Is there any American menswear designer out there that does a better job at taking rugged staples and giving them an elevated, even luxe feel? There are certain names that come to mind (Todd Snyder among them), but Alabama-based Billy Reid and his namesake label tend to do a positively stellar job at taking the familiar and the rugged, and then blending them in a new, altogether fresh way. That’s lofty praise, while also saying a lot: What does it all mean for you?

It means that if you want a rugged-yet-elegant flannel shirt, one that leans on both Western heritage and classic plaid patterns, you’ve found your match in the Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt this season. From the angled Western-style chest pockets to the dusty, Southwest-inspired Brown/Dark Forest colorway (Billy’s signature shade of brown, to be exact), the details and the thoughtful design are evident in every single stitch.

The Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt amps up the plaid pattern in a serious way (a large-scale way, as the name would indicate), and also offers a layering-ready standard fit, so you can style this handsome plaid flannel shirt on its own or atop a thermal henley or a pocket tee.

Smoke mother-of-pearl buttons add a refined touch, while the placket is finished with the award-winning designer’s signature ribbon stripe detailing. The effect is eye-catching and utterly classy, at least in my experience wearing top-of-the-line Billy Reid menswear.

You’ll also notice contrast diagonal stitching at the pockets of this newfound autumnal favorite, which Billy Reid says is “our modern take on an old-school style.” They’re certainly correct when it comes to that modern spin on a tried-and-true favorite, which just so happens to be the sort of pieces we love to feature (and wear!) here at this Brooklyn style blog.

The Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt, particularly when styled with dark blue jeans or even navy chinos, puts a tailored spin on a rugged favorite, but it’s perhaps at its best when worn with light tan chinos or even dark tan, bourbon-hued corduroy pants. The custom cotton fabric should prove lightweight enough to layer, but not too flimsy in the fall and winter cold.

The best part about the Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt is the fact that you can use it to dress down a charcoal blazer, or fall right in line with your favorite shawl cardigan — the options are practically limitless when it comes to this versatile, old-school-meets-new-school Western plaid buttondown. Layer up accordingly in the weeks ahead, my friends.