Month / March 2020

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This Gear To Your Weekend Coffee Date

Navigating the 21st-century dating world — especially in 2020 — can be a taxing and tricky prospect, and that goes for established relationships, budding relationships and heck, marriage in equal measure. Are coffee dates still the norm in all three of these situations? In my estimation, yes — we’ll leave the rest of the questions to smarter folks, but today, we’re going to talk about what to wear on a weekend coffee date. A standby of enjoyable, relaxing time together, often pairing great coffee with (hopefully) great conversation — pick the right coffee shop, plan activities before and after … and yes, figure out what to wear on a weekend coffee date in the meantime. No matter how long (or short!) you’ve been with your partner, dressing for the occasion with your favorite men’s style essentials — much less style essentials for early spring — is always the right way to approach the situation (even if you’ve previously viewed your weekend coffee run as a necessity rather than event). So, from a new Faherty Brand Chore Coat to a classic crewneck sweatshirt  and of course, a garment-dyed Oxford shirt for classic, laidback style, I think you’ll like what we’re brewing up today. The goal is to approach the situation (in matters of dress as well as mentally) with an air of casual cool — so, be yourself, dress the part, then enjoy the day. If you’ve got questions on what to wear for a weekend, let me know on Twitter. OK, order up!

Keeping things casual and cool for a weekend coffee date.

  • The Jacket: Faherty Brand Chore Coat, $328 — Statement-making outerwear, the kind that’s eye-catching without going crazy, is tough to find these days — except the Faherty Brand Chore Coat, the ideal way to make a first (or second, or third) impression.
  • The Sweatshirt: Taylor Stitch Crewneck in Natural Donegal Terry, $128 — Depending on the weather, maybe you won’t need this classic crewneck sweatshirt from Taylor Stitch. But if you do, it’s a classic layer that quietly nods toward timeless cool.
  • The Oxford Shirt: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt, $118 — In keeping with the vibe we’re going for (calm, cool and collected), a garment-dyed Oxford shirt in a flattering color and soft fabric is your best friend (and possibly … your new favorite shirt?).
  • The Denim: Flint and Tinder 1-Year Wash Jeans, $128 — Again, since it’s the weekend, we’re keeping things casual but not over-the-top — perfectly faded denim, especially from Flint and Tinder, is your go-to move.
  • The Classic Boots: Astorflex Dukeflex Boots, $155 — When you want to look put-together without overdoing it, reach for classic chukka boots that are visually interesting and easy to wear with your favorite jeans.
  • The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph, $128 — Leave the heirloom-worthy watch or that rugged dive watch at home — a classic casual watch, particularly a Horween leather strap watch, is your move here.
  • The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon Solid Cologne, $25 — Again, making a great impression (regardless of how long you’ve been dating!) is a solid move any day of the week, and Duke Cannon Solid Cologne is subtle & high-quality — certainly, some of the best men’s solid cologne on the market.
  • The Wallet: Red Wing Heritage Classic Bifold, $129.99 — Picking up coffee on this date is the right thing to do (in my book), and Red Wing Heritage is helping you meet that aim with one of the best men’s leather wallets — a classic wallet you’ll have for many dates to come, no doubt.

The key here, as with so many entries in our #OOTD series, comes with making the pieces you know and love — for instance, a garment-dyed Oxford shirt — work in harmony together in a way that’s polished and cool, yet memorable. That’s why we’re pairing your new favorite shirt with the right complementary pieces, including a classic crewneck sweatshirt and the Faherty Brand Chore Coat as shown above. This outfit has the makings of care and personal style without being too wild — sounds pretty great, right? In keeping with the laidback nature of a weekend outing, perfectly faded denim is a natural move (although rugged camp pants could also work if you wanted to go a bit more, well, rugged). Rather than wear a pair of lovingly worn-in sneakers — save those for the summer — go with classic chukka boots to add some polish to this look (keep those same boots handy to wear to the office on Monday, too). You’re going to be tying it all together with essential accessories, including a classic casual watch for noteworthy style (everyone loves a cool watch, no?). Haul your cash and cards with one of the best men’s leather wallets, and be sure to freshen up with one of the best men’s solid cologne for that extra finishing touch. Are you feeling ready for your coffee date? I hope so — to get more daily style inspiration, head to my Instagram.

by Beau H.

The List: Get Ready for a New Week with the Best New Menswear

The perfect sweatshirt to step into early (early) spring? Quite nearly.

Today’s edition of The List is going to get right to the point — nothing but the classics, the greatest hits, the best takes on the best new menswear to be found on the Internet (OK, that’s a stretch … but still). Early March is an interesting time, especially in Brooklyn — any day could bring everything from rain to warm breezes to (gulp) snow … so you’ll find one of the best crewneck sweatshirts in the mix as seen above, along with plenty of your new favorite menswear picks (again, all classics). OK, let’s go to work.

Flint and Tinder 10-Year French Terry Crewneck — $88

A classic crewneck that’s as versatile as it gets.

When the folks at Huckberry and Flint and Tinder put their minds to releasing one of the best men’s crewneck sweatshirts, you can be sure they’re going to, well, succeed. The 10-Year French Terry Crewneck will last at least that long, so be prepared to get plenty of wear out of it.

HELM Boots Railroad Boots — $395

Durable, rugged boots that’ll only get better (and better) with age.

