men's fall essentials with lands' end's alex kirwan

Coming in hot on a Monday with my first casse-croute interview! After working in men's apparel for three years prior to my current job, I have a full-blown thing for guy style—browsing Askov Finlayson or just passing a masculine button-down/dark denim ensemble on the street makes me feel warm 'n fuzzy. While I'm no longer writing copy for Lighthouse Chinos or Squall Jackets, I maintain a healthy hobbyist interest in the field. And with October around the corner, it's time to start surveying your cold-weather wardrobe and filling in the gaps! Rather than curate my own list of fall essentials, I enlisted my former coworker, Alex, to share what's on his radar this season. As both a male and a menswear merchant, he offers a smart and stylish insider perspective that has me beat on both counts!

Get to know Alex then shop his must-haves for a handsome fall!

NAME: Alex Kirwan
TITLE: Associate Merchant, Men's Knits at Lands' End
HOMETOWN: Rochester, NY
LANDS' END IS RIGHT OUTSIDE MADISON, WI. FAVORITE MADISON RESTAURANT? Too many, but my top three are Forequarter, Grampa's Pizza and Natt Spil.

A TYPICAL DAY AT LANDS' END LOOKS LIKE: This is cliché, but almost every day is different. We're constantly collaborating with Design, Creative, Sourcing and Planning, so one day we might review key looks for the season, and the next, analyze financials.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT WORKING AS A MERCHANT? Someone might be surprised at the level to which we're involved in product development. When I tell people what I do, most say they thought merchants just bought fabric or placed factory orders.
WHY IS NOW AN EXCITING TIME TO WORK AT LANDS' END? Our new CEO has a lot of exciting ideas about evolving and growing the brand while staying true to our classic, nautical roots.

WHAT FALL TRENDS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT? I'm just excited about layering in general. I love outerwear, too, so I'm ready to break out my coats and jackets.
WHAT MENSWEAR PIECE NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE? Jeans. Denim in general, actually.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO SHOP FOR? Shoes and outerwear.
LAST THING YOU BOUGHT FOR YOURSELF? A garment-dyed Gitman Vintage Oxford shirt from the Unionmade seasonal sale.
FAVORITE BRANDS? I can't afford them, but currently love Officine Générale and AMI.
STYLE ICON? Ariel and Shimon Ovadia, the twin brothers behind Ovadia & Sons.

Abraham Moon Wool Topcoat

This coat is made with a beautiful wool donegal from Abraham Moon, one of the most famous woolen mills in the UK. The little colored neps in the fabric give it great texture and dimension. 

Slim Fit Chambray Shirt

Chambray shirts are a staple in my closet. I wear the light-wash one with dark jeans and the darker with faded denim. 

Tipped Mesh Polo

The tipping detail on this polo reminds me of vintage Fred Perry polos, and gives it a bit of a mod feel. 

Serious Sweats Striped Crewneck Sweatshirt 

The Serious Sweats crew and full-zip are the most comfortable sweats I own—seriously. I like the nautical update the Breton stripe gives this one. 

Vans Premium Leather Sneakers

I love the look of indigo and navy with white leather sneakers. These are classic and a great solve if you like the look of Common Projects, but not the $400 price tag.