Month / August 2019

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers

The classic high-top sneakers to buy and wear all fall.

OK, folks — here we go. We’re standing on the cusp of fall (quite literally, seeing as it’s Labor Day weekend), and we’re starting it off in fine form with the best men’s high-top sneakers for the season. Specifically, the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers, a classic pair of high-tops to wear starting now and on into fall. Why do high-top sneakers work so well for fall? Well, it’s gotta be the fact that they mimic, in some ways, the weather-friendly dependability and aesthetic of your favorite pair of boots — yet, with a decidedly more casual nature. And the great thing is, when it comes to that same tried-and-true pair of the best men’s high-tops that you wore all summer, you can keep them handy to pair with more fall-centric outfits. To wit: The Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers are made with a tough 12.5oz. canvas, a more hard-wearing fabric than lighter canvas sneakers, and it’s handy that they come in a classic navy color for prime retro style. It’s that kind of construction that allows them to stand up ably when paired with rugged field pants and a thermal henley — or dark indigo denim and a classic white T-shirt.

SHOP: The Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers

A fall-ready profile as we head into a new season.

And if you can believe it, we haven’t even talked about how affordable the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers happen to be — you can snag them for under $55 via Huckberry. For a brand with the iconic pedigree of Pro-Keds, that’s a steal — they’ve been making lauded sneakers for more than six decades. Now, they’ve crucially made a few updates to these stylish high-top sneakers since then; namely, Pro-Keds has enhanced the last and footbed to fall in line with modern times. That gives you all-day comfort, from the office to the bar and beyond. And in fact, you might say the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers have “all-season” comfort, at that. Team them right now with a classic chambray shirt and tan chinos, then add a rugged shawl cardigan to that outfit when it starts to get properly chilly out. You can also wear the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers to the office — try them on for size with dark indigo denim, a charcoal Oxford shirt and a navy cotton blazer. As we start out the fall season in earnest, there’s really nowhere that the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers can’t go — that’s just a fact.

SHOP: The Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Labor Day Weekend, The Dickies 1922 Collection & the Best New IPA to Try Now

Step into the holiday weekend in style with this perfectly rugged jacket.

You see the rugged Flint and Tinder Flight Jacket pictured above? It’s perhaps the best transitional jacket to wear right now, and it’s one heck of a style essential to have handy for Labor Day weekend (seriously, you can still order it here before you head out for the weekend!). This long weekend is a momentous and exciting one, seeing as it closes the books on summer and signals the unofficial start of fall — and with that comes plenty of seasonal style content on the site, of course.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

Before we dive right in though, I’m taking in all that the weekend has to offer in NYC. I was initially supposed to head down to sunny Florida, but over the past few days, Hurricane Dorian is on track to make the state … decidedly less sunny. My family is safe and sound in Fort Myers in the meantime, and while I keep in touch with them throughout the weekend, I’ll be enjoying the start of the Michigan State football season tonight, cold beer in hand. I also plan on making the trek out to Jersey City on Saturday to see the much-lauded live return of one of my favorite bands, Future Islands! I loved seeing them at last year’s “There’s No Leaving New York” Festival in NYC (featuring The National!) and this will be my first time hearing new songs they’ve got on tap! To say I’m excited to head to the excellent White Eagle Hall (and have a cold one at Jersey City craft beer establishment Pint) is an understatement. How about your weekend plans? Follow along with all the fun on my Instagram. In the meantime, here’s the Friday Read you’ve been waiting for below! Cheers.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

  • We’ve talked in the past about how difficult it can be to find the right made-in-America menswear — that’s why I’m such a fan of the Dickies 1922 Collection, a series of updated takes on the brand’s iconic silhouettes, from a tough truck driver jacket to a classic chambray shirt. Read my full overview at The Manual for more.
  • Hey, it’s the weekend — treat yourself to a cold one, will ya? And on that note, I give you perhaps the best new IPA (OK, well, one of them at least). It’s coming to you courtesy of Goose Island, and the Next Coast IPA is the right beer to add to your cooler or fridge in time for Labor Day weekend, tailgating season and beyond that.
  • For Labor Day weekend — the style moment of the hour, as it were — you’re going to want gear that’s laidback and breezy, casual yet versatile … so, kind of like this Faherty Brand poncho. It’s the perfect piece of weekend outerwear, easily paired up with slim chino shorts, white canvas sneakers and a classic white tee to head to the beach or the boardwalk. It’s an effective way to layer up when summer’s last call gets breezy, too.

