My friends, sometimes, it really is best to keep it simple. That goes for matters of menswear, style and shopping, which is why the Billy Reid Summer Clearance Event is the way to go today. What does that have to do with keeping it simple? Well, I’m glad you asked. When one of the country’s best menswear designers marks down some of the best men’s style essentials on the planet, it’s in your best interest to shop that sale, and quickly. Naturally, he’s been a favorite designer of mine on the blog for years — I love the Billy Reid Denim Shirt in particular. There’s plenty more where that came from, though.
In the past couple weeks, I’ve also directed you towards standout sales from Taylor Stitch and Filson, both events that don’t come around too often. The same can be said with deals on Billy Reid menswear. Coming from a designer that makes everything from James Bond’s peacoat to the best denim shirt, it’s always worth noting when it’s ideal to shop and stock. We’re talking up to 50 percent off the latest and greatest menswear, so don’t waste time sticking around this blog post: Go dig through the expertly curated Billy Reid Summer Clearance Event to get the best deals on your new favorite menswear today.
It’s more than high time that you picked up a pair of the best chino shorts for men this summer, is it not? I’ll say, and that’s why we’re diving into the truly stellar Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino Shorts today on the blog. You surely know and love NYC-based Bonobos if you read the blog (at least, I hope that’s the case). They’re a brand that now does a little bit of everything as far as the best men’s style essentials are concerned, from one of the best jackets for men to an ideal pair of pants to wear to work from home (and beyond). Pay close attention to that last pick, because it’s menswear for your bottom half where Bonobos really excels.
The company launched in 2007 with a focus on some of the coolest men’s chinos, revolutionizing fit and fabric for guys everywhere. And helpfully, they’ve done the same thing with your new favorite pair of shorts. The Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino Shorts truly check every single box imaginable when it comes to an all-day, everyday set of shorts, and I’m not just saying that. For starters, Bonobos bills these as having the “same great fit of our chinos,” and that’s a great place to kick things off.
Fit is certainly a crucial ingredient, and it only follows that you really can find the best-fitting pair of shorts for your lifestyle. The Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino Shorts come in three inseam lengths: An on-trend 5-inch inseam, an easily wearable 7-inch inseam and a classic 9-inch inseam (taller guys should like opt for the 7-inch or 9-inch pair, but the world is your oyster). You can also take your pick between Standard, Slim and Athletic fits, too. There are also waist sizes available up to size 40 at the moment. The fabric is a blend of cotton and stretch cotton twill, and things only get better from there. TheBonobos Stretch Washed Chino Shortsretail for an agreeable $79, so you can pick up a couple pairs. Why pick up more than one pair? Well, they come in a whopping 15 colors, and that versatility absolutely makes them some of the best shorts for men.
And because the design is both comfortable (thanks to the stretch) and modern (thanks to the relatively tailored fit), you can wear these stylish chino shorts with everything from a Bonobos polo to a stylish printed short-sleeve shirt (ideally also from Bonobos). You’re going to have a tough time finding shorts with so many customization options, from fit to color, at an agreeable price. In my book, that makes the Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino Shorts your next must-buy summer style essential. How about it?
Stepping into the weekend with a one-stop shop in mind for your favorite menswear just got a bit easier – at least, it looks that way to me when I check out the Mack Weldon Daily Wear System. Coming from a retailer as excellent as Mack Weldon, it’s a perfect system to consider as we kick off another Friday Read. You see, be it the brand’s excellent boxer briefs, comfortable socks, efficient and performance-minded buttondown shirts or the Mack Weldon Tech Chinos that we talked about earlier this week, the NYC-based brand really is one that can help you do it all. Consider this a recommendation or an endorsement to get your weekend rolling the right way. If you haven’t yet checked out Mack Weldon, now is the perfect time. And as to some other recommendations for the weekend? Well, I’m glad you asked.
