November 19, 2016November 16, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt

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.

Didn’t think Abercrombie & Fitch could do shirts with serious, heritage-inspired style? Think again. Glasses by Frameri. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

First things first — Happy Saturday! What’s on your weekend agenda? Hopefully, some menswear shopping — and of course, a little reading at The Style Guide. Second of all — we’re back at it in the ongoing Style Pick of the Week feature, and fittingly enough, Abercrombie & Fitch is back in the fold. From seasonally appropriate outerwear — like this beautiful Leather Bomber Jacket — to a new-and-improved focus on quality basics like denim, the A&F brand seems to be coming back in a big way. That’s due in large part to the efforts of the brand to focus once again on quality heritage-inspired basics, driven by Sir Aaron Levine (Editor’s not: He’s not actually a knight). But his approach to redefining modern basics with quality materials helped propel Club Monaco ahead, and in short, pieces like the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt represent his new take on the brand very nicely. A wool shirt, you might ask? What’s wrong with a classic chambray shirt? Well, nothing. But there’s something refreshing about switching up your fall shirting rotation, particularly when it involves reaching for a soft, slim-fitting and easily wearable shirt in a unique wool-cotton blend fabric. Those details make it a keeper — and the styling potential will have you reaching for it time and again.

What’s not to love about a shirt that evokes the rugged outdoors and classic camp shirts? It features a shirt-jacket design with thicker corozo buttons and a pleasing Heather Oatmeal color — it’s just different enough from your classic white Oxford. Although the shirt is thicker than most, the cotton blend makes it easy to wear this shirt on its own with slim light wash denim for a more casual fall look. Even with the slightly heavier weight, it would also pair up nicely atop a rugged fall henley and your favorite pair of leather boots. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised with its ability to slide nicely underneath a quilted field coat — it’s a foolproof fall layering method. Of course, you can’t go wrong layering it underneath a classic grey crewneck sweater, either. Lest we forget, the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt is the type of piece that would also work very nicely underneath an indigo chore coat — although if you’ve been reading this blog regularly, you already know that (Wink, wink). Another bonus to buying this shirt now? It’s quite the steal — you get J. Crew-level quality and a price that’s competitive, but not otherworldly. Yes indeed, there are many positives to picking up this shirt — from the versatile styling potential to the solid price, it’s a heck of a deal. So, what are you waiting for? Dash off to pick up the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt , ASAP.

November 18, 2016November 18, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Rugged Fall Style, Oliver Cabell and Hard Graft Gym Bags

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.

So if you’re joining us here today on The Style Guide, that must mean it’s Friday. And if it’s Friday, it’s time for another round of The Friday Read, where we tackle the best of the week in #menswear — with a dash of music and fine spirits joining us in today’s post. First things first — thanks to everyone who participated in this week’s Dickies X-Series Denim giveaway this week. We’ve had the pleasure of some crisp, brisk fall weather this week in NYC — if that happens to be the case for you as well, I’d urge you follow the behind-the-scenes action on Instagram and check out how to dress for fall. We’re talking indigo chore coats, slim garment-dyed pants and a tough Horween leather watch. Oh, and an essential crewneck sweater for your fall wardrobe — that’s a thing, too. It’s been fun to break out some tougher layering pieces for the chilly weather, and rest assured that we’ve got plenty more fall style-centric content in the weeks ahead. Namely, we’re diving into the archives with tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week — and then jumping right back to the present day with our very own Thanksgiving Style Suggestion. It’s tough to believe it’s that time of year already! But, not to worry — we’ll be offering up all manner of holiday style picks, from what to wear to your holiday party to what to buy for your significant other. In the meantime though, I’ve got a weekend of travel ahead — I’m heading on a quick trip upstate to the lovely town of Hudson for a bit of rest, relaxation and menswear-themed exploration. Follow along via Twitter, look for a full recap blog post coming on Monday, and check out everything you need to know from the week in men’s style news.

Who can pass up the chance to combine refined spirits and great menswear? Not that many folks, that’s who. The fine spirits purveyors at Glenfiddich launched a fall capsule collection — titled Wardrobe XXI — with none other than menswear luminary Josh Peskowitz. The lauded fashion vet, who recently opened up Magasin, a menswear lifestyle boutique, curated four men’s style capsule collections on behalf of Glenfiddich. The brands run the gamut from contemporary — Camoshita United Arrows to slightly edgy (FEIT). And each capsule, which is sold at select retailers like NYC’s Gentry and Miami’s Alchemist, pays homage to Glenfiddich’s 21 Year Old Reserva Rum Cask Finish. Now, great whiskey and great menswear? That’s something we can all get behind.
If you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving next week, you need to know how to travel in style. That just got easier with the introduction of the Arcata Travel Kit from premium accessories brand Oliver Cabell. We rounded up the best dopp kits for men on this blog earlier this year, but this dopp kit is a worthy addition. Thanks to the brand’s transparency — right down to the material and labor costs displayed on its Web site — you know you’re getting a premium, road-ready piece.
We’ve covered the best men’s weekender bags, but you might want to add another to your list. The Hard Graft Gym Bag Volume Two is a beautifully crafted, superbly done bag that merges tremendous functionality with stellar looks. Give it a read via yours truly at GearMoose!

