April 30, 2019April 5, 2019 by Beau H.

#OOTD: My Guide to Wearing a Polo Shirt This Summer

Perhaps thinking of a polo shirt conjures images of baggy, overly stuffy iterations you wore back in middle school or high school — rest assured, that’s not the classic navy polo we’re talking about today. No sir, today’s #OOTD on how to wear a polo shirt this summer is all business, and we mean that in the best way possible. The key with taking on the polo in these trying modern times starts with finding one that’s versatile, functional & stylish — decidedly not like the first polo you ever wore. Take the Proof Merino 72-Hour Polo as seen below, a performance-minded polo that really doesn’t look all that different from the navy polo worn by James Bond back in the day. We’re mixing and matching it with other rugged, casual-yet-sharp pieces, from a washed denim jacket to stylish canvas slip-ons, all the better to help you “choose your own adventure,” as it were. What I’m trying to say is, you could reasonably wear this classic navy polo to the office and to happy hour during the week, or else out to a sharp weekend brunch or a round of afternoon cocktails. All these pieces work together in harmony (I think), so that’s to be applauded. See how it all shakes out below.

There’s the normal way to wear your polo shirt, and then there’s THIS way.

The Polo Shirt: Proof 72-Hour Merino Polo, $78 — Think of the classic navy polo, and then think of a merino polo that’s made to wear for travel and a day at the office, all thanks to its breathability and performance.
The Jacket: Levi’s Trucker Jacket, $89.50 — Want to switch it up from your typical blazer or spring windbreaker? A rugged trucker jacket from Levi’s — in a spring-friendly light wash — is the way to go. Perfect for lightweight layering.
The Chinos: Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos, $98 — Shake off the overly preppy connotations of the polo-chinos combo by reaching for these slim chinos from our pals at Flint and Tinder.
The Sneakers: Vulcanizer Canvas Slip-Ons, $125 — Another way to shake up this outfit? Throw in some stylish slip-on sneakers that you can slide right on (use this foot powder from Duke Cannon before and after).
The Watch: Uniform Wares Rose Gold Dress Watch, $700 — Am I recommending you splurge on this stylish leather watch? I am, precisely because Uniform Wares has succeeded in making one that’s both casual and sharp — like this #OOTD.
The Sunglasses: Garrett Leight Co. Brooks 47, $340 — In keeping the whole theme of “casual-cool” going, reach for these Garrett Leight sunglasses, probably some of the sharpest on the market.
The Pomade: O’Doud’s Standard Pomade, $12.98 — Because this is the type of outfit that can pull double-duty at the office and on the weekend, reach for some of the best men’s pomade to complement the sharp styling accordingly.
The Grooming Essential: Ursa Major Daily Force Field SPF, $54 — Among men’s grooming tips you can’t go without, using a daily moisturizer or sunscreen like Ursa Major’s Daily Force Field is seriously underrated (but critical).

So, what’s the verdict on this #OOTD? Where would you wear it? And do you think all the parts work together quite as nicely as I do? The idea of taking something as simple as a merino polo is only amplified by the equally versatile pieces with which you pair it.. Add a rugged trucker jacket from Levi’s, as we’ve done here, and you’re good to go to the office or the bar (swap in a blazer if you feel so inclined). On that same note, slim chinos in a unique shade of Rust shake off the preppy vibes one gets from a polo and chinos typically. You’re also getting unique style and plenty of comfort from stylish slip-on sneakers — another change of pace from leather loafers or brown brogues . But remember: Don’t forget to use this foot powder from Duke Cannon before and after. The beauty of a go-anywhere ensemble like this one has to be the fact that a stylish leather watch can dress it up as you please — the Uniform Wares watch showcased above is seriously sharp and office-ready, should your day require it. Particularly if you find yourself hanging out on a rooftop patio for hours on end, you’re going to need the Garrett Leight sunglasses seen above, and you’re particularly going to be thankful you used Ursa Major’s Daily Force Field before heading out the door. The last step in this equation? Nailing the perfect haircut with some of the best men’s pomade your money can buy. Do you feel ready to take on spring and summer yet? One can only hope.

April 29, 2019April 4, 2019 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Flint and Tinder’s Slub Tees are the Essential Basic Your Closet Needs

The tough T-shirt that’s going to layer with ease all spring.

