The Friday Read: A New American Watch Brand Worth Knowing & The Best New Gear from Huckberry

VERO watches review.

Welcome back to this, the second Friday Read of 2025. It’s a worthwhile time to take stock of how your year has started and where you want it to go, in matters of New Year’s resolutions — menswear and otherwise — in matters of how you dress and the mindful thought that goes into some of your favorite menswear brands. Now, to be sure, I’m not just talking about tried-and-true, fan favorite brands like Huckberry.

We’ve already talked about the best Huckberry menswear in particular to start 2025, but let’s go beyond just that, shall we? In fact, in future editions of the Friday Read, you can expect the occasional spotlight on an unheralded yet truly excellent brand, like the USA-made timepiece manufacturer we’re about to discuss, Vero Watches.

As of late, my attention has been captured by some similar upstarts, the sort of brands that fall right in line with the rugged, adventurous, tastefully classic yet modern vibe of Huckberry (and Taylor Stitch, and Buck Mason and … well, you get the picture).

Best field watches for men.

And especially in the wristwear arena — as I cover watches frequently for Maxim.com and elsewhere — I’ve been impressed by the revamped takes on the “modern American field watch” coming out of Vero Watches. The brand was actually founded back in 2015, but has started to garner some buzz as of late, and I appreciate their outdoor-ready, rugged and yet crisply designed sensibility as far as watch design is concerned.

Vero men's watches review.

And to hear the company tell it, its timepieces are “inspired by grit, commitment and style,” with a true sense of intention behind each timepiece (like the Workhorse Chrono shown here). In fact, Vero Watches says they build timepieces “that are meant to live on your wrist,” rather than in a collector’s box. An admirable focus, yes?

Many of its watches are built with durable stainless steel, feature hearty water resistance and outdoor-minded features like canvas straps, and of course, production takes place in the good ole U.S. of A — Portland, Oregon, mind you.

Yessir, if you ask me, there’s a lot to love about this brand, including the beefy 44.5mm case build of the Workhorse Chrono (expect more in the weeks ahead on this particular watch, my friends).

Consider this your first intro to Vero Watches, a brand I’ll surely be circling back to here on the blog in good time. As it were, you very well might be able to spot a timepiece from the company sooner rather than later on my Instagram.

Best field watches for men.

For now, I’m going to wind down this Friday Read early — you’ve got some reading and shopping to do as far as your new favorite watch company is concerned, but if I can recommend one final piece, head over to yesterday’s blog post to revamp your weekend activewear and loungewear game from Huckberry. Cheers to a new year, a fresh weekend and some stylish recommendations to power the days, weeks and months ahead.

The Thursday Buy: Start the New Year Off Right With the New Wellen WellKnit Sweats from Huckberry

Best sweatpants for men in 2025.

For as much fun as it can be to look back on a holiday season filled with joy — and Christmas cookies, and whiskey, and craft beer — at some point, a guy’s got to get back to work and the right daily style essentials can help. That process includes the real work of your daily grind, and ideally, even the real work of a wellness routine, however that shakes out for you.

And a must-have in any sort of wellness routine — or a travel wardrobe, or for a weekend coffee run? A pair of the best sweatpants for men, something that the good folks at Wellen and Huckberry seem to have excelled at crafting for the new year (and beyond).

In fact, the entire Wellen WellKnit line takes things to another level in terms of performance, sustainability and even a dash of minimal style. All are valuable to have close at hand as you plot your next road trip, your next morning yoga session, your next park stroll or your next weekend coffee outing (again, I’m something of a coffee fiend, and I trust the best loungewear to get me from point A to point B in style).

If any or all of the above pursuits sound like you, then you’d do well to scope out the entire Wellen WellKnit line, particularly the ultra-soft, ultra-stretchy and performance-minded Wellen WellKnit Joggers.

