February 15, 2016May 2, 2021 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Thursday Boot Company Diplomat Boot

Editor’s note: For a full set of product reviews covering everything #menswear — from watches to chinos — click here. Click here to shop boots, too.

Getting out and about in NYC with the Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot from Thursday Boot Company. Slim tan chinos by Banana Republic. Striped henley by J. Crew Fisherman Cardigan by JackThreads. Merino watch cap by American Trench. Buffalo Bobber Leather Gloves by Iron & Resin.

Getting out and about at the High Line in NYC with the Thursday Boot Company Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot. Slim tan chinos by Banana Republic. Striped henley by J. Crew Fisherman Cardigan by JackThreads. Merino watch cap by American Trench. Buffalo Bobber Leather Gloves by Iron & Resin. Glasses by Warby Parker.

If you peruse the pages of this blog from time to time looking for the best boots for men, certain brands definitely tend to pop up consistently for their mix of affordability, dependability and, in the case of Thursday Boot Company, seasonality. Without a doubt, there are certain pairs of men’s boots that can’t be beat. That is to say, in the depths of winter for a lot us, you need sturdy, tough footwear that can carry you through slush and snow to your car (or the subway), and then wherever the heck else you might need to go — be it a concert, a date, you name it. So that’s what we’re looking at today. The brand’s men’s boots have been featured here prominently before, including a review of the Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka and the dearly departed Roughout Captain Boot. First launched as a Kickstarter project not even two years ago, the brand continues to make splashes with well-timed and well-executed releases — including its more premium Black Label line and unique silhouettes like the hiker-inspired Commander. But one boot in particular is the focus of today’s post — the Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot.

The silhouette definitely calls to mind the classic Red Wing Heritage Moc Toe Boot, yet the Thursday iteration is sleeker and more refined. There’s something to be said for that, despite the fact that it’s a moc toe boot. This pair forgoes the classic yellow laces in favor of sleeker flat-wax laces, just as the Roughout Captain Boot. And the sleekness and quality of this pair for the price is evident as soon as you get them out of the box. Looking for a boot that’s just different enough than a captoe boot or a chukka boot — yet still versatile and sufficiently sharp — is a somewhat tricky endeavor, but these boots fill that void nicely.

Unboxing the Diplomat Boot from Thursday Boot Company. Big fans of these guys.

Crucially, they make use of renowned Horween leather in that covetable Color No. 8 shade that’s popped up on everything from boots to watch straps in recent years. The change of pace from a roughout leather or a dark brown or black boot is refreshing, yet it’s not as distinctive as, say, a Dr. Martens Boot. These also look similar, in a way, to the much more expensive and revered Alden Indy Boots, another set of men’s boots worth buying.

That’s a very good thing — these look sporty thanks to the ridged Vibram Christy sole, yet I still found they paired comfortably with tan chinos and a striped henley for exploring around Manhattan. I did find (and I’ve found with other boots in this style), that the leather breaks in easier than other leathers — and because of the shine of this pair, it shows creases more easily (as you can see below). However, it’s nothing some well-timed leather care can’t fix, and it definitely doesn’t detract from their wearability.

Lining them up after a few weeks of wear. With some care and treatment, the Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot should hold up just fine.

That’s another area in which this pair of rugged leather boots excels — the versatility, erm, department. I’ve broken them out with a slim chambray shirt and a wool blazer, and I’ve rocked them with the aforementioned tan chinos, too. A trim pair of denim breaks just right on the bend of the boots, making for a pretty sleek look (something that can help everyone out). I could definitely see them working well with some wool trousers and perhaps a navy crewneck sweater on a more casual day at the office. The burgundy color would also pop nicely with some trim black denim (more on that later this week), and they’re going to fit right in with lightwash jeans in the spring, too. Seriously, the best leather boots for men can take you just about anywhere.

One of two other options in the brand’s Diplomat silhouette, this one made out of Natural Horween leather.

The white ripple sole might cause some to shy away from these leather boots for men — after all, it’s different than what we’re normally accustomed to seeing in the way of boots. But that again makes it a nice style move. It’s not as if these boots are absurdly priced, so if you’ve been looking to try something different, this is but one way to go. The Diplomat line also features a pair of Natural Horween leather boots with a Goodyear-welted sole, and a pair in Brown leather. So, the Color No. 8 pair is just one way to make an impression.