Join us once again for today’s See Now, Buy Now entry, as we tell you all about the perfect T-shirt to, well, buy now … and then wear all spring and summer. Your search for the best T-shirt might have just met its match in the Flint and Tinder Slub Tees, including my personal favorite, the Flint and Tinder Heavy Slub Tee (pictured above is the equally essential Flint and Tinder Slub Pocket Tee). If it’s just a T-shirt, Beau, then what’s the big deal? Plenty — trust me, plenty. The right T-shirt can take a basic outfit and amp it up a bit, and it can also dress down or liven up outfits that seem to be a little more stuffy (Case in point: You can wear any of the Flint and Tinder Slub Tees to the office when paired with a navy cotton blazer and tan chinos). Finding the right T-shirt for you is actually something you shouldn’t take lightly. It’s all about fit and fabric, and as you’ve read about here on the site, Flint and Tinder gets that right in several key areas.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Slub Tees

A classic slub tee made for spring and summer layering.

Flint and Tinder Slub Tees go well beyond your average T-shirt, starting with the slimming fit and the extra attention to detail and care that comes from producing these shirts right outside Los Angeles. These aren’t a paper-thin excuse for a T-shirt that so many companies make abroad — no sir, the Flint and Tinder Slub Tees are substantial and well-made, yet breathable and lightweight. It’s a tricky balance to strike, but they get it right.

The ribbed neckline also ensures they’ll never lose their shape. The Flint and Tinder Heavy Slub Tee is the kind of T-shirt you could throw on and forget about, seeing as it wears nicely with everything from dark denim and classic spring sneakers to a khaki cotton suit and brown leather brogues (think mixing high-low style). The Flint and Tinder Slub Tees are also available in a range of colors, including spring and summer-friendly shades like Washed Olive and Washed Navy. How much better does it get than that? Again, this could be your new favorite summer tee.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Slub Tees

April 27, 2019April 1, 2019 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket

The rough-and-tumble shirt jacket that’s going to change your spring wardrobe.

If you’ve been feeling like you still need to stock up on spring style essentials to really get the season going, then fear not — you’ve got plenty of time. In that case, it would beoove you to pick up the Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket, perhaps one of the best spring jackets that you’re apt to find right now. It’s certainly one of the more unique offerings on the market, blending old-school appeal with rugged versatility and functionality. To me, that makes it quite possibly the perfect spring jacket, as apt to wear with your favorite T-shirt as it is with a classic chambray shirt — but we’ll get to that in a second. Why is the Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket right for you? Plenty of reasons. It’s got quite the spirited story to it, with roots that date back to northern Italy — that’s heritage you can’t find in any old store. The Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket is a modern update of the type of shirt jacket worn by ranchers, so you know it’s got the chops in terms of toughness and utility.

SHOP: The Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket

Made from 100 percent cotton and featuring a plethora of pockets for your everyday carry essentials, the Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket simply doesn’t mess around. It’s that old-school functionality that should come in handy these days, even if you’re only wearing it to grab coffee versus doing real-life work on the ranch.

The surprisingly versatile shirt jacket you need for spring.

Plus, it’s just plain great to have options in your outerwear rotation, and the Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket is innovative enough to take up a spot in your closet. It can be used as a stand-in for your spring blazer when worn with light wash jeans and white Oxford shirt — just add in some brown leather brogues — and it can also function as a more rugged top layer when teamed with olive chinos, and a short-sleeve henley. Either way, you should be able to layer the Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket with ease — it’s the lightweight cotton construction that keeps it breathable and dependable for all-day wear. Heck, our friends at Huckberry even call the Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket the “Italian cowboy blazer.” How cool is that? You even get your pick of colors (I prefer the Terra Canvas iteration of this stylish shirt jacket) — not to mention a removable floral print liner. In summary, folks: There’s no more versatile jacket for spring than the Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket — that’s all there is to it.

SHOP: The Capalbio Canvas Shirt Jacket

April 26, 2019April 16, 2019 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Los Angeles, The National & PBR Extra

A unique pair of packable, wearable spring and summer travel shoes.

I can tell you this — today’s post centers a lot around spring travel, so it’s fitting that I’m recommending the Astorflex Patnoflex as the one pair of shoes you need this weekend. Wear them on the plane, wear them off the plane, and pack ’em in your bag without worry. Come to think of it, I could use a pair of these — perhaps the best travel shoes — given my weekend plans!

