The Thursday Buy: FRYE Is Making Some of the Best Men’s Boots for Fall

It’s a lofty goal to achieve: Making some of the best boots for fall, and doing so consistently for seasons and years at a time. If you can believe it though, that’s what FRYE has managed to do for well over a century, and although the legendary bootmaker is using different methods and modern materials than days gone by, that heritage and history still stands out. It all comes together at once in a pair of boots like the FRYE William Boots, some of the best and most rugged lace-up boots you’re apt to find on the market. And the timing has never been better to add a new pair to your rotation, seeing as we sit on the cusp of October and the promise of crisp, breezy fall weather. Where to start with these boots? Well, there’s plenty to love.

Add FRYE men’s boots to your rotation

Rugged style awaits with heritage-quality boots

First things first, it’s worth noting that FRYE boots are an investment, and yet one that’s going to pay off handsomely over time (and you can also find some FRYE boots on sale if you know where to look). In the case of the FRYE William Boots, the stage has assuredly been set when it comes to rugged, dependable performance and serious style. The rich brandy leather is practically the perfect shade of leather for fall, easily worn with tan or navy chinos, burgundy corduroy trousers or your favorite pair of broken-in blue denim. Of course, the right shade of leather is nothing without proper construction and durability.

If you want sleek construction and comfort in spades, plus that winning style we know is so crucial for fall, then the FRYE William Lace-Up Boots are the pair to buy now. That rich brandy leather (my personal favorite) sits atop a rubber outsole for added durability, crucial as you stomp through the city on blustery fall days. And your new favorite pair of leather boots has quite a few other things going for it, naturally. They’re Goodyear-welted, an extra step in terms of craftsmanship that means these boots can be resoled after years of wear. They’ll certainly only get better with age, too.


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And the FRYE William Lace-Up Boots feature some smaller touches that make them streamlined and able to be worn with even a tailored wool suit. Note the fact that the eyelets for these boots are hidden, and the laces are made from rounded, waxed cotton — this is a another design detail that makes them a more slimmed-down, sleek pair of boots. As I called out before, the FRYE William Lace-Up Boots won’t come cheap — they’ll run you $328 at FRYE, but they’re more than worth that price tag. They’re also a fast-selling pair of leather boots for fall, so be sure you get yours while they’re still around.

SHOP: The FRYE William Lace-Up Boots

See Now, Buy Now: Flint and Tinder Has Dreamed Up the Perfect Flannel Shirt for Fall

There are certain menswear staples that are so well-executed, it’s enough to make you want to add ’em to your wardrobe right away. That’s especially true as we roll into fall, and I’d wager you’ve got your eye on one of the best flannel shirts, right? No doubt about it, and that’s where the Flint and Tinder Jackson Flannel Shirt comes into play. It’s undoubtedly a stylish, rugged essential to get in your closet ASAP, and another prime example of what Flint and Tinder does so well. F&T, for the uninitiated, is the in-house brand at Huckberry, makers of everything from a rugged and undeniably classic waxed trucker jacket to the perfect henley and now, the perfect flannel shirt. The Flint and Tinder Jackson Flannel Shirt is a new addition to the Flint and Tinder menswear rotation, and a mighty perfect one, at that. It’s available in four rich and absolutely spot-on fall colors, including the handsome Walnut Rust Plaid seen above. Things are just getting started, though, believe you me.

Stock your closet with fall-ready flannel

Flint and Tinder is the brand to shop now

It’s not just style points you’re getting with the unbelievably cool Flint and Tinder Jackson Flannel Shirt. The fabrication is top-notch, truly something that sets apart this shirt from the pack (more on this in a second). If you want a ridiculously well-made flannel shirt for just a shade over $100, this is the one to buy now.

The specs are as outstanding as any you’re apt to find when it comes to your new favorite flannel shirt, as one might expect from the attention-to-detail focus over at Huckberry. Made from 100 percent cotton flannel that happens to be super-soft, not overly bulky, the Flint and Tinder Jackson Flannel Shirt is an ideal top layer over a rugged henley (similar to a shirt jacket), but it’s also going to wear nicely underneath a waxed Flint and Tinder jacket, too. And you simply can’t beat fall style options like the rich Walnut Rust Plaid shown above — it’s as if Flint and Tinder thought of everything with this rugged flannel shirt, to say the least.

