The warm weather has passed for the year and with it the v neck craze that took over the streets of New York. But never fear, a proliferation of leather motorcycle jackets has taken it’s place on the back of every stylish person from here to LA. I’ll admit, I have a brown one and I love it, but lest we forget our favorite Fall fabrics. Fall is generally a short season, and so our time frame for lovely browns, oranges, and forest greens is fleeting. It’s my favorite season, and we mustn’t miss it.

Fall clothing is generally soft and warm, with luxurious wools and corduroys, lending a casual but professorial air. It’s the perfect weather for nice vests and sweaters, chilly enough to be comfortable mixing patterns and layers but not so cold as to cover it all under a buttoned up winter coat. Here are four of the quintessential patterns of Autumn to collect, mix, match, and enjoy while you still can.

First up is corduroy, a time tested durable and warm fabric that may draw it’s name from ‘cord du roi’ referring to the Bourbon king for whom it was designed. Another history says the name came from a combination of ‘cord’ for the horizontal striped pattern and the antique word ‘duroy’ which means course fabric in old English. Corduroy comes in many weights and colors, as seen here in the Authentic Fit cords in wine red from the Gap.

Next is Houndstooth, a woven wool pattern of small broken checks which abstractly resemble a canine tooth. Originating in the Scottish Lowlands, Houndstooth has seen a resurgence lately in women’s coats, appearing in a large scale pattern and generally in black and white. Houndstooth is really striking in Fall earthen colors, especially mixed into an almost plaid palate of browns oranges and greens. Here are a smart pair of brown houndstooth pants by Vivienne Westwood. A nicely tailored pair of patterned pants always draw a compliment and add a bold yet refined statement to any outfit. Match houndstooth pants with that brown leather jacket and you’ll be one step above.

Here we have herringbone, a classic pattern, generally wool, that takes its name from the alternating v shaped stitches which combine to take a form reminiscent of the skeletal system of a herring fish. Herringbone is most commonly a sport coat material. Here is a classic wool Herringbone blazer from J Press. Add leather buttons and elbow patches for a true Collegiate look. All of these patterns also go beautifully matched with varying patterns and colors of pocket squares, ties and sweaters.

Finally we have your classic tweed blazer. Much like the herringbone blazer, tweed is never out of style but enjoys the spotlight most comfortably during the Fall and matched with a regimental tie and thick sweater. Tweed is a coursely woven and extremely durable fabric, used famously for hunting and fishing in 19th century Britain and surrounding countries. Originally called ‘tweele’ in the old Scots, the name tweed, legend has it, came about when a merchant received a shipment and misunderstood the handwriting on the order. Thinking the fabric from the River Tweed which flows through the textile producing areas of Scotland, the fabric was marketed as such and the name stuck. A traditional tweed jacket is always in style, especially in a slimmer modern cut like the one here from JCrew. A blazer like this emanates a casual but timeless style, and every gentleman should have one in his closet.

Now that you know what you are talking about, get out there and add something interesting to your Fall wardrobe!