March 11, 2021February 22, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Rugged Leather Boots from TAFT Are the Best Men’s Boots for Spring

A pair of rugged and durable, yet lightweight, boots to carry you through spring from Taft.

Now that we’ve hit March, perhaps you’re under the impression that your rugged leather boots can be stowed away. To that, I say, well, not so fast. The best men’s boots on the market can be worn in at least three seasons, spring very much included, and that’s why we’re here to talk about the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, some of the coolest boots for men that I’ve seen (and wear-tested!) in some time. Now, these aren’t the TAFT Dragon Boots we talked about earlier this season on the blog in the Sunday Sale — these are an upgraded (and pricier) version. Not familiar with TAFT? It’s your lucky day, because they’ve got just about everything you need in a footwear brand, with a focus on dress boots at agreeable prices (given the fact that you can wear these boots pretty much anywhere, that is). Oh, and the fact that this particular pair is waterproof and ready for spring rain? That’s all the better.

TAFT men’s boots are designed in the States and crafted with care in Spain and Portugal. Both countries are a footwear hotbed these days, and that attention to detail pays off, at least in my experience with the TAFT Dragon Boots. They’re made from rugged suede leather that doesn’t scuff or break down too easily at all — and if your boots do get a bit scuffed up, isn’t that all the better? Keep in mind that TAFT also makes handsome wingtip dress boots & other silhouettes that wear more easily with, say, a tailored suit, but the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0 are the perfect blend of rugged and refined.

SHOP: The TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0

Details really make the difference when it comes to rugged TAFT men’s boots, ehh?

As I always say, it’s the little things that separate the best boots for men from, well, cheaper pairs, and as you might expect, TAFT has a lot going for ’em. When it comes to the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, they’re made from waxed Commander Suede that, once again, is waterproof and ideal for seasonal storms. The Dragon sole, featuring a fairly slim profile and yet crucial studded treads for added grip, is also ideal when it comes to all-day comfort (trust me, I’ve worn mine for hours all around Brooklyn).

Plus, the TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0, especially in a cool and classic Rust shade of tough leather, are perfect for pairing with your favorite spring style essentials. Those style essentials should include, say, light wash denim and a rugged short-sleeve henley (for starters). But you can also wear them with a khaki cotton suit and a denim dress shirt for a nice mix of dressy, high-low spring style, and that’s what makes them some of the best spring boots for men right now. Step into them and see for yourself.

SHOP: The TAFT Dragon Boots 3.0

March 10, 2021August 10, 2022 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Olivers Apparel Pants are the Best Men’s Pants for Spring

Compass Pants: Men's Activewear Pants With Ripstop Nylon – Olivers

As the calendar turns into March — March 2021, although it feels like it can’t possibly be — it’s crucial that you focus on the task at hand: Updating your wardrobe with the best spring style essentials from your favorite brands, including the likes of Olivers Apparel. That means you’re going to need some of the best men’s pants for spring: The Olivers Apparel Compass Pants, which the brand calls “adventure pants with style.” It’s tough to argue with that assessment, seeing as they’re made with the brand’s proprietary Compass Ripstop Nylon to resist tears. There’s plenty more where that came from, so keep on scrolling.

Olivers Apparel reliably makes some of the most versatile menswear out there, the kind you can wear for long road trips, quick jaunts around town or days spent working at home (it’s got to be the durable stretch fabric). Of course, Olivers also designs some of the best workout gear for men — like the Olivers All Over Shorts — but these pieces work just fine for more laidback days at home, too. Again, the stretch fabric and durable designs are the kicker here, and that’s where the Olivers Apparel Compass Pants are going to put in plenty of work this season, on the road or at home.

SHOP: The Olivers Apparel Compass Pants

These days, the best men’s pants for spring have to be able to do multiple things well, and that includes handling days at home or days on the road (plus, a potential return to the office). The durable ripstop nylon Compass fabric is truly what helps the Olivers Apparel Compass Pants outshine other casual options in your wardrobe (even your favorite sweatpants). Plus, the water-resistant coating is another major bonus. You also can’t go wrong with sharp and easily wearable color options, like Military Olive or Blue Steel. Each can be paired right out of the box with spring style picks like an Olivers Apparel T-shirt, or else a classic Oxford shirt and your favorite spring boots for more polished style.

