by Beau H.

The List: Get Ready for Early Spring with the Essential Menswear Picks for the Season

We’re going in-depth with a slim pair of new Levi’s denim and more spring style essentials today.

We’ve probably got a ways to go before it really starts feeling like spring, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t start your search for spring style essentials today. And oftentimes, the best men’s spring gear should start with pieces you might normally overlook — like the slim black jeans from the Levi’s Made and Crafted line pictured at the top of the page. Which is to say, if you focus on quality basics, the rest of your spring style needs will fall into place — that goes for upgrades to your home bar and even the purchase of a new, stylish wool utility jacket. Without further ado, let’s look toward a new season.

Levi’s Made and Crafted 511 Slim Fit Denim — $168

A slim pair of timeless black denim from the Levi’s Made and Crafted line.

When it comes to making stylish men’s denim, Levi’s is perhaps the foremost American expert on the category — and it’s helpful that the Levi’s 511 here gets an added upgrade via the excellent attention to detail from the Levi’s Made and Crafted line. Wear these slim black jeans with an inky blue indigo denim jacket and a rugged short-sleeve henley this spring.

SHOP: The Levi’s Made and Crafted 511 Denim

Bespoke Post Parlor Box — $45 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

A wortwhile way to upgrade your home bar.

You might associate this home bar essential with the depths of winter, but bear with me. Early spring is actually as good a time as any to upgrade your home bar — after all, spring and summer call for plenty of party-hosting and plenty of cocktails. The Bespoke Post Parlor Box has you covered.

Portuguese Flannel Street Shirt — $115

A lightweight flannel shirt to wear as a nice mid-layer this spring.

Now’s not the time to stow away your classic flannel shirt just yet — this soft flannel from Portuguese Flannel should prove reliable and warm through spring rain.

Carpenter Watches G1 Brooklyn Gent Watch — $825

A slim, dressy leather watch to wear all spring and summer (and beyond).

A refined, stylish leather watch works well, no matter the season, but the G1 Brooklyn Gent from Carpenter Watches seems well-suited to work with a khaki blazer and light wash denim this spring.

Todd Snyder x Champion Popover Hoodie Sweatshirt — $138

A bright, spring-friendly hooded sweatshirt from a famed design partnership.

Speaking of essential spring layers, consider this seriously stylish hooded sweatshirt from Todd Snyder x Champion — this is the type of casual hooded sweatshirt you could assuredly wear over your classic flannel shirt.

Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos — $98

The best chinos for spring? Certainly among them, that much is true.

Now, let’s pivot from slim black denim to a pair of stylish chinos for spring and summer — yes, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos are made specifically for warmer weather, and you can team them with a stylish hooded sweatshirt or a white Oxford in equal measure.

Arvin Goods Gym Socks — $12

Well-made, sustainable socks from Arvin Goods.

Hey, it’s not all about $825 watches here on the blog all the time — sometimes, you just need a pair of stylish, affordable socks, like this pair here from Arvin Goods. Wear them with your new favorite spring sneakers (more on those in a second).

Native North Utility Jacket — $200

Inspired by workwear and fit for the present day.

Because it’s going to be a while before it warms up well and truly, this stylish wool utility jacket is a one-of-a-kind option to wear with slim black denim and black combat boots.

Orvis Heritage Field Coat — $219

A tough field coat you’re going to reach for time and again this spring.

Speaking of jackets for spring weather: The Orvis Heritage Field Coat’s rugged style and legendary performance precedes itself. It’s one of the toughest field jackets you can buy, thanks to weather-ready waxed cotton canvas and features like reinforced elbows. It’s a coat that’s built for the field, and yet works in the city — I should know, seeing as I took it on a recent trip to Dublin and really can’t say enough about it!
SeaVees Legends Sneaker in Pig Suede — $72

A versatile, understated pair of sneakers for many a a spring outing.

Quickly, let’s talk about your new favorite spring sneakers — there’s a good chance they could be these very sneakers seen here from SeaVees.
Relwen Stretch Windpant — $188

Add these to your list of essential spring gear.

