Our kids went back to school this morning (same school!!), so there’s been a ‘back to school’ feeling in our house for the last couple of weeks. With that comes the promise of cooler temps, Fall youth sports, and college football. Growing up, this was our ‘buying season’. Mom would pack up my brother and me and haul us down to Uptons to get set up for the new school year. Between OG Duck Head, Ocean Pacific, and Chaps, we were the coolest kids around.
Applying the adult filter, it’s a nice time to take stock of what’s been piling up in your closet and purge. This post isn’t about that process, but more about what the good pieces to add as the temps start to taper. Fall colors, heavier fabrics, good textures…they all play into my favorite season of the year.
Here’s what I like:
From top left:
1. Ledbury Mayfield Oxford Shirts: Easily the best value. They run a 3-for-$99-ea custom program that is absolutely killer. Stock up on a blue, a white, and a U-stripe, and you’ve got 80% of your shirts you need for the season.
2. Holderness & Bourne Swenson Vest: There is always room for a vest upgrade, and my guys at H&B are obsessive about making JUST the right one. The Swenson checks a LOT of boxes.
3. Peter Millar Carlyle Chinos: It pleases me to no end to see a return of not only chinos, but COTTON chinos. “Tech Dress Pants” don’t make any sense whatsoever. These are a new offering from Peter Millar, and the 98% cotton is a strong build. Great cut.
4. Billy Reid Waxed Chore Coat: I’m a big chore coat guy, especially with the #menswear shift to a more casual tilt. It’s a versatile look that can be dressed up or down, with a utilitarian and vintage military feel.
5. Vessel Signature Backpack: There’s always room for another backpack, and Vessel is setting the standard. Man, these things are nice. I use a Vessel golf bag and have been extremely happy.
6. Woodley Co Buffalo Belt: This is the belt that will hit peak awesomeness in ~10 years. Wear it well.
7. Turtleson Miles Pique Polo: Probably my favorite pique on the market right now. It’s a cooler, vintage-y wash, which pairs well with my H&B/Sid Mashburn piques. Very cool look, either tucked in with chinos or untucked with shorts.
8. Raleigh R200 Jeans: Really the only jeans you need. Get them tailored to work with loafers AND boots (8″ opening), and wash them sparingly. They’ll break in well.
9. Faherty 5-Pockets: A little departure, but these are SO comfortable. They move with you, almost like sweatpants, but better.
10. Jacob Hill Alligator Belt: I love a fun belt, and my friends at Jacob Hill have extremely good imaginations when it comes to cool, exotic belt looks. And their prices are extremely digestible. GREAT value.
11. Rubirosa Judy Sneakers: Top shelf. Rubirosas are like Lays potato chips – you can’t have just one…you want MANY!
12. Rancourt Pinch Penny Espressso Shell Cordovan Loafers: I mean, if you are going to add a pair of loafers, add THE pair of loafers.
What are you digging coming into Fall?
Uptons! We lived in rural S GA but would visit my grandmother in Atlanta and she would always take us there.
Ah, yes. I vividly remember perusing the boys/ young mens racks at Rich’s and Belk- Duck Head, Chaps, and some Tommy Hilfiger sprinkled in. Of course, it was August in the South, so those new fall threads wouldn’t be getting any wear until late October.
September is back to school for me of sorts, as I’m transitioning from 100% WFH to a hybrid schedule, and actually looking forward to it. 110% chance most guys in my office will be wearing 5 pockets, tech polo, and OnClouds, but I’m a loyal RCS Soldier so I know better!
What do you think of the new UGA Rhoback apparel??
I’m ready for the PMGN with your weekly rundown of Gameday gear.
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How’s the fit on Turtleson compare to Peter Millar or Johnnie O? I probably don’t need another polo but like what I’ve seen
Big like Peter Millar
Any 100% cotton chino recommendations that are well priced? The stretch ones just never seem to hold up across the different brands I’ve tried.
I really like Jack Donnelly M2 fit. Breaks in nicely. 100% cotton, made in America, but the prices were recently increased from $180 to $215. Just me speaking, but I can’t bring myself to pay that kind of money for khakis, even for made in the USA.
Check out Morris & King. A small, old-school brand out of Charleston. Doing great things down there. They have some nice 100% cotton chinos, especially if you like a more classic fit.
Additionally, the Orvis Ultimate khakis (I like the trim fit; classic fit are HUGE) are a bargain if you don’t mind heavier weight chinos (they’re great in NC Oct-Feb).
I’m not familiar with Morris & King but will definitely check them out as we regularly visit Charleston. They look like a Southern version of J. Press, which isn’t a bad thing. Also, just checked out the Orvis site and those khakis are on sale for $36 with free shipping, normally $119 so just grabbed a pair. Thanks for the recommendations!
August 4 feels very early for the first day of school! My son has almost a month off during Christmas though. Not sure what’s going on with the school year…
RShack – I get my chinos from Brave Star Selvedge, their marshall chino. The price has gone up $20 a pair to $150, but the cotton is thick and sturdy to the point you can do chores in them.
For fall, I’m personally on the hunt for an argyle sweater. I can’t do the $425 sneakers. I think expensive low key sneakers has to be at the top of the quiet luxury list.
For sweaters, don’t discount J. Crew. They’re not 100% back to where they were in 90s, but they’re close, and their sweaters are a steal. For Argyle, you may need to look at legacy brands like Brooks Brothers and Alan Paine, heck maybe even LL Bean depending on your style and price point.
I just received the Holderness & Bourne Swenson Vest as well as their King Vest in the mail. Both in navy. I can’t decide which to keep. They are both SO NICE. The Swenson has more of a stretch fabric back to it. The King has stretch side panels and is a tiny, tiny bit more lofted. Great problem to have. I wish they came in more colors. An army green or charcoal would be great.