The Friday Read: Denver, The National & The Best Denim to Buy Now

The perfect layer to get ready for a September weekend.

Alright, folks — we’re going to get into the Huckberry x Howler Brothers collaboration as seen above later on in this article, but it’s the spirit of that type of gear that’s important here. It’s the first weekend after Labor Day, and maybe you’re back in the office, dreaming of your next getaway — the Huckberry x Howler Brothers North Coast Collection can help you do that. But more on that collection of the best new men’s gear in a second. Let’s go back to the spirit of adventure: That applies particularly for me this weekend, as I’m hitting the road to Denver (a new locale for me!) to once again take in a lifechanging show by my favorite band, The National. This group of indie rock heroes have given me more than a few highlights of my entire year (and my life!) these past few months.

That includes the release of their incredible new album and short film, “I Am Easy To Find,” back in May, but it really kicked off all the way back in April in New York City with a special, pre-album release show at Beacon Theater. This wonderful night of soulful, expansive indie rock was actually just captured via the new documentary, “The National: I Am Easy to Find, Live from New York’s Beacon Theatre” — I simply can’t stop listening or watching. From there, well, the hits have kept coming — I’ve had the chance to live out my dreams, heading everywhere from Los Angeles to Madrid and all the way back to Brooklyn to see this iconic band (all the while dressed in style, of course!). I feel very lucky, to say the least! And I positively can’t wait for two shows at the new Mission Ballroom!


I’ve heard stellar things about Denver across the years as well, from the city’s excellent craft beer scene to its easily accessible outdoor culture and atmosphere, and I really can’t wait to explore the city. Planned stops include spots like Crema Coffeehouse and Ratio Beerworks, naturally, along with the humble (but tasty-looking!) confines of Butcher Block Cafe. I’ll be bringing along favorites like my Flint and Tinder Light Wash Jeans and of course, a new Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt — you can check out all the music & craft beer fun on my Instagram, naturally. So, that’s what’s on tap for me this weekend — how about you? Start things off the right way with another edition of The Friday Read. Cheers!

  • It’s hard to top affordable men’s denim, right? Especially when that denim happens to be from Jomers — the best men’s denim on the market comes courtesy of the brand’s work with White Oak Cone Mills, former purveyors of truly excellent indigo cotton fabric made into some seriously excellent jeans. And on the Jomers front, you can check out my coverage at The Manual here.
  • Speaking of early fall and rugged outdoor adventure, it was a true treat to cover the Huckberry x Howler Brothers North Coast Collection over at GearMoose — it’s some of the most outdoor-ready gear you can get your hands on, and it all comes courtesy of a lauded online retailer and the stellar Howler Brothers brand. Now, let’s get out there.
  • It’s crucial that you start prepping for fall as early as possible — and seeing as it’s September, that time is now … right now. If you didn’t catch it last month, I’m going to point you toward my roundup of the best new men’s gear for the season. Happy shopping!

I’m going to serve up one last item for the weekend before I take off (literally, in this case!). There are still plenty of breezy nights to be had out there, and in that case, you’re going to need this rugged Faherty Brand poncho for the occasion. It’s one of the best men’s jackets for that last camping trip or a breezy day near the water. That’s all I’ve got today, folks! Enjoy the weekend.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Camp Pants are the Rugged Pants You Need for Fall

You’ll never run out of ways to wear these tough Taylor Stitch pants, guaranteed.

Our See Now, Buy Now series has something for everyone, if I do say so myself — that goes for the best T-shirt to buy now right through to the best men’s chinos. Let’s go a little more rugged for the very early stages of fall today then, shall we? I’m talking, of course, about the classic fall pants pictured above, the newly iconic Taylor Stitch Camp Pants. It’s always hard to pass up any new release from Taylor Stitch, the San Francisco-based gear purveyors who consistently crush it across the board. That goes for straightforward pieces like the Everyday Chambray Shirt and seasonally friendly picks like the Taylor Stitch Camp Pants, too. And if you haven’t yet given the brand a try, now is as good a time as any — guaranteed. The specs on these rugged camp pants make them a surefire fall winner, from the use of the brand’s Tuff Duck fabric (a blend of recycled polyester, hemp, organic cotton and spandex) to the stylish, neutral color options. My personal favorite might just be the British Khaki Tuff Duck Camp Pants, but I’ll leave it to you to decide your own.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Camp Pants

As to be expected, the details on the Taylor Stitch Camp Pants are seriously on-point.

