Month / November 2017

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear Your Chambray Shirt with Rugged Menswear Essentials This Season

Take it from me, folks — your next #OOTD should feature a classic chambray shirt this season. It’s a four-season menswear staple that we’ve long loved here at The Style Guide (just check out this 2014 piece), and it’s the perfect shirt to break out for fall and winter. Of course, a stylish chambray shirt is more than serviceable in the spring and summer, especially when teamed with classic leather sneakers, but the texture of cotton chambray just feels right when teamed with tough, rugged fall style essentials.  Rest assured, we’ve covered how to wear a chambray shirt before, but this one is amped up forr the season. And seeing as we got a late start to the fall this time around, now is as good a time as any to break out the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt that you see below. It’s a shirt that’s so simply made that every guy looks great wearing it. And I think you’ll find it teams up more than stylishly with accessories like classic dark denim and a tough waxed canvas jacket. That’s not the only reason you’ll love wearing it for the fall and winter — the Everyday Chambray Shirt is a great deal that’ll up any outfit (yes, even a casual weekend ensemble). With all of that being said, I’ll let the rest of this #OOTD do the talking. Thanks for reading!

A finely crafted chambray shirt teamed with durable essentials for perfect layering.

The Chambray Shirt: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, $118 — Is this Taylor Stitch chambray shirt the best of the best? Maybe? It’s certainly a highly wearable, great-looking shirt for the colder months ahead.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Field Tan Waxed Canvas — $188— There’s no better jacket to break out for stylish layering than the Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket — at least, that’s true when it comes to this particular combo.

The Pants: BANKS Roll Bedford Cord Jean in Dirty Denim, $75 — Textured jeans in a rich, deep color are a nice way to offset the striking blue of the Taylor Stitch chambray shirt seen here — BANKS does it right with this pair of classic denim.

The Boots: Sutro Footwear Alder Boots in Honey, $218 — Sutro Footwear builds its handsome boots with plenty of quality and just a bit of rugged edge — these rich leather captoe boots are a bit dressy and a bit casual, all at once.
The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Natural, $80 — When it comes to underappreciated style details, a dependable belt sits near the top of the list. Sturdy Brothers makes one that’s perfect for fall and winter, what with its rich leather.

The Socks: CHUP Vivienda Socks, $35 — You know that we’re fans of stylish socks here on the blog, right? The CHUP Vividena Socks are eye-catching and essential in terms of adding a bit of color to this #menswear ensemble.

The Watch: AVI-8 Flyboy Leather Watch, $269.95 — Need a stylish leather watch that adds a bit of understated style to this classic fall look? The AVI-8 Flyboy is the casual watch to buy now.

The Everyday Carry Essential: Makr Phone/Card Sleeve, $59.98 — Listen, we’ve all been there — right? If you’re like me, prone to dropping your phone, keeping your phone protected with a durable phone case is essential.

There are certainly plenty of ways to wear your new favorite chambray shirt, but this look is a personal favorite for your Style Guide author. Sharp, simple and filled with rugged fall layers, including the tough Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket as seen above. And that combo looks all the better when it stands out against classic Bedford Cord pants
and tan leather boots from Sutro Footwear. Of course, stylish men’s socks are needed to add a bit (or a lot) of visual interest, while the Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt is a more-than-able accessory. On the watch front, the AVI-8 Flyboy plays off military inspiration in a way that’s subtle and stylish, potentially making it your favorite casual watch. Oh, and if you’re prone to dropping your phone *raises hand* the Makr Phone/Card Sleeve is the everyday carry essential you didn’t know you needed. All set to step out in perfectly casual-yet-sharp style? It’s really as easy as starting with the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt and going from there.
Let me know in the comments how it all works out — thanks for reading!
-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Keep November Rolling with the Best Gear to Buy This Week

Alright, have you been keeping your list of men’s style essentials updated? I sure hope so — and today’s new Style Guide edition of The List is geared to get you ready for colder weather.  From a rugged, American-made flannel shirt to a waxed field jacket to stylish and weather-ready boots, I feel pretty darn sure you’re going to be adding to your shopping list (and your shopping cart) quite frequently in the weeks ahead. Have any items you want me to add to the next edition of The List ? Let me know on Twitter. OK, here we go!

Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Flannel — $108
Flint and T

A durable, well-made flannel shirt made with fall and winter style in mind.

Don’t yet have a Flint and Tinder shirt in your closet? The Texas-Made Flannel is a true seasonal essential, perfect to pair with slim black denim and tan leather boots for rugged fall and winter style.
KOMONO Walther Watch — $179.95

Sleek, sharp and surprisingly versatile — that’s the KOMONO Walther Watch for you.

