From the mind of surfer Kelly Slater comes a heck of a stylish T-shirt via Outerknown. Get this one on your person!
Is a T-shirt ever really just a T-shirt? Certainly not, especially if it’s the Outerknown Pagoda Stripe Tee — today’s choice #menswear pick for your reading (and purchasing?) pleasure. Why is it worth it to upgrade your T-shirt game — to the tune of a nearly $70 T-shirt from the fine folks at Outerknown and Huckberry? Well, riddle me this, folks: What’s an essential you can wear everyday, underneath everything from a slim light wash denim jacket to a breezy navy blazer and heck, all on its own? A well-made, modern-fitting and stylish T-shirt, that’s what. The Outerknown brand — and by extension, the Pagoda Stripe Tee — sprang from the mind of legendary surfer-turned designer Kelly Slater, and who knew he could put together such an essential, functional and wearable collection of #menswear? Surely, not me.
You very well should recognize the brand’s tees from this site’s #OOTD on what to wear to a summer barbecue, and the Pagoda Stripe Tee would also make a fine addition to any casual summer wardrobe. Make no mistake, it certainly belongs on your list of summer style essentials. Why’s that, exactly? It starts with the eye-catching striped pattern and moreso with the neutral Whitewater color, incorporating easy-to-match white and tan stripes. The Pagoda Stripe Tee is a perfect example of the dusty tones that are such a welcome change of pace from bright blues and reds in the summer months. You could even team this tee up with a similarly earth-toned pair of chukkas, like the Astorflex Greenflex Suede Chukkas. Add in some slim light wash denim, and you’re set for a weekend coffee run, a casual Sunday brunch or a few patio brews.
Subtle styling details and organic jersey cotton fabric make this tee a comfortable and environmentally friendly T-shirt option.
As we said before though, a stylish T-shirt is never really just a stylish T-shirt. In the case of the Pagoda Stripe Tee , that’s only a positive. Outerknown joins the ranks of brands doing their part to make the industry more sustainable and stylish in the process — this tee is made with organic jersey cotton for breathability, comfort and an eco-friendly production process. And the jacquard stripe pattern is a step up from your average white tee in terms of texture, style points and easygoing versatility. If you’re wondering how to wear this T-shirt, fear not.
Again, you could throw this tee on as is, or you could slip the Outerknown Evolution Shirt Jacket over it on a breezy summer evening. From city to country and campsite to your favorite bar back in town — busy, busy — it can take it all on in style (at least, your Style Guide author thinks so). Plus, its retro and slightly boxy fit is just a bit different than a plain white tee — feel free to roll up those shirt sleeves a bit, and you’ve got my full permission to perform the J. Crew tuck (T-shirt style, that is). Are you a fan, and will you be picking up the Pagoda Stripe Tee this summer? Chime in over on Twitter — and as always, you can check out how I wear my stylish summer shirts over on Instagram.
Folks, Happy Friday and welcome again to the latest Friday Read here on The Style Guide. We’re capping off an incredibly busy week — as it were, we published our guide on what to buy for Father’s Day (and by we, I mean me!). And did you catch my post on Governors Ball 2017 this past weekend covering the #menswear I brought with me? It was a rollicking, rocking good time, without a doubt. And if you can believe it, the live music continues through the coming weekend — notably, I’m trekking to the fine cities of Philly and Camden (that’s New Jersey) for the Radio 104.5 Birthday Celebration! That’s right — the one-day mini-fest featuring the likes of Bleachers, Foster the People and … The Killers! You can look for a full recap in that regard on Monday — I’m wildly excited for a great weekend, and you can follow along with all the action on Instagram or Twitter. For now, dive into a quick recap of the week in men’s style.
OK, let’s talk about your everyday carry. Namely, what you might (or might not) be using to carry your laptop around. In that department, I wrote about the 25 best laptop bags for men over at GearMoose. Shop away!
