A roundup of comfortable essentials to head into the holidays.

Folks, we could all use more comfort in our lives during these challenging times, could we not? I think that’s certainly the case, which was precisely why I was drawn toward the American Trench Comfort Box as we head into the weekend and another Friday Read. It’s a curated box of Philadelphia essentials put together by the Pennsylvania-based brand that makes some of the best men’s socks around, and it’s that kind of carefully curated approach that I certainly appreciate. Point being: If you want a warming candle, some delicious handcrafted chocolates and some of the best socks for men in your life (or for someone on your holiday shopping list!), you’d do well to stock up on this fine fall Friday.

Things really do seem to be lightening up more these days, what with (at least some) better news out there and Thanksgiving on the way. In fact, I talked about this very sensation in my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief, earlier this month. Be sure to subscribe if you haven’t already — I deliver two dispatches a week covering craft beer, menswear and much more. To be sure, the holidays are (wait for it) going to be mighty different this year, but I’m hopeful that you’ll find ways to celebrate safely in your way, perhaps with some Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals on the docket. We’ll get to a few of those deals below to start your weekend off the right way, but in the meantime, give me a follow on Instagram to see what I’m wearing, sipping and writing about.

• Let’s launch into this thing the right way. If you read my blog, you might recognize the American Giant Highway Shirt, a stellar, rugged and ever-durable piece that’s here just in time for the holidays. Wear it as a work shirt, wear it atop your favorite henley, wear it all on its own … just be sure you’ve got it in your rotation as we head into the colder months.
• If you follow me on social media (particularly my menswear and craft beer Twitter), you know I’m all about, well, some of the best beer for fall and winter. That’s why it was such a treat to write about the excellent Revolution Brewing Fistmas Holiday Ale for GearMoose. It should be a fine seasonal sipper and a new classic holiday beer, so be sure to stock up your beer fridge ASAP.
• I mentioned earlier that we’d be talking about the best Black Friday deals to shop early and often, so allow me to get that process started for you. You can, and should, check out my byline at The Manual, where I’m covering deals like the best Black Friday sales on G-SHOCK watches to start things off. It’s never too early to get prepared, right??
• Before I let you go for the weekend, here’s one last shopping recommendation for you. I’ve had the good fortune to check out the ever-excellent Angel Jackets Retro Cafe Racer Leather Jacket, a truly badass and next-level leather jacket that wears well through the fall and winter chill while layering up with ease. It gives off some serious Ryan Gosling-type vibes (maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part?) while looking great all the while. Get your hands on a jacket of your own ASAP.

I’ll leave you with one last menswear dispatch before the weekend kicks off in earnest. Be sure to check out my guide on how to wear a bomber jacket if it’s truly exceptional, dependable style that you seek, because you can wear that bomber jacket with just about everything in your wardrobe (including the  American Giant Highway Shirt). For now, here’s to shoppping for the season and enjoying the weekend. Cheers, my friends!