Looking for something to read — or listen to — this weekend?

If it’s a relaxing weekend listen you seek, might I suggest the eloquently produced “On Hold” from everyone’s favorite ethereal music trio, The xx? Give it a listen over at Pitchfork. You won’t regret it!

That’s all we’ve got from my neck of the woods — stick around and check out your new favorite fall jacket, or a rugged fall layering essential, before you take off for the weekend.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

November 16, 2016November 16, 2016 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Dickies X-Series Denim

Editor’s note: Stick around The Style Guide for more seasonal menswear suggestions. And read on for a special reader giveaway opportunity!

Contemplating this great Dickies X-Series denim giveaway in Prospect Park. The X-Series 5-Pocket Pant is pictured here. Japanese flannel from the Dickies 1922 line. Waxed Cotton Field Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Color No. 8 Diplomat Boots by Thursday Boots. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Glasses by Frameri.

Maybe it’s because your Style Guide author lives and breathes menswear, but it can be pretty darn fun to discover new and unexpected things about brands you thought you knew. Take Dickies, for example. The classic workwear brand has nearly 100 years of history to its name, and a long lineage of outfitting workers for both everyday and more extreme situations. That includes military uniform production during World War II, and commercial production thereafter. Maybe you wore their overalls or hooded jackets — or still do — on the job. However, there’s more to the brand now than workwear — and that, of course, is why we’re here today. The brand has taken a nuanced, measured approach to lifestyle gear in the past few years, including its heritage-focused 1922 line. That approach extends through to its X-Series denim, a run of both slim and straight-cut jeans and five-pocket pants made with soft-yet-durable ringspun cotton and flexible fabric. The even better part? From the Slim Fit Tapered Leg variety to the Slim Fit Straight Leg option or the Skinny Fit iterations, you’re looking at denim that’s priced at about $30 — seriously, $30. Who would’ve thought? It was definitely refreshing to learn about the brand’s revamped approach at an NYC showcase event this past September, and after taking a pair of the Slim Fit Tapered Leg jeans with me on both a fall weekend trip to Providence and an October trip back to Michigan, I can vouch for the quality, comfort and fit, through and through. I also had the good fortune to check out a pair of the Slim Fit Tapered Leg 5-Pocket Pants, done up in a comfortable ringspun twill and pictured at the top of the page. They really are perfect for fall style, particularly when teamed with a soft Japanese Flannel Shirt from the brand’s 1922 line.

I’ve also found that the dark-wash pairs of X-series denim pair well with everything from my trusty Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket and a chambray shirt to a slim V-neck sweater and leather chukka boots — and I’m sure you will, too! Why’s that? Well, we’re giving one lucky winner — sorry, just one — the option to win their favorite pair of Dickies X-Series denim! Just follow the instructions via this link, and there you have it! Good luck, and thanks for reading!

To win one pair of Dickies X-Series denim of your choice, follow the instructions in this link.

Editor’s note: This contest ends at 12 a.m., Thursday, November 17th.

November 15, 2016November 9, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Dress for a Casual Fall Day

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 past features here.

Now, we might be rolling through November, but with this up-and-down weather, it’s not quite felt truly, really … like fall. Has it? Well, maybe we’ll call this one an #OOTD for a casual … November (or December?) day. Either way, we’ll continue to push forward here on The Style Guide. Situational dressing, although at first daunting, can be one of the best parts of getting into menswear — a weekend coffee date? No problem. Heading out on a fall hike? We’ve got you covered there, too. But what about those in-between times? Maybe you’re dashing to the barber or strolling down the street to grab a beer — nothing too fancy, right? And yet, all you loyal Style Guide readers (I think there are a few?) know that even a casual, brisk fall day is a chance to mix and match your favorite style essentials. Some of the pieces below are investment-worthy, but they’re all built to last — and each is versatile in its own right. This is the type of garb to toss on for a perfect fall (or winter) Sunday, and you can even swap in a tough chambray shirt if you need to dress it up a little bit. So, read on and stick around for more menswear shopping picks for the season.

Reach for comfortable, premium basics and durable boots on a casual fall day.

The Jacket: Apolis Indigo Wool Chore Coat, $278 — Of the investment-worthy pieces mentioned above, the Apolis wool chore coat belongs squarely on that list. It’s perfect for layering, it’s sharp without being too dressy, and it’ll break in beautifully.

