A tough field jacket is always deserving of a spot in your wardrobe.
Make no mistake: This time of year, there’s no excuse for skimping on your outerwear or your layering game — and that means you should accept nothing less than top-notch quality in terms of the best men’s jackets for your wardrobe. Enter Buck Mason and the Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket, a reliable, rugged field jacket to keep on-hand in place of a blazer or as a crucial layering move underneath your favorite parka. But why a classic field jacket, and why now? Well, it’s always nice to mix things up through the doldrums of winter — and while you won’t be able to wear this jacket through a polar vortex, there are plenty of other opportunities to get tons of mileage out of the Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket. As we’ve said, it’s a solid change of pace when you want to swap out your blazer — simply add a classic white Oxford shirt and your favorite five-pocket pants. It’s part-jacket, part-shirt, and all the better for it.
Perfect to wear atop a crisp white T-shirt or your favorite henley.
This classic shirt jacket also has the kind of hybrid style that can come in handy if you need an extra layer underneath your puffer jacket, or atop a flannel shirt — don’t underestimate how many different ways you can wear one of the best men’s jackets. Heading out for travel? Throw on this shirt-jacket hybrid and use it to stow your everyday carry essentials. Grabbing a weekend coffee? Wear this rugged field jacket atop your favorite henley (as mentioned above). Need a layer to bolster your cozy thermal shirt? This classic shirt jacket is the one you need now. OK, do we have all of that down? Let me know how you’d style this handsome number in the comments below.
A cozy, rugged jacket you’ll want to wear all winter long.
Bundling up can definitely be done in style, my friends, especially with one of the best sustainable brands on the market. Striking the right balance between cozy and comfortable, rugged-yet-stylish, and also sustainable-yet-fashionable … well, it’s a tough act to conquer. And yet, that’s what the good folks at Outerknown have done with the Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker, a perfectly rugged winter jacket that delivers all the warmth and style you could possibly need. Crucially, it’s also a refreshing change of pace from a bulky winter parka or a thermal puffer jacket (although you very well might need both of those in your rotation, too). The Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker is an ideal jacket when you want to toe the line between office-ready (as a commute-friendly layer atop a crisp Oxford shirt and navy knit tie) or outdoor-minded (worn with tough chore pants to truly take on the elements). It’s the kind of workhorse jacket you won’t regret having when it comes time to head out on a Friday night — the classic trucker jacket silhouette is timeless and nearly speaks for itself. Yes indeed, the Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker is stylish without going too far over the top, and that’s exactly the kind of jacket we so love here at The Style Guide. Oh, and in terms of sustainable style? Outerknown continues to take the cake.
Outerknown crucially focuses on amping up the classics with materials like organic cotton and a focus on using less water in its production — the result is gear that’s as eco-conscious as it is stylish. Case in point: The hemp they’ve used to make this corduroy fabric is both durable and yet perhaps the perfect crop, given that it strengthens the soil in which it’s grown. Heck, the polyester fill and sherpa lining are also made from recycled materials — when’s the last time you heard of a rugged winter jacket that can do all of that at once? Oh, and it goes without saying that the Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker also looks as great as you’d expect — wear this tough trucker jacket atop your favorite henley and a classic flannel shirt for plenty of warmth and winter-friendly style, or keep the Outerknown Paz Cord Trucker handy with a timeless chambray shirt and expertly faded denim. The trucker jacket styling is akin to that of a trusted denim jacket, so you can rest assured that it wears with most of your closet with relative ease — and that’s what you want from one of the best winter jackets, after all. Bundling up with sustainable style in mind? That’s as good as it gets for winter.
Step into the weekend the right way — with these tough leather boots.
Are you laced up and ready to head into the weekend? I know I am — and if I had my way, I’d be wearing some of the best men’s leather boots as shown above: The Nick’s Boots MP-M1 Boots. They’re a perfectly rugged pair of leather boots to wear all weekend (and in my humble opinion, they’d do very well when worn to a favorite brewery or craft beer bar). If you end up picking up those stylish leather boots, let me know. In the meantime, we’re rolling into a busy February with today’s Friday Read. It was another edition of New York Fashion Week: Men’s here in the city this week, which led to quite the juggling act for me — hopping from my agency day job to runway shows by menswear luminaries like Todd Snyder, who showed a perfectly refined, throwback-inspired collection of beautifully tailored outerwear and trousers. It helps that he also served delicious craft beer from Brooklyn’s Threes Brewing at said runway show earlier this week!