The best part is, no one will be any the wiser that you’ve got a comfortable elastic waistband versus a more traditional belt. That touch makes the Olivers Apparel Compass Pants yet another perfect pair of work-from-home pants, and if you do have to go to the office — or else get out of the house for a weekend coffee — they’re also a safe, stylish bet. The fit looks to be tailored without being overly tight, yet another crucial, comfortable touch. In fact, they could be the best pants to wear on a spring road trip, if you feel so inclined. Wherever this spring takes you (even if it’s just from your fridge to the patio, cold beer in hand!), make the Olivers Apparel Compass Pants your spring go-to pair.

SHOP: The Olivers Apparel Compass Pants

March 9, 2021June 27, 2021 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear the Best New Spring Jacket from Huckberry

If you ask me, we all need one truly essential, go-to jacket in each and every season (yes, even spring and summer as far as outerwear is concerned). While your go-to winter jacket might be a burly parka or a tough waxed trucker jacket, the answer for spring style is a bit simpler. One of the best jackets for men this spring has got to be effective, it’s got to be versatile enough to wear casual and more tailored picks, and it’s got to be ready for anything, simple as that. Enter the Flint and Tinder Quilted Flight Jacket, an old-school jacket that draws design inspiration from military pieces and yet brings it all forward into the present day. That means a trimmer fit and more advanced fabrics, plus that reliable and durable design you’ve come to expect from Huckberry.

That’s only the tip of the iceberg, as it were, when it comes to getting ready for early spring. The season can bring everything from unexpected sunlight to even more unexpected rain, so the supporting cast in today’s #OOTD is on-hand to help you power through in style. To be more specific, picks like a performance-minded, classic men’s Oxford shirt, your new favorite T-shirt and the best chinos for men will help you go just about anywhere, be that an outdoor coffee date or a long-awaited return to the office. Put it all together at once, and you’re going to look, well, great. Keep on scrolling for today’s picks, folks.

Putting the spotlight on a new favorite jacket from Huckberry this season.

The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Quilted Flight Jacket, $188 — Retro style meets modern functionality in this classic flight jacket, one of the best men’s jackets for spring (especially if you favor casual, on-the-go style). Huckberry gets it right.
The Shirt: Mack Weldon Oxford Shirt, $88 — This classic men’s Oxford shirt is made with high-performance fabric to wick moisture and prevent sweat, making it one of the coolest men’s buttondown shirts (literally) on the market. Don’t forget, Mack Weldon also offers free U.S. shipping, folks.
The Base Layer: Sunspel Riviera T-Shirt, $90 via UNCRATE — Here’s the thing with spring weather: It can go from blustery and rainy to hot in a matter of minutes. So, get this investment-level, James Bond-approved T-shirt to wear all on its own if need be.
The Pants: Mott and Bow Slim Mercer Jeans in Khaki, $118 — These Mott and Bow jeans feature a unique color versus other blue jeans in your rotation, making them a wise pick to shake up your spring style. Possibly the best men’s jeans out there.
The Watch: Alsta Nautoscaph Superautomatic, $1,005 — This adventure-ready watch remasters the Richard Dreyfuss watch from Jaws, making it supremely cool and seriously ready for anything spring has in store.
The Boots: Nisolo Andres All-Weather Boots, $260 — Spring weather can shift at any time, so you need a pair of the best leather boots for men, the kind that are weather-ready, stylish and ethically made. The Nisolo Andres Boots are here.
The Belt: Adelante Shoe Co. Essential Leather Belt, $125 — This stylish leather belt is handcrafted in Guatemala by a fairly paid, skilled artisan, making it the ideal complementary accessory to the rest of this #OOTD.
The Everyday Carry: Mission Workshop 500D Drift Tote, $265 — A rugged tote bag made for anything you can dream up, from hauling brewery cans to keeping your laptop safe while you head to an outdoor coffee shop? Sign me up (and just know that this Mission Workshop tote bag is exclusive to Huckberry, my friends).

