How to Build a Fall/Winter Wardrobe for Warm Climates—It’s All About The Fabrics

When Mike Banks, a long-time client from Phoenix, Arizona, approached us for his Fall/Winter capsule wardrobe, we knew this would be a challenge. Phoenix isn’t just hot—it’s one of the hottest cities in America. Mike, however, has a classic, East Coast sense of style. He’s all about tailored suits, high-waisted trousers, and structured jackets. 

The question became: how do you channel the elegance and texture of traditional fall/winter garments into a wardrobe that works for the desert heat?

He needed lightweight pieces with all the depth and richness of autumn, yet breathable enough for everyday wear in Arizona. To give him exactly what he needed we crafted a capsule wardrobe that blends lightweight wools, silk blends, and merino knits—fabrics that mimic the texture of heavier winter materials but allow for maximum breathability. 

When people think of fall/winter wardrobes, heavier fabrics like wool or cashmere often come to mind—fabrics designed to insulate and protect against cold weather. But in climates like Phoenix, where temperatures can still soar well into the fall, adding bulk just doesn’t work.

That’s why Mike’s wardrobe doesn’t rely on heavier materials. Instead, it uses a lighter-weight version of classic fall fabrics, complemented by a thoughtful color palette of cool greys, rusts, browns, and greens that visually signal the shift in seasons without adding unnecessary warmth.

When building Mike’s capsule, every fabric choice was deliberate. There are some amazing fall fabrics that are lighter versions of classic fall winter garments—lightweight fabrics, maximum impact was our goal. We focused on breathable materials that still offer the visual weight of traditional fall pieces. 

The tailored jackets in his capsule really showcase the best warm weather fabrics for fall and winter. Each jacket tells a story of craftsmanship and versatility, perfect for Mike’s active, high-style lifestyle. 

• Super 180s Flannel & Silk Suit: A standout piece, crafted from Ariston’s Super 180s Flannel & Silk, a rare fabric that combines the texture and softness of flannel with the light, breathable qualities of silk. Weighing in at just seven ounces, it’s the lightest flannel we’ve ever seen—ideal for anyone who wants that classic fall texture without the bulk or warmth. 
• Summer Tweed Herringbone Jacket: A nod to traditional tweed, but designed for warm climates. Crafted from tropical wool and silk, this jacket has all the character and depth of a heavy tweed but feels airy and cool. Ideal for men who love textured fabrics but can’t get away with the weight in warmer temperatures.
• Wool, Silk & Linen Hopsack Jacket: Made from a luxurious blend of wool, silk, and linen, the hopsack texture in this blazer adds dimension while maintaining comfort and breathability. 

One of the keys to making fall winter fabrics work in hot climates is the classic fit. Unlike slimmer fits that hug the body and trap heat, the classic fit allows for more airflow, making the suit feel lighter and more comfortable, even in high temperatures. By incorporating looser fits and lightweight fabrics, we made sure that Mike can wear his fall/winter pieces without feeling weighed down by the heat.

For men like Mike, who live in hot climates, finding the right fabrics for a fall/winter wardrobe is essential. At Articles of Style, we design with purpose. Each piece in his capsule wardrobe was designed for Mike to embrace the heat without sacrificing comfort. By combining lightweight fabrics like Super 180s wool and silk with a seasonal color palette, Mike’s wardrobe offers the best of both worlds—style and functionality.

This 5 star reviewer on TrustPilot felt so good in his new custom-fits he “felt like James Bond” at his best-friends wedding and “will be ordering again and again. Another agrees it’s because AOS puts “meticulous care and expert craftsmanship are infused into every stitch, resulting in a garment that is not only beautifully designed but also impeccably constructed.” 

Ready to build a meticulously crafted wardrobe that works for your climate? Explore our collection of lightweight, breathable fall/winter fabrics and find your perfect fit.

Check out Mike's full capsule: The Classic Man Capsule.

Book the Capsule Wardrobe Experience.

I look forward to working with you!

Yours in style,

Dan Trepanier