Of course, we’d be remiss not to call out the fact that the Taylor Stitch Camp Pants are also incredibly durable, owing to that Tuff Duck fabric — four times more durable than cotton, in fact. Throw in the fact that these tough work pants are made to do, y’know, actual work rather than just look stylish (although they can also do that!), and you’ve got yourselves a great bet. Angled front slash pockets and two back patch pockets provide quick access to your everyday carry, while the YKK button front closure (as seen above) is also a tough, top-notch added detail. Style these with your favorite henley and perhaps some Danner boots for an upstate weekend trip, and feel free to wear them with a classic chambray shirt and some equally durable Red Wing Heritage boots for a casual day around town (with craft beer on the menu, to be sure). The Taylor Stitch Camp Pants are the tough fall pants you didn’t know you needed … until now. Shop accordingly.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Camp Pants

#OOTD: How to Wear a Graphic Tee This Season … Stylishly

Now, we’ve all been there. On certain weekend days, you might be standing at your closet rummaging through your long-sleeve shirts and thinking … “Man, I just want to wear a T-shirt today.” Fear not, because we’ve got that stylish T-shirt on lock for you — and better yet, we’ve got a full guide on how to wear a graphic T-shirt the right way. The graphic tee tends to get a bad rep because of gaudy designs and messages that would fit right in if you were still in middle school, perhaps. That’s just the way it is — but today’s stylish graphic tee is anything but that, as you’ll see. And given that it’s still just early September, this #OOTD is one that you can make work for you — no jacket required (although we’ve still got a rugged chore coat listed as an option below). Yes indeed, the best graphic tees are understated and subtle, not too loud, yet stylish at the same time — and they can be worn to a backyard BBQ or a night at your favorite dive bar in equal measure. The best graphic tees are a solid conversation starter with some rugged style appeal, too — today’s selection comes courtesy of Huckberry, and you’ll find a classic tee for every taste on the brand’s site. For now though, let’s dive in — if ever you’ve wondered how to wear a graphic T-shirt in a way that’s cool and stylish, not laughable, start with this #OOTD. Like what you see? Let me know on Twitter!

A rugged, laidback, timeless way to wear a graphic T-shirt.

  • The Stylish Graphic Tee: The Landmark Project Mt. Hood Tee, $30 — For just $30, you’re getting a surprisingly stylish graphic tee with a design that’s not too loud — it’s just plain cool, even if you’re not from the Pacific Northwest. Consider this the retro T-shirt you didn’t know you needed.
  • The Jacket: Wellen Stretch Chore Coat, $128 — Now, because it’s still September, you might not need this jacket — but in the event you do, this rugged chore coat is a versatile and stylish layer.
  • The Denim: Wellen Organic Jeans, $88 — Finding a pair of stylish blue jeans made the right way can be tricky — but this pair of classic slim denim from Wellen takes the cake. Understated and subtly stylish, they’re a new early fall style essential.
  • The Boots: Blundstone Super 550 Boots, $165.98 — Because it’s early fall, these rugged leather boots from Blundstone could come in handier than you think — the perfectly casual pair to wear to your favorite brewery, at that.
  • The Watch: Jack Mason Field Watch, $225 — When it comes to what’s on your wrist with this #OOTD, understated, classic-yet-rugged style is the way to go — this handsome Jack Mason Field Watch brings a bit of a throwback feel here.
  • The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt, $79.98 — Every guy — yes, you included — needs a stylish leather belt, especially when wearing a pair of stylish blue jeans. Tanner Goods has outdone themselves here.
  • The Cologne: Duke Cannon Proper Cologne, Two-Pack for $40 — Yes, cologne. But not that body spray of days gone by. No sir, Duke Cannon’s Proper Cologne offers a range of masculine-yet-versatile scents for your next casual outing.
  • The Everyday Bag: Filson Ballistic Nylon Duffel Backpack, $245 — Now, you could be heading down the street for a coffee or across town to grab a six-pack, but you’ll be surprised how handy and durable the Filson Ballistic Nylon Duffel Backpack can be. Consider it an everyday carry essential.

