Style Pick of the Week: Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts – An Easygoing Pair of the Best Summer Shorts

Best summer shorts for men.

In my experience, going back to the basics can sometimes work wonders for your summer style essentials and your menswear wardrobe in general. After all, as I always say, the classics are the classics for a reason: A perfect sustainable shirt jacket for summer nights, a breezy USA-made tee, and yes, these Outerknown chino shorts at the top of the page all qualify, at least in my book.

It only gets better from there when it comes to the sustainable style brand founded by surfing legend Kelly Slater, because the Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts check off all the right boxes in terms of a prime summer look. What do I mean by that? Well, let’s start with the fabrication and fit, because in my experience, Outerknown delivers on both accounts.

Helpfully, the Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts are modeled off straight leg chinos, so you needn’t worry about them being overly baggy, a la cargo shorts of days gone by. They’re also crafted from durable, strong organic cotton that’s also been garment-washed — they’re just the right mix of supple and sturdy.

And that garment washing also gives the Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts a lived-in, aged look and feel, which is never a bad style move to have in your rotation.

Outerknown men's shorts review.

For good measure, the “Hollywood waistband” means the belt loops and pockets are sewn right into the shorts themselves, a cool touch that also calls to mind, say, vintage fatigue shorts or throwback chinos.

Yes indeed, in my book, the Outerknown Nomad Chino Shorts — in either Faded Olive or a crisp Navy — are ready to be worn with everything from canvas sneakers and your favorite henley to an ultra-soft cotton polo and leather loafers (to name but a few potential ensembles). Make these yours now for a sustainable, stylish summer.

The Friday Read: A Memorial Day Weekend Getaway to Boston & the Best Summer Menswear

My friends, we made it: We made it to the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day weekend, and I hope you’re ready for a long weekend packed with family, friends, great beer, great tunes and the best summer menswear. As to summer menswear, here’s a quick word before we get into it: My friends at Huckberry are running an excellent long weekend sale on menswear, gear, everyday carry essentials and more, and you can check it all out here below.

I’ve got a little of each in store in my neck of the woods (beer, menswear and more!), as I’m shipping up to Boston with my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary for one of our favorite shared pastimes: A raucous live show by none other than one of our favorite bands.

Brought to you by way of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, that would be the one, the only… The Killers.

It’ll be my 14th time seeing the legendary band, a group I can’t help but appreciate in matters of both style AND music — and in fact, it’ll be my lovely Mary’s first time seeing this iconic rock group. As always, I’m thrilled at the opportunity to see my hero Brandon Flowers play live, and I feel ever so fortunate that I got to interview him for Esquire back in 2021 (you can find that story below, as well!)

Add in what promises to be a sunny weekend in Boston, along with the promise of fresh beer at Boston breweries like Harpoon, Lord Hobo and Trillium, and I’d say you’ve got a true recipe for success.

Trillium Brewing Boston.

Of course, I’ve packed some of my favorite summer style essentials from retailers like Huckberry and Buck Mason, all the better to truly take on the long weekend the right way. What’s on your agenda this weekend? Perhaps it’ll involve shopping some of the best holiday weekend menswear deals, as I compiled over at Maxim.com?

Or perhaps it’ll involve hitting up one of your favorite brands for a few exceptional discounts, like Taylor Stitch? Either way, keep it stylish, stay safe, have a cold beer for me and turn up that glamorous indie rock n’roll from The Killers, my friends.

The Thursday Buy: This Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt is a New Daily Go-To

Best chambray shirt for men.

When you need a restock or a refresh of summer menswear essentials, it pays off to go right to the source — if what you seek is a rugged take on a classic, of course. And in this case, that source is Filson, the legendary Pacific Northwest purveyor of some of the best outdoor gear on the planet.

That very much includes one of the best chambray shirts for men, a pick that — in my experience — delivers hard-wearing, work-ready performance as well as versatile style.

You see, the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt is a timeless style that does just about anything asked of it. If you want a workwear layer for a day in the yard or on the trail, for instance, the durable chambray weave stands up to anything.

Filson men's shirts.

And if you want an easygoing, stylish men’s short-sleeve shirt to wear buttoned up alongside the best summer shorts this season — say, at a summer BBQ — then this handsome chambray shirt delivers handily. The midweight cotton chambray should wear plenty well even in the heat, while details like button chest pockets provide space for everyday carry essentials.

Best chambray shirt for men.