And yet, it’s the pair I’ve found myself gravitating toward the most. Thankfully, the other details work out as promised. The eyelets and laces have held up well trekking through the Brooklyn snow, although the lack of extreme traction could be a bit tricky in some instances. However, the Vibram sole is also as comfortable as advertised, even when worn for long periods of time. They run true to size, so there was no slippage (or cramping up of my feet, conversely) with some striped socks. Some have had issues with stitching imperfections or other problems around the sole, but there were no major problems with this pair — again, one reason why it’s worth it to pony up for a pair of these as opposed to something from, say, H&M.

They’re nice enough that if you were feeling adventurous, you could rock them with a slim grey flannel suit and a chambray dress shirt. Make sure you nail the break of those trousers and you’re all set. And that’s about all you can ask for from a sub-$250 pair of boots, especially ones made from Color No. 8 Horween Chromexcel leather. From chinos to jeans to wool trousers, they can do it all. Even on days besides Thursday (see what I did there?).

For more of my favorite boots, check out Taylor Stitch, shop the pages of Huckberry or find another pick for men’s leather boots here.

Have you tried out some boots from Thursday Boot Company yet? How would you style this pair?

February 13, 2016February 12, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Possibly the perfect watch? Red Wing shoe leather meets a tough-yet-sharp Timex dial.

The importance of a sharp watch — like other great style upgrades — in terms of finishing off an outfit is something that’s hard to overstate. It can definitely help strike the right tone, whether that’s sharp and dressy or laidback and casual. And there’s no doubt that the watch you see here can do either of those — it’s hard to overstate that quality, as well. Watches haven’t often been part of this here Style Pick of the Week series, but that changes right now in a big way. Timex has drawn some buzz as of late for its upcoming partnership with Todd Snyder — as part of his FW16 runway show last week in New York City, Snyder (of Champion collaboration fame) sent models down the runway wearing several models of the above watch (which features, you guessed it, a Red Wing shoe leather strap). The partnership is exceptionally fitting, and it all dovetails off the fact that, somewhat confusingly, Snyder is launching his own collaboration with Timex this coming fall. But back to the matter at hand — Fashion Week or not, you can (and definitely should) pick up this handsome watch right now.

Plenty of solid design went into this exceptionally affordable timepiece.

The Timex Waterbury line was a welcome introduction last year as part of the brand’s anniversary celebration; it nodded to the brand’s heritage, took classic Timex style and gave it a rugged edge. You might recognize a model of the rugged-refined Waterbury line from this past week’s post on how to style a crewneck sweater, in fact. And the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury seen here — sold exclusively through END Clothing for now — advances that design ethos perfectly. For now, it would appear END only has the 38mm model (there are also 40mm and 42mm iterations). But 38mm works just fine — it’s the ideal balance between striking and subtle. Yes, the black-and-tan 38mm dial is just the right size for most of us, but the real standout here is the leather strap, made using leather from Red Wing’s S.B. Tanning Company. A genius idea, yeah? It’s the rare watch strap that’ll break in as superbly as your boots over time — and it’ll certainly match up well with your rugged Red Wing winter boots, to say the least. So given all the rugged refinement that’s gone into this iteration of the watch, it only makes sense that Snyder would look to the duo for style that really played well on the runways. Fear not, though — this particular watch will look superb on your wrist even if you have no modeling experience to speak of. Style it with wingtip boots, jeans and a shawl collar cardigan now, and throw it on with a tee and tailored shorts when it (eventually) warms up. There’s no wrong way to go.

Are you a fan of the Timex Waterbury line? And this watch in particular? Or are you holding out for the Todd Snyder x Timex collab?

February 12, 2016February 12, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Valentine’s Day, Ryan Reynolds and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

While last week was a big one (for me, at least), with the second iteration of #NYFWM, perhaps this week has been a big one for you. After all, Valentine’s Day is upon us! What are you set to wear? Here’s your Valentine’s Day style suggestion. And do you have a gift all sorted out? If not, best get to it with these Valentine’s Day gift suggestions for that special someone. And if you have all of that in order, congrats! Enjoy what’s hopefully a three-day weekend! But before you get going on that last-minute shopping and outfit wrangling, catch up on some menswear (and yes, non-menswear) news. I won’t bug you for too much longer — after all, there are gifts to buy! Look for a Monday product review covering the standout Color No. 8 Diplomat Boot from Thursday Boots, followed by another sharp #OOTD entry and of course, the usual weekly content here at The Style Guide. Stay stylish!

