Category / Men’s Style

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Anatoly & Sons Newsboy Cap – A Perfect Selection of Hats for All Occasions

If you’ve kept up with the pages of this blog over the years, you’ll know that I trust a mix of both rugged and refined menswear essentials to carry me through my days. And as with your own daily schedule, what life tends to send my way entails a bit of everything: Blustery days in Brooklyn, rooftop drinks in Manhattan, trips far afield on windswept coasts as part of my many freelance writing pursuits.

When I find picks that tend to hit the mark for all those pursuits, especially exploring a new city wearing a trusted field jacket, as seen above, I tend to circle back around to that brand time and again. That can be said for a personal mainstay like Huckberry or another West Coast stalwart, like Anatoly & Sons.

They make the stylish newsboy cap seen at the top of the page, as well as classic driving caps for men, but they’re so much more than that.

I’ve had the chance to dive into the brand across these past several months, putting together guides for the Oakland menswear atelier on topics as varied as how to travel in style and of course, how to wear a flat cap.

The traditional style has experienced a resurgence in recent years, thanks in part to shows like “Peaky Blinders,” not to mention retailers like Anatoly & Sons, who suggest wearing the flat cap with everything from a denim field coat to a handsome blazer.

And of course, the retailer sells all of the above and more, with a focus on classic tailoring, elegant and versatile dress and sport shirts, field coats, crisply cut trousers and stylish accessories to match.

In fact, on a recent trip to Ireland (and England, and Germany), I wore my Anatoly & Sons newsboy cap with a Huckberry waxed field jacket to visit — among other locales — the Cliffs of Moher and Germany’s Black Forest. It proved crucial for keeping the sun (and eventually, rain and wind) off my face, and it proved a rugged yet versatile complement alongside thick sweaters and chambray shirting.

Learn more now at Anatoly & Sons

As for your own stylish pursuits on the road, a driving cap from Anatoly & Sons, or a durable newsboy cap, could be a stylish change of pace from a classic ballcap this spring, summer and beyond. You can expect to hear much more about this brand — its assortment of iconic menswear, from hats to tailoring — in the months ahead, but for now, head to Anatoly & Sons to discover your new favorite hat.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Lillistar Brooklyn, USA-Made Pocket Knives & Summer Style Essentials from John Varvatos

LilliStar Brooklyn.

When the opportunity arises to truly take in all that Brooklyn has to offer — an electrifying concert, a well-tuned brewery, a new restaurant or a finely crafted cocktail — I’m hardly one to pass up the chance to check it out.

And as we roll through May here at The Style Guide via my many freelance writing pursuits (from spirits to watches, menswear and more), I had an ideal chance to ring in an early start to summer.

How so? I visited the newly reopened, revamped LilliStar with my lovely girlfriend Mary along for the ride (and the sips & bites!). Newly opened just last spring, LilliStar has (in my opinion!) proven one of the hottest rooftop destinations in an already-happening Williamsburg scene. I had the chance to take in those stunning rooftop views while enjoying tasty, bodega-inspired bites (complete with bodega chip offerings behind the bar) during a special VIP preview earlier this week.

Oh, and as to the cocktail menu at LilliStar? It’s a true gem, with plenty of distinctive offerings (and distinctive names, like the mezcal-aquavit-fino-and-dill “Fried Pickles and Ranch”). Among other favorites, the “Jazzy Jerk Margarita” made wonderful use of sweet-yet-spicy, savory notes via Patron Blanco, sorel and jerk agave, along with inventive Jamaican jerk bitters.

And I wholeheartedly recommend embracing the season with the truly fun “Hot Doggin It,” served in a glass wrapped with a real “Hot Dog” wrapper. True to form, it boasts a savory blend of Lustau Vermut, Vida tequila, tomato water and mustard seed agave. The “One in a Melon,” ordered by my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary, was also a highlight, featuring Grey Goose, St. Germain, rose, watermelon, London essence rosemary & grapefruit tonic. Talk about a refreshing summer sipper on a balmy night.

We also enjoyed the “Caution, Total Awesomeness” frozen drink, with a vibrant blue color, a fun honeydew melon garnish and a mixture of Ford’s Gin, midori, white port, guanabana, aloe and citrus.