The use of four-way stretch, proprietary fabric — complete with a tapered fit for streamlined performance — makes these the ideal men’s jogger pants for weekend outings, morning training sessions and just about anything you can dream up (yes, lounging very much included). Plus, hidden features like side hip pockets — complete with inner stash pockets for 2-in-1 functionality — make the Wellen WellKnit Joggers a prime purchase in any one of four neutral, versatile colors.

To ramp up your storage to the next level, a back zip pocket provides even more space for daily carry essentials. From the ultra-soft fabric to the next-level tapered fit and a slew of performance features (including moisture-wicking, anti-odor fabrication), you could easily say the Wellen WellKnit Joggers are the best men’s sweatpants to buy in the new year.

See Now, Buy Now: These Frye Tyler Chelsea Boots are the Refined Option to Add to Your Wardrobe Now

Best Chelsea boots for men.

As we move slowly but surely into a new year, I find that sometimes, menswear reminders are helpful — the chance to get back to basics, the chance to rediscover old favorites and yes, the chance to finally pull the trigger on a style you’ve been coveting.

Perhaps that includes a style like a pair of the best Chelsea boots for men, with loads of versatility, an edgy appeal and the chops to be dressed up or dressed down. It might seem a high bar to clear, but this pair from the Northeast’s own Frye checks off all the proper boxes, and then some.

It’s not the first time we’ve talked about Frye Chelsea boots here on the blog, and it surely won’t be the last, because the Chelsea boot is an all-time great style with longevity and looks. In the case of the Frye Tyler Flex Chelsea Boots, you’re getting heritage quality, superior craftsmanship and an iconic silhouette — not a bad way to start the year off on the right foot, is it?

The key with these Chelsea boots in terms of comfort and wearability lies in the new, flexible rubber outsole, which moves with you and provides standout traction on slick city streets. Combined with a variety of leather options — from a textured dark brown to a slick and shiny shade of brown with a dressy hue to it — and you’ve got options when it comes to selecting your preferred pair of these Frye Chelsea boots.

The 1-inch heel is nicely sized, not too tall nor too short — the durability of a sturdy pair of boots is crucial on slippery city streets, this winter, is it not? Complete with a leather lining, this set of Frye Chelsea boots should prove stylish, sharp, reliable and well-made — season after season, starting right now. Find your new favorite pair of dressy winter boots ASAP, my friends.

The Tuesday Steal: This Wills Crewneck Sweater is a Subtly Stylish, On-Sale Layer from Huckberry

As we embark on a new year and this menswear journey together, it’s a safe bet to revisit some menswear favorites — the sort of pieces that act as building blocks of your wardrobe, regardless of what year pops up on the calendar. For my money’s worth, a durable, thickly knit, versatile crewneck sweater checks off plenty of boxes, and it only makes perfect sense that you can find such a sweater at Huckberry.

Then and now, going forward and looking backward, a piece like the Wills Textured Crewneck Sweater will surely serve you well in all manner of style situations. And on that note, it’s clear that there’s no finer way to kick off 2025 in earnest than by scoring a discount on one of your new favorite sweaters, one you can wear reliably with versatile dark blue jeans, with stretch chinos or with corduroy pants — the list goes on, of course.

Best winter sweaters for men.

While it might look simple on the surface, there’s just enough going in with the design of the Wills Textured Crewneck Sweater to keep things interesting — particularly considering the fact that is nicely priced to sell for about 30 percent off right now.

The textured lambswool blend weave adds depth and visual appeal to the fabric, as do the ribbed collar and cuffs — wear Wills Textured Crewneck Sweater atop an Oxford shirt alongside dark blue jeans for some expertly minimal business casual style, my friends.

The Wills Textured Crewneck Sweater also, rather helpfully, comes in a series of neutral, minimal colors that you can pair up with practically any other shade of trouser, pant or shirt in your wardrobe — charcoal, light grey and navy will serve you well most anywhere, my friends.

And at a solid 30 percent discount, this handsome yet minimal crewneck sweater is a wear-with-anything investment you can feel quite good about making right this very instant, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: This Line of Trade Denim Shirt is a Timeless Style Favorite for 2025 (And Beyond)

Best denim shirts for men.

