Style Pick of the Week: Wellen Headlands Sweater

A dependable winter sweater to wear any time the chill gets the best of you.

Perhaps right off the bat, you recognize today’s Style Pick of the Week — after all, we’ve featured this rugged winter sweater in my guide to dressing for a chilly morning, as well as my roundup of the best new menswear for 2020. With that being said, let’s dig right back into exactly why you’re going to love the Wellen Headlands Sweater (courtesy of Huckberry) for the rest of this season.  So, why exactly do you need this classic winter sweater right now? Well, for starters, it’s (likely) cold as heck out there right now — one of the best winter sweaters is simply a must. This isn’t your garden-variety winter sweater, however: It’s got all the necessary chops you’d expect from one of Huckberry’s two in-house brands (you’ve probably read about the Wellen Slub Flannel previously on the site, for instance). Naturally, the Wellen Headlands Sweater has all the trappings of a rugged winter sweater you’re going to enjoy wearing, from the waffle knit construction to the use of recycled polyester and wool. Sustainability is more important in the style world these days than ever, and Wellen makes every effort to amp up its work from the norm — a typically flimsy fast-fashion sweater, this is not.

SHOP: The Wellen Headlands Sweater

One of two excellent color options available.

Plus, with the Wellen Headlands Sweater, you get the ability to layer up your favorite winter style essentials right alongside this beautiful piece of knitwear. Want to wear a rugged flannel shirt underneath this sweater on a particularly chilly winter day? Go for it. Feel like throwing on the Wellen Headlands Sweater atop a casual long-sleeve tee? It’ll work for that, too.  The texture of the waffle-knit construction makes it a worthwhile complement to tougher, more textured winter menswear, too — take your favorite chore pants or a pair of inky blue dark denim, for instance. This  classic winter sweater  is going to stand out reliably (but not too much!) when worn with either of those pieces. As to where exactly you can take the Wellen Headlands Sweater? Well, that’s up to you — team it with a timeless Oxford shirt and that same pair of inky blue dark denim to wear to a casual office, or take that same combo mixed with rugged leather chukka boots for a weekend coffee date. And if you really want to layer up on a chilly winter morning? The Wellen Headlands Sweater is going to be your best bet underneath, say, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket. Talk about making your favorite winter style essentials work for you, ehh? It doesn’t get any better than that.

SHOP: The Wellen Headlands Sweater

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The Friday Read: Valentine’s Day, Rogue Brewing’s New Stout & Red Wing Boots

Give yourself the gift of vintage this Valentine’s Day — seriously, why not?

Alright, folks — we all know what day it is. That’s right … it’s Friday, and yes … it’s Valentine’s Day. What do you have planned? And more importantly, what are you wearing? Perhaps my guide to what to wear on an evening date can be of service? Maybe you don’t quite have a lot planned at all, but that’s no reason to get down — treat yourself to your favorite craft beer, or perhaps a live show (as I plan on doing!), or a delicious burger or maybe, just maybe … treat yourself to a piece from the spectacular Taylor Stitch Vintage Collection as shown at the top of the page? A complementary offering to the excellent Taylor Stitch Restitch Collection (which repurposes old Taylor Stitch gear), pieces like the Taylor Stitch Vintage Moto Jacket are seriously rare, highly coveted and very tough to find (unless you act now, that is). And although it’s pricey and limited in sizing, there’s no question that you’ll be very, very happy this Valentine’s Day if you snap up the Taylor Stitch Vintage Moto Jacket — or a similar piece from the collection.

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I’ll be doing some online shopping myself, and I’m looking forward to a relaxing winter weekend in Brooklyn, powered as always by my favorite vinyl (this weekend’s selection is “Trouble Will Find Me” by The National), delicious coffee … and yes, craft beer. It’s a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of this week, as New York Fashion Week continued to roll along — I was fortunate enough to check out a sustainable fashion event at NYC’s Ace Hotel featuring Dickies this past weekend, and it’s always a treat to see brands that are doing things the right way (kind of like Taylor Stitch with its repurposed Taylor Stitch Vintage Collection!). With that being said, it’s time to start the weekend right — here’s to Friday, and the Friday Read. Cheers!

New Spring Arrivals: Mens

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If you read the blog on the regular (as you should!), then it should come as no surprise where I’m going to direct you next: Towards my latest roundup of the best men’s gear! That’s courtesy of the ongoing series The List, which calls out seasonal style essentials aplenty. Heading into the weekend, I’m certain you’re bound to find at least one of your new favorite style picks. Right? Right. If you want to connect further on all things #menswear, head to my Twitter. OK, that’s it — that’s all I’ve got! Have a good one, folks.