In keeping with the theme of gear to get you ready for wet and wild weather, these functional, stylish sweatpants from Relwen fit the bill quite nicely. Could they be your new favorite sweatpants? Maybe.
Astorflex Pantoflex — $155

Sleek leather loafers that’ll work for that first warm day of spring.

Nothing says spring weather and spring style quite like a pair of stylish leather slip-ons (able to be dressed up or down) from Astorflex, right? Indeed!
So as we get ready for spring (slowly but surely), which of the above picks tops your own list? For me, it’s still the Levi’s Made and Crafted line and the 511 Denim as shown above. Versatile, essential & timeless. Feel free to pop in the comments and let me know! Thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Native North Utility Jacket

A functional-yet-versatile jacket to help you get ready for early spring.

Not so fast, my friend — it’s not time to hang up all of your winter style essentials quite yet. In fact, some of those pieces, like the Native North Utilty Jacket shown above, can reliably help you make the transition into early spring. That’s right, the Native North Utility Jacket is one of the best men’s jackets for early spring, and that’s just a fact. The Native North Utility Jacket certainly has a lot going for it, from the classic workwear cut to the handy pockets (perfect for lugging your everyday carry essentials through less-than-optimal spring weather). And it’s a bonus that the Native North Utility Jacket doesn’t quite look like anything you’ve got in your closet when it comes to style — that’s because its roots come from Denmark, that uniquely minimal, quickly growing menswear outpost. Heck, there’s even a Copenhagen Fashion Week now, and you wouldn’t look out of place if you decided to wear the Native North Utility Jacket across the pond. But enough about the runways — what makes this stylish spring jacket right for you? Bear with me.

SHOP: The Native North Utility Jacket

Native North

The three-way collar lends itself to fighting chilly early spring days in style.

For one, it’s not the bulky winter jacket you’ve grown used to wearing over the past several months — this slim wool jacket is linted with cotton (versus an all-wool lining), giving it a bit more breathability and mobility. Point being, you should feel free to layer this rugged workwear jacket over everything from a classic henley and slim faded jeans (don’t forget some Astorflex chukka boots) to a crisp white Oxford shirt and tan chinos. Think of the Native North Utility Jacket like a more stylish, functional blazer replacement (complete with two interior pockets and three exterior pockets). In short, this jacket could also double as the perfect travel jacket, able to be worn on a chilly plane or train, and then out to your destination once you arrive. Again, it’s a uniquely stylish spring jacket that looks quite a bit different from the technical pieces we normally associate with early spring style. That’s only a positive — just because we’re getting away from winter doesn’t mean you don’t need an arsenal full of the best men’s jackets, and again … that’s just a fact! Are you adding the Native North Utility Jacket to your rotation this season? How are you wearing it? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Dublin, Teeling Distillery & Arkells

Exploring Dublin Castle wearing the Orvis Heritage Field Coat and Tech Chambray Shirt, plus a classic Shinola Runwell Watch and new frames from Aspire Eyewear.

There are certain trips that leave an impact on you for days, weeks, months & yes, years to come. I’ve had the great fortune to take quite a few, and I know my trip this past weekend to Dublin is one of those such trips. It was certainly quick, but I had just enough time to get a feel for this historic city, complete with plenty of thankful reflection (and lots of on-foot exploration wearing my Orvis Heritage Field Coat!)

Highlights included the Teeling Distillery (go to the upstairs Bang Bang Bar, get the “New” Fashioned, thank me later), stellar menswear at Indigo & Cloth (packed with contemporary menswear brands like Norse Projects and Our Legacy) and the cozy, authentic confines of Bowes Lounge (get a pint of Guinness and take in the crowd). Fancy a bit of record shopping? Duck into the Sound Cellar — it’s next to a Subway shop & across from Trinity College, but that’s all the better!

Among the hustle and bustle of the city, I had two stellar Irish Breakfast platters (Canal Bank Cafe, near my quarters in Ranelagh, makes a great one!), I drank my weight in Guinness at the iconic Guinness Storehouse, and I had the chance to see one of my favorite bands, Scottish synth pop heroes CHVRCHES, play a powerful Friday night show at the iconic Olympia Theatre. If ever you get to Dublin, I can’t recommend sampling a little bit of everything this wonderful city has to offer — it’s a city and an experience I’ll always remember fondly.

