Category / Men’s Style

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: These Todd Snyder Linen Shorts are as Comfortable and Stylish as It Gets for Summer

Breezy style is the name of the game this season, and for that, you’re going to need a pair of fresh lightweight shorts with plenty of style points behind ’em. There’s a way to balance effortless good looks and comfort, and of course, you can trust a designer like famed American menswear maestro Todd Snyder to get the balance just right as far as the best menswear for summer is concerned — very much including the best shorts for men as shown at the top of the page.

Lightweight, ultra-breezy style and plenty of comfort certainly applies to the designer’s lightweight shirting, tailoring and knit polos as well as another crucial part of your #OOTD — your bottom half. And while the designer’s chinos and expertly faded light wash denim are more than agreeable for the season at hand, sometimes, the situation calls for something a touch lighter.

Shop the best summer menswear at Todd Snyder

And that something lighter in this case? A pair of the best linen shorts, ones fit for something as casual as a backyard BBQ or as refined as a rooftop party alongside leather loafers and a sweater polo (more on those pairings shortly).

The company says this particular pair happen to be the “perfect shorts for any time you want to channel chill vibes without sacrificing style points,” complete with 100 percent linen construction and a super-comfortable drawstring elastic waistband.

The inseam on the Todd Snyder Linen Beach Shorts hits nicely above the knee for a tailored look without feeling too stuffy, while utility hand pockets lend these a touch of casual class.

The Todd Snyder Linen Beach Shorts are also garment-dyed for both rich color and comfort, and the leg opening is nicely tailored rather than baggy. The handsome Todd Snyder Linen Beach Shorts come in an array of fresh colors, like the deep tan of Gilded Gold and the on-trend deep brown hue of the Cigar offering.

Shop seasonal essentials now at Todd Snyder

In my experience, it goes without saying that the Todd Snyder Linen Beach Shorts are as ready to pair with a pocket tee and white leather sneakers as they are with a cotton polo and leather loafers. Find your next expert summer style move with a pair of the best shorts for men from a legendary designer, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: This Lightweight Huckberry Blazer is On Sale, and It’s Perfect for the Summer Months

Best lightweight blazers for men.

It’s not the first time we’ll talk about it on this Brooklyn style blog, nor is it the last, but looking your best in the heat can be a fine line to walk. The right gear for the job takes a lighter course of action than the same men’s style essentials you’d rock in the fall and winter, and that holds especially true as far as the tailoring you wear is concerned.

Take one of the best lightweight blazers for men — a true must-have as the thermostat climbs and your social calendar fills up. And as a matter of fact, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer fits the bill mighty nicely in terms of fabrication, design and style points.

Learn more now at Huckberry

As we always say here at this Brooklyn men’s style blog, well, if you can find a deal on one as the season itself heats up — a deal on something like the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer shown above — then that’s all the better. It’s part of a selection of the best men’s blazers sold by Huckberry, and to be quite frank, it doesn’t get much better than that.

According to famed retailer Huckberry, the blazer is “your secret to easywearing warm-weather style,” with the ability to put in work at the boardroom, at a summer wedding, at a rooftop happy hour and beyond. Right now, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer is marked down about 20 percent, and forgoes the typical padding and structure of a blazer in favor of a cotton-elastane blend and a soft-shouldered, natural finish.

That makes the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer an easy choice for casual yet effortlessly cool style — wear your new favorite blazer over a lightweight T-shirt, an Oxford shirt or even a more traditional stretch dress shirt for polished looks and cool comfort.

Available in Navy, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer also boasts casual, classic patch pockets and a two-button build, plus a center rear vent — yet another classic sportcoat touch from the style masters at Huckberry.

Shop stylish blazers and more at Huckberry

And given the fact that it’s available in sizes ranging from S-XXL at the moment, I’d say there’s no reason not to scoop up the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer at a standout deal in time for warm-weather style.

Pair it with Huckberry stretch chinos, pair it with light wash jeans, pair the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer with just about anything you please (other than shorts — leave that to Angus Young). Cheers to the season at hand and the best lightweight men’s blazers, folks.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Bonobos Linen Shirt is Your Perfect Everyday Summer Buttondown Shirt

It’s something we’ve talked often about here on this men’s style blog when it comes to how to dress for summer for guys: Staying cool in the heat while putting your best foot forward can be a tall order at the best of times. Take it from a guy who tends to run hot, but just know that there are men’s style essentials out there that meet the moment in rather breezy fashion, particularly when it comes to a brand like Bonobos.