The Best Basics. Summer Ready.

And with that, it’s time to close out summer and head into the weekend. Fear not, though — I’ve got one last suggested piece of reading for your enjoyment. I’m guessing — just a guess — that my guide as to what to wear to a bonfire could come in handy this weekend. It’s all things rugged-yet-casual, and ready for anything. Enjoy the weekend, folks!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Quoddy Blucher Shoes are The Perfect Shoes for Early Fall

The rugged, classic boat shoes to wear as we start early fall.

So, here we stand, on the verge of Labor Day weekend (gasp!), the official end of summer (on paper at least), and the start of the slow transition toward early fall, and you’re going to need some of the most versatile men’s shoes on the market. What early fall style essentials are you shopping for? Well, I can help you out with at least one in today’s new See Now, Buy Now post: The Quoddy Blucher Shoes are some of the best men’s shoes to get on your feet right now, as apt to be worn on the weekend as at the office. How does that work out? Read on & you’ll find out. For starters, it helps that these rugged leather boat shoes have got that ever-crucial Huckberry stamp of approval, a nod of good faith that these richly handcrafted leather shoes are the real deal — especially as you start to stow away your stylish sneakers in favor of something a bit more substantial. And folks, that’s where the rugged appeal of the Quoddy Blucher Shoes comes into play, starting with a rich leather upper that’ll break in beautifully.

SHOP: The Quoddy Blucher Shoes

A new take on the classic leather boat shoe, one that’s equally ready for the weekend or the work week.

And as far as boat shoes are concerned, these have a  few other critical design pieces going for ’em. For one, they fit the rather rare definition of rugged leather boat shoes — again, that rich leather makes them more suited for the changing leaves and changing temperatures than the heat of summer. The anti-slip rubber sole also helps them navigate the city and perhaps even an early fall park stroll. And the design extends to the rich brick red outsole itself — these Quoddy Blucher Shoes toe the line between rugged and casual. They’d be ideal to wear with a rugged long-sleeve henley and classic dark blue denim for a weekend coffee date, but you can (and should!) team up the Quoddy Blucher Shoes with classic tan chinos and a timeless Oxford shirt for a casual day at the office. That alone makes them some of the best men’s shoes, don’t you agree?

SHOP: The Quoddy Blucher Shoes

Elevated Basics. Grounded Price.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Jacket … Just About Anywhere

We might be on the cusp of Labor Day weekend — and today’s #OOTD can certainly function well in that setting, too — but it’s also prime time to look toward early fall. Critically, how to dress for early fall is something we’ve been driving home these past few weeks on The Style Guide, and today’s #OOTD is no different. To wit: We’re taking a rugged camo jacket (perfect for long weekend travel or as a casual, cool blazer replacement) and matching it up with the kind of men’s style essentials you’d be proud to wear any time of year (but especially as the weather gets chilly). Trust me: It could be your new favorite jacket. And what about the rest of this look? You’ll find the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee below, along with some of the best men’s pants for fall — the goal here is casually rugged style that works from the coffee shop to the open road (and maybe even your office, if you can get away with it). The focus is this: The right gear picks speak for themselves, so when wearing a more flashy camo jacket, you should tone down the rest of your #OOTD accordingly. And because we’re moving ever-so-slowly into fall, that means the introduction of rugged leather boots — the kind you wear to your favorite distillery or for a quick weekend hike. It’s all about gear that can go anywhere, so mix and match these picks as you please. Alright, without further ado … here we go.

The perfect combination of rugged and casual for Labor Day weekend & well into fall.

