Fall 2024 Menswear Capsule Wardrobe
All the pieces you need to look fresh this Fall
“I want to dress better but I don’t know where to start.”
When a friend or someone I meet at a housewarming party learns that I’m into menswear, I’ll often get some variation of the above question. Not everyone wants to nerd out about menswear like I do but in this piece, I’ll share one of the most important concepts I learned: the capsule wardrobe.
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of timeless, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched with each other creating a variety of fits.
Capsule wardrobes save you time because the pieces are interchangeable.
Capsule wardrobes save you money because you can buy better quality pieces that last longer.
Capsule wardrobes are more sustainable because you can buy fewer, higher-quality garments and avoid buying non-essential pieces.
Here’s my take on a Fall 2024 capsule wardrobe:
Footwear
Boots. A month into Fall and I find myself reaching for boots the most. Boots offer both style and warmth for the cooler weather. There is a wide variety of boot styles to choose from, including Chelsea, Chukka, desert, hiking, and workwear boots.
Sneakers. Nothing beats the comfort of a sneaker. I still love chunky, new-balance-style dad sneakers. But you can’t go wrong with an all-white sneaker like a Converse Chuck Taylors or my personal favorite Puma Suedes (Bboys iykyk).
Bottoms
Trousers. I feel like a British bloke when I say trousers. I prefer them high-waisted that are a bit wide with pleats. Wool Trousers are a great option for more formal occasions but they’re versatile enough that they can be dressed down. J Crew’s got a great selection and check out Todd Snyder if your wallet allows.
Dark Wash Denim. If there’s one piece of clothing I’m most excited to wear this Fall it’s my Japanese denim. Dark-wash denim legit goes with everything. I’d recommend a straight or regular fit as these are timeless. You can’t go wrong with Levi’s 501s and you can find older, high quality ones for cheap second-hand.
Fatigue Pants. Fatigue pants replaced sweatpants as my main loungewear pants. They’re soft, breathable, and comfortable and they look awesome. You can find these at Army Surplus stores but Stan Ray also has some good ones as well.
Tops
T-shirts. If you don’t have plain T-shirts in your rotation I don’t know what you’re doing. T-shirts can be worn year-round and serve as a nice layering piece in the Fall. My personal favorite t-shirts are from Buck Mason.
Oxford Cotton Button Down. OCBD shirts can be worn on their own or layered under sweaters, offering numerous styling possibilities. While I found a few Ralph Lauren OCBD shirts at a local thrift store, these classic shirts are widely available from various retailers.
Sweatshirt or Hoodie. Throw these on when grabbing a BEC bagel at the bodega in the morning or on the way to the Gym. I’m currently digging the Champion Reverse Weave Crewneck.
One Knitwear. After Japanese denim, the second garment I’m most excited to wear this fall is knitwear. Knitwear is warm and comfortable and makes me feel like I’m being hugged by a large teddy bear. There's a wide variety of knitwear styles, textures, and materials to choose from. Check out this guide on knitwear essentials.
Outerwear
Formal Coat. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing underneath, wearing a long coat like a wool overcoat or trench coat, instantly elevates your fit.
Everyday Coat. It’s hard for me to give any recommendations for an everyday coat because there are so many styles to choose from. From denim and leather to bomber and varsity jackets, the options are endless. This is where you can truly express your personal style, as the coat is the first thing people notice when you wear it.