#OOTD: The Right Way to Wear a Chambray Shirt This Summer

We talk a lot here on The Style Guide about the best way to wear certain summer style essentials — case in point, this recent #OOTD covering how to wear a denim jacket.  Today, we’re talking about another summer style essential that’s truly crucial to pulling together a well-appointed wardrobe in warm weather: The chambray shirt. To be sure, owning a stylish chambray shirt isn’t a matter of life or death … but you’d definitely do well to pick up the slim chambray shirt we’re talking about in today’s ensemble.

The cool cotton and go-anywhere versatility of the chambray shirt makes it an easy choice to throw on with sharp white sneakers and an investment-level watch, even when the thermostat rises — as you’ll see in the below outfit. The best part about the CIVIC Jack Shirt? It’s going to prove plenty useful the rest of the year, too. But for right now, when you need to look presentable yet don’t want to throw on too many extra layers? Reach for a classic chambray shirt, made with a decidedly modern fabric. While we’re certainly not reinventing the wheel here, we’re giving you yet another way to wear this beloved wardrobe staple — no matter how hot it gets. Wear this look to a BBQ or to the bar, or to a balllgame. Heck, wear it to the office if you feel quite casual.

Want more styling tips (mixed with a healthy dose of craft beer and travel? Head to my Instagram

A versatile chambray shirt and white sneakers, plus a tremendously rugged and stylish watch? That’s all you need this summer. Besides pants, that is.

  • The Chambray Shirt: CIVIC The Jack Shirt in Sky Blue Chambray, $128 — From the partner brand of Taylor Stitch comes a versatile chambray shirt with a tailored cut and go-anywhere fabric. Ideal for summer.
  • The Pants: Mott & Bow Slim Mercer Jeans in Khaki, $128 — While we could go with chinos here, khaki jeans are decidedly more casual — and thanks to Mott & Bow, the Mercer Jeans are VERY easy to wear (it’s the stretch fabric construction!).
  • The Sneakers: SeaVees Monterey Sneakers, $54.98 — It’s tough to knock the combination of affordability, style and versatility you’re getting with classic SeaVees sneakers. I can’t recommend the Monterey Sneakers enough.
  • The Socks: CHUP Volant Socks, $32 — What socks to wear when you’ve got on a pair of low-cut sneakers? An comfortable yet-subtly stylish pair like the CHUP Volant Socks, of course.
  • The Belt: Levi’s Alturas Belt, $38 — Levi’s is a go-to brand for your favorite pair of denim, yet don’t turn a blind eye to the brand’s accessories; I’m a fan of the rugged leather of the Alturas Belt. It’s those small style details that matter.
  • The Watch: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch, $1,295 — Take it from a guy who loves his watches — the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 is a beast, and yet subtly stylish at the same time. The perfect counterpart to a classic chambray shirt, if you ask me.
  • The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $40 — The much-loved Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is a personal favorite. It’s a premium, stylish upgrade over your standard athletic logo cap, too. Give it a try with this #OOTD.
  • The Wallet:Wingback London Cash Wallet, $84 — Investing in a great leather wallet can be one of life’s finer pleasures. The Wingback London Cash Wallet will age handsomely each time you use it, too.

And with that … we’re done with today’s #OOTD! Feeling more confident about how to wear a chambray shirt, or reinvigorted with new ideas about how to style the CIVIC Jack Shirt in a way that’s new and fresh? Good. Great, even. The above look isn’t too complicated, although you could add a rugged denim jacket if you like. Complementary pieces like the Mercer Jeans from Mott & Bow keep this outfit casual and yet versatile — we’re all about comfort and style that can take you places (the ballpark, the bar, that BBQ … you get the drift). As one would expect, classic SeaVees sneakers also get the job done when it comes to go-anywhere style — the white Monterey Sneakers add crisp, casual style to this ensemble in particular. I’m also all about little details making the difference, from the neat pattern of the CHUP Volant Socks to the aged leather of the Alturas Belt — small styling touches add just enough visual interest to an outfit that’s packed with classics. Speaking of classics … I’m positive the investment-level quality (and matching price tag) on the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 is going to lend some serious style cred and classic style to this look, and a heck of a lot of others.  All that’s left to do? Throw on the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, grab the stylishly rugged  Wingback London Cash Wallet, and hit the road. Summer’s in the bag, folks.

