Tag / affordable men’s style

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Laidback Spring (Or Summer) Friday

We’ve been slowly but surely getting into the heart of spring and summer style here on The Style Guide, and that means one thing: Focusing on warm weather essentials that are going to help you conquer even the most tricky seasonal style situations. Think of a decidedly casual spring or summer Friday in the office (or perhaps … working from home?). What are you wearing? A one-size-too-large polo and khakis that probably don’t fit as well as they should? Not if this #OOTD has anything to say about it. Even when it comes to “Casual Friday,” there are ways to rise to the occasion while still keeping things toned down and office-appropriate. For instance: We’re ditching the polo or overly casual graphic tee in favor of a stylish short-sleeve shirt from Style Guide pals Taylor Stitch, and we’re swapping those khakis for slim light wash denim and classic suede chukkas from a timeless brand (that’d be Red Wing Heritage). Along the way, we’ll accent this ensemble with durable accessories, including a stylish casual watch and a work week-friendly leather messenger bag. This ensemble just gets it done if you happen to work in an environmen that, like so many offices nowadays, leans more and more laidback. Rethink the way you dress for summer … starting right now.

A breezy, West Coast-inspired short-sleeve shirt pairs up nicely with suede chukkas and casual office essentials.

  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve California Shirt in Navy Poplin, $98 — This isn’t like Dwight Schrute’s short-sleeve shirts. The California Shirt in Navy Poplin is tailored and classic — perfect for the office.
  • The Denim: Standard Deviation Beta Denim in Light Indigo, $98 — These slim Standard Deviation jeans strike a nice balance between being overly faded or overly heavy (like indigo selvage denim, for instance).
  • The Belt: Levi’s Aberdeen Belt, $38 — Leave it to Levi’s to make a stylish leather belt that’s neither too casual nor too dressy — again, the perfect middle ground for a Friday in May … or June, or July, or August.
  • The Chukka Boots: Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, $230 — Ditch the dress shoes for a day — the comfortable, durable and casually stylish Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka just works.
  • The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks, $10 — One of the best parts of spring and summer? Rethinking your sock wardrobe. Gone are those heavy boot socks — enter these crew socks, cut shorter for casual style and a cool breeze.
  • The Watch: Redux Courg Watch, $319.98 –Don’t worry about matching your watch strap to the color of your belt or shoes here — the Redux Courg Watch means business, in the most rugged and laidback way possible.
  • The Bag: WP Standard Vintage Messenger, $295 — The handsomely crafted WP Standard Vintage Messenger has more than enough space for your laptop and every single one of your everyday carry essentials.
  • The Sunglasses: Komono Luca Sunglasses, $119.95 — Sunglasses are a somewhat underrated finishing touch, and the right pair — like the Komono Luca Sunglasses — add just enough casual flair to a cool ensemble.

The key to pulling off a dressed-down Casual Friday ‘fit starts with … well, fit. The California Shirt in Navy Poplin from Taylor Stitch is a prime example of the right way to do a short-sleeve shirt at the office. It can be worn untucked thanks to a length that’s just right. The fit is nicely tailored, the fabric is classic and the stripes are a spring-friendly (or summer-friendly) touch. Yes, the California Shirt in Navy Poplin is but one element that puts this #OOTD over the top. Pleasingly faded light wash denim works quite well alongside the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, thanks to the casual vibe of both pieces. Levi’s serves up the rugged Aberdeen Belt, which contrasts in a cool way with the Redux Courg Watch for style that fits in at the office and at happy hour. I’d be willing to bet that no one else in your office has the Komono Luca Sunglasses, which is what makes ’em such a cool pick for this particular #OOTD. And when it comes time to hit the road — both heading to and leaving the office — the WP Standard Vintage Messenger should certainly come in more than handy. To recap — you can make a short-sleeve shirt work at the office in a casual setting, as long as you nail the fit and fabric. Again, the California Shirt in Navy Poplin from Taylor Stitch checks off all the right boxes. It’s up to you to power through the work day now.

