Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Seafarer Crew – A Rugged Winter Sweater for Brisk Days

Best classic sweater for men.

There’s a reason why classic menswear essentials are, well, so classic. They’ve stood the test of time and proven their functionality in the real world, be it the workwear durability of a canvas deck jacket, the utility of one of the best men’s henleys or the reliability of a rugged winter sweater, like the Buck Mason Seafarer Crew shown above.

It’s modeled after old-school sweaters, the kind worn on the high seas, and that’s about as classic as it gets in terms of reliability and toughness, in my experience. And it’s exactly the sort of piece the iconic modern brand excels at making, with heavy Americana influence and modern style points any day of the week.

The key with the Buck Mason Seafarer Crew is its 100 percent cotton construction, which is done up in a cardigan rib knit. That gives this stylish men’s sweater its durability, texture and visual appeal (and the Vintage Ivory colorway isn’t half-bad either as an homage to retro fisherman sweaters). It also comes in other versatile, neutral shades of olive and grey, but my personal favorite is this rich Ivory colorway.

The crewneck construction of the Buck Mason Seafarer Crew works well to layer over crewneck T-shirts or even a classic Buck Mason Oxford shirt for a bit of prep style at the office or out on a winter date. Even better is the fact that your new favorite sweater can be worn year-round, thanks to that cotton build: Think cool spring and summer nights, brisk fall days and plenty of chilly winter mornings, starting right now. The Buck Mason Seafarer Crew beckons, so shop accordingly right now.

The Friday Read: The Start Of New York Fashion Week 2024

New York Fashion Week 2024.

My friends, it’s upon us again: New York Fashion Week, a momentous occasion that always lights up New York City in a cold, bleak midwinter. I’ve had the pleasure of attending New York Fashion Week for years now in some capacity, whether as part of my many freelance writing pursuits or during my days working in fashion PR. The question is, how does NYFW translate to this here style blog, which usually focuses on everyday, tried-and-true brands like Bespoke Post and Huckberry?

It’s a great question, and one that I think about often. For example, at the top of the page, Todd Snyder is putting on one of his always-excellent runway shows. For a designer raised in the Midwest, Snyder’s roots are about as far from NYFW as any (as are mine, hailing from Michigan!)

And yet, he accents his everyday pieces like a rugged lambswool sweater or stretch selvedge denim with a touch of flair, like one of the best men’s overcoats. It’s a worthy mantra: Sticking with tried-and-true essentials, and then adding touches of personality in an appropriate fashion (pun intended).

Am I encouraging faithful readers of The Style Guide to drop tens of thousands on a new wardrobe from Tom Ford or Calvin Klein or Michael Kors? Certainly not — but in the right situation, some trends (like overcoats with texture and refinement, for instance) can really shine through.

But enough about NYFW – we’ll have two posts coming up this weekend covering rugged classics as per tradition, the kind you can wear far beyond the runway. Follow along with me on Instagram to keep up with NYFW pursuits, from runway shows to afterparties, and just know I’ll be keeping an eye out for the best ways to bring it all home for The Style Guide. Thanks, as always, for reading!

The Thursday Buy: This Bespoke Post Flannel Shirt is An Everyday Winter Must-Have

Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt review.

Perhaps through reading this blog and building your perfect wardrobe of menswear essentials, you’re well-acquainted with the reliable power of style classics. Be it the blue jean, one of my favorite henleys or the right pair of rugged leather boots, these are picks that I turn to on the daily, and perhaps you, like me, love it when you find a style that checks all the right boxes.

Take one of the top flannel shirts for men, for instance. The market is crowded with options these days from heritage-minded brands, especially in iconic plaid patterns aplenty, but what about when you want to hit those classic menswear notes in a way that’s a bit more fresh?

Best men's winter flannel shirts.

Still with me here? I’m talking about a streamlined, soft-as-can-be, stylish flannel shirt like the Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt from my friends at Bespoke Post.

What sets this shirt apart from the best men’s flannel shirts on the market? It comes in two distinct, solid colors with pleasing texture (a Grey Heather and a Sand Heather option), giving it a bit more versatility than a plaid flannel shirt, for instance (although Bespoke Post does a standout job of selling those, too). When you want an elevated flannel shirt, the Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt is a prime move in my book.

The Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt, like other items from Bespoke Post’s in-house Line of Trade brand, is also very fairly priced at below $70. In fact, that’s an understatement, as this shirt is a downright steal for its super-soft contrast weave cotton fabric.

It also forgoes the buttondown collar of some other more casual flannel shirts, meaning this option would fit right in beneath a handsome blazer at the office. That’s only the beginning, because this shirt also works especially well with other classics in rugged fashion (like a pair of blue jeans or the aforementioned henley). For a timeless flannel shirt that checks all the right boxes in a new-yet-classic way, head on over to Bespoke Post, my friends.

The Tuesday Steal: Save 30 Percent On This Rugged Flint and Tinder Shirt Jacket

Best shirt jacket for men.