So, if your dad needs a style upgrade for the gym this Father’s Day, I’d urge you to check out Fourlaps Apparel. It’s athletic apparel for the active dad who doesn’t want to look like a total slob. With bright, bold colors and blocked stripes, it’s a bit of retro style and a lot of sporty functionality for the dad who loves to hit the gym (or just hang out in a nice pair of shorts).
In the way of gifts for the dad who’s got everything, check out the stellar, jam-packed Swanson Box from UrbanStems for Father’s Day, positively packed with all the goodies Dad will love — that includes gourmet treats like barrel-aged chocolate and fine coffee. It’s a winner all the way through — right?
While we’re talking Father’s Day, I put together a handy roundup covering what to buy for the stylish dad — from a handsome watch to beautiful Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots, you can find plenty of fashionable picks.
OK, y’all — we’re keeping it short this week. Join us tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week, and enjoy Friday in the meantime!
Can you believe it’s time, once again, to shop for Father’s Day? Or rather, finalize your shopping for Father’s Day? Or maybe … start your Father’s Day shopping? Whatever the case may be, your hard-working team of one at The Style Guide has you covered when it comes to what to buy for Father’s Day this year. No matter the dad in your life — be it a father figure or your grandfather — the picks below cover plenty o’ things that Pops might like to get this year, and it’s divided into handy categories. Whether Dad is a #menswear fan or prefers shopping for fine spirits to shopping for stylish sneakers, you can find helpful gift ideas below. The most important about the day, though? Carving out some time to spend with family on Father’s Day. And if you’d like to maximize that family time, I’d wager you should get shopping while the gettin’ is good. Let me know what you’re buying for Father’s Day via the comments, or fire off a quick Tweet on Twitter. I’ll write back just as soon as I can. Happy shopping!
A stylish short-sleeve shirt or a casual-yet-premium zip-up hoodie — your call, amigo.
Don’t get Dad any old shirt for summer. And certainly, don’t just buy him any old zip-up hoodie. For a unique upgrade to Dad’s weekend BBQ style, the Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt features a unique print, vintage-inspired design details (which he’ll appreciate!) and the kind of easygoing style that’s perfect for a summer vacation. And for a more casually minded Dad? Who doesn’t love a premium zip-up hoodie? Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie in Navy is the best zip-up hoodie on the market, perfect for casual weekend hangs.
Two picks for the dad who enjoys the art and nuance of a delicious cocktail.
Is Dad a big-time spirits enthusiast, the kind of guy who appreciates the art of a finely crafted cocktail? Bring a little of that same spirit home to him — after all, both of these gifts feature the functionality and smart, handsome design to fit right into a home study, den or kitchen. The Be Home Copper Bar Set is the all-in-one answer to mixing a delicious drink, and the W&P Design Homemade Gin Kit is the all-in-one answer to a key ingredient in said cocktail. Dad’s gonna love it.
Two options for two different kinds of dad — or maybe two gifts for the versatile dad?
If Dad’s a golf enthusiast, here’s the perfect gift to complement that new golf polo or putter (someone’s feeling generous this year). Make no mistake, the Nomo Design Augusta Print is entirely unique and eye-catching — perfect for Dad’s study. And if he’s more of a geography buff — or simply appreciates neat home décor? The Erstwhile World Political Wall Map is a super-premium (and yes, pricey) finishing touch.
Sunglasses that seamlessly blend the retro and the modern.
File the Electric Leadbelly Sunglasses firmly under your list of gifts for the “cool dad” — or the dad who just needs new shades. Electric makes its sunglasses with top-quality touches like Italian acetate and striking colors, plus the type of wearable style that fits in whether your dad is manning the grill or taking his favorite car for a spin on Sunday. He’ll be the best-dressed guy on the road — particularly if you also gift him the Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt … right? Right?
A sharp watch that works for dressy or casual situations — something a watch buff can definitely appreciate it.
A stylish dress watch and sharp sunglasses go hand-in-hand, do they not? The Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph is a crisply designed watch that’s at once speedy, slick and … surprisingly office-friendly. Seriously — if you’ve got one of your own, you know what I mean. And if the dad on your list is an avid watch fan and wants a new — and distinctly wearable — timepiece to add to his collection, you’d do well to give him the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph.
