Month / August 2018

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Ball and Buck Active Anorak, Transitional Fall Style and Timex x Todd Snyder

Can you hear that? That’s the sound of summer rushing by, on into early fall. It’s hard to believe, to say the least! We’ve already started looking ahead to transitional style essentials to get you ready for fall, but I’m taking the time this weekend to reflect on an amazing summer in Brooklyn and elsewhere. For now, I’m actually heading back to Michigan as we speak for a lovely and long Labor Day weekend, with some of my favorite men’s gear picks in tow (naturally). What are your plans for the weekend? Hopefully, they involve some relaxation, some rest, a craft beer or two, and lots of laughter & love with family and friends. If you choose to spend a bit of your time this weekend reading the pages of this site, I sure do appreciate it. Cheers! 

READ MORE: Get Ready for Labor Day Weekend with These Menswear Essentials

  • Cult favorite brand Stefan Grant just launched its largest collection yet — it’s called “Know Your Lines,” and every bit (design, production, even the photo shoot) was done in the lovely city of Los Angeles. We’re talking easy-to-layer staples like lightweight bomber jackets & modern trench coats, perfect to show off some edgy style this fall. The best part? The brand is offering 20 percent off for Labor Day weekend. New menswear and gear that’s on sale? Sounds good to me.
    • In the way of other Labor Day sales, you can also get 20 percent off all Sunski sunglasses (as seen on my Instagram) now through September 3rd! I love my pair, and you’d do well to hop on this train — polarized lenses and a lifetime warranty sound good to me!
    • State Bicycles also has you covered when it comes to functional, sharp cycling gear  — you can get 25 -80 percent off sitewide, and if you’re buying a bicycle, use the code “ROLLUP” to get a free rolltop backpack. Perfect.
  • I’ve long been a fan of the stylish casual watches that come out of the ongoing Timex x Todd Snyder partnership, so I certainly wasn’t surprised to see another excellent leather watch recently debuted by the two iconic American brands: The Timex x Todd Snyder Beekman Watch. I recently took a deep dive (not literally!) with this watch for GearMoose, and I’ve also been featuring it on my Instagram. In short: You owe it to yourself to pick up this timepiece.
  • It’s still pretty darn relevant to talk about how to transition into fall, if you ask me. That being said, I’d advise you to revisit (or visit for the first time!) this #OOTD on how to wear a chambray shirt this fall. Hint: It involves the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt.
  • Let’s close out today with another recommended gear purchase to get you ready for changing seasons. Granted, you won’t be able to get the Ball and Buck Active Anorak until spring 2019, but you’d do well to pre-fund this excellent jacket right now, because it’s packed with functionality and easygoing style. I had the chance to test it out around Brooklyn recently (see more on my Instagram) and can certainly vouch for it. Get to it!

OK, my friends. That’s it for today. Still looking for more men’s style reading? Read on to find out about some of the best men’s jeans to buy now. Then, check out the rugged long-sleeve henley to pick up for fall. Last but not least — check out the best men’s gear to upgrade your wardrobe before it’s too cold (and too late!). Thanks for reading! 

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by Beau H.

The List: Buy This Rugged Gear to Make the Stylish Transition into Fall

Simply stunning suede chukkas that should be on your list for early fall.

Ahh, yes — here we are. Right before Labor Day weekend, staring down the end of summer and looking toward early fall. What’s a guy to do? Easy. Shop for men’s style essentials like a tough camp shirt, a rugged long-sleeve henley, a  classic men’s Oxford shirt and stylish suede chukka boots. Then, wait for your closet to refresh almost instantly. OK, not quite. But the point is that the pieces you buy now are going to make all the difference in getting you ready for the season ahead. And if I were you, the first purchase I’d start with? Pre-funding the stellar Taylor Stitch Chukkas in Chocolate Weatherproof Suede, as seen above (and below). Good luck out there.

Taylor Stitch Chukkas in Chocolate Weatherproof Suede — $248

Simply beautiful suede chukkas for early fall.

Our friends at Taylor Stitch always up the ante when it comes to dependable style on all fronts — these handsome, functional Weatherproof Suede Chukkas should be a go-to pair of stylish fall boots with everything from a charcoal herringbone suit to a classic chambray shirt and indigo denim.