Who’s got a newfound hankering for an outdoor stroll under some breezy spring sunlight? That sounds like just what the doctor ordered (along with wearing a mask, of course!), and these gear picks are here to help you get where you’re going. It all starts with your new favorite jacket from Huckberry, the kind of pick you can throw on and forget about (until you start receiving plentiful compliments, that is). For the office or for a bit of a polished-yet-casual feel on the weekend, your Mack Weldon Oxford Shirt is going to pull double-duty: We’re talking straightforward, subtle style and functionality.

Plus, you can wear said shirt atop that James Bond-approved T-shirt, unbuttoned, if the weather starts to warm up (Sunspel makes some of the best T-shirts for men in the game, no doubt). Rolling through the rest of this outfit, Mott and Bow jeans in a cool shade of Khaki offer a change of pace from the blue jeans you might normally wear, and a pair of the best leather boots for men seal it all together (literally — they’re waterproof) on your bottom half. If you want to invest a bit in your accessories for spring and well beyond, well, I can think of no better way than by picking up that iconic homage to the Richard Dreyfuss watch from Jaws, ehh? Even your handmade leather belt is a style upgrade that’s out of the ordinary. Of course, this #OOTD wouldn’t mean a thing without a rugged tote bag to haul your laptop, your notebook or other EDC essentials. If you like the look of this ensemble, let me know in the comments below. Stay stylish, stay safe and thanks for reading!

March 8, 2021July 16, 2023 by Beau H.

The List: Shop for the Best New Spring Style Essentials from Aether Apparel

The right blend of style and functionality for spring from Aether Apparel.

If you’ve been searching for a brand that brings the heat and some of the best summer style essentials, all at once, so to speak, when it comes to spring style essentials, today’s edition of The List is for you. We like to cover the best new gear across all sorts of brands here at The Style Guide, and this certainly won’t be the last time you hear about L.A.-based Aether Apparel.

Founded more than a decade ago to help bridge the gap between stylish urban exploration gear and off-trail, adventure-minded functionality, the new Aether Apparel spring collection features, well, all the best new spring menswear you could hope to find.

Heck, they’ve even launched the Aether Apparel #WFH Collection in recent months, and they’re also well-known for road-ready picks like the rugged and incredible Aether Apparel Moto Boots. Here are some of my favorite picks below, from footwear to outerwear and beyond. These are investment-level pieces, but assuredly worth it. Last but not least: To see how I’m getting ready for the season, give me a follow on Instagram.

The Best New Spring Menswear from Aether Apparel

Aether Apparel Sector Jacket — $250

A casual, cool jacket from Aether Apparel for blustery spring days.

If I had to guess one category that’s top of mind right now, it’d have to be the best men’s jackets for spring. Right? Right. This jacket, featuring raglan sleeves for ease of movement — plus a garment-dyed stretch cotton twill fabric — is the perfect casual spring jacket.

Aether Apparel Dalton Sneakers — $325

Some of the coolest high-top sneakers on the market for spring.

These premium high-top sneakers are a favorite of the brand’s loyal fans, and you’re going to love ’em, too. After all, they’re a pair of durable Italian leather high-tops made with maximum shock absorption and expert spring style in mind. That makes ’em worth the price.

Aether Apparel Seward Button-Down Shirt — $275

The kind of flannel shirt you can wear on chilly spring days and nights without missing a beat.

That might seem like an eye-popping price for a shirt, but this modern men’s button-down shirt features 100 percent Italian wool construction, made to regulate your temperature and keep you warm on blustery spring days. Wear it atop a classic tee on a weekend morning.

Aether Apparel Moto Boots — $595

A stunning pair of rugged leather moto boots to wear all the time this spring.

Aether Apparel made a bold leap into the footwear realm with the seriously cool and incredibly designed Aether Apparel Moto Boots, and they’d make a perfect spring footwear option for road trips or excursions when you need something sturdier than the Aether Apparel Dalton Sneakers.

Aether Apparel Vector Pants — $250

The perfect pair of work and travel pants for spring, no doubt about it.