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, $98 — A certified modern-day #menswear classic, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is a cozy, comfortable and stylish second layer — trust me.

The Base Layer: Mack Weldon Pima Long-Sleeve Crewneck, $38 — The Mack Weldon team knows a thing or two about stylish, comfortable basics, and that’s why this pima crewneck is an ideal, warm base layer.

The Pants: Flint & Tinder 365 Khaki Pant, $98 — The makers of your new favorite henley have done it again with a pair of 5-pocket pants that blend casual comfort and crisp style — every day of the year. As to your belt? Pick up a textured braided leather belt on the cheap from J. Crew Factory.

The Boots: Lanona Shoe Co. Academic Boot, $298 — The Academic Boot is another piece that, much like the Apolis indigo wool chore coat, ain’t cheap. But seeing as it’s a Huckberry exclusive, made in Maine and built with Horween Natural Chromexcel leather? Ehh, the price is more bearable.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Tribal Joint Crew Socks, $23 (Available via East Dane) — Anonymous-ism is known globally for its subtly stylish, well-made socks — if J. Crew and East Dane carry them, you know they’ve gotta be good.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Chronograph, $119.98 — This casual outfit is filled with rugged style essentials, so why not reach for an affordably priced, durable Horween leather watch? Ehh?

The Hat: Carhartt WIP Key Ribbed Beanie, $35 (Available via East Dane) — Sometimes, you don’t need to get too over-the-top with your fall and winter accessories — this navy cap is understated and high-quality.

Keep in mind that when dressing for a casual fall day, plenty of other pieces will work. Whether you layer up a rugged henley with a cotton chore coat or go with a slim chambray shirt and your favorite pair of dark denim, it’s important to keep versatile style and proper fit in mind — but hey, we all know that (wink, nudge). And in this instance, you can get a ton of mileage out of an indigo wool chore coat and classic khaki pants — that goes for casual weekend wear or versatile office style. Oh, and those Horween leather boots will break in beautifully over time while fitting in perfectly with this outfit’s rugged vibes (Editor’s note: If, however, you seek a more affordable pair of fall boots, this site has you covered in the meantime). Are there pieces on this list you would switch up? How do you dress for a casual fall day? Get style inspiration and join the #menswear discussion over on Twitter.

November 14, 2016November 10, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Chambray Shirts

Editor’s note: Connect with The Style Guide on Facebook for even more menswear.

It might come as a shock to you that this here blog hasn’t rounded up the best chambray shirts for men — ever, really. Now, we’ve talked about how to wear a chambray shirt for fall, and we’ve even reviewed an American-made chambray shirt from Todd Shelton — but a complete rundown of essential chambray shirts to buy now? Not so much. With its textured cotton fabric and roots in American workwear, it’s a piece that — much like a rugged henley — has been turned into a four-season piece with the versatility to rival a classic blue Oxford. You can thank brands like J. Crew for that, and you can thank Style Guide favorite Todd Snyder, too — his time at J. Crew helped cement, among other things, the popularity of the shirting style. Which brings us to the present day — hopefully in your neck of the woods, it’s truly and properly fall. If that’s the case, there might not be a better time to layer up a new chambray shirt. Hopefully, you’ve knocked a few pieces off your fall style wish list, but if you’re still searching for a few more staple items to fill your closet — *cough, cough* a new chambray shirt — today’s post has you covered. Chime in on the below picks, if you please, in the comments, and follow along on Instagram for more fall styling tips.

#1. Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — $98

It just doesn’t get any better than the Everyday Chambray Shirt from Taylor Stitch.

As much as J. Crew has turned the chambray shirt into an essential casual (or dressy) piece for all guys, Taylor Stitch has done just as much in a short period of time. The Everyday Chambray Shirt is a stone-cold Style Guide favorite for a multitude of reasons. With a slim fit, premium Japanese chambray fabric and double needle construction, it’s a wonder that the fine folks at Huckberry can even keep this thing in stock. Wear it with slim chinos and high-top sneakers on the weekend, then pair it with brown wingtips and a navy blazer during the work week. As with most Taylor Stitch pieces, you won’t be able to stop wearing the Everyday Chambray Shirt — at least, I think so.

#2. J. Crew Slim Indigo Japanese Chambray Shirt — $88

The shirt that (arguably) started it all. Buy it now, wear it a bunch.

Ahh yes, here we are. The shirt that spawned copycats and helped men the world over dress a bit better (if not more so). Just as with Taylor Stitch, J. Crew has perfected casual, easygoing basics that are versatile, well-fitting and reliably able to be dressed up or down in a pinch. Made with premium Japanese chambray, this indigo chambray shirt might just be your new favorite chambray — other than the Everyday Chambray Shirt, that is. If you hang around, you can likely snag it for a steal using a J. Crew sale code. But in the meantime, it’s a nice deal for the price.

