The Friday Read: The Best Fall Style Staples from Filson & More

Filson x Chris Stapleton 2023.

Folks, let’s close out this work week the right way and head into a proper fall weekend outfitted accordingly. I’ve been back in Brooklyn and taking care of my many freelance writing pursuits this week after last weekend’s jaunt to Cincinnati to try out local craft beer and of course, dress in style to see my favorite band, the ever-stylish and elegant Ohio-born rockers The National. If you followed along with all the fun on my Instagram, well, thanks for passing by!

Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket review.

Now though, I’ve got my mind squarely on even more fall style essentials, especially from a brand like Filson. That should come as no surprise to you if you pass through the blog on the regular, but it’s especially worth highlighting today, now that we’re officially into fall (the best season for menswear).

In fact, if rugged menswear essentials are your thing, I think you’ll enjoy a touch of reading with your shopping over at the legendary Pacific Northwest outfitter. For my friends at Maxim, I covered the standout new Filson x Chris Stapleton Traveller Collection, a series of hard-wearing, road-ready essentials designed in partnership with the country rocker. Talk about a match made in heaven, right?

I’d urge you to give that collection a good long look before you hit the road, and I’ll also leave you with my Filson review of the legendary Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket. It’s an indispensable fall style classic, as with much of the rest of the lineup from one of my favorite brands. Wear it well, shop carefully this weekend, and enjoy a local beer from your favorite brewery for me. Until tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, cheers and thanks for reading, my friends!

The Thursday Buy: This Todd Snyder Plaid Flannel Shirt is a Throwback Style Classic

It seems like only yesterday we were talking about the Todd Snyder End of Summer Sale, and with a snap of your fingers (or perhaps the opening of a cold can of beer), we’re already talking about the best fall style essentials from the famed American designer himself.

As you’ve perused the pages of this blog over the years, have you picked out any wish list favorites from the NYC-by-way-of-Iowa designer?

In my experience, I’ve always loved the rugged-meets-refined feel of Todd Snyder flannel shirts — the flannel is soft and warm, easy to layer and always flattering. That’s certainly the case with this latest round of fall shirting from Todd Snyder, and the Todd Snyder Plaid Flannel Buttondown (especially in rich and rugged red-and-black) fits the bill quite nicely on all fronts.

Todd Snyder flannel shirt review.

It’s made with plenty of Snyder-approved details, like a distinctive button-through chest pocket and a classic buttondown collar a la your trusty, summer-ready Oxford shirt. And while the Todd Snyder Plaid Flannel Buttondown is pricy compared to other men’s flannel shirts on the market, it’s a touch more refined.

It can be worn on its own with crisp dark blue denim, styled beneath your favorite winter blazer with tobacco-colored chinos, or paired with a henley and Wolverine boots for a dash of rugged fall style. You can’t top that sort of versatility and quality, and the Todd Snyder Plaid Flannel Buttondown should offer up plenty of bang for your buck.

See Now, Buy Now: The Flint and Tinder Fall 2023 Collection is Packed with Rugged Menswear Essentials

My friends, suffice to say that Flint and Tinder has done it again. The famed in-house brand at Huckberry just dropped its Fall 2023 Collection, which is big news in its own right if you ask me. Of course, the brand has certainly become known around these parts for a bit of everything when it comes to year-round menswear essentials.

Those include the excellent Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket (as well as my new favorite denim shirt and some of the best men’s chinos), and trust me when I say you’ll want to take a good, long look at this latest offering.

The Flint and Tinder Fall 2023 Collection is packed with new favorites and old classics aplenty, including a full restock of that much-loved, rugged-as-can-be trucker jacket. The offering is focused on stellar fabrics, an array of rich, dusty colors and patterns, and pieces that are ready to take on some of your own personality.

Flint and Tinder Fall 2023 Collection.

It only gets better from there though, as you consider handsome pieces like the Western-inspired, suitably vintage Flint and Tinder Brushed Blanket Shirt, plus new colors and patterns in the Flint and Tinder Crossback Workshirt.

These are pieces as fit for hauling brush or chopping wood as they are for evening brewery beers and weekend nights around the bonfire (all of which are Huckberry-approved pursuits, of course).

And this particular season, the excellent-as-ever F&T Fall 2023 Collection even includes a few rarities, namely American-made Vidalia Mills selvage denim. The entire offering is geared toward rugged-yet-versatile head-to-toe style, both on and off-duty (just check out the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie, of course).

Best flannel-lined pants for men.

The collection is packed with a few new personal favorites of mine, including the super-soft yet durable Flint and Tinder Flannel Guide Pants, lined with cozy fabric for especially brisk days and nights. It might seem difficult for F&T to clear the extremely high bar the brand has already set over the years, but in my experience, the Flint and Tinder Fall 2023 Collection does just that.

