Strange pairings often lead to mixed results: peanut butter on a burger is randomly delicious, but peanut butter on a sandwich, with jelly?? Go back to grossville! Making strange pairings work, Richard Chai.

The third line of casual menswear from this former Marc Jacobs designer, RC's utilitarian Fall collection of predominantly black/grey sweaters, trousers, and coats cleverly blends non-traditionally paired fabrics (twill & georgette, silks and wools, etc) while evoking the minimalist feel of an early twentieth century worker's uniform, though this time the black's on the outside and not in your lungs. Above the waist designs include a two-fabric, cotton buttondown dress shirt w/ dark grey silk around the midsection; a bright yellow/black/white plaid long sleeve zip-up shirt w/ spread collar; and a chunky navy knit cashmere cardigan with a front zip and 8 buttons pea coat-style, which, if you recall your trig, always equals &#8730 2. RC also designs rugged outerwear like a straight-fit black leather motorcycle jacket featuring extended sleeves and four front diagonal-zip pockets; a cropped four-button black wool coat with breast pocket and notched collar; and a slimmer–fitting, three-quarter-length grey/brown/blue plaid bridge pea coat w/ welted seams and, apparently, an abusive previous owner.

If you prefer to stylize below the waist, they've got utilitarian cut trousers in designs that range from grey baggy wool to a pair of slim, smooth cotton dress pants to a muted brown plaid number that matches the pea coat -- an adorable pairing that'll leave you favored for re-election as mayor of Grossville.

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