The fun didn’t stop there, though — I found time to fit in another one of my passions, that passion being great live music. I swung through the recently revamped Webster Hall (a legendary venue in its own right) to see California rockers Cold War Kids, a personal favorite. I had previously seen them in Brooklyn (in 2018) and Nashville (back in 2017), and they always put on a blistering set. Standbys like “Hospital Beds” and “First” amped up the night, as did my favorite song by the So Cal rockers — the hard-charging, inspiring “Miracle Mile.” Tracks off the band’s most recent album, “New Age Norms 1,” featuring more soulful numbers and gospel-esque production, fit in surprisingly well throughout the night, too. All told, when you blend a night of great rock music with, say, a couple cans of cold PBR, it doesn’t get much better. That being said, I’m looking forward to a relaxing weekend in the borough, powered by plenty of coffee and some of my favorite vinyl records spinning. Check out our Friday Read below, then come by tomorrow for the Style Pick of the Week. Cheers!
Bear with me for just a moment here — there’s truly no reason you can’t wear your favorite summer watch in the winter. How does that work out? Well, I’m giving you the full rundown in my latest for The Manual (Hint: It’s all about texture and rugged style).
Give the gift of rock n’roll this Valentine’s Day (or any time at all, really) with the latest from Happy Socks — the Happy Socks x Linda & Johnny Ramone Collection harnesses everything that’s cool about rock n’roll in one effective collection of stylish socks, and it celebrates their iconic relationship at the same time. You’re turning up the volume on your style quickly here.
Let’s talk quickly about the best men’s grooming essentials, shall we? For the weekend and your work day, it’s *essential* you take care of business efficiently and effectively — and the Art of Sport Hustle Harder Kit (as covered by yours truly at GearMoose), makes it easy to get great grooming done in one handy package.
Before we officially head into the weekend, stick around to shop some of my favorite new menswear deals — everything from a slick leather moto jacket to a rugged flannel shirt is in the mix, as it should be this season. Have questions on what else you should be shopping or wearing? Let me know on Twitter. Enjoy the weekend!
Durable boots that pack a punch in terms of winter style.
As we always say here at The Style Guide, it’s high praise to call out a pair of men’s boots as, well, the best winter boots — but if you stick around for today’s See Now, Buy Now entry, I think you’ll start to grasp why. And the boots in question today have plenty of moxy to back up those claims: Yes indeed, the Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots are tough-as-nails, durable as can be, and supremely stylish to boot: Hence, the title of “best men’s boots” today. Coming right out of the gate, if you know the Red Wing Heritage brand, you’re aware that they continually go to great lengths to craft the best leather boots on the planet — the Wacouta Boots are no different. The use of tough full-grain leather ensures these rugged Red Wing Heritage boots can take a beating right off the bat, while other design touches (right on down to the classic Red Wing leather laces) only add to that durability.
Also available in Briar Oil Slick leather with olive green waxed canvas.
What else makes these classic leather boots so essential? Friend, I’m glad you asked. These remarkable, rugged leather boots feature tough American waxed canvas accents for an added touch of durability and visual interest — seriously, just picture the Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots peeking out from beneath a pair of your favorite dark blue denim or better yet, some tough five-pocket pants (chambray shirt and classic peacoat not included). The even better part? The Red Wing Heritage Wacouta Boots are going to be able to pull weekend duty (heading to your favorite brewery and teamed with a shawl cardigan) or time at the office (again, add in classic five-pocket pants and a navy herringbone blazer). When Red Wing Heritage is in the mix, you can rest assured the results will deliver.
‘Tis still the season to … layer up with winter style essentials, is it not? And so we begin another #OOTD, taking on a tricky question that can spring up during the doldrums of winter: “Do I really have to wear that jacket again?” Maybe it’s the coat you always wear. Maybe it’s got you feeling like you need a change of pace. Fear not, my friends — I’m here to present the humbler trucker jacket as one of the best new pieces of outerwear you can layer up with. Particularly if it’s not snowing like crazy, and temperatures aren’t in the single digits, it pays to have a whole host of go-to winter style picks that are just different enough from the everyday — in this case, we’re talking about an American-made fleece trucker jacket that’ll keep you warm and toasty when paired with, say a classic long-sleeve shirt from Buck Mason and a rugged denim shirt. It’s a solid change of pace from the ordinary, and it can always be fun to switch things up. The rest of this look is as classic as can be, perfect for a laidback weekend outing, an afternoon at your favorite burger bar, a quick weekend getaway, and perhaps, just maybe … super-casual Friday at work. After all, we’ve got classic chinos and stylish leather boots in the mix, too. You’re going for a look that’s not too over-the-top, but one that just works when it comes to the right style essentials for the season. To get the full picture, keep scrolling, reading and shopping. Like what you see? Let me know all about it on Twitter.