Taylor Stitch Everyday Blazer — $277.98

Taylor Stitch

The year-round blazer you need, made from fall-friendly suiting wool.

Made from year-round suiting wool in the tailored-yet-not-tight fit for which Taylor Stitch is known, the Everyday Blazer is handsome & versatile, wearable with tan chinos or dark denim. Pair it with the Weatherproof Suede Chukkas above for A-plus style from head to toe.

Frank And Oak Dylan Slim Raw Selvedge Denim — $119

Super sharp, slick denim from a Canadian menswear stalwart.

Frank And Oak stays on the cutting edge of things with monthly product drops, and that’s certainly the case with their recently revamped denim line. The crisp and clean Dylan Slim Raw Selvedge are the perfect pair of jeans to wear to your next rock concert.

Flint and Tinder Staywax Camp Shirt — $168

Just one of the color options in which you can pick up the durable Staywax Camp Shirt.

The extraordinarily tough, durable and stylish Staywax Camp Shirt is the quintessential fall shirt — easy to layer over everything from a slub tee to a long-sleeve thermal henley. Add broken-in denim and tough leather boots … bingo.
Roark Revival 12.5oz. Travel Stretch Denim — $67.98

A pair of crisp, well-cut indigo denim — nothing more, nothing less.

OK, so you’ve got your tough outer layer for early fall — what about a stylish pair of classic men’s denim? That’s where Roark Revival enters the frame — the brand’s Travel Stretch Denim is comfortable and well-fitting, perfect for a fall getaway.
Rhythm Vintage Stripe T-shirt — $34
Bespoke Post

An easy-to-wear T-shirt in a shade befitting of early fall.

Is there such a thing as a stylish T-shirt that’s uniquely suited for early fall? In the case of the Rhythm Vintage Stripe T-shirt, well … yes. The rich stripes are vintage-inspired and ready to layer under a charcoal Oxford with dark denim.

Frank And Oak Jasper Oxford Shirt in Dark Red — $39.50

Nothing better than a fall-friendly Oxford, perfect for layering with a rugged crewneck sweater.

OK, you’ve got your stylish T-shirt on lock, so the basics are taken care of. The Jasper Oxford Shirt from Frank And Oak exudes  casual-yet-elevated style — the Dark Red color is ideal for wearing with the aforementioned Travel Stretch Denim and the beautiful Weatherproof Suede Chukkas from Taylor Stitch.

Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch — $138
Timex x Todd Snyder

A striking casual timepiece perfect for wearing with your favorite jeans and your favorite boots.

The ongoing Timex x Todd Snyder partnership never disappoints — take the handsome Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch, a fast-selling, stylish casual timepiece that’ll take you into September and beyond in serious style.
Bellroy A5 Work Folio — $199
Bellroy

A slim, stylish work folio to organize your essentials.

Stepping into a new season is all about staying organized — this, the Bellroy A5 Work Folio can help you get ready for Q4 (or whatever you might be working on) in style. Truly, it’s an everyday carry essential.
House99 Truly Brighter Eye Balm — $26

The little details, even in grooming, make a difference. Well-done, Mr. Beckham.

House99, the line of grooming gear from sporting legend and style icon David Beckham, can absolutely help with keeping your grooming rotation tight and well-stocked.. I’ve been testing the Truly Brighter Eye Balm across these past few weeks, and it reduces puffiness and adds luster — a winning combo, in short!
Grayers Campesina Double Cloth Thermal Henley — $48.98

Providing an ideal mixture of comfort and warmth, this henley should be a fall go-to.

So, what exactly are you going to wear under a rugged outer layer like the Flint and Tinder Staywax Camp Shirt this fall? Easy. A classic henley, much like the layering-friendly Campesina Double Cloth Thermal Henley from Grayers.
BREDA Visser Watch — $90

Dressy, classic and still easy enough to wear with a T-shirt.

For those who favor a stylish leather watch with some polish, the BREDA Visser Watch is an affordable alternative to add to your watch collection. You can wear it everyday — especially with a classic Oxford. Speaking of …
Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford — $98
Flint and Tinder

A rich, fall-ready color sets this Oxford shirt apart.