OK, who’s on board with how to wear a stylish graphic tee now, ehh? The right graphic tee, like the one above, has an eyecatching design that doesn’t overdo it — the same can be said for the rest of this outfit, featuring an equally classic pair of classic slim denim from Wellen. Those are the building blocks for an #OOTD that works well on a Saturday night or a casual Sunday in the fall, especially when teamed up with a rugged chore coat (if needed), and of course, rugged leather boots from Blundstone — they provide functionality and style points in spades. But as I always say, you’d be remiss not to wear a stylish watch for a bit of standout style, and the Jack Mason Field Watch is that timepiece precisely. When paired with a stylish leather belt, you’re keeping your accessories on point — no matter where you go. It’s touches like those ones that are going to take this outfit from good to great, because as we all know … the little details matter, even when wearing a T-shirt! Use Duke Cannon’s Proper Cologne to give yourself a nice lift grooming-wise — you’re going to love the scent and the price. And finally, no matter what’s on your to-do list, the tough style of the Filson Ballistic Nylon Duffel Backpack is going to come in mighty handy for a casual weekend. Alright, that’s all I’ve got for today. To see how I’m wearing my T-shirts this fall, head to my Instagram.

The List: These are the Men’s Style Essentials You Need in Your Closet Now

You’ve still got time to rock this classic striped T-shirt, believe me.

First off, I hope everyone is enjoying a nice holiday — that unfortunately means we’ve closed the book on summer, but that also means we’re slowly but surely entering the best time of the year for menswear: Fall! And with it comes a need to stock up on early fall style essentials, naturally. Now, there’s no need to break out  your rugged parka quite yet. For now, you can still rock a classic striped T-shirt like the one above. And as for the rest of today’s edition of The List? You can find more great gear below.

Wellen Hemp Striped Tee — $42

A breezy timeless tee with some neat stripes thrown in for good measure.

We’ve told you about versatile transitional gear like the Wellen Wind Shell recently on the blog, so now, it’s time to meet your new favorite T-shirt. Visually interesting, sustainably made, and fit for pairing with a khaki cotton blazer or wearing all on its own this month.

Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Hoodie — $118

Casual weekend style at its finest via Taylor Stitch.

We’re going from your new favorite T-shirt to perhaps one of the best hooded sweatshirts on the market. The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Hoodie is the perfect casual weekend layer. Wear it with your new favorite pair of jeans for a morning coffee run. Speaking of …

Mott and Bow Slim Broome Denim — $128

Expertly broken-in denim for a new season.

Here’s the aforementioned slim faded denim you’re going to find yourself reaching for consistently, courtesy of Mott and Bow. This NYC-based brand is making some of the best men’s denim around, and at great prices.

Pro Keds Royal Lo Plus Suede — $72.98 (When On-Sale)

A classic pair of low-top sneakers for any day of the week this fall.

Stylish suede sneakers, especially this classic pair from Pro Keds, are the right way to nod toward the start of fall — subtly, that is. Plus, they pair up very nicely with the best men’s denim, do they not?

Faherty Brand Knit Seasons Shirt — $128

A pleasingly rugged shirt to wear as it starts to get cooler.

Eventually, the temperature is going to start to plummet — and when it does, this classic knit shirt from Faherty Brand is going to prove a reliable layer to throw on, particularly atop your your new favorite T-shirt.

Lum-Tec M82 Automatic Watch — $875 

Your new favorite watch? Quite possibly.

We’ve talked consistently as of late on the blog about Lum-Tec watches, and specifically, their rugged dependability. Well, the Lum-Tec M82 Automatic Watch fits that mold quite nicely, and its tough design might just make it the perfect watch for fall.

Ska Brewing Moral Panic Brut IPA — Price Varies 

A new take on a quickly growing style of beer — refreshing and enjoyable all the way through.

If there’s one beer style that seems to be trending as of late, it might just be the Brut IPA — and the Ska Brewing Moral Panic Brut IPA is assuredly one of the best brut IPAs around, a pleasing, effervescent sipper for when it’s still a bit hot out, but you still want an IPA.

Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots — $291.98

An iconic pair of boots to wear all season long.

I can guarantee you this won’t be the last time you read about Wolverine boots here on the blog this fall — the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots are a classic pair of men’s boots to get you into the spirit of the season, to be sure.

Flint and Tinder Washed Hat — $40 

An easy ballcap to throw on whenever you want.

We’re all about casual fall style today, and this Flint and Tinder Washed Hat is the stylish new ballcap to throw on … whenever you want on a fall weekend, truly.

SYMBOL Audio AERO 25″ Media Stand — $2,545

A seriously cool, covetable way to store your favorite records.

As fall weather approaches, so too does the desire to curl up, bundle up (with the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Hoodie, of course) and put on a favorite record. To store your records in a way that’s highly stylish, look to SYMBOL Audio (and get your credit card handy, to be sure).

Arvin Goods Crew Socks — $14 

These socks perfectly channel retro cool, correct? Correct.

Who doesn’t love a pair of stylish retro socks, right? The Arvin Goods Crew Socks channel throwback vibes and should pair up nicely with slim faded denim and of course, some Pro Keds sneakers to complete the look.

Gregory Covert Overnight Mission Bag — $240 

A durable, easily transportable overnight bag.

Last but not least … wondering about the best gear for a fall weekend trip? Well, wonder no more — the Gregory Covert Overnight Mission Bag is the best bag for when you want to travel light … as in, very light.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

OK, that’ll do it for today’s roundup of the best new men’s gear. Feeling ready for fall yet? Which of the above picks is a must-buy? I think you can’t go wrong with the Gregory Covert Overnight Mission Bag to really kick things up a notch for fall, and the same can certainly be said for a pair of Mott and Bow denim, right? Right. If you’ve got any favorites, let me know on Twitter. Cheers!

 

 

Style Pick of the Week: Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers

The classic high-top sneakers to buy and wear all fall.

OK, folks — here we go. We’re standing on the cusp of fall (quite literally, seeing as it’s Labor Day weekend), and we’re starting it off in fine form with the best men’s high-top sneakers for the season. Specifically, the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers, a classic pair of high-tops to wear starting now and on into fall. Why do high-top sneakers work so well for fall? Well, it’s gotta be the fact that they mimic, in some ways, the weather-friendly dependability and aesthetic of your favorite pair of boots — yet, with a decidedly more casual nature. And the great thing is, when it comes to that same tried-and-true pair of the best men’s high-tops that you wore all summer, you can keep them handy to pair with more fall-centric outfits. To wit: The Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers are made with a tough 12.5oz. canvas, a more hard-wearing fabric than lighter canvas sneakers, and it’s handy that they come in a classic navy color for prime retro style. It’s that kind of construction that allows them to stand up ably when paired with rugged field pants and a thermal henley — or dark indigo denim and a classic white T-shirt.

SHOP: The Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers

A fall-ready profile as we head into a new season.

And if you can believe it, we haven’t even talked about how affordable the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers happen to be — you can snag them for under $55 via Huckberry. For a brand with the iconic pedigree of Pro-Keds, that’s a steal — they’ve been making lauded sneakers for more than six decades. Now, they’ve crucially made a few updates to these stylish high-top sneakers since then; namely, Pro-Keds has enhanced the last and footbed to fall in line with modern times. That gives you all-day comfort, from the office to the bar and beyond. And in fact, you might say the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers have “all-season” comfort, at that. Team them right now with a classic chambray shirt and tan chinos, then add a rugged shawl cardigan to that outfit when it starts to get properly chilly out. You can also wear the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers to the office — try them on for size with dark indigo denim, a charcoal Oxford shirt and a navy cotton blazer. As we start out the fall season in earnest, there’s really nowhere that the Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers can’t go — that’s just a fact.

SHOP: The Pro-Keds Royal Hi Sneakers

The Friday Read: Labor Day Weekend, The Dickies 1922 Collection & the Best New IPA to Try Now

Step into the holiday weekend in style with this perfectly rugged jacket.