The New York City everyday fashion brand changed the game for guys, as we’ve discussed over the years, as far as better-fitting men’s pants are concerned. That’s not all the brand can do, in my experience, as the company has expanded over the years into fine Italian tailoring, buttery-soft tees, expertly crafted knitwear and of course, the Bonobos Everyday Linen Shirt as seen above.

Shop summer style must-haves at Bonobos

Again, men’s shirting isn’t the only thing the brand does well, nor is it only about its lineup of pants, but there’s truly an air of the approachable and the everyday when it comes to Bonobos — the brand is subtly stylish and ready for the season at hand, especially an ultra-breezy linen shirt that presents one of the best ways for guys to look stylish in the heat.

Best linen shirts for men.

The Bonobos Everyday Linen Shirt boasts subtle texture, 100 percent linen construction — about as light as it gets in the world of men’s shirts — and a flattering fit you can customize to your liking. Yes, that’s right: While it doesn’t come in traditional dress shirt measurements (which measure the circumference of your neck and the length of your arm), the handsome Bonobos Everyday Linen Shirt does in fact come in sizes ranging from XS to XXL, plus Slim and Standard options — and three shirt lengths, to boot.

Is this linen shirt the perfect lightweight shirt to wear when you want to look sharp without the heat or the stuffy nature of a traditional dress shirt? In my experience, I’d say yes, my friends. The Bonobos Everyday Linen Shirt is available in two core colors (a crisp White and a versatile Light Blue), but 12 limited-edition colors and patterns give this fashionable men’s linen shirt a nice touch of variety for summer style.

That sense of variety holds especially true when paired with off-white trousers, beige chinos or even olive chino shorts (depending on the style and color of shirting you select, of course). No matter what color or pattern or fit you select, this breezy linen shirt should prove cooling, stylish and ultra-versatile — embrace the high heat of summer with one of the best lightweight shirts for men, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: These Stylish Leather Chukka Boots from Astorflex & Huckberry Are On Sale

Best men's leather chukka boots.

In any rotation of the best footwear for men, multi-season versatility is often crucial. So while your winter boots are long stowed away in favor of crisp canvas sneakers, for instance, there are stylish men’s shoes that stand the test of time and prove handy in both warmer weather and colder climes.

If you ask me, a pair of the best leather chukka boots for men can prove quite handy in the spring and summer — just as in the fall and winter. And the good folks at Astorflex (as sold by Huckberry, of course) rise to the occasion quite handily with multiple styles — one of which just so happens to be on sale today, my friends.

Learn more now at Huckberry

We’ve talked recently about how Astorflex boat shoes are a distinctive style upgrade, and if you’ve been reading the pages of this Brooklyn style blog, you’ll also have come across other Astorflex reviews over the years (it seems the company has been a staple at Huckberry for a decade now).

And now, the Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots are getting a nice markdown (about 20 percent) to add some character to your office wardrobe, and even a touch of variety to your off-duty wardrobe with dark blue jeans and a pocket tee, for instance.

The Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots boast a sleek but not overly dressy profile — they can pair with olive chinos seamlessly, for instance, but they’ll work just as well with black jeans or linen trousers. The Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots also happen to be developed exclusively for Huckberry, which is never a bad thing to have close at hand in your rotation of the best boots for men.

The Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots feature a classic two-eye chukka boot build, and the leather-lined upper is set atop a stacked rubber heel and a custom last. The leather lining in particular should prove especially supple, molding to your foot over time. Two sets of laces provide a touch of variety, although you can also swap in your own laces (I myself prefer waxed cotton laces for a slightly dressy finish).

Contrast stitching along the upper sets the Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots apart in subtle fashion, while the profile of these shoes works for wearing with a more casual summer suit or business casual ensembles. Plus, the fact that the Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots are marked down to $180 right now isn’t half-bad, either. When you want to make a subtle switch-up from the everyday this spring and summer, opt for handsome leather chukka boots, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Deck Shorts – The Most Versatile Men’s Shorts for Summer

Buck Mason Deck Shorts review.

You never quite know what spring and the start of summer will throw your way, do you? From coastal excursions to riverside camping trips, day hikes, even jaunts across town to check out that new brewery or distillery… it all requires the best gear for men, a delicate balance between versatility, style and comfort.