This could come in handy in advance of Valentine’s Day, as GQ offers some standout layering tips courtesy of Ryan Reynolds — huge fan of that electric blue cardigan.
It might not quite be spring yet, but Apolis still is offering up its Civilian Travel Suiting bundles for a nice deal — within the higher-end market, that is.
Get away on a tropical vacation (or at least, start dreaming of one) by checking out the first in a series of global travel and adventure videos from the fine folks behind lifestyle brand Reef.
Long(ish) Read of the Week: Harry Potter fans, rejoice! Unless you’ve been living under a rock (apologies if so), Time and others have reported that the script for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child — the play, that is — will be published in book form later this summer, and released, fittingly enough, on Harry Potter’s birthday! So exciting.

On the hunt for more to read? Look right here.

The newly revamped VOUCH Mag is up-and-running in a big way — check out my latest feature on the best boots to survive winter, and keep an eye out for some brands you might recognize.
Here’s a new one, too — never lose your umbrella again with the BLUNT + Tile Traceable Umbrella; it was neat to learn more about it for GearHungry.

February 10, 2016February 12, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Oxford Shirts

Editor’s note: For more menswear-oriented shopping picks than your wallet can possibly handle, head over here.

The crisp blue Oxford you see here comes courtesy of JackThreads. Colorblock crewneck by Reigning Champ. Wool blazer by Frank & Oak. Vintage floral pocket square by General Knot.

Perhaps moreso than any other shirt (except maybe the polo), the Oxford shirt — and Oxford cloth — have a long and rich history (that’s saying something as far as shirting goes). And for a piece that has its origins in 19th-century Scottish fabric mills, the Oxford shirt is still a style essential today (especially here at The Style Guide). It’s one of the rarer icons of heavy prep style that’s still remained timeless (sorry folks, but the gold-button blazer looks a bit dated to this style guy), and for good reason. The essential qualities of a good Oxford have remained intact no matter where you go or at what price point you might be searching — as you can see from the picks below. The fits and fabrics are better than ever, too. So with that in mind, the picks we’ll focus on today are either white or light blue — the quintessential colors of a true Oxford (although we can head to the Male Fashion Advice Reddit thread to continue that debate if you’d like). The best part about this shirt is there’s no wrong season to wear one, so you can buy one in the depths of winter — like, yesterday — and wear it on through the summer. Let me know if I missed any by checking in with The Style Guide on Facebook!

#1. JackThreads Slim Oxford — $49

As timeless as it gets in terms of color and style — yet with a modern fit.

Available in a plethora of colors, from navy to classic white and light blue options, the JackThreads Slim Oxford brings together everything that the brand’s menswear vertical does well. For starters, the price is great for a shirt that’s more modern than other Oxfords from higher-priced brands. It also fits slim and features high armholes and trim sleeves, making it easy to layer under both blazers and V-neck sweaters. Plus, it’s got good quality and durability for the price, having rocked on myself. And that’s all there is to it.

#2. GAP Oxford Standard Fit Shirt — $49.95

The definition of classic — a simple white Oxford.

Just a touch more expensive than the first option on this list, this GAP Oxford is yet another basic that the brand continues to get right. It’s affordable, the fit shouldn’t require too much tailoring (it does note that it’s a standard fit, after all) and the white or “imperial blue” options feature a smooth weave that’s easily wearable either untucked with khaki chinos or tucked in with some wool trousers (similar to this #OOTD look). Again, it’s a fail-proof pickup at a nice price.

#3. J. Crew Slim Vintage Oxford Shirt in White — $69.95

It’s a little early for shorts, but this is definitely a four-season Oxford.

This J. Crew Oxford shirt is a tad bit pricier than options one and two on this list, but that’s the price you pay for this brand (and it’s certainly still reasonable). With all the struggles the company has been going through as of late, it’s tough to forget that they can still do the basics well — including classic shirts like this one. You can grab a similar, yet cheaper, Oxford over at J. Crew Factory, but sometimes, it’s nice to spend a bit more and get a better fit plus slightly higher quality. Shelve those shorts for the time being, but know that this Oxford can definitely be styled just as in the above picture.

#4. Taylor Stitch The Jack

Premium, durable and investment-worthy — an everyday Oxford from Taylor Stitch.

The Taylor Stitch Oxford shown here is nearly the definition of an American classic. It’s made in California, for one. And it features a premium and super-soft (yet tough) Japanese-milled rugby Oxford fabric. Combine that with a tailored fit, high armholes and durable buttons, and you have yet another premium Oxford shirting option to consider. Seriously, this piece should be just about as timeless as the navy blazer and slim khaki chinos that can (and should) rock it with. And for that price, I’d advise you to wear it as much as you can.