Folks, what do we think of this #OOTD? Will you be trying this slightly bold look out at the office this summer? 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: United By Blue, Mother’s Day and the Best Men’s Dress Shoes

If you’re new to The Style Guide and joining us for the first time today, welcome! This right here is our weekly rundown of menswear-related news items, with an occasional dash of music and craft beer thrown in. If you’re looking for a way to start your weekend right, look no further. There’s plenty of fun in store, I promise. And if you’re looking for something neat to listen to while you read about summer style essentials and your new favorite polo? Might I suggest one of my favorite bands, emotional indie rockers The National? You’ll get used to hearing a lot about them on the blog. And if you’re returning as an old and seasoned reader of the blog? Welcome back! It’s Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday, and we’ve got a great sale detailed below to help you out with last-minute gift-giving needs. Hurry! In the meantime, dive on into the other choice reads below, and enjoy this lovely spring weekend ahead.

  • United By Blue, a favorite of mine for their balance of sustainable and rugged style, is holding a positively massive warehouse sale — the sale features a range of items for your summer style adventures, all marked down by whopping amounts (try 81 percent off on for size, ehh?). That’s a heck of a deal, folks!
  • Know a mom who absolutely loves her footwear? Mother’s Day is, well, tomorrow, and Minnetonka is offering free shipping on all orders (yep, all of ’em!) with the code MOMLOVE. Hurry, hurry — you’ve still got some time!
  • I always try to help out with those tricky footwear decisions in life — especially when it comes to spring and summer dress shoes. You want something with character and style, but not a ton of added weight — that’s where my picks for the best spring dress shoes (at The Manual!) come into play! Hurry up and get to it.

That’s wrapping up this week’s short and sweet Friday Read. Be sure to come back tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week, where we talk all about one must-have menswear item for the season.

Thanks for reading!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s What to Wear to Your First Spring Party

Is there such a thing as “opening weekend” when it comes to spring or summer parties? Not quite, right? But when it’s in the air, you’ll feel it. When it’s time to head a friend’s balcony or backyard patio — or a rooftop bar — for a group get-together that involves, well, partying … you’ll know it. And that, my friends, is where you’re going to want to wear today’s #OOTD. For breezy spring style with a touch of polish and more than a bit of style, I’d say you can’t go wrong with updated staples like a classic indigo shirt, throwback-inspired chinos and, as ever, timeless leather sneakers. The key is looking for pieces that you might normally wear — like chinos and a short-sleeve shirt — and amping them up with cooler fits and better fabrics. These are pieces that are going to look stylish and crisp, yet decidedly cool (physically and metaphorically — no overheating here). Add in an investment-worthy leather watch from an enviable brand like Shinola, and you’ve got a look that pairs nicely with any weekend night — and maybe with your 9-to-5 grind, if you work in a more laidback environment. The point is, whether you wear this to your first spring party this weekend or to a Memorial Day shindig in a few weeks’ time, it’s just going to … well, work. For stylish partying, that is. Cheers!

An indigo shirt, historically inspired chinos and leather sneakers … perfect for knocking a few back, ehh?

