January 31, 2020January 24, 2020 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Winter Gear, New Oxford Shirting & The Best Wallet

A highly affordable fleece from the good folks at Bespoke Post.

If it’s the start of the weekend — which it is — then I’d say that cozy winter style essentials should be on your mind as January draws to a close. Picture this: It’s a chilly Saturday morning (not unlike this weekend). You’ve got your favorite record on, a pot of your favorite coffee brewing … and you’re wearing a stylish fleece sweater shown above from the Bespoke Post Polar Box. Sounds pretty unbeatable for a winter weekend, ehh? Again, when you’re thinking cozy style essentials, think about Bespoke Post.

My weekend routine looks a whole lot like what’s described above, and I always relish the chance to kick back in Brooklyn — I’m coming off a busy week of birthday celebrations (this past Tuesday!), as it were! I spent the day off Tuesday in the borough, enjoying some of my favorite stops (like the lovely confines of Prospect Park and the tasty coffee of Milk and Honey) before hitting up some of my top craft beer spots in Brooklyn with friends, including Covenhoven and Gold Star Beer Counter. On tap? Beers from legendary and hard-to-find breweries in equal measure, including the always-excellent Hill Farmstead. Talk about a fitting birthday treat!

I’m always grateful to have the time to step back, reflect and enjoy some time off around my (golden!) birthday, especially as I round into my 6th (6th!) year in New York City. A lot of that has been made possible by my agency day job as much as it’s been made possible by my freelance writing and this very blog! So, this weekend, I plan on enjoying another night out with friends before getting back to work — thanks for reading and supporting The Style Guide! And in the meantime, you know what to do: Kick off your weekend with The Friday Read and the best men’s style news. Cheers!

If you follow the blog regularly, you know that I’m a fan of our recurring series The List, covering the best new men’s gear — and in particular, I’m going to direct you toward my recent list of the 10 best pieces of men’s gear to buy this month, from a durable 5.11 Tactical Parka to your new favorite leather boots. Read up, gear up, hit the road!
Speaking of hitting the road: Before you go anywhere this weekend, you need to upgrade your wallet. The Distil Union Wally Bifold — as covered by yours truly at GearMoose — is one of the best new wallets on the market in terms of blending durability and sleek style. It also easily slides into the front pocket of your favorite pair of dark blue denim.
Let’s keep it rolling over at GearMoose, shall we? A slim, classic Oxford shirt is nearly indispensable in terms of versatility and style points — wear it with slim chinos, wear it with that same pair of dark blue denim … just make sure you’ve got one. On that note, I wrote about the best Oxford shirts, many of them from brands you know and love. Check it out, then let me know which one you’re buying on Twitter.
OK, time for one last GearMoose feature today, alright? In terms of upgrading your grooming routine in a subtly stylish yet cool way, the right cologne can go a long way — that’s why I wrote about new Dollar Shave Club cologne. It’s highly affordable and should be highly effective.

Let’s close things out with one last outfit recommendation — since we’re on the verge of a winter weekend, I figured it’s high time we revisited my guide on how to dress for a winter weekend. You’ll find plenty of handy, effective goods in that #OOTD, from a tough waxed trucker jacket to your favorite henley. That should just about do it the next time you head out on a weekend adventure. In need of more style inspiration? Be sure to visit my Instagram.

January 29, 2020December 16, 2019 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Centric Instruments Watch Might Be The Perfect Everyday Watch

The best new casual watch to make it through a tough winter.

If you’ve been putting your attention toward other matters when it comes to winter style essentials, such as the best winter jacket for a blizzard (Hint: It’s here in this #OOTD) or the toughest winter boots, you’d be be forgiven for overlooking something as diminuitive as the watch on your wrist. That all changes today, thanks to the introduction of the Centric Instruments Lightwell Watch, quite possibly the best casual watch (for the price and functionality) that you’ll find in your search right now. Priced at $250 and sold via Huckberry, it’s a durable casual watch made for the everyday and the adventurous — and when a watch looks as good as the Centric Instruments Lightwell Watch, you’re going to want to find plenty of reasons to wear it. But first: Why does this particular watch work especially well for winter? Allow me.

SHOP: The Centric Instruments Lightwell Watch

The dial coating helps this watch shine bright on dark winter nights.