#3. Todd Snyder Chambray Patch Pocket Shirt in Light Indigo — $168

A rich indigo color and the sort of details one would expect from a designer that specializes in rugged staples.

It should come as no surprise that the designer who helped put J. Crew back on the map now makes a heck of a chambray shirt in his own right. The Chambray Patch Pocket Shirt is the sort of piece at which Todd Snyder excels — it mixes a dash of heritage style with rugged vibes and easy wearability. It’s the type of chambray shirt that you could reliably pair with everything from dark denim and the designer’s famed Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch to a classic fall blazer as you head to the office. For the price, you’ll certainly want to get a lot of wear out of it.

#4. Ben Sherman Chambray Shirt in Navy Blazer — $85 (Available via East Dane)

Simple, stylish and nicely done via Ben Sherman.

From the brand’s classic Harrington jackets to slim chinos, Ben Sherman specializes in classic pieces with a dash of mod, British edge. This slim chambray shirt uses a nice medium blue color that would look right at home with slim, American-made chinos and brown chukka boots at the office, while also blending in nicely with, say, a first date ensemble. It’s fairly priced considering the quality and history of the brand, and it’ll work just as well this coming winter under a slim cardigan as it will come spring time with your favorite pair of shorts.

#5. Gitman Vintage Chambray Oxford Shirt — $124.80 (Available via East Dane)

Inspired by a chambray shirt and featuring classic Oxford detailing.

Are you familiar with Gitman Vintage? Maybe? Maybe not? Either way, this brand does the classics the right way — its premium shirts are infused with a dash of classic prep style and a slightly irreverent modern edge. And as it were, this chambray Oxford shirt gets a lot of things right, from the trim fit to the blue chambray color and the Oxford styling details. It’s a hybrid shirt that you can wear as you would a normal Oxford — say, with a wool tie and a herringbone blazer — or a regular ol’ chambray shirt (perhaps atop your favorite henley this season).

And, well … that’s it for the first-ever Style Guide rundown of the best men’s chambray shirts. It was admittedly pretty tough to narrow it down to just five — heck, in addition to the crisp blue Everyday Chambray Shirt, even Taylor Stitch makes a terrific grey chambray shirt. But the above picks represent quality, versatile style potential and the type of easygoing wearability that’ll work just as well this coming winter as it will when the weather warms up. There aren’t that many shirts you can layer under a slim cardigan in one season, and wear with your favorite swimsuit in the spring, but the chambray shirt is certainly one of’ ’em. Get to shopping for your new favorite chambray shirt and let me know how it goes, will ya?

Stay stylish — and thanks for reading!

-Beau

November 12, 2016July 1, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

A much-coveted, super-durable jacket that’s ready for all sorts of fall conditions.

The time is now to stock up on one of the best men’s trucker jackets. After all, there’ll soon come a time where you’ll ask yourself: Can you feel it in the air? Maybe? A little bit? It might just be, dare I say it… the perfect time to break out the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket. Now, it’s newly restocked, but it won’t be around for long. It made this site’s Fall Style Wish List, and as we’ve said repeatedly at The Style Guide, fall might just be the perfect time for menswear. To beat the chilly k no further than the latest introduction from the great folks at Flint and Tinder and Huckberry . Part of the excellent Flint and Tinder fall collection, the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket very well might be your new fall )and winter?) go-to when it comes to outerwear. The season certainly did get off to a bit of a late start this year, but that’s not to say you won’t get plenty of use out of this stellar coat for several months to come. It layers up very nicely over a classic chambray shirt and it’s the ideal complement to a classic Flint and Tinder henley (wouldn’t you know it?). Oh, and you could even boldly layer it under a navy topcoat for just a dash of rugged-refined style. Why exactly should you drop nearly $200 on this waxed trucker jacket? Well, that’s easy.

Sturdy hardware and a modern fit also make this jacket a great investment.

Just as with all of Flint and Tinder’s stylish knitwear, the Waxed Trucker is made in America using high-quality materials and detailing that’s simply top-notch. That starts with silver hardware and rolls right on through to the modern fit and durable waxed 7oz. Martexin sailcloth. You can even customize the fit to your liking with slide buckles at the waist. Yessir, this thing is sturdy as heck. It’s cut to hit above the waist, just like your favorite spring denim jacket. But, there’s something a bit tougher about this jacket – namely, that tough waxed sailcloth exterior and flannel lining, both of which will more more than ably stand up to biting fall winds and chilly rain — or snow, if you layer it under a topcoat. It’s certainly the kind of jacket you should look to wear as much as possible (particularly given that price tag). Team it with a flannel shirt, wear it over a stylish cardigan and rock it time and again with a merino T-shirt and dark denim the next you dash out to grab coffee. Oh, and you might do well to layer it over Flint & Tinder’s ridiculously durable 10-Year Hoodie, too. It’s going to work in slightly dressier situations, too – truly. You can certainly swap this Flint and Tinder jacket out for a blazer at the office, but it’s a reliable layering piece. Give the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket a try sometime, ehh? It should be every bit as good as advertised – and then some.