    • The Shirt: Corridor NYC Raindrop Stripe Shirt, $185 — Cool stripes, a dressy-yet-casual indigo color and reliably tailored short-sleeve fit make this Corridor NYC shirt a big-time upgrade over a plain tee.
    • The Chinos: Abercrombie & Fitch Archive Collection Chino Pants, $98 — Modeled after chinos worn by JFK himself, these are the epitome of classic cool — and they happen to be perfect for breezy spring style in 2018.
    • The  Sneakers: Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers in Natural Chromexcel, $300 — You could also wear classic white sneakers or leather loafers, but the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low are more equipped to a bit o’ partying, what with their casual look and durable construction.
    • The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks, $8 — Let’s stick with stylish and well-made no-show socks from Arvin Goods here, shall we? Easy choice.
    • The Belt: Line of Trade Veg-Tanned Leather Belt in Saddle, $55 — You need something to hold up your chinos, right? Might as well make it a stylish leather belt from Line of Trade.
    • The Watch: Shinola Guardian Watch, $675 — To which brand should you turn when you want to invest in a long-lasting, stylish timepiece? That answer is easy: Shinola.
    • The Essentials: CIVIC Merino Boxers in Black, $55 — Never skimp on the essentials — the CIVIC Merino Boxers are an essential investment in a quality basic.
    • The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Remmy 52 Sunglasses, $134.98 — Whether your plans call for a rooftop round or a backyard BBQ, the exceedingly stylish Raen Optics Remmy 52 Sunglasses belong on your face.

Have you opened up your tab at the bar yet? Or grabbed a six-pack to head to that party? Before the fun begins, you assuredly can’t go wrong with throwing on a Corridor NYC shirt, complemented by chinos in a breezy, classically cool fit. The rest of the pieces in our partygoing ensemble, from the durable Rancourt & Co. Carson Low sneakers to the nearly indispensable Shinola Guardian Watch, are going to put you a cut above the rest compared to your fellow partygoers (while fun, I’d say they’re not as stylish as you … unless they read this  blog). A stylish leather belt from Line of Trade is but one essential accessory to keep handy — whether the sun is high in the sky or just setting, the Raen Optics Remmy 52 Sunglasses  are an affordable and downright cool accessory choice. Throw in no-show socks (made sustainably by Arvin Goods), plus the exceedingly comfortable CIVIC Merino Boxers, and you’ve got yourself a full look that’s guaranteed to turn heads (for the better) at your next spring or summer party. Be sure to get me a beer when you head to the bar, OK? Deal.

That’s all for today’s #OOTD. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The CIVIC Lloyd Shorts Are the New Pair of Shorts You Need this Summer

Not just any old pair of shorts … a stylish and sustainable pair.

For some guys, wearing shorts actually feels like … a chore. Yes, yes it’s true. Shorts are less polished than classic chinos or stylish light wash jeans, and if you grew up (as I did) wearing cargo shorts from mall brands, it can be tough to leave those associations behind. Seriously, quite tough. Thankfully, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts are here to change your perception when it comes to stylish shorts to wear this summer. And the even better news? They’ve arrived not a moment too soon. We’re on the verge of Memorial Day weekend, we’re on the verge of summer festival season, and I’d wager you’re going to want to be wearing shorts like the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts on the regular for many a weekend ahead. But why this particular pair? Helpfully, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts come from the partner brand of Taylor Stitch, a perennial Style Guide favorite. CIVIC focuses on sustainable, classic clothing that blends versatile wearability with durable, eco-friendly fabric. It’s a wholesome, stylish mission — one that includes the Lloyd Shorts, at that.

Available in both Navy and Olive options for maximum versatility, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts feature the brand’s Merino 4S fabric, all the better when it comes to mobility, comfort and durability. They also score when it comes to style points, too. You’ve surely got a pair of khaki or light khaki shorts in your wardrobe, so the deep navy color of the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts lends this pair a bit more of a dressy feel (ever so slightly). That means the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts work with classic leather loafers and a crisp white polo for preppy style on the weekend, and they also team up reliably with a crisp white henley and timeless leather sneakers for a round (or two) of your favorite craft beer. To me, it sounds like the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts are going to offer easygoing summer style for days on end — even if you’re not normally a “shorts guy.”

What say you about the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts? Let me know in the comments below! 

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Proof Performance Oxford

A streamlined take on the Oxford shirt, made with stain-resistant fabric and a tailored fit.

