For men, fashion is simple.

Shirt, tie, suit and — bam! — you’re ready for work.

Jeans, button-down shirt, sport coat and — bam! — you’re ready for a date.

Trends in menswear don’t really change, though some pieces or jackets are popular from year to year, said Laura McDowell, TJ Maxx fashion expert. This year it’s a ribbed sweater, but no worries: Just throw it on over your button-down and off you go.

1. The half-zip ribbed sweater is the “in” piece for men this fall. It can look casual with a pair of jeans, or ready for the office when worn with a pair of khakis and a button-down shirt. Great for weekend wear.

2. The simplest way to dress for a date is a pair of khakis and a nice dress shirt. Leave the tie at home.

3. Dress shirt tones are getting darker as autumn arrives. Men’s shirts have come a long way from winter white with a solid-color tie. Now ties flaunt polka dots, stripes and coordinating patterns.

4. Comfortable: Grab a hooded sweatshirt, a couple of jerseys and throw them on with a pair of running pants and — voila! A simple Saturday at home or errand-running outfit. One warning: Leave the sweats at home when you take out your lady friend.