My two cents: The cocktail menu at LilliStar is as fun as you’re apt to find, the space offers room to spread out along with lovely skyline views and the ambience is utterly primed for a breezy summer of fun.

Learn more now at LilliStar

For the occasion, I also stepped out in some suitably sunny menswear, including a trusty Buck Mason camp collar shirt — polished enough for rooftop drinks, cool enough in the summer heat and sure to see lots of wear yet this summer. What’s on your to-do list for pre-summer sipping and menswear shopping? To get you started, here are a few choice reads and selections from this past week.

John Varvatos menswear.
  • Summer hasn’t even officially crossed over on the calendar yet, so it might seem a bit unusual to a hear of a collection with the “Pre-Fall” moniker, but that’s how things tend to work in the world of luxury fashion. Don’t let that scare you off, because the John Varvatos Pre-Fall 2024 Collection is suitably ready for spring and summer, complete with dusty earth tones, textured fabrics like linen and cotton, plus distressed leathers for which Varvatos is known. Accordingly, I wrote all about it for Maxim.com — stock up, preferably with that credit card handy.
  • Speaking of luxury and prizing the finer things in life: Earlier this year, I had the chance to catch up with and dive deep into the world of luxury bespoke pocket knives via Pacific Northwest craftsman William Henry. The brand, going on 27 years and counting, makes insanely high-end, utterly breathtaking knives, blades, everyday carry tools and more, and the journey continues apace. Here’s a look at what makes the brand tick via Maxim.com — you can also find it in Maxim’s latest print issue!
  • Here’s an easygoing yet surprisingly polished style find for your summer: The Taylor Stitch Easy Pants, as I covered just yesterday here on the blog. They blend the mid-rise and classic slim-straight cut of a chino with the breezy half-elastic waist of lounge pants, yet they manage to look refined, rather than sloppy. That’s an understatement, because they’re a pair of casually cool pants you could easily style with a pocket tee, with a chambray shirt or with a lightweight linen blazer.
Read more and shop here

On my end, that’ll wrap things up as another Brooklyn spring weekend arrives — there’s rain in the forecast this weekend, but that won’t dampen my spirits as I look ahead to a family weekend (all the way up from Florida!) in the borough.

Of course, a visit to McSorley’s Ale House, a visit to the Brooklyn Museum and a few visits to Brooklyn breweries are on the agenda. Follow along with all the fun on my Instagram, cheers and thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Taylor Stitch Easy Pants are Your Perfect Pants for Spring & Summer

Best lightweight pants for men.

Staying stylish in the spring and summer months, the high heat of the season, doesn’t have to be uncomfortable or taxing. And when you find warm-weather menswear essentials that help you bridge the gap between comfort and style, all the while staying cool as can be, that’s what I like to call the sweet spot.

So it goes with Taylor Stitch, a brand that delivers refined, polished essentials with easygoing appeal all the same. And in my experience, the Taylor Stitch Easy Pants embody that mindset perfectly — your new favorite pants are here just in time for spring and summer, and it only gets better from there.

Learn more now at Taylor Stitch

Made from a 5.5oz. 100 percent linen build, they embody the classic, breezy fit of lounge pants or straight-leg chinos. But here’s the kicker: They use supremely comfortable details like an internal drawcord waist for added comfort, all the while topping the waistband off with belt loops (if you feel so inclined).

Taylor Stitch Easy Pants.

And naturally, some of the best lightweight pants for summer get the all-important details like fit absolutely correct. The Taylor Stitch Easy Pants feature a classic mid-rise and a tailored fit with a slight taper down to the ankle.

In my experience, this design is the sort of reliable fit that looks as polished with your favorite chukka boots as it does with some of the best loafers for summer. They’re also a touch more refined than some other more rugged Taylor Stitch menswear pieces, like a canvas shirt jacket or a garment-dyed hoodie.

That gives them versatility as well as a dash of refinement, in my opinion. In my experience, you can throw on your new favorite linen pants (available in two dusty, versatile colors) with everything from a knit polo and those trusty loafers to a pocket tee and canvas sneakers.