You see the rugged Flint and Tinder Flight Jacket pictured above? It’s perhaps the best transitional jacket to wear right now, and it’s one heck of a style essential to have handy for Labor Day weekend (seriously, you can still order it here before you head out for the weekend!). This long weekend is a momentous and exciting one, seeing as it closes the books on summer and signals the unofficial start of fall — and with that comes plenty of seasonal style content on the site, of course.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

Before we dive right in though, I’m taking in all that the weekend has to offer in NYC. I was initially supposed to head down to sunny Florida, but over the past few days, Hurricane Dorian is on track to make the state … decidedly less sunny. My family is safe and sound in Fort Myers in the meantime, and while I keep in touch with them throughout the weekend, I’ll be enjoying the start of the Michigan State football season tonight, cold beer in hand. I also plan on making the trek out to Jersey City on Saturday to see the much-lauded live return of one of my favorite bands, Future Islands! I loved seeing them at last year’s “There’s No Leaving New York” Festival in NYC (featuring The National!) and this will be my first time hearing new songs they’ve got on tap! To say I’m excited to head to the excellent White Eagle Hall (and have a cold one at Jersey City craft beer establishment Pint) is an understatement. How about your weekend plans? Follow along with all the fun on my Instagram. In the meantime, here’s the Friday Read you’ve been waiting for below! Cheers.

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

  • We’ve talked in the past about how difficult it can be to find the right made-in-America menswear — that’s why I’m such a fan of the Dickies 1922 Collection, a series of updated takes on the brand’s iconic silhouettes, from a tough truck driver jacket to a classic chambray shirt. Read my full overview at The Manual for more.
  • Hey, it’s the weekend — treat yourself to a cold one, will ya? And on that note, I give you perhaps the best new IPA (OK, well, one of them at least). It’s coming to you courtesy of Goose Island, and the Next Coast IPA is the right beer to add to your cooler or fridge in time for Labor Day weekend, tailgating season and beyond that.
  • For Labor Day weekend — the style moment of the hour, as it were — you’re going to want gear that’s laidback and breezy, casual yet versatile … so, kind of like this Faherty Brand poncho. It’s the perfect piece of weekend outerwear, easily paired up with slim chino shorts, white canvas sneakers and a classic white tee to head to the beach or the boardwalk. It’s an effective way to layer up when summer’s last call gets breezy, too.

The Best Basics. Summer Ready.

And with that, it’s time to close out summer and head into the weekend. Fear not, though — I’ve got one last suggested piece of reading for your enjoyment. I’m guessing — just a guess — that my guide as to what to wear to a bonfire could come in handy this weekend. It’s all things rugged-yet-casual, and ready for anything. Enjoy the weekend, folks!

See Now, Buy Now: These Quoddy Blucher Shoes are The Perfect Shoes for Early Fall

The rugged, classic boat shoes to wear as we start early fall.

So, here we stand, on the verge of Labor Day weekend (gasp!), the official end of summer (on paper at least), and the start of the slow transition toward early fall, and you’re going to need some of the most versatile men’s shoes on the market. What early fall style essentials are you shopping for? Well, I can help you out with at least one in today’s new See Now, Buy Now post: The Quoddy Blucher Shoes are some of the best men’s shoes to get on your feet right now, as apt to be worn on the weekend as at the office. How does that work out? Read on & you’ll find out. For starters, it helps that these rugged leather boat shoes have got that ever-crucial Huckberry stamp of approval, a nod of good faith that these richly handcrafted leather shoes are the real deal — especially as you start to stow away your stylish sneakers in favor of something a bit more substantial. And folks, that’s where the rugged appeal of the Quoddy Blucher Shoes comes into play, starting with a rich leather upper that’ll break in beautifully.

SHOP: The Quoddy Blucher Shoes

A new take on the classic leather boat shoe, one that’s equally ready for the weekend or the work week.

And as far as boat shoes are concerned, these have a  few other critical design pieces going for ’em. For one, they fit the rather rare definition of rugged leather boat shoes — again, that rich leather makes them more suited for the changing leaves and changing temperatures than the heat of summer. The anti-slip rubber sole also helps them navigate the city and perhaps even an early fall park stroll. And the design extends to the rich brick red outsole itself — these Quoddy Blucher Shoes toe the line between rugged and casual. They’d be ideal to wear with a rugged long-sleeve henley and classic dark blue denim for a weekend coffee date, but you can (and should!) team up the Quoddy Blucher Shoes with classic tan chinos and a timeless Oxford shirt for a casual day at the office. That alone makes them some of the best men’s shoes, don’t you agree?

