Written by Menswear Style in Tips & Advice on the 4th October 2017

Unfortunately, gentlemen, summer has faded faster than our tans, which can only mean one thing - autumn is upon us. Also known as that tricky transitional time of year where we’re not quite sure if it's finally time to pack away the shorts and get the cords out of hibernation. Our friends at Marc Darcy like to think they know a thing or two about seasonal style (brag alert: they recently won Best Menswear of the Year at the Drapers Independents Awards against the likes of Ted Baker, Gym King, Farah and Remus Uomo), so let us talk you through our ultimate guide to looking your best this autumn.

Colours 

When it comes to autumn, it's generally agreed that darker, more muted tones are favoured. Think dark greens, browns, navy, copper and burgundy. If you’re unsure which colours you should be wearing, simply step outside and use nature as the inspiration for your colour pallet. Take stock of the changing colours of the leaves, the ground and anything else that grabs your autumnal eye.

We can’t get enough of this Mitchell Olive Three-Piece Suit at the moment. The colour is on point with dark green hues and stunning burgundy detailing in the buttons and fabric, making it the perfect autumnal styling piece. 

Textures 

Velvet - not for the sartorially faint-hearted, a velvet jacket is the perfect transition piece for the new season and will take you right up to New Year celebrations. We'd suggest opting for a jewelled tone such as ruby or emerald to compliment your autumnal colour palette, but we also love the versatility that black velvet can offer. Pair with a velvet waistcoat for an ultra-luxe look, and don't be afraid to mix and match with different velvet tones. Pick up a velvet tie or bow tie for a subtle introduction to this fabric. 

Denim - our ever faithful friend, denim. While we admit denim can be worn any time of the year, autumn is made for experimenting with different thickness, colours and fits. Swap out denim shorts and light washes for deeper, darker colours and denser materials that will keep you toasty.

Leather - You’ve probably already got a trusty pair of leather boots or shoes in your wardrobe, but why not go that extra step and invest in a classic leather jacket. This timeless piece can be paired with a simple white shirt for the commute to work or can be thrown on at the weekend to pull together a casual outfit. But definitely stay away from leather pants - you don’t want to pull a Ross from Friends. 

Tweed - As a fabric, tweed is more durable and warmer than cotton or nylon. This is due to the tight weave within the material, making it an ideal choice for the colder months. This Blake Tweed Three-Piece Suit is perfect for gents that want to look modern and stylish, but aren’t quite ready for elbow patches just yet.

Layering 

The key to any autumnal outfit is layering. Not only does it add more texture and tones to your overall look, but layering allows you to carry those key pieces from spring/summer through to autumn/winter. For us, the Swiss army knife of layering is a three-piece suit. Why? Because it provides a lot of versatility and can be worn in a variety of ways, swapping out the jacket and waistcoat throughout the day. We’re a big fan of this Nelson Three-Piece Suit, with its tonal check print and wooden buttons that give an earthy vibe. Layering also comes in handy during the transitional months when the weather is slightly less predictable. For example, you may start off a frosty morning with three or four complementary layers, but as the day progresses and the temperature changes, you can add or take away pieces to ensure you stay comfortable at all times.

Accessories 

This season we’re all about a good pair of leather boots. We love the classic Chelsea boot as it’s so versatile and will look fantastic dressed up or down. Clean, simple and refined, a good pair of boots is worth investing in as they’ll be worn year after year and will only get better with age. Believe us, the humble boot isn’t going anywhere soon. While autumn doesn’t quite present the opportunity to sport gloves and hats, you can certainly wear a lightweight scarf to add an extra dimension to your outfit. Where possible, opt for a 100% cotton number that will keep you warm, while being breathable, and will stand the test of time. 

To stock your autumn wardrobe, visit Marc Darcy and use the promo code ‘MNSWRSTYL10’ for 10% off your purchase exclusive to Menswear Style readers.

With the help of Marc Darcy we guide you through Autumn Colours and Autumn Textures in this Ultimate Guide to Men’s Autumnal 2017 Style.