A significantly upgraded shaving experience for Dad at a great price.
Is your dad on or off the beard bandwagon? At any rate, Harry’s does excellent work when it comes to quick, easy-to-use and easy-to-buy grooming gear for dads (and normal guys everywhere). You can (and should) engrave the razor stand for a customized touch, and the special storm gray handle is a clean, crisply designed edition made specifically for Father’s Day.
A smartly designed, functional and stylish lamp for the clean-cut dad.
If great style is all about small upgrades — and if giving gifts is about getting someone something they’d never buy themselves — then look toward an underrated home décor opportunity for Father’s Day. Featuring classic design, handsome looks and the type of refinement befitting a stylish dad’s home study or office, the Angelpoise Original 1227 Brass Desk Lamp is at once smart and simple, necessary and very underrated. Oh, and yes … it’s expensive. But worth it for dad — right? (Maybe get the family to pitch in on this one, though).
Consider this music-themed gift set a one-two punch: Give one or the other, but for maximum impact — gift both. Barking Irons is a brand entirely inspired by downtown New York Cool, with its gritty tees crafted to be worn to a rock concert (or to the office under a navy blazer). And if Dad loves great rock music (heck, who doesn’t??), I’m positive he’ll be enamored by the recently released tome you see above, chronicling the history of NYC’s rock scene — again, the epitome of downtown New York cool — in the early 2000s. You up for it?
Alright, that’ll do it for this year’s Father’s Day gift guide. I hope the above list got your gears spinning — from the dad who loves style to the dad who loves iconic rock music, there aren’t that many ways to go wrong with the above gifts. You get comfortable, casual style via the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie in Navy, and you get a few fancy spirit options via either the Be Home Copper Bar Set or the W&P Design Homemade Gin Kit. And lest we forget about handy everyday accessories, any dad could use upgraded sunglasses or a slick timepiece — the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph could be the new watch to buy now. Don’t overlook the little things, either — essential grooming gear from Harry’s never goes amiss, and a thoughtful (and again, pricey!) home piece like the Angelpoise Original 1227 Brass Desk Lamp is a surefire winner. So … what are you getting Dad this year? Let me know in the comments, and good luck shopping!
By now, you’ve probably realized one crucial thing: The heat is unequivocally here to stay. So, how do you dress to beat the heat and yet still look great? Especially when considering that changing seasons still necessitate your best menswear? Well, that’s what we’re here to help out with today at The Style Guide. It starts first with looking at the fabrics you’re wearing — particularly on your bottom half. Breathability and comfort are key — as is a tailored, yet mobile, fit. That’s where linen trousers — or in this case, cotton-linen trousers from Style Guide favorites Bridge and Burn — come in handy. Certainly, they should be on your list of summer style essentials. And the same goes for your top half. While four-season staples like a classic Oxford shirt can still feasibly work in the summer, we’re starting things out with a slim short-sleeve shirt today. Lest we let accessories slip, I think you’ll also appreciate the picks we’ve got on-hand here — you might just find your new favorite watch or an essential summer tote bag. With all that being said, I’m looking forward to this #OOTD, and I hope you are, too. Leave any thoughts in the comments, or tell me what you really think of this #menswear ensemble via Twitter. Happy shopping and stay cool out there!
Linen-blend trousers paired up with a head-turning short-sleeved shirt, crisp loafers and a clean watch. A winning combo!
The Trousers: Bridge and Burn Roark Dune Trousers, $128 — The good folks of Bridge and Burn blend an appreciation of classic menswear with functional fabrics — like these cotton-linen blend trousers, good for breezy Northwest evenings or a sweltering Southern wedding in equal measure.
The Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Tan Leather Belt, $24.50 — A versatile, quality belt is a must-have menswear accessory — this one is affordable and sure to see plenty of wear.
The Sunglasses: Component Havana Sunglasses in Gunmetal, $285 — Ever heard of Component? If not, know that this brand carries with it some serious sunny pedigree — they’re based out of Miami, and they offer up modern takes on classic silhouettes, like these slick gunmetal shades.