All of the rugged gear picks you need to stay warm in style this winter.
The Trucker Jacket:American Giant Fleece Trucker Jacket, $208 — The trucker jacket in question is different than you might expect — yes indeed, this rugged trucker jacket is made from fleece and features a zip front, all the better to layer this winter. Speaking of layering …
The Denim Shirt: Buck Mason Vintage Denim One-Pocket Shirt, $105 — Folks, you need a rugged denim shirt in your wardrobe — preferably, one that’s polished and yet ever-so-slightly edgy, like this handsome number from Buck Mason.
The Watch: Zodiac Watches Grandville Watch, $495— The only way to close out this #OOTD? With a rugged, stylish leather watch on your wrist — the kind that looks great at home and at the office, no less.
OK, do you have a better idea of how to dress for winter — and how to wear a trucker jacket for winter? It’s something that at first glance might not make a ton of sense, but when done the right way (especially with a warm fleece trucker jacket from American Giant), it can provide plenty of benefits. The best layers for winter are really critical here, too — so, a classic long-sleeve shirt from Buck Mason is going to keep you nice and warm without being overly stuffy. The same goes for your classic denim shirt, also from Buck Mason — talk about a one-two punches that delivers perfectly casual-yet-versatile style potential. Things get amped up ever-so-slightly without going over the top via classic chinos from Flint and Tinder, which also offer up office-friendly (or brewery-ready) style when teamed up with stylish leather boots from HELM Boots — those boots in particularly will age wonderfully over time. They’ll also work in tandem with a rugged, stylish leather watch for a dash of adventure-minded functionality. And thankfully, one of the best men’s deodorants is going to keep you smelling and feeling great — just as a rugged tote bag from Tanner Goods is going to get your gear essentials from point A to point B in style. That’ll about wrap up this #OOTD — where is it going to take you this winter? Great places, I hope. Thanks for reading — cheers!
All the right essentials for the best shoe shine ever.
I mentioned earlier that we’d cover a new Bespoke Post box, and here it is in all its glory. Finding the best shoe polishing kit can be a bit of a taxing search, but Bespoke Post does it right with some of the best gear to shine your shoes. Seriously, it could be downright fun now.
Duke Cannon “El Cuatro” 4-Count Variety Pack — $25
Four of the best soaps from Duke Cannon to upgrade your winter grooming.
Upgrading your winter grooming essentials just got easier, thanks to this four-pack of outstanding soaps (in large, oversized bars) from Duke Cannon. Seriously, I’m a big fan of the brand — this is some of the best soap I’ve tried.
All of the best grooming essentials you need for winter, and then some, all via Duke Cannon.
In the spirit of both self-improvement and hey, fun, Duke Cannon has put together its “Moderate Self-Improvement Box,” which actually happens to be a jam-packed box of men’s grooming essentials you can make use of any time of year — especially as we continue to kick off 2020.
As dependable and rugged as it gets on the travel bags front.
When you want rugged, functional style and carrying capacity, one of the best travel bags is going to be a requirement, surely. In that case, you’re going to want to consider the easy-to-carry, durable AER Travel Pack — consider it the grab-and-go bag to pair with your rugged waxed parka from Bridge and Burn, ehh?
The tough, sleek travel wallet you need in your bag next time you hit the road.
Last but not least, let’s talk about one of the best leather wallets for a minute, alright? Specifically, one of the best passport wallets — Bellroy has made this one sleek, stylish & effortlessly cool.
Alright, folks — I know we covered a ton, and I mean A TON, of ground there. From one of the best passport wallets back to a new set of EDC essentials, did you have any favorite gear picks? Lest we forget, we also discussed the effortlessly cool Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket and other crucial accessories, including one of the most rugged men’s henleys. It goes without saying it’s always tough to pick a favorite from a long list, but heck, even the HELM Boots Zind Boots are a contender for me. There’s no right or wrong answer — only gear to add to your shopping cart. Thanks for reading & happy shopping!