Now that you’ve got your Aether Apparel Moto Boots for tooling around this spring, how about adding a pair of tailored technical pants to the mix for even more versatility and comfort? These Aether Apparel men’s pants are made from garment-dyed stretch cotton twill and reinforced at the knee for travel-friendly performance and durability.

Aether Apparel Long-Sleeve Raglan Henley — $85

Your new go-to henley for spring.

It wouldn’t be a guide to the best spring menswear at Aether Apparel without including a cotton henley in a classic raglan-sleeve cut, right? Consider this one of the best henleys for men (and one of the best base layers out there) for relaxed spring days aplenty.

Aether Apparel Dolomite Boots — $400

Wear these boots with a henley and durable work pants for all sorts of spring adventures.

Let’s talk about another pair of much-loved, covetable men’s boots (probably some of the best hiking boots for men out there) from Aether Apparel, shall we? The expertly crafted Aether Apparel Dolomite Boots are the perfect boots to carry you from winter into early spring, made with day hikes and crosstown strolls in mind.

Aether Apparel Camber Jacket — $550

A tough waxed jacket to keep you warm during blustery spring rain storms.

In my book, it’s always wise to take a look at Aether Apparel new arrivals, particularly when it comes to the best spring outerwear, ehh? Enter the water and wind-resistant, well-made Aether Apparel Camber Jacket for spring projects and spring hikes in equal measure.

Aether Apparel Scout Sunglasses — $600

An iconic silhouette made with eye-catching and high-quality materials.

Yes indeed, that’s an eye-popping price for a pair of men’s sunglasses. But you shouldn’t be surprised to find that even in the accessories realm, Aether Apparel has gone above and beyond. That means these shades feature a beta-titanium frame and unbreakable temples, perfect for the open road, the trail or the town.

Aether Apparel Relay Track Pants — $195

Comfortable, functional, stylish sweatpants for men from Aether Apparel.

I called out the Aether Apparel #WFH Collection specifically at the start of this post, so it’s to that collection we’ll return as we take a look at some of the best men’s sweatpants to wear at home or even around town this season. Note the stylish side stripe and the fact that these are as ready for a coffee run as they are for a workout.

Aether Apparel Pique Pocket Tee — $65

One of the best-made T-shirts for guys on the market.

Let’s keep the casual yet incredibly well-made vibes rolling here with Aether Apparel menswear, shall we? Made from soft pique fabric, this is one of the best T-shirts for men.

Aether Apparel Clarke Shorts — $195

Adventure-minded shorts that blend technical specs and stylish looks.

Because it’s going to warm up eventually, how about you spring for a pair of the best men’s shorts for the season, the kind you can wear on casual days on your porch or around the bonfire (or to that first early spring cabin getaway) without missing a beat. The garment-washed stretch cotton fabric is comfortable and ready for anything.

Aether Apparel Laptop Case — $75

A durable laptop case for your EDC.

Last but not least: Want to add some everyday carry essentials to your rotation without spending an arm and a leg? Better yet, want to protect your laptop on road trips and your daily commute — in style? This technical laptop case is the way to go.

With a brand like Aether Apparel and the robust and well-rounded Aether Apparel spring collection, it’s tough to single out just one must-have piece of gear, is it not? If you need something to add to your everyday carry essentials, they’ve got you covered. If you need an heirloom-worthy pair of Aether Apparel Moto Boots, they’ve got you covered.

And if you need a pair of the best sunglasses for men or something as simple as one of the best T-shirts for men, they’ve also got you covered. It’s pretty remarkable, the brand is very much worth your time and they’re absolutely worth the investment. How about it now, ehh? Let’s get ready for spring in style.

March 7, 2021February 28, 2021 by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Get 25 Percent off the Best Men’s Henley at UNCRATE Right Now

A go-to henley that delivers on versatile layering and standout style points.