A handsome, dressy watch that retails for under $200? The KOMONO Walther Watch should work just as well with the Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Flannel as with your favorite winter blazer.
Mollusk Surf Shop Jeffrey Sweater in Cloud Grey — $180

A pleasingly classic sweater that’s here just in time for fall layering.

A handsome, rugged sweater that’s dressy enough to wear to the office, but casual enough to wear on the weekend. The Mollusk Surf Shop Jeffrey Sweater nails that perfect balance when looking for a stylish men’s cardigan.
Beckett Simonon Franco Jacket — $379
Beckett Simonon

A handsome leather jacket that’s going to get better the more you wear it.

Hey, now … Beckett Simonon has done it once again when it comes to stylish outerwear. The Franco Jacket is nothing short of a thing of beauty, my friends. Get this classic leather jacket while you can.
Corridor NYC Waxed M-65 — $495
Corridor NYC

A remarkably tough-yet-modern field jacket.

Want a field jacket that ditches the baggy fit of older versions? Then you want the Corridor NYC Waxed M-65, made with serious attention to detail here in America. Talk about a stylish field jacket ready for cold-weather layering.
Taylor Stitch The Long Haul Jacket in Dark Oak Waxed Canvas — $188

A durable and dependable jacket that won’t let you down.

Is there anything that Taylor Stitch can’t do? The brand’s Long Haul Jacket, available here in a cool Dark Oak Waxed Canvas, is a versatile layer that works to wear out on a weekend pub crawl or to an evening rock concert.
Norlan Whiskey Glasses (Set of Two) — $48

The best complement to your favorite flannel shirt is a nice whiskey — right?

What better time than November to kick back in front of a roaring fire with your favorite beverage? These Norlan Whiskey Glasses are well-made and classic — quite the way to treat yourself.
Bridge & Burn Ritter Vest — $198

A modern vest ready to layer up with a classic chambray shirt and chinos, plus so much more.

We’re keeping things rolling on The List with more stylish fall outerwear here, this time from Bridge & Burn. The Ritter Vest is a pleasingly modern vest, made with a slim silhouette and comfortable (not puffy) fabric.
Criquet Shirts The J.R. Shirt — $145

An updated take on the classic chamois shirt — perfect for fall and winter.

Criquet Shirts brings the throwback vibes with its J.R. Shirt. The brand’s take on the classic chamois shirt is made in America, featuring a classic-yet-modern fit and terrific quality. I’d layer up the J.R. Shirt under the Ritter Vest with ease.
Original Chippewa Huckberry x Chippewa 6-Inch Service Boots — $280

A beautiful pair of boots, made with nothing but the best construction and materials.

Have you found your new favorite pair of leather boots? Well, with the Original Chippewa x Huckberry 6-Inch Service Boots … you have. Talk about rugged style, from the roughout leather to the Goodyear welt construction.
CIVIC The Frank Chino — $145

Chinos that combine a tailored fit with quality and an eco-friendly mindset? Perfect.

Are you familiar with CIVIC, the new partner brand from Taylor Stitch? The Frank Chinos are a stylish, slim pair of chinos crafted from the brand’s custom Merino 4S fabric for sustainability and style.
Taylor Stitch The Sun Cap in Dusk — $55

The understated, durable ballcap you didn’t know you needed.

More gear from Taylor Stitch? You bet. Even the brand’s Sun Cap is a high-quality, well-made, vintage-inspired ballcap that’s perfect to throw on as you head out for a weekend coffee or dress in casual weekend style.
Levi’s 502 Regular Taper Fit Jeans — $69.50

Classic and easily wearable denim — no matter the season.

What’s not to like — no, love — about a classic pair of men’s denim? Especially Levi’s men’s denim? Slim but not too slim, the Levi’s 502 Regular Taper is a great everyday pair of jeans for the guy who wants to look great (that’s you!).
Criquet Shirts Cotton/Cashmere Pocket Crewneck — $125

A finely made crewneck sweater in a seasonally friendly color.

What more can you ask for from Criquet Shirts than utterly classic menswear, like this premium, stylish crewneck sweater? Layer it under a tan herringbone blazer, then team that combo with the Levi’s 502 Regular Taper for style that can’t be beat.

All set to add to your “list” of rugged men’s style essentials — pun intended? Which of the above picks was your favorite? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page. Cheers!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Invest in the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots for Your Next Fall Adventure

A dependable, durable pair of Horween leather boots finished with a Vibram rubber sole — Rancourt & Co. knows how to make ’em the right way.