As it were, I’ve got another quick weekend trip in the mix — similar to my quick jaunt to Vancouver to see Canadian rock stars Arkells, I’ll also be hitting the road to see them tomorrow! The trip is a much quicker one — a mere train ride to Philadelphia to see this powerful band play Underground Arts! My last time seeing this remarkable band (at the massive, sold-out Pacific Coliseum) was impressive, powerful & life-affirming, so I expect a similar showing this time, but in a much smaller setting! Start your own weekend with this week’s edition of The Friday Read, then coming back around tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week. Thanks for reading!

  • I always talk about the little details making a difference in terms of the way you get dressed every single day — it’s with that in mind that I rounded up several of my favorite everyday carry essentials for The Manual, from a refined leather watch to a durable phone case.
  • The work being done by the team at Buck Mason is really never not Buck Mason Bruiser Bomber JacketGearMoose worth a look — case in point being the remarkable , one of my favorite leather jackets of the moment. It just so happens to be the subject of one of my latest features, too!
  • Let’s turn back to GearMoose for a menswear feature I had some serious fun writing — the Todd Snyder x Timex partnership always yields some fruitful, stylish results. On that note, it’s been enjoyable to test out the refined, slim Todd Snyder x Timex Mid-Century Watch, a sleek timepiece that calls to mind old-school watches. Again, head to GearMoose to check it out.

As we again transition slowly but surely into spring, I have one more menswear recommendation for you today — namely, check out this rugged workwear jacket from Flint and Tinder to take on all your weekend adventures. That’s all from me for today!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Peregrine Waffle Crew Neck Jumper is an Essential Winter Sweater

A warm, thick-knit sweater from a brand that’s been making standout menswear for a long, long time.

In need of a new winter sweater? Preferably ASAP? Peregrine is here to save the day with the Waffle Crew Neck Jumper, to say the very least. Make no mistake, this is a rugged winter sweater that channels all the classic heritage and true throwback style that every guy needs — you know, the type of stylish winter sweater that an icon like Steve McQueen might envy. It makes sense: Peregrine was founded in 1796 — yes, that’s right — and the same commitment to heritage and history carries through to the present day. Hopefully, you’re familiar with the brand: We’ve previously covered Peregrine sweaters in similar posts on this site that cover the best winter style essentials — the construction and quality that Peregrine brings to the table has serious staying power, to say the least. The Waffle Crew Neck Jumper is no different, made with 100 percent British wool for exceptional warmth.

SHOP: The Peregrine Waffle Crew Neck Jumper 

Shop Faherty Brand

That wool really makes all the difference — it’s some of the best in the world. The Waffle Crew Neck Jumper also has a classic knit, the kind of sweater that wouldn’t look out of place in the Scottish Highlands 50 years ago — nor in the city, layered with a classic peacoat, in the present day.

The Waffle Crew Neck Jumper from Peregrine is also available in this rich shade of Cinnamon (a personal favorite).

And if you’ve found yourself in need of a wardrobe refresh this winter, the Peregrine Waffle Crew Neck Jumper is here to help — it’s a unique change of pace from a shawl collar cardigan, and it just so happens to be dressier than a sport-inspired crewneck. That being said, all the classic hallmarks of a stylish winter sweater are still there, meaning you can layer it over a classic white tee with faded denim, or pair it up with a white Oxford shirt, grey chinos and leather chukka boots. In summary: The Peregrine Waffle Crew Neck Jumper is going to become a go-to winter sweater … for however long winter lasts.

