A wardrobe for autumn

Short answer: Autumn is the hardest season to dress for, because morning and afternoon can be ten degrees apart. The answer is three thin layers instead of one thick one, so you can adjust during the day instead of guessing right in the morning.

Three thin layers beat one thick

With three thin layers you can hit five different temperatures, because you can combine them in several ways. One thick jumper gives you only two choices, on or off. In autumn, when the weather changes several times a day, it is exactly those steps in between that you need. That is why a wardrobe of thin pieces works so well.

Start with the inner layer

The inner layer sits directly on your skin all day and is the only one you never take off. It should be soft, fit close without squeezing, and work from a cold morning to a mild afternoon. A thin undershirt under your shirt or T-shirt does more than you might expect, see bamboo undershirts for men.

The middle layer does the work

The middle layer is the one you take on and off during the day. You put it on when you leave in the morning and take it off when you reach the office or get in the car. It should be easy to pull over your head and easy to carry over your arm, see bamboo sweatshirt for men.

The outer layer keeps the weather out

The outer layer has one job, which is keeping wind and rain out. It does not need to be warm itself, because the warmth comes from the layers underneath. A light jacket that opens fully is often more useful in autumn than a thick winter coat, which quickly gets too warm once the sun comes out in the afternoon.

Socks that handle moisture

Autumn is wet, and wet feet are the quickest route to a bad day. Rain, puddles and damp grass find their way through most shoes sooner or later. Choose socks that still feel comfortable when they get a little damp, and keep a spare pair in your bag on the wettest days, see bamboo socks for men.

Check the weather for the whole day

Many people only look at the temperature when they leave home. In autumn it is more useful to see how the whole day develops. If the morning is cold and the afternoon mild, choose layers you can take off. If it is the other way round, bring an extra layer, even if you do not need it when you leave.

Layers that go together

Layers work best when they match in cut and colour. A T-shirt that is longer than your jumper, or a jumper that is too tight over your undershirt, makes them awkward to wear together. Choose simple colours that combine freely, so you do not have to think about it while getting dressed on a dark morning.

Keep an extra layer ready

The easiest habit to build is keeping a thin extra layer where you spend your day, such as at the office, in the car or in your bag. Then you are covered if the weather turns or you stay longer than planned. It takes a little space, but saves you many cold walks home.

Frequently asked questions

How do you dress for autumn

In three thin layers. That way you can adjust through the day instead of having to choose right in the morning, before you know what the afternoon will bring.

Why is autumn difficult

Because there can be a ten degree difference between morning and afternoon on the same day. What fits at seven in the morning rarely fits at three.

What is the most important layer

The middle layer. It is the one you take off when you come inside and put back on when you go out, so it should be easy to remove and carry.