The List: Buy This Gear To Make Your Winter More Stylish

A subtly stylish, highly functional winter jacket.

It’s a big week around these parts — and elsewhere: Valentine’s Day is coming up later this week (check out my guide for what to wear on Valentine’s Day to help you out), and of course, it’s also prime time to shop the best new men’s style essentials. If you’re still at the point during winter where your daily routine and your wardrobe could use a shot in the arm, look no further than durable, rugged and stylish picks like Proof Lightning Field Jacket, one of the best winter jackets to throw on as you brave the chill. Rest assured, there’s more where that came from in today’s edition of The List.

Proof Lightning Field Jacket — $298

The sleek, tough field jacket to upgrade many a winter look.

We said it above and I’ll say it again: The Proof Lightning Field Jacket is as good as it gets when it comes to durable, sleek-yet-tough winter outerwear. Wear it with anything in your wardrobe, from a crisp Oxford shirt, wool trousers and Chelsea boots to your favorite henley and broken-in denim. Truly, the best winter jacket can take you anywhere.

Monoposto Autodromo Chronograph — $1,800

The sharpest, sleekest dress watch you can find.

Want to impress on Valentine’s Day — or any other day, for that matter? Wear this racing-inspired dress watch to turn heads in the very best way possible. it’s ultra-sleek, stylish and distinctive: The Monoposto Autodromo Chrongraph is the complete package.
Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt — $125

An unbeatable flannel shirt from an unbeatable brand.

If you read this site, and if you know Taylor Stitch, then you know the coveted, much-loved Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt, one of the best flannel shirts for winter. It’s perfect to wear over everything from a classic thermal shirt to, well, a chambray shirt for added warmth as a shirt jacket.
 
Buck Mason Field-Spec Cotton Henley — $68

You decide if this is the best men’s henley for chilly weather — how about it?

Buck Mason has beefed up its classic henleys in a big way, resulting in the ever-durable and layering-friendly Buck Mason Field-Spec Henley, one of the toughest henleys you’re going to wear all winter. It’s ideal to throw on under the Yosemite Shirt, too.

White’s Boots 350 Cruiser Boots — $476

Newly iconic, perfectly rugged leather boots — as good as it gets.

How outstanding are these classic leather boots from White’s Boots? I’ll tell you this: They could be the last pair of rugged leather boots you’ll have to buy for a long, long time — wear them with dark blue classic denim and your favorite shawl cardigan to drive home that timeless styling potential.
Duke Cannon Grooming Barrel — $125

A jam-packed lineup of grooming classics.

Yes indeed, the Duke Cannon Grooming Barrel is packed with so many men’s grooming essentials — from the best men’s cologne to new shampoo — that it comes in an actual barrel. What a way to upgrade your winter grooming in a hurry, ehh? Shop while it’s still around.

Peak Design Travel Backpack — $300

This tough travel backpack offers non-stop reliability.

If you’ve been searching for the best backpack for a winter trip — or perhaps just your daily jaunt across town — the very well-appointed Peak Design Travel Backpack is the tough, functional backpack you need ASAP.
Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt in Black — $119

The slick flannel shirt that’s going to add some minimal style to your wardrobe.

Perhaps you read on the blog earlier this winter about the best tech flannel shirt on the market — that’d be the Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt, made with hybrid cotton flannel fabric. But did you know it also comes in a sleek Black colorway? Educate yourself on your new favorite flannel shirt.
Faherty Brand Ocean Wash Denim — $198

Perfectly washed denim to add a little something to laidback winter weekends.

We’ll go back to Faherty Brand for some of the best men’s light wash denim on the market — no one said you had to shelve your expertly faded jeans just because it’s winter. In fact, these slim men’s jeans can even offer a nice change of pace from classic dark blue denim. With that being said …
Mott and Bow Rivington Slim Denim — $96

Crisp, classic dark blue jeans you’ll want to wear all the time.

Let’s move from some of the best men’s light wash denim out there to a pair that’s equally at home during the summer or winter, too: That’d be some of the best men’s dark blue jeans … the Mott and Bow Rivington Slim Denim. Wear them as often as you want — they’ll break in very nicely.
HELM Boots Marion Boots in Olive — $395

Rugged and classically cool men’s leather boots from HELM.

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I love my rugged leather boots — more specifically, my HELM boots. The Austin-based brand makes of the best classic men’s boots from quality materials, even taking a more unique approach to the rich olive leather of the HELM Boots Marion Boots. Pair ’em up with your Mott and Bow Rivington Slim Denim and the Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt, to start.
Courant Catch:2 Multi-Device Fast Charging Block — $150 

A reliable and handy way to charge up your phone.