SHOP: The Peregrine Waffle Crew Neck Jumper 


Shop Faherty Brand

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Refresh Your Classic Oxford Shirt This Way for Winter, Right Now

There are only so many ways you can wear your classic Oxford shirt this winter, right? And if you feel like you’ve exhausted all of them, then you’re in luck — today’s new #OOTD is here to save the day with a completely revamped take on this timeless menswear essential. The Oxford shirt has been a men’s style go-to for decades because it A) Looks great on every guy and B) Lends itself to both classic styling (think tan chinos and leather loafers in the spring) or something a bit more fashion-forward (underneath a black moto jacket with slim grey jeans right now). It’s also ready-made for layering, what with the visually interesting buttondown collar and a tailored fit. In short, it’s asking to be worn a multitude of different ways. And in this instance, you get the best of, well, everything via the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt that we’re showcasing below. It’s done up in cool-as-can-be color, all the better for layering underneath an unexpected workwear jacket — just the right way to switch up your style this winter. After all, we’re through February and likely still have some snowy, rainy weather ahead (Spoiler: The Blundstone boots shown below are going to come in handy). However, you needn’t fully abandon your favorite classic pieces, seeing as this stylish Oxford shirt will still work quite nicely with slim chinos as detailed below. How does it all come together? Well, you’ll have to read the rest of this #OOTD to find out. Cheers!

Mixing an Oxford shirt with some classic workwear essentials, including trusty Blundstone boots.

  • The Oxford Shirt: Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Army Everyday Oxford, $98 — The best way to shake up your classic Oxford shirt? Reaching for one from Taylor Stitch in a unique color.
  • The Jacket: Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket, $98 — Yet another way to change up how you’re wearing your Oxford shirt this winter? Layering it up with a tough workwear jacket from Flint and Tinder, rather than a blazer (consider this a Casual Friday style move).
  • The Classic Chinos: Taylor Stitch Democratic Chinos in Organic Ash, $98 — The folks at Taylor Stitch get the nod again here, thanks in part to the quality behind these slim grey chinos — a nice change of pace from expertly faded denim.
  • The Boots: Blundstone Super 550 Boots, $185 — We’re all about changing things up, and the timeless Blundstone boots shown here channel both functional and fashionable style.
  • The Watch: Laco Paderborn Original Pilot Watch, $1,190 — There’s a very good chance this investment-worthy leather watch might be sold out by the time you read this, but if not … it’s the perfect complement to this #OOTD.
  • The Socks: Proof 72-Hour Merino Crew Socks, $32 — Sometimes, minimally designed socks with travel-ready technology are a must — Proof has you covered.
  • The Belt: WP Standard Officer’s Belt in Natural, $72 — A leather belt that gets better with age is an easy style move — no need to overthink it here.
  • The Stylish Scarf: American Trench Thermal Knit Cotton Scarf, $48 — Last but certainly not least, we’ll close out today’s recommendation with a stylish cotton scarf from American Trench.

\

Hopefully, this ensemble got you thinking about a new and slightly refreshed way to wear your classic Oxford shirt. Again, it’s never a bad thing to rock a versatile shirt that you can layer up or dress down. When you take one with a cool color from Taylor Stitch and pair it up with a tough workwear jacket from Flint and Tinder, you’re already off to a great start. To put it lightly, you’ve got the makings of an ensemble made to head to your favorite brewery or stand out subtly at the office. Taylor Stitch is also a wise bet on your bottom half, as the slim grey chinos we’ve shown here just so happen to be a solid change of pace from classic dark denim. That same blend of upgraded style and classic functionality shines through on the footwear front, too — witness the iconic Blundstone Super 550 Boots you’ll be rocking. As always seems to be the case when it comes to these outfits, you can’t slip up on the accessories front … no sir, not with your socks (go with the Proof 72-Hour Crew Socks), nor your heritage-quality leather watch (from Laco). And since it’s still winter, you assuredly need to end things on a high note with a stylish cotton scarf from American Trench — it really is all covered here. The choice of where to take this outfit is now up to you.

by Beau H.

The List: Shop This Week’s Best Men’s Fashion and Gear Picks for Any Occasion

Filson

This beauty of a bag from Filson is but one of a host of menswear essentials I think you’ll love today.

We’re going to jump right into today’s list of the best men’s fashion picks by checking out a seriously rugged, adventure-ready bag from Filson — the Tin Cloth Excursion Bag, to be more specific. You’re going to love it. Heck, sometimes, the right bag can be an easy way to upgrade the rest of your style — after all, you want to step up the rest of your outfit accordingly, right? The rest of today’s picks also feature something for everyone, from a peek at Topo Designs x The National (that’s right!) to the best leather Chelsea boots your  money can buy. Let’s dive in below.

