While there are plenty of occasions to wear formal attire throughout the year — the office, a date, weddings and funerals and so on — autumn is especially well suited for it. With cooler temperatures and less humidity than summer and less mud and rain than spring, it’s the sweet spot for dressing well. And no article of clothing resonates better to cool evenings and changing leaves like a blazer or a sport coat. They’re capable of making a white tee look slick, a fall sweater look professorial, or a button-down look buttoned-up. We’ve broken down the best blazers and sport coats to wear this autumn, depending on how deep your pockets are and whether you like tweed, herringbone or corduroy.
Under $250
Cocktail Attire, with Money Left Over for Cocktails
Perry Ellis Modern Fit Plaid Blazer

This traditional black blazer — really a suit separate — is made with a polyester-rayon blend, comes in a modern fit (meaning it’s better suited for athletic builds), and is appropriate to wear with matching black trousers or dressed down with jeans.