Get the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket as soon as you can at Huckberry.

November 11, 2016November 11, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Veterans Day, Sword and Plough and Glenfiddich Whisky

Well. Hey, what a week, right? Onward and upward. On this Friday, it’s a good reason to reflect and bring us all togehter– Veterans Day should bring with it great appreciation for the men and women who’ve served, and continue to serve so bravely. And a bit of a focus on the lifestyle companies that help support those veterans never goes wrong, either. Is there anything better than buying stylish, quality menswear for a great cause? If you’ve got some plans to do that this weekend, I think you’ll like the content we have in store below. And if your weekend brings with it other plans, it still pays to keep in mind some crucial men’s style tips — like how to dress for fall travel, or how to buy your new favorite henley (all crucial, you see). And if it’s getting really chilly where you are? Layer up with a stylish flannel shirt or a slim cardigan. You can, of course, look for our weekly Style Pick tomorrow — and stay tuned, ‘cuz it’ll get you shopping via Huckberry quicker than you can move your mouse. For now, catch up on the week in menswear — and the weekend to come.

A duffle built with military-grade fabric and inspiration.

First up in our Veteran’s Day rundown? A company that keeps the sacrifices of our armed forces front and center in everything it does, from its use of repurposed military fabrics to its mission of supporting vets through all phases of production. Sword and Plough is launching a new duffle bag inspired by co-founder Emily Nunez’s experience with her U.S. Army duffle. It’s built with that same durability in mind and available in either Camo or Olive — the Camo version is lined in surplus 500-denier nylon fabric, while the Olive version is lined in a surplus cotton/nylon twill (originally meant for older military uniforms, but unused). Oh, and the leather accents even come from the brand’s Redwing, Minn., which itself is a major military supplier. Get it ASAP via Sword and Plough, and know that the brand’s weekender bags — one of which I took with me on a fall trip to Providence — are just as quality.

If you fancy yourself in the market for a smaller accessory that pays homage to military inspiration you can’t go wrong with a rugged, durable and stylish casual watch via AVI-8. Makers of handsome timepieces, they’re offering 30 percent off the brand’s Flyboy Collection now through Monday, November 14th using the code ‘Flyboy‘ — of course, as to the watches themselves, you can’t go wrong with the Flyboy Tuck, inspired by Royal Air Force flying ace Robert Stanford Tuck. The Flyboy Mesh is also clean, crisp and stylish enough for both casual and more refined wear. What are you waiting for, yeah?
Now, it’s not quite Veteran’s Day-related, but your footwear closet might need a new addition. CLAE and Style Guide favorite JackThreads just teamed up on a stylish sneaker collaboration that’s in need of your time. The CLAE x JackThreads Bradley is a refined low-top black sneaker with a patent leather cap toe and heel — not your everyday set of kicks. And the CLAE x JackThreads Strayhorn Mid is a unique, affordable and super-stylish high-top chukka sneaker with a wool upper. Yes, you’ll want to wear this with a classic chambray shirt, your favorite cardigan and dark denim soon — very soon.

Want one last way to toast to the weekend?

Craft bee is a big passion of mine. Whisky? Not all the time. But whisky aged in craft beer barrels? Bingo. See, we’re not all menswear here at The Style Guide. If that’s the case for you as well, you’d be wise to keep your eyes open for the new Glenfiddich India Pale Ale Cask Finish, a single malt scotch whiskey finished in IPA craft beer barrels and released last month. It’s part of the Glennfiddich Expermental Series, and it’s certainly got the rich flavor and nuanced details to back it up. It’s now out in the public, too — keep your eyes open for it at luxury whiskey retail stores, along with premium bars and hotels across the U.S. Cheers!

That brings us to the end of this week’s Friday Read — again, stick around for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and stay stylish!

-Beau

November 9, 2016July 1, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Wear a Chore Coat This Fall

Editor’s note: Peruse the site for more menswear style suggestions.