  • The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket in Camo Wax, $198 — Here it is, your new favorite jacket. Consider it the perfect go-between layer for breezy early fall nights. This rugged camo jacket is both subtly stylish and distinct enough to work everywhere from a rock concert to a weekend brunch.
  • The Classic White Tee: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee, $45 — Now, is this a full-on white tee? Not quite. And that’s OK! The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee is A) Sustainably made and B) More durable than a thinner white tee — just what you need heading into September (and beyond).
  • The Pants: Proof Rover Pants, $98 — If it’s a pair of the best men’s pants for fall that you seek, then perhaps the oft-recommended Proof Rover Pants are your best bet. Sharp and stylish, yet easily paired up with one of the best white tees out there.
  • The Boots: Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chelsea Boots, $240 — Stylish Chelsea boots that just so happen to be rugged and versatile? It’s possible thanks to these rugged leather boots — they’re also lightweight and not overly clunky.
  • The Watch: Jack Mason Diver Watch, $282.98 — You’ve got your rugged camo jacket, you’ve got your Red Wing Heritage boots … might as well throw on a classic dive watch as a complement to this #OOTD, ehh? Indeed!
  • The Grooming Essential: Saturdays NYC Clay Pomade, $24 — We’re leaving your stylish ballcap at home on the shelf in favor of a slick, sharp hairdo via the Saturdays NYC Clay Pomade, the latest grooming essential from one of your favorite brands.
  • The Everyday Bag: WP Standard Canvas Travel Bag, $215.98 — Need to hit the road in a hurry for a fall weekend trip? Need to haul a change of clothes to the office? This rugged shoulder brief is the way to go.
  • The Everyday Carry: Studebaker Workshop Keyholder, $58 — Never lose track of your keys again, no matter the style situation, with this crucial everyday carry upgrade.

OK, let’s recap it all, shall we? The goal here is transitional fall style that you can even make use of during Labor Day weekend. So, a rugged camo jacket from the good folks at Taylor Stitch takes care of business for breezy fall nights, as does the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee — a one-two combo that’s subtly stylish and eyecatching. Some of the best men’s pants for fall act as another reliable outfit anchor, with the type of fabric and cut that works for fall travel or a fall day on the job. And it’s always tough to go wrong with rugged leather boots, particularly the kind that feature tough suede and sleek-but-hardworking construction. To haul your daily essentials, grab  tough-as-nails, rugged shoulder brief, but not before you’ve done up your ‘do with the Saturdays NYC Clay Pomade — it’s an immediate hair upgrade that adds some refinement to this look. Don’t forgo your everyday carry, either. And last but not least: Be sure you’ve accessorized accordingly with a classic dive watch to round things out. Is this the way you’d style this #OOTD? You can always let me know on Twitter. Cheers!

 

 

by Beau H.

The List: Here’s All the Best New Men’s Gear to Buy This Week

Time to step into a new season — read more about the Lancy Aire x Taylor Stitch Collection below.

Rest assured, folks: In today’s edition of The List, we’ve got the lowdown on the new men’s style essentials you need to buy to close out this month — and look toward September and beyond. The theme this month has been that, well, summer’s winding down, Labor Day is approaching and early fall (the best time for menswear) is on the way. Without further ado, here’s the gear you’re going to need for it — including an iconic vintage watch, naturally.

CYMA WWW Dirty Dozen Watch — $2,450 

Without a doubt, a drool-worthy watch to wear every single day.

Now, don’t be alarmed by that price tag — we’re assuredly starting today’s edition of The List off with a bang, but the CYMA WWW Dirty Dozen Watch is one of the best vintage watches on the market. It was one of 12 models made for the British military, and it’s part of the new Lancy Aire x Taylor Stitch Collection. It’s a watch to covet and lust after … and it’s also the rare vintage watch you should actually be able to, y’know, wear. It should work nicely with a classic chambray shirt and slim tan chinos this season.

Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford — $118

The breezy Oxford shirt that’s been perfectly broken-in for you.

We’ve talked in the past on this site about this American-made Oxford shirt, but it’s worth bringing it to the forefront again. It’s one of the best men’s shirts in any season, and especially primed to layer over your favorite slub tee on an early fall weekend.