Perhaps you’re like me, in that your phone always seems to be running low on battery (oops!), and you’ve also got something wireless headphones to charge — enter the Courant Catch:2 Multi-Device Charging Block, an unassuming way to power up your phone (and assuredly one of the fastest ways to charge your phone I’ve seen).
On Running Cloud Hi Sneakers — $170

The most dependable winter sneakers around.

Now, no one said you had to stow away your favorite sneakers just because it’s winter — in fact, the durability and versatility of the On Running Cloud Hi Sneakers makes them all the more worthy of being worn in winter for training sessions and outdoor exploration.
D73 Corsair Leather Jacket — $495

An heirloom-worthy leather jacket, no doubt about it.

How tough is it to find one of the best leather jackets to begin with? Let alone a stylish leather jacket under $500? Well, if you’re searching for one made the right way, it’s very tough indeed — enter the supremely cool D73 Corsair Leather Jacket. Wear it with a tough henley and Chelsea boots to a rock concert.
Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Jeans — $93.98

Durable, dependable denim from Flint and Tinder.

Over the years, I’d wager you’ve become familiar with Flint and Tinder denim. This is made-in-America denim that just so happens to be as good as it gets. Flint and Tinder features a variety of fits, and now, they’re making some of the best garment-dyed jeans for all your casual style needs (and yes, this is indeed the third pair of denim we’ve recommended today — ’tis the season!).
Russell Athletic Heritage Fleece Crewneck —   $38.50

A cozy-yet-rugged crewneck that offers all kinds of layering potential.

Every guy needs a classic crewneck sweatshirt, the kind that’s got some rugged heritage and casual style appeal. The type of classic crewneck like the Russell Athletic Heritage Fleece Crewneck, an unstoppable winter sweatshirt that you can wear layered over your favorite long-sleeve tee or a classic Oxford shirt (buttons unbuttoned, preferably).
Faherty Brand Knit Seasons Shirt — $138

An expertly crafted men’s shirt from some of the experts in the field.

Yes, that’s right — we’re turning back toward Faherty Brand and its classic men’s shirting. In this case, the Faherty Brand Knit Seasons Shirt is laidback, casual and easy to grab and go — especially when you pair it up with
5.11 Tactical ATLAS 8-Inch Boots — $149.99

Rough-and-tumble boots to add a little something extra to your winter ensembles.

Looking for some of the most rugged boots you can find? The kind of outdoor boots made for work and tactical pursuits — yet with style that allows you to stride confidently into your favorite brewery? 5.11 Tactical has come through with the 5.11 Tactical ATLAS 8-Inch Boots, and they’re quite possibly the perfect winter boots.
Once again folks, I hope The List has delivered everything you’d expect from a, well, list of the best new men’s gear. There are several pieces I’ve even got my eyes on, from the Buck Mason Field-Spec Henley to the 5.11 Tactical ATLAS 8-Inch Boots and naturally, the drool-worthy Monoposto Autodromo Chrongraph. Of course, the Proof Lightning Field Jacket is a hands-down winner, too. What did you think of today’s picks? Give me a shout on Twitter and let’s keep the fun going.

 

#OOTD: How to Layer A Henley The Best Way for Winter

OK, so today’s #OOTD is going to tackle familiar territory for anyonoe who reads the blog regularly — we’re talking about one of the best men’s henleys, and specifically, how to wear a henley for winter. Is this the sort of topic that gets covered a lot on ye olde Style Guide? It sure is — but does that make it any less useful for the doldrums of winter? Absolutely not. You can always use more ways to wear a henley (or a refresher course, at that). The henley in question is the excellent Flint and Tinder Organic Slub Cotton Henley, a durable henley that won’t weigh you down — the sort you can layer with (as you’ll see) a classic flannel shirt and a durable waxed parka.  Together, these gear picks keep you toasty and sharp no matter where you’re headed, particularly if you’ve got to take on the snow during a winter weekend getaway — or on your commute, or during a daring weekend brunch run. While a rugged henley won’t cut it for scenarios where a blazer is the norm, I’m accustomed to wearing something similar to my office most days — maybe that type of look works for you, too? Regardless, you need all the layers you can get during the depths of winter (not to mention rugged leather boots, which you’ll also find below). When you feel a chill in the air, best to layer up with one of the best men’s henleys — and here’s how to do just that. For more tips on what to wear during snowy weather, check out the rest of my #OOTD series.

 

A classic henley helps tie everything together, does it not?