#5. Todd Snyder Japanese Selvedge Oxford in White — $185

Another style essential from an American designer who’s well-known for them.

Oh, man. That goes for both the stunning quality and construction of this shirt, and the price — definitely a bonus (…or tax-return?) purchase. Still, Todd Snyder’s shirting is excellent (check out this piece on the Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt, to start), and you’re paying more for one of the best American menswear designers out there. The Japanese selvedge Oxford cloth is crafted into the shirt you see here on a vintage loom, an extra old-school touch that’s pretty neat in and of itself. It’s exactly the kind of shirt you can rock sans jacket with some slim denim, a sharp wristwatch and … dare I say, a tweed vest?

So, those are the top picks this time around as far as great Oxford shirts go. You can absolutely start wearing them now if’s cold where you are (doubly so it’s warmer), and rock them reliably through the winter weather. If you’re on an extreme budget, give a place like the Merona line from Target a try — and work your way on up to one of the aforementioned pieces. Once you get one in your wardrobe, you just might wonder how you ever got dressed without one. Pick up that Todd Snyder shirt for me in the meantime, will ya?

‘Til we shop again!

-Beau

February 9, 2016February 2, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style a Crewneck Sweater

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for these features regularly.

If you’re like me, perhaps you’ve looked at a crewneck sweater before and not been too impressed with the silhouette or styling potential. But designers and brands have been changing that perception for a while now, as we’ve seen in this Style Upgrade piece. In dressier iterations (like the extra fine merino sweater you’ll see below), it can definitely offer both visual interest and unique styling potential — particularly when paired with a Bond-inspired tab collar shirt. Throw in other style essentials like a knit tie and slim chinos, and you’re set for at least one work outfit this week — and the week after that. And after that. You get the picture, yeah? Plus, a well-fitting slim crewneck and some slim denim top a hooded sweatshirt and sweats on any casual day (i.e. that 9 a.m. class). So it’s a win-win no matter where you go. Get some inspiration from the below, and check out The Style Guide on Facebook for more daily #menswear musings.

Taking a crewneck sweater and dressing it up with a unique tie, suede chukkas and essential chinos.

The Crewneck: UNIQLO Extra Fine Merino Crewneck Sweater, $39.90 — A steal of a price for a basic crewneck that’s well-reviewed and well-liked.

The Shirt: Paul Frederick Trim-Fit Tab Collar Dress Shirt, $69.50 — A well-priced carbon copy (nearly) of James Bond’s style in a tailored fit. Give it a whirl if you’ve been looking into this style.

The Coat: Land’s End Herringbone Wool Pea Coat, $249 — This coat’s a bit of an investment (look for a cheaper one here), but it’s a refined classic worth the price.

The Tie: 15Ties Wild n’ Wooly Tie, $15 — A cheeky name for a tie that packs a lot of unique style and a subdued pattern into one piece for just $15. A well-priced alternative to The Tie Bar.

The Pants: JackThreads Skinny Chino, $49 — These guys are a four-season staple in a sharp color and a trim fit ,a lthough they also offer slim-fit chinos. Don’t sleep on JackThreads!

The Boots: Thursday Boot Company Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka, $149 — Rich brown suede and a grippy studded rubber sole give these boots solid traction and style. Catch the full review here.

The Socks: Tommy John Performance Dress Socks, $16 — Arch support, ventilation and cushioning combine in a subdued, multi-purpose sock.

The Belt: Land’s End Dress Braid Belt in Brown, $49 — The slightly-higher priced uncle of the much-recommended Target Merona Braided Leather Belt. Keep an eye on Land’s End in the fashion game this year.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch, $80 — Super affordable, super simple and in a classic 40mm case diameter.

Did you pick up any styling tips along the way? Ready (or not ready?) to try out that tab-collar shirt? Follow along with more #OOTD posts on my Instagram and as always, here at the blog. We’ll have an Online Shopping Picks piece covering the best Oxford cloth buttondown shirts coming tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

February 8, 2016February 8, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear on Valentine’s Day

Editor’s note: For a bevy of style suggestions covering how to suit or dress down, click here.

So just as we talked about in last week’s Valentine’s Day gift guide post, the big is almost here — and our Style Suggestion series is back! Now, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so perhaps that makes things a bit different for you — maybe you’ll be away and traveling for the weekend perhaps? Or staying at home to catch a sharp Sunday dinner? At any rate, it’s a day where you’ll want to look your best for your significant other. Even if you go the less formal route, it’s worth it to still look into some style upgrades — like throwing on a slim pair of denim or even just an crisp pair of leather sneakers. The below Style Suggestion however, like last year’s Valentine’s Day Style Suggestion, goes the more formal route — it’s a classic look (hopefully) with some modern touches. Read on, suit up and let me know how you’re dressing for the day or the weekend!

