Men's Stylish Fall-Winter Shirts

Why fall shirts are worth getting right

Fall is the season when shirts do the most work. Mornings are cool, afternoons can still be warm, and a good shirt has to cope with both, on its own or under a jacket. Heavier cotton weaves like flannel and oxford hold up better than summer fabrics, and they feel warmer without adding bulk. The colours shift too. Olive, rust, navy, burgundy and deep green look right in autumn light, and cream or light grey keep them from feeling heavy.

Casual weekends and city days

For a weekend, wear a flannel or brushed cotton shirt with dark linen pants or chinos, and leave the top button open. A chambray or oxford shirt works the same way and is a little lighter, which helps on a mild day. Boots, suede sneakers or loafers all suit it. Wear the shirt untucked and open over a plain T-shirt when it's cool, and buttoned up alone when it warms up. That's usually all the outfit needs.

Dressier shirts for dinners and weddings

For an autumn wedding or a dinner out, switch to a crisp poplin or fine twill shirt in white, light blue or a muted tone like sage or dusty pink. Wear it with wool trousers and leather shoes, and add a blazer or fine knit on top. Check the invitation first, because a smart-casual shirt won't replace a dress shirt and tie at a formal event. The shirt should fit well through the shoulders and chest, since a jacket will show any extra fabric.

Layering and care

Fall shirts earn their place through layering. Put a shirt under a crew-neck sweater with just the collar showing, or wear a lighter shirt under a flannel one on a cold morning. Two or three shirts in different weights cover most of the season, and they all work with the same trousers and jackets. Wash flannel and brushed cotton on a gentle cycle and hang them to dry so they keep their softness. Iron oxford and poplin while they're slightly damp if you want a sharper finish.