Relwen Squall Breaker — $127.98

An unbeatable lightweight jacket for the transition to September.

One of the crucial parts of shopping for fall style essentials has to be finding the right transitional gear, like one of the best lightweight jackets to carry you through inclement weather. Ladies and gentlemen, that jacket is the Relwen Squall Breaker. Carry on.

MVMT Watches Range Field Watch — $95

A rugged, tough watch that’s perfect for fall.

Pleasingly crisp and yet rugged at the same time in terms of design, the Range Field Watch from MVMT Watches belongs on your wrist for fall adventures aplenty. Pair it up with your favorite henley and the Relwen Squall Breaker to grab a weekend coffee.

Bespoke Post Concentrate Box — $45

A handy, affordable box from one of the best men’s subscription services around.

Here’s the deal, as we all know with Bespoke Post — sign up for the brand’s monthly subscription service, then get access to some of the best cold brew around, made right from the comfort of your home, with the Bespoke Post Concentrate Box. That’s all there is to it.

Danner Vertigo 917 Boots — $220

Tough, durable boots to buy from a USA-made brand.

Surely, you recognize these rugged hiking boots and other Danner boots from the blog — we’re including these tough leather boots here once more to start getting you in that fall mindset. It’ll pay dividends, trust me.

Mott and Bow Rivington Denim — $96

Slim blue denim in selvedge — the kind of jeanas you’ll wear all the time.

The best men’s blue jeans are easier to find than you might think — simply shop Mott and Bow. They’ve been a longtime favorite of the blog for the ease of purchase and the serious style points. The Mott and Bow Rivington Denim are some of the best raw selvedge jeans out there, and for a heck of a price, in my opinion.

Tanner Goods Classic Belt — $79.98

This is a belt that’s only going to get better with age, guaranteed.

In the midst of all this planning, don’t forget about your everyday carry — namely, accessories like this stylish leather belt from Tanner Goods. The perfect complement to the Taylor Stitch Camp Pants, I might add (more on those shortly).

Billy Reid Packable Quail Jacket — $354.98

The rugged fall jacket to wear on fall weekends — trust me.

Yes indeed, there’s no question that Billy Reid just gets it when it comes to rugged fall gear – – even if it’s not quite cold enough for the Billy Reid Quail Jacket yet, it will be soon enough. And that’s when you break out one of the best fall jackets in your wardrobe, folks.

Saturdays NYC Wet Wax — $24

A sleek, new product to upgrade your haircut in a hurry.

Perhaps in the months ahead, yo’ull find yourself reaching for a stylish hat rather than doing your hair — but for now, it’s tough to go wrong with some grooming essentials. Enter this super-sharp Saturdays NYC Wet Wax, a way to add some throwback refinement to your ‘do.

Taylor Stitch Camp Pants — $128

Another instant classic from Taylor Stitch, here just in time for fall.

Yes indeed, the return of the Taylor Stitch Camp Pants is here — these are some exceptionally rugged fall pants, the sort you can wear on a camping trip or for an early morning of yard work … or simply to grab a pint at your favorite brewery.

Rancourt & Co. Court Classic 2.0 — $280

These are the best leather sneakers lying around for fall, in your author’s opinion.

An updated version of your favorite leather sneakers from Rancourt & Co., these are easily some of the best sneakers for fall, what with their rugged construction and rich leather. Again, a great complement to the aforementioned Taylor Stitch Camp Pants.

Billy Reid Mini Waffle Henley — $73.98

Another instant classic from Billy Reid.

More standout gear from Billy Reid — we’d be remiss when it comes to fall style essentials to not include a rugged long-sleeve henley, right? Another piece of gear to buy now, then wear later.

Upstate Eco Heather Flannel Sheet Set — $94.98 

New flannel sheets in time for fall? You got it.

Even your bedding should start to transition into fall — take these stylish flannel sheets from Upstate, and if you’ve got a king bed, stow them away to change out your bedding for fall when the temperature starts to drop. Bingo!