For starters, this rugged casual watch delivers toughness through a surgical-grade stainless steel case, to go along with a 38mm case diameter that’s neither too bulky nor too small. It’s also easy to read at night, all thanks to a dial that’s been coated with Superluminova BGW9. 100 meters of water resistance means you needn’t worry about the occasional snowstorm putting this watch out of commission — simply find the best leather gloves, throw on your favorite winter parka, and get out there. When it comes to hunting down one of the best casual watches for men, you definitely don’t want to skimp in the looks department, either. Thus, a crisp and easy-to-read dial designed to stand out quietly (and stylishly) when paired with everything from slim blue jeans and a classic shawl cardigan to a flannel-blazer-chinos combination at the office. For outdoor excursions at your cabin and days in town hanging at your favorite brewery, the Centric Instruments Lightwell Watch is going to be the way to go — try it and find out for yourself.

SHOP: The Centric Instruments Lightwell Watch

January 28, 2020December 26, 2019 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Hooded Sweatshirt This Winter — The Best Way

If it seems like we’ve tried to cover a lot of ground in our #OOTD series this winter, well, that’s because … we have. From a guide on how to wear your new favorite sweater to today’s versatile-yet-rugged (and largely casual) set of winter style essentials, the stage is set for you to add another arrow to your quiver of menswear looks (yes, I went there). The best new men’s gear is here for you today, including an unexpected centerpiece: That of the surprisingly stylish hooded sweatshirt, and in fact … one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts. No longer is the hooded sweatshirt to be relegated to wearing on those winter days when you can’t muster up the energy to leave the house — no sir, we’re wearing the perfectly rugged Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover just about anywhere you want. Heck, if you work in a casual, startup-type office environment, we’re wearing this look there, too (it looks a heck of a lot cooler than Zuckerberg’s hoodies, trust me). But mostly, we’re wearing the best hooded sweatshirt and other critical men’s gear picks anywhere you might wear a normal crewneck or V-neck sweatshirt — to brunch, to run errands, to grab coffee, to watch the ballgame … you name it, the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover can probably take it on without missing a beat (aside from situations that definitely require a tie, that is). At any rate, your complete guide on wearing a hooded sweatshirt in style starts right here. Taking notes? Good, good.

The best way to wear a hooded sweatshirt comes down to the right essentials.

The Stylish Hoodie: Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover, $98 — Is it worth it to drop nearly $100 on one of the best hooded sweatshirts around? Yes, of course — especially when it’s got a tailored fit and uses comfortable fabric that’s guaranteed to break in.
The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Wool-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, $288 — The thing that’s really going to bring this rugged style ensemble together? Why, a classic trucker jacket, delivered in style from Flint and Tinder once more and lined in warm wool for your commute.
The Base Layer: Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley, $98 — You’re investing once again here, but this time in one of the best men’s henleys on the market — one from Faherty Brand, no less. In the event you need to take off that hoodie, this is a perfectly stylish base layer.
The Pants: Western Rise Alloy Chino Pants, $139 — The thing that takes this look from good to great? Some of the best men’s chinos from Western Rise — versatile enough to wear on a weekend hike, stylish enough to wear to drinks after (and yes, to the office, as well).
The Stylish Boots: Astorflex Dukeflex Boots, $155 — If you read the blog, you know I’m all about adding a pair of the best men’s boots to any outfit — especially these rugged chukka boots that channel moc toe boots, all courtesy of Huckberry.
The Rugged Watch: Luminox Modern Mariner Watch, $900 — For getting around in the snow, you need a tough casual watch — yet one that looks great, too. The Luminox Modern Mariner accomplishes that goal quite nicely, wouldn’t you say?
The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon Beer & Bourbon Box, $30 — The good folks at Duke Cannon know a thing or two about making the best men’s grooming essentials — this Beer & Bourbon Soap Kit delivers a trio of standout scents for every day this winter (and beyond).
The Everyday Bag: Tanner Goods Simple Tote, $130 — No matter where you’re goiing, you need a tough everyday bag — and yes, the Tanner Goods Simple Tote is more than up to the challenge of hauling your EDC essentials.