As I often say here on the blog, the best menswear deals are all about striking while the iron is hot, or jumping at the chance to upgrade your wardrobe in a notable yet familiar way. Take one of the best men’s shirt jackets, for instance. It’s a tried-and-true wardrobe staple, especially in the colder months, complete with plenty of rugged appeal.

And when a brand like Huckberry offers a slightly different take on the shirt jacket, as with the Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket, well, the prize is all yours for the taking.

This handsome shirt jacket is now 30 percent off (talk about striking while the iron is hot!), and it’s loaded with all kinds of bells and whistles, as you might expect from the good folks at Flint and Tinder. Those features include the use of handsome, durable  British Millerain Tekwax Evolution 6 waxed canvas on the exterior, as well as cozy Primaloft insulation.

Diamond quilting adds toughness, while a polyester lining makes for an easy, softer-than-expected wearing experience. And it bears repeating that it’s 30 percent off right now, as we speak. Shop the Huckberry Sale section accordingly, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt is a Modern Menswear Classic

Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt

I’m not sure about you, but when I find a menswear essential I love, I tend to stick with it and find it in as many variations as possible. That goes for staple pieces like the best men’s chinos or one of my favorite henleys, and it’s especially the case with one of the best flannel shirts on the market.

And when it comes to today’s post, that flannel shirt is the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt. It’s an everyday workhorse that cements the San Francisco brand as one of the best menswear brands to shop now, and it’s not hard to see why.

Taylor Stitch men's shirts.

Perhaps you’ve tried other crisply designed Taylor Stitch men’s shirts like the California Shirt, which nails the proper details in terms of a modern Oxford shirt. The Ledge Shirt, on the other hand, has a touch more rugged appeal with the same classic Taylor Stitch attention to detail.

That means they’ve used a super-soft washed 8oz. organic cotton for comfort right out of the box, then done up the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt in a variety of rich, seasonal colors (like the Tarnished Brass Plaid option).

Then, the Taylor Stitch Ledge Shirt is finished with dark horn buttons and classic workwear chest flap pockets. That means, at least in my experience, that you can wear this handsome flannel shirt on its own or as an overshirt over a rugged henley or thermal shirt.

Either way, it’s going to add a sense of timeless appeal to any look, especially when paired with blue jeans and your favorite pair of leather boots. Plus, it’s easy to shop in the brand’s signature chest sizing options. All the proper boxes are checked with this shirt, and that’s a great thing to have in your closet.

The Sunday Sale: This Faherty Cardigan Is 50 Percent Off Right Now for Winter Layering

Faherty shawl cardigan.

It seems that here on the blog as of late, we’ve been talking a lot about the best cardigans for men in pursuit of giving you plenty of stylish options for winter layering. I’m personally a huge fan of the shawl cardigan, with its rugged roots and its flattering look.

Between the face-framing shawl collar and the nicely textured knit on most of my favorite cardigans, it’s a classic option that shows why the shawl collar cardigan was a favorite of style icons like Steve McQueen (as I so often mention here on the blog).

And if you were interested in upgrading your wardrobe of men’s style essentials while saving a few bucks, well, allow me: The Faherty Marled Cotton Cardigan is now 50 percent off for a limited time, and it’s very much worth a look. I’ve tried out this cardigan, and I can’t say enough about it.

Faherty cotton cardigan review.

I loved the soft handfeel and luxurious knit, along with the fact that you can layer it easily over an Oxford or chambray shirt — the fit runs true to size, and it’s got a substantial feel that’s not overly heavy. The And if you were interested in upgrading your wardrobe of men’s style essentials while saving a few bucks, well, allow me: The Faherty Marled Cotton Cardigan is made with a blend of cotton for structure and cashmere for softness, while real horn buttons give it an even more premium feel.

In short, it’s a stylish men’s sweater that’s much more expensive than its current price tag, with a flattering fit and timeless appeal (Faherty wouldn’t have it any other way, after all). If you like what you see above, then you’ve just found your next winter wardrobe upgrade.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan – An Expertly Crafted Winter Sweater

Best shawl cardigan for men.

We’re right in the thick of it, if you ask me: That is, the cold, dreary days of winter, and that calls for some seriously stylish, cozy, rugged men’s style essentials. And the best place to start? Your layering game, which is why we’re gathered here today with our friends at Huckberry. They’re a likely place to start for a modern twist on the classics — the retailer has a knack for unearthing finds that take the “expected” and turn it into the “unexpected.”

Best sweaters for men at Huckberry.

Of course, this is the case if you’re familiar with Relwen, the Ohio-based brand that respects the classics and amps them up with modern materials — like one of the best shawl cardigans for men, of course. Yes, you’ve known the shawl cardigan for its prowess since the days of Steve McQueen, but here’s where things get even more interesting.

The Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan nods to that classic style, but its use of modern materials is an extra step up, one that’s going to shake you out of the doldrums of winter. You see, it’s made with merino wool, which is naturally insulating while regulating your temperature and resisting odor and bacteria. It’s a far cry from the scratchy wool sweaters of days gone by, right?