When breezy, comfortable and casually cool style is the name of the game, the Taylor Stitch Easy Pants heed the call, and then some. Don’t let them pass you by as you build out your rotation of the best menswear essentials.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Mack Weldon Poplin Shirt is a Breezy, Go-Anywhere Summer Shirt

Mack Weldon men's shirts.

There are certain style classics that only get better with age, or rather, only get better with modern upgrades — and the timeless short-sleeve shirt is one of them. More casually cool than a long-sleeve buttondown, more well-suited to styling open atop a tee or buttoned up and untucked, the best men’s short-sleeve shirts are a must-have.

The best ones on the market pair up with chino shorts, linen trousers or light wash denim, and you can count the Mack Weldon 24/7 Poplin Short-Sleeve Shirt on that “short” list (pun intended) of the best short-sleeve shirts for men.

Shop menswear at Mack Weldon

The Mack Weldon 24/7 line is meant to go from day to night with ease, from a casual yet crisp office look to a spring and summer rooftop happy hour, or else out on the road through summer vacations aplenty. These fabrics are cool, lightweight, breathable and yet performance-minded, and your new favorite short-sleeve shirt is no slouch.

Best men's short-sleeve shirts for summer.

In fact, in my experience, Mack Weldon delivers excellent quality and comfort, from its boxer briefs to some of the best men’s lounge pants — and now, this polished-yet-easygoing short-sleeve shirt joins that roster in fine fashion.

The key is the use of moisture-wicking COOLMAX fabric technology, plus a wrinkle-resistant design that holds its shape in any one of four versatile colorways. The Crosswind Gingham pattern shown above is my personal favorite, and it’s a more toned-down take on larger, traditional gingham patterns.

Find out more at Mack Weldon

The cut of this stylish short-sleeve men’s shirt should prove flattering, and that’s what I’ve found with other Mack Weldon short-sleeve shirts, while subtle details like notched short-sleeve cuffs add a dash of visual appeal. Your new favorite short-sleeve shirt for summer — whether styled for a BBQ or a post-beach beer — is here for the taking from Mack Weldon, my friends. Shop accordingly .

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Save On Refined Billy Reid Tailoring with one of the Best Menswear Sales

Billy Reid men's suiting review.

Here at The Style Guide, if you know one thing very well, it’s that I simply can’t pass up one of the best menswear deals from one of my favorite designers, especially if seasonal style is top of mind. And in this case, both the deal and the menswear essentials offered are prime for seasonal style and savings.

We’ve all been there: A packed spring and summer wedding season awaits, as do many opportunities to suit up with some of the best tailoring for men.

An easy, fashionable solution that also saves you a buck? Tracking down one of the best suits for men, and from one of the country’s best menswear brands, no less. If you read the headline, you already know: That brand is Billy Reid, my friends.

Billy Reid men's blazers.

Billy Reid, based in Alabama and a veteran of the industry, is one of my favorite designers. In fact, he’s a designer with a knack for crafting everything from one of the best henleys to one of the coolest men’s polo shirts. And yes, when the situation calls for something more refined, Billy Reid suiting is there to save the day.

Billy Reid suiting for men.

The catch? Well, there’s not one: From sportcoats to trousers and the best men’s suits, you can use the code SUITING25 to take 25% off your purchase of two or more tailored jackets or pants. So, not only are you saving on one stylish blazer fit for spring or summer weddings, you’ve got the chance to score another one for even more variety and tailored style points.

Shop men’s tailoring and more at Billy Reid

The choice is yours: Snag something ultra-versatile, like the Billy Reid Archie Jacket, or team some tasteful flat-front trousers (remember to snag two) with an existing favorite blazer in your closet. And while the brand’s refined offerings are pricey even at the best of times, this is quality you can really feel.

In my experience, Billy Reid tailoring is of the utmost quality, with excellent fits off the rack and quality fabrication throughout. Whether you opt for one of the best linen suits or a set of the best men’s dress pants, this Billy Reid discount is one that’s mighty tough to pass up, my friends.

Remember: That code is SUITING25 to take 25% off your purchase of two or more tailored jackets or pants at Billy Reid. See you at the open bar, folks.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This New Shinola Runwell is One of the Best Dive Watches for Spring & Summer

Shinola Runwell watch for men.