No matter how casual this #OOTD might seem at first, it’s all about making the right choices in terms of your gear — hence, when it comes time to discuss how to wear a hooded sweatshirt, we’re starting with nothing but one of the best hooded sweatshirts around. Starting with a Flint and Tinder hoodie makes it all the easier to throw on the rest of your rugged gear picks, including (of course) a classic trucker jacket, also from Flint and Tinder. That one-two combo is accented quite nicely by both a pair of the best men’s chinos from Western Rise (for that casual office sort of versatility), plus one of the best men’s henleys (for when you need a stylish base layer). The overall effect is one that’s casual enough to hang with the guys, yet not sloppy enough that you’re confined to your couch — and only your couch. That’s where a pair of rugged chukka boots comes into play, helped along on the accessories front by a tough casual watch — the Luminox Modern Mariner, to be more specific. You’ve also got the right idea in mind in terms of hauling your EDC essentials with the Tanner Goods Simple Tote — it blends style and tough functionality with ease. To top it all off, the best men’s grooming essentials (by way of standout soap from Duke Cannon) are yet a final, fitting way to cap off this winter-ready ensemble. Where will it take you this season? Let me know on Twitter — until then, stay warm in style, and thanks for reading!

January 27, 2020June 10, 2020 by Beau H.

The List: Here Are The Best New Menswear Deals To Shop This Week

A close-up look at one of the best leather jackets you can snag anywhere.

Yes, it’s true — there’s no time like the present to shop the best winter style essentials for men, including (but not limited to) one of the best new leather jackets on the market. The leather jacket in question, as shown above, comes to you courtesy of Buck Mason, and as you’ll quickly see in today’s edition of The List, it’s a tough leather jacket to be layered with anything, including (but not limited to) a rugged henley from Taylor Stitch or one of the best V-neck sweaters for winter. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

Buck Mason Burnished Bruiser Clubhouse Moto Jacket — $495

A sleek moto jacket made to be layered in style this winter.

Is winter the ideal time to try to break in one of the best leather moto jackets out there? Heck, depending on where you live, I’d argue absolutely. Layer up this heirloom-worthy leather jacket from Buck Mason with your favorite hooded sweatshirt, then grab a cold can of beer at your next rock show. It’s all yours.

Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley — $68

A classically rugged Taylor Stitch henley — perfect for winter.

Never underestimate the utility of one of the best men’s henleys — particularly a rugged henley from Taylor Stitch, the kind that can be worn underneath a waxed trucker jacket or with your favorite blazer in equal measure.

Mott and Bow Merino V-Neck Sweater — $99

A timeless V-neck sweater from an essential brand.

Speaking of the right layers for winter, the makers of your favorite jeans (that’d be Mott and Bow, as we so often say) are now crafting one of the best V-neck sweaters for winter. Stylish, easy to layer and made to match up nicely with the best Oxford shirt in your closet.

Grayers Crinkle Poplin Parka — $169.98

A tough winter jacket that pulls no punches.

You’ll notice that many of the winter style essentials we’ve highlighted so far have been of the outerwear or layering variety — that’s not going to change in the case of this rugged parka from Grayers, the perfect winter jacket to toss on over one of the best V-neck sweaters for winter.

Quoddy Maine Woods Boots — $399

Rugged, tough leather boots to wear all winter.

There’s no time like the present to wear some of the best men’s boots for winter — and there’s no doubt that these exceptional Quoddy leather boots fit the bill quite nicely.

Bespoke Post Alpine Box — $45

A highly affordable, stylish winter shirt.

You always know you can turn toward Bespoke Post for some of the most affordable men’s gear out there — including the exceptionally priced Bespoke Post Alpine Box, one of the best men’s style deals going right now.

Duke Cannon Bloody Knuckles Hand Balm — $15

An excellent hand balm to protect your skin this winter.

Among the many men’s grooming essentials needed for winter, something as simple-yet-functional as the best hand cream for men can go a long way — take the Duke Cannon Bloody Knuckles Hand Balm, for instance. It’s a winter grooming essential if ever there was one.

Best Made Co. Lambswool Cap of Courage — $65

A seriously cool, functional winter cap from Best Made Co.

Every guy needs a great winter hat — especially one as rugged and stylish as the Best Made Co. Cap of Courage. You might have seen it on my Instagram (courtesy of the brand), and it’s a surefire winner (notably, when teamed with a rugged henley from Taylor Stitch).

Faherty Brand Reserve Ideal Blazer — $498

A classic men’s blazer made to be worn with anything.

Spending a lot of time in meetings to start the new year? Or perhaps you simply want to amp up what you wear to the office or out on dates? Look no further than one of the best winter blazers, a stunning and classic men’s jacket from Faherty Brand.

Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt — $119

Another dependable, tough flannel shirt for winter.

Now, this isn’t the first time you’ve seen a stylish flannel shirt from Western Rise featured on the blog — and it certainly won’t be the last. This durable flannel shirt could be the perfect shirt for winter travel, what with its crucial combination of stretch and toughness.