As the year starts to ramp up in earnest — starting today for many of us, naturally — there’s something to be said for continuing to lean on reliable menswear classics (with a modern twist!) as you sort through the daily grind.

Or rather, as you look to bolster your menswear wardrobe in the new year — while fashion trends and runway shows are worth keeping an eye on at times, the tried-and-true classics stay that way for a reason (as I often say here at this Brooklyn style blog). And there’s not much that’s more classically rugged and eternally cool than the denim shirt, particularly when it’s made by upstart menswear brand Line of Trade.

The company, founded by the team behind Bespoke Post, has a vision encompassing timeless Americana staples, one that covers everything from workwear to thickly knit sweaters, sturdy T-shirts, rock-solid chinos and the Line of Trade Foundry Denim Shirt.

Super-soft yet strong flannel shirts and shirt jackets also encompass the impressive Line of Trade menswear rotation, and the Line of Trade Waxed Ranch Jacket just might be one of the best jackets for men you can buy now — but let’s get back to essential denim shirting, shall we?

The denim shirt as a time-honored style boasts sturdy workwear heritage, with the ability to fight back against dust, dirt and grime, and even in the year 2025, the Line of Trade Foundry Denim Shirt carries on that same heritage.

Best denim shirts for men.

As Line of Trade notes, the Line of Trade Foundry Denim Shirt, with its expertly washed and broken-in 3-year fade and 6 oz. cotton denim build, is a “hardy denim shirt worthy of its heritage,” with the chops to be dressed up ever so slightly with tan chinos, or dressed down with black jeans.

The contrasting double-needle gold thread stitching is a stylish touch alongside the perfectly faded build, while a workwear button chest pocket drives home the utility of the Line of Trade Foundry Denim Shirt. Helpfully, the cut of the shirt is perfect to wear tucked in (alongside stretch chinos at the office) or untucked as you layer it over a thermal henley this winter.

For a denim shirt that clocks in at well below $100, one that delivers all the versatility and classic workwear vibes it can muster, the Line of Trade Foundry Denim Shirt is a prime selection to kick of 2025 in earnest.

The Sunday Sale: Get Up to 50 Percent Off Stylish Designer Menswear at the Billy Reid Winter Sale

Billy Reid Winter Sale 2025.

Now, in terms of your calendar, we might have turned the page from 2024 into 2025, but before the holiday season officially (or unofficially?) ends, it seems we’re overdue for a look at some of the best menswear deals around, including a heck of a Billy Reid Winter Sale.

And yes, we’re talking deals that started at the end of last month, yes, but are sticking around just long enough to jumpstart your 2025 menswear wardrobe.

After all, starting the new year on the right foot brings with it a chance to reframe your outlook, dialing down into what you love to wear, what you want to wear more of and what you want to leave behind in 2024 (as we talked about on this Brooklyn style blog just on Friday, in fact).

So, in that regard, the absolutely standout Billy Reid Winter Sale can help you knock it out of the park if refined, tastefully rugged yet versatile menswear is your goal in the year ahead. The savings are something to write home about — and something to shop ASAP, of course.

You can land up to 50 percent off select Billy Reid menswear styles in stores and online — online, for the purposes of this blog post — and the Billy Reid Winter Sale is packed with plenty of heroic men’s style finds this season.

Whether you happen to be in the market for something more classically inclined towards everyday wear, or are on the hunt for something with a bit more flash — like the Billy Reid Shearling Leather Flight Jacket as shown above — the Billy Reid Winter Sale has what you need, and then some.

Best winter menswear from Billy Reid.

There’s crisp buttondown shirting, winter-friendly moleskin trousers, rugged-yet-refined shirt jackets, ribbed cotton sweaters, crisp versions of the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat and plenty more — seriously, more best-selling designer menswear than you can shake a stick at. As you bolster your menswear wardrobe and look towards the future, the Billy Reid Winter Sale has you covered in expert fashion, quite literally.