Over the past few weeks here at The Style Guide, we’ve admittedly talked a ton about rugged fall style, from the best men’s boots to durable outerwear to stylish fall shirting — but we’ve got more on the way today. Our latest recommendation when it comes to dependable fall style? The investment-quality, USA-made Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots, available in time to close out fall and head into early winter (gulp) in style. An exclusive made just for Huckberry to commemorate the brand’s 50th anniversary, the Wolf Boots from Rancourt & Co. are made to last at least that long (no matter how hard you wear  ’em).  The brand has certainly pulled out all the stops to craft a one-of-a-kind pair of boots, starting with Chromexcel bark-tanned leather and finishing with handcrafted construction by the Rancourt team. We’d be remiss not to mention the waxed laces and metal eyelets, too. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, though.

Just like the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers — a fitting pair of fall kicks in their own right — the Wolf Boots are as easy to wear during the work week as they are on the weekend. With details like Blake welt construction and cap toe stitching for durability, you can be sure they can take a beating. The Vibram rubber mini lug sole also provides grip and toughness to brave the elements this fall and winter. I’d wear them with a rugged overshirt and slim black denim to head to a brewery — a favorite pursuit of mine. For day trips and fall or winter hikes, the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots are also going to take you the distance.  Even during the work week, the Wolf Boots should be in your rotation. Now, maybe your closet is already packed full of tough boots … but it can’t hurt to add one pair, can it? Not when that pair is as stylish, dependable and well-made as the Rancourt & Co. Wolf Boots.

Will these Rancourt & Co. boots be heading your way soon? How would you style them?

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Jack Mason Field Chronograph Watch

A striking timepeice with tough construction and standout looks.

Do you ever see a timepiece that you feel like you need on your wrist … immediately? Maybe one that seems like the perfect casual watch, a true fall style essential even? My friends, meet the Jack Mason Field Chronograph Watch, a bona fide timepiece that exemplifies rugged-yet-refined style. If you read The Style Guide regularly, you might recognize Jack Mason — let’s welcome them back into the fold today. I’m quite the fan of watches of all types — namely, of the more laidback variety — and if you follow me on Instagram, you might be acquainted with my collection. When it comes to taking stock of your style, it’s wise to leave no stone unturned, and such is the case when it comes to a stylish casual watch. Which leads us to *pulls aside curtain* …. the Field Chronograph Watch on display today.  The Texas-based brand draws on inspirations ranging from military timepieces to watches with the spirit (and design) of aviation built right in, and the resulting stylish watches are a sight to behold. Again, I give you the Field Chronograph. First of all, there’s the standout design and rich combination of cool olive and black colorways. The pairing is ideal for wearing with your favorite fall jacket or a tough denim trucker jacket (plus some classic grey denim). And the simple look of the Field Chronograph Watch also makes it more than wearable with cleaned-up business casual essentials for cold weather (think a cotton navy blazer, a rugged grey crewneck sweater and a white Oxford). Yet, the Jack Mason Field Chronograph Watch also has the superb construction & durability you need in a dependable everyday watch.

Jack Mason

Subtle branding + excellent quality makes for one heck of a nice watch.

The Field Chronograph Watch features an agreeable 42mm case diameter — large enough to stand up to outdoor excursions, refined enough so as not to seem too large on most wrists. Now, as I’ve said in the past, I’m not a watch snob by any means … so the Japanese quartz movement does just fine in my book. Topped off with mineral crystal, this watch is a durable, affordable timepiece for fall and winter weather — the rugged NATO strap in a crisp olive color helps see to that.  It’ll more than stand up to tough weather and long days. And the Jack Mason Field Chronograph Watch really does look to be built for the field. That is to say, you might want to leave it at home when going hunting or fishing, but you can definitely give it a try on a short hike through your local park. It might look best when paired up with a vintage-inspired cardigan and a classic chambray shirt, though. Where can that #menswear ensemble take you? Just about anywhere you please this fall, from a dressed-up evening on the town to a more casual day at the office when teamed with stylish leather sneakers. Yessir, the Jack Mason Field Chronograph Watch is the timepiece you didn’t know you needed — until now.  Add it to any list of the best casual watches for men … including your own. And that’s the last word!

Is the Field Chronograph Watch the next timepiece to make its way into your collection? Let me know on Twitter.

