We try not to play favorites, but fall is a truly great season for clothing. For men in their 50s, that means bringing out the classics from men's jeans to men's chinos to the good old-fashioned navy blazer. While we can wax poetically on the timeless charm of those items, this list of essentials is about functionality, too: how can you get through those rainy patches of fall without a good pair of slip-resistant, all-weather shoes? We'll be making the case for those items and more in this list of fall essentials for men in their 50s.
A good pair of jeans is a requirement for any season, but fall in particular is a great time for denim. Whether you plan to wear yours with a t-shirt or the men's flannel shirt for a classic autumnal look, a good pair of jeans is an option you don't want to be without. If you're looking for an extra element of comfort, consider picking up a pair with stretch. Stretch jeans have the same look as their 100% cotton cousins, but that little touch of stretch goes a long way in increasing comfort while sitting, a must for long train rides or plane trips.
Chinos may be unmatched in their pure versatility, as they can be worn with everything from a plain t-shirt to an authentic rugby shirt to a pinpoint shirt with a blazer. They're not so formal that you wouldn't hesitate to wear them on a walk through the woods, but they have enough polish to be worn to Thanksgiving dinner. If you anticipate a bit of travel to get to your Turkey Day, you might want to consider getting a pair of wrinkle-proof pants so that you'll stay crisp upon your arrival (plus you can give the iron a day off).
Your work or fall travel schedule may not call for a suit, but we feel confident predicting that a navy blazer will serve you well. A navy blazer can be worn casually with a rugby shirt as an extra layer, or paired with a button-front pinpoint shirt as part of a classic business look. If you think there's a good chance that your business this fall involves travel, a no iron pinpoint shirt will go a long way to keeping your navy blazer ensemble looking crisp upon arrival.
What season doesn't call for a t-shirt? You can wear it to rake leaves with jeans and a cotton sweater, or throw it on for an unhurried post-Thanksgiving morning with sweatpants. It will also prove to be a useful companion for those chilly winter days when venturing outside doesn't look too appetizing. When these lazy winter afternoons arrive, embrace them. Consider wearing your t-shirt with a pair of flannel pajama pants and slippers, and leaving the sofa only to get yourself another mug of hot chocolate or throw an extra log onto the fire.
Rain, snow, muddy leaves—fall presents no shortage of obstacles when it comes to footwear. That's why it's advisable to invest in a pair of all-weather shoes for the season. If your pair is waterproof, you won't have to think twice before wearing them out on a rainy day or even amid a snowy squall. You'll get even more wear out of your all-weather shoes if they happen to be slip-resistant. Slip-resistant shoes are a must for ice, but they'll also come in handy whenever a pavement is slickened by rainfall. You may find that a pair of all-weather, slip-resistant shoes are just as vital for taking on the season as a warm fall coat or a warm winter jacket.