 

So, we started off today’s version of The List talking about the incredible — and yes, incredibly expensive — CYMA WWW Dirty Dozen Watch. Was it your favorite today? Or are you perhaps more inclined to go for something more classic, like some of the best sneakers for fall or perhaps a pair of the best men’s blue jeans? Let me know on Twitter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow Crosby Denim

A go-to pair of classic dark blue denim for any day of the week.

If you peruse the pages of The Style Guide with any frequency, there are classic men’s style brands (or newly classic men’s style brands!) that come up from time to time. Across the years, Mott & Bow has been one of those brands, a reliable producer of the best denim for men — including the utterly timeless Mott and Bow Crosby Denim as seen above. What makes them so special? That’s why we’re here, folks. (On that note, head to this link to read my Mott and Bow product review). From the brand’s classic denim shirts to its mobile, versatile classic dark blue denim, this quickly growing E-commerce brand (based in NYC) makes it surprisingly easy for guys to find a great-fitting pair of jeans, seeing as they offer fits ranging from Straight to Skinny. The Mott and Bow Crosby Denim are of the slim variety, and that should sit just right for most of us guys. And lest this all start to sound too complex or too pricey — they’re just jeans, after all — know that Mott and Bow offers a free try-on size option. And when you consider the agreeable pricing (the Mott and Bow Crosby Denim start at just $108), you’re getting a pair of the best men’s blue jeans for a downright steal.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Crosby Denim

A fit that’s slim but not too slim, ideal for any season.

And whether or not you’ve tried a pair from them before, you should know that Mott and Bow denim doesn’t pull any punches in terms of style points or quality, either. Case in point: These stylish blue jeans are made from an agreeable 12.2oz. cotton denim & feature 2 percent elastane. In short, that means these are classic blue jeans through and through, neither too heavy (a la selvedge) or too lightweight and stretch (a la cheap jeans from a fast fashion retailer). Yes indeed, these are some of the best men’s jeans on the market — and the use of a pleasing 6-month wash. For the unitiated, that involves using a resin spray, hand scraping & drying across multiple steps — resulting in the classic Mott and Bow look and finish you see today. Because the Mott and Bow Crosby Denim are such a timeless pair of denim, that means you can wear them with everything from a charcoal Oxford shirt and classic suede chukka boots to a crisp white tee and your favorite pair of leather sneakers. And when fall rolls around, throw on a rugged chambray shirt, a classic shawl cardigan and your favorite pair of leather boots to head out for a pint (or heck, a day at the office). There’s really no wrong way to go about wearing the Mott and Bow Crosby Denim, I can guarantee that.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Crosby Denim

 

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New Chukka Boots from Huckberry, West Skincare & Fall’s Best New Sneakers

A classic flannel shirt you should pre-fund ASAP from Taylor Stitch.

Behold, my friends, the latest rugged flannel shirt to grace the pages of The Style Guide — and while the calendar reads August, there’s never been a better time than the present to pre-fund the Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt. It’s a new, stone-cold classic from the Taylor Stitch Sea Ranch Collection, and in my humble opinion, it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend. I certainly wish it was chilly enough to wear the Yosemite Shirt these next few days; as we speak, I’m en route to Chicago to celebrate the bachelor weekend of my great friend and college newspaper colleague Mr. Dillon Davis! On the docket? Cold beer, a Chicago Cubs game & plenty of time well-spent catching up with old friends. To follow along with all the fun, head to my Instagram. It’s a treat to be in Chicago so soon again after my last visit for Lollapalooza 2019 — during that trip, I was fortunate enough to check out Revolution Brewing as well as Dry Hop Brewers, and I’m sure more delicious Chicago craft beer is on tap this weekend. What’s on your weekend itinerary? Let me know on Twitter, and kick off your weekend with the best early fall style essentials and reads below.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

Alright, so before we go, I’ve got one last look at some early fall menswear essentials that are going to come in mighty handy as the weather gets cold (OK, so perhaps it’s technically still late summer). That being said, here’s my guide as to what to wear on a chilly summer night, featuring tough moc toe boots, a rugged overshirt and even a classic tee. Hope it comes in handy no matter where your weekend takes you. Thanks for reading!