Thanks for reading, as always!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Stylish Men’s Henleys, Seasonal Layering and the Value of New Outdoor Gear

Hey there, folks — it’s Friday! And it’s time to wrap up the work week here and jet off into the weekend (preferably dressed in casual weekend style). The start of November means a few things, at least for me personally … namely, it’s a month that’s VERY closely associated with my favorite song by my favorite band (that’d be “Mr. November” by The National). Does that stellar song top my list of things to look forward to this month? Well, of course not … but it’s a fun one nonetheless. We’ve also got Thanksgiving on the horizon, along with Black Friday shopping aplenty; you can expect a full rundown of stylish men’s gear to buy for that occasion here in the next few weeks. For now though, I’m happy to be at home in Brooklyn this weekend. My fall travels have taken me out to Portland and south to Nashville, along with a quick Northeast jaunt to Boston to see, as luck would have it … The National! But my focus is solely on the homefront this weekend. I’m planning on swinging by my favorite menswear and coffee shop, Upstate Stock, to check out plenty of finely crafted #menswear, and I’m also hoping to make my way to a local sports bar to cheer on my beloved Michigan State Spartans as the battle the Penn State Nittany Lions in a college football showdown. What’s on your weekend agenda? Before you dive in, check out the below men’s style news for your reading pleasure. Cheers!

  • Want a simply designed, yet simply unbeatable, windbreaker? The GoRuck Simple Windbreaker (would ya look at that!) is the one to buy now! Read more via my latest GearMoose post, and check out my own guide on how to wear a bomber jacket for more inspo.
  • Make no mistake, I’m not necessarily a hiking enthusiast, per se — but I know great outdoor gear (and rugged style essentials) when I see it on the market. Interestingly enough, Gear Patrol makes the case that you shouldn’t buy new outdoor gear … how about that? What’s your take on that?

  • Now, I sure do love me a stylish men’s henley — and if you happened to catch my feature for The Manual on the best men’s henleys, you know that all too well! Get yourself one before it’s too late, my friends.

Alright, my friends … that’s all the #menswear I’ve got for ya today!

Enjoy the weekend, and check back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Grayers Newport Chinos Are Your New Everyday Pants

A finely crafted pair of chinos available for a solid price from Grayers.

There’s never a wrong time or place to wear a pair of classic men’s chinos, right? Particularly when that pair of chinos just happens to be the Grayers Newport Chinos, yes? Yes, indeed. Whether in the middle of fall, early winter, late spring or late summer, stylish men’s chinos just work when it comes to men’s style essentials  — and that’s good enough for another entry in our ongoing See Now, Buy Now series as we move into November. With their roots in post-war functionality — G.I.’s wore chinos en masse after World War II upon returning home to the States — the classic chino features durable cotton fabric and a neutral tan (khaki) color, kind of like the Grayers Newport Chinos you see here. So, there’s a  bit of #menswear history to go with the stellar, easily wearable style you get from Grayers. The brand does a nice job taking classic staples and making them cool and casual; in this case, that means the Grayers Newport Chinos fit nicely and move well, thanks to the cotton-elastane blend. And helpfully, that should make the Newport Chinos the ideal pair of pants to wear for your next fall road trip — or just your next day at the office.  Simply sharpen up your look with stylish men’s dress shoes and an American-made Oxford, my friends.

With a simple-yet-crisp design and a slim fit (plus plenty of sizes available as of post time), the Grayers Newport Chinos are a reliably stylish addition to many a fall (and winter!) style ensemble. Wear them to your next tailgate with one of fall’s best jackets — just add stylish leather sneakers — or take them for a spin with a striped henley, a rugged denim trucker jacket and the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots.  Keep them on hand to wear with a rugged shawl-collar cardigan and a classic indigo shirt jacket, too. The hearty construction and durability of the Grayers Newport Chinos lends this pair to repeated wear through winter, too. Your favorite topcoat and a classic cold-weather blazer are the perfect foil to an easily wearable pair of stylish men’s chinos — at least, your Style Guide author thinks so. Let me know in the comments — how many pairs of stylish men’s chinos do you own? Will you be doubling down with the Grayers Newport Chinos this season?