The Everyday Carry: W&P Design Cocktail Tote, $127.98 — Now, just because this thing says “cocktail tote” doesn’t mean you can’t make use of it as part of your everyday carry. It’s durable, it’s handsome and it’s an essential for all of your summer needs — from stylish grooming gear to an extra phone charger. Ya dig?
And now, we’re closing the curtain on another #OOTD entry. Did this post get you thinking about how to wear linen trousers this summer? Hopefully, it’s a unique look for you — starting out with durable linen-blend trousers is a smart move, and complementing those trousers with a slim short-sleeve shirt from Outerknown is only going to help you stay cool. Classic loafers are among those men’s style essentials every guy should own, as is a classic dress watch — in that regard, I’d highly recommend you pick up the Sebago loafers shown here, along with the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph. Don’t sleep on your everyday carry, either — Component sunglasses are not to be overlooked, and the W&P Design Cocktail Tote should function quite nicely at either a summer BBQ or a weekend coffee shop outing. Once again, I hope you’re ready to beat the heat in style.
Stylish, breezy music festival gear, featuring a short-sleeve henley from Abercrombie and Fitch, linen shorts from Todd Snyder and the essential SWIMS Breeze Leap Laser Loafer and my Timex Waterbury Chronograph Diver.
If, per chance, you follow me on Instagram, you might be familiar with my love of live music. From road trips to see Local Natives and Lucius to The Head and the Heart, it’s a great passion of mine that’s taken me to some very cool cities. Yet, I didn’t have to go very far this past weekend to find my two favorite things (#menswear and live tunes) at NYC’s Governors Ball 2017 music festival. I attended last year’s Governors Ball with tough leather boots, stylish Mott and Bow denim and hard-wearing outerwear — and to take on a temperate-yet-breezy weekend, I took much the same approach this time around, with a big-time focus on stylish music festival gear. Now, we just talked about how to dress for a music festival on the blog last week — and it’s a good thing I had some of those essentials with me for three days of terrific music, tasty bites and a cold beer or two.
For day one of Governors Ball 2017, breezy style proved key. My Abercrombie and Fitch Short-sleeve Henley teamed nicely with both my Levi’s Trucker Jacket and my SWIMS Breeze Leap Laser Loafer. I added in a rugged Timex Waterbury Chronograph Diver and I was set for the day.
Comfort and mobility are crucial when dressing for a music festival — you want pieces that can move with you, take on the weather and look sharp. That’s why I took on much of the weekend with the essential, classic and yet slightly edgy Levi’s Trucker Jacket in a slim fit and light wash — it was an ideal, rock concert-ready combo teamed up with my Abercrombie and Fitch Short-sleeve Henley. Better yet, the pairing kept me cool as I broke out a colorful pair of printed linen shorts from Todd Snyder. They fit right in alongside my easy-to-wear, exceedingly comfortable SWIMS Breeze Leap Laser Loafers — made with breathable mesh, these loafers were springy, light and stylish. For a sunny Friday that started with rollicking, energetic afternoon sets from Judah & the Lion and Canadian rockers The Strumbellas (plus Bleachers as happy hour rolled around), it was a fitting combination.
Having seen Bleachers twice now at festivals — including a 2014 trip to Outside Lands — I’m a big fan of Jack Antonoff’s brand of bright, summer-ready and ’80s-inspired rock. It stands out in a sea of endless pop, and Jack & co. certainly deliver live — I didn’t want it to end, but I kept on time with my Timex Waterbury Chronograph Diver (see what I did there?). For sustenance throughout the day, I chowed on tasty BBQ from Manhattan’s Mighty Quinn’s and a Golden Ale from Brewery Ommegang, a New York craft favorite — both big highlights.