Let me know how you feel about the above look by checking in on Twitter.

The List: Shop for Father’s Day with these Last-Minute Gift Ideas for Dad

OK, folks. Father’s Day is coming this weekend. What are you buying for your dad or the father figure in your life? Haven’t figured that out yet? Look no further. In fact, let’s go with something he’ll love, something that’s a true summer style essential. Which begs the question: What does summer style mean to you and the father figure in your life? Does it mean stylish linen shirting, tailored shorts, clean sneakers and a cold beer in hand? Does it mean an adventure-ready watch teamed with a go-anywhere classic tee and rugged denim? Or perhaps … something else? Whatever it means to you, I guarantee this week’s edition of The List has summer style essentials aplenty, and gear you’ll both love. Let’s get to it.

Taylor Stitch Navy Mini Gingham Linen Shirt — $125

Breezy linen meets the Taylor Stitch cut you know and love.

What’s the best way to take on summer? With a subtly stylish, well-cut linen shirt from Taylor Stitch. Preppy without going overboard — ideal for the stylish dad (yourself included).
The Goods The Chord — $25

Is Dad ready to rock? He is now.

A neat accessories upgrade for the dad who loves to rock, this cool collaboration bracelet features basic jazz and guitar chords on the surface — the perfect accessory to wear to a concert, yes?
Nezumi Studios Bailene Watch — $500

The sporty, stylish answer to the question, “What’s on your wrist this summer?”

It truly wouldn’t be summer if we didn’t recommend a durable dive watch, would it? Featuring abrushed stainless steel case, a vintage diver design and a sporty slipthrough strap, the Bailene Watch has “investment-worthy” all over it — what dad doesn’t love a great watch, right?
Red Wing Heritage Chelsea Boots + Care Kit — $240

Stylish Chelsea boots from an extremely dependable brand — always a wise purchase.

Beautifully rugged and stylish Chelsea boots from Red Wing Heritage, teamed with a care kit? That’s an easy purchase, even in the summer. Who said all your rugged leather boots need be put away?
Grayers Blue Palm Leaf Summer Plain Weave Shirt — $78

A slightly muted print that’ll kick some serious ass at your next BBQ or happy hour.

Make no bones about it, you need a printed short-sleeve shirt in your summer wardrobe rotation. The Grayers Blue Palm Leaf Shirt takes a classic print and dials it down a bit.
Mott & Bow Slim Warren Jeans — $128

Light wash jeans that clean up quite nicely.

Searching for your new favorite pair of light wash denim? Mott & Bow is here to help — the brand’s Warren Jeans are stylishly crafted and certainly very easy to wear. That goes for your dad or yourself, mind you.

Thursday Boots Statesman Shoes in Brown — $180
Thursday Boots

Handsome, well-crafted dress shoes from a stellar boot brand.

Although there’s a waitlist at the time of this writing, the first-ever dress shoes from Thursday Boots are proving to be a versatile hit. Classic Oxford dress shoes like these ones work with summer style combos aplenty.
Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1950’s Sportswear T-shirt — $88

A throwback-inspired T-shirt to help you channel classic summer style.

Levi’s Vintage Clothing is a throwback division that the lauded jean maker has invested quite a bit of time and effort into, and the well-fitting 1950’s Sportswear T-shirt is a seriously cool upgrade from your classic summer tee.
Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses — $160

Classic sunglasses perfect for round after round of patio brews this summer.

Elevated, classic style is the name of the game with the Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses. They work with a classic navy polo and tan chinos as easily as they do with a crisp white tee and navy shorts.
Taylor Stitch Slim Jean in Cone Mills ’68 Selvage — $145
Taylor Stitch Slim Jeans

A classic pair of dark denim with the pedigree to back it up.