Style Pick of the Week: Schott NYC Lambskin Leather Jacket – An All-Time Classic

I’ve said it before on this blog and I’ll say it again: The classics are the classics for a reason, especially if they’re made by a retailer with a steadfast commitment to timeless style, quality craftsmanship and investment-worthy appeal.

Those are three very high benchmarks to clear when it comes to menswear essentials, but in my experience, Schott NYC consistently clears those benchmarks, and then some.

And you can be sure that if a company has made waves for its emphasis on tradition, style and quality, then its wares are likely sold by Huckberry. Consider ourselves two-for-two as we dive into the first weekly Style Pick of 2025, since the Schott Leather Delivery Jacket is a surefire winner for supremely cool, durable style this season (and beyond, of course).

In short, you can always count on Huckberry, and you can always count on Schott — that holds true for its famously durable moto jackets as much as less-heralded (yet no less stylish) pieces like the Schott Leather Delivery Jacket. Thick, rich lambskin leather and USA-made craftsmanship bolsters this road-ready leather jacket, which is accented by a bi-swing back to give you ease of movement on and off the highway (or reaching for a cold beer at your favorite dive bar).

The black leather of the Schott Leather Delivery Jacket is timeless and tasteful, with a cut that hits above the hip and a collar that can be flipped up to block the wind. In my experience, Schott hardware is also ultra-durable, and that should hold true with this antique-style hardware in particular. As Huckberry calls it, this handsome piece represents the “original delivery man’s jacket reimagined for everyday wear.”

And if you ask me, this piece offers a sense of effortless cool and the knowledge that — yes, for close to $1K — you’re getting a jacket made for life, the kind of piece you should be proud to hang in your closet (and wear as often as possible).

The Friday Read: Starting 2025 The Right Way, In Style

Huckberry menswear reviews.

It seems it was mere days ago I sat down to pen the last blog post of 2024 here at The Style Guide, your favorite Brooklyn style blog. And yet, time marches ever onward, and the beat goes on: We’ve hit the first Friday of 2025, and with it comes an optimal time to reflect for one final weekend before the new year kicks off in earnest.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Beau Hayhoe (@beauhayhoe)

//www.instagram.com/embed.js

Of course, I’ve stayed just busy enough over the holiday season writing about top menswear and gear news and deals via my freelance writing for Maxim.com (and elsewhere!) but the pace has been considerably slower — all the better as we gear up for a new year, ehh? To that end, be sure to follow me on Instagram to take a look at what I’m wearing, listening to, sipping on and even reading as we roll through winter here in NYC.

I’m always curious about, let’s say, menswear resolutions for the new year: What did you enjoy wearing in 2024, what trends are you bringing with you — and leaving behind — and what do you want to wear more of? For more on this topic, I always appreciate what Style Girlfriend has to say — check out that link for more, or read my Style Girlfriend interview with Megan Collins from the earlier days of this blog.

Heck, what brands, styles, trends or silhouettes might you like to see on this menswear blog in the year ahead? I often think about these questions as I peruse my favorite retailers, companies like Huckberry — and plenty more that you tend to read about frequently within the pages of this blog.

I’m all for retailers, brands and designers that seem to be on the cutting edge of all things luxe-yet-rugged, classic yet modern and fresh all the way around (yes, like styling a crisp wool blazer with a timeless Western shirt, which I’ll certainly be trying out sooner rather than later).

There’s always a certain ebb and flow to the year, after all, and yet, I’ve got a feeling that if you ease into things the right way — abiding by menswear classics with your own personal twist, for instance — things will all fall into place.

You can certainly find plenty of men’s style essentials that meet that particular moment when you shop companies like Huckberry, be it for a rugged waxed jacket, a cozy beanie or the perfect pair of chinos for your return to the office. Godspeed in your search, my friends.

For now, I’ll be kicking back this weekend with a cold beer, catching up on a dash of NFL action, and reading a new book (lately, I’ve been diving into “The Tender Bar”) as we plot out a well-paced start to 2025. As ever, thank you for reading and stay stylish!

