You'll be nice and toasty.

On Jeff: Vintage "Monogram" collection tote (eDrop-Off, $222) made in America by Louis Vuitton; oatmeal-flecked wool cardigan (thrifted, $3) by Pendleton; blue cotton oxford (Legends Shopping Center, $60) by rag & bone; selvedge "Henley" denim ($220) by Baldwin Denim.

midweSTYLE: Campus

7:57 A.M.

It's midterm season. You hit the quad, half walking, half running, panicking because your bike got a pinch flat back on University Avenue and you had to lock it up and ditch it by Mumford Hall, but your class is over off 6th St.

You had five minutes then. Now you're down to three.

You didn't sleep last night; you didn't have that luxury. Eating, that wasn't exactly on the agenda either. You're breathing though, running over a general timeline of early medieval history again in your head. Professor said exact dates weren't necessary, so you subconsciously purged those. Diocletian. Constantine. The Council of Nicaea. You know this is all living in your short-term memory, trying to bleed back out.

You need to get this down on paper. Now.

You bust through the auditorium doors. Heads turn, people stare. Whatever. You're past embarrassment. You sit, loudly. That TA, the one who always wears the sweat-stained Cardinals hat and a smug, condescending frown, he hands you the exam. Your eyes close. Open. You check the essay questions first. You always check the essay questions first. Pressure releases, you've got those on lock. Multiple choice takes care of itself. You write, and write, and write, shaking slightly from the triple espresso you put down a few hours ago. But it's not long before it's all over. You turn in the exam, with an unexpected confidence in your performance. You leave content. You're walking back across the quad, tired, but more than elated that that midterm is over. Maybe just more excited that you have an opportunity to relax.

And it's then that you stop and look around. You take it in. The leaves. The colors. You'd been ignoring them for the past few days—too busy. But your studying is over now. You hear the soft rustle of leaves being trampled underfoot. You inhale the crisp air. It feels good. And your once overwhelmed and over distracted mind can ignore it no longer.

Fall is here.

Fall, for me, is primarily about two things: layers and fabrics. Flannels, wools, thick-knits. Jackets over sweaters over shirts, with scarves on top. Hats too, sometimes. Put on boots, any boots. And don't forget tweed. Fall is your time to experiment. It's your chance to find who you are, sartorially. Throw on some sportcoats. Or don't, it's your call. But really, above all, have fun. Clothes can be fun. They should be fun.

Wear a watch. You should know what time it is without fishing your iPhone out of your pocket. Plus, watch straps are the new way to display your personality (sarcasm). But in all seriousness, start collecting. Or just buy this.

Fall is also a great time to break in a fresh pair of raw denim. Or, if your selvedge collection is already three or so deep, get on that duck canvas jam. You'll be glad you did.

On Cameron: thrifted herringbone blazer by Hill and Archer, thrifted heather grey sweater by Ireland Group; Kurabo denim in the 77 fit by Baldwin Denim; thrifted blue oxford by Gant, beeswax desert boots by Clarks; military watch by Timex.

Photography by Mallory Wiegers.

midweSTYLE: Play ball!

Some have their "uniform." You know, the usual. The chinos and button down. The suit and tie. The green apron and black polo. The scrubs. The chef pants and clean white tee. You get the picture. Work or play, some of us just have a "usual."

Photography by the beautiful Carolina Rodriguez

These well-loved selvedge jeans and navy gingham are going to be my fall uniform. It's what you'll see me trotting around Wicker Park in on a Sunday afternoon after brunch. It's what you'll see me wearing as I run/stumble to catch a cab in Lincoln Park. It's what you'll see me throw on when I roll outta bed with 30 minutes 'til I need to be at work. It's that, it's my go-to, the usual, the uniform.

THE VARSITY JACKET: It's one of my favorite thrifted finds of all time. It's so hard to find a naked varsity jacket. Makes you wonder who had it before and why they wimped out to never letter. Speaking of wimps, guess who lettered in varsity athletics in high school? This guy did. Swimming and track and field. Psh, you think I would actually play football? What other sport would a tall skinny white boy excel in who avoided any sort of physical contact? Except the occasional hurdle.