And in my experience, the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt should offer enough room to layer easily atop a classic Filson T-shirt if need be — although I’d also recommend buttoning this shirt up and styling it untucked alongside your favorite chinos. It’s even crafted with a pencil slot in the left chest pocket, a handy detail that makes the Filson Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt a true workwear classic. Again, if it’s rugged essentials you seek, Filson has you more than covered.

See Now, Buy Now: These VEJA Sneakers are a Stylish Summer Pair to Lace Up Now

VEJA men's sneakers review

Perhaps you’ve spotted them around town in a hip neighborhood, or on the feet of someone who’s style you really appreciate and enjoy. Yes, I’m talking about some of the best sneakers for men, and in this case, a pair of stylish sneakers from VEJA.

They’re distinctive, they’re eye-catching, they’re still low-profile enough to be plenty versatile — more on that in a second — and you can find them ASAP at Huckberry.

They’re also the sort of sneakers that are having “a style moment” right now, you might say, what with their ubiquitous presence everywhere. Whether worn with stretch tan chinos, light wash jeans or even olive chino shorts, the VEJA Campo Sneakers are an on-trend move that somehow still feels rooted in the classic world of the best sneakers for men.

Best sustainable sneakers.

But what’s all the fuss about, you might be wondering, and how did VEJA end up where they are today? The brand has actually focused on making stylish, sustainable sneakers now for about two decades, long before sustainability became a buzzword in the fashion space, and they do so working with ethical factories in Brazil.

Oh, and as to the sustainable specs behind the VEJA Campo Sneakers, which could quickly become your new favorite sneakers? They’re made with Fair Trade-certified rubber, for starters, and they also use wild rubber for the comfortable, springy insole of the VEJA Campo Sneakers, which use the classic low-profile silhouette of court sneakers.

They’re also fairly priced for the quality (they’ll run you $175), and Huckberry stocks 11 different varieties of VEJA men’s sneakers — just in time for summer, those are some sustainably made sneakers that are very much worth buying.

The Tuesday Steal: This Versatile Everyday Shirt from Bonobos Is Now 30 Percent Off

Bonobos men's shirts.

Sometimes, dressing in style and hitting the ground running is all about taking the guesswork out of, well, getting dressed. To me, that means having a solid selection of picks I can count on, as we so often talk about here at The Style Guide, and that works from the ground up to one of the best everyday shirts.

And although I often favor more rugged selections like a chambray shirt or a denim shirt, there’s nothing quite like the versatility you get from one of the best Oxford shirts.

Yes, it’s a preppy style staple, but companies like Bonobos are making the Oxford shirt one you can wear reliably in off-duty, non-work situations — the Bonobos Everyday Bedford Shirt is a prime example of that, and it’s on sale today.

Yes indeed — for 30 percent off right now, you can get the Bonobos Everyday Oxford Shirt in a year-round fabric weight (in this case, a sturdy but supple Bedford cord). Keep in mind that this fabric is heavier than Oxford cotton, but not as thick or textured as corduroy itself.

This makes it ideal for year-round wear, in my experience. Plus, the cut is expertly crafted for wearing untucked or tucked in — that’s the kind of versatility that, in my experience, can go a long way.

Bonobos men's shirt review.

After all, how many types of stylish men’s shirts can you wear to the office with some of the best Bonobos chinos and a lightweight blazer, as well as untucked alongside grey stretch jeans and suede chukka boots? Those are just two ways in which your new favorite shirt takes the cake, so to speak, and the price makes it quite tough to pass up, too.

And colors like Sea Blue and Dusty Blue turn the typical men’s shirt on its head, a change of pace from crisp white or even a standard light blue. So, to recap: We’ve got a stylish men’s shirt in a distinct set of unique colors, made to be worn with multiple ensembles in mind, and it’s on sale? That’s a winner in my book, so add this number to your cart ASAP.

See Now, Buy Now: These Todd Snyder Selvedge Jeans Are the Best Light Wash Jeans for Summer

Even as the thermostat climbs ever so slightly as we roll from spring ever closer to summer, I find myself still drawn towards a pair of classic men’s jeans.

They’re the ultimate wardrobe workhorse, as wearable with your favorite Oxford shirt as with a classic pocket T-shirt, and there are more than a few places to go to find some of the best jeans for men (this, you know well if you read the blog). This list, of course, includes my friends at Todd Snyder.

Yes indeed, right now at least, one place rises a cut above the rest, especially in terms of the best light wash jeans for men, and that place just so happens to be the namesake brand of legendary American menswear designer Todd Snyder.

Snyder knows how to take the classics, from rugged crewneck sweaters to luxurious buttondown shirts, and put his own spin on them, and that very much includes the Todd Snyder Japanese Stretch Selvedge Jeans.