As we speak, I’m on the road to Los Angeles for what should be a truly banner weekend — my last trip to the City of Angels was, surprisingly enough, way back in October 2015! The reason for this long-overdue trip? Well, it’s perhaps the best possible reason I can think of to get on a plane across the country: A “Special Evening with The National,” of course! The night is set to feature a concert, a film screening and Q&A featuring my favorite band & my heroes, The National!

These indie rock champions are set to debut new material from the forthcoming album “I Am Easy to Find,” complete with an accompanying film from director Mike Mills (and starring Alicia Vikander, no less). It’ll be a special preview of the album before it drops on May 17th, and that’s pretty exciting — to say the very least. Have any suggestions for what I should do in Los Angeles? Places I should visit (aside from the requisite trips to Angel City Brewery and HomeState Tacos)? Let me know on Twitter and Instagram — and in the meantime, we’ve got an in-depth look here at the best menswear news of the week.

Perhaps you’re well-aware of what you normally wear to the bar when you’re at home in terms of a go-to outfit, from vintage sneakers to a classic denim shirt. That being said, what do you wear when you hit up the bars while traveling? As in, what does one wear on a spring break bar crawl? I wrote about just that for The Manual earlier this season. Cheers!
Speaking of a spring break bar crawl … perhaps you’ll come across some flavorful, out-of-character Pabst Blue Ribbon Extra, a new offering from the legendary makers of everyone’s favorite “hipster” beer, PBR. I had the chance to write about this higher-ABV sipper for GearMoose, and I’d suggest you keep your eyes peeled for it the next time you set foot in your PBR-oriented watering hole.
Let’s get back to menswear — more specifically, let’s revisit my guide on how to dress for the office this spring, featuring appearances from rugged Chelsea boots, slim dark denim and a classic blazer. How does that sound? Can’t go wrong in my opinion!

That’ll wrap up today’s Friday Read as I fly across the country to L.A. — again, feel free to chime in on Twitter if there are certain must-hit spots out West! And before I go, I’ll remind you that you need a pair of the best light wash denim for spring and summer. That’s all there is to it. Have a great weekend, folks!

April 24, 2019March 25, 2019 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Shirt from Howler Brothers is the Coolest Shirt You Can Buy for the Season

Trust me — this might be the coolest shirt you can get your hands on.

Sorting through the best shirts for men — or really, any retailer’s shirting offerings — is sometimes quite the taxing exercise. Where to begin if you want a shirt that’s unique yet subtly stylish, and also not too wild? The Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt could be the way to go (at least, your friendly neighborhood style writer thinks so). It’s potentially one of the best men’s shirts for spring and summer, and it starts with the fact that it’s got a design unlike any other on the market (check out the front chest pocket designs). Howler Brothers takes great care in making gear that’s technical while blending the modern and the retro (take the Merlin Jacket as seen in this post on how to wear a denim shirt). Thankfully, the Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt embraces those same qualities quite handsomely, featuring UPF15 sun protection baked right into the shirt — that’s not to mention the style points it’s got going for it.

The Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt just keeps winning in matters of functionality, too — it’s made with quick-drying fabric for breathability and ease of movement all day. To me, that means you can pair up the Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt with slim light wash denim and your favorite chukka boots for a casual day of patio beers, or you can wear it with a stylish vest and tough field pants (plus the Huckberry Duck Boots) for a spring day hike.

A closer look at the details that make this shirt so essential.

Of course, I’d also recommend you wear that same outfit for post-hike plate of farm-to-table food. It’s all about the versatility in style (and in your lifestyle) that a piece like the Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt brings to the table (and your closet). And the rest of the small details make the Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt easily one of the best men’s shirts for spring and summer, from the vintage-inspired pearl snaps to the microfiber-lined chest pocket. It’s really tough to top the Howler Brothers Gaucho Snapshirt, don’t you think?

