What to Wear on a Cool Night Out

  Unfortunately summer is almost over and fall is right around the corner. The fall sunny days and cool nights call for a change in wardrobe. There are three simple solutions for you to use to keep warm during those cool nights: the blazer, the hoodie, and the track jacket. These styles are a quick fix for those brisk nights out.

  Let’s begin with the blazer. Unlike the hoodie and the track jacket, the blazer is the most diverse. It works with all long sleeve and short sleeve button up shirts, polos, and tees. You might be sitting there thinking, you already have a suit blazer and that is the solution to all your problems. This is completely wrong! When I say blazer, I mean a fashionable one that is stylish and fitted. The blazer should be fitted but when you move, it should not tear in the back. You want it to be comfortable but snug. A suit blazer is way too dressy and should not be worn with anything but suits. Your stylish new blazer can be deconstructed with frayed edges or have a different design on the pockets for a bit of funkiness. The classic style that goes with almost anything is the black blazer. Howe makes a great fitting stylish black blazer that is called the “Bobby Frock”. This blazer is a three button blazer with eccentric pockets that add some funkiness. This jacket comes in black and brown so if you have more of a brown wardrobe, you are set. I would suggest basic colors such as black, brown, olive, and white and the pinstriped pattern. You don’t want to go too crazy with color as the style of the jacket should be enough with its unique details.

  Next is the hoodie. Yes, you all have hoodies, but I am not talking about the champion hoodie that has your favorite sports team on it. The hoodie I am referring to here is the light weight hoodie or a French terry hoodie. French terry hoodies are a very light weight cotton hoodie with a detail of French terry on the edges. These are perfect for a cool summer or fall night and should only be used with a polo or tee. I would strongly suggest not wearing it with a button up shirt. The hoodie should be fitted and printed. You can buy solids if you would like, but the printed hoodies are more in style right now. If you would like to try a solid hoodie, Converse by John Varvatas makes a great one. The only rule with the hoodie is that it should be zip up, and not pullover. Colors and patterns are still the preferred. Billabong makes a great skull style hoodie. It is black with a faint graphic printed on it. Quicksilver also makes a great all over printed hoodie. Have fun choosing one! There are tons out there.

  Lastly are track jackets. Track jackets are very similar to zip up hoodies. Again, the fit should be comfortable but snug. Unlike the hoodie, the track jacket is worn mostly as a solid color. It can have a bit of detail on it, but it’s primarily a simple style. Track jackets should be solely worn with thermals and long sleeve or short sleeve tees. They do not go with button ups or polo shirts and have a sportier look. It’s a big fashion faux pas to wear the track jacket with matching track pants. If you are not going to the gym, there is no excuse to wear them together. Adidas, Ace, Puma, and Fred Perry all make great track styles. These styles are simple but cool.

  As the short summer dwindles away, don’t forget to prepare yourself by getting one of the blazers, hoodies, or track jackets that are in style now. All of these styles are different from each other so like I always say, “the most important thing is that it matches your personality”. As you match it up you can pick out basic to funky to have a bit of fun with it!

About the author:

  Rochel Friedlander has spent her last five years working in men’s fashion in New York City. Now living in Los Angeles, she continues to move forward in the fashion industry. During her sales experience, she has guided such retailers as Macys, Urban Outfitters, Atrium, E street denim, and National Jean Company to hit the right trends in the marketplace. Her knowledge of men’s fashion comes from her experience and extensive travel of the world. She has spent years living in London, England and toured through France, Australia, Greece, Italy, and many more countries. This has helped her understanding of European trends and how they are transposed into the North American market.