  • The Henley: Flint and Tinder Organic Slub Henley, $45.98 — Get one of the best men’s henleys for a heck of a deal right now, then reap the benefits — Flint and Tinder knows how to make a rugged henley that’s perfect for layering. Speaking of …
  • The Flannel Shirt: Portuguese Flannel Bravo Flannel Shirt, $91.98 — For chilly winter weather, you want nothing less than one of the best flannel shirts, especially in a pattern that’s elevated from the average.
  • The Parka: Flint and Tinder Sherpa-Lined Waxed Ridge Parka, $297.98 — A tough waxed parka, especially the Flint and Tinder Waxed Ridge Parka with sherpa lining, is going to keep you warm and toasty, no matter how much time you spend outside (and with an outfit like this, made for outdoor excursions, that’s going to be critical).
  • The Slim Chinos: Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, $98 — Yes, it’s a trio of Flint and Tinder style essentials to help this #OOTD along, but trust me: When you find slim tan chinos like these, you wear them as often as you can, all season long.
  • The Boots: Nicks Boots Americana Boots, $529 — For navigating slippery city streets, pull no punches with the best leather boots — heck, simply some of the best boots for  winter, regardless of material or construction. Nicks Boots continues to outdo itself across the board.
  • The Watch: Martenero Kerrison Watch, $595 — Now, you’ve seen the tough Martenero Kerrison Watch on the blog before, but it’s making a return today because it’s perhaps the best leather watch to have on your wrist all winter — it’s simply as premium as it gets.
  • The Best Weekender Bag: Bespoke Post Weekender Box, $45 — Maybe you view this as the kind of ensemble to be worn for a rugged winter weekend away — or maybe not. But whether you’re hauling your everyday carry or hauling tools for a home project, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box has the carrying capacity you need.
  • The Stylish Winter Hat: Wills Cashmere Ribbed Beanie, $75 — Now, who said your winter hat couldn’t be stylish and luxurious (even if the rest of your gear is rugged)? No, the Wills Cashmere Beanie begs to differ — staying warm this winter never looked so good.

Alright, so was that ensemble everything you thought it would be? When you kick things off the right way — with a rugged henley, mind you — the ability to layer stylishly and in rugged fashion for winter only gets easier. Of course, it helps to have one of the best flannel shirts on hand — especially from Portuguese Flannel in a pattern that’s a touch different from what you might expect. And because you’re not spending your winter indoors in the slightest, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Ridge Parka is here to help you brave the cold in style. Yet getting back to the sleek, go-anywhere ensemble you need, slim tan chinos are here to help save the day while keeping you office-ready. The whole look also gets a much-needed lift from the best leather boots, a pair that’s at home stomping through city streets and navigating slippery terrain on a weekend excursion — the more you wear ’em, the better your pair of Nicks Boots gets. Crucially, the Martenero Kerrison Watch is a must-have in your watch collection, given that it fuses bold style with durability and dependability — plus, it looks cool as heck on your wrist. And particularly when you step outside, the Wills Cashmere Beanie is everything you need in a stylish winter hat. For when you need to get out of town (Beacon, NY is a favorite winter weekend stop of mine), gear up accordingly with the Bespoke Post Weekender Box — it’s one of the best weekender bags for your must-have cargo. Where you go and what you do in this outfit is up to you, but rest assured: It’s absolutely ready for adventure. To see what else I’m wearing this winter, head to my Instagram.

See Now, Buy Now: The Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket Belongs In Your Closet Right Now

A tough field jacket is always deserving of a spot in your wardrobe.

Make no mistake: This time of year, there’s no excuse for skimping on your outerwear or your layering game — and that means you should accept nothing less than top-notch quality in terms of the best men’s jackets for your wardrobe. Enter Buck Mason and the Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket, a reliable, rugged field jacket to keep on-hand in place of a blazer or as a crucial layering move underneath your favorite parka. But why a classic field jacket, and why now? Well, it’s always nice to mix things up through the doldrums of winter — and while you won’t be able to wear this jacket through a polar vortex, there are plenty of other opportunities to get tons of mileage out of the Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket. As we’ve said, it’s a solid change of pace when you want to swap out your blazer — simply add a classic white Oxford shirt and your favorite five-pocket pants. It’s part-jacket, part-shirt, and all the better for it.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket
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Perfect to wear atop a crisp white T-shirt or your favorite henley.