Another Oxford?/ You betcha. If ou’re going to transition into fall, you’re going to need menswear essentials that look the part — like the richly crafted Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford, an easygoing shirt made for everything from blazers to crewnecks.

Knickerbocker Mfg. Co. Olive Watch Cap — $40

A warm watch cap that you’re going to need sooner than you think.

It’s going to be chilly before you know it — sadly, that is. However, the simple-yet-stylish Knickerbocker Mfg. Co. Olive Watch Cap is one way to be prepared ahead of time.
Now then … who else is ready for the start of fall? I know I am. Hopefully, these versatile men’s style essentials get you thinking about the changing seasons. For me, something like the Everyday Blazer from Taylor Stitch is the perfect way to step into (slightly) different weather. And for my money’s worth, I’d say you can’t go wrong by picking up the Weatherproof Suede Chukkas to amp up your fall footwear rotation. Have other thoughts? Hit me up on Twitter. Thanks for reading! 
by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Business Casual Office This Fall (And Beyond)

We normally  keep things pretty casual here on the blog in terms of style scenarios, from how to dress for a rock concert to how to wear your new favorite denim jacket. That focus is changing today, however, with a business-ready #OOTD that’s going to get you ready for a casual-yet-polished day at the office. Think your favorite men’s style essentials, just remixed ever so slightly. That is to say, I think picks like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Blazer — as highlighted below! — are perfect if you’re searching for advice on how to dress for a business casual office. It seems that most offices these days are leaning toward casual — a mix of high-and-low pieces on most days, with things maybe leaning a bit more polished for a big meeting. I know that describes the PR office I’m in right now — maybe you’re in the same boat. The great thing is, the casual pieces you know and love, like a classic Oxford shirt and slim dark denim, can be pulled together in one ensemble to help you take on the day in polished professional style. A company logo polo and beige khakis, this is not. No sir, I hope this suggestion pushes you to look just a bit better than average at the office. What say you? Ready to get to work? I sure hope so.

The right mix of laidback essentials and polished pieces for the office.

  • The Blazer: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Blazer in Everyday Navy, $348 — Made from comfortable, year-round suiting wool in a tailored fit, the Telegraph Blazer from Taylor Stitch could work any day of the week for you.
  • The Classic Oxford Shirt: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford, $98— When in doubt, a soft-washed Oxford shirt like this one from Flint and Tinder is the way to go.
  • The Denim: Taylor Stitch Slim Jean in Cone Mills ’68 Selvage, $145 — Are you sensing a theme here? Your favorite dark denim — I.E. the amazing Taylor Stitch Slim Jeans — are absolutely office-ready this early fall.
  • The Chukka Boots: Allen Edmonds Montauk Plain Toe Chukka Boots, $325 — Classic suede chukka boots can — and should — be worn whenever you can, especially these refined Allen Edmonds chukka boots. Think of these as a comfortable-yet-casual step up from brown leather dress shoes.
  • The Belt: Levi’s Premium Leather Icon Belt, $33.99 — Feel free to go a little more casual with the Levi’s Premium Leather Icon Belt — versatile enough to wear on the weekends, too.
  • The Socks: Little River Sock Mill Textured Herringbone Crew Socks in Cocoa, $22 — Because it’s early fall after all, stylish herringbone socks from Little River Sock Mill provide comfort and seasonal style.
  • The Watch: BREDA Visser Watch, $90 — With an #OOTD like this, mixing both casual and slightly more refined pieces makes your watch choice easy — the BREDA Visser Watch is a stylish everyday watch fit for work.
  • The Everyday Carry Essential: Bellroy A5 Work Folio, $199 — For prepping for a client meeting or a monthly presentation, organization is surely key. What if I told you the Bellroy Work Folio could help with all of that while keeping all of your ducks in a row? Good stuff, right?
  • The Grooming Essential: House99 Purefectly Clean Face Wash, $25 — Your routine for a day at the office should definitely involve a purifying face wash — it helps that this one comes from David Beckham’s new line.
  • The Finishing Touch: Duke Cannon Solid Cologne in Land, $25 — It’s amazing how one small finishing touch can elevate your look and your confidence — solid cologne from Duke Cannon, a personal favorite, works nicely and leaves you smelling just great.