We’ve already covered the stylish light wash jeans you need for summer from Mott & Bow, so let’s take a second to sing the praises of the one-of-a-kind Taylor Stitch Slim Jeans featuring Cone Mills selvage. Boom. There you go.
Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots (Huckberry Exclusive) — $108.98

Summer-ready Chelsea boots — fully ready to wear with slim light wash denim.

What else are you going to wear with those Taylor Stitch Slim Jeans than a pair of classic Chelsea boots? The new Astorflex Bitflex, done up in an exclusive colorway, is a prime summer style pick.
Levi’s Commuter 511 Pants — $118

Undeniably stylish pants that also get the job done in terms of mobility.

The same great fit as your favorite Levi’s jeans, yet this time upgraded in a stretch fabric that’s perfect if you’re the type to bike or walk to work. Tailored style, a clean fit and plenty of mobility — what’s not to love about the Commuter 511 Pants?

My friends, that’s the end of today’s edition of The List. Which of the above picks can you simply not get enough of? For my money’s worth, I simply love the Bailene Watch from our friends at Nezumi Studios. Feel free to let me know your thoughts via The Style Guide Facebook page.

Style Pick of the Week: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch

A striking, sporty watch that also works at the office — it’s summer-ready, for sure.

Do we tend to emphasize affordable men’s style on this here blog? We certainly do. But every once in a while, isn’t it nice to step back, think of the big picture, and perhaps dream of an investment-worthy watch? Yes, yes it certainly is. That brings me to today’s Style Pick of the Week, the classically designed, functionally stylish Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch — it’s every bit as good as the price tag would indicate. And there’s perhaps no better time to invest in a stylish casual watch that can go anywhere on land — and anywhere off land, for that matter. Featuring a rather astounding price tag — and equally astounding Swiss construction — the Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch is well-suited for whatever comes your way this summer.  Namely, the Super Sea Wolf is the rare watch that works as well in the office as it does off the clock. It’s sporty and yet understated, the type of watch to wear with a lightweight navy blazer, a striped pocke tee and slim chinos to the office. And when you really need to up the ante in terms of adventure-ready style? The Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch is with you every step of the way.

It’s a highly accurate watch complete with a durable stainless steel case and 200 meters worth of water resistance — it’s certainly not just for show when it comes time to head out an excursion. SuperLuminova markings add to the readability of the sporty-yet-simple watch face, too. All told, there’s no watch like the  Super Sea Wolf in your collection currently (at least, I’d bet not). The black nylon strap is simple and understated, all the better to wear this watch with a slim navy polo and classic khaki shorts to a weekend happy hour. It’s also a vacation-ready watch — the durability and classic style is well-suited if you’re looking for a watch to wear for travel. Team it with a rugged denim jacket and a slub T-shirt for a polished airport look that’s still uniquely comfortable. The great thing is, the texture of the durable nylon strap also lends itself well to plenty of fall and winter ensembles (not that it’s pleasant to think that far ahead). Point being, a versatile and investment-level watch like the Super Sea Wolf should work as hard as you do — for the price tag, you need to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. So, wear it with dark blue denim and a T-shirt, pair it with a navy polo and a slim khaki blazer … just ensure it’s on your wrist quite a lot this summer.

Are you going to invest in the Super Sea Wolf Watch? Let me know in the comments!

The Friday Read: Stitch Fix, North & Mark and the Best Men’s Pocket Tees

We’ve had quite a lot going on around The Style Guide as of late, from a recent trip to Detroit (Editor’s note: Check out my amazing girlfriend Laura’s guide to things to do in Detroit!) to quite a few neat #menswear events here in NYC — one of which you’ll learn about below! Along the way, I’ve carved out some to listen to some new tunes — the new CHVRCHES album “Love is Dead” has been on heavy rotation — and I’ve tried some tasty new beer to kick off summer. On that note, Corona Premier is a pleasingly light, easy-to-drink beer that still harnesses some nice flavor (thanks to the brand for sending over some test brews!). While I love a hefty New England or West Coast IPA — of which you can find a good deal of in Brooklyn — I’ve still got a soft spot for a Corona and a day spent catching some sun.

