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5 days ago
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Autumn is the best season for fashion – so as a huge menswear enthusiast, it’s been a delight to pull together this list of 50 tips and tricks to help you dress better. I’ve included great affordable pieces (and some tips that don’t require any money at all), as well as accessories, shoes, styling ideas, nifty hacks and a few grooming products.
I’d recommend sticking as close to the classics as possible. What’s “in” shifts a little from season to season, but there’s a knack to choosing pieces high on the fashion agenda that also have staying power for the next time autumn rolls around. I’m talking rugby jerseys, Chelsea boots, XL overcoats and dress watches – pieces that will make your wardrobe look current but are classic enough to stand the test of time. My rule of thumb with all new purchases: if you see something you like, consider how it will fit with the rest of your wardrobe.
The best men’s wardrobe updates for autumn and winter 2025
Indigo denim
Indigo jeans really come into their own in the shoulder season. Not only do they go best with autumnal colours (burgundy, forest green, burnt orange), but they’re usually made of a heavy, rigid denim that feels tough enough to deal with the worst of the weather.
The high street always has a strong selection of indigo denim, so there’s no need to spend a fortune on a quality pair. The best place to start is Marks & Spencer, which has seriously upped its menswear game this year. If you want to dial up the fashion stakes, follow the lead of Jeremy Allen White and get a matching jacket.
Relaxed straight-fit jeans
For more, read the Filter’s guide to the best men’s jeans for every occasion
Save with high-street cashmere
If there’s one thing I’d recommend for every winter wardrobe, it’s a cashmere jumper. It’s warm, but also naturally breathable, so it regulates your temperature. This means stepping off a hot bus or tube on to a cold street won’t cause you to start pouring with sweat.
Specialist cashmere brands (Oyuna, Begg x Co, John Smedley, Kiltane) offer premium knitwear but at a price. Fortunately, high-street stores are more accessible – and the quality can be decent, too. In my view, Uniqlo is the best of the lot.
Pure cashmere crew neck
Checked flannels are back (again)
Everyone from Ami to Hermès and Zegna showed checks in their autumn/winter 2025 shows, so consider this your cue to unpack your plaids. If this is your first foray into checks, I’d recommend a cosy flannel shirt like the one from Dickies. If you want something more affordable, go secondhand – try thrift stores Beyond Retro and Rokit.
Andorra Hendersonville shirt
Checked flannel Charlie shirt
A relaxed black suit for party season
A relaxed black suit is a great investment – and surprisingly useful for winter. Dress it up with a shirt and tie for party season (think 90s Armani with a vintage tie and louche flowy shirt) or with a printed T-shirt and baseball cap for a smart-casual weekend, where you need something nicer than jeans. You can style the blazer and trousers separately, too.
A 70s-inspired double-breasted cut is big this year – see Saint Laurent, Amiri and Paul Smith – alongside understated pinstripes championed on the red carpet by Austin Butler and A$AP Rocky.
Relaxed suit in black metallic pinstripe
Jacket
Trousers
Check out the best suits for men under £400
Dip a toe into technical outerwear
Gorpcore kings, this is your moment. Junya Watanabe, Armani, Sacai and ERL have all set this trend running: look for pieces with interesting finishes, and introduce hints of the look so you don’t appear like you’ve just maxed out at Mountain Warehouse.
Funnel-neck jacket
Have you heard of a shlouse?
AKA the shirt-blouse hybrid, a nod to menswear’s adoption of traditionally feminine fabrics and shapes this season (Josh O’Connor and Idris Elba have given this look a spin on the red carpet). Think satin shirts and neckties, which I’d leave loose rather than actually tying. Zara has a great selection to choose from, all around the £50 mark.
Satin polo shirt
Flowing shirt with bow scarf
A great jeans alternative
Heavy-duty work trousers are a solid buy for autumn. They’re usually made from a premium-looking heavyweight cotton to create a strong line that feels smart, especially with a pair of loafers. Always go for brands with workwear in their DNA, such as Dickies, Ben Davis and Carhartt.
