Men’s Fashion: Easing Into Autumn With Relaxed Tailoring

There’s a sweet spot between late summer and proper coat weather where you want warmth without losing that easy, throw on feel. The look here nails it: relaxed tailoring up top, pleated trousers with drape, and loafers that keep things polished. It’s the kind of outfit that carries you from a mild morning to a breezy evening without fuss.

The Look, Decoded

Start with a lightweight black knit (a fine-gauge tee or vest works) and layer on a soft shouldered jacket or cardigan blazer. It gives you structure without the stiffness of a suit jacket. The trousers do the heavy lifting: pleated, higher rise, and cut with room through the leg in a light grey with a subtle stripe. They’re autumn in spirit, think misty mornings and stone pavements without being heavy. A simple black belt, classic watch and sleek sunglasses keep everything sharp. On foot: black leather loafers. If you walk a lot, choose a pair with a rubber sole for grip on damp streets.

Why It Works For Autumn

Colour: Anchoring the outfit in black and grey instantly looks season-appropriate. This neutral palette plays well with everything in your wardrobe and won’t fight your outerwear later in the year.
Proportion: The relaxed top block and roomy trousers feel modern and are brilliant for layering when the temperature dips.
Versatility: You can dress it up for meetings or dial it down for a coffee run just by swapping footwear or adding an overshirt.

Fabrics & Textures To Prioritise

Autumn is about how the way a fabric feels and moves. Look for:

• Merino or cotton knits for base layers: breathable, easy to wash, and comfy against the skin.

• Unstructured wool-blend jackets or jersey blazers: they give you that tailored line without bulk.

• Flannel, twill, or softly brushed wool trousers: warm but not heavy; the slight nap looks great in low light.

• Corduroy and moleskin for later in the season: they add texture and depth when it’s properly chilly.

If you run warm, keep the knit lighter and let the trousers bring the autumnal texture. If you run cool, upgrade the knit to merino and add a thin cotton tee underneath for an extra layer of insulation.

Footwear & Finishing Touches

Loafers are the perfect bridge shoe. They’re smarter than trainers, less formal than Oxfords, and work with chunky socks when needed. On wetter days, swap to a Chelsea boot. Keep accessories minimal: a slim belt, a discreet watch, and sunglasses (yes, still useful, low autumn sun can be blinding). A classic pair of Ray-Ban glasses can add an effortless touch of style while protecting your eyes from the sun. If you’re commuting, a leather or canvas tote keeps the mood refined without looking corporate.

Smart Swaps As The Temperature Drops

• Add an overshirt in wool or heavy cotton over the knit before you reach for a full coat.

• Introduce a scarf in charcoal or tobacco; it’s the easiest way to add warmth and a hit of colour.

• Change the base layer: vest → tee → long-sleeve knit → roll neck as the weeks pass.

• Trade loafers for boots when leaves get slippery.

Stick to this framework and rotate fabrics as the season deepens. The result is effortless, grown-up, and ready for the realities of British weather. Most importantly, it feels good to wear, room to breathe, enough structure to look considered, and a palette that makes mixing and matching a breeze. That’s the essence of transitioning into autumn: small upgrades, smarter textures, and relaxed tailoring that works every day.