Right off the bat, the Proof Performance Oxford is head and shoulders above other ordinary shirts on the market. A bold statement, to be sure, but I ask that you bear with me today. There’s plenty that’s made the Proof Performance Oxford worthy of being this week’s Style Pick, from the innovative construction to the stain-resistant fabric to the fact that every guy, no matter who you are, needs a stylish Oxford shirt that can quite literally go anywhere. The Performance Oxford is that shirt. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a classic cotton Oxford, there are instance where a thicker, heavier Oxford might not work.

Take, for example, the dead of summer or an abnormally humid spring day — you’re going to want to stay cool, dry and stylish, and that’s where the Proof Performance Oxford comes into play. The midweight, cotton-poly blend that makes up the innards of the Proof Performance Oxford combines what you love about cotton (the most versatile fabric on the planet, perhaps?) with the “performance” aspects of nylon — as the shirt’s name would imply! In short, the Proof Performance Oxford is the spring and summer shirt that you didn’t know you needed … yet. The brand calls the Performance Oxford the “21st-century take” on the traditional Oxford, and your Style Guide editor is inclined to agree with ’em.

Stain-resistant fabric, again, is what makes this shirt stand out from the pack. Assuredly.

It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic Oxford, including a pleasingly modern fit, a buttondown collar and versatile color options — I’m a fan of the mid-range Navy Oxford, personally. Add in the fact that the Performance Oxford features coveted and exceedingly rare stain-resistant fabrication, and you’ve got a surefire winner when it comes to the next shirt you’ll splurge on this season. It’s also quite versatile — this isn’t a longer-cut dress shirt by any means. The Performance Oxford works with tailored navy shorts or slim tan chinos in equal measure. The footwear choice is yours, although anything from oxblood leather loafers to tan suede chukkas are going to work more than handsomely with any color of the Performance Oxford. It’s the type of versatile shirt that’s going to pair nicely with the full range of pants in your wardrobe in the months ahead, from faded American-made jeans to dark blue denim to olive chinos and beyond. Again, the list of positives for the Proof Performance Oxford goes on and on, without a doubt. That’s true in both matters of style and substance. Leave your old Oxford behind — the Proof Performance Oxford means business.

Who’s buying the Proof Performance Oxford? How are you styling it? 

Thanks for reading!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The National Homecoming, Spring Style Essentials and Slim Light Wash Denim

Sipping an iced coffee and reflecting pensively on a great long weekend in Cincinnati. Wearing a cotton flannel shirt from Todd Snyder and a navy T-shirt from Mott and Bow. Photo by Laura Henschke.

Gather ’round the proverbial Style Guide fire for another weekly edition of The Friday Read. It’s been a whirlwind couple of days, as I roadtripped back from Cincinnati on Monday following a long weekend trip to Cincy. What took me to Ohio? Well, if you caught last week’s Friday Read, you know that the extraordinary first edition of The National Homecoming festival was more than enough reason to visit the seriously cool city of Cincy (This terrific piece by The Ringer sums up the weekend nicely!). Headlined by, yep, The National and featuring sets from luminaries like Future Islands, Lord Huron, Julien Baker and Alvvays, we had a great time sipping on cold beverages from Rhinegheist (check us out on their Instagram!) while enjoying lovely (if somewhat chilly) spring weather. If ever you get to Cincy, I know I loved the gourmet Mexican food and margaritas at Bakersfield OTR, plus the excellent brunch deal at Nation. We also enjoyed hearty cold brews from Coffee Emporium and checked out a National-themed photography exhibit at the city’s Contemporary Arts Center! Top it off with two stellar, unique sets from The National, and you’ve got the makings of an extraordinary weekend! To say the very least. In other happenings, well, we’re about to kick off another weekend, and this one will also find me traveling back to Michigan — and Grand Rapids — for Cinco de Mayo celebrations with close high school friends. Follow along with all the fun on Instagram, and be sure to get your weekend going with a few more-than-engaging reads below. Cheers!