The Suit: Combatant Gentleman Charcoal Slim Fit Herringbone Suit — $200

A reliably classic color and cold-weather fabric make this suit a winner.

It seems that in tailored situations here at the ol’ Style Guide, Combatant Gentleman has been the suiting pick of choice, from New Year’s Eve to holiday parties and beyond. And for good reason, too — there’s hardly a better suiting deal out there that brings solid quality, a reliable fit and a plethora of suiting options to chose from. This Charcoal Slim Fit Herringbone Suit is a solid pick in this case, however, because it’s versatile, sharp color that can work in plenty of other situations besides Valentine’s Day — a great budget pick-up. The Italian wool herringbone weave is a seasonally appropriate touch in this cold weather, too (if it’s warm where you are, you could always rock a chino suit). Don’t forget that overcoat, either.

The Shirt: J. Crew Factory Voyager Dress Shirt in End-on-End — $41.50

Another well-priced staple from J. Crew Factory at a great price.

Just as with Combatant Gentleman, it’s tough to find a better deal for the quality than J. Crew Factory (although the folks at Combat Gent do a nice job with shirting, too). But if you’ve been looking to check out the Factory line and haven’t gotten to it, here’s your chance. This end-on-end shirt mixes in some subtle texture, a slim fit and a great price. The wrinkle-free aspect is another nice touch that should make it easier for travel, too. And the light blue is going to stand out nicely under the darker charcoal suit — it’s another piece that can work in many other situations outside of this one. On another note, if you should find yourself in need of a great undershirt to keep you cool throughout the night, head to Tommy John.

The Tie: The Tie Bar Midnight Navy Grenafaux Tie — $19

Does this tie look familiar? If you read this blog regularly, it should!

If you happened to catch this blog’s holiday party Style Suggestion, perhaps you recognize this tie. The Tie Bar’s Midnight Navy Grenafaux Tie is quickly becoming a Style Guide favorite — it’s not often you talk about a tie being reliable (trust me), but this number is crisp, visually interesting and a solid contrast to the lighter blue shirt. It being Valentine’s Day and all, it’s never a bad thing to draw some color palette inspiration from James Bond, either. The price is remarkably solid, and you could wear this tie with a crisp white dress shirt in place of the J. Crew Factory end-on-end shirt if you wanted.

The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Owen Plaid Pocket Square — $10

A unique pattern and color scheme help this pocket square stand out nicely.

When on the hunt for great accessories in a pinch, it pays off to turn to a trusted retailer time and again — in this case, our friends at The Tie Bar. This Owen Plaid Pocket Square is an excellent bit of contrast to the dark charcoal suit and multiple shades of blue in the top half of this ensemble; the rich burgundy is also a change of pace from more standard pocket squares (although a classic white pocket square could work here, too).

The Shoes: Jack Erwin Adam Wingtip Oxford — $195

Great color, a great price and terrific styling potential from Jack Erwin.

The Jack Erwin Adam Wingtip Oxford was first seen back in this blog’s round-up of stylish men’s dress shoes, and they make a return here as yet another example of why it pays to invest in high-quality, versatile footwear. Jack Erwin has made a name for itself in the digital style game thanks to its pricing and quality, and the Blake construction and reinforced stacked heel add even more durability to this particular pair. If you go the more casual route, they’d be equally at home with some dark denim and a navy blazer.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Reversible Leather Belt in Brown — $22.50

Two belts for the price of one, plus a color that matches nicely with the rest of the outfit.

Sometimes, it can certainly be the right move to invest in an expensive belt — especially if you’ll wear it a lot. Other times, you need a reliable piece to get you from Point A to Point B in style and at a cost-effective price. That’s where this J. Crew Factory Reversible Leather Belt comes into play. You get two belts for the price of one, plus decent quality and a solid dark brown color that’ll match up sharply with your watch and shoes.

The Watch: MVMT Watches The 40 in Blue/Brown Leather — $120

Simple, refined and easy to wear with a suit.