Folks, I’ll start your Sunday with a simple question: Are there any brands you’ve had on your wish list as of late? Or any brands you’d love to try out, but would also love to shop on sale? I’ve got just the thing for you in today’s Sunday Sale: 25 percent off one of the best henleys for men from an all-important brand, Taylor Stitch. How about that, huh? To get you started, read all about my top shopping picks from Taylor Stitch. But back to the business at hand. You can score this rugged and durable henley from UNCRATE and the very well-stocked UNCRATE Surplus Supply sale section (also a great source for items like James Bond’s Danner boots and a rugged Barbour waxed jacket). Seriously, there might not be a better source for some of the best sale gear for men than the jam-packed UNCRATE Surplus Shop, but I’ll leave that judgement up to you. For today at least, the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley deserves a crucial spot on your style wish list — it’s only $59 at UNCRATE right now (it normally clocks in at $78). It’s got all the specs you could want in a layering-friendly men’s henley to carry you into late March, including the kind of sustainable fabric only Taylor Stitch can make — more on that in a moment.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley

Textured fabric and a versatile color make this henley a major winner.

It’s the fabric and the durable design that makes the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley such a standout, especially when it’s 25 percent off at UNCRATE (again, how about that, ehh??). The Heavy Bag line of essential basics from Taylor Stitch uses a blend of upcycled cotton and recycled polyester, resulting in durable, eco-conscious fabric that pairs well with everything your favorite denim jacket to a lightweight cotton flannel shirt as far as spring layering is concerned. The grey color shown here pairs well with everything from tan Taylor Stitch chinos to indigo selvedge denim, too. The fit is trim, making it easy to wear as a base layer on everything from weekend brewery hopping to spring hiking and camping trips. And while it’s normally tough to get Taylor Stitch menswear on sale with enough available stock, there are plenty of sizing options available when it comes to your new favorite henley. If you ask me, that’s more than worthy of adding to your men’s style wish list. Cheers, folks.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley

March 6, 2021February 14, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover

A seemingly simple rain jacket that’s ultra-packable and durable all the same.

Thanks for joining us for another Style Pick of the Week, where today, we’ll step into a seriously stylish, durable rain jacket for spring. Not just any rain jacket, of course: One of the best men’s rain jackets is yours for the taking today, and courtesy of Pacific Northwest heritage outfitters Filson, at that. Filson is, naturally, quite the favorite of the blog (check out this piece on the best waxed chore coat, for starters), but you might normally associate ’em with hard-wearing fall and winter gear. If that’s the case, be prepared to learn something new today, because Filson also makes some of the best rain jackets for men. And it’s all the better that you can get the Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover just in time for, well, spring rain.

Let’s not waste another second, shall we? For $225 at Filson — a steal considering how versatile and well-made this stylish rain jacket is — you’re getting a lightweight, packable pullover you can throw on at a moment’s notice on the trail or in town with ease (as you’d expect from Filson). The kicker here has got to be the nylon ripstop fabrication, complete with a printed membrane that acts as a raised layer to repel rain and provide breathability. It sounds technically advanced, because it is, but the result is one of the best rain jackets on the market, thanks to that innovation.

SHOP: The Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover

The attached hood and drawcord hem and cuffs will surely keep spring rain out, ehh?

The remarkable Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover is built with YKK Aquaguard zippers for the kangaroo front pocket, meaning you can store your everyday carry essentials without fear during driving rainstorms. The half-zip front closure comes complete with a microfleece chin guard, which means the technical material of the coat’s interior won’t irritate, well, your chin. And the hood has a structured brim to keep out rain, plus a drawcord for a snug fit. When it’s time to take the jacket off, pack it into the front pocket — bingo!

As you might expect with one of the best rain jackets, every little detail has covered. This is the type of jacket you can throw on when you want to keep dry while wearing your favorite Oxford shirt or a rugged American-made henley. It’s certainly a more casual rain jacket, so waterproof Blundstone boots or other durable rain footwear should be your go-to move on your feet (along with, say, a pair of the best men’s technical pants as your go-to pants). It’s functional and yet overly technical, like a running jacket — the color is a muted Dark Olive, which pairs up with darn near anything you own. From A-to-Z, Filson has you covered with one of the best men’s rain jackets.

SHOP: The Filson Swiftwater Rain Pullover

March 5, 2021March 9, 2021 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Win a Trio of Classic Everyday Carry Goods from Ezra Arthur

Enter to win three everyday carry picks from Ezra Arthur, folks.

