Getting Basic

A Fall Fashion Preview.

Okay so remember sometime in April, in the early days of Oh, Cool, when I said Bon Iver was way too early on his latest album, which was better listened to with a warm cup of pumpkin spice latté and a side of flannel?

We made it, folks.

Sure, it’s still 80 something in New York, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t bought four different barn jackets that are ready to be broken out for the glorious five-week period before The Canada Goose Winter Hellscape reemerges.

It’s October tomorrow, which means Justin, you’re officially back on the playlist.

Smash play, it’s time to talk fall fashion.

This weekend, we went on a little shopping excursion to Williamsburg. I bought nothing. Robyn almost bought some $2000 vintage jeans. Ultimately, we had a 5PM (4:45PM technically) dinner at The Snail, which I highly recommend for their burgers, fries, and nice French-Greenpoint vibe. We were at home watching a not-that-good movie and eating ice cream by 7:25PM. Parenthood!

Here’s what I saw (and didn’t see) while attempting to get ready for the impending crisp breeze:

#1: Fall Is Green

The color of the season is olive. I’m leaning more calvestrano than kalamata, but honestly, both are great.

This fall, stock yourself with basics that layer. Who hasn’t said that, ever? Somebody call the guys from Throwing Fits, it’s my time to shine.

The real deal is when you match the top to the bottoms, though. Olive jacket, olive khakis? Let’s ride.

I love these pants from Everlane because a) they’re cheap and b) they’re nice! IMO gone are the days where you need to drop $250 on a pair of bone stiff APCs just to suffer through the first nine months of wearing for that pure broken in feel. Instead, ship me a pair of $50 Everlanes once every two months. And they’re always on sale.

And for the ladies in the house, my wife bought this coat from COS this weekend while I stood nearby, feeding our daughter like a baby goat. I wish I had a picture. Use your imagination.

Oh, Cool. A newsletter for everyone. People have been saying this.

#2: To Boot or Not To Boot

These early fall days are tough to even consider a full length sock, but soon that crisp autumn bite is coming, which means your no-show Bombas days’ are numbered. (I’m told I’m a boomer for wearing no show socks, but let me tell you what guy with the Adidas ankle socks in 95 degree heat. You’re an idiot.)

Enter, the high sock and the high shoe. I am partial to Adam Derrick and his oeuvre of elevated basics.

These are super comfy and go great with a jean or a chino. I have them in black and brown suede and I will wearing them all fall as long as it isn’t raining.

The other fun part of high shoes is duh, socks. Socks are the best, I have a billion of them, I will buy a billion more. For fall and winter, there is one option, and that is cashmere socks. They are so much better than regular socks. They are so warm and cozy. They are soft and lightweight. They are that je ne sais quoi that will take you from the man you are to the man you want to be. They are… $29.

Do not sleep on Quince.

#3: Hit The Barn

As I mentioned, I am quietly collecting barn jacket after barn jacket, getting ready for that crisp over sweater magic that I will be basking in between October 24th and November 13th, after which time it will be way too cold for me to wear these beautiful pieces.

APC, I never really left.

They come in all shades of tan, blue, green, black, yellow, hell, here is a bright orange one, in case you are both a hunter, and really into going to fashion week shows.

Couple this with a chunky knit and some chelsea boots. Or maybe a pair of Tim’s if you can pull them off. I certainly cannot.

#4: Chonky

Last up, sweaters. Bury me in these thick neck alpaca bois from Corridor.

You want it to be warm but soft. You want it to not be too itchy. You want to wear a thin white tee underneath and to pull it off at 3PM when you’re outside having a work-day beer, because those are the best beers.

#5: BEANIES

YES. YES. YES. THEY ARE BACK. IT IS TIME!

I wear one beanie, in every color, and that is this beanie from Aimé:

Alright, now you know all my secrets!

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I will be back in two weeks with some leaf peepin’ tips. Until then!

Jay