5 fall must-haves for men in their 40s

Ruby shirts, packable jackets, flannels: these items and more are what we consider to be fall must-haves for men reaching their middle age. Being stylish yet comfortable is the key to being more confident. So, check out our fall essentials for men in their 40s below.

1. Rugby shirts

Like the polo, the rugby shirt is another item that has its origins in sporting wear. It's not as ubiquitous as the polo shirt in the modern male wardrobe, but we believe that it should be. It remains less casual than a button-front shirt but not as casual as a T-shirt, and its full-length sleeves make it versatile enough to be worn through fall and winter as well. Like a polo shirt, it can even be layered under a navy blazer or a men's sports coat for extra warmth. The woven nature of a rugby shirt also means that it won't wrinkle like a button-front shirt, making it a great choice for travel wear.

You can wear rugby shirts with almost any wash of jeans. You can also pair one with chinos. You can also layer sweatshirts and winter jackets over the top for even more warmth on cold days of fall or even late into winter. Rugby shirts look best paired with sneakers.

2. Navy blazer

In our ever more casual world, the navy blazer has become the new suit. Think of it as a blank canvas: it can be paired with virtually any color pant, shirt, and tie. That being said, we'll never tire of that classic combination of khaki pants, a blue button-front shirt, a striped tie, and a navy blazer. Add in a pair of dress shoes, and you’ll look polished enough for anything. Whether you find yourself attending a meeting, visiting the theater, or just wish to make an evening out on the town feel a little more special, the navy blazer is a staple you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.

3. Flannel shirt

We like to think of the flannel shirt as the more outdoorsy cousin of a pinpoint shirt. As a button-front shirt it's not quite as casual as a t-shirt, but is still the sort of thing most at home with a good pair of jeans and a pair of boots. You can also use flannels to layer for a little extra warmth. Wear a plain t-shirt then put the flannel over the top. You can button up the flannel or leave it open for a casual look. Nothing quite says “fall” the way a plaid flannel shirt can. So, make sure you have a few of these classics in your closet for fall.

4. Sweatshirt

When it comes to cotton sweaters, the sweatshirt is a humble staple we can't do without. It accomplishes the number one goal of an extra layer of clothing–warmth–but its cotton weave allows it to breathe more easily than wool. The cotton factor also makes it easier to care for, as you can toss it in the wash whenever it needs a refresh. Sweatshirts are pretty casual. So, pair them with jeans or maybe chinos (depending on the color.) You can wear almost anything under a sweatshirt so long as it isn’t too thick. So, things like basic shirts, rugby shirts, etc. are great to wear under a sweatshirt for even more warmth. A sweatshirt is also great to keep in your car or desk at work, in case things get chilly. However, the sweatshirt won’t keep you dry in rain or snow. For that, consider a packable jacket.

5. Packable winter jacket

It's no shock that this list of fall essentials calls for a jacket, but we're going to differ from the average by advising you to get a packable jacket or coat. With travel, and the subsequent changes in setting and temperature it entails–being a more frequent part of our life, having a jacket that can be packed into its hood is a convenience you don't want to go without.