A delicate balance, of course, that brands like Buck Mason tend to walk in fine fashion as far as the best menswear essentials for guys are concerned. That holds true all the live long day — or rather, all year round — with Buck Mason’s expertly curated and crafted lineup of Americana essentials, from perfect Oxford shirting to rugged chambray workshirts, soft-shouldered blazers, perfectly faded denim and sun-faded tees.

Shop summer style essentials at Buck Mason

It’s lofty praise, but it seems no matter what you’re in the market for these days — even leather loafers, as Buck Mason just released with classic footwear masters G.H. Bass — the brand can deliver.

And when it comes to more adventurous pursuits — say, the type of pursuit that might see you go from the trail to the stream and back into town — Buck Mason also has you covered. That’s why we’re here today, after all: To talk about some of the best shorts for men, a list that now includes the Buck Mason Deck Shorts.

Best summer shorts for men.

Cut with the classic look of a chino short (and this time featuring a flattering and modern 6-inch inseam), the Buck Mason Deck Shorts are billed by the company as “hybrid, do-it-all shorts” that fit the bill for adventures aplenty. The four-way cotton-poly stretch fabric blend is crucial for lightweight comfort and quick-drying capability, and it’s a good thing, since the Buck Mason Deck Shorts are finished with a DWR coating.

Meanwhile, an elastic drawcord waist stretches and moves with you from trail to stream, while the zip fly and button waist closure are exactly what you’d find on a pair of the best chino shorts for men. The fabric of the exceptional Buck Mason Deck Shorts — at least in my experience –happens to be garment-washed for a super-soft finish.

Shop the Buck Mason Deck Shorts now

In matters of style points, the 6-inch inseam hits nicely above the knee on my 6’2″ frame, while the range of earthen colors falls right in line with Buck Mason’s fresh, modern color scheme (a mood board for all seasons, in my estimation). If I were you, I’d style them freely with everything from a knit polo to a pocket tee or a rugged short-sleeve henley.

And at $98, your new favorite summer shorts are fairly priced and an agreeable purchase if you’d like to snag more than one pair. With these handsome, modern shorts, you’re getting the total package — from sunrise to sunset and beyond.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The AC/DC PWR UP Tour, the Best Spring Weekend Menswear & Tampa Bay Craft Beer

AC/DC PWR UP Tour.

It’s not every day that a blog post via my Brooklyn style blog leads off with a reference to AC/DC — nor an AC/DC show on the horizon, right?? The Aussie rockers were my first favorite band years ago growing up in Michigan — where I’ve spent much of the past week reconnecting with family and friends (and attending my high school class reunion!). Yes, if you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll have seen all of that fun — and Michigan craft beer — and more.

I’ve come a long way since those days ridin’ down the highway back in Michigan jamming out to those legendary rockers, but my latest excursion south to Florida brings the promise of another show by an iconic band, this time in Tampa Bay.

If you’ve followed along with the blog over the years, especially as I’ve talked about live music adventures in Brooklyn and even how to dress for a rock concert, plus how to dress in rock n’roll style, my tastes have certainly changed, but the band still holds a very, very special place in my heart. In fact, this will remarkably be my fourth time (dating back to 2008!) seeing Acca Dacca. How about that!?

And that all means that, thanks to a timely Christmas gift from my mom… my dad and I get to see these giants of rock n’roll this very weekend in Tampa Bay! It’s a departure from the norm (although “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” still holds a prime placement on my Spotify!), but so great and a positively exciting return to my roots, in a way, all the same.

Again, long before I started this Brooklyn style blog and later had the chance to travel to the French Riviera, cover the finest spirits in the world and write all about my favorite menswear, well, there was AC/DC.

Follow along with my work on Instagram

And as a wise author once wrote in Esquire years ago, a band like AC/DC will never die — the world will always need a band like AC/DC. Lofty praise considering most of my coverage skews towards the best new gear and watches, yes? But again, perspective is important, as is the chance to just plain old rock out.

If you happen to have any recommendations for Tampa — perhaps some of the best Tampa Bay craft beer via Cigar City? — then those selections truly are welcomed (and you can let me know via Instagram!).

As for my wardrobe in the Florida heat, I look forward to wearing a new duo of menswear from Taylor Stitch (canvas fatigue-inspired shorts and a simple black T-shirt from Taylor Stitch, namely). Just like the straightforward, high-voltage rock music of AC/DC, sometimes, keeping things simple is best — and pays the most dividends in terms of consistency over time, ehh?