HELM Boots

The jumbo twill cotton fabrication lends this flannel shirt an air of durability and style, and the hits keep coming from there. The patch chest pocket is a handy storage space for your everyday carry essentials, yet another small touch that really elevates the Flint and Tinder Jackson Flannel Shirt a cut above the rest. Take your pick from those four essential colors and patterns, and then layer up to your heart’s content with your favorite flannel shirt and a pair of expertly faded jeans. The rest of fall’s adventures await, folks, and the Flint and Tinder Jackson Flannel Shirt belongs in your wardrobe (and on your back) for ’em.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Jackson Flannel Shirt

The Tuesday Steal: This Todd Snyder Chambray Shirt is a Fall Style Classic

Japanese Sunfaded Chambray Button Down Shirt

How many fall style essentials is too many to have in your closet? Or rather, can you ever have enough certifiable seasonal classics like one of the best chambray shirts? My take on the matter is that no, no sir, you can never have enough fall menswear picks like the Todd Snyder Sunfaded Chambray Shirt. While it’s not as much of a steal, per se, as shopping the Todd Snyder Sale section in its own right, this classic chambray shirt is actually a great pick-up, particularly considering how much wear you can get out of this undeniably cool, rugged-yet-versatile men’s shirt. You could call it one of the best men’s shirts, period, or one of the best chambray shirts, but the point remains: Although it’ll set you back at a rather hefty $178 at Todd Snyder, this is a pick-up that remains a steal. In fact, that’s perhaps best epitomized by the fact that it’s been a hot seller online for the famed menswear designer, so do yourself a favor and stock up right now on a shirt that could become your new favorite shirt for fall (and well beyond that, naturally).

What makes this shirt such a steal even at that higher price tag? It all comes down to a quality design and an effortlessly cool build, starting with what you might call “the good stuff” — that’d be the Japanese cotton chambray fabric. It’s soft but not too soft, lived-in but not worn out, and made with great care in Portugal. If that’s not enough to convince you to invest in the best chambray shirt out there, well, there’s plenty more reasons to consider.

Japanese Sunfaded Chambray Button Down Shirt

The cut of the Todd Snyder Sunfaded Chambray Shirt is also such that you can wear it in a dressier manner (underneath a wool or navy cotton blazer, for example), but you can also rock it readily with laidback style staples, like slim blue jeans and a pair of rugged leather boots or even canvas high-top sneakers. The Todd Snyder Sunfaded Chambray Shirt also wears well with tan chinos and low-top leather sneakers, all the better for easygoing weekend or casual office style. You should certainly take the chance to wear this classic chambray shirt to the office or out to coffee, because again, it deserves to be worn as much as possible.

HELM Boots

The Todd Snyder Sunfaded Chambray Shirt features small details that make it quite cool to wear on its own, like the button chest pocket. When you’re done wearing your go-to seasonal shirt, use the locker loop to hang it for a wrinkle-free experience, as the retailer notes. However you choose to wear it, and however often you wear it (as much as possible, if you’ll recall!), the Todd Snyder Sunfaded Chambray Shirt isn’t going to let you down. That makes it the perfect Tuesday Steal. Happy shopping, folks.

Get the coolest chambray shirt for fall

Todd Snyder makes the perfect one for your closet

See Now, Buy Now: Filson’s Western Flannel Shirt is One of the Coolest Fall Shirts to Layer Up With Now

Where to turn to when you need a rugged, dependable and warm layer for fall, like one of the best men’s flannel shirts? That’s easy, and if you’ve ever had any experience with today’s featured brand, you’re surely aware that they can deliver the goods when it comes to essential fall shirting. I’m talking, of course, about the Filson Western Flannel Shirt, a stellar new offering from the famed Pacific Northwest heritage retailer. Hopefully, you’ve done your fair share of shopping in recent weeks from places like the well-stocked Filson Last Chance Sale section, but if not, here’s your chance to dive into Filson’s New Arrivals in full force, because the Filson Western Flannel is one of the most rugged and well-made shirts you’re apt to find on the market right now. It’s everything you could want from a fresh take on the classic Western shirt, especially considering Filson’s long-standing commitment to both style points and hard-wearing construction.