Alright, my friends — who’s ready to crush that big day at the office? The old mantra “If you look good, you feel good” absolutely applies here. And if you start with timeless menswear essentials like the Telegraph Blazer from Taylor Stitch, you’re well on your way to being the best-dressed guy in a casual office. Picks like a classic men’s Oxford from Flint and Tinder also strike the right balance between laidback and polished — the same can be said for the classic, office-friendly Taylor Stitch Slim Jeans in a rich indigo. The major building blocks of this ensemble are balanced nicely alongside classic suede chukka boots, especially the refined Allen Edmonds Mountauk Plain Toe Chukka Boots. As ever, I urge you step up your accessories ever so slightly for the office — durable, versatile picks like stylish herringbone socks from Little River Sock Mill should play nicely off the Levi’s Premium Leather Icon Belt. Keeping everything for your presentation or meeting organized can be a tall order at times, yet the Bellroy Work Folio should help you accomplish that feat easily — and in style, to say the least. The BREDA Visser Watch is also the perfect timepiece for this ensemble, with an air of casual refinement that’s not too gaudy.  I’m also a big proponent of starting your day the right way — Duke Cannon’s Solid Cologne and the House99 face wash as shown above are going to get you out the door in fine fashion. So, what do we think? Will you be incorporating the Telegraph Blazer from Taylor Stitch (and other men’s style essentials) into your next business casual look?

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Pack Up the Nisolo Canvas Weekender for Your Next Road Trip

A durable, stylish weekender bag that helps get your gear from point A to point B in style.

I’ll keep it simple to start today’s post, my friends. The next time you pack up for a long weekend away, you should reach for the Nisolo Canvas Weekender, surely one of the best men’s weekender bags out there. That’s all there is to it. OK, maybe it’s not that simple. But still. The Nisolo Canvas Weekender comes to us courtesy of our friends at Bespoke Post, purveyors of ever-stylish and essential men’s gear for each and every season. In short, the Nisolo Canvas Weekender delivers the goods (literally) in terms of what you need in a stylish weekender bag. In similar fashion to the excellent Nisolo Leon Weekender, the Nisolo Canvas Weekender blends durability and versatile style — that’s a quality you shouldn’t overlook in your next weekender bag. It’s helpful, too, that Nisolo takes a nuanced, sustainable approach to this must-have weekender bag — that’s what makes the brand’s other gear, like the Nisolo x Huckberry Travel Derby, so stellar. Helpfully, the same hallmarks of quality, toughness and long-lasting looks can also be found when you take a deep dive into the Nisolo Canvas Weekender — the cotton canvas exterior and lining is just the beginning.

Yes indeed, the Khaki color and leather detailing found on the Nisolo Canvas Weekender  make it the perfect weekender bag for a casual few days out of town. We’re talking the kind of trip that involves exploring a new city via its breweries, coffee shops and live music (like Nashville or Portland!). In particular, that means the Nisolo Canvas Weekender is a perfect match for the type of travel attire every guy should wear — picks like a casual indigo shirt, faded American-made denim and classic leather chukka boots come to mind. At any rate, the Nisolo Canvas Weekender is going to stand up to whatever you throw at it, and it’s going to look great doing it. That’s key as summer turns toward fall — you need a tough weekender bag that’s ready to face rain, wind and eventually … snow. (Gasp!). The good news is, my friends, the Nisolo Canvas Weekender is that bag. Happy travels!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: North & Mark Union Blazer

A crisp and clean blazer, made with tech fabric for versatility.

Welcome, my friends, to another Style Pick of the Week — today, we’re telling you about one of the best men’s blazers to buy now, a stylish navy blazer cut for the office and for travel (be it of the Labor Day weekend variety or elsewhere in the season ahead). Our focus today? The North & Mark Union Blazer, a tech-savvy jacket that cleans up nicely for the office or even an upscale date night.

Yessir, the Union Blazer just has plenty going for it, from the easy-to-wear nylon-cotton and poly blend to the fact that it’s water and stain-repellent. Yes, indeed. It’s worth noting that your Style Guide author loves the Navy Union Blazer the best out of each color option — it’s everything you could want in a classic men’s blazer, with plenty of easy mobility built right in (the summer-friendly Tan Union Blazer could also be a prime pick for these last few weeks of the season, though). The stretch fabric gives it a level of comfort you’re not going to find in any other blazer out there — it’s as functional as a rain jacket, yet all the more stylish. In short, the Union Blazer is the sort of jacket you can wear on its own even when you’re dealing with the occasional rain shower — just flip the collar, and you’ve really got two jackets in one when it comes to the North & Mark Union Blazer.

