Category / Men’s Style

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Visit to Due West, The Best Puffer Jackets & The Holiday Season in New York City

My friends, thanks for joining me as we close out this work week — a very stylish one, judging by the pages of this blog, I’d say — and head into a lovely winter weekend. The past two weekends have taken me out West, first to Denver with Stranahan’s Whiskey and then to Las Vegas with Wrangler, but I’ve been keeping things local this week and I’ll be in New York City for what should be a wonderful holiday weekend.

I’ve also stayed plenty busy throughout the city this past week and change, from a Rockefeller Center event with The Macallan to a visit to Due West, the excellent West Village-based, American bistro-style restaurant you see above. From an excellent seasonal cocktail menu — get the Fall Old Fashioned or the Village Manhattan! — to fresh oysters and a very good set of McRib Sliders (yes, McRib Sliders), the space hits on the classics in a fresh, modern way.

They’re also well-known for their brunch and for their packed Sunday football viewing parties — to say there’s something for everyone at Due West is an understatement, and I’m so glad for the chance to visit as part of my many freelance writing pursuits.

What’s on your holiday agenda this weekend? Perhaps a nice dram of whiskey, a cozy fire and some holiday shopping? On that note, here are a few choice reads from my neck of the woods to help you cruise on into the weekend handily and stylishly.

  • Hot on the heels of my trip out West with Wrangler, I dove into an underappreciated yet no less essential and rugged menswear pick for winter layering. Of course, that would be a deep dive into the best rancher jackets, which I covered over at AskMen.
  • Speaking of winter layering, I covered a more common (and equally warm and stylish!) series of jackets for my friends at Maxim, examining the best puffer jackets and what makes the style so crucial to have in your rotation this winter.
  • And in keeping with the spirit of the season, I wrote about another must-have for frigid days, one of the most sustainable sweaters on the market from the good folks at Outerknown. Between these three picks, I’d say you’ve got your winter style needs covered.
Learn more now at Outerknown

That’ll bring today’s Friday Read to a close, but fear not: We’ll return with tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week to get your holiday dressing sorted out in refined fashion. As always, thanks so much for reading and we’ll see you out there!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: The Outerknown Hemisphere Sweater Is a Perfect Everyday Men’s Sweater

Every guy’s wardrobe needs a series of workhorse items that can be relied upon day in and day out, especially as far as the brisk climes of winter are concerned. And that’s where you need one of the best men’s winter sweaters.

Think of the type of cozy knit that can A) Stand up to winter’s worst and B) Function well enough for repeat wear in a variety of style situations. And that, my friends, is where the Outerknown Hemisphere Sweater enters the equation.

Learn more now at Outerknown

Outerknown, of course, is the famously sustainable fashion brand founded by Kelly Slater, the surfing legend. Slater wanted to invest in fashion made a better way, or rather, nearly the best way.

You can see that pursuit firsthand in the best-selling Outerknown Blanket Shirt (a personal favorite of mine), with its organic fabric and durable construction. And that brings us back to the Outerknown Hemisphere Sweater.

On the surface, it’s a classic crewneck sweater made with ribbed cuffs and a ribbed neckline for a dash of rugged appeal (like the sweaters favored by literary greats decades ago, or fishermen on stormy seas). But what really makes the Outerknown Hemisphere Sweater tick is the fabric itself, which is a recycled Italian yarn crafted from denim for a marled look and feel.

That fabric makes it hardy enough to function as a mid-layer beneath your favorite waxed trucker jacket, or as a standalone piece on a cool spring or fall morning.

Yessir, that’s right: The Outerknown Hemisphere Sweater is a true multi-season sweater, but one that should prove especially useful starting right now this winter. The deep grey Shadow colorway is highly versatile in terms of style as well, but it comes in two other neutral colors perfect for mixing and matching.

Shop Outerknown menswear now

In fact, the Blue Horizon shade of the Outerknown Hemisphere Sweater should prove particularly stylish when worn alongside tobacco chinos or even burgundy corduroys. When you want a reliable winter sweater for days at home and out in the elements, opt for a sustainable approach with the Outerknown Hemisphere Sweater.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Huckberry Is the Best Place to Buy Your Holiday Gifts Right Now

Huckberry Holiday Gift Guide 2023.

My friends, the time is upon us: The time to really ramp up your holiday shopping in earnest by scoring gifts for everyone on your list, all at one spot. Yes, that’s right: One helpful, well-stocked, thoughtfully curated spot can help you find the best holiday gifts for everyone from your father-in-law to your brother to your significant other. I’d wager you don’t need me to tell you twice (or maybe even once), but Huckberry truly is a one-stop shop for all your holiday gifting needs.