Elevated Basics. Grounded Price.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Nisolo Travel Derby Is the Perfect Shoe to Wear Any Day of the Week

Lace up the Nisolo Travel Derby any time you need comfort and style in spades.

Ever stumble across a pair of shoes so suited for travel and everyday wear it makes you wonder why you haven’t had a pair in your footwear rotation before? I’m talking, of course, about your new favorite shoes for any day of the week: The excellent Nisolo Travel Derby, an exceedingly lightweight, highly versatile, supremely stylish pair of men’s shoes fit for the office, the road or some much-needed weekend downtime. Crucially, you can snag them via the brand’s Web site or via Huckberry. What makes these shoes so unique and essential compared to anything else you’ve got in your current lineup? Well, seeing as we’re moving toward August into September (gasp!), the Nisolo Travel Derby is the perfect style of shoe to help you step from one season into the next. Note the rich, early fall-friendly colorways and the textured suede upper, for one — those two design traits fit right in with seasonal transitions. And as far as Nisolo is concerned, there’s more where that came from.

SHOP: The Nisolo Travel Derby

Comfortable, durable, ready for a new season (and the current one).

If you know anything about the brand, you know they specialize in striking designs that are just different enough — take the minimal lacing and the XL Extralight foam outsole. That construction makes them exceedingly easy to wear on the road, for one. They’re also, simply put, some of the best travel shoes for men — the light weight and laidback wearability makes them a natural fit for wearing with everything from olive chinos and a classic chambray shirt to black denim, a classic white T-shirt and a denim jacket (we love denim around here, this is true). Y’know what’s even better than that critical dependability in terms of style? The fact that the Nisolo Travel Derby just so happens to be made ethically in Mexico at the brand’s factory — these are some of the best men’s shoes you can slide your feet into, especially as we cruise through August.

SHOP: The Nisolo Travel Derby

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for Early Fall This Year

If it makes you jump out of your seat a bit to see the words “early fall” in a headline, know that I’m every bit as surprised by the end of summer as you. In that regard, we’ve been telling you all about the men’s style essentials to get you ready for the next season across these past few weeks, and today is no different. Our #OOTD focuses on the kind of gear you’re going to want to start slowly incorporating into your fall lineup, from a vintage-inspired chambray shirt to rugged leather boots and, simply put, the perfect pants to wear for early fall. This season is all about gear that can work with you in multiple situations. That’s why (as you’ll see), we’re incorporating a heavyweight pocket tee from our pals at Filson into the mix, seeing as you can wear it on its own during the day to grab a weekend coffee, then layer it up at night to grab cocktails at that new speakeasy in town. We’re also including a tough bag for your everyday carry, not to mention one of the best men’s watches you’ll find anywhere. Jumping into fall doesn’t have to be something you do all at once — mixing and matching the kinds of pieces that work in multiple seasons (and style situations!) is the way to go. So, ideally, this post can help you start to leave summer in the rearview mirror (sadly!) and look toward a crisp, cool, fun fall. Have questions for me on fall style tips? Reach out on Twitter.

 

Pairing a classic chambray shirt with a classic summer T-shirt — and classic leather boots. Get the idea?