SHOP: The North & Mark Union Blazer from Huckberry

The North & Mark Union Blazer is the real deal in terms of blending fashion and function.

The Navy Union Blazer is also such a great value because it’s priced (currently) at under $200 — that’s under two bills for an office-ready blazer and a weather-ready piece of transitional outerwear. The classic blazer styling also means you can wear the North & Mark Union Blazer in more ways than one. Try it out as you might a more traditional jacket — with a classic Oxford shirt, slim tan chinos and brown leather dress shoes. And then, keep it handy to wear in a slightly more fall-friendly fashion — with a white slub cotton henley (I like this one from Faherty Brand), plus dark indigo denim and rugged brown leather boots. Should a little rain to start fall? No matter — you’re all good, thanks to the functionality of the North & Mark Union Blazer. Internal zip side pockets provide some handy room for your everyday carry essentials, too; make no mistake, the Navy Union Blazer is a classic jacket for the modern man on the go. So, what’ll it be? Is the North & Mark Union Blazer on your list of men’s style essentials? I sure hope so.

SHOP: The North & Mark Union Blazer from Huckberry

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Blazers to Beat the Heat, The Rumpl Beer Blanket and Transitional Style

My dear friends and Style Guide readers, can you believe it’s Friday again already — and time for another Friday Read, at that? It’s pretty wild, but we’re nearly staring down Labor Day weekend. Are you ready for it? I already can’t wait to be headed back to Pure Michigan next Friday for a long weekend.

But for now, we’ve got business to take care of when it comes to men’s style essentials and preparing for changing seasons. The hot weather seems to have stuck around unusually long this year, so while we wait for that first crisp fall breeze, you should be focused on transitional pieces that tackle the current season swiftly (things like a stylish denim jacket and durable leather lace-up boots). Just know that in due time, we’ll be stepping out in rugged style essentials for brewery visits, football games and more fall fun. So, that’s what I’m excited about at the moment — along with an upcoming Brooklyn summer weekend featuring lots of iced coffee and a few craft brews. What about you? Let me know on Twitter, or join us at The Style Guide Facebook page. Thanks for reading!

  • If I were you, I’d want to stay as cool as possible these last few weeks of summer — Esquire is recommending a lightweight blazer to help you beat the heat in style. Shop accordingly (and be sure to check out my guide on how to wear a blazer with a T-shirt! Bingo).
  • Speaking of stylish, lightweight blazers, what say we revisit this #OOTD that covers how to beat the heat in style? It’s worth keeping in mind even as the calendar approaches September — how crazy is that?
  • And in that same vein — staying cool and beating the heat — perhaps it would behoove you to check out the Rumpl Beer Blanket, a handy craft beer accessory that I covered for GearMoose recently. Take a bunch of ’em out on your next weekend caming trip (Side note: Check out my picks for the best men’s camping gear) or football tailgate this fall. You won’t regret it!
  • Lastly — in the way of classic men’s style essentials that transition from season to season with ease, surely this list of the best men’s Oxford shirts will come in mighty handy (I pulled it together for The Manual, after all!). And if you can’t get enough stylish Oxford shirts, and want another option, you might as well read this site’s post on the best Oxford shirt to buy now, as well.

That’s going to wrap up today’s Friday Read. Still in the mood for more men’s style content? Read all about the best leather watch to buy right now.  Or, stock up on more menswear essentials to close out summer. We’ve got you covered! 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The SeaVees California Special Sneakers Are Your New Favorite Sneakers

A new classic — terrific SeaVees sneakers to take you into fall.

There comes a time in  every guy’s life when he needs to take stock of those critical men’s style essentials he’s got handy for the changing seasons, particularly on the footwear front. So, as we move from summer toward early fall, that’s where the brand-new, super-stylish SeaVees California Special Sneakers are going to help out. Named for a special edition of the Ford Mustang that was only sold to residents of California, they’re a classic, stylish pair of high-top sneakers from the laidback style purveyors at SeaVees, and that’s as good as it gets for stepping from summer into fall. Whether you wear the SeaVees California Special to the office (it can be done!) or to the bar, you’re in good hands.