Shop the best holiday gifts and more at Huckberry

Seriously: Every year, and indeed, every week as I peruse Huckberry, I’m blown away at the depth of what the Austin and San Francisco-based company offers. Of course, you likely known them well from the pages of this blog for making your favorite waxed trucker jacket and some of the best men’s boots, but that’s really the tip of the iceberg at this one-stop men’s shop.

Editor’s note: This blog post is sponsored by Huckberry. Any purchases through links clicked might result in a commission. Thanks for supporting the brands that support The Style Guide!

The good folks at Huckberry truly do it all, from stylish beanie caps to the best audio accessories, the best-smelling candles for your home, the coolest whiskey glasses, cozy men’s slippers, rugged men’s sweaters and so much more.

In fact, Huckberry even went the extra mile and curated specific gift guides for literally everyone on your list, and that even includes a guide for those who are impossible to shop for. How’s that for covering all your bases?

Best holiday gifts from Huckberry for 2023.

The good news is, you’ve got some time to shop, as the final day to place an order before Christmas is December 20th. So, do yourself a favor and knock out all your holiday shopping while there’s still time by heading on over to Huckberry for an absurdly easy, seriously cool and ultra-stylish holiday shopping experience.

by Beau H.

The Tuesday Steal: Save More Than 30 Percent On This Rugged WP Standard Duffle at Bespoke Post

Best duffle bags for men.

If the fast-approaching holiday travel season has been on your mind, or if you’ve already planned out a getaway or two (or three), then loading up one of the best duffle bags for men is of the utmost importance, is it not? And you’re in particular luck today here on the blog.

Although we’ve already hit the heart of holiday travel season, it’s hardly been easier to save on your new favorite duffle bag, especially when you shop the finely curated pages of Bespoke Post.

Shop style essentials and gear at Bespoke Post

That’s where you’ll find my good friends at WP Standard, already makers of some of the best leather goods on the market. And the deal in question today combines functional, heritage-worthy style and durability in one package.

You see, that’s because the WP Standard PanAm Duffle is more than 30 percent off via the Bespoke Post Sale section, and it’s here not a moment too soon as we get ready to hit the road this season.

WP Standard duffle bag review.

In my personal experience, a richly crafted leather duffle bag like the WP Standard PanAm Duffle is every bit as useful as a typical rolling suitcase for quick weekend trips and even somewhat longer trips, provided you pack correctly with versatile men’s style essentials. And within the WP Standard PanAm Duffle, you’ll find all the space you need for said essentials.

Shop the PanAm Duffle now

It’s made from rich leather (available in both Tan and Desert Black on sale), with a TSA-approved carry-on friendly design and an interior pocket for your everyday carry.

Solid brass hardware and its own helpful leather luggage are nice design details as well, and the WP Standard PanAm Duffle will assuredly only get better with age — starting right now this holiday season. Sounds like you’ve just found your new go-to holiday travel bag, my friends.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Todd Snyder Donegal Crewneck Is a Refined Take on a Classic

It’s the little details that really elevate an outfit — the comfort and warmth of one of the best sweaters for men will be evident right away, after all (especially coming from a designer like renowned, award-winning American designer Todd Snyder). But what about the rest of a piece? Like a ribbed collar or a carefully stitched sleeve, or expertly textured fabric?

Those little things can take even your favorite sweaters from good to great, and that’s certainly the case with the Todd Snyder Donegal Crewneck Sweater.

Learn more now at Todd Snyder

On the surface, Donegal fabric is more rough and rugged — it’s named for the region from which it hails, after all, and the knit is prized for its warmth and durability. But like one of the best flannel shirts, even pieces that are more straightforward or utilitarian take on a more refined air in the hands of Mr. Snyder himself.

It’s finely crafted touches like thin vertical ribbing at the hem and cuffs that elevate this sweater, but the slightly thicker knit ribbing at the collar gives the Todd Snyder Donegal Crewneck Sweater some character, too.

Shop Todd Snyder men’s sweaters

It’s as if this sweater was pulled ready-made from the rolling hills of Ireland, then added to your cart alongside, say, some expertly faded Todd Snyder denim or Todd Snyder dress trousers for winter shindigs aplenty.

Wear it on cozy mornings at home in front, of the fire, wear it to the office with some of the best corduroy pants or wear it beneath your favorite peacoat for a night on the town — just be sure you’re splurging (ever-so-slightly!) on the Todd Snyder Donegal Crewneck Sweater this season.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Save 30 Percent On Some of the Best Hiking Boots for Men at Huckberry

When the going gets tough, when the streets seem too slick or the road seems too steep, that’s where your menswear essentials really need to go to work. Of course, if you read the blog, you know this all too well, and that process often starts from the ground up with a pair of the best men’s boots. Or rather, with a pair of the best hiking boots for men, at least in the case of today’s post.