Stock up on fall flannel now

Filson has the best men’s shirts on the market

The Filson Western Flannel is a perfect happy medium between other shirts in your closet: It’s not as formal or buttoned-up as an Oxford shirt, it’s got an in-between weight compared to a shirt jacket, and yet, it can work comfortably in most any style situation or fall pursuit. That goes for road trips and days around town in equal measure, because the Faded Black color is perfectly cool to throw on with, say, a pair of Filson indigo denim for day-to-night style. Of course, because it’s Filson, the ultra-dependable Filson Western Flannel packs in a whole lot of functionality, too.

The Filson Western Flannel Shirt stands apart from other flannel shirts in your rotation thanks to the use of 6.2oz. brushed cotton twill flannel, a substantial, sturdy and yet not too heavy fabric that’s ideal for wearing on its own or layering atop a rugged Filson henley, for starters. You also get the sort of Western detailing that’s both throwback-inspired and surprisingly of the moment, with curved and pointed front and back yokes, just like Western shirts in days gone by. The Filson Western Flannel Shirt also amps things up a notch with faux-horn buttons for distinctive contrast against the faded black cotton twill flannel.

The Filson Western Flannel Shirt has plenty going for it in terms of style points, with the right sort of weight to be layered atop a graphic T-shirt or a Filson thermal shirt most of the time. And then, when temperatures really start to plummet, the Filson Western Flannel can be worn beneath a Filson waxed jacket for warmth and weather-ready style. The potential mileage in terms of wearability is nearly limitless when you really step back and look at the quality and the durable build of this Western flannel shirt. It all gets better when you also step back and look at the relatively fair price tag ($135 at Filson). Considering this could quickly become a go-to flannel shirt, it’s pretty clear to me that you need the Filson Western Flannel in your closet ASAP.

The Sunday Sale: Get Jeans, Chinos, Denim Jackets and More On Sale at Huckberry

Is there a better place to go right now to stock up on the best fall menswear essentials than Huckberry? Especially when it comes to the best deals on men’s style gear? I’d say no, because you’re going to be hard-pressed to find another retailer that stocks and sells everything from the best men’s jeans to the best chinos, home goods, shoes and more, all in one place (and all at standout discounts). It’s not all that different from, say, the Filson Last Chance sale section in that regard, but the Huckberry Sale Section is updated more frequently and totally spot-on when it comes down to just about anything you could picture yourself wearing this season.

In fact, it’s as if the good folks at the San Francisco-based retailer went above and beyond even what you might have on your wish list. The incredibly jam-packed Huckberry Sale Section includes deals on home goods like towels and even a comfortable mattress, too. If it sounds too good to be true, trust me when I say it’s not. Shop away to your heart’s content, stock up on exactly what you need for fall, then get back to the rest of a relaxing Sunday.

Head to the Huckberry Sale right now

Get the best deals on your favorite menswear

Style Pick of the Week: Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos – The Best Men’s Pants for Fall

There are certain brands it pays off to rely on time and time again, especially when it comes to something as critical as the best men’s pants for fall. And chief among those brands you can turn towards when you need a well-fitting, tailored pair of pants for the season ahead? That’d be Bonobos, without a doubt. The brand first developed a cult following well over a decade ago as founder Andy Dunn looked to craft the perfect pair of men’s pants, one with a tailored fit and more room in the waist, a tough task to get right. And that’s led us to the Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos, now a staple of the brand and ideally, a staple in your wardrobe. So with that being said, what exactly makes these the perfect men’s pants for fall? It’s simple, really. Bonobos has mastered both the fit and the fabric needed to make some of the best men’s chinos, and that’s saying something.

Get the best men’s pants for fall right now

Bonobos has mastered the art of the perfect fall pant

It’s also worth noting that the Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos come in an impressive range of colors, enough to please every palette. Take the Chestnuts color above — it’s the kind of shade of deep tan-brown that fits right in with fall foliage and much more. That’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best pants for men this fall, though.