But, back to business. Let’s talk about the watch you need for summer adventures. Or conversely, the classic white tee to wear with everything this season. Or perhaps, a stylish short-sleeve shirt is more your speed this weekend. Whatever tickles your fancy, hopefully, we can help you find it. On that note, we’re looking into a few handy, helpful seasonal style matters today, a new outerwear brand and classic pocket tees among them. So for now, I’ll say farewell. Happy reading, happy shopping … oh, and cheers!

  • Have you heard of or used Stitch Fix? I was able to give this personal styling service a try last fall via my Instagram and blog, but at any rate, GQ.com took a closer look at the inner workings of this fast-moving platform recently. You decide whether the service is for you, I’d say.
  • I had the chance last week to check out the launch of North & Mark, a highly functional, highly stylish outerwear brand that makes its gear in NYC and draws inspiration from the Windy City.  From four-way stretch blazers — tailored but easy to wear over a classic white tee to the office — to clean and classic overcoats and a heck of a stylish belted trench coat, this is one brand that’s certainly going to help you up your outerwear game when the weather calls for it.
  • Esquire.com has been tracking the best songs of 2018 (so far), and I’m having a tough time picking my favorite from this list. For this self-proclaimed Indie Rock Dad (Editor’s note: Actually not a father!), it just might be “What a Time to be Alive” by revered North Carolina rockers Superchunk. What’s your pick from that list?
  • Perhaps most helpfully for y’all, I wrote up some of the best men’s pocket tees for GearMoose.com. My favorite from this list? The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee, naturally.

That’s going to do it for today’s Friday Read. Still need something to read or something to shop? Start with my list of the best summer style essentials. Then, read why you need this timeless navy polo in your closet for summer. All set? All set.

Cheers!

-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: The Bridge & Burn Winslow Shirt Is An Essential Summer Layer

 

Bridge & Burn

A casual plaid shirt that’s begging to be worn to a summer bonfire or cookout.

There are some #menswear essentials that just seem to fit right in during the laidback, easygoing summer months. The Bridge & Burn Winslow Shirt is just one of those pieces, offering up the right balance of West Coast cool and a dash of versatility, to boot. Portland-based Bridge & Burn makes a range of goods that are at once tough, rugged and nuanced, from soft T-shirts to hard-wearing outerwear and easy-to-style pieces like the Winslow Shirt. Every guy needs a solid  selection of grab-and-go menswear, the type of pieces you can throw on with anything. The Winslow Shirt fits that mold nicely, to say the least. It’s the sort of stylish casual shirt to throw on over a white slub T-shirt and faded blue denim to head to your favorite bar or your favorite patio — if you want to look polished and casual without exerting too much energy, the Bridge & Burn Winslow Shirt is for you.

It’s also the type of easygoing shirt that makes perfect sense to wear for summer travel. It works underneath a rugged denim jacket when paired up with slim tan chinos and white sneakers — that’s an ensemble that goes from plane or train to happy hour with ease. The Winslow Shirt also has the sort of all-American style that makes it a natural fit to wear to a bonfire or a backyard BBQ. Again, we’re talking style that’s put-together and yet not fussy — exactly the sort of energy you need to channel in the summer months. The Bridge & Burn Winslow Shirt is also a natural choice when it comes to layering — the plaid cotton wears well atop a grey short-sleeve henley or a tan pocket tee (Editor’s note: Upgrade your layered look with one of the best men’s T-shirts). A casual piece like the Winslow Shirt is also a fit with everything from dark denim to grey shorts to slim khaki chinos — you can’t ask for much more when it comes to summer styling options. If I were you, I’d snag the Winslow Shirt right now.

Who’s buying the  Bridge & Burn Winslow Shirt for summer style moves? How are you styling it? 