Folks, we’re doing things a little differently on this fine Friday, as you might have guessed. Instead of our usual Friday Read (featuring menswear and gear news), we’re comin’ at ya with a very exciting reader giveaway opportunity: You’ve got the chance to win a trio of ridiculously well-made everyday carry goods from Ezra Arthur (keep reading to find out how to enter). Not familiar with the brand? Today’s your lucky day, because I got a chance to check out three essentials from the family-owned, Arizona-based, made-in-America brand. Keep on scrolling for a chance to win three Ezra Arthur staples: The Ezra Arthur No. 6 Wallet, the Ezra Arthur Small Notebook and the Ezra Arthur Pocket Comb. Now, about the brand. Ezra Arthur is owned by four brothers, with a focus on “artifacts worthy of discovery,” the kind of pieces that, as the brand says, can be used every day and passed down — perhaps after being found tucked away in a workshop or your top drawer. Pretty cool, right? It’s that philosophy (timeless, dependable goods made with pride) that sets Ezra Arthur apart. There’s more where that came from, but for now, know that you simply need to leave your E-mail below in the comments to be entered into this giveaway — from now until March 12th at midnight EST. OK, back to the brand itself.

Editor’s note: The products shown here were provided by Ezra Arthur for review. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting brands that support The Style Guide!

Ezra Arthur Leather Goods

They source American materials and craft the stunning pieces shown here today in Phoenix, Arizona at their own facility using handmade craftsmanship — talk about quality and attention to detail. These everyday carry goods are useful, durable and dependable pieces that are going to develop a nice patina over time, although the brand has some useful tips on caring for your goods on its Web site. The products themselves are beautifully and durably made, including the No. 6 Wallet, made with Horween Chromexcel leather (out of Chicago). It also features an interlocking pocket design that keeps the wallet slim when folded — and able to fit easily into the front pocket of tailored shorts or jeans, as I’ve found out.

The brand’s pocket comb and holder — plus a stylish notebook and a durable leather wallet — are yours for the taking today.

I also appreciate the stainless steel pocket comb — with a combination of fine and course teeth — complete with a Horween Chromexcel leather sheath in one of six color options. Talk about old-school cool, ehh? And of course, as a writer on the go, I often carry a notebook in my bag around Brooklyn. These days, it’ll be mighty useful to have the Ezra Arthur Small Notebook close at hand, featuring high-quality details like revered Tomoe River paper and a Horween Chromexcel leather cover(also available in one of six cool and classic colors). It’s a handsome, refined and downright handy addition to your everyday carry. No idea will pass you by as long as you keep this notebook around.

Your chance to add some Ezra Arthur goods to your own daily carry. Photo courtesy of Ezra Arthur.

But how to make these gear picks your own? Simple: Once again, leave your E-mail in the comment section below from now until March 12th at midnight EST. Hopefully, you’ll find these heirloom-quality pieces from Ezra Arthur are highly useful and remarkably stylish additions to your daily carry — I know that’s how I feel. Good luck out there!

Editor’s note: The brand will ship each of the above three products directly to the winner. Giveaway valid for U.S. residents only.

March 4, 2021February 14, 2021 by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These Bruno Magli Sneakers are the Best Men’s Sneakers to Buy This Spring

A sleek, versatile pair of finely crafted suede sneakers for spring, my friends.

You see those Bruno Magli sneakers at the top of the page? Yes, those ones? My friends, those could be your new favorite sneakers for spring. In fact, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that once you try them out, you might come to the conclusion that they’re some of the best sneakers for men, made with all the quality of a pair of refined Bruno Magli dress shoes. You might recognize Bruno Magli from Shop By The Style Guide page or my guide to the best loafers to wear at home, but if not, let’s dive into how exactly this premium Italian footwear brand can make some of the best men’s sneakers for a new season without missing a beat.