Here, the indigo wash (as well as deeper shades of indigo available throughout the line) is richly crafted and carefully done, giving each ultra-comfortable yet durable pair its own unique character. In my experience, Todd Snyder jeans fit just right (neither too slim nor too relaxed), and feel even better.

The Japanese selvedge used here gets even better when you consider the fact that it uses substantial — but not overly tight — 12.5oz. fabric. The richly faded indigo wash is also a personal favorite, making these the kind of jeans you can dress up with a navy Todd Snyder blazer or dress down with a rugged henley.

Roll the cuffs up for some added flair atop your favorite pair of chukka boots, or else style with high-top canvas sneakers for a mix of high-low style. The world is your oyster with these indigo-dyed, hand-sanded jeans — a vintage look is yours right out of the box, but this pair of Todd Snyder denim will only get better with age.

The Sunday Sale: The Sunski Shoreline Sunglasses are the Best Men’s Sunglasses Under $50

Best men's sunglasses under $50.

If you keep up with the pages of this men’s style blog, you know that sometimes, great style is all about opportunity — seizing the opportunity to score some of the best sunglasses for men at a steep discount, that is. And that’s what brings us into today’s edition of The Sunday Sale, because my friends at Bespoke Post are offering up some of the best sunglasses for under $50.

The Sunski Shoreline Sunglasses hit all the right marks in terms of standout summer style and performance, in addition to that standout price. The oversized, Aviator-style design is classic and yet modern, bold enough in all the right ways.

Details like polarized lenses optimize performance and protection, from the beach to the boardwalk, from a backyard BBQ to a refined summer rooftop cocktail hour.

Sunski Shoreline Sunglasses review.

Recycled materials give them a sustainable vibe, but the standout part about your new favorite pair of sunglasses, at least in this instance, is the price: They’re now available via the Bespoke Post Sale section for just $44. That’s a nearly unheard-of deal, one that puts some of the best men’s sunglasses squarely within your reach.

Even at full price, the Sunski Shoreline Sunglasses are just $58, but who wants to pass up a chance to save on a pair of frames? Put that extra dough towards a beach six-pack of beer, and revel in the knowledge that you’ve saved big on your new favorite sunglasses, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Oxford – A New Twist on a Classic Men’s Shirt

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt review.

The adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” sometimes doesn’t apply to menswear classics. Or rather, it can be turned on its head every now and again, especially if it’s one of the best online menswear brands — that’d be Taylor Stitch — doing the updating of a tried-and-true favorite. In this case, that favorite is the classic Oxford shirt, and the Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt is a signature attempt at revamping a timeless style.

Editor’s note: Thank you to Taylor Stitch for providing a new Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support The Style Guide!

Taylor Stitch, after all, set out to make one of the best men’s shirts on the market well over a decade ago, refining its first shirts in a garage before gradually ramping up production and becoming a true, do-it-all menswear brand.

Best Oxford shirt for men.

And the great news? They’ve still hit the mark in terms of making some of the best men’s shirts even as the brand has grown, using high-quality materials (in this case, a just-right, 6.5oz. organic cotton) and premium touches like tailored, nicely fitting chest sizing.

In my experience, the rich Indigo color shown here — my selection for this men’s shirting review, if you happen to follow me on Instagram — is a knockout, with a deep blue color and a soft, garment-washed fabric for plenty of comfort.

In my experience, Taylor Stitch men’s shirts simply hit the mark, no matter what you’re asking of them. I’ve worn my Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Oxford with dark brown chinos, with contrasting black selvedge denim and with grey jeans — tucked in beneath a cotton blazer or untucked for casually cool style. I’ve found that the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt fits supremely well, with a length that hits just right tucked in or even untucked.

Quality craftsmanship, including reinforced buttons and soft-yet-durable fabrics, also help make this stylish Oxford shirt a daily workhorse in my wardrobe. And that’s the other thing: My Taylor Stitch review found that the Jack Shirt’s variety and versatility is nearly unmatched.

It comes in a range of colors and fabrications based on the season, this year’s offering included. You’d do very well indeed to pick up what could quickly become your new favorite shirt — take it from me, because in this instance, Taylor Stitch did a stellar job of updating a classic.

The Friday Read: Bar Madonna, The Best Summer Menswear & Summer’s Best Polo Shirts

Bar Madonna Brooklyn

Let’s look back on the week that was here in Brooklyn and beyond, shall we? If you follow me on Instagram, you’re well aware that I cover a lot of ground in my freelance writing pursuits, from spirits to menswear, watches and more. I also keep an eye on the New York City cocktail and restaurant scene, checking out hotspots new and old — including Bar Madonna, as seen at the top of the page.