All the right details make the difference here. Well-done, Buck Mason.
There are, after all, plenty of touches that make this one of the best leather flight jackets you’ll find out there, from the tough full-grain cowhide leather to the removable shearling collar (crucial for providing unparalleled warmth and style). The tough black leather will only get better over time — see, the Buck Mason Sundown Flight Jacket is the kind of jacket your father or grandfather would have worn with pride, and you should feel the same way. The quilted satin lining offers both warmth and comfort (especially when worn with one of your favorite henleys), while the overall look is stylish enough for your commute and then happy hour drinks thereafter. There’s really no place a classic leather jacket isn’t going to look anything but super-sharp and stylish — yes, even in the depths of winter. Think of it as a nice change of pace in your outerwear rotation — and indeed, consider the fact that this rugged leather jacket is as at home on the road as it is at a rock show. How can it get any better than that? Answer: It can’t. Add this jacket to your menswear rotation now.
My weekend routine looks a whole lot like what’s described above, and I always relish the chance to kick back in Brooklyn — I’m coming off a busy week of birthday celebrations (this past Tuesday!), as it were! I spent the day off Tuesday in the borough, enjoying some of my favorite stops (like the lovely confines of Prospect Park and the tasty coffee of Milk and Honey) before hitting up some of my top craft beer spots in Brooklyn with friends, including Covenhoven and Gold Star Beer Counter. On tap? Beers from legendary and hard-to-find breweries in equal measure, including the always-excellent Hill Farmstead. Talk about a fitting birthday treat!
I’m always grateful to have the time to step back, reflect and enjoy some time off around my (golden!) birthday, especially as I round into my 6th (6th!) year in New York City. A lot of that has been made possible by my agency day job as much as it’s been made possible by my freelance writing and this very blog! So, this weekend, I plan on enjoying another night out with friends before getting back to work — thanks for reading and supporting The Style Guide! And in the meantime, you know what to do: Kick off your weekend with The Friday Read and the best men’s style news. Cheers!
Speaking of hitting the road: Before you go anywhere this weekend, you need to upgrade your wallet. The Distil Union Wally Bifold — as covered by yours truly at GearMoose — is one of the best new wallets on the market in terms of blending durability and sleek style. It also easily slides into the front pocket of your favorite pair of dark blue denim.
Let’s keep it rolling over at GearMoose, shall we? A slim, classic Oxford shirt is nearly indispensable in terms of versatility and style points — wear it with slim chinos, wear it with that same pair of dark blue denim … just make sure you’ve got one. On that note, I wrote about the best Oxford shirts, many of them from brands you know and love. Check it out, then let me know which one you’re buying on Twitter.
OK, time for one last GearMoose feature today, alright? In terms of upgrading your grooming routine in a subtly stylish yet cool way, the right cologne can go a long way — that’s why I wrote about new Dollar Shave Club cologne. It’s highly affordable and should be highly effective.
Let’s close things out with one last outfit recommendation — since we’re on the verge of a winter weekend, I figured it’s high time we revisited my guide on how to dress for a winter weekend. You’ll find plenty of handy, effective goods in that #OOTD, from a tough waxed trucker jacket to your favorite henley. That should just about do it the next time you head out on a weekend adventure. In need of more style inspiration? Be sure to visit my Instagram.
The best new casual watch to make it through a tough winter.
If you’ve been putting your attention toward other matters when it comes to winter style essentials, such as the best winter jacket for a blizzard (Hint: It’s here in this #OOTD) or the toughest winter boots, you’d be be forgiven for overlooking something as diminuitive as the watch on your wrist. That all changes today, thanks to the introduction of the Centric Instruments Lightwell Watch, quite possibly the best casual watch (for the price and functionality) that you’ll find in your search right now. Priced at $250 and sold via Huckberry, it’s a durable casual watch made for the everyday and the adventurous — and when a watch looks as good as the Centric Instruments Lightwell Watch, you’re going to want to find plenty of reasons to wear it. But first: Why does this particular watch work especially well for winter? Allow me.
The dial coating helps this watch shine bright on dark winter nights.