We talk often at ye olde Style Guide about pulling everything together into one cohesive, stylish outfit filled with the best men’s style essentials. Whether it be heading to the pumpkin patch or stepping out on a weekend coffee date, the chilly climes of fall — or rather, late fall — lend themselves well to layering up with the best menswear gear you’ve got. And that, my friends, is where the durable, reliable and heritage-inspired chore coat comes into play. Like a lot of menswear floating around out there nowadays, it finds its roots in particularly functional, tough jackets worn decades ago by blue-collar American laborers and workers. It’s a distinctive silhouette that’s retained its workwear edge — think patch front pockets and a longer cut — while getting some very stylish modern upgrades in the process. As a matter of fact, it just might be one of the more reliable pieces of fall outerwear you can snag — alongside the waxed trucker jacket, of course. So, that’s where we find ourselves as we tick through another style suggestion. You’ll find pieces both old and new, familiar and unfamiliar in what just might be the best — yes, the very best — way to wear a chore coat this fall. And for another daily dose of menswear, head to Twitter and Instagram, folks.

The Chore Coat: Apolis Indigo Wool Chore Coat — $278

A beautifully made, durable and stylish wool chore coat.

Now, traditional chore coats were made of fabrics like denim, but the Apolis wool chore coat — a legendary piece among lovers of rugged menswear — is just as suitable of a pick. You could always go with the brand’s selvage denim chore coat, but the wool option will likely be a bit heartier for chillier temps. The fabric is exclusive to Apolis and the wool fabric is woven exclusively for Apolis in Italy; in short, it doesn’t get much better. With fallen buffalo horn buttons and antique nickel-reinforced rivets, this Apolis chore coat isn’t one to mess with.

The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt — $78

A smartly done piece from Abercrombie & Fitch — yes, that Abercrombie & Fitch.

The recent Abercrombie & Fitch revamp has really caught the attention of this writer — and it would appear that menswear designer Aaron Levine, formerly of Club Monaco, is a big reason why this American heritage brand is back in business. Pieces like the Wool Shirt exemplify what the brand was once about, and what the brand hopes to do in the future. It’s a simply executed, smart-looking and seasonally appropriate piece that should offset the indigo chore coat nicely, what with the textured wool fabric and a slim fit ideal for sliding underneath a jacket.

The Pants: Flint & Tinder 365 Khaki Pant — $98

A five-pocket silhouette meets a performance-ready fabric blend and American-made construction.

Folks, you just might have met your new favorite pair of khaki pants. Flint & Tinder nails that middle ground between premium pieces and hard-to-obtain pricing quite nicely, and while pieces like its marled henleys are worth checking out, the 365 Khaki Pant should give you all the more reason to look into ’em. It’s a five-pocket pant in a versatile shade of dark khaki, made with 97 percent and an ever-crucial 3 percent Lyrca for stretch. The silhouette means you can team them with the Apolis indigo chore coat on the weekends, or a navy blazer during the week. Not bad for under $100.

The Boots: Eastland 1955 Edition Franconia Boots — $157.50 (Available via East Dane)

Contrast stitching, a moc toe for durability and a fall-ready silhouette.

When you’ve got a rugged chore coat and tough five-pocket pants, which way to go with your boot game? Easy. Reach for a boot with moc toe construction, stylish and rugged contrast stitching and a sturdy Vibram lug sole. Eye-catching rawhide laces only add to the rugged vibe of this pair of boots — in addition to this #menswear ensemble, they’re going to be a perfect fit for durable selvedge denim throughout fall and winter. As to the socks? A subtly stylish pair from Style Guide favorites American Trench might set you up just fine.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Chronograph — $119.98

Does it get any better — or more affordable — than a Timex Weekender on a Horween leather strap? Not really.

I first stumbled onto Form-Function-Form via my buddy Joe’s fantastic menswear site, Dappered. The brand has given new meaning to finely made watch straps, and the fact that they’re sold by the great Huckberry team is as good an indication of that approach as any. The adjustable length button-stud band is made from beautiful Horween leather for a suitably rugged contrast to the rich indigo chore coat and dark khaki pants. And the watch? Well, it’s a reliable, durable Timex Weekender with chronograph functionality. Snag this watch before it’s too late, yeah?

The Belt: Filson Bridle Leather Belt — $75 (Available via East Dane)

If we’re sticking with rugged menswear throughout this outfit, why not grab a tough-as-nails belt that can keep up? Filson makes nothing but the highest-quality goods that money can buy, and that extends through from its coveted bags all the way down to durable — yet smaller pieces — like bridle leather belts. There’s no question that this belt fits right in with the tough vibes of this ensemble. The fact that you’ll have it forever is just another bonus.

The Hat: Club Monaco Kensington Cashmere Hat — $99 (Available via East Dane)

A rather luxurious upgrade to the standard winter hat.

When chilly fall weather hits, you could reach for a plain, average hat — or you could reach for a cashmere Club Monaco hat. Now, it’s certainly pricey, and perhaps you’ve got a winter hat that you’ve worn through the years, but this hat is subtle, refined and very comfortable. They’re certainly aren’t a lot of cashmere stocking caps on the market, so it should be easy to hang onto this one — right?