Astorflex Rockflex Hiking Boots.

And the casually rugged, highly functional pair in question clocks in from a brand you know and love: Huckberry. Oh, and a retailer you know and love: The family-owned, crafted-in-Italy makers behind Astorflex, who already happen to make some of your favorite chukka boots.

It might seem tricky for a brand largely known for a more casual crepe rubber sole chukka boot to craft a stylish pair of men’s hiking boots, but rest assured that Huckberry knows what it’s doing. Suffice to say, the Astorflex Rockflex Hiking Boots can definitely be trusted.

And here’s the even better part: Since it is in fact the Sunday Sale here on the blog, your new favorite pair of hiking boots are now 30 percent off.

Learn more now at Huckberry

That drops them below $230, which is a downright steal for rugged hiking boots built on a commando rubber sole, which are then fully lined in leather and finished with antique eyelets. Those are specs that can stand up to much more expensive pairs of hiking boots on the market, so in the spirit of getting out there and getting after it this winter, shop now and save big before winter rolls into town by scoring a pair of the Astorflex Rockflex Hiking Boots.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea Boots – The Only Boot You’ll Need This Winter

I’d wager that if you’ve been reading this blog frequently and searching for the best menswear essentials and the best men’s boots, then you don’t need me to tell you twice: The right pair of boots can make all the difference as you deal with winter weather and harsh conditions. If you’ve learned that truth the hard way and could use an upgrade in your boot rotation though, you’ve come to the right place.

Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea Boots.

And the brand here to assist in that upgrade is a certified American classic — and one of my favorite boot brands, aside from that. We’re talking today about Red Wing Heritage, a company renowned the world over for its long-lasting, tough-as-nails boots — a company that can be found, of course, within the digital menswear mecca that is Huckberry.

That’s where we’ll start our journey into the world of Red Wing as we consider the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea Boots.

The Red Wing Heritage brand name nearly speaks for itself, with roots making boots for linemen and outdoorsmen in Minnesota and then, across the globe. They still follow many of those same processes today to craft some of the best American-made boots on the market.

Best Red Wing Heritage boots for men.

That’s a true rarity when you consider that even many of the best boot brands for men are using production methods in countries like Mexico (high-quality methods, at that, but nonetheless!). The Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea Boots follow closely along those same lines: Remarkable production methods, expert quality and excellent longevity.

Shop Red Wing boots at Huckberry now

Specifically, the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea Boots are made with a recraftable Goodyear welt design that means the boots can be resoled, and the outsole itself is the brand’s TractionTred design.

That design should provide excellent traction on slick city streets this winter, while rich oil-tanned full-grain leather — the same kind Red Wing has been using for decades — only elevates these boots even further. The Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea Boots are the perfect hybrid between rugged work boots and slightly more dressy Chelsea boots.

Best Red Wing Heritage boots for men.

These would pair best with your favorite pair of dark blue jeans, a classic henley and one of the best waxed trucker jackets, but the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea Boots could also be styled up with tobacco-colored chinos, an Oxford shirt and one of the best shawl cardigans.

Dress ’em up slightly, dress ’em down for days in the yard or keep ’em classic to head out for a casual evening — the Red Wing Heritage Classic Chelsea Boots deserve to be worn as often as possible this season, whenever you might need them.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Heading to Las Vegas with Wrangler for the National Finals Rodeo

Wrangler x Buffalo Trace 2023.

Now at first glance, I might not seem like the type of guy to get into rodeo, much less the type to get out on the ranch and get to work. Well, those sentiments are both true, but when the opportunity strikes to head West to Las Vegas with Wrangler for the National Finals Rodeo, I’m inclined to saddle up and take a chance.

Learn more at Wrangler

Wrangler, after all, is an iconic denim brand with plenty of Western heritage, one that I tend to write about frequently as part of my many freelance writing pursuits (one week, a whiskey trip to Colorado with Stranahan’s, the next week, the rodeo!). I also appreciate the ways in which Wrangler has refreshed and revamped its brand over the years, including a rugged and cool-as-heck Wrangler x Fender partnership.

Wrangler x Buffalo Trace 2023.

And more recent pursuits are just as impressive, like what I tend to call the perfect crossover: Wrangler x Buffalo Trace, a capsule collection released earlier this fall that celebrates Wrangler’s rich denim heritage and the historic bourbon produced by Buffalo Trace.

A match made in heaven? That’s certainly the case in my book, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into Wrangler with executives and other brand partners this weekend.