Cotton trousers
V good V-necks
Most men reading this probably have a couple of V-necks stuffed away in a drawer somewhere, and this season the neckline has nudged the crew neck off the top spot. If you don’t already have one, begin with a simple lightweight jumper – this khaki option by Cos is a strong choice.
Merino V-neck jumper
Trousers with a twist
Wide-leg trousers have been popular for a while, but the voluminous silhouette has been revamped this year. Designers such as Lemaire and Studio Nicholson are releasing trousers with slightly twisted side seams, giving a curved shape that’s somewhere between a wide and barrel leg. Whether you go for jeans or tailored trousers, it’s a subtle detail that shows you get menswear without shouting it.
Twisted baggy wide jeans
Supersize your overcoat
A big overcoat is a staple that almost always looks good, whatever you throw it over. Make sure you choose one that’s the right length – the hem should sit somewhere below the knee without trailing on the ground – and go for a slightly roomy design that leaves space for layers and looks more expensive, too.
Single-breasted wool-blend coat
Layer with a thin roll-neck
Autumn/winter is all about layering. A roll-neck is a useful tool to make your summer shirts work double duty – as long as they’re long sleeved, that is. Keep it lightweight so it doesn’t add any extra bulk.
Merino wool roll-neck jumper
Hell for leather
Even though the textile’s popularity fluctuates, a leather jacket is never really out of style. In this price range, you’re looking at either pleather or, better, vintage. Avoid fitted biker jackets à la Danny Zuko in Grease, and instead go for a slightly oversized silhouette, which would look best with relaxed menswear staples. Check out Nicholas Hoult (above) for styling tips.
Faux leather Harrington jacket
Vintage leather jacket
Ringer T-shirt
For those unfamiliar, this is a T-shirt with a contrast collar-and-sleeve hem. It was invented in the 50s as sportswear – the contrast details were for team colours – but it became more popular throughout the 60s and 70s. It resurfaced last year as a cool-guy staple thanks to Paul Mescal – but, this season, Celine Homme is leading the charge with an entire selection of the sporty staple.
Graphic T-shirt
Ricky Too Late T-shirt
Buy an (elevated) hoodie
This is the cosiest jumper you can buy when the weather’s cold. Stick to understated branding, varsity details or a plain style. Keep it simple so it will work just as well with track pants and trainers as with a blazer and loafers.
Heavyweight 1969 logo hoodie
Track jackets are underrated
The track jacket is vastly underrated: you can wear it solo with work trousers, tucked into jeans under a suit jacket or over a shirt for a Britpop-coded look.
Look at Wales Bonner’s menswear collections to see how best to style them. Grace Wales Bonner is an expert at weaving sporty references into collections that also include tailoring and evening wear. If you can’t stretch to the luxury price point, keep an eye out for her next collection with Adidas Originals, which is due for release before Christmas.
Track jacket
Navy, navy and more navy
Wearing navy from head to toe always looks stylish, so if you’ve got a pair of navy trousers and some navy tops to hand, you’re always covered (don’t worry if they’re slightly different shades). Double down on dark shades with black leather shoes and a black leather bag.
Merino wool knit cardigan
Long johns are a gamechanger
Long johns are a practical way to keep warm, especially if you don’t want to cover your outfit with a huge coat. I’d suggest investing in a quality pair by an expert brand such as Falke – they’ll be comfier and more breathable, so you won’t overheat the moment you enter a warm building.
Thermoregulating long johns
Supercharge your rest days with pyjamas
For some reason, wearing a full pyjama at home switches the vibe from slobbing around to lounging. David Gandy Wellwear is the best place for simple sets made using premium fabrics, while Chelsea Peers offers good quality for half the price.