Shop new spring menswear at Taylor Stitch

For now, keep your eyes peeled here for a duo of weekend style blog posts as I boogie my way across Florida and make my way back home early next week to Brooklyn — there’s nothing like a return to form via an iconic rock band though, is there?

I look forward to getting down to some good old-fashioned rock n’roll this weekend, just like the old days — thanks for reading, thank you for following along, and remember: Rock n’roll ain’t noise pollution, folks. Cheers!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: These American Optical Aviator Sunglasses are the Perfect Retro Shades for Spring and Summer

Preparing for the high heat of spring and summer in style — which we’ll talk about plenty in the weeks and months ahead on this Brooklyn style blog — starts with building what you might call a sort of menswear toolbox of essentials. Ensuring each and every part is in place — from leather loafers to lightweight stretch chinos, breezy shirting and your everyday carry essentials — goes a long way when you pack for your next getaway or plot your next weekend BBQ #OOTD.

And so it goes for scoring a pair of the best sunglasses for men — a pair of all-American, USA-made aviator sunglasses, at that. The aviator sunglass silhouette, originally developed and worn to great effect by real-life pilots, is an accessory that’s stood the test of time, worn by everyone from Tom Cruise in Top Gun to Daniel Craig as James Bond, and found just about everywhere stylish sunglasses are sold nowadays.

And a pair like the limited-edition American Optical AN-6531 (truly another rendition of American Optical aviator sunglasses, technical jargon aside) goes the distance in matters of stylish looks, a quality build, durable construction and long-lasting appeal.

How’s that for checking every box as far as the best sunglasses for men are concerned? Consider them a crucial addition to your toolbox, the type of shades you can dress up or dress down with ease.

The American Optical AN-6531 take a 1930s archival style from the famed brand, then soup it up for modern times (with a splurge-worthy price tag to match — your average beach store bargain bin sunglasses, these are not). They pay homage to WWII aviator styles, right down to the double-level nose bridge and cable temples to prevent slippage.

And while they get all the details right, they really are a modern update to a classic: The use of materials like Calobar™ green glass lenses and monoblock hinges — for enhanced visibility — speak to the perfect blend of form and function.

Plus, the fact that the American Optical AN-6531 are sold by Huckberry — and are perfectly ready to pair with American made T-shirts and blue jeans as well as a knit polo and stretch chinos — is a major added bonus.

Shop the best everyday carry gear ASAP at Huckberry

For utterly classic style on the daily, no matter the ensemble you choose to pair ’em with, there’s no doubt (at least in my experience) that the American-made, truly timeless American Optical AN-6531 sunglasses belong in your menswear toolbox this spring and summer. Invest in the best now, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Billy Reid Henley is a Refined Take on a Rugged Must-Have for Breezy Layering

As I scour the market to put together pieces on the very best men’s style essentials to amp up your wardrobe — and my own, of course — I tend to look for brands that put a distinct spin on tried-and-true favorites. Take one of the best men’s henleys, for instance. Yes, it’s a rugged classic that stands the test of time and looks great on any guy. And yes, you can find options aplenty through one of the best online menswear brands — Billy Reid, of course (a longtime favorite of this Brooklyn style blog).

Shop Billy Reid’s style essentials

But can something as functional as a henley be reinvented in a way that’s ever-so-slightly (just slightly!) refined? The team at Billy Reid — led by the Alabama-based design icon himself, of course — seems to think that yes, one of the best henleys for men can get a fresh outlook, a new feel, and with the Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley, I’d say they’re absolutely correct.

Just like the famed Billy Reid Bond Peacoat — which was recently updated for spring in a new waxed cotton design — the right tried-and-true staples of rugged everyday men’s fashion feel a little more elegant in the hands of Billy Reid. And the award-winning designer’s new Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley is the right middle ground between ultra-rugged and just refined enough, with details that elevate it above the average piece of knitwear.

The Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley uses a slub 100 percent cotton fabric for texture and visual appeal, but that fabrication also gives it a sort of year-round weight: As ready to wear on its own or beneath a denim jacket on cool spring nights as it might be when paired with a midweight flannel shirt come early fall or even mid-winter.

In fact, the use of trochus buttons also gives this henley a bit of an elevated touch. How’s that for a new twist on a reliable standby?

The elongated three-button placket also gives the handsome Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley the appeal of a band-collar shirt: Feel free to wear it underneath a Billy Reid blazer, for instance, if the mood strikes you. The Lichen Green color is a personal favorite of mine, with an earthy appeal that pairs as readily with light wash denim as it does with dark brown chinos or perhaps even light khaki chino shorts.