As you put together stylish ensembles that fit in a variety of situations, it pays to look toward style essentials you might already have — like an eyecatching leather watch. This timepiece from MVMT Watches was reviewed just last week on the blog, and it’s a definite winner. The case diameter hits the sweet spot as far as a dress-casual watch, the quality is on-point for the price and the style potential is excellent (the blue dial will again really pop against the darker colors in this outfit). It can even work with a more casual outfit (again, the dark denim and navy blazer combo suggested above).

The Socks: Tommy John Solid Over-the-Calf Dress Socks — $16

Over-the-calf dress socks — an underrated style hack that makes a difference.

Dress socks, especially ones in a solid color, tend to get overlooked when lots of companies are incorporating pattern and color into so many pairs. But sometimes, you just want (and need) a simple, comfortable set of socks that’ll stay up and mesh nicely with the rest of your outfit. Tommy John socks solve that age-old problem of a pair sliding down throughout the day, and the dark navy color won’t distract from the neutral charcoal suit and solid shirting. Plus, they’re made of a lux Pima cotton blend with a hint of stretch.

The Extras: Tommy John Cool Cotton Trunk — $29

Style’s in the details, right?

Need I say more?

So that’s your head-to-toe Valentine’s Day look, incorporating some solid, versatile style, neutral colors and sharp accessories. Pieces like the above can work in lots of different situations while providing a change of pace from style staples you might already own — and when planning for as big of a day as Valentine’s Day, details like the right tie and pocket square can certainly prove essential (look good, feel good, right?). If you’ve now settled on your outfit but still need a Valentine’s Day gift suggestion, we’ve got you covered there, too. And should you have any last-minute questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me a tweet.

What ensemble will you be rocking on this Valentine’s Day? What do you think of the above suggestion?

February 6, 2016February 5, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Everlane Cashmere Sweater

A luxurious update to the classic V-neck, courtesy of Everlane.

While I’m sure we all have our assortment of dependable V-neck and crewneck sweaters in hard-wearing fabrics, there’s something to be said for taking the time to look into — and buy, and wear — a more lux piece. It might start out as an aspirational goal, but taking a leap upward to a more premium product can definitely be worth it. That goes for something like the Zady Organic Men’s Buttondown, and it certainly carries over to another, equally transparent retailer — the good people at Everlane. The site’s product selection has long been solid (check out this 2015 piece on shopping picks from Everlane), but it’s expanded even deeper in the past few months, from the brand’s essential Slim Pant to its selection of wool overcoats. That goes double for its luxurious-looking cashmere V-neck sweaters (also available in a crewneck style). For sale in versatile colors like Navy and the unique grey-and-black Donegal blend seen at the top, plus a rich Burgundy, the brand is once again showing its knack for refining simple basics. And that’s why, maybe (just maybe), you should fork over some hard-earned cash — and if you wrote down a style resolution to cut back your clothing allowance this year, I do apologize.

A rich color from a brand normally known for its subdued palette.

Made from 100 percent Grade-A cashmere and featuring a slim fit — both details that shouldn’t be overlooked, there’s no question that this is the ultimate style upgrade as far as V-neck sweaters go. Rest assured that staple brands like Banana Republic still do excellent, and cheaper V-necks in fabrics like extra fine merino. But again — it’s always great to have one stellar item in your closet that’s a step above of the rest, one that you can reliably wear without fail. This V-neck is your answer, folks. Take the Charcoal color, for example. That piece would work quite well with some burgundy corduroys and a white Oxford for a day at the office, and you could likely layer it over a soft V-neck tee with some slim denim for a casual weekend outing. The great thing is, with Everlane’s pricing system and emphasis on transparency, you can be sure you’re getting a nice deal from a company that approaches things the right way. The good things just keep piling up — and this sweater’s certainly at the top of the heap.

Do you own any Everlane sweaters? What are your thoughts on the brand?

February 5, 2016February 5, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: #NYFWM, Super Bowl 50 and Dockers

Perhaps you find yourself not paying attention to the runways or the sights and sounds of #NYFWM, the dedicated, NYC-hosted week for menswear writers, editors, buyers and industry pros to get their first look at upcoming seasonal collections. But after spending some time around great media and bloggers at a brand styling suite I helped run on behalf of Timberland, I must say — looking at the American iteration of fashion week is something you might consider. That’s especially true when perennial, classic favorites like Todd Snyder and Billy Reid step in the ring — after all, not every runway show is Zoolander-esque. Timberland-centric events gave me the terrific opportunity to connect with friends new and old, including my buddy Jamal of StyleSocietyGuy (the subject of this week’s Style Q+A), and my pals at Brothers & Craft (who are curating a consistently awesome men’s lifestyle site and brand). So even if you don’t pay attention to runway shows — something that’s admittedly not a huge focus for me, either — I’ve learned there are definitely things you can gleam from those around you, and that’s a rewarding part of any profession. And with that being said, it’s nearly time for me to go take a nice, long nap. And maybe enjoy a brew or two this weekend. Have fun with this week’s #menswear news recap in the meantime!