The Thursday Buy: Take As Much as 60 Percent Off Designer Menswear at the Todd Snyder Winter Sale

Todd Snyder Winter Sale.

It seems as though we scarcely closed the curtain on 2024, and yet, we’re already off and running talking about the best menswear of 2025 (and beyond). Leave it to one of the country’s best menswear designers to deliver some serious savings in style (say that five times fast), as the Todd Snyder Winter Sale rounds into fine form during this laidback holiday week.

Now, we just talked about shopping one of the best cashmere cardigans from the refined, classic-meets-modern designer’s wares, and there’s a lot more where that came from. And I seriously mean a lot, since the Todd Snyder Winter Sale delivers savings of up to 60 percent off on an entire range of fresh, versatile layering staples for winter.

How to shop this sale and get the most bang for your buck? Use the code 30EXTRA to knock even more off these top-of-the-line, stylish-as-can-be selections.

That means that with the Todd Snyder Winter Sale, you’re scoring a deal on everything from super-soft chamois shirts to cozy shawl cardigans, elegantly cut trousers, expertly faded blue jeans and a heck of a lot more from the award-winning Todd Snyder line.

As to the selection, well, it’s hard to pass up: I’ve been a fan of Todd Snyder menswear for as long as I’ve been writing about menswear (it’s true, folks!). So, it seems as opportune a time as any to welcome in a new year with the Todd Snyder Winter Sale, and it seems like the company’s entire lineup is yours for the taking.

For starters, the Wool CPO Jacket you spy at the top of the page is 27 percent off, yet you can score an extra 30 percent off that perfect shirt-jacket — and a whole lot of other men’s style options — with that sales code (again, it’s EXTRA30). While the Todd Snyder Winter Sale might seem a bit too good to be true, it’s a surefire way to start 2025 with an extra dash of style and savings — guaranteed, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: This Buck Mason Field Shirt is as Versatile a Layer As It Gets for Winter

As we step into a new year, dressing well and dressing well as often as possible are still top of mind here at your favorite Brooklyn style blog. And versatility is often the name of the game among my favorite men’s style essentials, and I hope that sentiment holds true in your neck of the woods, as well.

And in terms of versatility and a healthy respect for both the classic and current, Buck Mason quite simply, well, delivers.

So, when I stumble across a piece that exudes reliability, rugged appeal and functionality, I tend to jump at the chance to add it to my menswear wardrobe. If you agree, then the Buck Mason Felted Field Shirt might be just the ticket as far as casually cool layering is concerned to start 2025.

There are a lot of boxes being checked by the Buck Mason Felted Field Shirt, believe it or not, which also holds true for other staples from the SoCal brand, like its preppy-yet-modern blazers, expertly cut Oxford shirting and perfectly faded blue jeans. But the rugged-meets-slightly refined Buck Mason Felted Field Shirt takes on a different air altogether, something familiar but different.

Cut from thick, soft, temperature-regulating felted merino wool, this durable field shirt takes on a useful appeal thanks to the large front chest flap patch pockets — just like military field shirts from back in the day. The Buck Mason Felted Field Shirt is cut to hit slightly below the hip, just like a field jacket might, but with the shirt collar construction of a traditional overshirt.

Best shirt jackets for men.

Large buttons give this handsome shirt all the makings of a prime overshirt, whether worn atop one of the brand’s faded chambray shirts or else styled with a classic Buck Mason henley.

Buck Mason reviews, at least in my experience, note that the brand makes Americana clothing with a modern twist, and the fact that you can get the Buck Mason Felted Field Shirt in a range of fresh, earthy color options speaks to the brand’s timeless-yet-modern appeal.

The next time you prize a layering piece with a bit more flair than a classic field jacket or a bomber jacket, opt for a durable, casual-yet-useful selection like the Buck Mason Felted Field Shirt — 2025 is already off to a rip-roaring start, is it not?