  • Let’s get right down to it — if you missed this week’s post about spring style essentials to shop in the latest edition of The List, you need to catch up. We’ve got stylish spring sneakers, we’ve got everyday carry essentials, we’ve got a stylish weekender bag … and it’s all yours for perusing now.
  • If you haven’t yet heard, J. Crew Factory is running an extraordinary summer sale, and Esquire.com has all the picks you need to shop now, right this very instant. Get to it and stock up on summer style essentials just a bit early.
  • Speaking of music festivals, Pitchfork put together quite an interesting and insightful analysis of the gender balance — or rather, inbalance — at festivals via some revealing data-crunching and colorful graphs. The biggest takeaway? More representation is needed at festivals across the board! That’s all there is to it.
  • Lastly, I’ll leave you with one more #menswear essential to buy now — these slim light wash jeans from Raleigh Denim, as featured on the blog last week, could feasibly see a ton of use in the weeks and months ahead. Get to shopping!

That’s all I’ve got in today’s Friday Read, my friends. Cheers!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Here’s Why You Need the Outerknown Journey Jacket For Your Next Trip

Available in two colors, the Outerknown Journey Jacket is a winner when it comes to versatile, travel-friendly style.

Wait, hold on a second — don’t hang up or put away your collection of stylish men’s outerwear just because we’re rolling through May right now. No no, there’s still plenty of reason to keep a versatile transitional jacket handy — especially if you’re planing a spring or summer trip (or five). Chilly nights, cold plane A/C, unexpected rain … it all demands a jacket that can do it all. As luck would have it, the exceedingly versatile, casual-but-not-too-casual Outerknown Journey Jacket is the one you need for your next trip. In the evermore laidback times we live in, a transitional jacket like the Outerknown Journey Jacket is going to be your best friend when it comes to freeing up space in your bag. Think of this classic jacket, inspired by the old military M-65 coat, as a sort of blazer replacement, a do-it-all jacket that offers added storage space, lightweight protection from the elements, and sharp, sleek style. The Navy Outerknown Journey Jacket is the top pick here according to your neighborhood Style Guide editor, but you really can’t go wrong with either option. It’s also somewhat similar to the equally versatile and durable Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket — both are handy and nearly required for cool spring and summer nights.

The 4oz. twill fabric used to craft the durable Outerknown Journey Jacket is made from organic cotton and hemp, a bonus if you’re into responsible sourcing and production (which you certainly should be). A handy hood even packs into a collar zipper, offering crucial protection from the elements — again, an underrated design feature that’ll prove quite useful if your next trek takes you somewhere particularly rainy.  The Outerknown Journey Jacket really nails that essential blend of functionality and style — the snap closure hip pockets offer space for everyday carry essentials, like a streamlined wallet or a stylish leather passport holder. And the overall aesthetic is one that just screams 2018. A stylish field jacket  is the functional, dressed-down blazer replacement you’ve been looking for. The Outerknown Journey Jacket works with a crisp white tee, faded blue denim and classic suede boots as well as it does with olive chinos, a white Oxford and leather brogue dress shoes. Taken all together, the Outerknown Journey Jacket belongs on your packing list for your next trip, certainly.

Who’s going to go right out and buy the Outerknown Journey Jacket? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page. 

by Beau H.

The List: Kick Off May in Style with These Essential Men’s Gear Picks

The best way to ring in a new month is with a little essential #menswear shopping, right? The sort of shopping that checks a whole lot of gear off your list of spring style essentials, right? Yep, that’s exactly it. That’s what we’re here to do in today’s edition of The List, which I think you’ll be pleased to find features everything from an essential long-sleeve T-shirt to  quite possibly your new favorite pair of sneakers. Check out the full rundown below.

SeaVees Huntington Middie in Elmwood — $108

The cut of a chukka and the comfort of a sneaker.