The Bruno Magli Bono Suede Lace-Up Sneakers check all the right boxes as far as spring sneakers are concerned, from the low profile to the premium materials — and suede is a nice shot in the arm as far as seasonal texture and color is concerned, too. And hey, who out there doesn’t appreciate a great deal? Although these stylish suede sneakers retail for $298 at Bruno Magli, you can get a free pair of socks (made from premium materials in neat patterns) with any purchase of more than $100. So, that’s your new favorite sneakers for spring, plus your new favorite socks.

SHOP: The Bruno Magli Bono Suede Lace-Up Sneakers

You can also get these sporty suede sneakers in a cool colorway like this handsome light blue option.

But it begs the question, why invest nearly $300 in a pair of men’s sneakers? Again, it all comes down to how Bruno Magli makes them. They’re using Italian full-grain leather and suede for the upper, plus sport-inspired contrast stitching for a bit of retro throwback style. That sleek, dressy-yet-casual look means these are sneakers you can with everything from light grey chinos to light wash jeans to olive lounge pants without missing a beat. The Bruno Magli Bono Suede Lace-Up Sneakers are also built with flexibility in mind for ease of wearing all day long.

You’re getting an ideal blend of comfort and style via the Italian-made construction, and the end result is a pair of men’s sneakers you can wear to the office or to hang out a patio bar this spring. Heck, if you wanted to wear these premium men’s sneakers with, say, a light grey cotton suit and a white Oxford shirt for breezy, dressy spring style, you could certainly do that. When you want the best men’s sneakers for spring, this is the pair to buy.

SHOP: The Bruno Magli Bono Suede Lace-Up Sneakers

March 3, 2021January 27, 2024 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The HELM Boots Ryder Boots are the Best Boots for Early Spring

Your new favorite pair of rugged leather boots.

Is it hard to believe we’re now back in (gulp) March, a year on from pandemic life and still on the lookout for the best boots for men? It sure is, but that’s not why we’re here today. We’re here instead to talk about the best boots for men for early spring, a decidedly much more fun topic that’ll get you off your feet and looking towards the future (and new seasonal adventures, of course).

The boots in question would be the HELM Boots Ryder Boots, a pair of rugged leather boots from the Austin-based HELM Boots team that’ll have you planning to go off-trail and off-road in a hurry this season. They certainly look like an updated take on the best hiking boots, but just know that you need ’em in your life either way.

Of course, it’s a major benefit that you can get $50 off when you order your first pair from the brand. HELM Boots says that these are a pair of “contemporary boots for all adventures,” and based on what I know about the brand — I’ve published a HELM Boots review in the past, after all — it’s very hard to argue with that logic.

These are quite simply some of the best men’s leather boots, what with bountiful craftsmanship and attention to detail. HELM makes some of the best men’s Chelsea boots and the best plain toe boots, too, but the HELM Ryder Boots are a different breed (in a great way, that is).

SHOP: The HELM Boots Ryder Boots

These tough leather boots are ready to go just about anywhere this season.

The versatility and craftsmanship of the HELM Boots Ryder Boots starts from the ground up with HELM’s Stavos rubber sole for maximum traction and durability. The Blake Rapid Stitch construction sews the upper to the top of the sole for more flexibility and a smooth ride, and the D-ring lacing gives them that hiking boot feel. For even more comfort, they’re lined in smooth black leather.

These are rugged leather boots you can wear plenty of different places this spring, be it to an outdoor beer garden or for a park stroll (to name but a few favorite spring pursuits). The HELM Boots Ryder Boots, especially in the handsome Dark Natural Babbo leather, should pair well with everything from classic light wash denim to olive chinos and more. Up top, these dependable, classic leather boots are practically begging to be teamed with essentials like your favorite T-shirt or a timeless chambray shirt. Wear ’em casually or team the HELM Boots Ryder Boots with a white Oxford shirt and tan chinos, for starters. The end result is nothing less than your new favorite pair of boots for your spring wardrobe. Let me know on Twitter if you do lace ’em up.