April 23, 2019March 27, 2019 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This New Menswear to Your Next Spring Happy Hour

So, you’ve just landed that crucial spring happy hour or weekend patio party invite. Nice! You’ve got your favorite beer in hand (and in the fridge), but what are you going to wear? Allow me. We talk often at The Style Guide about stepping up your off-duty dressing in ways that are subtly stylish, so that it doesn’t quite feel like you’re off-duty (no gym shorts or baggy sweats here). The key comes with upgrading your men’s style essentials in small ways that’ll help you stand out as you wait to snag a beer at the cooler — polished, sharp and not sloppy. So, a classic T-shirt from Buck Mason is the base layer to wear that’s not so basic — and we’re mixing it up with a rugged cotton overshirt from Topo Designs — all the better to add some visual interest to this casual, happy hour-ready look. The rest of this ensemble is all about classic comfort and style, from Mott & Bow denim to some seriously unique sneakers (a silhouette playing off the original high-top basketball sneakers!). A rugged, casual watch rounds things out, too. So, what does it look like, exactly? Check out the full look below, then let me know what you’re wearing to happy hour over on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Pair up your spring T-shirt with other like-minded style staples for a casual happy hour.

The Stylish T-Shirt: Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee, $32 — When is a classic T-shirt more than just a T-shirt? When it’s made by Buck Mason and features design details like a cool curved hem — it’s the perfect T-shirt for spring and summer.
The Shirt: Topo Designs Dirt Shirt, $89 — Made with durable stretch organic cotton in a pleasingly washed-out spring color, the “Dirt Shirt” (as seen here on my Instagram) is a winning layer on breezy spring days.
The Classic Denim: Mott & Bow Slim Stone Denim, $118 — Slim grey denim is an unexpected style serve, and this pair of essential Mott & Bow denim should be plenty comfortable for all-day style.
The Sneakers: Colchester High-Top Sneakers, $79.98 — Like we mentioned above, these right here are the original high-top basketball sneakers — but they’re updated for the modern man, and plenty stylish for a spring or summer happy hour.
The Watch: DuFrane Watches Barton Springs Diver, $491.98 — What could be a better complement to this #OOTD than a rugged, casual watch? Especially this handsome timepiece from DuFrane Watches.
The Belt: Vintage Bison Calhoun Belt, $95 — It’s hard to top a ridiculously high-quality, ridiculously well-made leather belt like this one — wear it all the time (but especially with Mott & Bow denim), and it’ll get better with age.
The Everyday Bag: Bleu De Chaffe Musette Gaston Bag, $258 — Maybe you won’t need this bag, but if you’re out and about all day, it pays to leave your house with an entirely unique everyday bag handcrafted in France — each bag is truly one-of-a-kind.
The Spring Ballcap: Alex Mill X Field Canvas Cap, $40 — Ballcaps certainly aren’t for everyone, but if you want to add some understated, subtle spring style — and protection from the sun — to this look, reach for this sharp Alex Mill ballcap here.

Alright, who’s up for another beer? The key with dressing for something that seems straightforward on the surface — just a spring happy hour, right — is, again, upgrading those style staples accordingly. So, let’s start with a classic T-shirt from Buck Mason, the perfect way to step up in subtle style. It’s easy to layer with an easygoing-yet-rugged Topo Designs shirt, which acts as a light overshirt thanks to its organic stretch cotton — perfect to wear as the sun goes down. That combo wears all the better alongside a pair of Mott & Bow denim, which should prove to be the right mix of sharp and casual — the same can be said of your Colchester High-Top Sneakers, which toe the same line with subtle style. I’m also all about accessorizing accordingly, even for grabbing some beers — a rugged, casual watch can even act as an interesting conversation starter (at least, I think so). Throw on a trusty leather belt, then grab a unique everyday bag to hold any pre-happy hour extras you might want to pick up. Finally, although throwing on a hat is optional, there’s nothing quite like a classic ballcap — especially one that’s emblazoned with an interesting, non-athletic logo. I think this #OOTD could be a new happy hour go-to. What do you think? Again, let me know on Twitter.

April 22, 2019April 22, 2019 by Beau H.

The List: Upgrade Your Spring Wardrobe Right Now with the Best New Men’s Style Deals and Steals

This is the easygoing, laidback hoodie that’s actually quite the upgrade over your standard hoodie.

If at first it feels odd to see a hooded sweatshirt at the top of this post — it’s nearly May, after all — well, bear with me. Today’s list of men’s style essentials makes complete and total sense, I swear. The hoodie in question comes from Flint and Tinder, and it’s the perfect layer for breezy spring days and nights. In fact, most of the new men’s gear in today’s post serves a dual purpose: That of style AND functionality for spring. With that in mind, we’re highlighting picks from the likes of Need Supply Co., a retailer that comes through with premium, slightly more elevated takes on men’s classics from brands like A.P.C.and Common Projects. Check it out yourself below.