I’m closing out a busy week after an upstate trip with Laphroaig Scotch, so I’m looking forward to catching up on reading and relaxing myself (but not too much – keep on reading!). The trip was a chance to test the brand’s latest offerings, and it was an homage to the fact that the famed distillery hosts a fly fishing festival every year in Scotland. From Tuesday’s “staycation” at the Arlo Midtown to a fly-fishing demo Wednesday morning and a lovely stay at the incredible Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, NY, it was a seriously unique trip the likes of which I’ve never been on. Although I wasn’t all that great at the tricky sport of fly fishing, I really enjoyed myself nonetheless!
I’ve got another trip coming up sooner than you might think, as well — I’m hitting the road tomorrow for a one-night getaway to try out what should be an excellent bar and hotel combination, the Riggs Hotel Washington, D.C., which is properly reopening after a year and change of the pandemic. Go ahead and give me a follow on Instagram to keep up with the latest and greatest! And in the meantime, the rest of today’s Friday Read is yours for the taking. Cheers, my friends!
Need a new dress shirt or tie as you head back to the office? Well, I’ve got just the solution for you. The Tie Bar’s Semi-Annual Sale is stocking and selling the best men’s dress shirts, ties and accessories for a return to the office and summer weddings aplenty, and they’re giving you discounts of up to 50 percent off all the while. Sounds like an ideal chance to stock up ASAP.
Here’s another reading recommendation for you this weekend. Summer brings with it plenty of opportunities to camp and explore the great outdoors. With that being said, you should certainly keep in mind the fact that you’re going to need a dependable jacket for all those pursuits on and off the trail. Head to The Manual to check out my guide to the best cheap North Face jacket deals this season. Good luck out there, folks.
I’ve been a fan of the excellent men’s lifestyle site Primer Magazine since 2012. The site covers everything a guy need to get dressed on the daily, live a fulfilling life, shop in style and decorate your apartment, and that’s why it was such a pleasure to cover the best men’s watches under $200. Give it a read and let me know what you think in the comments below.
That’ll wrap up today’s rather quick-hit Friday Read. Want something else to kick off your weekend with energy and spirit in mind? Head over to my twice-weekly newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief — a play off the title of this blog! — where I talk about my favorite new (and old) music, menswear, craft beer and more. If you like indie rock and indie pop, with the classics thrown in, then this is the right way to go (in my humble opinion!). Enjoy the weekend, stay safe and shop & read with style in mind, my friends!
Is it possible to find a pair of the best summer sneakers that are at once casual and yet surprisingly refined? It might sound too good to be true, but believe it or not, that’s what FRYE has managed to do with the FRYE Astor Slip Ons. These slip-on shoes check all the right boxes in what you need from an easy-wearing, equally easygoing set of kicks for the season. Let’s start with the basics first, though. FRYE has a long-running heritage of careful craftsmanship and rock-solid quality across its entire line of men’s shoes and accessories. It’s got to be the brand’s made-in-America origins (they’ve even got an entire USA-made line), but any way you look at it, FRYE delivers time and again. The FRYE Astor Slip Ons are no exceptional to the rule. If you’ve previously tried out more casual slip-ons, like the VANS Classic Slip-ons, you should know that these are cut from a different cloth (or rather, a different material entirely). They’re almost like a pair of dress sneakers, yet you get the relaxed comfort of a slip-on shoe.
The difference is in the details with FRYE, and they’ve really nailed all the details you need in a casual slip-on shoe, with an added dash of refinement thrown in. You see, the FRYE Astor Slip Ons are made with burnished, vegetable-tanned leather, unlike other slip-on shoes that are made from canvas. This makes them ever-so-slightly easier to dress up with slim chinos and a navy sweater-polo, for instance (head to Todd Snyder to get yours). And yet, it’s that easy-to-slide-on design that keeps them squarely in the middle of your dressy-to-casual summer footwear rotation. The waffle rubber outsole provides solid traction on the city or out in the country for a weekend trip.
And the fully lined leather footbed offers up plenty of springy, all-day comfort. Through it all, the FRYE Astor Slip Ons are going to wear and age gracefully, not unlike a pair of rugged FRYE leather boots. You’re investing more in the FRYE Astor Slip Ons than you might another pair of more traditional slip-ons, but you’ll also have them for longer, and they’ll offer up either office-ready style (remember that Todd Snyder sweater-polo) or weekend-ready versatility (with an American-made T-shirt and chino shorts). Helpfully, the FRYE Astor Slip Ons defy convention and go above and beyond your typical seasonal slip-ons. Sounds like a new must-buy for the season to me.