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Layer Up for Fall and Winter with the Best Men’s Cardigans

OK, so let’s talk fall and winter layering essentials — like the best men’s cardigans, ya dig? It’s a style essential that we return to time and again here on The Style Guide, with roots in vintage style now turned modern and, well, cool. The right cardigan features a fit that’s slim but not too tight, making it easy to layer with everything from a slim striped henley to an American-made Oxford shirt. Beloved by everyone from Steve McQueen to Daniel Craig, a classic cardigan is something every man needs in his wardrobe. And if you’re wary of buying one for fear that it’s too much of an “old man” style staple, put those thoughts aside — plenty of your favorite brand’s are included on this list of the best men’s cardigans, I guarantee it. From a sport-inspired cardigan like the Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan — as seen in this site’s See Now, Buy Now series — to a more easygoing number like the pleasingly rugged, versatile Grayers Avalon Shawl Cardigan — you’re absolutely guaranteed to find a piece that you like. Rock it on its own with a lightweight scarf or throw on a flannel-lined waxed trucker — that’s just the tip of the iceberg, though. Happy shopping, and be sure to check out my Instagram for plenty of real-life style moves.

#1. Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan in Heather Grey — $138

Life/After/Denim

A striped sleeve adds a pleasingly sport touch to this classic cardigan.

Told you this stylish retro cardigan from Life/After/Denim would be on the list, didn’t I? It’s understated in its design, with neat, sporty stripe detailing, a modern fit and a versatile color. Pair the Varsity Cardigan with your favorite pair of dark blue denim and classic leather chukka boots for style that can really go anywhere or throw it on over one of the best men’s T-shirts when you feel like stepping out in accessible-yet-casual style. The Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan is a bit pricey, but worth it.

#2. Levi’s Cardigan in Tall Grass — $395

An unexpectedly stylish, well-made and investment-level cardigan.

Whoa now, nearly $400 for a cardigan? Well, folks … let me tell you why. Levi’s does far more than make classic men’s denim like the Levi’s 505C Jeans — they also make rugged, great-looking men’s apparel and accessories. The Levi’s Cardigan is among those, made with 100 percent shetland wool in a rich color that wouldn’t look out of place with navy corduroys and classic suede chukka boots. Again, the Levi’s Cardigan is an unexpected investment piece.

#3. Grayers Avalon Shawl Cardigan — $135

A cozy, comfortable-yet-versatile cardigan from Grayers.

Grayers simply doesn’t mess around when it comes to cool, casual menswear with a bit of a classic tilt. The Avalon Shawl Cardigan is one such piece that’s as easy to wear as your favorite hooded sweater — over a garment-washed pocket tee and faded blue denim, for instance. And if you feel like going slightly sharper with this classic cardigan? Slim tan chinos, stylish men’s dress shoes and a classic Oxford shirt ought to do the trick. Get you a cardigan that can do both — like the Grayers Avalon Shawl Cardigan.

#4. Life/After Denim Collegiate Cardigan in Blue Blood — $138

A simple, understated, throwback-inspired cardigan made for casual, crisp fall weekends.

Another uniquely stylish cardigan from Life/After/Denim? Why yes, yes indeed. The Collegiate Cardigan again harnesses that neat blend of throwback style and modern cool — the navy color would look excellent with everything from black denim to tan herringbone trousers.  And when it comes time to dress in casual weekend style? You can certainly throw the Life/After/Denim Collegiate Cardigan on with slim sweatpants and corduroy sneakers (among other men’s style essentials, of course).

#5.  Original Penguin Shawl Collar Donegal Cardigan — $125

A no-frills, no-fuss cardigan that’s perfect for everyday wear.

Original Penguin gets it right when it comes to a classic, crisp cardigan that certainly leans a bit dressier — yet no less versatile — compared to the rest of the picks on this list. The crisp Charcoal Heather color would look right at home with burgundy corduroys and classic suede boots, and it’s also going to pair up nicely with a striped henley and your favorite pair of broken-in blue denim. Can you dig it? I sure can.

We’re keeping it a bit shorter than usual today when it comes to this list of men’s style essentials — which of the above cardigans was your favorite. My money’s on the Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan for its combination of casual weekend wearability, sport-inspired style and serious warmth. And the Original Penguin Shawl Collar Cardigan is similarly warm and stylish — layer it with a classic henley and find out for yourself. Let’s not forget the seriously premium Levi’s Cardigan in a cool deep green color; it’s the perfect pairing when teamed with slim faded denim, rugged tan leather boots and a crisp white Oxford shirt. Before I forget, the Life/After/Denim Collegiate Cardigan shouldn’t be slept on, either — whether you wear it with slim sweatpants and classic fall sneakers or with brown herringbone trousers and your new favorite chambray shirt, the Collegiate Cardigan could become a weekly go-to. And if it’s casual, versatile and laidback style you want, pick up the Grayers Avalon Shawl Cardigan — again, it’s every bit as comfortable as your favorite hoodie. Alright, all set? Let’s get shopping!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau