01. Earth tones
Piling layer upon layer of the same muddy color is for infantry grunts. To wear earth tones elegantly, vary shades and textures-and watch how easily an olive pullover and a chocolate moleskin suit soften the military edge of a brown overcoat.

02. Wax jackets
Part barn jacket and part bomber, the wax jacket was once the foul-weather choice of hunters
In the Scottish highlands. New models-still waterproof and insulated-have a tailored fit and polished metal hardware, which makes them a much more sophisticated way to protect yourself from the elements than a slicker.

03. Oxfords
When it comes to oxfords, less is sometimes more. Brogued wing tips and cap-toes are great for the office, but on a casual evening out you’ll look like you’re playing dress up. Loose the details and you have a shoe that adds an elegant note to wool pants and a sweater.

04. Argyle
Argyle may be fun on socks and at the driving range, but you can also dial it down. Put on a sweater in subdued colors, and match one of the hues in the pattern to a striped collard shirt. You can even add a dark turtleneck for a surprisingly dapper effect.

05. University Scarves
It is possible to wear a stripped scarf without conjuring Harry Potter. Just leave the boyish blue blazer in the closet and sling the bright strip of wool over a cashmere sweater and jeans. And choose your eyewear wisely.

06. Marled Sweaters
A chunky gray sweater should be a fall staple-as long as it’s not the kind of heavy-duty crew neck that makes you look like a model for an outdoor-gear catalog. Pair slim, refined styles with flannel trousers and you’ll be dressed for cocktails, not s’mores.

07. Belts
Big brown belts with flashy, oversize buckles had their moment a couple years ago when every other guy in New York and L.A. was duded up like an urban cowboy. Slim, modern versions serve their purpose with restraint-and the subtle hardware will keep you from looking like an extra on Rawhide.

08. The Peacoat
Once a woolen barrier between a sailor and the sea air, the peacoat has become everyday outer-wear. Get an updated one with a slimmed down body, a narrowed collar, and unexpected bright-white buttons-a graphic touch that lets the old-school coat hold its own at night.

09. Weekend Bags
A black roller bag makes sense for a business trip, but you shouldn’t channel a traveling salesman for a weekend getaway. Carry an over-the-shoulder duffel with an off-the-clock shape and a tan leather exterior that will only look better with age.

10. Wide Ties
While the recent return of neckwear to the office has largely been in the form of skinny versions, you should feel free to work the wider kind into your wardrobe. Tied with a Windsor knot or four-in-hand, they’ll make you look more boardroom than indie-band.

11. Plaid Shirt
The danger of wearing plaid button-down to work is that you can look like you’re en route to an indie-rock show. On a well tailored shirt, a Scottish tartan makes a refreshing substitute for blue. Pair one with a dark tie and trousers and your officemates won’t ask you if you’re on your way to see Wilco.

12. Corduroys
Five-pocket corduroys have been rehabilitated since their grunge heyday. Once-flared legs are tapered, and color palettes have been expanded. Wear a brown or bright yellow pair with a fitted sweater and sneakers on the weekends-and forgo the shaggy sideburns.