Does it get any better than delicious craft beer, great food and standout live music? Only if Lorde brings down the house with a fun, upbeat and jam-packed set to close out day one in advance of Chance the Rapper (another energetic crowd-pleaser who delivered on a much-hyped set). That’s the way it went down, and it was a joy to watch her break out new songs from her latest album, “Melodrama.” She’s an act that really shot into the stratosphere with her debut album at just 16, and early indications are that her second album is no sophomore slump. I left the festival grounds wondering if day two could possibly top it. With another mostly sunny day in the cards for Saturday, I looked ahead to stepping out in rugged-refined and versatile music festival style— just as you should look to do!
A classic Old Navy slim-fit chambray shirt and mobile Ministry of Supply Shorts proved crucial for moving around in the heat; perfect when teamed with shades from Component Sunglasses.
As Saturday dawned, I was looking forward to a stylish, rain-free day (ideally) and an excellent series of live shows (assuredly). As you dress for your next festival, know that it’s tough to misstep when wearing a slim chambray shirt — with its rugged texture and even more rugged appeal, it’s a summer style essential. With that in mind, I threw on the Old Navy slim-fit chambray shirt in a classic yet eye-catching shade of red. For seeing bands that epitomize laidback cool, like personal favorite Local Natives, it felt like the right style move to make. I also wanted sneakers that could look sharp and stand up to just about anything — my trusty Legend Sneakers from SeaVees were absolutely the right choice, especially when worn alongside the mobile, tailored and breathable Ministry of Supply Going Places Shorts. I accented the casual combo with my durable, trusty MVMT Watches Calypso Watch from the brand’s adventure-ready (and refined) Modern Sport collection.
Kicking back in the 21-plus area! A breezy Old Navy chambray shirt, my classic Levi’s Trucker Jacket and sharp Ministry of Supply shorts made day two great.
For enjoying tasty craft brews and more great bites at Governors Ball — along with a jam-packed day of music featuring everyone from the searing rock of Car Seat Headrest to joyful vibes of The Head and the Heart — I knew I was dressed the right way. And before I knew it, it was time for perhaps the best set of the day — a positively perfect early evening showing from Local Natives. If you haven’t yet checked out the the group’s excellent 2016 album, “Sunlit Youth,” … please do. Their set was jam-packed with crowd-pleasing numbers, including a cover of “Ultralight Beam” and an all-time favorite track, “Who Knows Who Cares,” to round out their performance. It set the stage for a really fun evening, to say the least. The nightcap included a triumphant return from French rockers Phoenix, riding a wave of energy behind soon-to-be-released new album “Ti Amo.” Without giving away too much, the group sounds as tight and polished as ever, particularly given that they’re ramping up behind their first live shows since 2014. There’s really nothing like hearing songs you’ve listened to on repeat for years. Was it just as incredible as day one? Absolutely. Was I ready for more live music on day three? Undoubtedly.
Breezy style from JackThreads (RIP), mixed with modern Clarks sneaker-boots and slim Abercrombie and Fitch denim — just what was needed for day three at Governors Ball.
Sunday — sadly, the final day of one of the year’s best weekends — brought with it rain and breezy weather during the day. That meant casual and laidback style once again proved essential, starting with my rugged Nautica sunglasses. Sunday also meant it was high time to break out a striped camp shirt from dearly departed Style Guide favorite JackThreads. Although I was bummed that the brand recently closed its digital doors, I wasn’t bummed about checking out another excellent day of rock shows from up-and-comers like Chicago’s The Orwells or Scottish post-punk revival vets Franz Ferdinand — not to mention the chill vibes of Mac DeMarco to round out the afternoon. The rest of the day’s lineup proved eclectic and well worth watching, from the hard rock of Cage the Elephant to the stellar and sharp groove of Warpaint.
To take on showers, my Bridge and Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket and Abercrombie and Fitch stretch denim proved crucial — as did my Clarks Trigenics Flex shoes!