Just as there’s something to be said for picking up affordable essentials — from style upgrades to everyday purchases — there’s something to be said for investing in the best … when you can, that is. An indigo wool chore coat from the likes of Apolis is about as durable and fall-ready as it gets, with the potential to break in over time and tell some nice stories. And when teamed with a slim wool shirt from a heritage sportswear brand like Abercrombie & Fitch, you’re looking at a great one-two punch. Plus, made-in-America pants and reliable moc toe boots fit right in with the rugged vibes of fall, as does a beautiful Horween leather watch. On the accessories front, a cashmere hat is a luxurious upgrade to standard winter accessories. So, there you go. How would you wear a chore coat this fall? Any thoughts on the Apolis indigo wool chore coat? Chime in on Facebook, and we’ll see you for our weekly Friday Read.

-Beau

November 8, 2016November 8, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for Fall Travel

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 will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here. Portions of this post use affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned.

Can you believe we’re talking about fall travel — November travel, even — today on the blog? The year, and this fall season in particular, has really flown by. So, maybe you’re looking ahead toward *cue audible gasp* what to wear for Thanksgiving, or perhaps you’re just looking ahead to what to wear when you travel next. For most of us, fall travel is a bit of a different animal than dressing for summer travel — while comfort and style are still top of mind, the temperatures are a bit colder (to say the least), and you need layers that move with you as you go. Let’s say you start in a chilly Northern city, but move through to a more temperate climate — the below bomber jacket in this #OOTD can go in your durable weekender bag as you travel. And the rest of the pieces are versatile, classic and easy to wear on the road. If that’s got you wondering what’s next, simply scroll down. If you’d like more menswear inspiration, check out The Style Guide on Facebook or check out yours truly on Twitter.

Mixing the classics – like a chambray shirt & denim — with a comfortable bomber & travel accessories.

The Jacket: Public Rec Crosstown Bomber Jacket, $128 — The makers of your favorite pair of everyday pants are back in a big way, namely with a heck of a wearable, comfortable and versatile bomber jacket. It’s the perfect travel layer to get you through a chilly morning and a warmer afternoon — at a very fair price, to boot.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt in Charcoal Chambray, $118 — If you’re surprised that Taylor Stitch is the pick here, don’t be. The Everyday Chambray is a slim, well-made four-season essential — so, perfect for fall travel.

The Denim: Flint & Tinder All-American Slim Tapered Jeans, $98 — Why go with dark blue denim here? Well, it’s another four-season essential, and this pair from Flint & Tinder is made in America with a hint of stretch.

The Sneakers: Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers, $79.99 — From summer weekends to fall travel, the Brooks Chariot Heritage series gets it done — and the Academia is a fall-centric update with a pattern inspired by professorial fabrics.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Fair Isle Crew Socks, $25 (Available via East Dane) — The Anonymous-ism brand is a sleeper hit for fans of subtly designed, well-made socks, and the neat pattern here is another fall-centric bonus.

The Watch: Timex for J. Crew Watch, $128 — J. Crew’s third-party efforts are a consistent hit, and this simple, effective and subtly stylish watch is one of ’em — it’s low-key enough to wear on the plane, then to drinks after you land.

The Weekender Bag: Sword and Plough Blue Weekender Bag, $359 — Behind every company is a great story, and behind every guy is a great weekender bag — right? The Sword and Plough team repurposes military material for its products, and does a fine job with this stylish weekender bag.

The Finishing Touch: Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit, $40 (Available via East Dane) — Instead of hauling your toiletries around in a plastic bag, reach for a durable dopp kit — this one has served me well on trips from upstate New York to Washington, D.C.

So that closes the curtain on another #OOTD — what did ya think? In this author’s opinion, a breathable, slim-fitting bomber jacket that merges athletic inspiration and a versatile color is a can’t-miss win. And when mixed with some of your favorite pieces — we’re talking American-made denim and a slim chambray shirt — it’s a surefire travel success. The grey sneakers add both texture and comfort to the outfit, while those red patterned socks offset the outfit’s darker shades with a slight touch of color. And, you can’t really go wrong with a straightforward, stylish casual watch — that goes for your travel day, and that goes for a nice dinner afterwards. Wherever you’re headed this season and beyond, safe travels — and stay stylish!

-Beau

November 7, 2016November 8, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Henleys to Buy Right Now

Editor’s note: Start your seasonal menswear shopping here.