Filson Tin Cloth Excursion Bag — $425

One heck of a durable, well-made bag for adventures in every season.

See, I told you that you’d love the first pick in today’s post. Featuring beastly construction and the sort of attention to detail you’d expect from Filson, the Tin Cloth Excursion Bag is another piece to add to your consideration set for your everyday carry.
Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots — $195

Dependable boots made the right way, all courtesy of Astorflex and Huckberry.

We’re big fans of Astorflex here on the blog for the way the brand makes its stylish boots sustainably and with some serious style top of mind. The Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots, exclusive to Huckberry, carry on that lineage handsomely (and they’re newly restocked!).
Topo Designs x The National Classic Duffel — $149
Topo Designs x The National

A classic travel bag made in partnership with the iconic indie rock band The National.

This right here is a no-brainer for me — Topo Designs, makers of excellent technical gear infused with quite a bit of style, have teamed up with my all-time favorite band, my heroes … yes, The National. The resulting Classic Duffel is travel-ready, which is fitting considering I’ve traveled a fair amount on my own to see them. In short,  I’m on board with this handsome bag, from the Cordura fabric exterior to the embroidered NTL logo. Fun fact: The color of the bag also plays off the blue color found on the band’s 2017 classic “Sleep Well Beast” … just perfection.
Bespoke Post Cheers Box — $45 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)
Bespoke Post

The right picks you need to enjoy your next craft beer … over and over and over.

Only $45 for a box of craft beer essentials? All available with ease through Bespoke Post? How cool is that? Whether you’re a craft beer novice or a longtime fan, the Bespoke Post Cheers Box is enough to get anyone fired up about the industry (and about whatever beer you have in your hand, of course).
Outerknown Octillo Shirt — $88

A no-frills shirt that manages to be sustainable AND stylish.

From the rich color to the easygoing styling potential, this Outerknown shirt is the kind you throw on underneath a shawl cardigan with faded jeans (or all on its own, sleeves rolled up), to head into the office on a casual day in late winter or early spring. The double-weave organic cotton is a winning fabric with a light weight, so you should also feel free to layer it over a classic henley.
Centric Instruments Lightwell Field Watch — $260

A dependable field watch powered by the energy of the sun? Put me down for one.

The perfect everyday watch (shown here in a different colorway than previously featured on the site) can be very tricky to find — you might say the search is *ahem* time-consuming. Centric Instruments takes care of all of that for you, thanks to this rugged field watch with a solar-powered movement capable of holding reserves up to six months. Bingo.
Orvis Tech Chambray Work Shirt — $89
Orvis Tech Chambray

A modern update on a rugged classic from Orvis.

You might know Orvis for its field-ready gear made for outdoorsmen, but the brand is more than that. The Tech Chambray Work Shirt features quick-dry fabric and the styling potential of a tough chambray work shirt, all wrapped into one. From the triple-needle stitching to two front-button pockets, I’ve found this shirt to be versatile and durable (especially for my recent trip to Dublin).
Coalatree Trailhead Pants — $90

A unique pair of pants fit for travel or weekend relaxation.

Right off the bat, you can tell the Coalatree Trailhead Pants are a little different than the rest. From the drawstring ankles and waist to the tear-resistant nylon fabric, they could just be the perfect pants for winter travel — try them with a classic chambray shirt and rugged leather chukka boots.
Taylor Stitch The Jack Shirt in White Reverse Jacquard — $138
Taylor Stitch

A cool pattern mixed with that timeless Taylor Stitch fit — coming up aces.

Take it from a big fan — the fit and styling potential of Taylor Stitch shirts is nearly perfect. I’d say that’s also the case when it comes to the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, shown here in a seriously cool White Reverse Jacquard fabric. Wear it with slim tan chinos & stylish leather dress shoes.
Topo Designs Field Pants — $89
Topo Designs

Durable work pants made from tough cotton twill — tailor-made for your favorite brewery or your next weekend hike.