I opted for style that was just as eclectic, from my stylish JackThreads camp shirt to slim Abercrombie and Fitch light wash denim and a key finishing touch — my Clarks Trigenic Flex shoes in a head-turning white leather colorway. Blending the weight and flexibility of a sneaker with stitching & design details more commonly found on classic moccasins, they were a reliably mobile and stylish option for a final day of music. To prep for the rain, my Bridge and Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket provided a durable top layer, and my sturdy Timex for J. Crew watch didn’t let me down — it’s withstood the test of plenty of live shows (that goes for my February trip to New Haven to see Young the Giant, too). The next time you hit up an outdoor festival, make sure to pack sturdy outerwear and comfortable-yet-stylish sneakers, plus a rugged field watch.
As I look back on this weekend, I’m glad above all else that excellent, fun and enjoyable festivals like Governors Ball are just a quick — well, relatively quick — subway ride away. I’ll never pass up the chance to see inspiring, energetic and enjoyable bands like Local Natives or The Head and the Heart, and the opportunity to see global superstars like Lorde and Chance the Rapper is an experience I won’t soon forget. Every year, Governors Ball becomes more and more enjoyable — and I have more and more fun putting together looks, taking in live music and enjoying all things NYC. I hope your music festival experiences this season are just as enjoyable — don’t forget, we’ve got plenty of tips on how to dress for a music festival this summer, and you can stay tuned for a new #OOTD post on the blog tomorrow.
Classic, stylish and easy-to-wear chukka boots via Astorflex, shown at the top right with travel essentials from Owen and Fred, Abercrombie & Fitch, Huckberry, Nautica, Herschel Supply Co. and Electric Sunglasses.
Is it just me, or is it time for a seasonal footwear upgrade? Something that’s not a sneaker, but not a rugged leather boot — something that’ll work for nearly every style situation, from a casual weekend barbecue to a stylish road trip. Who’s with me? Perhaps the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots come to mind — no? I recently took my own pair on a spring road trip to Indiana, and can definitely vouch for them. They’re an updated take on the classic desert boot, crafted with a crepe sole, high-quality suede and the type of easygoing silhouette that pairs just as well with your favorite chinos as it does with slim light wash denim on breezy summer days. In fact, I’d hope you recognize the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots as seen above from a few posts on The Style Guide.
Namely, the rich Dark Khaki colorway seen here will work as you dress for Sunday brunch or look for ways to upgrade your casual shirt — don’t think you should shelve all of your chukka boots entirely just because the thermostat starts to climb. And know that these Astorflex chukka boots also come in the equally versatile Stone and Grey colorways. Indeed, with a blend of comfort, style and accessibility, the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots — just like the brand’s Astorflex Chelsea Boots — are a seasonal must-have in any color. Trust me: That goes for spring, summer and fall. Seriously, keep them on hand to wear with a rugged chambray shirt and dark selvedge denim to a fall tailgate — it’s a winning combo if you’re looking for insight into how to wear chukka boots. But, back to matters of summer style — what makes these a must-buy?
For starters, it’s tough to find a chukka boot that features eco-friendly, handmade Italian construction out there — let alone with a sub-$150 price tag. And to find one that goes with everything from slim stone chinos to dark denim to slim light wash jeans in the summer can be tricky, too. That easygoing versatility is what sets these Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots apart in so many situations. Rather than resorting to minimal athletic sneakers, jeans and a slim pocket tee, try out these chukka boots and perhaps a tough dive watch — instant style upgrade in the making, and certainly one of the best men’s style moves you can make. And because they’re sold via Huckberry, you can be sure that they’re up to snuff in terms of quality and great looks. It’s also worth noting that the desert boot is a stone-cold classic silhouette — as if you needed another reason to buy these. In addition to real-life functionality for British soldiers, they’ve gained an iconic status — up there with classic white sneakers — that’s tough to top on the footwear front. So, despite summer weather finally catching up to us … there’s no reason not to wear a classic pair of desert boots like the affordable, easy-to-wear and stylish Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots.
How would you style these boots? To pick up inspiration from yours truly, check out my Instagram. And send me a note on Twitter if ever you have #menswear questions.
There’s no question I’m listening away on my JBL headphones today — and getting VERY pumped to see bands like The Orwells this weekend at Governors Ball 2017!