#OOTD: A New Way To Wear Your Favorite Summer Tee

The first thing you might notice about today’s #OOTD? Well, it’s a post that talks about how to wear your favorite summer tee … yet the stylish T-shirt in question is being layered up, not worn on its own. It’s small styling touches that are going to provide you with both visual interest and versatility, as crucial in the summer  months as it is the rest of the year. Take, for instance, a park stroll that turns into coffee that turns into lunch that turns into a round of beers … and another round. Want to be able to hop from one spot to the next with versatility in mind? Layering a rugged cotton twill shirt (like the American Giant number seen below) atop a slim navy T-shirt — AKA this one from Taylor Stitch — is one way to meet the demands of the day with both style and functionality in mind. The best T-shirts for summer offer layering potential and a crisp, classic look — such is the case with the Taylor Stitch T-shirt below. And as you’d expect, standout accessories, from timeless suede chukka boots to an investment-worthy watch, are going to take this simple-yet-stylish outfit to the next level. Again, it’s layers that can take a look to the next level, and with that in mind, I think you’re going to dig today’s #OOTD.  If, in the meantime, you want a dash of style as it happens, follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading!

A crisp navy tee, layered up accordingly with summer style essentials.

  • The T-Shirt: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee in Navy, $45 — A classic navy T-shirt made from sustainable fabric and done up in a standout fit.
  • The Overshirt: American Giant Highway Shirt in Whiskey, $99 –Although it might be too hot to wear some days, this rugged cotton twill shirt is the perfect layer when the weather turns breezy or cloudy.
  • The Denim: Revtown Automatic Denim in Dark Indigo, $75 — Faded just-so, this pair of slim dark denim is a four-season essential — yes, even during summer.
  • The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex Rough in Sand, $155 — Who doesn’t love a classic pair of chukka boots? You need the Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots all summer long, and then some.
  • The Socks: CIVIC The Merino Sock in Blue and Grey Stripe, $22.50 — The right pair of socks seems to (still) be vastly underrated these days — CIVIC’s Merino Socks are out to change that.
  • The Belt: Levi’s Aberdeen Belt, $38 — Don’t have a rugged leather belt yet? Fix that now — the Levi’s Aberdeen Belt can add some surprising interest to outfits that lean more heavily on one color (a la the navy items in this particular ensemble).
  • The Watch: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch, $1,295 — When your outfit is straightforward and classic, you can amp up your wrist game a little bit — or a lot. The handsome, functional and investment-worthy Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch is a stunner.
  • The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon News Anchor 2-in-1 Hair Wash, $14 – Your head and your hair deserve a better kind of clean, and this shampoo-conditioner blend from Duke Cannon should give you a significant boost.

Alright, my friends. Have you gotten over the notion that a T-shirt is just a T-shirt? The classic navy T-shirt shown here is the right way to go when it comes time to pick out a tee for your next weekend (or weekday) adventure. The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee features sustainable and stylish fabric, plus a polished fit — all the better for layering underneath a rugged cotton twill shirt from American Giant when needed. A crisp pair of slim dark denim from Revtown grounds this look in casual, easygoing style, and the Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots help to drive home the rugged appeal of this outfit. In short, it’s the kind of look you can wear to your favorite coffee shop or favorite brewery without missing a beat. Comfort and style are key with accessories, too — CIVIC’s Merino Socks are an undeniably stylish upgrade over whatever pair might be in your rotation currently.  For the price, you’d do well to have the Levi’s Aberdeen Belt in your wardrobe, regardless of season — it’s a rugged essential that just looks great, especially alongside dark blue denim.  You also can’t deny the standout wearability of a next-level watch like the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch. Great style often starts with the small details, so before we forget … get yourself a bottle of the Duke Cannon 2-in-1 Hair Wash — simple as that. Do you think you can pull off this casually rugged outfit? I sure do. Cheers, and thanks for reading!
-Beau

The List: Shop the Best Men’s Summer Style Essentials to Buy Right Now

Who else is a big fan of refreshing your wardrobe as the seasons change? For instance, we’re rolling full-steam ahead into June right now, and it’s high time you revamped your summer style essentials — that’s why we’re here today, after all. Today’s edition of The List covers all the bases, from an adventure-ready watch to beautiful black leather boots to a stylish short-sleeve shirt — and then some. Let me know if you dig these picks on The Style Guide Facebook page! Cheers!

Komrade White Pointer Watch — $799

The right specs to take on tough summer adventures in style.