We’re back with more gear from Topo Designs — the durable, rugged Field Pants can take the place of jeans on a Casual Friday (maybe with the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt)  just as readily as they can put in serious work out in, well, the field. 100 percent organic midweight twill cotton provides longevity and easy wearability, while front patch pockets give you space for your everyday carry essentials.
Klitmøller Johan Sweater — $187

A warm, easy-to-layer winter sweater with great styling potential.

Speaking of gear that you can wear with the Field Pants from Topo Designs, well … add this rugged winter sweater from Klitmøller to your list. It’s the perfect pairing with, say, the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots and a hot cup of coffee.
Allegiance Flag Supply Colorado State Flag — $150

Talk about a unique way to amp up your wall decor.

Now, do I have any deep ties to the state of Colorado, or have I ever lived there? Nope. Does this Allegiance Flag Supply flag look pretty cool, nonetheless? Yessir. Go for it to upgrade your living space in style.
OK, which of the above was your favorite today? We covered a lot of ground (in my humble opinion), but I have to say … the rugged versatility of the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots (again, some of the best men’s boots out there) makes it hard to pass ’em up. As always, let me know your thoughts on Twitter — thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Tanner Goods Standard Belt

A handsome, stylish leather belt — yes, a leather belt can be both of those things.

Call me crazy — go right ahead — but we’re dedicating today’s Style Pick of the Week to the Tanner Goods Standard Belt … yes, just a leather belt. But when is a leather belt more than just a leather belt? When it’s made by Tanner Goods, naturally — in fact, the Tanner Goods Standard Belt is one of the best men’s belts your money can buy, and that’s the truth. It bears repeating that again, like we always say here at The Style Guide, the small accessories can make a big difference, pulling your outfit together … or causing it to fall apart. That might sound like a lot of hyperbole, but the Tanner Goods Standard Belt bucks the trend of your belt being just an afterthought. Whether you decide to wear this stylish leather belt with your favorite pair of denim, a set of classic slim chinos, or some durable work pants, you surely won’t be disappointed.

Available in five seriously cool types of leather, the Tanner Goods Standard Belt offers up something for everything — again, the rich leather and handsome hardware means you can wear the Tanner Goods Standard Belt with everything from inky indio denim, a slub henley and brown leather boots to a tailored four-season suit. Certainly, this rugged-yet-versatile belt makes the case that a leather belt can be … you guessed it, so much more than a leather belt.

The details make this leather belt all the better.

The even better news? The Tanner Goods Standard Belt is the perfect leather belt to buy if you happen to tend toward brown leather watches and brown or suede chukka boots — in that regard, it could become a go-to everyday belt. Heck, we haven’t even mentioned that it’s made in America using vegetable-tanned Meridian English Bridle leather (some of the best in the country, assuredly). Even the buckle is hand-cast — this certainly isn’t a cheap, faux leather belt from a fast-fashion retailer, and that’s a great thing given the $70-plus price tag. Considering the Tanner Goods Standard Belt using the “Marie Kondo Method,” I’d say this thing is going to give you serious joy as you wear it every single day — no doubt about it. Upgrade your belt, and the rest of your everyday carry essentials just might follow. The little things make all the difference, and the Tanner Goods Standard Belt can help set you on the right path to better accessories, better style & a better … life? Don’t knock it ’til you try it! Thanks for reading.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Dublin, The Best Old Fashioned to Drink Now & The Best Winter Jacket

Cheers to the weekend — and the best Old Fashioned on the market. Image courtesy of Esquire.

We’re here on the cusp of another weekend, my friends — have an Old Fashioned, you deserve it. It’s been a whirlwind month of February for me, seeing as I woke up on February 1st in Vancouver on a weekend jaunt to see one of my favorite bands, Canadian rock stars Arkells, and then spent the rest of my time checking out a neat coastal city (I strongly recommend you hit up Brassneck Brewery and the trendy-but-not-too-trendy beer & cocktail emporium Six Acres). In short, the show & the trip were extraordinary — but you know that if you follow me on Instagram. Vancouver was lovely & extremely walkable, with sunny, breezy weather, great beer, and some tasty Japanese curry fries. The Granville Island Public Market is another eclectic location worth a visit if ever you get out West, too.