There are certain men’s style picks, especially when it comes to men’s accessories like one of the best watches for men, that can pull double-duty (or rather, triple or quadruple-duty) in any season. While you might reserve a pick like one of the best short-sleeve henleys for spring or summer wear exclusively, the very best men’s watches shine through no matter what, particularly one from Detroit-based Shinola.

Shop Shinola men’s watches now

That’s especially true if the watch in question happens to be a rugged dive watch. Apt for spring and summer, certified “cool” no matter what — and now, easier than ever to buy via one of your favorite men’s watch brands.

The newest Shinola Runwell takes the brand’s penchant for Mid-century Modern design to the next level, particularly given its highly functional stainless steel build (and crisp, classic dial).

Shinola Runwell in stainless steel.

The Shinola Runwell (read more via my Shinola Runwell review!). is already an icon of the brand, a flagship model that represents versatility and the city of Detroit.

It’s not quite as sleek as a traditional dress watch, but it stands out pleasantly all the same whether worn with your favorite suit or a classic pocket tee – and this version of the Shinola Runwell 41mm gets the job done in that regard, too.

Best stainless steel dive watch for men.

And in this case, the dial itself is notable in another way, behind its retro-meets-modern look — it’s done up in a shade of alabaster that contrasts nicely against the handsome blue numerals and the seconds sub-dial at 6’o-clock.

Learn more and shop now at Shinola

Within the watch itself, the brand used its Argonite 1069 movement, while the three-link stainless steel bracelet delivers watersport-minded performance and a slick finish.

No matter where you take the newest Shinola Runwell — out on a weekend boating jaunt, to the boardwalk, to the beach bar or to a summer wedding — it can pass muster in matters of style and performance. Your new favorite watch awaits, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Save 20 Percent on Some of the Best Shorts for Summer From Huckberry

Flint and Tinder men's shorts.

Building a wardrobe filled with, say, the best seasonal style essentials (for spring, summer and beyond) comes down to preparation and opportunity, I always say. After all, when warm weather hits, you want to be well-stocked with summer style essentials (seizing the opportunity!), and that’s where preparation makes perfect.

That goal is no stretch for the good folks at Huckberry, one of the best online menswear shops around (as you well know if you read this blog), and they’ve doubled down with a heck of a steal on the best shorts for men.

Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts review.

The Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts are a certified classic and best-seller from the brand — perhaps you recognize the same fabric from the brand’s famed 365 Pants, which blend the style of a chino with the comfortable fit of a jean.

The same hallmarks of that silhouette carry forward here — except, well, in shorts form. Oh, and the best part? Your new favorite summer shorts are about 20 percent off online right now via the Huckberry Sale section.

Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts review.

The days of baggy cargo shorts, as I always tend to say, are long gone, and this stylish pair of Flint and Tinder shorts helps prove that notion handily. Available in flattering inseam lengths (7 inches and 9 inches), I’ve always found these shorts to be supremely comfortable, well-fitting and yes, stylish.

The fabric blend stretches and moves with you like a performance short, while the tailored fit is suitable for styling with everything from your favorite short-sleeve henley to a crisp polo shirt. Color options ranging from Light Grey to a dusty Sand option provide variety for your wardrobe, too.

Learn more now at Huckberry

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that multiple sizes of each colorway of the Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts are available in a flattering 7-inch inseam for under $65 on sale right now. When opportunity and summer style preparation meet, that’s the sweet spot, and so it goes with some of the best shorts for men.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Indigo Short-Sleeve Henley -A Casual Weekend Essential

Best short-sleeve henley for men.

How do you take an iconic silhouette like one of the best short-sleeve henleys for men and make it even better? Add a few key twists, or in the case of the Buck Mason Indigo-Dipped Short-Sleeve Henley, add one key twist: Use a rich indigo dye to take this rugged men’s henley from good to positively great.

Buck Mason already has a knack for making reliable, standout and stylish basics like one of the best men’s T-shirts, not to mention expertly crafted, faded blue denim and chambray workshirts. So, using indigo is no challenge for the all-American menswear brand, and your new favorite henley proves that quite handily.