Find your new favorite henley at Billy Reid

With its lightweight, textured and substantial yet airy fabric, pls elevated details beyond even the best men’s henleys, I’d say the new Billy Reid Slub Tuck Henley has all the bells and whistles needed to amp up your casual layering game this season, this summer and well beyond.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: You Can Get 3 Premium Polos from The Tie Bar for Just $150 Right Now

Finding a deal in the high heat of spring and summer, particularly on a staple item you can dress up or dress down practically every single day, is a tricky proposition — unless you know where to look, that is. And in my experience, especially over the past few years, the good folks at The Tie Bar are meeting the moment handily in terms of both affordability and variety — across a full spectrum of menswear essentials, not just the company’s famously budget-conscious (and stylish) neckwear options.

Learn more now and shop at The Tie Bar

Just in time for rooftop soirees and warm-weather formal occasions with a leisurely tilt, The Tie Bar is offering up a stellar deal on a positively massive array of stylish men’s polos: Right now, take your pick of any three polos for $150 at The Tie Bar.

You could feasibly cover your entire weekend wardrobe — from Friday happy hour to a weekend BBQ to a Sunday round of golf — with three polos for a stellar deal, and the great news is, the Chicago-based company offers plenty of variety in its lineup, to boot.

Best spring and summer polos for men.

At just $50 a pop (math!), the company’s offerings are crisp, elegant and yet laidback in their own way — particularly its wide selection of vintage-inspired sweater polos, prep-inspired tipped polos in soft cotton, and even sweater-tee hybrids. The Tie Bar’s polo lineup gets the job done in terms of office-ready polish and plenty of seasonal comfort — in my experience wearing The Tie Bar shirts and sweaters, its fabric selection is soft and packed with stretch, yet doesn’t wrinkle easily or lose its shape.

The same should surely hold true across the entirety of The Tie Bar’s polo lineup, which even includes full-button front sweater polo options and an array of plaid and stripe colors. Again, these polos are soft in terms of construction, sized properly for a flattering, not overly tight, fit, and available in a range of vibrant colors and patterns to suit every taste.

And yes, you can score three options from The Tie Bar’s polo lineup for just $150 right now. Spring and summer style just got a whole lot easier, more affordable and more efficient, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Flint and Tinder Is Now Making the Perfect Oxford Shirt for Year-Round Wear

Best Oxford shirts for men.

When one considers any well-curated roster of men’s style essentials, there are certain must-haves that tend to spring to mind right away: Casual selections like an essential men’s pocket tee or classic blue jeans, plus pieces that just plain old work in nearly any style scenario. That’s where one of the best men’s Oxford shirts enters the equation, regardless of the time of year or the dress code at hand.

And as you well know if you read this very Brooklyn style blog, the good folks at Huckberry tend to cover plenty of bases as far as those men’s style essentials are concerned. Of course, that very much includes your new go-to buttondown shirt, the type of selection you can wear just about any time you please.

The Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt is billed by Huckberry as a “timeless Oxford shirt,” one that’s been the epitome of “classic, smart-casual style since day one” — the prep roots of the Oxford shirt, plus its role in American style culture (thanks to brands like Brooks Brothers) are nearly indisputable. And that leads us to a modern spin on a classic from Flint and Tinder, the sort of move in which Huckberry excels.

Helpfully, the Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt gets the details right — big and small — including the use of soft garment-washed fabric for comfort right out of the box. It also comes in a timeless roster of easily wearable colors and patterns, like crisp White, traditional Light Blue and even a sharp, fresh Blue University Stripe option.

A touch of helpful stretch lends mobility and easygoing appeal to the Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt, while the rest of the details — again, an area in which Huckberry excels — are ideal for versatile style. Take the rounded chest pocket and rounded button cuffs — the handsome Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt checks all the right boxes, at least in my experience.

Shop men’s shirting and more at Huckberry

It’s also the perfect length to wear tucked in with stretch chinos or untucked with Huckberry’s chino shorts — it doesn’t get much more essential and essentially cool than that, does it, my friends? When you want everyday style you can trust, and a shirt that’s priced affordably for the office or for laidback weekend wear, opt for a fresh spin on a classic — like the Flint and Tinder Classic Oxford Shirt, starting right now and rolling into the rest of spring and summer.