OK, so you know what goes exceptionally well with one of the best men’s crewneck sweatshirts? A great pair of rugged leather boots, particularly from HELM Boots. These are built for early spring and beyond, and there’s no doubt that the HELM Boots Railroad Boots will only get better with age. Better still? If you’ve never bought from the brand, you can get $50 off your first purchase with HELM Boots, plus free shipping, right now.

Faherty Brand Movement Shirt — $148

A tailored, versatile everyday dress shirt from Faherty Brand.

Every guy needs a versatile everyday shirt — the kind you can wear with, say, a stylish crewneck and leather boots as well as with a slim spring blazer and chinos (more on your blazer in a second). The Faherty Brand Movement Shirt is, in that regard, the perfect everyday shirt.

Vetra Broken Twill Blazer — $135.98

A classic, casual-yet-versatile men’s blazer for spring.

In the way of men’s style essentials, it’s tough to top a lightweight blazer for spring. Apt for wearing with your favorite Oxford shirt or else layered up with a classic crewneck sweatshirt for casual style, the Vetra Broken Twill Blazer just gets the job done.

Mott and Bow Laight Slim Jeans — $118

The slim light wash jeans you’ll want to wear all spring.

As we move into spring, there’s one style of essential men’s jeans that begins to separate itself from the pack — a pair of stylish light wash jeans, especially a well-made and reasonably priced pair from Mott and Bow.

Taylor Stitch Piston Jacket in Indigo Corduroy — $188

A classic and seriously cool jacket from Taylor Stitch.

Can the team at Taylor Stitch ever stop churning out some of the best new menswear on the planet? Apparently not, because the Taylor Stitch Piston Jacket, featuring a classic bomber construction and rich indigo-dyed corduroy for spring layering … is simply one of the coolest men’s jackets your author has seen in some time.

Jack Mason Aviator Watch — $195

The tough construction and easily wearable watch to buy now.

With a rather unique design — white dial, black leather strap, eye-catching orange dial markings — the Jack Mason Aviator Watch is just different enough. Consider adding this versatile, tough timepiece to your collection for a new season.

Western Rise X Cotton Everyday Tee — $48

A classic cotton tee made with innovative fabric.

Is it T-shirt weather yet? Maybe so — and that’s why you need one of the best men’s T-shirts, particularly this versatile piece from Western Rise. It’s made from cotton, polyester and spandex, making it perhaps the perfect T-shirt for travel (and of course, the everyday).

Duke Cannon Great American Beard Oil – Made with Budweiser — $30

Beard oil made with Budweiser? You better believe it.

You can’t end an edition of The List without talking about the best men’s grooming essentials — namely, the Great American Beard Oil from Duke Cannon, made with Budweiser (yes, Budweiser). The cedarwood scent is excellent, and that’s only part of what makes it the best men’s beard oil out there.

Hawthorne Face Lotion — Price Varies

Some of the best face lotion to buy right now.

The folks at Hawthorne — who I’ve previously covered at The Manual — continue to expand their line of men’s grooming essentials with a seriously effective moisturizer, made in part with shea butter. It’s some of the best moisturizer I’ve used in some time, so I’d say you should take the brand’s quiz to tailor your skincare routine expertly.

Billy Reid Louis Henley — $150 

Your new favorite henley? Quite possibly.

When you want premium menswear that’s rugged and classic at the same time, you want Billy Reid. Specifically, you want one of the best men’s henleys from the brand, the kind you can wear with nearly anything else on this list (stylish light wash jeans included).

LSTN Sound Marquee Wireless Speaker — $89

The stylish, effective speaker you need for your home now.

Let’s pivot to the best wireless speaker for your home, office, den or … next road trip. That’s the LSTN Sound Marquee Wireless Speaker, made with sleek design and stylish looks in mind. Available now from Bespoke Post for a downright steal.

Danner Ridge Boots — $380

Tough leather hiking boots from Danner? Sign me up.

For all those times you want to get out of the house and out on the trail, you need rugged leather boots. More to the point, you need the ridiculously tough Danner Ridge Boots.

Pacific Shaving 3-in-1 Everyday Beard Care — $21 (Two-Pack)

Upgrade the way you groom your beard right now.

Keeping your beard groomed is an ongoing task — be it winter or spring. Do it right with this effective 3-in-1 beard care, made in the U.S.A. and made to moisturize your beard.
Raen Optics Dodson Polarized Sunglasses — $175

Durable sunglasses that add a dash of effective style to your spring ensembles.

You’re going to be needing a pair of the best men’s sunglasses before you know it — might as well pick up the Raen Optics Dodson Polarized Sunglasses, ehh? They’re the ideal way to top off a spring-centric outfit (think stylish light wash jeans and one of the best men’s T-shirts).
Banana Republic Slim Dry Indigo Traveler Jeans — $128

Classic denim in an expert wash — made with less water, too.

We talked previously about stylish light wash jeans, so let’s go with a darker shade for the rest of you out there — a pair of slim denim that’s sustainable and well-made, no less. BR’s new line of Dry Indigo denim is made using 99 percent less water and 65 percent less energy, so they’re more than worth your time and energy.
OK, folks — I think we covered a ton of ground today, did we not? From the best men’s crewneck sweatshirts to a great pair of rugged leather boots, I hope these essentials give you something to think about (and shop, and wear). The impending spring weather also gives you the chance to break out classics like stylish light wash jeans or one of the best men’s henleys — we’d also be remiss to leave picks like the best men’s beard oil. So, what say you? Let me know your take on Twitter.