As the seasons change each year, so must our wardrobe. In the in-between seasons of spring and fall, it can be tough to know what to wear. You want to be comfortable, exude confidence, and look good.
While you might be looking to improve upon the on-trend pieces in your closet, you likely also have evergreen clothing that you can layer into your ensemble. The only challenge is finding the right layers for those transitional periods of warm to cool and cool to warm.
So, where do you begin? It’s not just about buying the right pair of men’s jeans, a lightweight sweater, or a jacket to get you through the transitional months. It’s about finding the pieces that you can nicely layer into your wardrobe and make it seem effortless. Here are 10 men’s traditional fashion tips for how to dress in between the warm and cooler seasons.
1. Think About the Layers
It may seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. When thinking about those transitional seasons, a great place to start is by layering your clothing. Layering has a long and interesting history, but in the end, layering will help you adjust to the changing temperatures. Think about what you might wear on a late-summer evening and consider adding a layer or two to that. A great example would be to pair a short-sleeve button-up shirt with a sweater or light jacket. This way, you can easily remove the sweater or jacket if it gets too warm.
2. Jackets and Sweaters
Planning is the key to making it through the transition from warm to cool weather. For cool to warm months, incorporate items that can easily be removed. You can wear light jackets or sweaters when it’s still a little warm outside and layer them with heavier coats when it gets colder.
3. Consider the Material
When you are putting an outfit together and keeping the layers in mind, it is a good idea to stick to natural fabrics like cotton and wool, which will keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. You can also look for materials that are water resistant or have a little bit of stretch to them so that they can keep you comfortable no matter the weather.
4. Play with Proportions
One way to make sure your outfit looks effortless is to play with the proportions of your clothing, such as pairing a loose-fitting top with a more fitted bottom or vice versa. Well-fitted men’s dress shirts pair nicely with a relaxed-fit pair of men’s jeans. And a cropped jacket looks great over a longline shirt or sweater. Playing with proportions will help you stay comfortable while also looking put-together.
5. Go for Neutral Colors
Neutral colors are always a good idea when figuring out how to dress for the in-between seasons. They are easy to mix and match and go with just about everything. They won’t make you look like you’re trying too hard. Some great neutral colors to consider are black, white, gray, and navy.
6. Add a Pop of Color
Once you have your base outfit down, you can always add a pop of color to make it more interesting. A scarf, a hat, or even a pair of socks can serve as a basic ensemble. A pop of color is a great way to add personality to your outfit and make it your own. And if you typically stick to the neutral colors mentioned above, a nice splash of color can make a difference.
7. Accessorize
Accessories can help pull an outfit together. They’ve been a part of men’s fashion for as long as fashion has been a thing. They can be a great way to add some personality, as well as some color or texture to your get-up. Some great accessories are belts, ties, pocket squares, and sunglasses. The trick here is not to overdo it. Too much can look cluttered and can be a bit overwhelming. Less is more when it comes to accessories.
8. Consider Your Footwear
Your footwear is an important part of your outfit and can make or break the whole look. When thinking about transitional footwear, you want to focus on shoes that can be easily dressed up or down. A great example would be a pair of dress boots for men. They can be worn with jeans and a tee for a casual look, or with chinos and a button-up to make it a little more dressy.
9. Know When to Splurge
While you don’t want to break the bank on transitional clothing, it is worth splurging on a few key pieces. We love to spoil ourselves, and it’s okay to splurge every once in a while because these are the items you will get a lot of use out of and will last you for many seasons. Some great examples include a good pair of jeans, a quality jacket, or a timeless pair of shoes.
10. Have Fun with It
The most important thing to remember when dressing for the in-between seasons is to have fun with it. There are no hard and fast rules, so don’t be afraid to experiment. And always keep your style in mind. As long as you’re comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing, you’ll look great no matter what the temperature is outside.
Last Looks
These are just a few general tips to keep in mind when transitioning your wardrobe from the warm summer months to the cooler autumn weather. Of course, you’ll want to consider your style and the climate where you live. The bottom line is to remain authentic and have fun with it. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to your style, but following these guidelines should help you make a smooth transition.