SHOP: SeaVees California Special via Huckberry 

My personal favorite from the collection — one of four versatile color options.

Available in Ecru Pig Suede (your humble author’s personal favorite), as well as the sleek Perforated Falcon Suede and the dressier Night Pig Suede, these are just the right type of high-top sneakers to start wearing now, and then keep wearing come fall. The Ecru Pig Suede variety in particuar is perfectly versatile, easy to wear right now with olive chinos and a grey slub T-shirt — and then still fitting to pair with dark indigo denim, a grey crewneck sweater and a classic Oxford shirt later on this season. Made with flat eyelets and cotton laces, the construction on the SeaVees California Special is quite solid. That’s great news, because I’d imagine you’re going to want to wear these comfortable high-top kicks as much as you can. Heck, you should even feel free to wear the SeaVees California Special to something as laidback as a football tailgate — they’re that low-key and versatile. And for pairing with easygoing weekend style staples — think tailored sweatpants and a slub cotton henley — there’s really no better footwear option than the  SeaVees California Special.

Are you ready to make the transition into fall yet? What do you think of these classic sneakers?

SHOP: SeaVees California Special via Huckberry 

by Beau H.

The List: Prep for Labor Day with Your New Favorite Menswear Essentials

Classic chinos made from quality materials — as essential now as in early fall.

Folks, check your calendar, check your watch or set a reminder on your phone — Labor Day isn’t too far off. What does that mean, exactly? Well, that means that summer is drawing to an end — and it also means that your shopping for men’s style essentials certainly shouldn’t be done yet. The key, as we’ve talked about this month, comes with reaching for menswear essentials to get you through Labor Day and into fall — like the Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos shown above. So, without further ado … let’s go to it!

Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Olive — $98

Timeless chinos to take you through Labor Day and well beyond.

I can’t recommend the Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos enough — in this instance, the rich Olive color of these classic men’s chinos should work nicely for Labor Day weekend travel, and then dinner & drinks once you get where you’re going. My footwear suggestion? Wear ’em with the Taylor Stitch Brogues in Espresso Leather.
Sunski Yubas Sunglasses — $55

Seriously cool sunglasses at a seriously affordable price.

You  can’t underestimate the value and style you’re getting with the remarkable Sunski Yubas Sunglasses. Well-made, affordably priced and ready to be worn to the beach with stylish boardshorts this coming Labor Day.
Bespoke Post Worn Box —$55

A tough leather belt and an equally tough brass money clip? That’s a heck of a value, ehh?

The folks at Bespoke Post simply excel at curating thoughtful menswear essentials for any season (much less the end of summer), like the Bespoke Post Worn Box. This thing gives you a made-in-America leather belt, plus a durable brass money clip for your everyday carry.
Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch — $179.98

A stylish & rugged watch to close out your summer.

The end of summer calls for one last outdoor adventure — and a rugged watch that can stand up to the test. The Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch is one such watch. Keep it handy for fall with a denim shirt & tan chinos.
Outerknown S.E.A. Pocket Tee — $38

A simple pocket tee that just so happens to be stylish and eco-conscious.

Stylish and sustainably made, the Outerknown S.E.A. Pocket Tee is an end-of-summer essential, ideal for wearing on  its own with light wash denim, and even more ideal for wearing under a cotton-linen cardigan on a chilly Labor Day weekend night.
Anonymousim Anchor Jacquard Crew Socks — $20

Some of the nicest socks money can buy, in a summer-ready nautical pattern.

You need stylish men’s socks on your feet no matter the season — it just so happens that the Anonymousism Anchor Jacquard Crew Socks channel some nautical style inspiration for that final weekend on the beach or lake.
LEMS Shoes Boulder Boots — $125

Tough, easily packable leather boots, an ideal way to close out summer.

What rugged leather boots are you wearing for one last weekend camping trip? Make that the LEMS Shoes Boulder Boots. Super comfortable, super easy to pack & super easy to wear to the bar with rolled dark denim later.
Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Hoodie — $98

The hoodie you didn’t know you needed for cool summer nights.