The Tuesday Steal: Save 30 Percent on One of the Best Leather Weekender Bags from Beckett Simonon

Best leather weekender bag for men.

One of the things I love the most — and I hope you feel the same way — about diving deep into the menswear world is uncovering the unexpected. Take, for instance, Beckett Simonon.

The direct-to-consumer brand already makes some of the best boots for men by using premium, rich materials and cutting out the middleman to pass those savings onto customers.

In my experience, I’ve found that the brand’s brogue boots are some of the best boots for men on the market, but here’s where the unexpected comes into play. You see, the brand also makes some of the best leather goods on the market, and they pass those savings onto customers, too.

What’s that mean for you? Well, it means that the Beckett Simonon Davis Weekender Bag, made from richly textured, pebbled leather for an elegant look and feel, is now 30 percent off, with those savings applied directly at checkout.

It’s available in three rich shades of leather (including Oxblood, my personal favorite), handcrafted and hand-finished, then lined in cotton twill for a soft finish. What it all comes down to is an incredible deal on one of the best men’s weekender bags, so don’t delay in adding it to your fall travel rotation.

See Now, Buy Now: Billy Reid’s Leroy Shirt Jacket is the Perfect Early Fall Layer

Best men's shirt jacket.

In my experience, the best menswear essentials are the pieces that, as I often say, can do more than one thing well — the sort of picks made to go the distance, like the Billy Reid Leroy Shirt Jacket. The famed Alabama brand, led by Reid himself, nails the perfect balance between rugged and refined, including one of the best shirt jackets for men.

And this particular number is one of the best layers for shoulder season: Those nights when it’s breezy and a touch brisk, yet not quite chilly enough for your winter outerwear rotation. The Billy Reid Leroy Shirt Jacket is part of the Fall 2023 Billy Reid Collection, with enough durability to be worn now and into the months ahead in just about any way you see fit.

Best shirt jacket for men this fall.

The key here is the use of waxed cotton fabric from Scottish fabric maker Halley Stevensons, which is then turned into a remarkably rugged piece lined in cotton for softness and finished with a double-layer collar for durability.

The vintage match pocket on the Billy Reid Leroy Shirt Jacket is an exceedingly cool touch, proving that great style (and versatility) is all about the details this season (and beyond). Find out for yourself with the Billy Reid Leroy Shirt Jacket today, my friends.

The Sunday Sale: Save Nearly 30 Percent on these Timeless GREATS Sneakers for Early Fall

GREATS sneakers review 2023.

Now, my friends, I know what you very well might be thinking on this fine early fall Sunday. Isn’t it just about time to lace up some of the best men’s boots? Well, yes… and no. Balmy temperatures are sticking around, at least in my area of Brooklyn, for just a bit longer, and that means that it very well might be advantageous to snag a pair of the best men’s sneakers while they’re still on sale.

I’m not quite talking about an overly flashy pair, though — I’m talking about a certified classic that’s making a comeback, like the retro-style runner sneakers seen here from Brooklyn’s own GREATS Brand.

The NYC sneaker startup, a longtime favorite of mine here on the blog, specializes in subtly stylish sneakers, from the runner style seen here, right on through to low-top tennis-style lace-ups, classic basketball high-tops and even sporty slip-ons and sleek loafers.

They’re truly a footwear player across nearly every category these days, and the GREATS McCarren Runners are a classic for that reason. They’re crafted from designer-level materials at a price that’s certainly lower than many designer names, and that’s why they’re up for grabs in today’s Sunday Sale.

Score them right now for nearly 30 percent off, then wear them with everything from rolled dark blue jeans to classic chinos and a shawl cardigan in the weeks ahead.

Beyond that, know that these stylish GREATS sneakers (which blend two types of leather accents with a tread outsole) will still be plenty good-looking call next spring. You can’t ask for much more than that with a pair of the best on-sale sneakers for men, and that’s what it’s all about today.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Stone Jeans – Early Fall’s Best Jeans for Men

Mott and Bow men's denim review.

The best jeans for men, that ever-indispensable part of a guy’s wardrobe, the sort of staple item that can put in the work and keep going — well, they shouldn’t be all that hard to find, right? You might think that to be true, but sometimes, the going gets tough. What’s a guy to do? Well, that’s why we’re here today.

Mack Weldon

Enter Mott and Bow, the NYC-based direct-to-consumer brand that makes some of the best men’s denim, all the while using premium Italian cotton denim, exceptional wash techniques and fair pricing. Ideally, you know the brand for making your favorite everyday blue jeans, but let’s dig a bit deeper beyond that today.

The Mott and Bow Stone Jeans (available in both Slim and Straight cuts) could in fact be the perfect pair of men’s jeans you need this early fall. The Medium Grey color — as shown here, and available in sizes up to 42 — is a nice change of pace from summer’s light wash denim, it’s got plenty of character, and it’s also a bit edgier than a pair of classic dark blue jeans.