We’re comin’ at ya live from New York for today’s edition of The Friday Read here at The Style Guide — and if it’s June 2nd, that must mean one thing: It’s time for Governors Ball 2o17 here in the Big Apple! The three-day music festival is always a favorite of mine, and it’s the third year in a row I’m attending at least one day — including last year’s trip to Governors Ball . It brings in the best across indie rock, rap, electronic music — you name it, it’s got a home in NYC. It’s also bringing back acts that I’ve seen on the road near and far, from Local Natives to The Head and the Heart and Chicago rockers The Orwells.
I’m looking forward to new tunes from the likes of Phoenix, Lorde, Warpaint and plenty more, plus a fine helping of gourmet eats and tasty craft brews. It’ll be an excellent way to cap off a busy week — and it follows on the heels of a stylish Memorial Day weekend I spent with family and friends in Fort Myers. So, we’re truly experiencing some fun in the sun to kick off summer. If you’d like to keep up with all the men’s style and music action, follow me on Instagram and look for a full music festival style recap on Monday here on the blog. Until then — we’ll be talking about the best men’s backpacks and stylish summer sunglasses via the below featured articles. With that being said: Turn it up, grab your beverage of choice and join me on another journey filled with excellent tunes and even better times.
Speaking of summer excursions and summer adventures: If it’s a new backpack you need, I’d say I’ve got you set — I covered the 35 best men’s backpacks for GearMoose! Read up and shop away.
From a durable suitcase to a flexible blazer and a classic Oxford, I also covered the best travel gear for summer over on The Manual — get with the program and travel in style this summer, folks!
With that, I’m closing up shop early today — I’ve got some music to see! We’ll catch you tomorrow for our regularly scheduled Style Pick of the Week, and in the meantime …
Hanging with Megan of Style Girlfriend — and wearing some classic essentials, including Apolis chinos, a Life/After/Denim patchwork shirt and Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea Boots.
Every day, I try to carve out some time to do a bit of reading — both related to #menswear and otherwise. There are certain sites that I always check out, with good reason — these sites bridge the gap between style and lifestyle. And without a doubt, Style Girlfriend does both quite well — making it a favorite daily read of mine (as well as an inspiration to start this blog, way back in college). The site features men’s style advice from women and covers plenty of other helpful categories, too. The team consistently delivers great work, day in and day out, to the benefit of all us who appreciate sharp style and a life lived well. Today, we’ll tell you why you should be reading Style Girlfriend — it’s all in a day’s work!
Not familiar with Style Girlfriend? You can catch up in part with our 2015 Q+A with Megan, which covered everything from men’s fashion to starting a business and helping guys lead better lives. The Style Girlfriend philosophy is an approach I’ve long admired for its attention to detail and its mission. Really, Style Girlfriend is all about helping men “be their best selves.” Whether you’re looking for input on how to dress for the office or how to impress women , the SG team has you set.
All throughout the site, the Style Girlfriend team recognizes that there are so many different facets of men’s style that can — and should — be of interest in leading a better life. Whether it’s useful advice on advice on how to match clothing or their engaging, easy-to-follow and easy-to-implement “Five Days, Five Ways” series, there’s really no limit to how much time you could spend researching. The SG team really does have your back in matters beyond style — for instance, the site’s “What a Woman Wants” section covers, well, what women really want. That goes for little things like revealing date questions and helpful everyday advice. Pair those features with handy grooming tips, and you’ve got plenty of helpful, smart and well-done life advice in front of you.
Once again, I really do hope you take the time to check out the Style Girlfriend site. The work being done by the team, from style coverage to relationship advice and how to approach life’s challenges, really is invaluable. What are you waiting for?