I had the chance to visit the elegant yet accessible space earlier this week with my blonde-haired sweetheart Mary, and we can’t say enough great things about the just-opened cocktail and small plates haven

Bar Madonna takes an ingenious approach, pairing a refined aesthetic with splashes of colorful, vibrant art — including a massive bar-themed mural. The deeper story behind its artsy look and feel? Its partnership with Brooklyn artist and designer KidSuper, who serves as the art director for the space. How cool is that?

Yes, in addition to truly delicious cocktails like the bourbon, fernet and coffee liqueur Brooklyn Special, the location also has its own art director, placing it a cut above in a crowded Brooklyn cocktail scene.

As to its selection of small plates and shared bites, the grilled baby romaine salad (with bacon and wild boar!) was a delight, as was the grilled octopus. Oysters topped with a spicy dash of giardiniera were also a huge hit, as was the vibrant 68th and Harrow drink with citrus-infused vodka. Reader. to make a long story short: The next time you find yourself in Williamsburg, or in New York City in general, mark down Bar Madonna as a must-visit space.

Accordingly, I also dressed in spring-ready style — with a rain jacket for a blustery evening — so let’s dive into a few reading and shopping selections I’ve had my eye on as of late.

  • Here’s one for all the auto and watch enthusiasts out there: Seiko just added to its line of Prospex chronograph timepieces with three elegant, road-ready and rugged options, each with triple-chronograph functionality and striking good looks. Pricey though they might be, you can add these watches to your wish list via my latest for Maxim.com.
  • Let’s dive into another prime nod to the season, shall we? Over within the digital confines of my good friends at Huckberry, the retailer just debuted a suitably breezy, sunny and very aptly named selection of the best summer menswear. And what exactly is on tap in the Huckberry Sun Shop? Colorful printed short-sleeve buttondown shirts, finely tailored shorts, lounge-ready pants and linen blazers, plus plenty of breezy, ultra-soft T-shirts. Amp up your seasonal dressing ASAP with Huckberry, my friends.
  • I don’t know about you, but I assuredly look forward to lazy days by the pool or the beach as this time of year rolls around — and that’s where my new AskMen guide to the best summer sandals for men enters the equation. Although I much prefer stylish leather loafers or woven slides like an espadrille-style shoe, the best sandals for guys are sometimes a necessity. And helpfully, there’s a way to score a pair made with plenty of style and craftsmanship in mind, rather than cutting corners. Take a look and see for yourself, folks.

And now, I’m going to bring down the curtain on this late spring edition of the Friday Read. Hopefully, you’ve got a few reading and shopping selections primed for a spring weekend, yes? If you happen to be in Brooklyn visiting Bar Madonna, feel free to drop me a line — and if there are any brands or categories you’d like to see covered here on The Style Guide, drop me a line in the comments below. Cheers to the weekend, my friends!

The Thursday Buy: You Can Score these American-Made Classic Sunglasses from Huckberry Today

American Optical sunglasses.

As we shift gears from spring and its blustery climes to the high heat of summer, I’ve got one thing on my mind, and perhaps you do as well: Kitting out my next summer #OOTD with some of the best men’s gear, accessories included.

For as vital as it is to find one of the best short-sleeve henleys or some of the best shorts for men, what you’re carrying with you in terms of daily gear is just as important. This, my friends, is where some of the best sunglasses for men come into play, and that’s where — in my experience — Huckberry can seriously help you out.

The San Francisco and Austin-based retailer has an expert eye for what stylish guys want, and that extends from its fall and winter lineup through to the best spring and summer menswear. And without further ado, yes, Huckberry is the place to go to score the American Optical Original Pilot Sunglasses, as iconic a pair of sunglasses as you’re apt to find these days.

They simply don’t make ’em like the American Optical Original Pilot Sunglasses, and by that, I mean these are USA-made men’s sunglasses through and through. The brand’s scratch-resistant hardcoat lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, so the specs are certainly on point, but it’s the classic pilot’s shape and rugged-yet-refined appeal that give these stylish men’s sunglasses some staying power.

The square aviator from American Optical dates back to the 1950s, so the American Optical Original Pilot Sunglasses certainly have pedigree and longevity (plus, timeless style points).

To this day, your new favorite sunglasses still meet military specifications, all the while clocking in at under $300 — a more than fair price for some of the best sunglasses for men on the market. In my personal experience, American Optical delivers, and if you score this pair now, you’ll find that out all summer long.