So, we’re into November here on The Style Guide. There’s a chill in the air, the holidays are around the corner (crazy!) and maybe, just maybe, you’ve noticed a piece or two missing from your cold-weather wardrobe. Now, we talked tough denim shirts last week, and we’re talking another choice menswear essential today. You might have tough high-top sneakers and slim selvedge denim covered this season– maybe even a stylish fall cardigan — but what else are you going to layer it with? The answer’s pretty simple, and it’s one that comes up here often on this site. It’s rugged, it’s durable and it makes just about any guy look great – the essential long-sleeve henley, folks. While we’ve covered the best short-sleeve henleys and even took a stab at rounding up stylish henleys last fall, it’s high time for an update. The layering potential of a slim henley is such that you can pair it with a cotton peacoat, a V-neck sweater or underneath a chambray shirt without missing a beat. And if you get one that’s made with quality materials and attention to detail — like the picks below — you’ll have an easier and even more enjoyable time wearing it. Want to chime in on the conversation? Head over to The Style Guide Facebook page for a spell, or hit up Instagram for more.

#1. Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley — $62

One of the best henleys on the market, and sold by the great Huckberry team, to boot.

Our top pick here is almost too easy of a choice. Sold by the folks at Huckberry, the Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley is as good as it gets. With a unique, visually interesting four-button placket, a trim-yet-mobile fit and nicely marled mid-weight jersey fabric, it’s sure to become your new fall go-to. Heck, you could pair this stylish henley with a pair of Flint & Tinder selvedge denim and a rich suede bomber jacket for excellent style nearly any day of the week.

#2. Reigning Champ Long Sleeve Henley — $85

Made in Canada with all the reliable style details you could ask for.

Like Flint and Tinder, Reigning Champ knows a thing or two about reliable, well-crafted basics. Its Long Sleeve Henley is no exception, made from soft cotton in a seasonally appropriate olive color. It’s the type of henley to throw on underneath a chambray shirt, or on its own, with brown leather sneakers for a weekend coffee run. The raglan sleeves are a flattering touch that’ll broaden your shoulders, and a scalloped hem is another neat visual touch. It’ll also work nicely in the early days of spring — keep it around for the fall and beyond.

#3. Grayers Byron Double Cloth Henley — $59.98

Easygoing, essential and stylish. The Byron Double Cloth Henley definitely gets a lot right!

It’s only fitting that Grayers — so named for the flannel trousers worn casually by young British men in the ’50s — makes a heck of a nice henley. It nods to the style’s real-life sportswear roots, yet does so with the modern fit and excellent fabric that’s become a hallmark of the Grayers brand. The Byron Double Cloth Henley is lined with soft cotton jersey and features a heather slub fabric that’s the right weight and feel to team up with a Grayers blazer., for example. The price on the Double Cloth Henley isn’t half-bad for a quality layering essential, either.

#4. Alex Mill Indigo French Terry Mock Henley (Available via East Dane) — $125

Part sweatshirt and part henley — but there’s really no wrong way to wear this Alex Mill piece.

If you’re unfamiliar with Alex Mil, it’d be a wise bet to get acquainted. Particularly if you like ridiculously well-made basics that add a touch of continental flair, the French Terry Mock Henley is worth checking out. It’s made from, as the name would suggest, lightweight French terry fabric in a deep indigo wash — it’s part sweatshirt, part henley and stylish no matter how you slice it. Layer it over a classic blue Oxford or a tough chambray shirt for rugged-refined office style.

#5. Todd Snyder Classic Chambray Henley (Available via East Dane) — $125

An excellent mix of the heritage-inspired and the modern from Todd Snyder.

In the midst of his excellent work with collaborations like the Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, it’s easy to forget that Todd Snyder still makes excellent basics in his own right. The Classic Chambray Henley is virtually a classic Snyder piece, right up there with the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt. Why’s that? Well, it mixes classic sportswear touches — like a elongated placket and a modern fit — with neat chambray detailing at the collar. It’s a premium piece that’s so well-made, you could even get away with wearing it under a wool blazer in the colder months ahead.

Although plenty of people think of the henley solely as a casual piece, the above selections are well-crafted and feature enough visual detailing that they’d work quite well underneath a fall and winter blazer or a slim cardigan on a casual day at the office. And for the investment you’re making, it’s worth it to get as much wear out of it as possible. Pieces like the Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley are top of the line, made in American out of premium materials. And a hybrid piece like the Long Sleeve Henley from Reigning Champ mix in fall-appropriate color and texture. Those types of touches are exactly what you should be looking for in a stylish henley — and hopefully, the above picks are enough to get you started.

Until the next post — thanks for reading!

-Beau

The Style Guide

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

Month / November 2016

Style Pick of the Week: Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt

The Friday Read: Rugged Fall Style, Oliver Cabell and Hard Graft Gym Bags

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Dickies X-Series Denim

#OOTD: The Best Way to Dress for a Casual Fall Day

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Chambray Shirts

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

The Friday Read: Veterans Day, Sword and Plough and Glenfiddich Whisky

Style Suggestion: How to Wear a Chore Coat This Fall

#OOTD: How to Dress for Fall Travel

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Henleys to Buy Right Now