THE "KC" HAT: The navy blue with white felt lettering "KC" hat was the perfect gift one of my coworkers from Kansas City could give me upon departing for the big Windy City. I'm still amazed by the compliments I get and the acquaintances I've met while walking around the city with this cap on. Fitted and in a traditional cut. I love this hat. You can meet Daniel, Matt and David by picking it up at the Baldwin Denim Men's Store in KC or order one online if you don't have the time to visit.

THE "SEVEN" NAVY GINGHAM SHIRT: A button-down with sleeves long enough for my lanky arms? You've got my attention, folks. I'm looking forward to carrying this winter-weight gingham into fall considering most of my ginghams are summer-weight. You can't beat a good navy check shirt; it's practically a neutral. The fit is comfortable as well, not too snug and not too relaxed, even for a toothpick like me. You can snatch one up at Wharf in blue or a variety of colors.

Also, Happy Anniversary to my Baldwin "Henley's." One year with no wash and one crotch repair. This is a menswear right of passage into adultswaghood, folks.

What's your fall uniform? Chambray, chinos, desert boots, tweed jacket, etc. Let us know.

On Jeff: "The Henley" 11.5 oz raw selvedge denim by Baldwin Denim ($200); The "Seven" navy gingham button-down ($148) courtesy of WHARF; the "KC" hat by Baldwin Denim ($42); "Spectator LX" in Moon Beam courtesy of Vans x The Brothers Marshall ($85); thrifted wool blue and white varsity jacket with leather insets by Butwin from Wild Man Vintage ($12); brass railroad spike cuff by Giles & Brother ($55).

Photography by the talented Carolina Rodriguez.

Fall Essentials: Jackets

When it comes to building a wardrobe, fall should be your favorite time of the sartorial year. You get to pile on layers upon layers: cardigans and scarves; knits, wovens and henleys on button downs on sweaters....I could go on.

Let's talk jackets—the most important piece. Choices are endless, but in a pinch I'll go ahead and say you only need one: a nice blazer in a charcoal color.

1) rag & bone button down, rag & bone corduroy pants, chocolate suede boots by Red Wing

2) rag & bone button down, J.Brand slim cargo pants, laceless "Lexingtons" by Florsheim.

3) rag & bone button down, 14.5 oz selvedge "Henley" denim by Baldwin, desert boots by Clarks.

This is one of the most expensive pieces I first bit the bullet on after I graduated college. But that's okay: There comes a time in a new man's life when you gotta. This guy has been my lifesaver, my wool blend charcoal blazer by Billtornade.

Above: Shrunken wool-blend blazer by Billtornade, baby blue oxford by American Apparel, thrifted striped tie, natural leather belt by Urban Outfitters, 14.5 selvedge "Henley" denim by Baldwin Denim.

A navy blazer is another solid option. A nice weight with a little sheen never hurt either.

Above: Blue cotton blazer by Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen, oxford button-down by American Apparel, wool tie by BDG, corduroy pants by rag & bone.

Or a camel blazer that looks sick with a nice pair of olive chinos, dark-wash denim and charcoal slacks.

Above: Shrunken wool-blend blazer by Billtornade, thrifted camel feather suede blazer by Lanvin, cotton navy military jacket by J.Crew.

Or, throw a curveball:

A well-loved leather bomber, a nice wool coat or a cotton hunting jacket.

Above: Thrifted brown leather bomber jacket, 14.5 selvedge "Henley" denim by Baldwin Denim, mustard suede derbys by 1901.

On Oliver: Selvedge denim, black wool "University" jacket, navy grandpa cardigan, grey chambray button-down and wool plaid tie—all by J.Crew.

On Jeff: Thrifted cotton hunting jacket by J.Crew, fire-red down sweater by Patagonia, 14.5 oz selvedge "Henley denim by Baldwin Denim.

Whatever your pick, wear it. A third piece is always nice to have and surely ties the outfit together.