Fall: The Changing Color of Men’s Fashion

Flannel is in this fall. Photo by Katie Sikora.

As the hot, summer climate cools and the crispy chill of autumn ascends upon the peninsula, the seasonal exchange of styles begins as well. While it may not be cold enough yet to lose the tees and pick up the skis, the fall season brings a perfect in-between of the feverish temperatures of summer and the future freeze of a Door County winter.

Thus, it is the official time to trade the light fabrics of summer to the layered look of fall. While a throw-over hoodie and well-worn jeans are often the staple look on any given day of the fall season on Lake Michigan, the fall flair of the Door Peninsula extends into the sporting and outdoor styles of a fresh autumn season.

Plaid is a trending style permeating every season, but fall is by far its most appropriate time to be worn. A slender, snug-around-the-shoulders fit is a casual look perfect for a crisp night out on the town. Keep it sharp and tight – neutral and toned down colors work best. The bright and flashy colors are in stark contrast with the beautiful elements of fall and should be avoided no matter how “hip” and “trendy” you deem them. Also, keep it buttoned up, perhaps allowing the top two buttons to be undone for that subtle, sexy appeal.

If you’re feeling like an extra layer under your plaid, a plain white tee works best. As always, white tends to blend in with whatever you may be wearing. However, if you wear anything but a plain tee, keep it buttoned up. The unbuttoned shirt with a graphic tee or cheesy phrase is sure to only detract from your otherwise stylish attire. Keep the sleeves down or slightly rolled up and you’re set.

A close cut beard or the 5 o’clock shadow amplifies any man’s look, especially with the plaid/flannel attire. So any able-whiskered man, now is the time to let those facial follicles go!

If you’re not feeling the outdoorsy look, there is a style correlation between the fall and football season. An Aaron Rodgers jersey or green and gold jersey slung over a broken-in pair of jeans is always stylish during the fall season. While Packers’ green may not exactly blend in with the burnt orange and red colors of the leaves that fall throughout the county streets, this beautiful contrast blends in perfectly with the fall flair.

Friends, enjoy the fall – a sweet, albeit chilly relief from the hybrid of heat and busyness that constitutes a peninsula summer. Sip hot coffee and warm apple cider, just please, keep it off your fashionable fall attire.