You wear a suit in New York and a lot of people will ask you for directions. People trust a man wearing a suit, it is just one of those things. In previous jobs I would wear a suit regularly and it was a matter of choice not necessity. I’m not an attorney in the court room and I don’t manage anyone’s money. And trust me, wearing a suit is much more fun that way. As time went on my interest in workwear waxed and my interest in clothes waned. As fall rears its head (more and more by the day here in New York), my thoughts shift back to suits and trench coats. The below is my interpretation of what I would be wearing if I was cast as the lead of Get Carter, something bullet proof to bang around London in. A mix of amazing English goods and updated American classics. Throw in an IWC for good luck and we are on our way. The only question is, what car to pair with this look? Well, I’ll leave that for you to discuss in the comments. Maybe something sporty?

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The only thing better than the things you can have, are always the things you can’t. I stick to my belief that menswear in Japan is leaps and bounds ahead of what we get here in the States. Of course, maybe that is just because I’m here and Japan is, well, there. Everything in the below was basically created by the Americans or the British, but more than anything I see this as a purely Japanese look. Of course, maybe it is just me. Take the spirit of this and translate, coagulate and/or appreciate it as inspiration from our friends in the East.

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The series “That Autumn Look” probably generates more reader email than anything I have ever done on this site. The looks are a lot of fun to put together, but the process can be tedious. I’m not one to be excited for spring and summer dressing, so I’m happy to keep my still life looks to the autumn variety. The first installment for 2009 is inspired by my adventures (read: meetings and appointments) in and around the city. Here’s to crisp days with soft jersey zip-ups, chambray, leather boots and a good helping of waxed canvas.

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Anyone that visits this site on a fairly regular basis knows that I am a major advocate of workwear style. Like many people growing up in the Midwest, but living in New York City, I have a nostalgic connection to the fabrics and brands of blue collar America. That said, being a “marketing professional” (read: yuppie), do I really want to walk out of the house dressed head-to-toe in a laborers outfit? Not so much. The union ironworkers that are building the skyscraper around the corner from my apartment might conscript me into making a trip to the deli (with a box) to get everyone on the job site egg sandwiches.

Workwear items are meant to be mixed and matched, creating a more modern look. Pictured below are classic and utilitarian items that pair well with more fashion forward brands like Robert Geller, Obedient Sons, Rag & Bone, Steven Alan, Nicholas K and many others. On its own, this look might work for a Saturday shopping excursion or a trip to the flea market but not for a meeting or a date, unless she is really into the rugged type.

The Working Man

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The lazy Sunday brunch is a celebrated ritual in New York City. Wear a chunky knit cardigan, comfortable pants and your bean boots. Don’t forget The New York Times and friends to unwind with over Bloody Marys. I love to build an outfit around a pair of boots or a puffy coat and then head to Bubby’s or the Spotted Pig for carb-loaded pre-football rations. For inspiration, my ideal Sunday brunch attire is pictured as That Autumn Look part three.

Sunday Brunch

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Judging from the response and comments on That Autumn Look Part One, I would say people liked the concept. The second in the series draws inspiration from a business man on a rain soaked fall day. There is a conscious mix of English and American styles. The venerable Mackintosh outerwear is paired with the younger, more design focused Norwegian umbrella and galoshes from Swims. The leather bag and shoes add a subtle dose of color to the otherwise neutral tone. The complete list of products included can be found after the jump.

Rainy Day Business Man

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Is it fall yet? September leads to October and then eventually to November which is when the weather gets just right. If the temperature could just settle into the low-50s to mid-40s (what I call Barbour weather) I would be happy. One of my favorite things in the world is to open the coat closet (hall closet as it was known back in Ohio) and resurrect the Barbour for another season. Last summer I had my Bedale re-waxed in New Hampshire, making the telltale tin cloth scent more enjoyable and pungent than ever.

In anticipation of the pending brisk autumn weather, I devised a series of still life product round-ups for your viewing pleasure. Part one, The Commuter, is pictured below.

The Commuter

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