When a T-shirt just won’t cut it out this coming Labor Day, reach for the excellent Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Hoodie. Easygoing and laidback, this stylish hoodie is perfect for a summer bonfire.
Yuketen Handsewn Camp Moc in Indigo — $300

Cool, well-crafted footwear that can work very well at an end-of-summer BBQ.

Are you sensing a theme here? Rugged-yet-stylish gear that’s both laidback and yet well-made — case in point, the summer and fall-friendly Yuketen Handsewn Camp Moc. Wear ’em with a white slub tee and rolled tan chinos.
GrowlerWerks 128oz. Limited Edition Bundle — $299

All the necessary picks for knocking back a cold one (or four).

What’s one essential you need to bring to your Labor Day BBQ or weekend getaway? The GrowlerWerks Limited Edition Bundle, a craft beer must-have that’s all the more necessary if you happen to be hosting. Bottoms up.
Flint and Tinder Mill Pant — $98

Tough-yet-tailored outdoor pants, made in America.

So, you’re sitting around the campfire this Labor Day weekend — what are you wearing? Answer: The Flint and Tinder Mill Pants, a tough pair of outdoor pants that just so happen to be surprisingly stylish.
Grayers Eastvale Blazer — $138.98

An easygoing cotton blazer that should pair nicely with tan chinos, a white Oxford and leather loafers.

If it’s a laidback, stylish casual blazer that you seek for your final outdoor wedding or business retreat, the Grayers Eastvale Blazer, featuring 100 percent cotton in a soft pin dot weave, is the blazer you need to buy now.
So, my dear friends — is there a menswear essential from the above list that caught your eye for Labor Day weekend? For me, I dig the rugged, versatile style of the Yuketen Handsewn Camp Moc — ideal for pairing up with classic looks like slim light wash denim and a white slub henley. That’s all for now — enjoy the end of summer, folks!
by Beau H.

#OOTD: Get Ready for Early Fall with a Classic Chambray Shirt

Notice that as the calendar creeps ever closer to Labor Day, we’re just as focused as ever on men’s style essentials that can take you from August on into September and October with ease. So, whether you wear today’s #OOTD for some upcoming Labor Day travel, a casual weekend coffee run or even a lunch date or your last summer BBQ, I’d say you’re going to be in great shape. For instance: That blend of casual, versatile style gets all the easier when you start with the Taylor Sitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — definitely one of the best men’s chambray shirts out there — and then build your outfit around it. From cool, unique slim brown denim to versatile high-top sneakers to some seriously stylish men’s sunglasses from Sunski, this ensemble is packed with essentials that simply nail the best of the best when it comes to affordable men’s style. Yes indeed, there’s nothing too fancy about this outfit, and that’s a great thing. As we’ve said time and again at The Style Guide, that means you can wear pieces like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt to grab coffee or groceries, or a round of beers at your next rock concert. Who can argue with that? Good luck getting ready for the end of summer, and we’ll see you out there.

Casual, straightforward and without any extra bells or whistles in sight — that’s what we’ve got for you today.

  • The Classic Chambray Shirt: Taylor Stitch California Shirt in Blue Everyday Chambray, $118 — With roots in workwear and a strong foundation in casual style, the rugged chambray shirt is the perfect pick-me-up to move you from late summer into early fall. Taylor Stitch scores again with the Everyday Chambray.
  • The Tee: WP Standard Slub Tee, $28 — You’ve likely seen this shirt on my Instagram, perhaps? Soft fabric, an excellent fit and a cool curved hem  — perfect for layering under the Everyday Chambray Shirt.
  • The Denim: Bulletprufe Tobacco Brown Denim, $98 — Wearing dark indigo denim can get a little monotonous at times, as much as we all love it. The uniquely colored Tobacco Brown Denim from Bulletprufe changes all of that.
  • The Sneakers: TOMS TRVL LITE High Sneakers, $84.95 — Don’t think TOMS can pull off sneakers? Think again — the TRVL LITE Sneakers really are quite comfortable, now available in a fall-friendly High version.
  • The Socks: Anonymousim Anchor Jacquard Crew Socks, $20 — You know what can make all the difference when it comes to your ensemble? Comfortable, stylish socks like these ones from Anonymousism. Bingo.
  • The Belt & Money Clip: Bespoke Post Worn Box, $55 — Might as well get two handy menswear essentials in one well-priced package with the Bespoke Post Worn Box, right? A sleek money clip and a stylish leather belt both belong on your person this season.
  • The Watch: Hemel HFT20 Watch, $340 — For an outfit that features a hefty chambray shirt, you’re going to want a rugged leather watch that packs some punch — the Hemel HFT20 Watch is that watch.
  • The Sunglasses: Sunski Yubas Sunglasses, $55 — Blending affordability and a stylish, eye-catching frame shape (pun intended), the Sunski Yubas Sunglasses strike the right balance between casual & classic.
  • The Hat: WP Ebbets Field Cap, $45 — Go with a vintage-inspired ballcap from the stellar partnership between WP Standard and Ebbets Field Flannels to top this whole thing off — it’s just plain cool.