This classic shirt jacket also has the kind of hybrid style that can come in handy if you need an extra layer underneath your puffer jacket, or atop a flannel shirt — don’t underestimate how many different ways you can wear one of the best men’s jackets. Heading out for travel? Throw on this shirt-jacket hybrid and use it to stow your everyday carry essentials. Grabbing a weekend coffee? Wear  this rugged field jacket atop your favorite henley (as mentioned above). Need a layer to bolster your cozy thermal shirt? This classic shirt jacket is the one you need now. OK, do we have all of that down? Let me know how you’d style this handsome number in the comments below.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket

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Style Pick of the Week: Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker

A cozy, rugged jacket you’ll want to wear all winter long.

Bundling up can definitely be done in style, my friends, especially with one of the best sustainable brands on the market. Striking the right balance between cozy and comfortable, rugged-yet-stylish, and also sustainable-yet-fashionable … well, it’s a tough act to conquer. And yet, that’s what the good folks at Outerknown have done with the Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker, a perfectly rugged winter jacket that delivers all the warmth and style you could possibly need. Crucially, it’s also a refreshing change of pace from a bulky winter parka or a thermal puffer jacket (although you very well might need both of those in your rotation, too). The Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker is an ideal jacket when you want to toe the line between office-ready (as a commute-friendly layer atop a crisp Oxford shirt and navy knit tie) or outdoor-minded (worn with tough chore pants to truly take on the elements). It’s the kind of workhorse jacket you won’t regret having when it comes time to head out on a Friday night — the classic trucker jacket silhouette is timeless and nearly speaks for itself. Yes indeed, the Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker is stylish without going too far over the top, and that’s exactly the kind of jacket we so love here at The Style Guide. Oh, and in terms of sustainable style? Outerknown continues to take the cake.

SHOP: The Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker

Available in two versatile, neutral colors.

Outerknown crucially focuses on amping up the classics with materials like organic cotton and a focus on using less water in its production — the result is gear that’s as eco-conscious as it is stylish. Case in point: The hemp they’ve used to make this corduroy fabric is both durable and yet perhaps the perfect crop, given that it strengthens the soil in which it’s grown. Heck, the polyester fill and sherpa lining are also made from recycled materials — when’s the last time you heard of a rugged winter jacket that can do all of that at once? Oh, and it goes without saying that the Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker also looks as great as you’d expect — wear this tough trucker jacket atop your favorite henley and a classic flannel shirt for plenty of warmth and winter-friendly style, or keep the Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker handy with a timeless chambray shirt and expertly faded denim. The trucker jacket styling is akin to that of a trusted denim jacket, so you can rest assured that it wears with most of your closet with relative ease — and that’s what you want from one of the best winter jackets, after all. Bundling up with sustainable style in mind? That’s as good as it gets for winter.

SHOP: The Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker

The Friday Read: Your New Favorite Sneakers, Cold War Kids & Upgrading Your Watch

Step into the weekend the right way — with these tough leather boots.

Are you laced up and ready to head into the weekend? I know I am — and if I had my way, I’d be wearing some of the best men’s leather boots as shown above: The Nick’s Boots MP-M1 Boots. They’re a perfectly rugged pair of leather boots to wear all weekend (and in my humble opinion, they’d do very well when worn to a favorite brewery or craft beer bar). If you end up picking up those stylish leather boots, let me know. In the meantime, we’re rolling into a busy February with today’s Friday Read. It was another edition of New York Fashion Week: Men’s here in the city this week, which led to quite the juggling act for me — hopping from my agency day job to runway shows by menswear luminaries like Todd Snyder, who showed a perfectly refined, throwback-inspired collection of beautifully tailored outerwear and trousers. It helps that he also served delicious craft beer from Brooklyn’s Threes Brewing at said runway show earlier this week!

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The fun didn’t stop there, though — I found time to fit in another one of my passions, that passion being great live music. I swung through the recently revamped Webster Hall (a legendary venue in its own right) to see California rockers Cold War Kids, a personal favorite. I had previously seen them in Brooklyn (in 2018) and Nashville (back in 2017), and they always put on a blistering set. Standbys like “Hospital Beds” and “First” amped up the night, as did my favorite song by the So Cal rockers — the hard-charging, inspiring “Miracle Mile.” Tracks off the band’s most recent album, “New Age Norms 1,” featuring more soulful numbers and gospel-esque production, fit in surprisingly well throughout the night, too. All told, when you blend a night of great rock music with, say, a couple cans of cold PBR, it doesn’t get much better. That being said, I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend in the borough, powered by plenty of coffee and some of my favorite vinyl records spinning. Check out our Friday Read below, then come by tomorrow for the Style Pick of the Week. Cheers!