Olivers Apparel Pivot Tee — $68

The right tee to wear for your next workout.

If you’re the type to make New Year’s resolutions, and if one of those resolutions was to hit the gym more, then you should do so in style — the sweat-wicking, performance-minded Olivers Apparel Pivot Tee is one such way to do that.

Filson 48-Hour Tin Cloth Duffel Bag — $475

A rugged duffel bag fit for anything this winter.

A tough travel bag is a must these days, especially as you dress for winter travel — and this remarkably tough Filson duffel bag is perhaps the perfect bag for a weekend getaway, with just enough space for your winter style picks.

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Sun Bleached Denim — $98

More dependable gear from Taylor Stitch.

As we near the end of this post, it’s only fitting that we’re talking about one of the best men’s casual shirts — that’s regardless of season, too. Yes indeed, the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt is a classic men’s shirt that you can wear with anything and everything.

Helm Boots Lou Boots — $325

Another pair of the best men’s leather boots … agreed?

Not yet familiar with Austin-based Helm Boots? Well, I suggest you get acquainted — they’re making some of the best leather boots around, and they’re doing it the right way. In fact, the Helm Boots Lou Boots would make an excellent pairing with any of the other men’s gear picks on this list, and here’s the kicker — you can get $50 off your first boot purchase, plus free shipping, if you buy from Helm now.

Jack Henry Deodorant — $24

A crisp, cool, classic men’s deodorant.

Speaking of New Year’s resolutions, maybe you want to amp up your grooming game? One of the best new deodorants out there, in this case from Jack Henry, is a fine way to do that. The crisp scent will have you feeling and smelling your very best.

Proof Stretch Flannel Shirt — $98

A classic, durable flannel shirt made for winter layering.

The best men’s flannel shirts blend style and affordability with ease — and if it’s a stylish flannel shirt under $100 that you seek (as you should), then the Proof Stretch Flannel Shirt is the right way to go.

Komrade Urban Diver — $499

A remarkably dependable, casual watch that’ll last a heck of a long time.

Looking for one of the toughest watches for winter? The sort of casual eveyday watch that simply won’t quit in terms of style and dependability? You need the Komrade Urban Diver, my friend.

GOATS 454 Mesh Sneakers — $59

Sleek, dependable sneakers that offer perfectly casual style.

Perhaps you’re blessed enough to live in a temperate climate, or maybe you’ve got a winter getaway coming up soon — either way, these are some of the best men’s sneakers for the occasion, complete with a lightweight construction and easygoing style appeal.

Alright, so what’s your take on this roundup of the best new men’s gear on the market? Are you going to go with, say, one of the best leather moto jackets? Or maybe a pair of stylish new sneakers or a lambswool cap? Or maybe you seek a casual eveyday watch or a rugged henley from Taylor Stitch? Whatever floats your boat, I hope you found it today — and with that being said, let me know your favorite gear picks on Twitter.

January 25, 2020February 21, 2023 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Western Rise AT Slim Pants

Tough, rugged-yet-versatile pants cut from innovative fabric.

Your search for the best men’s pants for spring and beyond is nearly over — well, at least it will be if you take my words to heart during today’s Style Pick of the Week. That’s because we’re talking all about the Western Rise AT Slim Pants, simply some of the toughest, best pants for men any time of year (and particularly when the going gets tough during winter).

You need rugged pants that won’t quit or suffer an untimely blowout, and Western Rise is going to come through in the clutch. And that’s where the AT Slim Pants enter the equation (and your wardrobe). What’s the catch, Beau? Heck, in my mind, there isn’t really a catch — the Western Rise AT Slim Pants just deliver on multiple levels. For Western Rise, that all starts with a focus on fabric. The brand focuses on “elevated apparel” that calls to mind adventure and versatility — from the city to the great outdoors and back (it’s right there in the Western Rise name, after all). And that approach all goes back down to the small details — crucially, the Western Rise AT Slim Pants are made with tough stretch nylon featuring air-texturized fibers. It’s certainly the best of the new (that tech-focused fabric) with the old-school (the design is based on tough outdoor rivet pants from the 1870s).

SHOP: The Western Rise AT Slim Pants

The Western Rise AT Slim Pants are simply as good as it gets in terms of tough, dependable style.