So, is your head simply spinning with all the possibilities this stylish, versatile #OOTD brings to the table? From a backyard BBQ to Labor Day travel to an outdoor festival, I can think of plenty of places where an essential like the Taylor Sitch Everyday Chambray Shirt could take you. When you pair a rugged chambray shirt with a simple, yet visually interesting, slub tee, you’ve got the makings of an outfit that’s going to look at home at a brewery or your favorite coffee shop, easily. Add in Tobacco Brown Denim from Bulletprufe in a nicely tailored fit, and this ensemble is just different enough from what you might wear on the daily (notice the lack of dark blue indigo denim!). High-top sneakers from TOMS in a neutral shade of grey nod nicely toward fall, while subtle accessories like stylish socks from Anonymousism add a bit of flair to your bottom half (just a bit, though!). The standout Hemel HFT20 Watch is an absurdly beautiful everyday timepiece, as ready for travel as it is for your next backyard party — the same can be said about the cool vibes you get from the Sunski Yubas Sunglasses and the neat WP Ebbets Field Cap. If you haven’t picked up on it yet, this #OOTD can really go just about anywhere when it comes to casual early fall adventures.

So, where are you going to take this #OOTD? What might you change about it? Oh, and thanks for reading! 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Levi’s 501 Jeans Are The Classic Jeans You Need Now

You can’t argue with these classic jeans, especially in a timeless, versatile dark wash.

There are menswear staples that are instantly recognizable and easily wearable — take it from a brand that modernized the blue jean as we know it today, Levi’s. And the pair of jeans that remain a cultural icon after decades? That’d be the Levi’s 501, a perfect pair of classic men’s denim that you can buy right now, and then wear for … heck, forever. In any season, in any weather … these are THE jeans (arguably). That is to say, in the way of men’s style essentials that can work in August, September or any other month of the year, there really aren’t many — the chambray shirt and suede chukka boots come to mind, as does a pair of stylish men’s denim like the Levi’s 501, naturally.

It can certainly be tricky to get all the details right, but that’s what the Levi’s 501 have continually brought to the table. Among those details? The iconic button fly, a timeless fit and the Dark Stonewash finish that you’ll grow to love. Looking for some well-fitting men’s denim that can rack up some miles? Bingo.

Just one of the many details that make the Levi’s 501 worth buying.

On that note, let’s talk about the fit and versatility of the Levi’s 501, shall we? Unlike some pairs of stretch denim that tend to fit more like denim leggings (yikes!), the 501 from Levi’s are cut in a straight fit, with a regular leg opening. That means the Levi’s 501 are at their best when worn with equally classic footwear — think durable high-top Converse sneakers or rugged Red Wing Heritage leather boots. That timeless design also makes ’em an easy pair of denim to wear in different seasons. The Levi’s 501 are as at home with a heather grey pocket tee and those aforementioned high-tops as they are with a grey crewneck sweater and yes, Red Wing Heritage leather boots come fall and winter. Did we mention the part about the classic fit? The rich Dark Stonewash finish? And the excellent price (just $59.50 via the Levi’s site)? Ahh, OK. Got it. Happy shopping!

Planning on buying the Levi’s 501? How are you planning on styling ’em?  Join us over at The Style Guide Facebook page to talk shop.