THE Fashion Page - Fall's Soft Touch

M E N S W E A R

Fall's Soft Touch

Now guys, while the ladies are dressing themselves up in your old tailored suits, you may take a step back and head for the comfort zone. Comfort is the key word for menswear this fall. This doesn't mean sweats and t-shirts; it means cashmere sweaters and woollen trousers. And single or double breasted suits.

Shapes are softer too, with an emphasis on layering. You'll still look smart, but there'll be a casual feel to how you look. The look to aim for is: as if you haven't really contrived your look, but have just pulled clothes from the closet without too much thought. You know, the Donald Sutherland kind of thing. Some guys just have a knack for that don't they?

Choose cashmere, herringbone, thick knits, in grey, brown and black.

This is serious dressing, no hip hop, a grown-up approach to casual dress.

A few options you might consider:

Start with a cotton crew-neck T, a fine gauge-knit high v-neck sweater, worn under a cashmere jacket, and herringbone trousers.
Dressing is easy if you pull on a turtleneck over woollen trousers. If you're going to the park to kick a ball around, throw on a woollen overcoat.
For a more businesslike appraoch to dressing try this: Under a pinstriped suit, wear a cashmere v-neck sweater over a knitted shirt. Add a touch of colour with a fringed scarf, in navy or maroon.
Try a knitted shirt over a matching crew neck sweater and flannel trousers, layered over a white crew neck T-shirt.