SHOP: The Quoddy Blucher Shoes

Elevated Basics. Grounded Price.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Jacket … Just About Anywhere

We might be on the cusp of Labor Day weekend — and today’s #OOTD can certainly function well in that setting, too — but it’s also prime time to look toward early fall. Critically, how to dress for early fall is something we’ve been driving home these past few weeks on The Style Guide, and today’s #OOTD is no different. To wit: We’re taking a rugged camo jacket (perfect for long weekend travel or as a casual, cool blazer replacement) and matching it up with the kind of men’s style essentials you’d be proud to wear any time of year (but especially as the weather gets chilly). Trust me: It could be your new favorite jacket. And what about the rest of this look? You’ll find the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee below, along with some of the best men’s pants for fall — the goal here is casually rugged style that works from the coffee shop to the open road (and maybe even your office, if you can get away with it). The focus is this: The right gear picks speak for themselves, so when wearing a more flashy camo jacket, you should tone down the rest of your #OOTD accordingly. And because we’re moving ever-so-slowly into fall, that means the introduction of rugged leather boots — the kind you wear to your favorite distillery or for a quick weekend hike. It’s all about gear that can go anywhere, so mix and match these picks as you please. Alright, without further ado … here we go.

The perfect combination of rugged and casual for Labor Day weekend & well into fall.

  • The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket in Camo Wax, $198 — Here it is, your new favorite jacket. Consider it the perfect go-between layer for breezy early fall nights. This rugged camo jacket is both subtly stylish and distinct enough to work everywhere from a rock concert to a weekend brunch.
  • The Classic White Tee: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee, $45 — Now, is this a full-on white tee? Not quite. And that’s OK! The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee is A) Sustainably made and B) More durable than a thinner white tee — just what you need heading into September (and beyond).
  • The Pants: Proof Rover Pants, $98 — If it’s a pair of the best men’s pants for fall that you seek, then perhaps the oft-recommended Proof Rover Pants are your best bet. Sharp and stylish, yet easily paired up with one of the best white tees out there.
  • The Boots: Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chelsea Boots, $240 Stylish Chelsea boots that just so happen to be rugged and versatile? It’s possible thanks to these rugged leather boots — they’re also lightweight and not overly clunky.
  • The Watch: Jack Mason Diver Watch, $282.98 — You’ve got your rugged camo jacket, you’ve got your Red Wing Heritage boots … might as well throw on a classic dive watch as a complement to this #OOTD, ehh? Indeed!
  • The Grooming Essential: Saturdays NYC Clay Pomade, $24 — We’re leaving your stylish ballcap at home on the shelf in favor of a slick, sharp hairdo via the Saturdays NYC Clay Pomade, the latest grooming essential from one of your favorite brands.
  • The Everyday Bag: WP Standard Canvas Travel Bag, $215.98 — Need to hit the road in a hurry for a fall weekend trip? Need to haul a change of clothes to the office? This rugged shoulder brief is the way to go.
  • The Everyday Carry: Studebaker Workshop Keyholder, $58 — Never lose track of your keys again, no matter the style situation, with this crucial everyday carry upgrade.

OK, let’s recap it all, shall we? The goal here is transitional fall style that you can even make use of during Labor Day weekend. So, a rugged camo jacket from the good folks at Taylor Stitch takes care of business for breezy fall nights, as does the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee — a one-two combo that’s subtly stylish and eyecatching. Some of the best men’s pants for fall act as another reliable outfit anchor, with the type of fabric and cut that works for fall travel or a fall day on the job. And it’s always tough to go wrong with rugged leather boots, particularly the kind that feature tough suede and sleek-but-hardworking construction. To haul your daily essentials, grab  tough-as-nails, rugged shoulder brief, but not before you’ve done up your ‘do with the Saturdays NYC Clay Pomade — it’s an immediate hair upgrade that adds some refinement to this look. Don’t forgo your everyday carry, either. And last but not least: Be sure you’ve accessorized accordingly with a classic dive watch to round things out. Is this the way you’d style this #OOTD? You can always let me know on Twitter. Cheers!