Even if you’ve got a closet packed full of the best men’s jeans and chinos, there’s not a chance you’ve got some slim five-pocket pants like these from Western Rise. That’s because the Western Rise AT Slim Pants have plenty of added value, including the fact that the AT Cloth (also made with canvas) is abrasion-resistant and treated with DWR technology to shed water. The Western Rise AT Slim Pants could just be the perfect pants for your commute (especially if you favor biking to work when it’s warmer), yet they really won’t miss a beat at the office, either. The range of colors, including the slate blue option seen here, gives you the opportunity to wear these rugged men’s pants with anything and everything you can dream up, from a tough trucker jacket and your favorite henley on the weekend to a Western Rise flannel shirt and classic chukka boots at the office. End your search right now for your new favorite pants — the only question left is what color you’re going to buy.

SHOP: The Western Rise AT Slim Pants

January 24, 2020January 17, 2020 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Philadelphia, New Taylor Stitch Boots & How to Dress for a Weekend Getaway

Heading into the weekend with selvedge chinos from Flint and Tinder.

Ready for the weekend? Who isn’t? Hopefully, you’re going to be kicked back and relaxed with some of the best men’s chinos, a truly all-weather pair from Flint and Tinder — trust me when I say the Flint and Tinder Selvedge Chinos put in work all day, every day. That should be the case whether you wear these stylish slim chinos with a winter blazer for date night, or decide to throw ’em on with your favorite henley. So, that’s my first piece of menswear advice for you heading into this January weekend — rest assured, we’ve got plenty more coming in today’s Friday Read. Of course, we’ll have another Style Pick of the Week heading down the pipeline tomorrow. But first, I’m very much looking forward to what’s on my weekend slate.

To celebrate my birthday (28 on the 28th!) a bit early, I’m trekking down to Philadelphia on Saturday morning to see one of my favorite bands — esteemed California indie rockers Local Natives! — play the fun Radio 104.5 Winter Jawn, an outdoor shindig held at Xfinity Live (yes, outdoors). It promises to be part of a day of super-fun, enjoyable music, also helped along by AJR (headlining) and Sub Urban. The rest of my weekend jaunt, I plan on taking in all that Philly has to offer in the way of history and naturally, craft beer. I’ve previously explored neighborhoods like Brewerytown, and I’m turning my attention this time to neighborhood spots like the Khyber Pass Pub and of course, the much-lauded Monk’s Cafe (featuring a positively huge selection of rare beer). It should be a fun and fitting way to kick off the birthday “weekend” — I’ll never pass up a chance to hear Local Natives play classics like “Breakers” and new favorites like “Garden of Elysian,” and when you throw craft beer in the mix … that’s a huge positive! I hope your weekend is similarly filled with fun, great food, delicious beer and excellent music. OK, let’s get into today’s Friday Read.

You know the sort of weekend I’m talking about when it’s heading your way — the chance for adventure in the great outdoors calls out to you, and you need to respond (and dress) accordingly with winter style essentials. Those are the gear picks I wrote about for The Manual — if you want to know how to dress for a rugged winter weekend, you best check out that feature.
While we’re on the subject of how to dress for winter weather, I’ll direct your attention toward GearMoose — with picks from Faherty Brand, Danner and more, I wrote about all the best winter weather essentials (well, 10 essentials, at least) that you need ASAP.
We’re going back to GearMoose right away for my next winter style briefing. As you might know, I’m a big, big fan of Taylor Stitch — to me, it seems the San Francisco-based gear purveyors can really do no wrong. So, with that dependability and iconic style in mind, I wrote about your new favorite leather boots: The Taylor Stitch Trench Boots. One-of-a-kind, highly durable and perfect for pairing up with, say, your Taylor Stitch Camp Pants.

If you follow the blog — and especially if you follow me on Instagram — you know one of my passions here in NYC is live music. From festivals to indie rock club shows, I’m always on the lookout for art and music that moves me & impacts my life. Since moving here, I’ve found the Governors Ball music festival to be a reliably fun and jam-packed way to get my needed dose of high-quality, soulful and meaningful music. That’s why I’m pretty excited about the Governors Ball 2020 lineup, as released last week! With sets on the way from Tame Impala, Vampire Weekend and the legendary Stevie Nicks — not to mention a packed undercard featuring the likes of Bleachers, Charly Bliss, British rockers Foals and more. Needless to say, I’m already anticipating early June in NYC. What do you think of the lineup? Let me know on Twitter.

OK, my friends — we covered a lot of ground here, from a terrific NYC music festival to winter style essentials for your upcoming weekend. Before I get ready to hit the road to Philadelphia, I’d implore you to prepare for the polar vortex (or similarly cold winter weather) with one of my recent roundups of the best new men’s gear for the season. We’re talking a rugged shirt jacket, tough leather boots, a handsome watch and plenty more. I hope you find what you’re searching for — be sure to check back here early and often for my top men’s style picks. Until next time, thanks for reading!

