Men's Fashion Upgrades For Fall

If the men's fashion industry had its way, you'd completely overhaul your wardrobe every time they came up with a new season's worth of collections. Thankfully, that's not the case. For the fall fashion season this year, in fact, all you need are a couple of items here and there to give your closet a little extra style spice. And since you are not going to buy so many items, feel free to invest in quality, splurge on a designer label or two.

Tone on Tone on Tone
Rules of good style would traditionally have suggested that you pair any dark blazer with a light shirt and a dark necktie. While this tenet of men's fashion still stands, the tone on tone on tone trend has arrived to challenge its supremacy. And the challenger is looking much sharper than its naysayers give it credit for.

Since a suit is the priciest part of the equation, find one you already have so as to lessen expenses. Once you have a gray suit jacket, for example, get a shirt that's just a couple of shades lighter than the suit, flannel is usually a good option, and a necktie that's a tad darker than the jacket. A shiny metal tie bar and substantial shoes in black or brown will round out the mix quite satisfactorily.

Cashmere
Denim and cotton are the most popular standbys of men's fashion, but every now and then you find yourself wanting something a little more comfortable. And when the pang hits, cashmere is often just the thing to satisfy your needs both physical and sartorial.

A cashmere sweater is a classic piece in fall fashion, and any one in a neutral color will likely last you years of service. If you want to ride the current trend, though, something graphic or color-blocked with a tan or beige base color will be a great addition. Layer it over a solid white shirt and the humblest of jeans, and you'll be dressed up enough for a family dinner or a casual date on the town with your lady.

While you're at it, you might also want to pick up a pair of cashmere pants in either black or gray. Not your ordinary pair of workday pants, they'll cost you more per pair but will be worth the kind of comfort they give from 9AM to 5PM. Add that to the wrinkle-proof kind of softness they have that not even your most weather-worn denims can rival.

Discreet Accessories
"Inconspicuous consumption" has been the catchphrase of the recession-era men's fashion industry, and it's all the rage among the high fashion houses that used to peddle so much bling just a few seasons ago. You might want to hide your premium label watches and monogram bags to adopt the more somber mood of Wall Street and the world at large.

All-black watches, for example, make for a perfectly discreet style statement that tells the world you're just as recession-hit as everyone else. Opt for something simple, as in plain timepieces without the fancy chronographs, rattrapantes or any bells and whistles. And with the number of watch brands rolling out these economy models, your wallet can go into recession recovery mode just like everyone else's.

Big leather duffels are all the rage right now, but not the ones favored by celebrities that have brand logos splashed all over them. Pick one up in discreet and manly leather, black or brown are your best bets, made of quality materials and with sturdy handles. Go for quality instead of a popular brand name, even if it'll cost you more; brand whores are out in this economy, and renowned leather houses are usually great with maintenance.

If you were keeping an eye on men's fashion last year, you would've thought that any of these items were unlikely to get on the sartorial must-have list. But times have changed, and your wardrobe has to as well. Those changes are best done gradually, piece by piece.