Plus, it boasts stylish details like two higher shawl collar buttons to give your neck extra coverage on brisk days, and this handsome cardigan also features a chest pocket for an added bit of detail. Relwen has certainly thought of everything, haven’t they?

Your new favorite shawl cardigan is part of Huckberry’s assortment of smart-casual sweaters: Sweaters that are cozy and warm, sure, but every bit as stylish for a brisk winter date night or a Zoom meeting as they are for a weekend winter retreat. Visually appealing, ever-so-slightly rugged and simply cool as heck: The Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan fits the bill nicely.

Oh, and this timeless piece is even lined with cotton for a super-soft feel and an easy wearing experience, even if you happen to slip the Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan atop your favorite T-shirt for days at home. From your couch to your coffee shop and beyond, Relwen’s latest and greatest sweater delivers — winter days don’t stand a chance.

The Friday Read: LVMH Watch Week & Longmorn Scotch

Longmorn 18-Year Old Scotch.

In my many freelance writing pursuits, as you know if you follow me on Instagram, I wear a lot of hats, be it covering USA-made knives, writing about the best new menswear or (increasingly) covering some of the best luxury Scotch and spirits on the market. Oh, and don’t forget about the fact that I get to dive into some of the coolest watches on the planet, all of which I feel incredibly fortunate to get to do!

And this week, it was a bit of all of the above, as I wrote about luxury watch releases during LVMH Watch Week, while at the same time writing about the best classic henley from Buck Mason (just yesterday on the blog!). And yes, I also got plenty deep into the Scotch market, as I trekked out to mostly sunny Los Angeles for the U.S. launch of Longmorn Scotch.

Beverly Hills Hotel.

I’ll have much more to come on Longmorn, but this respected 130-year Scotch distillery (based in Speyside) just debuted a new 18-year expression and a new 22-year expression, complete with a stunning launch event at the Beverly Hills Hotel (utterly iconic!). It was a fittingly luxurious event for a remarkable Scotch that promises to make a splash in the U.S. market (clear some space on your bar cart).

Tag Heuer Carrera.

And of course, watches from the likes of Tag Heuer (as seen above) were a major highlight of LVMH Watch Week. While I tend to rely on the classics like Shinola and Timex, the respected brand (with deep racing and auto heritage) is always a delight to cover. To have it all happen coming off my Brooklyn birthday last weekend was also a major treat, and another reminder of why I love what I do.

It was a true whirlwind of a week, but again, thank you for following along, thank you for supporting this blog and stay tuned for much more on the horizon in the worlds of style, spirits, watches and more. Cheers!

The Thursday Buy: Layer Up for Winter with Buck Mason’s Classic Pima Curved Hem Henley

At times, I’m all about keeping my wardrobe of menswear essentials simple and straightforward — leaning on classics that have rugged, versatile appeal, like one of the best men’s henleys. Especially on frigid winter days, a soft henley can prove a comforting base layer, a reliable style move underneath a rugged waxed jacket or a shawl cardigan, or a cozy piece of loungewear. Yes, one of the best henleys for men can do all of this at once, and that’s where Buck Mason comes into play. Surely, you know this brand well from the blog, but a refresher never hurt anyone, right?

The Los Angeles-based brand has done quite the business when it comes to perfecting the rugged classic, especially the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley. It’s ultra-soft, it features a classic extended placket, it comes in a wide range of dusty, versatile and neutral colors, and it’s just flattering as can be. As simple as today’s post might be, and as seemingly simple as a henley might be, it’s a wardrobe essential I can’t recommend highly enough. A reminder is always a good idea, no? We’ll see you out there, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: Mott and Bow is Making The Perfect Everyday Cashmere Sweater

Sometimes, great style is rather simple — it could be as simple as buying one of the best men’s sweaters, the kind that adds quiet, subtle luxury to your wardrobe. And it’s even better if that sweater comes from the makers of your favorite jeans.

After all, a crisp, sleek sweater is the perfect pairing with a pair of the best blue jeans — it’s a simple look that works well at the office, out on a date or during a coffee meeting, for instance. And yes, the sweater in question comes from Mott and Bow, NYC-based makers of some of the best jeans for men.

The Mott and Bow Bergen Cashmere Sweater boasts a super-soft midweight cashmere fabric for an impossibly comfortable fit and feel, and again, it bears repeating that it wears especially well with your favorite jeans from Mott and Bow. It’s a comfortable, warm style solution, but one that needn’t be overly expensive (we’re talking about cashmere here, after all). Consider that mission accomplished handily.

Mott and Bow men's sweater review.

It’s also available in an array of versatile, highly wearable colors, be it Charcoal Heather, Camel Heather or Navy, so you can pick up multiple options for multiple days of the week. In the interest of keeping it simple, I’ll bring down the curtain on today’s post. You know what you have to do: Upgrade your next #OOTD with one of the best sweaters for men.