January 22, 2020February 12, 2020 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Faherty Brand Shirt is the Best Flannel Shirt for Winter — Guaranteed

A classic flannel shirt done up in remarkable fabric from Faherty Brand.

We’re making — as we so often do — a rather bold claim here today at The Style Guide, but it’s one I think you’ll appreciate. The best flannel shirt for winter (or certainly, one of them) is pictured above and featured throughout this article today: That’d be the Faherty Brand Brushed Everyday Shirt, a super-soft, ultra-cozy, extremely well-made flannel shirt for winter weather. The difference is in the details, as one would expect from Faherty Brand, and that’s why it’s worth it to turn toward this laidback, timeless brand to upgrade your winter shirting in a hurry.

But wait … maybe you’re wondering why you should drop some hard-earned cash on this shirt? To be fair, this rugged flannel shirt is $148, but again, it’s rugged, classic shirting you’re investing in here — and you’re getting tons of wearability in turn (to say the very least). Faherty’s family-run ethos (the company was founded by brothers Mike and Alex in 2013) shines through, right down to the fact that you know who’s designing your shirt — and testing it out, for that matter.

SHOP: The Faherty Brand Brushed Everyday Shirt

A classic fit leaves room for layering without going overboard. Well-done, Faherty Brand.

We mentioned that this classic flannel shirt stands apart for its fabric — and that’s certainly true in this instance. Faherty Brand’s Brushed Everyday Shirt is made with soft brushed cotton for a remarkable feel and finish — it’s almost like wearing a blanket (minus, y’know, the actual blanket part of things). This flannel shirt is also a heavier weight than your typical Oxford shirt, so you should feel free to layer it up atop your favorite henley and perhaps throw on a down vest to venture out on a cold Friday night. The Lodge Check pattern found on this stylish flannel shirt is perfect for winter, too — that color combo should play well off everything from your favorite blue jeans and rugged leather boots to slim tan chinos, a navy peacoat and classic chukka boots. Essentially, whether you need a flannel shirt to wear to the office or a classic winter shirt you can throw on to look polished as you grab a weekend coffee, well, Faherty Brand’s Brushed Everyday Shirt is the one you’re going to want — ASAP.

SHOP: The Faherty Brand Brushed Everyday Shirt

January 21, 2020January 21, 2020 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Casual Winter Weekend

Alright folks, here we go with another take on the #OOTD. There comes a time in your life when duty calls — when you want to get out of the house to head to brunch, or grab a cocktail, or pick up some more coffee, or reload for that home proejct — and it’s just got to be done in spite of the weather. That’s why we’re here: To tell you how to dress for a casual winter weekend, helped along by plenty of seasonal style essentials. The right winter weekend #OOTD ties everything together with functionality and style in mind — so, for fighting windy weather and snowstorms, you’ll find a rugged waxed jacket to take on the elements. Other layers come in handy once you’ve bellied up to the bar and taken off said jacket — take, for instance, one of the best new flannel shirts (more on that one in a moment). And classics like slim dark blue jeans never fail — inside or outside, coffee date or a quick trip into town. All these picks are more crucial than you think, including Red Wing Heritage boots for dependability and durability on slippery streets. The goal here should be gear picks that look great and don’t miss a beat from day-to-night, so you’ll also find crucial layers like one of the best men’s henleys. Check out the full look below, and let me know in the comments if you think we (and by we, I mean me) hit our goal. Cheers!

You’ll be able to go just about anywhere this winter with these rugged gear picks.