Hard-wearing, durable and ready to go off-road, off-trail and into the water — and then to the bar — this summer. Komrade’s White Pointer Watch is just exceptional.
Nisolo Luciano Boots in Black — $258

Sleek leather boots that offer up just a dash of edgy style — even in the summer.

Sleek leather boots can still be worn through the summer months — the Nisolo Luciano Boots pair well with light wash denim and a rugged short-sleeve henley.
Buck Mason Denim Vintage Shirt — $105

A washed denim shirt that’s got plenty of layering potential for summer. Try it over a white slub tee with grey denim.

Buck Mason is a consistent Style Guide favorite for blending classic Americana with the modern edge. Take this handsome, stylish denim shirt — it’s got just the right blend of edgy style to wear however you please.
Finisterre Lerwick Shirt — $94.98

Part overshirt, part standalone shirt … all style.

Inspired by, as the brand says, “seashore mornings,” the Lerwick Shirt is as versatile on its own as it is atop a rugged henley. Which leads us to the next entry in this piece …
La Paz Ribas Henley — $55
Speaking of a stylish short-sleeve henley … the La Paz Ribas Henley is made from soft cotton and features a three-button placket, all the better to wear with a stylish denim jacket, slim chinos and timeless suede boots this summer. Bottoms up!
American Giant Roughneck Pants — $125

Perfect for a summer hike or a bonfire, to say the least.

What do you get when you merge the slim-straight cut of your favorite denim with rugged stretch canvas? The Roughneck Pants, of course.
Roark Revival Port Antonio Shirt — $60

Summer style without drifting too far into “crazy print” territory.

Roark Revival has managed to craft an understated, stylish printed shirt for all your summer adventures — namely, of the bar crawl or patio party variety.

Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Queen — $89.50

The light wash and cotton denim construction makes this Levi’s jacket ideal for summer nights.

When it gets breezy this summer, what are you going to wear? The Levi’s Trucker Jacket, of course. Don’t sleep on the layering potential of a stylish light wash denim jacket — pair this one with a classic white tee, tan chinos and white canvas sneakers.
Shinola Runwell Watch — $550

A handsome, classic and timeless watch — excellent work from Shinola, as always.

Another stylish watch in today’s edition of The List? Yes, my friends. Yes, indeed. The Shinola Runwell is classic, timeless and drool-worthy — worthy of being worn every day, all year round. Don’t you agree?
GANT Rugger Slim Indigo Chambray Shirt — $135

A rich indigo chambray shirt is a foolproof summer style essential. Easily!

A classic slim chambray shirt in a rich indigo color is a go-anywhere style move — wear it with dark denim and the Nisolo Luciano Boots to a concert, or pair it with tan chinos and white sneakers on a casual Friday at work.
CIVIC Antoni Tee — $55

Made from mercerized merino, this tee is exceptionally comfortable and easy to layer.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’ve been testing out the Antoni Tee from CIVIC (the partner brand of Taylor Stitch). The good news? It’s exceedingly soft and comfortable, plus it’s breathable in the heat and fits very well, to boot. Snap up the Antoni Tee ASAP for summer.
Miansai Hook on Leather Bracelet — $55

A cool-looking leather bracelet that embodies laidback summer style.

Want to add a shot of visual interest to your summer style ensemble without overdoing it? This stylish leather bracelet from Miansai is just cool and eye-catching enough to do the trick.

That’s going to do it for today’s edition of The List! What pieces can’t you get enough of from today’s post? I, for one, LOVE the La Paz Ribas Henley . To chime in, follow me on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Style Pick of the Week: Nisolo x Huckberry Travel Derby

Crisp, versatile derby shoes that just so happen to be perfect for summer travel.

Any list of summer style essentials calls for travel gear that can stand up to anything, right? Particularly when it comes to versatile travel shoes, I’d say. That’s why we’re here with an all-new, hot-off-the-presses, Style Pick of the Week. The Nisolo x Huckberry Travel Derby, released just a few days ago, are nothing short of the must-have shoes you need for your next summer trip. You can snag them via the Nisolo site, or via Huckberry — so there’s really no reason not to pick up a pair, right? Right.

