The Ultimate Richmond Guide to Men’s Fall Fashion: how to be a man about town…or at least dress like one

As temperatures continue their seasonal downward plummet, throw away your flip flops and novelty t-shirts (for good) and take the steps toward revamping your wardrobe.

October 28, 2011; 11:24 AM • by Brian McDaniel

As temperatures continue their seasonal downward plummet, throw away your flip flops and novelty t-shirts (for good) and take the steps toward revamping your wardrobe. Fall is the best time of year to buy new clothing because inviting textures and rich colors can easily be mixed & matched and incorporated with many items that you might already own. The following essentials are the best of what Richmond has to offer in autumn apparel.

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Featuring a far to often-overlooked vintage style, the rounded (or club) collar, is making a come back this season. For many reasons, this is my favorite Ledbury shirt to date. The flawlessly designed shirt feels great: it’s stitched from dramatically soft fabric but retains a level heftiness not present in summer styles.

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Distributed through Urban Outfitters, the Hawkings and McGill line provides traditional pieces of clothing to style conscious customers. Without being too skinny or too loose, the flat-front straight leg chinos pictured above provide the perfect slim fit. The muted colors make these a winning combination for day or night.

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Hand crafted in Raleigh, North Carolina, Raleigh Denim is one of a handful of denim companies that actually makes this American staple in America. Started by husband and wife duo Victor and Sarah Lytvinenko, each pair of Raleigh Denim is made with quality in mind. “$300 is a big investment for the average Richmonder in school or just starting to work, but if you can appreciate what you are buying, you are paying for top of a line material. You’ll be spending money on a product that is going to last a very long time,” says Need Supply Co. sales associate David Cox. Raleigh Denim has a classic fit that will never go out of style. And, when buying new denim, keep three things in mind: dark, slim, and rigid.

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The fisherman pullover sweater from American Apparel comes in a variety of colors suitable for an autumn palette.

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There may not be a silver lining to everything but at least try to find a plaid one to your jackets and light coats. Whether you call it plaid or tartan, this pattern is showing up everywhere this year. Also, for sudden burst of chillness, consider throwing on a vest packed with down to keep you warm.

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Tanned belts curtsey of the Levi store in Short Pump.

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Foldable Persol and Ray-Ban Club Masters are two pairs of sunglasses that will never go out of style, period.

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Maybe the next biggest trend in shoes since desert boots? Red Wing quietly began the straight albino sole revolution years ago, and suddenly the rest of the world has caught on. Although a bit peculiar at first, these boots can be paired perfectly with denim or even a suit–and these can be used for actual work if you are so inclined.

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When shopping for new items of clothing, focus on pieces that are classic and timeless. Everything that is included in this guide is steeped in tradition and will be in style for many years (hopefully in perpetuity). The quality of a good makes a huge difference, and think of future purchases as more of investments rather than splurges.

October 28, 2011 11:24 AM 0