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What are the must-haves for men this fall?

In no particular order, one is a canvas jacket, which is cut like a sports jacket or blazer but is of rougher, sometimes even wrinkly material, usually cotton. It's in keeping with the workwear theme of the past couple of seasons, which makes gentlemen look a little bit like 19th-century miners (not an unsexy look, in my opinion). It's also soft, unlined and unconstructed, so you can roll it up and put it in your bag. Another must-have is a colourful cotton scarf, to go with your jacket. And some lace-up ankle boots, black or brown leather. You should also pick up a tan raincoat. This is a 1950s thing: unadorned, single-breasted, knee-length, gabardine. The colour is slightly browner than khaki. Club Monaco is carrying a nice one. You'll look like Jean-Paul Sartre. Finally, this isn't a must-have, but a must-do: If you have one, shave off your stupid hipster beard.

Russell Smith's latest novel, Girl Crazy, was recently released.

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