Plaid is in.  It was in last Fall, it was in through Winter, it was in this Summer, and its in again this Fall.  I like plaid best when it peeks out from under something muted, like a dark-colored peacoat.  However, this jacket is so handsome that you should show off the plaid.  I love the rustic feel of this jacket, and it goes fantastic with dark denim.  But then again, few things don’t.

Also consider a more subdued plaid on a fantastically cut trench, $250 at Banana Republic.

Last year, the Italian-made Common Projects exploded onto the scene, with its signature….well, lack of signature.  Those shoes, almost always monochromatic in color and sans logo (the individual numbering in gold writing on the outer heel is the closest thing), were a huge hit.  I will suggest those shoes as long as they exist, but if you don’t feel like dropping $200+ for sneakers, these Rod Lavers are a great alternative.  Just as clean and just as white, these low tops are simple and understated.  Haven’t you heard? Minimalism is in.

Also consider Common Projects Sneakers, $278 at South Willard, or white Converse Chuck Taylors, $69 at Zappos.

A few months ago, we spotlighted Engineered Garments and predicted big things from them.  The fashion world has noticed: the label recently won the opportunity to design a small collection for Levi’s.  The collection, which will hit stores in a couple of weeks, reflects their signature style: clothes for the American working man, but with a stylish twist. What I like about this unstructured jacket is that even though it has its fair share of pockets, they are patch pockets.  Patch pockets don’t bulge out like cargo pants pockets, meaning that you can dress this jacket up or down.

Also consider: Cargo jacket | $68 at Gap.

Cords are great as long as they are pinwale.  (A wale is the “thickness” of the cord. We prefer a sleeker and smaller wale.)  Wear them when you want to give your jeans a day off; they are similar to jeans in their feel, look, and formality. 

Also consider cord jeans by Levi’s, Gap, and John Varvatos.  I especially love the Gap ones.

If you’re like me, then you’re always looking the perfect shoe that is somewhere in between sneaker and loafer on the casualness scale.  Bucks?  Yeah, but a bit too much sometimes.  Boots? Sure, but a bit too…urban, sometimes.  Enter TOMS, makers of these fine canvas/leather loafers.  I love these shoes because they’re as comfortable as my bedroom slippers, yet they’re handsome enough to wear when I want that upscale casual feel.  Best of all, they’re pretty affordable. And for every pair you buy, Tom’s donates a pair to charity.

Ok, so $200 (after tax) isn’t exactly cheap for a sweater, but if you caught my comment, you’ll realize that this sweater is probably worth more.

I have long loved the simplicity of a white shirt and solid gray tie.  There’s something about it that’s just so sleek yet elegant.  These wool ties by Michael Kors are exactly what you want; matte and with texture.  Thom Browne says that every day, he wears a grey suit with a white shirt and grey tie.  I can see why.

Also consider this grey wool tie by Thom Browne ($150), from his Black Fleece collection for Brooks Brothers.

Leather jackets are back in, and I for one am glad.  Done right, a leather jacket is versatile enough for both casual and more formal occasions.  And, by “right,” I mean snug and trim, like this one by Gap.  The Italians wear leather jackets the best: fitted like a blazer, with a thin layer underneath.  As with most things in style, it pays to follow their lead.

Also consider: the leather jacket for the guy with the bottomless pit of money, by Julius.

Bonus Picks: Omiru considers many aspects, including price, when suggesting pieces for both men and women.  Lifting that barrier on price for a moment, we want to show you some other great (but pricey) picks for Fall. 

This is not just another rugby shirt.  First, there’s the cotton/wool blend, giving it a luxe feel.  Then, there’s the asymmetrical seam (see it diagonal from the shoulder?).  If you’re looking to splurge on a shirt, this is the one.  It looks fantastic underneath a trim black peacoat and either dark denim or well-cut slate-colored khakis.

Okay, so it’s pretty darned pricey and I’m not going to try to justify the price of the sweater this time.  But you should know that if you get it, you’re getting the best sweater of the season: chunky, comfy and ultra-luxe, with its blend of 40% alpaca and 18% wool. 

If you know me, you’ll know that I’m not a huge fan of L.A. “style” – Details magazine recently declared Los Angeles as the most unstylish city in America.  Despite this title, LA has nurtured a safe haven of style in the form of Ryan Conder’s excellent boutique, South Willard.  Prices are far from bargain basement, but you can always find clothes that will add that extra dash of style to your wardrobe.  I like this plaid piece; it looks great underneath a trim, dark colored peacoat.

I know I’ve suggested this watch before, but I only reiterate my suggestion because I love it.  As far as watches go, it’s relatively inexpensive.  Sure, you’re paying $275, but it looks like you paid $2750 for it.  This watch has earned me many compliments from both friends and coworkers.