Speaking of NYFWM, Dockers, of all brands, kicked off the second-ever event by hosting a star-studded party (by the way, don’t sleep on the brand’s Alpha Khakis).
In honor of Super Bowl 50 this weekend, the stylish folks at Get Kempt tracked down the best menswear in San Francisco.
The team at Well-Spent tells you the goods they’d rather blow their rent money on this month (hint: the piece includes a stellar American Trench merino watch cap).
Long “Read” of the Week: If you believe in the transformative power of music, you’ll love this stunning photo series from Narratively (hence “read” in quotes, ya dig?).

Run out of things to read? Look no further.

Take care of your Valentine’s Day shopping in one place with the Style Guide Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for your wife or girlfriend.

And on that note, if you made it to the end of this post — congrats! You’re free to enjoy your weekend.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

February 3, 2016January 26, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Styling a Shawl Cardigan for Winter

Ahh, the shawl cardigan — that masculine style essential that I find myself turning to time and time again. It simultaneously combines a rugged edge and old-school vibes (in the case of this piece, a cable knit) with new-school cool — in a slim cut, it can definitely be dressed up or down. It’s the type of piece I find myself wanting to wear far too often, simply because it looks great with lots of different pieces — be they slim chinos, dark denim or some colored jeans fit for the office or the weekend. And lucky for the both of us, the fine folks at JackThreads, makers of the cardigan you see below, are stocking a terrific pick-up at a steal of a price (as it seems with most of the brand’s offerings). Here’s but one way in which to wear it! Let’s see if you’d style it in a similar manner, yeah?

Taking a rugged style essential and mixing in rich color and texture.

The Shawl Cardigan: JackThreads Cable Cardigan, $51.75 (On-Sale) — A terrific navy color plus that great cable knit texture (and the essential shawl collar) at a winning price.

The Denim: Bonobos Dark Roast Travel Jean, $108 — Pricier than a pair of Levi’s, but Bonobos Travel Jeans bring quality in spades — plus the deep brown color here is excellent.

The Shirt: JackThreads Slim White Oxford Shirt, $49 — Another super-solid JackThreads pickup at a standout price — this is your everyday white Oxford.

The Boots: Dr. Scholl’s Burke Lace-up Boot, $155 — I’ve said the before and I’ll say it again: Who knew Dr. Scholl’s made men’s boots? This pair is lightweight and stylish, and they’re a solid way to mix black and dark brown (which CAN be done).

The Socks: J. Crew Medium-Dot Cotton Socks, $14.50 — A bit more expensive than a standard Wal-Mart pair of socks, but they’re much comfier and offer a solid change of pace in terms of color — even though they’re blue!

The Belt: Will Leather Goods Marlow Belt, $75 — As first seen in this site’s New Year’s Eve Style Suggestion; it’s got texture that falls in line with the watch, and a sleek black color to fit the boots. Again, black and brown can work together in dark shades like this!

The Watch: KOMONO Winston Herringbone Watch, $99.95 — As reviewed here; there’s hardly a better price for a seasonally appropriate watch that adds some great visual interest to this ensemble.

So we mix in lots of texture, from the cable knit of the sweater to the herringbone watch to the suede belt, and ground it with a classic white Oxford and saturated dark brown jeans — good enough for just about anywhere, right? Don’t forget to top it off with a slim topcoat and some warm winter accessories. Have suggestion as to what you want to see in these #OOTD entries? Send me an email or drop me a line on Twitter.

February 2, 2016February 2, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Q+A: Jamal Jackson, StyleSocietyGuy

Editor’s note: To catch up on other Style Q+A entries, start here.

Jamal Jackson, of StyleSocietyGuy, is a recognizable face with a terrific sense of personal style.