Who else is getting the urge to hit the road this summer, perhaps with the Filson Rugged Medium Twill Duffle in tow? I’m right there with you, and we’ll talk about how to gear up properly today. As you might know if you read the blog, there’s one place to go if you want one of the best duffle bags for a weekend getaway — or any trip at all this summer — and that’s Filson. They’ve got plenty of your bases covered in every way imaginable, right on down to the lightweight short-sleeve shirt you should pack in said bag. In short, if it’s the best new men’s gear for summer you seek, Filson has you covered — and of course, that’s a serious understatement.
We sure do love the Pacific Northwest heritage outfitter here on the blog, and again, that’s also an understatement. What exactly makes the Filson Rugged Medium Twill Duffle so essential? I’m glad you asked. You didn’t expect a brand that’s been around for more than a century to cut corners in matters of accessories and everyday carry essentials, did you? And the Filson Rugged Medium Twill Duffle really is packed with the proper bells and whistles to get you from point A to point B with durable style in mind.
It all starts from the ground up with the type of durable fabric that only the trained folks at Filson can craft. It’s the brand’s famed Rugged Twill, which is naturally tough and abrasion-resistant. Leave the carry-on luggage when you head out on a cabin or lodge getaway, and instead load up one of the best duffle bags, because this one in particular is suited to harsher conditions. Bridle Leather straps and accents, plus real brass hardware, reinforce this tough-as-nails getaway bag even further. As the brand notes, the Filson Rugged Medium Twill Duffle fits carry-on requirements for when you get back to flying, too.
You’ve also got your pick between three eye-catching colors, including the handsome Hemlock option seen at the top of the page. Think of this one like the ideal casual getaway bag, one that’ll look less formal than a leather briefcase as you travel wearing, say, Filson men’s jeans. It’s got everything you need in one of the best men’s weekender bags, to sum it up, but you’ve really got to try out this durable getaway bag for yourself. Last but not least, the Rugged Twill fabric just so happens to be water-resistant. A carry-on and weekend-ready bag that can stand up to the elements? Sounds like just what you need this summer. Start planning your trip right now.
Notice anything about today’s post? Welcome to the Tuesday Steal, a new category here at The Style Guide that might occasionally replace our regular, long-running Tuesday #OOTDseries. In the interest of getting right into it, the scoop here is that the Tuesday Steal gives you a menswear essential, like the best pants to wear back to the office, at a solid price. That’s the name of the game with Mack Weldon, and they’re a brand that’s only getting bigger and better. Now, you likely know Mack Weldon as the makers of some of the best basics for men, including the best men’s boxer briefs and the best men’s T-shirt, not to mention some of the best men’s shorts. But the Mack Weldon Maverick Tech Chinos are in a class all by themselves as far as the best men’s pants for summer (and beyond) are concerned, and that’s not just hyperbole. And because they retail for $128, they’re the type of pants primed for plenty of wear as you get the most bang for your buck.
Crucially, they’re part of the new Mack Weldon Daily Wear System, which shows you how to mix and match all of your surprisingly affordable style staples from the direct-to-consumer brand. DTC brands, which cut out the middle man, like a department store, have gained quite a bit of traction in recent years for offering lower prices, solid discounts and quality products, like the *drumroll please* Mack Weldon Maverick Tech Chinos.
The specs on the Mack Weldon Maverick Chinos are important, and critical for any item to take its place as the rightful owner of the Tuesday Steal. They’re made with spill and stain-resistant, four-way stretch fabric, for plenty of comfort in your cubicle and even back out on the road for seasons to come. That lightweight stretch fabric is also going to prove mighty handy as you navigate the summer heat. They even feature an incredible seven pockets and a flexible fly. Wear them with Mack Weldon shirts and Mack Weldon boxer briefs as often as you can this season, and beyond that. The rest of your Tuesday awaits, so go forth with the knowledge you’ve gained from the Tuesday Steal. Happy shopping!