  • I mentioned above that we’d be talking about your new favorite sneakers — and indeed, that time has come. Nike recently released an upgraded take on its classic Air Force 1 silhouette, and the result is a pair of streamlined sneakers made with GORE-TEX for added winter durability. Read my latest at GearMoose for the full scoop. Wear them now with your favorite pair of jeans.
  • Bear with me for just a moment here — there’s truly no reason you can’t wear your favorite summer watch in the winter. How does that work out? Well, I’m giving you the full rundown in my latest for The Manual (Hint: It’s all about texture and rugged style).
  • Give the gift of rock n’roll this Valentine’s Day (or any time at all, really) with the latest from Happy Socks — the Happy Socks x Linda & Johnny Ramone Collection harnesses everything that’s cool about rock n’roll in one effective collection of stylish socks, and it celebrates their iconic relationship at the same time. You’re turning up the volume on your style quickly here.
  • Let’s talk quickly about the best men’s grooming essentials, shall we? For the weekend and your work day, it’s *essential* you take care of business efficiently and effectively — and the Art of Sport Hustle Harder Kit (as covered by yours truly at GearMoose), makes it easy to get great grooming done in one handy package.

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Before we officially head into the weekend, stick around to shop some of my favorite new menswear deals — everything from a slick leather moto jacket to a rugged flannel shirt is in the mix, as it should be this season. Have questions on what else you should be shopping or wearing? Let me know on Twitter. Enjoy the weekend!

 

See Now, Buy Now: The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots Are the Best Winter Boots

Durable boots that pack a punch in terms of winter style.

As we always say here at The Style Guide, it’s high praise to call out a pair of men’s boots as, well, the best winter boots — but if you stick around for today’s See Now, Buy Now entry, I think you’ll start to grasp why. And the  boots in question today have plenty of moxy to back up those claims: Yes indeed, the Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots are tough-as-nails, durable as can be, and supremely stylish to boot: Hence, the title of “best men’s boots” today. Coming right out of the gate, if you know the Red Wing Heritage brand, you’re aware that they continually go to great lengths to craft the best leather boots on the planet — the Wacouta Boots are no different. The use of tough full-grain leather ensures these rugged Red Wing Heritage boots can take a beating right off the bat, while other design touches (right on down to the classic Red Wing leather laces) only add to that durability.

SHOP: The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots

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Also available in Briar Oil Slick leather with olive green waxed canvas.

What else makes these classic leather boots so essential? Friend, I’m glad you asked. These remarkable, rugged leather boots feature tough American waxed canvas accents for an added touch of durability and visual interest — seriously, just picture the Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots peeking out from beneath a pair of your favorite dark blue denim or better yet, some tough five-pocket pants (chambray shirt and classic peacoat not included). The even better part? The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots are going to be able to pull weekend duty (heading to your favorite brewery and teamed with a shawl cardigan) or time at the office (again, add in classic five-pocket pants and a navy herringbone blazer). When Red Wing Heritage is in the mix, you can rest assured the results will deliver.

SHOP: The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots

 

#OOTD: How to Layer Up with a Trucker Jacket for Winter

‘Tis still the season to … layer up with winter style essentials, is it not? And so we begin another #OOTD, taking on a tricky question that can spring up during the doldrums of winter: “Do I really have to wear that jacket again?” Maybe it’s the coat you always wear. Maybe it’s got you feeling like you need a change of pace. Fear not, my friends — I’m here to present the humbler trucker jacket as one of the best new pieces of outerwear you can layer up with. Particularly if it’s not snowing like crazy, and temperatures aren’t in the single digits, it pays to have a whole host of go-to winter style picks that are just different enough from the everyday — in this case, we’re talking about an American-made fleece trucker jacket that’ll keep you warm and toasty when paired with, say a classic long-sleeve shirt from Buck Mason and a rugged denim shirt. It’s a solid change of pace from the ordinary, and it can always be fun to switch things up. The rest of this look is as classic as can be, perfect for a laidback weekend outing, an afternoon at your favorite burger bar, a quick weekend getaway, and perhaps, just maybe … super-casual Friday at work. After all, we’ve got classic chinos and stylish leather boots in the mix, too. You’re going for a look that’s not too over-the-top, but one that just works when it comes to the right style essentials for the season. To get the full picture, keep scrolling, reading and shopping. Like what you see? Let me know all about it on Twitter.

All of the rugged gear picks you need to stay warm in style this winter.