Can you feel it in the air? Yes? No? Maybe you can … hear it? That’s right, summer festival season is upon us, truly now. And of course, with that comes a crucial question: How to dress for a music festival this summer? If you already made the pilgrimage to the two-weekend extravaganza that is Coachella, you surely got a taste of what’s to come: Hot weather and crowds filled with far-too-trendy teens. I kid, I kid — we all know there’s excellent music and cold beer to be had, too. Whether you’re gearing up to attend NYC’s Governors Ball this weekend — as I will be — or a festival a bit later in the summer (like Panorama or Bonnaroo), we’ll set you up with simple-yet-stylish gear to take you festival-hopping from stage to stage, all day long. It’s about style that’s ready for anything, namely. Whether there’s rain and a slight breeze or a brutal sun high in the sky, I think the below #OOTD is versatile and comfortable — not to mention ready for a rock concert during the rest of the year. What will you be wearing to your next music festival? I hope it includes some of the below pieces. And if you still have questions, get style inspiration via my Instagram. Oh, and join me on Twitter for daily #menswear tips.
Mixing a classic chambray shirt with slim jeans and comfortable slip-ons — ready for plenty of festivals in the months ahead.The Shirt: Old Navy Slim-Fit Chambray Shirt in Dark Chambray, $26.94 — While others might be reaching for neon tank-tops or … dare I say … male rompers (yikes), outdo ’em all with a classic — a slim short-sleeve chambray shirt. It’s not a stretch to say every guy looks good in one, and I think you’ll like the results if you buy this one. The Extra Layer: Outerknown Evolution Shirt Jacket, $195 — There’s a good chance you might not need this shirt-jacket at all, but should it start to rain or get chilly, you’ve got a handy, stylish and easily packable layer in the Outerknown Evolution Shirt Jacket. It’s not the most colorful jacket, but it’ll get the job done.
The Shoes: SWIMS Breeze Leap Laser Loafer, $150 Look, I love a pair of rugged leather boots for a concert as much as the next guy — but if conditions get overly hot, you want shoes that are easy to wear, easy to clean and still stylish. The Breeze Leap Laser Loafer is your answer there (I wore a pair of SWIMS to the 2016 Governors Ball festival— with great results, too!).
The Socks: Arvin Goods No-Show Socks (Three-pack), $22.98 — Although you might be wearing laidback slip-on sneakers, don’t forgo no-show socks — they help any pair of stylish spring footwear last longer, for one. And with Arvin Goods, you get a handy three-pack for the whole weekend.
The Watch: Timex Waterbury Diver Chronograph, $130 — An affordable, tough and stylish men’s dive watch for under $150? Can’t be true, can it? That’s what you get with the Timex Waterbury Diver Chronograph, a recent addition to the brand’s line — perhaps the best-looking watch at any festival you attend.
The Sunglasses: Electric Bengal Sunglasses, $100 — When packing for a festival, it’s all too easy to throw a cheap pair of fluorescent sunglasses in your bag. Don’t — especially not when you can snag the stylish, retro-inspired and affordable (yet well-made!) Bengal Sunglasses seen here.
The Pre-Festival Must-Have: JBL E55BT Wireless On-Ear Headphones, $149.95 — What better way to prep for a festival than listening to your favorite artists? After testing out the JBL E55BT Headphones this spring, I can confidently recommend their stellar sound and sleek looks.
The Everyday Carry: Nisolo Lori Tote, $144.98 — Whether you bring a portable charger, a bottle of sunscreen (I like Tread for Men grooming) or a jacket, you need a bag to carry all that gear — the handsome Nisolo Lori Tote is that bag.
Make no mistake, folks — dressing for a music festival isn’t necessarily easy business …. unless you grab tried-and-true style essentials, ranging from a slim short-sleeve chambray shirt to essential light wash denim. Couple that with easy-to-wear, weather-ready slip-ons, the versatile Outerknown Evolution Shirt Jacket and tough accessories — like a rugged dive watch — and you’re set for a long day of stellar music. And to carry around your gear, I can’t think of a more stylish bag than the Nisolo Lori Tote. The little details matter, too — that’s why I’d also urge you to pick up a pair of no-show socks from Arvin Goods. Oh, and don’t forget that handy sheet of set times — I’d wager you’ll be so focused on the music that this essential, versatile outfit will become an afterthought as you rock out. That’s what we want, right? At any rate, I hope you enjoy your summer festival season in style.