The great and exciting thing about living in a place like New York City — or really, finding a community filled with like-minded people anywhere — is how many different people you get the chance to cross paths with, through either personal or professional interaction, or both. I’ve been really lucky to learn a lot from so many great people since getting interested in the menswear world (most of whom have been profiled in Style Q+A pieces!), and that list grows by the day. Through attending events as part of the GQ Insider community, and through some work we’ve done together as part of my day job with Timberland Boots, I’ve had the chance to become close friends with Jamal Jackson, also known as StyleSocietyGuy. As we’re in the midst of New York Fashion Week: Men’s here, you might recognize him from his extremely well-curated Instagram or his Web site , where he offers up a bevy of menswear styling suggestions, new brands to watch and lifestyle content focused on things like home design and music. And of course, there’s the small business of Jamal topping Mr. Wooster (and other well-dressed dudes) on Esquire.com’s rundown of the best-dressed guys at New York Fashion Week: Men’s this past summer. Moreso than that, Jamal is a great guy, a heck of a friend and one of the best in the business at partnering with established and up-and-coming brands and telling cool stories.

And as with every day in the digital style universe, it’s great to be able to look at what someone else is wearing, or how they’ve styled a certain item, and draw inspiration from that — even if their personal style is a bit different than yours. So with that in mind, I caught up with Jamal to find out about running his site and how he charts — literally — his very busy days. Enjoy!

The Style Guide: How did your personal interest in style and fashion get started?

Style Society Guy: My dad has always been into grooming and style. Mostly, he had grooming and excellent hygiene, so my interest in menswear grew from there. I’d say I really started getting into it in middle school .

Your Web site and Instagram presence is impressive and seems to grow by the day – what’s that development been like? (Editor’s note: Find Jamal on Instagram here).

SSG: I noticed that I have spurts in my stats …but I’m noticing that it’s mostly organic — just how I wanted it to be. The downside of it is that I don’t know exactly who referred a visitor to my site until someone tells “Oh, (my friend) told me to check out your site.” I wish I could measure those stats more but it makes me want to strategize how I produce my content everyday.

TSG: On that note, what’s a typical day like for you?

SSG: This might sound kind of crazy, but I work from one Excel sheet. I have several columns in that one sheet — every day of the week and what I should be doing hour by hour. It sounds kind of stressful but it really disciplines me. Although I don’t follow every single task at every hour, it’s a good guideline to … keep me on track.

Right now, I’m working at a work space called Projective in Freemans Restaurant in New York’s Lower East Side. I don’t have a specific office spot except for home at the time, but I’m good at documenting as I travel.

The day consists of meetings, video calls, press previews (whether it’s a market week or not), webinars, nightly events, and usually dinner with potential clients or digital friends.

Jamal also frequently works with top-flight brands during trade shows and manages his own growing social media platforms.

TSG: On that note, what’s something that people might not know about running a Web site and digital presence like yours?

I think this is a common answer, but I’m going to say the amount of work it takes to produce one post. From the outside, it seems like what it takes to create a blog post is to take the photos and write about what you’re wearing. However, it is far more than that. You need to plan to not wear other competitors in one post … speak on details of the clothing, amplify the brand’s voice and speak to the focal point of the product and the brand. Another aspect is how long it takes to shoot photos, gather your photographer and edit 350-450 photos 3 times a week.

Jamal as seen on the street during the first-ever New York Fashion Week: Men’s this past summer (Esquire.com ranked him #2 in its weekly rundown!).

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen over the past few years as far as the menswear community goes?

I’m seeing a lot of guys being comfortable with showing their personal style and grooming regimens. Its actually ‘a thing’ now. I love that menswear influencers can bring readers to share what they’re are wearing and interaction going, brands are also happy with this as readers give very honest feedback on products ..bascically for free. This is a good time for brands to actually listen up and pay attention to what audiences have to say.

TSG: What’s one item (or perhaps one outfit) every guy should have in his wardrobe?

SSG: A denim or chambray shirt, I swear it works with EVERYTHING.

TSG: What’s one style resolution that you have for 2016 looking toward the rest of the year?

SSG: As of now I don’t have one set in stone. But. I plan to actually start wearing more of what’s buried in my closet, the items that still have tags on them. I tend to wear my favorites because…they’re my favorites.

To see what Jamal’s up to on a daily basis, head to the StyleSocietyGuy Instagram or check out his Web site.

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Month / February 2016

The Product Review: Thursday Boot Company Diplomat Boot

Style Pick of the Week: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch

The Friday Read: Valentine’s Day, Ryan Reynolds and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Oxford Shirts

#OOTD: How to Style a Crewneck Sweater

Style Suggestion: What to Wear on Valentine’s Day

Style Pick of the Week: Everlane Cashmere Sweater

The Friday Read: #NYFWM, Super Bowl 50 and Dockers

#OOTD: Styling a Shawl Cardigan for Winter

Style Q+A: Jamal Jackson, StyleSocietyGuy