Best men's short-sleeve henley for spring and summer.

What makes this one of the best henleys for men? For starters, Los Angeles-based Buck Mason nails the fit and construction, using a midweight 70 percent jersey cotton and 30 percent hemp blend for both durability and breathability. The yarns are dip-dyed in indigo before knitting, giving each henley and each thread distinctive character.

Like other favorite indigo items in your rotation, like a pair of selvedge jeans or a denim jacket, it’ll also get better and softer with age. For a new twist on an old favorite, look to Buck Mason to shake up how you wear one of your favorite henleys.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The VANS Authentic Canvas Low Sneakers Are as Perfect A Summer Sneaker As It Gets

Vans sneakers review.

I find that there are times when it’s really best to keep it simple when it comes to the very best menswear essentials. Or rather, simple, classic and stylish. And as we stand on the brink of summer, there’s no better way to keep it simple than by starting from the ground up in matters of style with a pair of the best classic sneakers for men.

Vans canvas sneakers review.

I’m talking about the kind of pair you can buy now (especially from my friends at Huckberry!). Then, you can wear those sneakers with everything from stretch chino shorts to light wash denim, and then steadily work elsewhere into your rotation of the best summer sneakers.

Sure, you’ve got sleek leather pairs and maybe even suede summer sneakers, but the Vans Authentic Canvas Sneakers are a different breed entirely, are they not?

Learn more now at Huckberry

You see, there’s a time and a place for everything, and the Vans Authentic Canvas Sneakers cover many times and many places. In increasingly casual times, having a reliable pair of affordable low-top sneakers you can slide on at a moment’s notice makes a difference.

Vans Authentic Canvas Sneakers review.

That holds true whether paired with stretch chinos and an Oxford shirt, or with your favorite henley and lounge shorts. And in my experience, the Vans Authentic Canvas Sneakers certainly make that difference.

Shop summer style picks from Vans and Huckberry

They retail for under $70, they wear easily with everything from a henley and light wash jeans to olive chinos and a navy polo, and they come from a longtime, trusted brand. Again, keeping it simple means, well, keeping it simple, and when it comes to the best minimal sneakers on the market, these Vans kicks (from my good friends at Huckberry) deliver precisely what you need.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Flint and Tinder Utility Blazer is a One of the Best Men’s Jackets for Spring and Summer

Best lightweight blazer for men.

As I scour the market for the best men’s style essentials, I emphasize pieces with character, rugged appeal and versatility – if you’ve got the chance to make a selection from one of your favorite online menswear brands that hits the mark in all three areas, that’s a winner.

And while you’ve got options aplenty for the best blazers for men this spring and summer, I know I can trust Huckberry to deliver a seasonal design that’s just different enough from the pack.

Best spring blazers for men.

The world of tailoring can feel a bit stuffy and sometimes uncomfortable, but the Flint and Tinder 365 Utility Blazer challenges that notion handily. Case in point: The versatility of a lightweight spring sport coat? Check.

The sharp design of an old-school sportcoat, the sort that features details like casual patch pockets and a useful, eye-catching throat collar latch? Check and check. Oh, and the rugged appeal that only Huckberry and Flint and Tinder can bring to the table? Yes, check and check in that regard as well.

Flint and Tinder 365 Utility Blazer

The best blazers for men call to mind casual Fridays and perhaps evening rooftop dates and coastal getaways, but some blazers are better-suited for the office than for the sort of effortless cool that some spring and summer situations need. But in my experience, the Flint and Tinder 365 Utility Blazer hits the mark nicely in all facets.

Best spring and summer blazers for men.

Available in four effortlessly cool colors in classic shades (like Khaki, Navy and Olive), this stylish lightweight sportcoat can dress up jeans ever so slightly. It can also pair up expertly with the Flint and Tinder 365 Chinos for a suitably casual-yet-classy suited look.

Learn more now and shop at Huckberry

A breathable cotton-spandex blend delivers lightweight comfort and stretch, while an interior chambray pocket can store some EDC valuables. This is the sort of men’s blazer you can rock day in and day out, starting now through the high heat of summer, and you’ve got Huckberry to thank for that. Upgrade your wardrobe accordingly this season.