What’s on tap next, then? Why, another trip, of course! Back in October, as I started planning out my 2019, I looked “across the pond” and found a neat 2-for-1 opportunity of sorts — the chance to visit iconic, historic Dublin, Ireland, and the chance to see a stellar show by another one of my favorite groups, Scottish synth pop heroes CHVRCHES! In fact, as you read this, I’m en route to Dublin (with a stop at the Guinness Storehouse planned later today). From the Guinness Storehouse, it’ll be off to explore the city and head to the Olympia Theatre to see CHVRCHES play a Friday night show sure to be packed with hits off three much-loved albums, including 2013 classics “The Mother We Share” and “Recover.” From there, I’m looking forward to exploring as much of the city on foot as possible (with my Huckberry Duck Boots in tow, naturally). What’s on your weekend to-do list? Wait, I know the answer: Kicking it off with today’s edition of The Friday Read, and listening to some CHVRCHES. Problem solved!

  • Aside from a rich, flavorful IPA, I might put an Old Fashioned second on my list of go-to cocktails for a chilly winter night (the photo at the top really says it all, honestly). On that note, the ever-refined team at Esquire offers up a recipe for what just might be the best Old Fashioned to drink now. It’s super simple, it accentuates the whiskey (I like Michter’s at the moment), and it’s a nice way to unwind after a long day.
  • On the hunt for a unique collaboration that’s designed to work at the beach and on the streets? The Hurley x Carhartt collaboration, recently launched, is for you. It blends the spirit of workwear with the adventure-ready mindset of the beach through stylish hoodies, heavyweight tees & more.. And the even better news? I recently wrote about the partnership for The Manual! Check it out above.It’s quite high praise to call out one jacket (that’d be the Fint and Tinder Type 3 Sherpa Jacket) as the best winter jacket, but I’m here to tell you that it’s seriously under consideration for that honor from yours truly. In fact, you should read more about this jacket before it’s snapped up off digital shelves.
  • The best style moves are sometimes the simplest — take the Proof Nova Series Jacket, a minimal jacket that offers up big-time performance. To get the full scoop, I’m going to send you to GearMoose to read my latest feature.

So, that’ll do it for today’s edition of The Friday Read. I’ve got some exploration of Dublin to get done now — if you have any suggestions for sights to see in the city, feel free to let me know on Twitter. And in the meantime, I’d urge you to keep your weekend going by shopping for some of the best menswear essentials. There we go! Thanks for reading.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Indigo Waffle Jack Shirt is a New Winter Essential

A new take on the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, essential fabric and all.

Have you been searching high and low for men’s style essentials from one go-to brand? A company that makes things easy and stocks a wide range of basics that … aren’t quite so basic? A brand like Taylor Stitch, naturally? You’re in luck, because everyone’s favorite San Francisco-based menswear purveyor is now stocking gear like the Indigo Waffle Jack Shirt in a simple, aptly named collection called Taylor Stitch Essentials — consider your winter shopping sorted, to say the least. The Indigo Waffle Jack Shirt is part of a well-curated collection of pieces that are going to work in any season and virtually any style situation, exactly what one would expect from the fine folks at Taylor Stitch. That means you can pair it with other like-minded pieces from the brand, like slim tan chinos or inky selvage denim — all the while, the Indigo Waffle Jack Shirt is going to break in handsomely thanks to that indigo texture.

A richly textured indigo shirt, made for winter layering.

Garment-washed cotton brings out the rich texture and stylish nature of this shirt, which should fit perfectly and wear nicely right out of the box. That’s because Taylor Stitch has its shirting dialed in to fit most (if not all) guys perfectly — the use of exact chest measurements (I.E. A size 40 chest equates to a medium) takes care of that. The Indigo Waffle Jack Shirt also features a pleasingly rounded button-down collar and a visually interesting front chest pocket. Those two touches put this shirt squarely in casual territory, yet it’s able to be worn easily with something like a charcoal herringbone blazer and burgundy corduroys at the office. The fit and fabric of the Indigo Waffle Jack Shirt also lends itself to being worn as laidback as possible — think expertly faded denim and rugged leather chukka boots, sleeves rolled and stylish leather watch on your wrist. The refreshing thing about the Indigo Waffle Jack Shirt is that it’s going to work as hard as you do — it won’t fall apart like a cheaply made shirt from a fast fashion retailer. If you ask me, that’s all you need to consider when shopping for your new favorite winter shirt.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Down a Blazer This Winter