March 2, 2021February 18, 2021 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s How to Wear a Field Jacket for Spring Weather

The right #OOTD for spring is all about how you style transitional gear picks into one cohesive look that’s ready for darn near anything. That’s why we’re here today, after all. It all starts off as you might expect when dealing with spring weather: With one of the best men’s jackets for spring. The Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket manages to be rugged yet modern, with a streamlined fit and some updates that take it above and beyond the ordinary field jacket of days gone by. Just look at the discreet chest zipper pockets, the strategically placed slanted hip pockets, the durable hardware and the organic cotton exterior, complete with a water-resistant finish. Yes indeed, the Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket can do it all. The look gets help along the way from some of the best new jeans from Mott and Bow, plus an Everlane Oxford shirt — two timeless picks that can work from day to night this spring. If you’re heading away on a weekend road trip or enjoying some outdoor beer garden brews or a relaxing coffee — a few of the only pursuits we can take part in these days! — then this ensemble is going to do the hard work for you.

Some of the best spring rain boots also step up to the plate and provide functionality and style in equal measure. But if you really want to stand out subtly and stylishly this season, it’s one of the best men’s spring jackets you’re going to want to grab as you head out the door. Trust me on that one, folks. And to see how I’m dressing for spring, be sure to give me a follow on Instagram. Stay dry, stay stylish! Here’s the full #OOTD.

A sleek-yet-tough field jacket styled for on-the-go versatility this spring.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket in Forest Dry Wax, $238 — The durable water-resistant exterior and the sleek fit (plus the zippered hood) make this a jacket that readily blends form and function. One of the best field jackets around, easily.
The Shirt: Everlane Standard Fit Oxford, $62 — Is there any shirt more wearable for spring than a classic Oxford shirt from a radically transparent brand like Everlane? No sir, there’s not. And it pairs up perfectly with the Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket. Plus, you can get 10 percent off your first order now.
The Spring Denim: Mott and Bow Slim Mercer Jeans in Clay, $118 — While a pair of classic blue jeans won’t let you down, it’s sometimes nice to switch things up a bit. These slim jeans from Mott and Bow are a nice change of pace.
The Rugged Boots: Rhodes Footwear Dolomite Boots, $248 — These tough hiking boots just so happen to have a slim profile to go along with city or adventure-ready performance touches, making ’em some of the best leather boots for men now.
The Socks: Proof 72-Hour Merino Crew Socks, $32 (Two-Pack) — That’s right: For long days on the, you need some of the best merino wool socks for men, and this two-pack delivers.
The Watch: Timex Marlin Automatic Leather Watch, $249 — Timex men’s watches are renowned for their durability and affordability — it doesn’t hurt that the Timex Marlin Leather Watch is retro-inspired, sharp and stylish, too (plus, Timex is offering free ground shipping on all orders).
The Grooming Essentials: Huron Big Three Kit, $38 — Get a trio of the best men’s grooming essentials out there, including face wash and face lotion. Talk about a spring refresh.
The Everyday Cary: DISCOMMON Watch Wallet 2, $210 — Although this everyday carry essential is listed as a watch wallet, it’s actually versatile enough to haul your journal and cash plus cards, in addition to safely storing a timepiece as needed. That makes it one of the best EDC gear picks you can have on your person this spring, I’d wager.

For as much as the devil is in the details, you might say, it’s just as important to get the big-ticket items properly secured to get around in style this season. That’s where one of the best field jackets enters your life and your wardrobe — the Taylor Stitch Harris Jacket is sleek and well-fitting, yet easy to layer. And even more crucially, it’s designed to stand up to spring rain and wind.

That makes it the best men’s spring jacket to wear atop your other versatile seasonal style picks here, including a classic Oxford shirt from the good folks at Everlane (just add a rugged crewneck sweatshirt if you get chilly). A pair of slim jeans from Mott and Bow in an eye-catching shade of blue switch things up from your typical blue jeans, and the entire combination sits stylishly atop the dependable Rhodes Footwear Dolomite Boots. Your ensemble can only go as far as your accessories, so some of the best merino wool socks for men are a wise bet for comfort and performance. Meanwhile, your Timex Marlin Leather Watch can take a bit of a pounding and look great in the process. A trio of the best men’s grooming essentials helps keep your mug in fine form this season, and the innovative DISCOMMON Watch Wallet 2 protects your everyday carry without missing a beat. Feeling great about this ensemble? I know I am — see you out there this season.

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Month / March 2021