 

 

The List: Here’s All the Best New Men’s Gear to Buy This Week

Time to step into a new season — read more about the Lancy Aire x Taylor Stitch Collection below.

Rest assured, folks: In today’s edition of The List, we’ve got the lowdown on the new men’s style essentials you need to buy to close out this month — and look toward September and beyond. The theme this month has been that, well, summer’s winding down, Labor Day is approaching and early fall (the best time for menswear) is on the way. Without further ado, here’s the gear you’re going to need for it — including an iconic vintage watch, naturally.

CYMA WWW Dirty Dozen Watch — $2,450 

Without a doubt, a drool-worthy watch to wear every single day.

Now, don’t be alarmed by that price tag — we’re assuredly starting today’s edition of The List off with a bang, but the CYMA WWW Dirty Dozen Watch is one of the best vintage watches on the market. It was one of 12 models made for the British military, and it’s part of the new Lancy Aire x Taylor Stitch Collection. It’s a watch to covet and lust after … and it’s also the rare vintage watch you should actually be able to, y’know, wear. It should work nicely with a classic chambray shirt and slim tan chinos this season.

Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford — $118

The breezy Oxford shirt that’s been perfectly broken-in for you.

We’ve talked in the past on this site about this American-made Oxford shirt, but it’s worth bringing it to the forefront again. It’s one of the best men’s shirts in any season, and especially primed to layer over your favorite slub tee on an early fall weekend.

Relwen Squall Breaker — $127.98

An unbeatable lightweight jacket for the transition to September.

One of the crucial parts of shopping for fall style essentials has to be finding the right transitional gear, like one of the best lightweight jackets to carry you through inclement weather. Ladies and gentlemen, that jacket is the Relwen Squall Breaker. Carry on.

MVMT Watches Range Field Watch — $95

A rugged, tough watch that’s perfect for fall.

Pleasingly crisp and yet rugged at the same time in terms of design, the Range Field Watch from MVMT Watches belongs on your wrist for fall adventures aplenty. Pair it up with your favorite henley and the Relwen Squall Breaker to grab a weekend coffee.

Bespoke Post Concentrate Box — $45

A handy, affordable box from one of the best men’s subscription services around.

Here’s the deal, as we all know with Bespoke Post — sign up for the brand’s monthly subscription service, then get access to some of the best cold brew around, made right from the comfort of your home, with the Bespoke Post Concentrate Box. That’s all there is to it.

Danner Vertigo 917 Boots — $220

Tough, durable boots to buy from a USA-made brand.

Surely, you recognize these rugged hiking boots and other Danner boots from the blog — we’re including these tough leather boots here once more to start getting you in that fall mindset. It’ll pay dividends, trust me.

Mott and Bow Rivington Denim — $96

Slim blue denim in selvedge — the kind of jeanas you’ll wear all the time.

The best men’s blue jeans are easier to find than you might think — simply shop Mott and Bow. They’ve been a longtime favorite of the blog for the ease of purchase and the serious style points. The Mott and Bow Rivington Denim are some of the best raw selvedge jeans out there, and for a heck of a price, in my opinion.

Tanner Goods Classic Belt — $79.98

This is a belt that’s only going to get better with age, guaranteed.

In the midst of all this planning, don’t forget about your everyday carry — namely, accessories like this stylish leather belt from Tanner Goods. The perfect complement to the Taylor Stitch Camp Pants, I might add (more on those shortly).

Billy Reid Packable Quail Jacket — $354.98

The rugged fall jacket to wear on fall weekends — trust me.

Yes indeed, there’s no question that Billy Reid just gets it when it comes to rugged fall gear – – even if it’s not quite cold enough for the Billy Reid Quail Jacket yet, it will be soon enough. And that’s when you break out one of the best fall jackets in your wardrobe, folks.

Saturdays NYC Wet Wax — $24

A sleek, new product to upgrade your haircut in a hurry.