That’s high praise, to be sure, but you can’t beat a pair of classic Oxford shoes that combine comfort, mobility and versatility. The brand made these exclusively for our pals at Huckberry, and they know a great pair of kicks when they see one. Believe you me, the Travel Derby is a great pair of kicks. The no-break-in suede upper on the Nisolo x Huckberry Travel Derby is a critical touch, truly crucial for comfort right out of the box (especially if you’re going to be wearing these for summer travel). I’m talking the sort of travel that might take you from the office to a train or a plane, then out the door to dinner. The Travel Derby has you covered. And the soft leather insole also molds to your foot, making these casual suede Oxfords easy to wear with stylish no-show socks. The XL Xtralight foam outsole is also plenty comfortable, featuring a laidback wedge shape, to boot. So, the Travel Derby has got what you might call the “comfort + specs” part of the equation down pat.

The great thing about the Travel Derby? You can wear ’em on the road, or pack ’em away with ease for summer trips aplenty.

The Nisolo x Huckberry Travel Derby also checks some crucial boxes in terms of styling potential. The silhouette and design is clean and classic, all the better for wearing with all manner of casual Friday looks. Take the Travel Derby and pair it with slim light wash jeans, a navy T-shirt and a lightweight khaki blazer — you’re set to close out the work week, and the only thing you need to hit the road is a stylish vintage leather messenger bag. And when you get where you’re headed this summer? Wear the Nisolo x Huckberry Travel Derby with slim stone chinos and a short-sleeve chambray shirt for style that’s quite happy hour-friendly. What’s the capper on the Travel Derby? It just might be the fact that these are ethically produced in Mexico — it’s that attention to detail that lends itself to a seriously stylish pair of summer shoes.  If you haven’t already decided to purchase the Nisolo x Huckberry Travel Derby, my only question is … what are you waiting for?

Head to Huckberry to get the Nisolo x Huckberry Travel Derby ASAP. 

See Now, Buy Now: The Komrade White Pointer Watch Is Ready for Summer Adventures

The right watch for summer adventure after summer adventure — seriously, folks.

Folks, your watch game needs an upgrade. Yes, it’s true — especially as we move into summer, which calls for outdoor adventures aplenty. But we’re not just slapping any old watch on your wrist and calling it a day. I’m recommending you reach for the Komrade White Pointer Watch, a durable-as-heck timepiece that blends outdoor functionality with some city-ready style — to say the least. Stylish casual timepieces are flooding the market these days, but when it comes to a watch for summer, which could you find you at the beach one minute and the bar the next, you need something on your wrist that exudes rugged toughness and go-anywhere potential. That brings me back around to the Komrade White Pointer Watch, sized just right at 44mm and clocking in at under $800 — a solid deal in the realm of versatile men’s watches, to be sure. The bang for your buck you get with the Komrade White Pointer Watch is just unparalleled, from the aerospace-grade titanium case to the automatic Swiss movement.

Those are the kind of specs that make the Komrade White Pointer Watch an essential when you step out of the house this summer. For day hikes, park strolls, off-road adventures and laidback patio beers, you can’t misstep with a durable, casual watch like the White Pointer — the blue face is striking yet not too loud, while the waterproof silicone band is fit for darn near anything you can throw at it. It’s also water-resistant to 100 meters, so feel free to wear it the next time you hop in the pool or head to the beach (A side note: Here’s what to bring to the beach this summer). And the rest of the time? Pair the Komrade White Pointer Watch with the basics — think a classic white tee and tailored navy shorts — and with picks that are a little more rugged (like the slim light wash denim and investment-worthy suede jacket found in our latest set of summer style essentials). How’s all of that for an upgrade to your stylish watch collection? Pretty essential, I’d say.