If there’s a better time to wear a polo than right now, I have yet to discover it, and that’s why it’s critical you reach for one of the best polos for men this season. Just as with the rest of your wardrobe in the sweltering days of summer, pieces that really go above and beyond are the only thing that’ll do for a well-curated wardrobe, and that’s why we’re here today with a special Monday edition of our See Now, Buy Now series. In times like these, well, that’s when you should turn towards one of your favorite brands: The one and only Bonobos, makers of plenty of wardrobe staples. And about your new favorite polo? I’m glad you asked.
The Bonobos Jetsetter Performance Polo is undoubtedly the star of the show today, made with every bit as much attention to detail and quality as your favorite pair of Bonobos men’s chinos. It only makes sense that the brand, a longtime favorite of mine, would rapidly move beyond making some of the best pants for men. And you’re in luck with Bonobos men’s polos, because these surprisingly easygoing, versatile and sharp shirts are wearable with Bonobos chinos, Bonobos shorts and much more. Don’t believe me? Keep on scrolling.
The thing that separates the Bonobos Jetsetter Performance Polo from other polo shirts in your rotation is the fabric blend, first and foremost. It’s made with a super-soft pima cotton blended with Drytex® Acrylic for a smooth feel and sleek look. It’s certainly a dressy polo, the kind made to be worn with tailored chinos or crisp chino shorts in equal measure. Add sleek leather loafers or your favorite pair of white sneakers, and your look is nearly complete (the Shop By The Style Guide has plenty of other picks to sort out your next #OOTD). But back to the Bonobos Jetsetter Performance Polo.
Seven color options, including vibrant Lake Blue and breezy Fresh Mint, separate the Bonobos Jetsetter Performance Polo from the pack even further, if you can believe it. It’s the kind of versatility you’d expect from Bonobos, with a fair price tag (the Bonobos Jetsetter Performance Polo retails for just $69) to match. You can — and should — peruse the Bonobos Sale section for other pick-ups, but it’s worth investing in the Bonobos Jetsetter Performance Polo at full price, too. The next time you want to look polished while staying cool and dry in the heat, reach for a performance polo from Bonobos — it’ll perform every bit as handily as the brand’s famed chinos, and that’s a fact.
My friends, the best menswear sales like this one don’t come around very often, so pay close attention: You can get up to 50 percent off at the Filson Summer Clearing Sale, but not for long. Not for very long indeed, in fact, so be sure to shop the best deals on the best men’s outdoor gear right now. Earlier this summer, I alerted you to another exceedingly rare sale: The Taylor Stitch Peak of Summer Sale, which came and went in a flash. And with that being said, I’ll keep today’s post nice and brief, all the better to give you more time to shop one of the best sales on men’s outdoor gear right now.
As you know if you read the blog, Filson specializes in durable, heritage-quality gear for all seasons, from the best short-sleeve shirt for summer to durable, multi-season work pants. More than a few of these favorites are on sale for standout deals right now, including the Filson Lightweight Alaskan Guide Shirt (36 percent off) and the Filson Ultralight Vest (34 percent off). These deals won’t stick around for very long, so do yourself a major favor and gear up right now with the Filson Summer Clearing Sale. OK, that’s all I’ve got for you today. Happy shopping, folks!
By this point in July, you’ve hopefully acquired a pair of the best men’s sneakers. They’re a summertime menswear essential, after all, and can be every bit as much of a workhorse as your favorite leather boots in the colder months. The right sneakers can work, well, anywhere. We’re talking cookouts, road trips, even the office if you get the right pair and keep them clean. And if that’s not quite the case yet, have I got just the pair of men’s sneakers for you. Meet the OBRA 240 Canvas Sneakers, an exceptionally well-made, sustainable and fairly produced set of the best sneakers for men — and certainly, the kind of kicks you’re lucky to find at Huckberry. The lauded retailer first started selling these sneakers last year, to great fanfare and to plenty of immediate sell-outs. Luckily for you and me both, the OBRA Canvas Low-Top Sneakers are quite well-stocked for the dog days of summer, so you’re going to want to hop right on these affordably priced kicks. That’s probably an understatement, but I’ll let you decide for yourself once you’ve checked ’em out. The 240 Canvas Low-Wrap Toe start off with a bang as far as sneakers are concerned: A durable 240 industrial canvas gives them both durability and yet breathability. It gets even better when you take a closer look at these sustainable, made-in-Brazil sneakers.