Perhaps in the months ahead, yo’ull find yourself reaching for a stylish hat rather than doing your hair — but for now, it’s tough to go wrong with some grooming essentials. Enter this super-sharp Saturdays NYC Wet Wax, a way to add some throwback refinement to your ‘do.

Taylor Stitch Camp Pants — $128

Another instant classic from Taylor Stitch, here just in time for fall.

Yes indeed, the return of the Taylor Stitch Camp Pants is here — these are some exceptionally rugged fall pants, the sort you can wear on a camping trip or for an early morning of yard work … or simply to grab a pint at your favorite brewery.

Rancourt & Co. Court Classic 2.0 — $280

These are the best leather sneakers lying around for fall, in your author’s opinion.

An updated version of your favorite leather sneakers from Rancourt & Co., these are easily some of the best sneakers for fall, what with their rugged construction and rich leather. Again, a great complement to the aforementioned Taylor Stitch Camp Pants.

Billy Reid Mini Waffle Henley — $73.98

Another instant classic from Billy Reid.

More standout gear from Billy Reid — we’d be remiss when it comes to fall style essentials to not include a rugged long-sleeve henley, right? Another piece of gear to buy now, then wear later.

Upstate Eco Heather Flannel Sheet Set — $94.98 

New flannel sheets in time for fall? You got it.

Even your bedding should start to transition into fall — take these stylish flannel sheets from Upstate, and if you’ve got a king bed, stow them away to change out your bedding for fall when the temperature starts to drop. Bingo!

 

So, we started off today’s version of The List talking about the incredible — and yes, incredibly expensive — CYMA WWW Dirty Dozen Watch. Was it your favorite today? Or are you perhaps more inclined to go for something more classic, like some of the best sneakers for fall or perhaps a pair of the best men’s blue jeans? Let me know on Twitter!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Style Pick of the Week: Mott & Bow Crosby Denim

A go-to pair of classic dark blue denim for any day of the week.

If you peruse the pages of The Style Guide with any frequency, there are classic men’s style brands (or newly classic men’s style brands!) that come up from time to time. Across the years, Mott & Bow has been one of those brands, a reliable producer of the best denim for men — including the utterly timeless Mott and Bow Crosby Denim as seen above. What makes them so special? That’s why we’re here, folks. (On that note, head to this link to read my Mott and Bow product review). From the brand’s classic denim shirts to its mobile, versatile classic dark blue denim, this quickly growing E-commerce brand (based in NYC) makes it surprisingly easy for guys to find a great-fitting pair of jeans, seeing as they offer fits ranging from Straight to Skinny. The Mott and Bow Crosby Denim are of the slim variety, and that should sit just right for most of us guys. And lest this all start to sound too complex or too pricey — they’re just jeans, after all — know that Mott and Bow offers a free try-on size option. And when you consider the agreeable pricing (the Mott and Bow Crosby Denim start at just $108), you’re getting a pair of the best men’s blue jeans for a downright steal.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Crosby Denim

A fit that’s slim but not too slim, ideal for any season.

And whether or not you’ve tried a pair from them before, you should know that Mott and Bow denim doesn’t pull any punches in terms of style points or quality, either. Case in point: These stylish blue jeans are made from an agreeable 12.2oz. cotton denim & feature 2 percent elastane. In short, that means these are classic blue jeans through and through, neither too heavy (a la selvedge) or too lightweight and stretch (a la cheap jeans from a fast fashion retailer). Yes indeed, these are some of the best men’s jeans on the market — and the use of a pleasing 6-month wash. For the unitiated, that involves using a resin spray, hand scraping & drying across multiple steps — resulting in the classic Mott and Bow look and finish you see today. Because the Mott and Bow Crosby Denim are such a timeless pair of denim, that means you can wear them with everything from a charcoal Oxford shirt and classic suede chukka boots to a crisp white tee and your favorite pair of leather sneakers. And when fall rolls around, throw on a rugged chambray shirt, a classic shawl cardigan and your favorite pair of leather boots to head out for a pint (or heck, a day at the office). There’s really no wrong way to go about wearing the Mott and Bow Crosby Denim, I can guarantee that.

SHOP: The Mott and Bow Crosby Denim