  • The Shirt: Dickies 1922 Chambray Shirt, $190 — To be sure, we’ve been recommending pieces like a classic chambray shirt a lot lately — it’s the perfect layer to take you into the early part of next month, and this Dickies 1922 shirt is based on an old archival style. Utterly classic.
  • The T-shirt: Filson 8oz. Solid Pocket Tee, $55 — Leave it to Filson to craft a timeless pocket tee in a substantial fabric, perfect to wear on its own or layer underneath your new favorite shirt.
  • The Pants: Proof Rover Pants, $98 — A fitting hybrid between chinos and jeans is what this time of year calls for, and these might be the perfect pants to wear for early fall (and beyond). Easy to move around in, extremely breathable & also well-made.
  • The Boots: Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots, $269.99 — The key to moving this outfit from summer into early fall? Rugged leather boots from Red Wing Heritage, the kind that are still lightweight and versatile enough to wear with the Proof Rover Pants.
  • The Watch: Lum-Tec M84 Automatic Watch, $1,095 — Yes, we’ve been featuring this rugged Lum-Tec watch a fair amount on the blog as of late, all owing to the fact that it’s simply one of the best men’s watches on the market, and perfect for this outfit.
  • The Belt: Arcade Belt Co. Norrland Woven Belt, $38 — Finding a functional, rugged belt is no small task, but Arcade Belt Co. comes through with one of the best men’s belts we’ve seen — this is no flimsy, thin leather belt that you’d pick up by the check-out rack at a fast-fashion shop, mind you.
  • The Everyday Brief: Boarding Pass NYC Flight Brief, $199 — Thinking about taking this show on the road? Even if it’s just to knock out some work at your local coffee shop, this rugged, durable & yet refined flight brief is perfect for your everyday carry.
  • The Grooming Essential: West Skincare Recovery Cream, $55 — If you’re not yet acquainted with West Skincare, consider this your introduction. This is active skincare made for guys who need active recovery, and this cream in particular is designed to hydrate and restore skin.

Now, if you’re not feeling ready for early fall yet, well, consider this a helpful guide to get started. When you start out wearing a classic chambray shirt, especially the rugged Dickies vintage shirt above, you’re setting yourself up for success — it’s perfectly casual and versatile enough for summer and fall. The same can be said of the equally rugged Filson pocket tee, again the type of tee you can wear all on its own or under any shirt you’d like. Throw in quite possibly the perfect pants to wear for early fall, and you’ve got a winning base for an outfit that’s geared to sip on an Old Fashioned, crack open a cold beer or visit your local park. In fact, that’s where rugged leather boots from Red Wing Heritage can come in mighty handy — they’re extremely tough & versatile enough for multiple seasons. And when you accessorize with a rugged Lum-Tec watch, you’re keeping the outfit squarely in casual, go-anywhere territory. The only thing to do now? Grab your Boarding Pass NYC flight brief, accessorize with a functional, rugged belt and your everyday carry, then finish off your look with West Skincare’s Active Recovery Cream. OK, now who’s ready for early fall?

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Gear Up for the End of Summer with this Faherty Brand Poncho

The breezy, cool outer layer to wear for crisp late summer & early fall nights.

Does it feel a bit strange to be looking toward Labor Day and thinking about early fall gear like rugged leather boots, overshirts and the like? Well, we’re not ready to close the book on summer quite yet, and neither is Faherty Brand — take the Faherty Brand Pacific Poncho, for instance. It’s the perfect layer with which to end summer, given its hybrid styling potential and the laidback, West Coast appeal for which Faherty Brand is known, of course. Made from breezy brushed cotton and featuring the enduringly cool Dusty Colorado print, think of the Faherty Brand Pacific Poncho as the upgraded take on the sort of pullovers you’d see at your local skate park (you know what I mean). Indeed, Faherty Brand has translated the things that make the brand a year-round essential — check out the Faherty Brand Brushed Flannel, to start — into unstoppable transitional pieces. Yes, that’s right — unstoppable.
SHOP: The Faherty Brand Pacific Poncho

This surprisingly stylish poncho is the sort of outer layer to pack in your weekend bag for a Labor Day getaway (or any early fall trip, for that matter), and the Faherty Brand Pacific Poncho also provides more than just something to throw on at a bonfire. That is to say, it’s stylish enough to be worn with dark denim and a charcoal Oxford shirt to grab a beer on the town, and chambray detailing gives it even more visual interest. Don’t sleep on this sort of layer, either – consider it an upgraded over an athletic logo hooded sweatshirt, and a huge one at that. When it gets a bit chilly in early fall, you can also layer it under a rugged denim jacket — no sweat. So you see, shifting from summer into early fall needn’t be a chore, and the Faherty Brand Pacific Poncho proves that.

SHOP: The Faherty Brand Pacific Poncho