Flint and Tinder French Terry Pullover Hoodie — $88

A new classic, made with care by Flint and Tinder.

As comfortable as can be, Flint and Tinder delivers with this sportswear-inspired French Terry Pullover Hoodie. It’s got the potential to be your new favorite hooded sweatshirt — it’s surprisingly stylish and also logo-free. That makes it crucial for grabbing beers with the guys or hanging at home.

Uniform Wares Rose Gold Leather Dress Watch — $700

An exceptional, highly stylish leather dress watch you can wear in any season.

The great thing about an investment-level watch — like this Uniform Wares watch — is the timeless style and versatility you get from it. This handsome leather dress watch is suitable in any season, but particularly this spring; try it with a khaki cotton suit or with your favorite T-shirt.

Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger Boots — $319.99

The toughest pair of quality boots your money can buy.

Is there ever a bad time to buy a rugged pair of leather boots from Red Wing Heritage? In short: No. Even though we’re rolling through spring toward summer, I’d wager you can definitely still get plenty of wear out of these Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots before the weather shifts.

A.P.C. Petit Standard Jeans — $210

A crisp, classic pair of slim blue denim from A.P.C.

Every guy needs a pair of dark blue slim denim, and A.P.C. is the way to go — these will only get better with age, and you can wear them with classic sneakers all spring and summer long.

Clarks Beeswax Wallabees — $135

A timeless classic on the men’s footwear front.

Simply put, the Clarks Wallabee are a truly timeless pair of men’s footwear — they’re quite well-suited for the breezy days of spring and summer, too. Wear them with slim tan chinos and your favorite chambray shirt for the perfect off-duty uniform.

Mott & Bow Liam Cotton-Wool Crew — $119

A classic, casual sweater from the makers of your favorite denim.

It’s true, folks — Mott & Bow, the makers of your favorite pair of denim, can also compete with the best of ’em when it comes to well-fitting, stylish sweaters, T-shirts and the like. The Liam Cotton-Wool Crew is the latest entry into the brand’s arsenal, made from Supima cotton and wool in a reverse-jersey knit for plenty of laidback comfort. The perfect spring sweater? Nearly.

Common Projects Original Achilles Low — $411

In looking through the digital archives of this site, I’m not sure I can say we’ve ever recommended Common Projects. But in these trying times, stylish leather sneakers can pass for dress shoes when worn the right way (with slim tan chinos, a white Oxford and a navy blazer). With that in mind, the Common Project Achilles is an investment-worthy winner.

Status Audio BT One Wireless Bluetooth Headphones — $120

The coolest pair of Bluetooth headphones your money can buy.

Whenever I travel, I’ve simply got to bring along a pair of stylish Bluetooth headphones — kind of like the Status Audio BT One. No, exactly like these. They’re affordably priced, yet engineered to deliver crystal-clear sound without the hassle of cords.

Rogue Territory ISC Work Shirt — $210

A crisp, tough overshirt made for spring layering.

Remember: Just because it’s spring, doesn’t mean you should put away all your rugged overshirts just yet. This one from Rogue Territory makes for perfectly minimal styling atop a classic pocket tee. Speaking of classic pocket tees …

UNTUCKit Garment-Dyed Pocket Tee — $39

The classic pocket tee that’s comfortable enough to wear all summer.

I’d wager you know UNTUCKit from the brand’s commitment to making perfectly fitting casual shirts — and that same approach also extends to this super-soft garment-dyed pocket tee. It’s the ideal summer T-shirt when worn with tan chinos and white canvas sneakers, especially in the Ozeki Teal color, and it looks great … untucked. It’s the type of tee worth investing in.

VANS Authentic Sneakers in Black — $50

Stand out in subtle style with these classic sneakers.

There’s no way around it: VANS makes some of the best men’s sneakers out there, especially now that we’re properly getting into spring and summer. Wear these with your dark blue slim denim.

Jack Henry Clay Pomade — $22

A cool new way to upgrade your haircut this season.