Long-sleeve Henley pyjama set
Waffle lounge bottoms
Waffle top
A rugby jersey is this year’s preppy staple
Menswear’s obsession with the posh boy uniform – polo shirts, quarter zips, Oxford shirts, slacks – is going nowhere. This season, the rugby top (a heavyweight long sleeve that usually has a three-button collar and some sort of stripe) is No 1. Lots of brands have jumped on the trend, from Barbour to Reiss, John Lewis and M&S, but my top pick is from Percival. Otherwise, if you’re a rugby fan, just wear your team strip outside match days.
Striped rugby polo shirt
Mocha mousse is made for autumn
The trending Pantone colours don’t always translate to fashion (did someone say peach fuzz?), but this year’s a good one, especially for autumn: mocha mousse. Brown is almost always flattering, and it looks great with other earthy tones, like burgundy and dark green. Or, you could fully commit and go head to toe à la Burberry autumn/winter 2025.
Lamb’s wool sweater
Dylan trousers
Cosy corduroy
Avoid geography teacher-chic (anything chunky with extra-wide ribs), and instead go for a fine corduroy. Think Robert Redford in All the President’s Men. Whether you’re going for trousers or a shirt, choose a modern, relaxed fit that looks comfy. Anything overly fitted is a hard no.
Wyck cord shirt
Loose-fit corduroy trousers
Lean into nu-western
A western look has been on the rise ever since Taylor Swift and Beyoncé doubled down on country, but this season’s interpretation is more low-key. Go for subtle elements – stitched details (Kiko Kostadinov), a low-key cow print (Prada), suede (Hermès), or a boot-cut-fit trouser (Louis Vuitton) – which nod to the mood without looking like you’re cosplaying John Wayne.
Co-ord denim shirt
Be a gent
Gentlemancore is in, thanks to elegant menswear everywhere from Saint Laurent to Dior. Consider this your cue to get a tie. All the best ties are secondhand; you can get looks from the necktie’s heyday – the 70s and 80s – from top brands such as Dior, Ralph Lauren or Armani for less than most new options. Silk is best: try to find one with some interest, be it a pin-dot, stripe or paisley.
Vintage silk blend tie
Metal hardware detailing looks expensive when done right. Usually, it’s best on leather accessories, but a wave of brands are upgrading their coats with it – whether it’s firefighter-style clasps (Wales Bonner), D-rings (Barbour) or metal poppers and snaps, like H&M’s design below.
Waxed cotton jacket
Party as a Hedi Boy
If you’ve not heard of the Hedi Boy aesthetic, it’s one to get clued up on in the run-up to party season. Based on designer Hedi Slimane’s signature rock’n’roll aesthetic, it could be a sexy shirt worn beneath a blazer with slim trousers, or a leather jacket with black jeans and pointy-toed boots. Either way, it’s a look to give your party season rotation added spice. Phix is a great starting point.
Black lace embroidery shirt
Skinny fit jeans
Try an XL tote
What do Jacob Elordi, A$AP Rocky and Jannik Sinner all have in common? They’ve all stepped out carrying an XL bag. While theirs were by Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton and Gucci respectively, you can jump on the trend with something much more budget friendly. A large bag made from leather is a stretch for less than £150, so look for a substantial canvas or utility-inspired fabric instead – I like these by Klättermusen and Cos.
Oversized tote bag
Buy a baby dress watch
Understated and elegant, as they were originally designed to sit neatly beneath a shirt cuff, the dress watch is a subtle classic. This year, they’re getting smaller – think Joseph Quinn at the Sydney premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. His super-slim Cartier Tank Louis was the perfect finishing touch for his full purple Fendi look. You can get something similar from Sekonda for less than £50 – I know which is going in my basket. A great buy for party season.
Clement men’s watch
Chelsea boots
You don’t need me to explain the benefits of wearing boots in winter. What I can do, though, is give you tips on the best styles to go for: because it’s likely to be slippy, steer clear of leather soles and instead stick to rubber. When it comes to the upper, real leather is the best because it holds its quality for longer and you can get it repaired. Chelsea boots are the most versatile. Depending on how they’re styled, they can be smart or casual, classic or modern. The elasticated sides mean you can slip them on and go.