For starters, this rugged casual watch delivers toughness through a surgical-grade stainless steel case, to go along with a 38mm case diameter that’s neither too bulky nor too small. It’s also easy to read at night, all thanks to a dial that’s been coated with Superluminova BGW9. 100 meters of water resistance means you needn’t worry about the occasional snowstorm putting this watch out of commission — simply find the best leather gloves, throw on your favorite winter parka, and get out there. When it comes to hunting down one of the best casual watches for men, you definitely don’t want to skimp in the looks department, either. Thus, a crisp and easy-to-read dial designed to stand out quietly (and stylishly) when paired with everything from slim blue jeans and a classic shawl cardigan to a flannel-blazer-chinos combination at the office. For outdoor excursions at your cabin and days in town hanging at your favorite brewery, the Centric Instruments Lightwell Watch is going to be the way to go — try it and find out for yourself.
If it seems like we’ve tried to cover a lot of ground in our #OOTD series this winter, well, that’s because … we have. From a guide on how to wear your new favorite sweater to today’s versatile-yet-rugged (and largely casual) set of winter style essentials, the stage is set for you to add another arrow to your quiver of menswear looks (yes, I went there). The best new men’s gear is here for you today, including an unexpected centerpiece: That of the surprisingly stylish hooded sweatshirt, and in fact … one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts. No longer is the hooded sweatshirt to be relegated to wearing on those winter days when you can’t muster up the energy to leave the house — no sir, we’re wearing the perfectly rugged Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover just about anywhere you want. Heck, if you work in a casual, startup-type office environment, we’re wearing this look there, too (it looks a heck of a lot cooler than Zuckerberg’s hoodies, trust me). But mostly, we’re wearing the best hooded sweatshirt and other critical men’s gear picks anywhere you might wear a normal crewneck or V-neck sweatshirt — to brunch, to run errands, to grab coffee, to watch the ballgame … you name it, the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover can probably take it on without missing a beat (aside from situations that definitely require a tie, that is). At any rate, your complete guide on wearing a hooded sweatshirt in style starts right here. Taking notes? Good, good.
The best way to wear a hooded sweatshirt comes down to the right essentials.
The Stylish Hoodie: Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover, $98— Is it worth it to drop nearly $100 on one of the best hooded sweatshirts around? Yes, of course — especially when it’s got a tailored fit and uses comfortable fabric that’s guaranteed to break in.
The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Wool-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, $288— The thing that’s really going to bring this rugged style ensemble together? Why, a classic trucker jacket, delivered in style from Flint and Tinder once more and lined in warm wool for your commute.
The Base Layer: Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley, $98 — You’re investing once again here, but this time in one of the best men’s henleys on the market — one from Faherty Brand, no less. In the event you need to take off that hoodie, this is a perfectly stylish base layer.
The Pants: Western Rise Alloy Chino Pants, $139— The thing that takes this look from good to great? Some of the best men’s chinos from Western Rise — versatile enough to wear on a weekend hike, stylish enough to wear to drinks after (and yes, to the office, as well).
The Stylish Boots: Astorflex Dukeflex Boots, $155— If you read the blog, you know I’m all about adding a pair of the best men’s boots to any outfit — especially these rugged chukka boots that channel moc toe boots, all courtesy of Huckberry.
The Rugged Watch: Luminox Modern Mariner Watch, $900 — For getting around in the snow, you need a tough casual watch — yet one that looks great, too. The Luminox Modern Mariner accomplishes that goal quite nicely, wouldn’t you say?
No matter how casual this #OOTD might seem at first, it’s all about making the right choices in terms of your gear — hence, when it comes time to discuss how to wear a hooded sweatshirt, we’re starting with nothing but one of the best hooded sweatshirts around. Starting with a Flint and Tinder hoodie makes it all the easier to throw on the rest of your rugged gear picks, including (of course) a classic trucker jacket, also from Flint and Tinder. That one-two combo is accented quite nicely by both a pair of the best men’s chinos from Western Rise (for that casual office sort of versatility), plus one of the best men’s henleys (for when you need a stylish base layer). The overall effect is one that’s casual enough to hang with the guys, yet not sloppy enough that you’re confined to your couch — and only your couch. That’s where a pair of rugged chukka boots comes into play, helped along on the accessories front by a tough casual watch — the Luminox Modern Mariner, to be more specific. You’ve also got the right idea in mind in terms of hauling your EDC essentials with the Tanner Goods Simple Tote — it blends style and tough functionality with ease. To top it all off, the best men’s grooming essentials (by way of standout soap from Duke Cannon) are yet a final, fitting way to cap off this winter-ready ensemble. Where will it take you this season? Let me know on Twitter — until then, stay warm in style, and thanks for reading!
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