It’s the details that really make the difference with Bonobos, from the rich array of color options to the slide front closure for a clean finish. Plus, printed interior pockets and linings are a fun touch, and who said wearing some of the best men’s pants can’t be a little fun at the end of the day, right? The Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos are made from what the brand calls “all-purpose cotton,” finished off with 2 percent spandex for that crucial stretch. The fabric on the Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos gets softer the more you wear them, but they’re certainly not stiff out of the box. Any Bonobos review should also note the range of fit and sizing options, with a remarkable four options available (including Tailored and Straight).

Waist sizes run up to 40, and you can snag the Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos in more than 25 colors. That’s an incredible variety when it comes to the potential to find your new favorite pants, especially in a rich color for fall. The styling potential for the Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos is almost as limitless as the color and fit options. They’ll wear especially well with a Bonobos Oxford shirt at the office, but you can also wear them in more rugged fashion with a Bonobos henley and a Bonobos cardigan. The world is your oyster, so to speak, with the highly versatile Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos, so give them a shot in as many fall-centric colors as you can. They won’t let you down.

SHOP: The Bonobos Stretch Washed Chinos

The Friday Read: Governors Ball NYC, The Best Fall Beers & The Killers

Filson Field Flannel Shirt in Dark Moss - Thursday Boot Company

Who else out there is surprised by the fact that we already hit the first day of fall this week? To me, that means several things, like the prime opportunity to pop open one of the best fall beers (more on that in a second), to go along with the chance to layer up with one of the best men’s flannel shirts for the season, like the rugged and ready-for-anything Filson Field Flannel Shirt shown above. It’s not quite cold enough just yet in NYC for that shirt, but it’s never too early to start preparing for what lies ahead (I.E. Day hikes, beer garden brews and much more).

As to my own plans this weekend, there’s a little bit of everything going on, including some shopping for fall style essentials. And beyond that, well, like I said, there’s a bit of everything. It’s hard to believe, but it’s the long-awaited and incredibly exciting return of New York City’s best music festival, the much-hyped and much-loved Governors Ball! It’s being held this year for the first time at Citi Field, with a unique in-the-round stage set-up designed to utilize space and provide maximum sound quality. But it’s notable to me for another reason: It’ll be my first time attending and covering the festival with a press pass in hand! If you keep up with me on my music & menswear Twitter, you know that I contribute to sites like Merry-Go-Round Magazine and The Line of Best Fit, and I’ve also started contributing to excellent indie music site Atwood Magazine! It’s for Atwood that I’m attending the festival, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to safely attend this standout festival to cover bands like Future Islands, a personal favorite. In the meantime, I’ll be wrapping up some writing and planning for the season ahead. To plan out your fall shopping (and possibly provide some inspiration to visit your favorite beer garden??), here’s the rest of today’s Friday Read below. Cheers!

AleSmith Oktoberfest
  • Anyone else feeling thirsty? The time has never been better to stock your beer fridge with some of the best fall beers, which run the gamut from classic Oktoberfest styles to rich double IPAs and many more. To get you started, check out my guide to the best beers for fall at Maxim. Again, cheers!
  • I mentioned legendary heritage outfitter Filson at the start of today’s post, and if you ask me, there’s never a bad time to double-down and focus once more on an iconic brand for fall and beyond. Just yesterday in fact, I wrote all about one of the best fall jackets for men here on the blog. Check out that post, and then let me know in the comments below what you think of the tough-as-nails Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket. Happy shopping!
  • If the headline had you wondering when a certain band from Las Vegas might come up in today’s post, well, here we are. I had the really incredible and exceedingly rare opportunity to catch two shows in two nights by one of my all-time favorite bands, The Killers. I wrote in my twice-weekly newsletter about trekking down to Pennsylvania (first to Bethlehem, and then over to Philadelphia) to see this lifetime band play two shows prior to a headlining appearance at Firefly Festival in Delaware, and I’m so glad I took advantage of the chance to make my own schedule, hit the road and see them. Again, head to my music + menswear newsletter to get the full scoop.