Dax leather Chelsea boots
Leather pull-on Chelsea boots
Try a college scarf
From letterman designs by Loewe and Aries to Paul Smith’s collection with Manchester United, college-style scarves are everywhere. My favourite is the Alphabet scarf by British independent knitwear brand Hades – it makes a great gift, too.
Alphabet ‘G’ scarf
Become a ‘boy who wears rings’
If you’re not into rings, searching Boys That Wear Rings on TikTok may change your mind. Silver’s on the up: look for sterling silver and avoid anything made using copper or brass, which are more likely to turn your fingers green.
Silver colour burst ring
Sterling silver Ancien ring
Low-profile trainers
Retro sneakers are still in, but this year’s take has a slightly slimmer sole. That means they’re even more lightweight than your average kicks, and they look great with almost any trousers you can think of. If you’re after versatility, go for a white pair with a couple of pops of colour.
Gato trainers
For more, read the Filter’s guide to 64 trainers to tick every box
A baseball cap for the weather
If you read my summer updates for men, there’s a baseball cap in there, too. That’s because it really is the best hat to wear all year round, less overtly wintery than a knitted hat but better in the rain and surprisingly warm. When the weather’s turning, look for one with a weatherproof treatment, like Gant’s design made from waxed cotton.
Waxed cotton cap
Buy a chic umbrella
Don’t fall for the false economy of the corner-shop umbrella. Instead, go for one with style as well as substance. The best place to look? London Undercover. It has a wide selection from compact bag-fitting styles to the classic kind that doubles up as a cane (see gentlemancore, above).
Telescopic umbrella
Cool-guy slippers
It’s always best if they don’t actually look like slippers. Birkenstock’s Bostons, for instance, have all the makings of a good pair of slips – cushy moulded insole, comfy mule silhouette and a footbed that’s supercharged with an additional foam layer – without giving grandpa vibes. Wear with a chunky marl sock for extra warmth.
Boston soft footbeds
Sunglasses aren’t just for summer
Though the sun doesn’t feel quite so intense in winter, it’s still important to protect your eyes from low-hanging winter rays. Get a pair that don’t feel too dark when it clouds over, like Hikerdelic’s sunglasses made in collaboration with MessyWeekend, which offer full protection but with a light brown lens.
Tortoiseshell sunglasses
Black frame tinted sunglasses
For more, check out our rundown of the best sunglasses for men and women
A weatherproof work bag
Commuting can be a struggle during winter, especially if it’s raining. So take at least one worry away with a weatherproof work bag. A couple of brands are experts in the field – Rains and Stubble & Co.
Waterproof tote bag
Roll-top bag, 20l
Wallabee-coded shoes
This wallabee-moccasin hybrid is a great swap for loafers come winter. The slightly higher ankle and chunky rubber sole are better for the cold, while the shape is a match for straight-leg jeans. Loads of brands have introduced them, including Massimo Dutti, Percival, Santoni and Arket, but this style by Camper takes the lead thanks to the ultra-lightweight sole and fine leather upper.
Norman black leather shoes
Swap bulky pockets for a smart cross-body bag
Whether you’re wearing jeans or suit trousers, having bulky pockets is never a good look. The solution? A smart leather cross-body bag. Stylish and also the best way to get out of the house quickly without scrabbling around trying to find your AirPods, keys, wallet, etc.
Leather cross-body bag
Carabiners aren’t just for climbing
This won’t be for everyone, but some are using an unexpected accessory this autumn – a carabiner clip. Though it’s traditionally used for climbing, the metal clip was adopted by skaters, punks and emos in the 90s. Now it’s more of a fashion bro staple that looks best secured to the belt loop on tailored trousers, holding a set of keys.
Aluminium carabiner
A statement belt
Belts were a big focus at the womenswear autumn/winter shows, and now it seems the guys have caught on too. Keep the strap neutral (black or brown leather) so the buckle can do the talking.