The Jacket: Peregrine Waxed Bexley Jacket, $299 — No matter where you go on a winter weekend, you need one of the best winter jackets to get you there in one piece. This rugged waxed jacket is a surefire winner.
The Stylish Flannel Shirt: Faherty Brand Knit Seasons Shirt, $138 — As crucial as it is that you wear the right winter jacket, it’s equally important that you wear the right flannel shirt — as in, this pleasingly rugged Faherty Brand flannel shirt.
The Henley: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley, $68 — There’s not a doubt in my mind that one of the best men’s henleys can serve as an ideal and rugged base layer — this Taylor Stitch henley checks the right boxes.
The Slim Denim: Mott and Bow Slim Wooster Denim, $118 — Because it’s a casual winter weekend, some slim dark blue jeans — especially this pair from Mott and Bow — are the right way to go. No sweat.
The Boots: Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots, $270 — For stomping through snow and slush in pursuit of brunch, grab these rugged Red Wing Heritage boots, then wear ’em all winter.
The Watch: DuFrane Watches Barton Springs Diver, $467.98 — When winter weather really ramps up, you need a rugged casual watch that can take a beating — and look good doing it. Hence, this handsome timepiece from DuFrane Watches.
The Hat: Mott and Bow Walker Ribbed Beanie, $60 — Yes indeed, the good folks at Mott and Bow are now making one of the best winter hats — a perfect complement to your slim dark blue jeans.
The Daily Carry: Fjallraven Totepack No. 2, $131.98 — Again, no matter where you’re headed, your everyday carry essentials could use a tough everyday bag like this Fjallraven Totepack.

Ready to brave the elements? As taxing as that might sound at the moment, I know I am — it all comes down to starting with the right layers, and then building from there. In this case, the right layers just so happen to include a rugged waxed jacket that’ll fight off winter’s worst pretty handily. Layering a Faherty Brand flannel shirt is the right way to go for both warmth and style, plus a bit of versatility — that’s the sort of shirt you can wear to a casual lunch or a trip to your favorite bar in equal measure. You could also argue that if you’re not wearing a Taylor Stitch henley as your base layer, you’re not doing it right this season — that’s debateable, but there’s an argument to be made for making a rugged henley part of your menswear rotation. Naturally, Mott and Bow denim never fails in terms of style points or dependability — the same could be said for those go-anywhere Red Wing Heritage boots, all the better to beat out winter snow. Your accessories are also going to seal the deal here, from one of the best winter hats to a tough everyday bag that’ll keep your gear safe and sound. Of course, no look is complete without a rugged casual watch — that’s the right way to finish off this look. Where will this ensemble take you? Let me know on Twitter.

January 20, 2020January 20, 2020 by Beau H.

The List: Here Are the 10 Best New Gear Picks to Buy This Week

A sneak peek of what’s to come in terms of today’s best new men’s gear.

With January rolling right along, ideally, you’ve been paying attention to our ongoing series The List, covering the best new men’s gear for plenty of occasions — and in this case, packed with winter style essentials. It’s my goal to get you layered up in fine form when you need it most, hence the emphasis on pieces like the classic wool CPO shown above (more on that in a moment), to go along with tougher outerwear like one of the best men’s winter parkas. The gang’s all here when it comes to how to dress (and groom) for winter — without further ado, let’s dig in.

Relwen Bonded Rag Wool CPO — $298

The cozy winter shirt you didn’t know you needed.

The best winter layers are often the most subtle, yet the most quietly stylish and functional — what exactly does that mean? Well, in this case, I’m referring to this classic wool CPO (which stands for Chief Petty Officer), a military-inspired layer that’s rugged enough to handle winter’s worst when layered under your favorite parka. Speaking of …

Arc’Teryx Therme Parka — $699

A warm, durable and investment-level winter parka.

Yes indeed, there’s no time like the present to layer up with one of the best men’s winter parkas, and undoubtedly, Arc’Teryx has knocked it out of the park (pun intended) with the Therme Parka.

Mott and Bow Slim Jay Jeans — $118

Dependable, slim black jeans to wear all winter.

There’s something about the cold confines of winter and the dimly lit confines of, say, your favorite speakeasy or a dive bar (the kind made for enjoying whiskey and a beer) — and the thing that goes nicely with either of those? Some slim black jeans, and preferably, the best men’s black jeans as shown here from Mott and Bow.

Diemme Roccia Vet Shoes — $338.98

Versatile, tough boots to wear all winter.

Comparing these to regular old snow boots here isn’t quite accurate — these Diemme boots just so happen to be some of the best hiking boots on the market, with the right traction for days on snowy streets. These rugged leather boots don’t look half-bad with, you guessed it, slim black jeans for some subtle contrast.

Western Rise StrongCore Merino Hoodie — $138

A versatile, casual hooded sweatshirt that works out on the town or back at home.

What’s sometimes the best layering move to go along with slim black jeans for a casual night out with the fellas? Well, of course, a classic hooded sweatshirt — but one done in a seriously upgraded fabric. The Western Rise StrongCore Merino Hoodie is made to be worn on the go and when kicked back this winter.

Faherty Brand Reserve Sueded Trousers — $138

Slim, refined trousers to wear to the office.