Those three quick hits above should carry you into the weekend quite nicely, right? That’s my hope at least, from the music of The Killers to the chance to stock your beer fridge with some excellent seasonal brews. Be sure to follow along with me on Instagram to catch all of the action at Governors Ball, but before you do that, I’ll leave you with one last shopping and style pick. A retro cardigan, like this Bonobos cardigan that I wrote about on the blog earlier this week, is truly unstoppable for autumn layering. One final time, enjoy the weekend and let’s keep it rolling! 

The Thursday Buy: Filson Has Crafted the Best Field Jacket for Men This Fall

When building your fall wardrobe packed with men’s style essentials, you’ve got to have certain pieces you can count on in the clutch. Luckily, Filson makes plenty of pieces you can count on in the clutch, and the Pacific Northwest outfitter has been doing that for 100-plus years. There are rugged outdoor staples aplenty in the Filson lineup, but its newer releases pass muster, too. And if there’s one thing you can count on when it comes to the exceptional Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket, it’s that it won’t let you down in matters of functionality and style in extreme conditions through fall and winter. That sounds like an ideal place to start if you want to stock your wardrobe with the best fall outerwear, does it not? It’s a jacket designed for all manner of outdoor pursuits, but it’ll particularly appeal to hunters, or anyone who spends a ton of time in the field. In fact, look at it like this: This Filson field jacket is just about the most versatile, hard-wearing and durable field jacket you’re apt to find this fall.

It’s made the way only Filson can dream up a piece of outerwear, starting with the kind of fabrication you’re not going to get anywhere else. This isn’t an overly flimsy rain poncho, nor is it a puffer jacket that’s too hot to carry you through the sometimes unexpectedly balmy and rainy weather of early fall). It’s one of the best men’s field jackets, made with 100 percent nylon featuring a breathable waterproof membrane, a crucial touch designed to keep you cool in the field and on the go. Three layers here separate it from other rain jackets, including the polyester tricot backing for a bit of added warmth in the field and on the go. Long story short: The Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket is going to keep you warm and dry on fall adventures aplenty.

Get the perfect field jacket for fall

Layer up right now with Filson

As with every piece of gear from Filson, the Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket is made to exacting standards: It’s fully seam sealed, ensuring no water gets out or in. That’s another added level of versatility: It’s both a rain jacket and a traditional field jacket (note the front hip patch pockets with gussets for added storage space). Interior pockets add even more storage potential for all your everyday carry essentials while also keeping ’em dry at the same time. And like traditional field jackets, the Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket features an adjustable hood and Velcro cuffs to truly customize your fit. It’s the kind of jacket that’s going to perform admirably in, well, the field.

And yet, you can also wear the Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket in casual style situations across the city. Try it with some Filson men’s denim, one of the best Oxford shirts and rugged Filson leather boots for high-low style suited for an outdoor beer garden or a weekend coffee date. And be sure you’ve got the Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket close at hand for weekend tailgates and fall road trips, because it offers all the utility you need from sunrise to sunset. And when you want to trek out into the field wearing, say, Filson Dry Tin Pants and a Filson thermal shirt, you’ve got the perfect piece of outerwear in your rotation already. What are you waiting for? Go score one of the best men’s field jackets now.

SHOP: The Filson 3-Layer Field Jacket

See Now, Buy Now: Get this Classic Bonobos Cardigan for Fall-Ready Retro Style

If your first thought when checking out today’s post is that Bonobos can’t possibly make one of the best men’s sweaters along with some of the best chinos for men on the market, I’d urge you to think again, and to think carefully and closely about your fall wardrobe. And this isn’t just any average sweater, either: It’s the Bonobos Cotton Cardigan, a unique and fun style move that arrives not a moment too soon for fall layering. If you’ve been wary about trying out a cardigan, what with its old-school look and perhaps memories of the scratchy, stuffy cardigan passed through your family for dressy occasions, well, rest assured that the Bonobos Cotton Cardigan, especially in a rich and fall-ready color like Caramel, is going to serve you well for plenty of fall style situations.

Why a cardigan from Bonobos, though? It’s simple, really. For starters, it’s made with the same quality and style in mind as your favorite pair of Bonobos chinos. It only gets better from there, really. Note the small style details, like raglan-sleeve stitching on the shoulders. It’s the perfect blend of modern and old-school, and yes, it does get even better.