So, you’ve got your new spring sweater and a pair of the best men’s sneakers all figured out. How about that haircut? There’s a new sheriff in town via the Jack Henry Clay Pomade. Old-school Western references aside, this pomade is the real deal, made with bentonite clay for extra texture and hold — casual, cool and no-fuss.’

R.M. Williams Black Yearling Comfort Turnout Boots — $495

Don’t be dissuaded by the price of these stylish Chelsea boots from R.M. Williams. For breezy spring days where you still need to look sharp, these can handle just about anything (including an after-work rock concert). That’s what you get when it comes to the best men’s boots for spring.

Foehn Apparel Collins Flannel Shirt — $99.95

A seriously unique, innovative flannel shirt.

Part classic flannel shirt, part all-day performance piece, Foehn Apparel has hit the nail on the head when it comes to a shirt that performs on the trail and the ridge as ably as it performs back in town. Comfortable fabric and two-way stretch set things apart here.

Topo Designs Global Shorts — $59

The versatile spring and summer shorts you can’t live without.

In the spirit of multi-faceted, versatile outdoor gear, let’s turn back toward Topo Designs (as previously covered on the blog). The Topo Designs Global Shorts are as the brand says, “go-anywhere” shorts you didn’t know you needed, featuring quick-drying, lightweight fabric and a range of outdoor-friendly colors, plus a hiking-friendly 7-inch inseam. Easy to pack for travel and even easier to wear when you get there.

New Republic Mason Suede Cap Toes — $85

Slightly edgy and slightly classic dress shoes for spring and summer.

Courtesy of the fine folks at The Menlo House comes an essential pair of men’s dress shoes from the Mark McNairy-led New Republic. Crisp, ever-so-slightly irreverent, and perfect to wear with light wash denim or grey chinos.

OK, now. Did you have one style essential that stood out from the crowd in today’s post? After all these years, I’m still coveting a rugged pair of leather boots from Red Wing Heritage — what about you? Let me know in the comments below, and thanks for reading!

April 20, 2019March 29, 2019 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow Liam Cotton Crew Sweater

The crisp, casual, classic sweater from your favorite denim maker.

You assuredly know Mott & Bow — a longtime favorite of the blog — for the brand’s stylish men’s denim in a range of fits and washes. But, did you know they’re now making one of the best men’s sweaters your money can buy? Yes, that’s right — I went there. Bear with me. The Mott & Bow Liam Sweater is a perfectly minimal, perfectly made casual spring sweater for your daily grind and your relaxing weekend pursuits in equal measure. And as luck would have it, it’s practically made to complement any Mott & Bow denim you already own (if you read the blog, I’d hope you have at least a pair or two!).

In the same way that Mott & Bow uses premium Italian cotton and quality construction to makes its denim, they’ve applied the same principles to the Mott & Bow Liam Sweater. In this case, that means it’s made with a unique blend of Supima cotton and wool — that gives it some stretch and breathability, along with the opportunity to use it as a top layer over a classic chambray shirt or a white Oxford shirt. Better yet, feel free to throw it on casually over a Mott & Bow T-shirt for easygoing comfort.

SHOP: The Mott & Bow Liam Sweater

A classic, casual sweater from the makers of your favorite denim.

The Mott & Bow Liam Sweater toes the right balance between casual and polished — sportswear-inspired stitching at the collar helps this sweater pop a little bit, so you should take it for a spin at the office (again with that classic white Oxford, some slim tan chinos & maybe, just maybe, some brown leather brogues). See? Mott & Bow makes it truly easy to look great. It helps that the Mott & Bow Liam Sweater comes in sharp, neutral, totally wearable colors from Slate Gray (your author’s personal favorite) to Sand. Any shade would work quite well with inky blue Mott & Bow denim or an expertly faded pair of M&B light wash jeans, too. And from trying out this sweater over these past few weeks, I can confidently say you can rock it all on its own during a spring evening, or else layer it up under your new favorite trucker jacket for a blend of edgy and casual style. The point is, the Mott & Bow Liam Sweater is no fuss and no frills — it’s just a subtly stylish, well-made, perfectly executed sweater. Potentially the perfect sweater for spring and summer? I’ll let you be the judge of that.

SHOP: The Mott & Bow Liam Sweater

April 19, 2019April 9, 2019 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best White Sneakers, New Grooming Essentials & Astorflex Chukka Boots

A lightweight, durable pair of spring Chelsea boots.

