Autumn outfits for men

A flannel or moleskin shirt worn open over a T-shirt is the most flexible autumn layer. It works on its own on a mild afternoon and under a jacket when it turns cold. Checks in brown and grey are easy with blue and grey denim.

Early autumn rarely needs a coat. A chore coat, a denim jacket, a suede jacket or a short work jacket is warm enough over a long-sleeve top and short enough to wear with wide jeans.

When the temperature drops, put a knit or a hoodie between the T-shirt and the jacket. Wool and cashmere hoodies look neater than cotton sweatshirt fabric, and a zip knit is easier to adjust during the day.

Brown, sand, cream and muted green carry most autumn outfits, usually with blue or grey denim as the anchor. Keep to one or two of them per outfit and let the jeans connect the rest.

Suede sneakers in brown, black or red suit the season's colours. Treat them with a protective spray before the first wear and keep a leather or rubber-soled pair for wet days.

A ribbed wool beanie or a wool cap is the last layer to add and the first to take off. Pick a colour that repeats something else in the outfit, such as the shoes or the jacket.