OK, do you have a better idea of how to dress for winter — and how to wear a trucker jacket for winter? It’s something that at first glance might not make a ton of sense, but when done the right way (especially with a warm fleece trucker jacket from American Giant), it can provide plenty of benefits. The best layers for winter are really critical here, too — so, a classic long-sleeve shirt from Buck Mason is going to keep you nice and warm without being overly stuffy. The same goes for your classic denim shirt, also from Buck Mason — talk about a one-two punches that delivers perfectly casual-yet-versatile style potential. Things get amped up ever-so-slightly without going over the top via classic chinos from Flint and Tinder, which also offer up office-friendly (or brewery-ready) style when teamed up with stylish leather boots from HELM Boots — those boots in particularly will age wonderfully over time. They’ll also work in tandem with a rugged, stylish leather watch for a dash of adventure-minded functionality. And thankfully, one of the best men’s deodorants is going to keep you smelling and feeling great — just as a rugged tote bag from Tanner Goods is going to get your gear essentials from point A to point B in style. That’ll about wrap up this #OOTD — where is it going to take you this winter? Great places, I hope. Thanks for reading — cheers!

The List: Here Are 20 of Your Favorite New Men’s Gear Picks This Week

The best new everyday carry kit? You be the judge of that.

My friends, if you’re in need of the best new men’s gear, from new EDC essentials (as seen above from Raen + The James Brand) to a new Bespoke Post box, then you’re going to like today’s edition of The List. Early February can be a grind as we plow through the season with winter style essentials, but rest assured, the going gets easier — if you have the best men’s style picks, that is. In fact, I rounded up 20 of my favorite new style picks. Yes, 20! And after today, you sure will have a list of your own. Read on to find out  more, and be sure to give me a look on Twitter and Instagram if you like what you see. Cheers!

Raen Optics + The James Brand Everyday Carry Kit — $275

Two crucial additions to your everyday carry, guaranteed.

If it’s a new set of EDC essentials you seek — and seriously, we could all use an everyday carry upgrade in the new year — then the new Raen Optics + The James Brand EDC Kit is the way to go. This EDC kit features your new favorite sunglasses (which will come in handy even during winter!) and it also features the Elko pocket knife from The James Brand. In short, it’s the EDC upgrade you need ASAP.

Bespoke Post Polished Box — $45 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

All the right essentials for the best shoe shine ever.

I mentioned earlier that we’d cover a new Bespoke Post box, and here it is in all its glory. Finding the best shoe polishing kit can be a bit of a taxing search, but Bespoke Post does it right with some of the best gear to shine your shoes. Seriously, it could be downright fun now.
Duke Cannon “El Cuatro” 4-Count Variety Pack — $25 

Four of the best soaps from Duke Cannon to upgrade your winter grooming.

Upgrading your winter grooming essentials just got easier, thanks to this four-pack of outstanding soaps (in large, oversized bars) from Duke Cannon. Seriously, I’m a big fan of the brand — this is some of the best soap I’ve tried.
Buck Mason Oil Cloth Bomber — $495

The best new bomber jacket you need now? Quite possibly.

Is there ever a bad time to consider getting a classic bomber jacket? Especially the Buck Mason Oil Cloth Bomber Jacket? Given that you can layer it now over your favorite crewneck sweater, then keep it handy to wear with a classic white T-shirt come spring, there’s no time like the present to buy your new bomber jacket.

ANIAN Melton Wool Shirt — $189

A rugged flannel shirt fit for winter.

Along with winter grooming essentials and a new EDC kit, you should also consider adding a rugged winter shirt to your shopping list. Specifically, a tough wool overshirt from ANIAN — it looks to be one of the best new flannel shirts you can layer, and layer you should (with your favorite henley, of course).
Mott and Bow Hooper Crewneck Sweatshirt — $89

Classically rugged and stylish from Mott and Bow.

Yes indeed, the hits keep coming, as this isn’t the first time you’ve read about this stylish crewneck sweatshirt on the blog. Mott and Bow, purveyors of some of the best men’s denim around, are making a rugged crewneck sweatshirt to wear in all your casual style pursuits this winter. Preferably, pair it with some Mott and Bow denim, will ya?
Astorflex Contflex Boots — $165

Rugged winter boots to dress up or dress down.

There are regular boots, and then there are the best men’s boots — or rather, the best men’s dress boots, we should say. The Astorflex Contflex Boots fit the bill if you want rugged boots that work with everything from your favorite chinos to more casual blue denim, and they do so in style.
Timex Q Timex Watch — $180

A vintage-inspired timepiece that simply gets the job done — well-done, Timex.

One of the best things being done by Timex? The relaunch of cool archival watches like the Timex Q Watch, a seriously sharp and affordable men’s watch that looks great when worn with anything (including the aforementioned Astorflex Contflex Boots). It’s perhaps the best new watch to buy now.
Faherty Brand Sconset Crew — $148

The understated-yet-stylish sweater you need in your life.