Throw on the Bonobos Cotton Cardigan now

Retro-yet-modern fall style awaits

The Bonobos Cotton Cardigan is a modern upgrade from old-school cardigans, with a more tailored fit and nicer fabric than the aforementioned cardigans you might closely associate with the style. The cardigan has also had something of a style moment in years past, but it’s simply now a classic move for fall layering. It’s dressier than, say, the much-loved heathered crewneck sweatshirt you might wear on the weekends, and it’s more visually interesting, too. That means you can wear it to a dinner party or to the office, while looking even cooler than you would if you wear, say, a merino V-neck sweatshirt (which you should also have in your rotation, mind you!)

Here’s the real kicker: You can wear the Bonobos Cotton Cardigan atop an Oxford shirt, a henley or a soft Bonobos T-shirt for a mix of casual high-low style, and you can team any of those looks with slim Bonobos denim, tailored chinos or corduroy pants for fall and winter fun. Plus, the rich Caramel color fits right in with the warmer tones of fall. The opportunities for switching up your style with one of the best men’s cardigans are unexpected, undeniably stylish and as cool as it gets, so consider adding the Bonobos Cotton Cardigan to your rotation of fall sweaters as soon as humanly possible.

SHOP: The Bonobos Cotton Cardigan

The Tuesday Steal: Billy Reid’s Flight Jacket Is One of the Coolest Fall Jackets to Shop Now

Thanks for joining us during today’s Tuesday Steal, where the featured item in question isn’t exactly a full-on steal, per se, but that doesn’t make it any less essential, or any less than one of the best men’s jackets for fall. In fact, seeing as the first day of fall is tomorrow, it’s as crucial a time as any to get your new favorite jacket, and to shop a retailer that knows plenty about the best fall menswear: We’re talking, of course, about Alabama-based menswear designer Billy Reid, makers of some of the best men’s shirting, essential selvedge denim and now, one of the best fall jackets for men. It’s the Billy Reid Flight Jacket that draws high praise from my neck of the woods today, with both old-school and modern appeal in spades. It’s worth noting that when it comes to Billy Reid, you’re often investing in quality, rather than scoring a major discount (that’s what makes it so noteworthy when Billy Reid has a sale, after all). And yet, that’s not a bad thing at all, because the rugged and durable Billy Reid Flight Jacket has a ton going for it (to say the least).

Get your new go-to fall jacket

Billy Reid’s Flight Jacket is the perfect blend of rugged and modern

The exceedingly dependable and well-made Billy Reid Flight Jacket has all the specs you need in one of the best fall jackets, right down to the use of dry wax canvas for weather-ready construction. It comes from Scotland’s Halley Stevenson, innovative fabric makers that have been in business since the 1860s. Yes indeed, Billy Reid knows how to partner with the best of the best, which is what makes the Billy Reid Flight Jacket so essential, even with a price tag of $448. It’s more than worth it, though — keep scrolling.

The remarkable and seriously cool Billy Reid Flight Jacket is the kind of jacket that only gets better with age, and it’ll break in more and more each time you wear it. That being said, you’ll surely want to wear this jacket a heck of a lot, especially with a rugged Billy Reid denim shirt or even a simple but classic Billy Reid henley. It’s a versatile piece of grab-and-go outerwear meant for breezy fall days strolling through the park or even zipping around the city to work (team it with an Oxford shirt in place of a blazer for a laidback day at the office). The Billy Reid Flight Jacket is also meant to keep you warm when fall weather is at its worst. It’s lined with what the brand calls Comfortemp AIR poly fill, made from recycled polyester to fight the elements and add some sustainable functionality into the mix.

Satchel and Page

The Billy Reid Flight Jacket is also versatile and easily wearable in other ways — note the rich Khaki color, which should team especially well with dark blue denim, navy or olive chinos or even burgundy corduroys. It’s as good as it gets all the way through, right down to the dark horn buttons and two chest flap patch pockets. The Billy Reid Flight Jacket covers all the proper bells and whistles you’d expect from your new favorite fall jacket, more than justifying the investment-level (yet still accessible!) price. Make it yours today, then start plotting your next fall outing.

SHOP: The Billy Reid Flight Jacket