#OOTD: Here’s the Best Way to Wear a Denim Jacket This Summer

In the hustle and bustle between holding down a PR job and keeping things (mostly) afloat at The Style Guide, there are days where I prefer to just grab and go when it comes to my personal style. Do you feel much the same way? Well, good sir (or madam!), today’s #OOTD is for you. We’re talking the best way to wear a denim jacket this summer — a classic denim jacket is a grab-and-go style move that I find myself making more often than not, especially in these somewhat breezy days of early summer, where a sunny afternoon can shift to a cloudy night quite quickly. The Levi’s Trucker Jacket shown below is a timeless style staple, a silhouette that looks good on any guy. It looks even better when paired with some crisp-yet-simple brown dress shoes and pieces like a tough leather belt. What’s more, a rugged denim jacket adds a bit of visual edge to even simple looks — take, for instance, the slim grey T-shirt and classic five-pocket pants featured below. That, to me, is grab-and-go style at its best. The type of style that looks polished and considered, but not too perfect. The type of style that’s perfect for, well, right now. Count this #OOTD as perfect for weekend happy hour or a patio party, or even a day on the road — you’d be surprised how handy a Levi’s Trucker Jacket can be (can you tell I’m a fan?). If you’ve got thoughts of your own on this #menswear ensemble, let me know on Twitter. Onward!

A classic denim jacket punches up this timeless #OOTD even more. Don’t you agree?

  • The Denim Jacket: Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Queen, $89.50 — The casual light wash and lightweight cotton construction make the Levi’s Trucker Jacket an easy summer layering move, particularly over a classic grey tee.
  • The T-Shirt: Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee in Grey, $38 — We’ve sung the praises of the Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee on the blog before. To be sure, the Triblend Tee in Grey is simple, comfortable and exceedingly well-made — it’s more than good enough to stand on its own.
  • The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pants in Earth, $98 — The cut of jeans with the fabrication of chinos — the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants are an everyday staple that exude timeless, cool style — perfect for summer.
  • The Shoes: Thursday Boots Statesman Dress Shoes in Brown, $180 — The shoes really do make this outfit — understated dress shoes add a unique bit of high-low style here; they’re a cut above laidback high-top sneakers, so wear this look to get patio drinks at your favorite cocktail bar.
  • The Socks: Arvin Goods Camp Socks, $15 — No stuffy wool boot socks here — just well-made, breathable Arvin Goods socks with some nice texture and color.
  • The Belt: Levi’s Linden Roller Belt, $35 — A textured leather belt is going to keep this outfit firmly in casual territory– it’s a nice contrast to the crisp dress shoes and the stylish watch (you’ll see it in just a minute!)
  • The Watch: Shinola Runwell Watch, $550 — The beauty of a denim jacket-and-tee combo, matched up with simple-yet-sharp dress shoes? Your watch can toe that same line — the Shinola Runwell Watch is investment-worthy and sharp, yet it’s still a classic leather watch that’s understated enough to fit right in.
  • The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses, $135 — Because the rest of this outfit is stylish, yet not over-the-top, your sunglasses can be used to inject just a bit of visual interest into the look. Turn to Raen Optics.

We’re turning the page on today’s #OOTD. Have you come around to the idea of wearing a classic denim jacket a little more casually this summer? When accessorized with the right staple pieces — like the simple-yet-effective Triblend Tee in Grey and the nicely tailored Flint and Tinder 365 Pants — it offers a bit of standout style without going overboard. It’s timeless, it’s rugged, it works for breezy summer nights and cool days … the Levi’s Trucker Jacket sure is a winner. That’s grab-and-go style personified. Crisp dress shoes are an interesting and unique substitution for classic sneakers — give it a try sometime and see where it takes you. Just because we’re going casual doesn’t give you an excuse to cut corners on the accessories front — start with a rugged leather belt from Levi’s, then add the Shinola Runwell Watch to seal the deal. Arvin Goods socks bring some sustainability and style into the equation — just the right amount of visual contrast when peeking out from underneath the cuff of your Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, ehh? On the eyewear front, Raen Optics has you covered in matters of both looks and functionality. Remember, the building blocks of any grab-and-go look are often pieces right in front of you — a cool denim jacket, an easygoing tee, some classic five-pocket pants. From there? Go anywhere you please this summer. Oh, and grab me a pint, will ya? Cheers!