Complex Fashion Editor Matthew Henson's Fall Essentials

In the few minutes each day when he's not styling every Complex cover, guide section, and fashion editorial, Matthew Henson is typically advising friends, family, and some of the heaviest names in entertainment on what they should be wearing. We figured why not share his wisdom directly with our audience?

It's kind of weird being asked what my fall essentials are for several reasons.

First off, I just finished buying all of my fall gear. To be honest, I didn't buy much since I plan to wearing all my stuff from last fall and winter. And yes, some summer stuff too.

Secondly, I definitely don't shop as much as I probably should. I've been wearing the same jeans for years, and the last times I've been shopping I've only gotten a few T-shirts, one new coat, a new jacket, and, okay fine, I OVERDOSED on shoes and boots.

The third reason is because you guys are brutal in the comments. You'll roast me no matter what. If everything is affordable, you'll say I'm not actually wearing it. If I list all of the expensive things I save up for and splurge on, you'll say I can afford it with my huge magazine salary (even though a quick Google search would enlighten you to the fact that there is no such thing as a huge salary for a Fashion Editor).

With that being said, here are all of the items I'll be wearing this fall. I typically stuck to my favorite brands, including Acne Studios, Naked & Famous, and ETQ-Amsterdam, but here's what I included in the inaugural edition of Complex Fashion Editor Matthew Henson's Fall Essentials.

The team at En Noir is an extension of my family, and leather haters aside, they do some amazing treatments with luxe materials (besides leather, you haters) like these cotton sweatpants with a waxed coating. These look rich, and I mean rich. When I wear these at the airport, they hurt feelings. And the extra zippers get me the additional pat down after I walk through the scanner (haters).

Buy It Now at En Noir, $500

Everyone makes beanies, but the homie Rhuigi is an innovator. My dude paid close attention to the ends of these caps and turned them into demonic ears. Since I'm constantly being called the devil—three times today—I feel like this suits me well.

Buy It Now at Rh-ude, $75

There is nothing like a fresh pair of "wheats." It for sure puts some pep in your step when you're in a dope outfit with a new pair of Timbs. It's like getting a haircut, which is the closest I'll ever get to plastic surgery...again.

Buy It Now at Timberland, $190

I try not to abuse my shoes by wearing the same pair everyday, but ETQ has turned me into a believer of repetition. I love the simplicity, the overall clean look, and they are comfortable enough to wear daily. They are my go-to shoe and everyone always compliments me and inquires about them where ever I go.

Buy It Now at ETQ-Amsterdam, $295

Yeah no, I don't believe in any of those fashion rules about wearing white after Labor Day or whatever. Have you ever worn all white in the winter dude? You look like the man. Not a snowman but THE MAN, and women love it, not that I care, but the look definitely gets a lot of love.

Buy It Now at Twenty Jeans, $30

John Elliott is the man behind the best basics out there. He cut these T-shirts for guys with any body shape, which is great because depending on what I eat, multiple body shapes is a daily experience. The shirts are made of the softest cotton and are great as a stand alone piece, but also cool for layering becase they have a longer hem that peeks out from under your top layers. #Fashion.

Buy It Now at John Elliott & Co., $58

Hamilton is synonymous with amazing custom shirts, but their off-the-rack offerings from their 1883 line fit me perfectly, because God blessed me with a fast metabolism (sometimes). The shirts are made of the best quality oxford material, and I actually wear them all year-round.

Buy It Now at Hamilton Shirts, $195

Chris from Stampd showed me these on the set of a music video I was styling about a year ago and I geeked out. I've been waiting for them since that day, and the time has finally come. They are comfy like a sneaker, dressed up like a brogue, and a little weird like a creeper. Just an awesome shoe for fall that you can rock on any occasion.

Buy It Now at Stampd, $350

I've been wearing the same Naked & Famous jeans for two and a half years now. No dry cleaning, no freezer action, no washing, just leaving them stank and dirty. The magic of these jeans is that they remain 100% black which I love, because I personally don't like faded black denim.

Buy It Now at Barneys New York, $145

This is one of those splurge items I was speaking about, but it's worth every dollar. If you follow Acne Studios as a brand you'll know that they make amazing pieces that eventually become collectors' items, and this is one of them. I'll be able to wear this coat for years and still have people asking where I got it.

Buy It Now at Ssense, $2,220

Plaid shirts never go out of style, but this season I chose a collarless version to mix up the monotony of the ones I already have. Oh, why didn't I just cut the collar off one I already have, you ask? Because I can't afford scissors after I bought that expensive ass coat!

Buy It Now at Iro, $232

Honestly, I'll wear shorts until it starts to snow. I like the way longer shorts look with bomber jackets and larger coats, and these joints from Public School caught my attention at their presentation last season. When I wear these I'm gonna throw on a pair of Timbs and look like a G, or at least feel like one.

Buy It Now at Union Los Angeles, $260