Chuck leather belt
Revive your scalp after summer
The heat, sun and humidity of summer can give your scalp a beating, causing dryness, oiliness, blocked follicles and dandruff. A good product for a bit of post-season scalp TLC is Aesop’s Sage & Cedar Scalp Treatment. It’s a pre-shampoo treatment that uses botanicals to help purify, soothe and hydrate.
Sage & Cedar Scalp Treatment, 25ml
Winter sun in a bottle
Forget fake tan, the better way to get colour into your complexion is with a dark red liquid blush. Put three small dots along the top of your cheekbones before blending in with your fingers. If you’re feeling a little nervous about trying it out, search Boy Blush on TikTok to see how it’s done.
Afterglow liquid blush, 7ml
Cloud paint blush, 10ml
Heavier moisturiser to deal with the cold
Cold air and central heating can weaken your skin’s natural barrier by depleting its moisture. With that in mind, you’ll want a heavier, nourishing cream that gives more protection than the light lotions you’d use when it’s hot. Nivea’s Moisturising Cream Protect is a great affordable option, while Malin+Goetz’s is a luxurious cream for the skincare obsessed.
Protect and care moisturiser, 50ml
Renewal cream, 50ml
You can also keep your skin soft with our guide to the best body moisturisers
Swap your summer fragrance
When you’re wrapping up in knits and coats, you need the aroma to match, so switch your citrussy summer blends with something woody and spicy. M&S may not seem like the natural aftershave destination, but the store has a great selection. Warmth has notes of cardamom, cinnamon, cedarwood and sandalwood – but it’s definitely the latter that comes through strongest. If you feel like treating yourself, though, try a travel size by cult favourite perfumer Le Labo.
Warmth Eau de Parfum, 50ml
Le Labo Santal 33, 15ml
Eye gel for late nights
The undereye area usually ends up looking worse for wear throughout autumn and winter, with lots of late nights. Murad’s eye depuffer uses ginseng, lily and caffeine, as well as the brand’s amino acid peptide, which can help with the appearance of bags, darkness and fine lines. It’s a little pricey, though, so Horace’s formula is a great budget-friendly alternative.
Murad targeted eye depuffer, 15ml
Horace under-eye moisturiser, 15ml
Get some cinematic style inspiration
Lift your looks from some cult autumn/winter season films – think Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society, Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally …, Steve McQueen in Bullitt, Matthew Goode in Brideshead Revisited and Tom Hanks in You’ve Got Mail.
Find alternative ways to tie your scarf
Take your scarf game up a knot-ch (sorry …) by learning new ways to tie them. My favourite is the side knot: tie the scarf in half over your shoulder and pull one half forward while the other goes behind your back.
Tartan lamb’s wool scarf
Save your shoes with a protector spray
Crep Protect’s shoe protector spray works on trainers, leather, nubuck, suede and canvas – you just need to clean your shoes, spray all over from a 20cm distance, let it dry for 10 minutes, then repeat, and you’ll be set for four weeks.
Shoe protector spray, 200ml
Get to know your local seamstress or tailor
It’s a simple fact: clothes look better when they fit properly. So, if you’ve got trousers that are a touch too long, a blazer that’s a little too roomy or even a T-shirt that needs to be shortened for a modern boxy fit, you can find a local seamstress or dry cleaner who can do alterations. Usually it’s not an expensive process, and it makes a huge difference.
Double up your collars
The double collar is a styling trick that’s cropping up all over, from the menswear influencers on IG to the lookbooks of preppy pros Gant and Ralph Lauren. It’s an easy way to add some fashiony interest to your fit, and it’s so simple to do with pieces you’ve already got in your drawer. You could wear a rugby top over an Oxford shirt, go for a double polo shirt or even wear two of the same shirt at once.
Striped heavy rugger shirt
For more inspiration, read the best jeans for men and how to create a capsule wardrobe
Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear and beauty