We’ve talked in the past here on The Style Guide about how to dress for the office, but we’re now taking that a step further today — how to dress down your blazer the right way. The move here involves dressing it down for a nice blend of workwear-inspired, ruggedly casual office style. It’s a tricky balance to get right, but I think you’ll find the below #OOTD gets the job done just fine (pun intended). The trick comes in the blazer you pick, and the supporting cast with which you surround yourself. In this case, the blazer in question is the unstructured, laidback-yet-polished Outerknown Ambassador Blazer — but more on that in a second.

In other matters, the rest of these men’s style essentials might look more like pieces you wear on the weekend: Consider a rugged Taylor Stitch henley and the durable-as-heck Flint and Tinder Mill Pants to now be stylish and essential enough to wear to the office. The key, again, comes with blending it all together in a way that’s polished and cool — not stuffy. So, you’ll also find a stylish leather watch and grooming essentials from Duke Cannon in the mix. It can be a bit uncomfortable at first to mix and match pieces that you normally feel might not work together, but when you put your mind to it … it all falls into place. See for yourself below, then check out my #OOTD rotation over on Instagram.

Can you dress down a blazer? Yes, with this #OOTD … you sure can.

  • The Blazer: Outerknown Ambassador Blazer, $325 — When wearing a blazer more casually (like with a stylish henley), reach for one that’s unstructured and easygoing — Outerknown has just the ticket. (While we’re at it, head here to get a discount on Outerknown).
  • The Henley: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley in Natural, $68 — If ever there was a henley to wear with a blazer, it’d be this rugged Taylor Stitch henley. Right?
  • The Pants: Flint and Tinder Mill Pants, $98 — Mixing workwear with more dressy style staples can be a bit of a daring move, but the rugged Flint and Tinder Mill Pants balance out the two nicely.
  • The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Winslow Parka, $238.98 — You’re still going to need one of the best men’s winter jackets for a little while longer — Taylor Stitch strikes again here, helping you get to the office and stay dry while doing it.
  • The Boots: Allen Edmonds Normandy Captoe Boots, $295 — Rugged leather lace-up boots are the go-to move here, particularly as you fight the elements in business casual style.
  • The Stylish Leather Watch: Martenero Ace Watch, $595 — This handsome leather watch is bold enough for the weekend & subtly stylish enough for the office.
  • The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon Bourbon Solid Cologne, $25 — Try something new on for size — this refined cologne from Duke Cannon is truly like no other, and that’s why I love it.
  • The Everyday Carry Essential: This Is Ground Mod 5 Organizer, $385 — The right way to organize your daily work must-haves? This Is Ground, of course. Stylish AND sleek.

Shop Faherty Brand

So, we’re calling this meeting to a close today in terms of how to dress down your blazer — did this #OOTD get you thinking outside of the box a little bit? Again, it all comes down to making sure your blazer (in this case, the Outerknown Ambassador Blazer) is laidback and stylish enough to wear with pieces like a rugged Taylor Stitch henley and of course, the workwear-inspired Flint and Tinder Mill Pants. You get more assistance at bridging the gap between the rugged and the office-ready with the suitably tough-yet-classic Allen Edmonds Normandy Captoe Boots (a personal favorite as seen on GearMoose!). The other accessories do the heavy lifting here, too. That includes the exceptional Martenero Ace Watch (possibly the best leather watch to buy now), plus the essential Duke Cannon Solid Cologne. Both of those bring this ensemble right to the office. And for when the weather gets to be too rough? The durable Taylor Stitch Winslow Parka helps you stay dry in style. Every single base is covered, from what to wear on your commute to what to wear at the office — casually, of course.  Again, check out my Instagram to see how I’m dressing for the office on the daily. Thanks for reading!


Shop Faherty Brand