Right off the bat, it might seem the stylish boots seen at the top of the page — the Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea Boots — are more suited for fall and winter than spring. Rest assured, that’s not the case. These are the lightweight hiking boots you need in your rotation, and they’ll look just as stylish as the brewpub for happy hour afterward this spring and summer (they’ll pair particularly well with slim light wash jeans, too). So, that’s how I’d encourage you to start your weekend — by picking up a pair of those Danner boots. From there, well, you can go just about anywhere.

That’s what I’m planning to do this weekend, at least. I’m hoping to check out a few noted spots in lovely Red Hook, a former maritime hub in Brooklyn that still retains its charm. Brunch at Fort Defiance is on tap, as is a stop at vintage menswear emporium Wooden Sleepers — I’ll be wearing my own pair of the Danner Mountain 600 Chelsea Boots, as it were. It’s been a rather quiet April on the travel front, but I’m gearing up for a big coastal trip next weekend — stay tuned there! And for now, check out all the new men’s style essentials and tips for spring below. Oh, and be sure to find me on Instagram, too. Cheers!

If you want affordable grooming essentials that take all the little details into account, you want the Groundskeeper by Dollar Shave Club set of hard-working, spring-friendly men’s grooming essentials — and you’re in luck, because I covered it for GearMoose. Can’t go wrong with a seasonal grooming upgrade!
As far as essential men’s sneakers go, there’s one particular style that can do a ton of heavy lifting for you — that would be a pair of the best white sneakers. From luxe leather options to hard-wearing canvas models from brands you know and love, read my full roundup over at The Manual.
While we’re talking about upgrading and improving your spring style, it’s just as important to keep in mind that even your off-duty fits deserve an update. With that in mind, I’m going to direct you toward a full rundown of the best new men’s style gear as we discuss how to upgrade your casual spring style this season. From a classic slub tee to timeless high-top sneakers, we’ve got something for everybody — you’ll be the best-dressed guy at the bar this weekend.

That’s the end of today’s Friday Read, folks. Having fun yet? Still looking for something to read to wile away the day? Check out all of my tips on how to wear a classic T-shirt for spring, if you feel so inclined. Or, read about the stylish cotton blazer that’ll upgrade any outfit (but especially one featuring a classic chambray shirt and slim tan chinos). How does that sound? Just add a delicious spring beer and call it a day. Have a good one, folks!

April 18, 2019April 17, 2019 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Here’s the Essential Men’s Denim Shirt You Need for Spring and Summer

You’re going to get a lot of wear out of a tough denim shirt this season.

There’s a plethora of men’s shirts you can surely select from at any given time for spring and summer — but there’s only one spring style essential that happens to be the Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt, available right now in a seasonally friendly Bleached Denim (as well as the darker wash seen above). Is it potentially the best denim shirt for you to buy now, and then wear time and again? I’ll have leave that to you … but in my estimation, there are certainly worse shirts to wear repeatedly (provided it’s clean, of course). And if you recall, we already wrote about a different iteration of this Flint and Tinder Western shirt last fall — so what makes this one so different? For starters, there’s the excellent Bleached Denim wash we mentioned earlier, a perfectly lightweight take on the normally thicker Western shirt (although for the record, the Stonewash Denim version of this shirt is easy to layer and not too stifling). So the wash is updated and ready for spring — what about the made-in-the-States construction you expect from F&T and Huckberry? Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt has that going for it, too.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt

A new take on the Western shirt for the modern man.

This is a durable take on the Western shirt that manages to be both premium and rugged at the same time. To wit: It features authentic burnt cow bone snaps, plus the point design and stitching reminiscent of denim shirts from decades ago, so it’s casual enough to wear on its own, yet cool enough stylistically to wear under a classic cotton blazer.

The 8oz. weight of the Flint and Tinder Bone Button Western Shirt is also another positive — you can layer this over a classic slub tee without missing a beat (simply add slim tan chinos and vintage leather sneakers for off-duty spring style). This rugged Western shirt would also wear nicely with your favorite summer shorts and some stylish slip-on sneakers on a casual weekend day — easygoing style in warm weather needn’t be sloppy. Just add a glass of cold brew or a pint of your favorite beer, and kick back in this new seasonal essential.