Four Essential Layers for Transitional Weather

Shirt jacket, $118 by Wallace & Barnes

By the Valet. staff

September 12, 2016

Pulling on a few smart layering pieces is the best way to handle the unpredictability of those cold-to-hot-to-cold days of early fall. And then once the chill sets in permanently, you'll be glad your wardrobe is stocked with such essentials. From comfortable sweatshirts and an easy-to-wear henley to fresh takes on the classic shirt jacket, these are the staples that will suit you all season long.

How to Wear It

Opt for solid colors or subtle stripes in neutral shades to get the most wear out of these shirts, layering them over and under a range of tops and outerwear.

Blaze Ignites, $95 by Puma Select

Sweatshirts

Take your off-duty kit to the next level by layering a sweatshirt over a longer T-shirt and wearing it with some washed jeans. Or add some athletic style to your work look by pulling a crewneck over your standard button-down.

Saturdays NYC, $125

J.Crew, $75

John Elliott, $189

H&M, $24.99

Nike, $90

Shirt Jackets

This heavy-duty, hard-wearing overshirt will serve you just as well on 40-degree nights over a sweater as it does on 60-degree days over a T-shirt. Today's best styles are tailored to do just that, keeping you warm without a lot of bulk.

Deus Ex Machina, $140

Taylor Stitch, ~~$188~~ / $148

H&M, $49.99

Todd Snyder, $188

Wallace & Barnes, $118

T-Shirts

The key to making a good T-shirt look great? Nailing the fit. You want one that traces your body without being too clingy. Pay a little bit more for quality fabrics, like Alex Mill's garment-dyed slub cotton or one of our new favorites, the merino-cotton blend by Copin.

Copin Sportswear, $34

Alex Mill, $65

Polo Ralph Lauren, $65

Reigning Champ, $60

Topman, $30

Henleys

The kind of rugged shirt that makes every guy look good. Not as casual as your typical tee but not as preppy (and more comfortable) than a standard button-down. Look for styles cut from soft, quality jersey cloth like Pima cotton or textured slub fabrics in simple colors.