Shop Wrangler x Buffalo Trace now

And yes, there will be cold beer and blackjack, I’d wager. Cheers to that, and in the meantime, be sure to check out yesterday’s post on some of the best boots for winter from SeaVees. As always, thanks for reading, thank you for your support and cheers!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: SeaVees And Bespoke Post Made The Perfect Winter Boots

Although it might seem rare based on where you happen to be in the country, not every winter day needs to call for the most rugged, heaviest winter boots in your rotation. In fact, sometimes, you might be able to get away with a pair of the best sneakerboots for men, or rather, a hybrid pair of men’s boots that blur the lines between, well, sneakers and boots. And that brings us to today’s impossibly rugged, durable SeaVees x Bespoke Post offering, part of a well-stocked Bespoke Post Holiday Gift Guide.

Shop now at Bespoke Post

The SeaVees Sierra Adventure Boots might not seem as tough on the surface as, say, your trusty L.L. Bean Boots, but for slightly more temperate days (or in situations when you want a functional, lightweight pair of men’s boots instead), they’ll assuredly get the job done. That might be an understatement, since these Bespoke Post-exclusive boots feature all the bells and whistles you’d expect from both hard-wearing winter boots and “California cool” SeaVees sneakers.

Bespoke Post x SeaVees

The utility of the SeaVees Sierra Adventure Boots starts from the ground up, of course, with a grippy natural rubber lug outsole and a front toe bumper. From there, oiled full-grain leather extends to the rawhide leather lacing for extra coverage, while the heel is finished with a leather bumper as well.

The remarkable thing about the SeaVees Sierra Adventure Boots is that, as stylish as that leather might be, it’s also water-resistant, as is the handsome navy Ventile cotton canvas upper.

Shop boots and more at Bespoke Post

The seven-eyelet design provides substantial coverage up above your heel for periods of extreme winter weather, while the overall look in terms of style is somewhat close (at least, in my opinion!) to a high-top sneaker. It’s the sort of rugged-meets-refined aesthetic that Bespoke Post embodies so perfectly, and you can even turn the SeaVees Sierra Adventure Boots into a slightly more sporty option by switching the rawhide leather laces to a polyester hiking option.

Oh, and one last thing: Your new favorite pair of boots are 21 percent off at Bespoke Post now, so do yourself a favor and score a deal on these handsome, perfectly rugged sneakerboots.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Wool Topcoat from The Tie Bar is A Luxurious Winter Style Statement

Best topcoat for men to buy this winter.

One of the best parts of the holiday season, if you ask me, revolves around the chance to step up your style game ever so slightly. It’s not just reserved for December, though — it goes for the rest of winter as well, if you’re lucky enough to live in a climate with a cycle of seasons.

By that, I mean embracing the chance to try out something a bit more dressy, a bit more refined –something like the luxurious (yet fairly affordable!) stylish men’s topcoat from The Tie Bar seen at the top of the page.

Learn more now at The Tie Bar

Outerwear makes the man and sets the tone for what’s on your schedule: That could mean everything from a holiday party in the city or a visit to a cool speakeasy. Why not live a little and step up your outerwear game, particularly if you’re wearing dress trousers and a classic shawl cardigan, for instance? That’s why we’re gathered here today, after all: If your look is more dressy — even opting for dark jeans and a crisply cut sweater — consider a change of pace aside from your trusty winter parka.

And in my book, the holiday season is all about upgrades, your new favorite winter topcoat included. That can mean reaching for a premium flannel shirt — an upgrade from a flannel workshirt — or that can mean opting for one of the best white dress shirts beneath your favorite blazer, as opposed to a slightly more casual Oxford shirt.

You see? Upgraded outerwear, upgraded #OOTD for any occasion that calls for putting your best foot forward.

Shop outerwear, ties and more at The Tie Bar

Through it all, The Tie Bar’s Camel Hair Topcoat is going to prove an incredible piece of outerwear when the occasion leans slightly more dressy. Anytime you want to make a statement — with a chambray shirt, dark denim and leather boots or with your best wool winter suit — this Tie Bar topcoat is a remarkable move, at least in my book. It shows you mean business and know how to dress for stylish winter and holiday occasions.

The Tie Bar wool topcoat.

This particular option is made from soft 100 percent camel hair and then finished with interior pockets and a three-button front, plus a length that’s more than long enough to cover a blazer or suit jacket. I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet: The Tie Bar’s Camel Hair Topcoat retails for under $600, a steal of a price considering similar jackets of this style retail for closer to $1,000.

That’s the last word: It’s effortlessly cool, it’s dressy and elegant, and it’s highly affordable. Your next tailored look this season just got even better, my friends.