Before we go any further, know that a classic cashmere sweater can be the secret style weapon you didn’t know you needed. Wearable over a crisp white Oxford shirt or a long-sleeve crew, the Faherty Brand Sconset Crew is understated, classic & stylish — the perfect winter sweater, in short.
HELM Boots Zind Brown Leather Boots — $350

Some of the toughest leather boots for winter, easily.

What’s one thing you need to complement, say, the perfect winter sweater? Why, rugged leather boots, of course. And where are going to get some of the best leather boots for your hard-earned cash? The answer, my friends, is HELM Boots. Simple as that! Plus, as I’ve said in the past, you can get $50 off your first pair of boots, plus free shipping. Cheers!
Taylor Stitch Pack Pullover — $148

The best new pullover to layer with winter could be this one.

Let’s keep talking about the best men’s sweaters here, shall we? In short, for both casual weekend style and as the perfect travel layer, the Taylor Stitch Pack Pullover delivers the goods, and then some.
SYMBOL Audio AERO LP Storage Cabinet — $3,040

The ultimate in home audio equipment and storage.

Yes indeed, we’ve previously featured SYMBOL Audio on the blog … are the brand’s outstanding home audio wares expensive? Heck yes. Is this the coolest LP storage cabinet I’ve ever seen? Also, yes.
Western Rise Evolution Pants — $149

Durable, dependable, ready for travel and whatever’s next.

When a pair of pants gets voted the best men’s travel pants, you stop and pay attention. If you want the perfect pair of pants for a winter getaway, consider adding the Western Rise Evolution Pants, made with remarkable nylon Suplex fabric, to your wardrobe. Acceptable pairings include with the Taylor Stitch Pack Pullover (wink, nudge).
Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley — $98

No finer henley than this classic men’s henley from Faherty Brand.

Yes, we’ve got more of the best new menswear from Faherty Brand. In this case, we’re talking about one of the most rugged men’s henleys your money can buy, and a perfect layer underneath the Taylor Stitch Pack Pullover.
Duke Cannon “Moderate Self-Improvement” Box — $50 

All of the best grooming essentials you need for winter, and then some, all via Duke Cannon.

In the spirit of both self-improvement and hey, fun, Duke Cannon has put together its “Moderate Self-Improvement Box,” which actually happens to be a jam-packed box of men’s grooming essentials you can make use of any time of year — especially as we continue to kick off 2020.

Bridge and Burn Fraser Jacket — $288

As rugged and dependable as it gets from Bridge and Burn.

Layering up for winter with one of the best men’s parkas should be high on your to-do list — and this rugged waxed parka from Bridge and Burn might just take the cake as you search for one of the best men’s jackets. Bingo.

AER Travel Pack — $230

As dependable and rugged as it gets on the travel bags front.

When you want rugged, functional style and carrying capacity, one of the best travel bags is going to be a requirement, surely. In that case, you’re going to want to consider the easy-to-carry, durable AER Travel Pack — consider it the grab-and-go bag to pair with your rugged waxed parka from Bridge and Burn, ehh?

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket — $248

The Ojai Jacket is one of the best waxed jackets on the market, easily.

Make no mistake, the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is one of my favorite new jackets — and it’s going to serve as one of the best winter jackets for you, too. Made from a custom Halley Stevensons waxed fabric from Scotland, it’s one of the toughest winter jackets you  can layer up with.

Melin Destination Lambswool Beanie — $64.98

A classic lambswool beanie to keep you warm and dry this winter.

Maybe one of the best winter hats has eluded you to this point? That’s not the case anymore with this classic lambswool beanie from Melin and Huckberry.

Bellroy Travel Passport Wallet — $119

The tough, sleek travel wallet you need in your bag next time you hit the road.

Last but not least, let’s talk about one of the best leather wallets for a minute, alright? Specifically, one of the best passport wallets — Bellroy has made this one sleek, stylish & effortlessly cool.

 

Alright, folks — I know we covered a ton, and I mean A TON, of ground there. From one of the best passport wallets  back to a new set of EDC essentials, did you have any favorite gear picks? Lest we forget, we also discussed the effortlessly cool Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket and other crucial accessories, including one of the most rugged men’s henleys. It goes without saying it’s always tough to pick a favorite from a long list, but  heck, even the HELM Boots Zind Boots are a contender for me. There’s no right or wrong answer — only gear to add to your shopping cart. Thanks for reading & happy shopping!