Mott and Bow men's denim review 2023.

Although Mott and Bow, one of my favorite denim brands, also does those dark blue jeans (and more!) exceptionally well, I’d wager you might be on the hunt for a pair of men’s stretch jeans in a slightly different shade every so often.

Best dark grey jeans for men.

If you want denim to wear with, say, a flannel shirt or a henley and a trucker jacket this fall, denim that clocks in at a medium-weight 11.5 oz. with helpful two percent elastane for stretch, then these are some of the best men’s jeans to buy now.

I’ve personally tried these, and I love the durable yet stretchy fabric and the medium grey color — I can only hope you’ll feel the same way. The best men’s denim for fall is but a few clicks away, my friends. Go to it, wear ’em with pride, and thank me later.

The Friday Read: The Best Menswear for Early Fall & The National’s Homecoming Festival

Best early fall menswear from Huckberry.

Some weekends, it seems that just about everything tends to come together. For me, that revolves around a few key things consistently: For one, there’s the best fall menswear (or at least, early fall style essentials), which you can rely on in rugged fashion time and time again — the denim jacket seen above from Huckberry is a prime example of what might be in your rotation sooner rather than later.

Be it some of the best Chelsea boots on the market (perhaps a pair you’ve not yet tried!), or something like the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket, those picks really help jumpstart most of my early fall weekends.

How about yourself? Now, fall’s best men’s style essentials are just one element to the equation. If you follow me on Instagram or keep up with my many freelance writing pursuits, you’ll know that I dabble in everything from watches to the best whiskey for your bar cart to music.

Topo Designs x The National

So, each of those themes tends to make one of the best fall weekends a reality for me, but again, it all starts with the best fall menswear. From there, you can usually throw in a healthy dose of live music, as I’m doing this weekend — and this one is an extra special occasion.

I’m once again hitting the road to see The National (as I’ve done this summer in Nashville, New Haven and Philly!), but this one might take the cake. Keep on scrolling…

The National Homecoming Fest.

It’s the second-ever edition of The National’s Homecoming Festival, a celebration of the famed Ohio indie band’s uniquely cerebral, deep, introspective approach to indie rock. It’ll also be my second time in Cincy, and I can’t wait to explore more of the city.

Now, I know this is primarily a style blog, and The National aren’t quite everyone’s cup of tea — but if you so happen to be into the band, into the stylish onstage antics of lead singer Matt Berninger, and in attendance at Smale Riverfront Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, drop me a line by all means or give me a follow on Instagram!

If you so happen to be in attendance, you’ll hear two of the best albums in full from the past decade-plus, and even more beyond that.

All of which is to say: Again, when I can bring it all together, when I can enjoy the best fall menswear from a site like Huckberry alongside delicious Cincy craft beer (from a brewery like Rhinegeist), all serenaded by the music of my favorite band, well, that makes perhaps the best fall weekend imaginable for me.

The Thursday Buy: The Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket is Back for Fall, and Better than Ever

Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket review.

Some menswear essentials never really leave — they never quite drift from your mind or from your consideration as you build out your wardrobe season after season, and Filson personifies that approach to a T. Though the brand has grown from a Pacific Northwest outfitter into a bona fide fashion favorite, the Seattle company still makes some all-time classic pieces season after season, mostly with remarkable consistency.

Lofty praise though that might be, the Filson Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket fits the bill very nicely. It’s a certified legendary piece, made with the brand’s ultra-rugged, hard-wearing Tin Cloth fabric and designed with plenty of pockets for your everyday carry. Filson calls it the “jacket that started it all,” and they certainly haven’t missed the mark there.

Filson men's waxed jacket review.

It’s available in colors like Military Green or Filson’s classic Dark Tan in terms of style points, but it’s the water-resistant exterior, the sturdy yet malleable dry canvas Cover Cloth lining, and the durable hardware that really ups the ante.

‘ll keep it simple today: If you’re going to get one casually rugged men’s jacket for fall, invest in one you’ll have for a long time — invest in one of the best Filson jackets on the market, my friends.

See Now, Buy Now: The Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots are the Best Boots You Didn’t Know You Needed

As we tend to talk about often here on the blog, consistency is key — finding the best menswear essentials, pieces you know and love, and then making them work for you from the office and onward to your favorite bar (to name but two crucial stops). Over the years, I’ve found that Huckberry hits the nail on the head with so many of those must-buy menswear pieces, like the best pair of Chelsea boots.

This pair in particular has long been a favorite of mine, as they’re part of the family-owned, Italian-made Astorflex line of rugged men’s boots. You’ve certainly seen them on the blog in the past, so consider this a fall refresher in today’s quick-hit post.

From the supple, soft-out-of-the-box yet rugged leather, the springy crepe sole and a design that works well with jeans, chinos or corduroy pants, the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots could become the most indispensable boots you own. Give them a shot this fall and see for yourself.