It pays off when you get plenty of bang for your buck (these men’s sneakers retail for $120), plus standout construction, to boot. On top of that industrial canvas upper — available in five distinctive shades, including the crisp Navy shown above — the OBRA 240 Canvas Sneakers are made with a rubber-wrapped toe design, all the better to provide added support for hours on end. The vulcanized rubber outsole isn’t all that different from some of the best boots for men, either. And to make matters even better, theOBRA 240 Canvas Sneakers feature a suede lining for ultrasoft comfort. Throw in a heel tab in a neat shade of bright blue — we’re talking cool design and easy access — and these are certainly some of the best men’s sneakers you’ll wear this season. At that price, you can even get a couple pairs of without breaking the bank.
Who else is looking ahead to the weekend in style, like our man Mr. McQueen up there? He’s wearing Persol sunglasses, a classic selection that the legendary actor helped take to the next level as far as classic appeal is concerned. Helpfully, you can add a bit of your own Steve McQueen flair to your summer wardrobe by heading over to UNCRATE and shopping the Persol 714 Steve McQueen Sunglasses in the UNCRATE Supply Shop. They’re about as good as it gets if you want truly legendary style, and I’m not just saying that. Give them a look for yourself, and then let me know on Twitter if you end up picking them up.
As luck would have it, I’ll be bringing my own pair of Persol 714 Steve McQueen Sunglasses with me on the road this weekend for stylish summer adventures. I’m making the trek back to Michigan for a bachelor party (congrats, Andrew!) and some time on the water — Lake Michigan, as luck would have it — plus plenty of home state beer. The tail end of my trip includes a stop in Grand Rapids, aptly known as Beer City, U.S.A. — I plan to check out some of the city’s finest breweries, including New Holland Brewing, before I hit the road back to New York City. You can read all about my trip, as it were, in my twice-weekly newsletter The Style Guide In Brief, where I cover music, menswear and craft beer, all at once. It’s just one of the recommended reads you should dive into to start your weekend. The rest of my top picks for this week are below, so get that Friday started right. Cheers, folks!
I talked earlier this week about the best new menswear to buy from Todd Snyder (head here to read that post), and if you haven’t yet caught up with the latest and greatest from the esteemed designer, I’d say it’s about time you start. The Todd Snyder Indigo Surf Terry Sweatshirt in particular is a perfect layer for your next beach trip, with breezy, lightweight fabric construction and go-anywhere style to match. Don’t start up that beach bonfire without it.
Now, don’t get me wrong: The Persol sunglasses featured at the start of this post are as cool as can be, without a doubt. But if you want to add a pair of shades to your collection that share some DNA with your favorite Shinola watch, you’d do well to check out the new Shinola Eyewear Collection, not to mention my rundown of the frames themselves for Maxim.com. I’m a big fan, and I hope to test out a pair sooner rather than later.
I’ve given you a shopping recommendation and a reading recommendation (remember, my newsletter is The Style Guide In Brief!), so what say I give you a music recommendation, too? I’ve started writing for the U.K.’s largest new music publication, the excellent The Line of Best Fit, and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. Fans of The National and folk rocker Sufjan Stevens, like myself, will love the latest release from Ghostly Kisses. I wrote about it earlier this week for Best Fit’s New Music section, so give it a read and get plugged in!
Now, that’s going to wrap up today’s Friday Read as I get ready to hit the road and enjoy the sun and the open air of Pure Michigan. Remember, hitting “Subscribe” on my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief, is definitely on your to-do list this weekend. And here’s one more item for your to-do list: Head to this #OOTD to get my guide on how to dress for the beach for guys this summer. It’ll have you covered from head-to-toe with style in mind. Happy shopping and enjoy the weekend, my friends!
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