The gear being made by Faherty Brand is already remarkably high-quality — so the launch of the Faherty Brand Reserve line this past fall, featuring even higher-quality fabrics and construction, was very welcome. These slim khaki trousers are perfect to wear to the office.

Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch — $1,195

A ridiculously tough watch you can wear through winter’s nastiest storms.

If you’ve read the blog, you’ll know that we’ve previously talked about the prowess of one of the toughest men’s watches we’ve seen — the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch is stylish enough for everyday wear this winter, and tough enough to survive the elements.

Duke Cannon The Perfect Shave Set — $25

Duke Cannon knows how to help you get the best shave you’ve yet had.

Hey, OK, so in addition to gear like the best men’s black jeans or rugged leather boots, there’s certainly something to be said for keeping your winter grooming essentials in tip-top shape. Duke Cannon is here to help with the Duke Cannon Perfect Shave Set, featuring everything you need to tame your mane (in spite of winter, that is).

Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley — $98

A comfortable, high-quality henley to layer up with anything this winter.

Let’s keep talking must-have men’s winter layers, shall we? Layers like the exceptionally versatile, travel-friendly, insanely comfortable Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley, at that. Available in a range of colors at a price that signifies quality, this belongs on any list of the best men’s henleys.

5.11 Tactical 3-in-1 Parka — $249.99

An ultra-tough parka to layer up with this winter — the second featured on this list, in fact.

As you can see in today’s edition of The List, we’ve been all about the best winter outerwear (for the most part). And now, joining today’s roundup of essential winter gear is a rugged parka from 5.11 Tactical, packed with plenty of pockets & remarkable functionality for whatever life throws your way. It could also come in handy as the perfect travel jacket.

While sometimes we tend to pack these posts with more gear (and by we, I mean me), today’s post had a bit more brevity — it’s always tough to narrow things down to the 10 best men’s style essentials to buy now. That being said, what caught your eye? Was it the classic wool CPO we led off the post with? Was it the perfect travel jacket from 5.11 Tactical that closed out the post? Or perhaps something in between — such as the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch? Whatever suits your fancy, be sure to let me know on Twitter. Cheers and thanks for reading!

January 18, 2020January 18, 2020 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater

The best winter sweater you didn’t know you needed, courtesy of Taylor Stitch.

Alright, folks. We’re back at it during today’s Style Pick of the Week with yet another essential men’s sweater from, yes, Taylor Stitch. That makes it the second time this month we’ve featured one of your favorite menswear brands in this series, but with good reason (exceptionally good reason, at that). You see, we’re talking today about one of the best men’s sweaters for winter, the truly excellent, perfectly rugged Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater. It’s the best sweater for a winter weekend, it can be worn to the office in a pinch, and it’s got that unique Taylor Stitch guarantee of quality and timeless style. Yes, it’s got plenty going for it. Let’s take a deeper dive into the Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater, shall we? For starters, this rugged winter sweater takes inspiration from the thick, hard-wearing knits typically worn on the water — it’s a tough fisherman sweater that’s going to be worth the investment ($228 via the Taylor Stitch Web site), but it’s not going to break the bank. And for that investment, you’re getting all the quality the TS brand can muster — which happens to be quite a lot.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater

The difference is in the details, and Taylor Stitch surely gets it right.

The tough Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater features a wool-nylon-polyester blend for warmth and yet ease of movement and comfort. This isn’t your typical scratchy wool sweater, and that’s a very good thing, indeed. This Taylor Stitch sweater features the customary chunky waffle knit that makes it perfect when you’re searching for what to wear on a cold winter morning — roll out of bed, throw on the Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater atop your favorite henley, and then get that coffee brewing. As the brand so wisely calls out, melange yarns make this classic men’s sweater stand out from the pack even more — this is an heirloom-quality sweater made with plenty of care and attention to detail. Taylor Stitch knows that these pieces work well on their own or layered up, so try this Taylor Stitch sweater with everything from a classic chambray shirt and faded blue jeans to slim tan chinos, leather boots and a white Oxford shirt. Heck, wear the Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater all on its own beneath a waxed trucker jacket and alongside your favorite work pants — it’s as suited a layer for winter yard work as it is for sipping on a Saturday night Old Fashioned. Helpfully, the Taylor Stitch Fisherman Sweater is available in a rich Natural Waffle fabric (my personal favorite), or a seriously winter-ready Maroon Waffle. The choice is yours, but either way, you’re getting one of the best men’s sweaters on the market. Layer accordingly.