The SeaVees Huntington Middie is an indispensable spring and summer sneaker, packed with the sort of grab-and-go style you’re going to need weekend after weekend.

Fisher Space Pen Astronaut Pen — $34.98

An easy-to-carry, easy-to-use essential for all your daily writing needs — pick up a pen the next time you brainstorm.

Should a pen be included in a list of menswear essentials? The answer to that question is yes, yes it should be. A neat, well-made pen is practically an everyday carry essential, and the Fisher Space Pen Astronaut Pen is among the best.

Taylor Stitch Triblend Long-Sleeve Shirt — $68

Taylor Stitch can make one heck of a long-sleeve tee, that much is true.

The great team at Taylor Stitch continues to focus on plenty of new and essential menswear by the month — this stylish long-sleeve tee features cool, different-than-average stripes and handsome raglan construction.

Little River Sock Mill Textured Herringbone Crew Socks — $20

Don’t think herringbone can work in the spring? Think again.

Peeking out from some classic high-top sneakers beneath a pair of rolled light wash denim, these Little River Sock Mill socks are cool and spring-friendly.

WP Standard The Weekender Bag — $350

A beautiful weekender bag that embodies the craftsmanship behind this standout brand.

I love the gear put out by WP Standard, which you know if you follow me on Instagram. In that case, the new WP Standard Weekender Bag is the latest release that’s on my wish list.
Danner Tramline 917 Boots — $200

A hiking boot that’s more streamlined than throwback options.

What do you get when you put a Horween leather upper atop a sporty Vibram outsole, then add in a dash of classic craftsmanship? You get the spring-ready Danner 917 Tramline Boots, perfect for seasonal adventures.
WP Standard The Dopp Kit — $85

The perfect companion to your WP Standard Weekender, folks.

What else do you need in your life besides the WP Standard Weekender Bag? Why, the equally well-made and just-as-durable WP Standard Dopp Kit.
Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt — $69

A uniquely bright and warm weather-ready short-sleeve shirt.

Looking for a shirt to wear to your first spring or summer barbeque? Something that toes the line between too loud and too quiet? The cool Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt is the one to buy right now.
Ready to start shopping? What’s your favorite pick on the latest edition of The List? Chime in via The Style Guide Facebook page for more men’s style insights on the daily. 
 

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boot Is Perfect for Versatile Spring Style

A durable pair of boots that channel both classic hikers and high-top sneakers.

Even as we reach the end of April, there’s still a pair of shoes every guy — including you — needs in his wardrobe (and on his feet). And in the case of today’s See Now, Buy Now series entry, that pair of shoes happens to be a dependable-as-heck pair of hybrid sneaker-boots … specifically, the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boot. The ideal shoe for fighting through spring rain and eventually transitioning toward sunny days, outdoor drinking and music festivals aplenty, the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots are a dependable and stylish pair of spring boots that are worth a second look if you want to switch up your footwear rotation this spring. Your humble Style Guide author always advocates for sticking to tried-and-true classics in the footwear department, from classic high-top sneakers to a timeless pair of chukka boots, but there’s something to be said for giving the more unique Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots a try. That process starts from the ground up with a waterproof lining, so you know the guts of these boots are on point. But they come in mighty handy in matters of style, too.

That is to say, if you want to swap out your white canvas sneakers or suede chukka boots for a hearty park walk or a long, grueling day checking out multiple breweries (a tough job!), the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots are the ones to wear. They’ve got the comfort and cut of a pair of high-tops, with the durable touches of a rich leather pair of boots. Features like speed lacing and four cool color options (I like the Java color the best) make the Heritage Boots a reliable standby with casual outfits — like a classic chambray shirt and dark denim, or a slub pocket tee and faded light wash jeans. The price point on the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots is almost too agreeable, as well — currently under $130. That’s a must-buy at any time of year, but especially right now.

Can you dig the affordable style and versatility of the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots? Let me know on Twitter. 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Raleigh Denim Graham Jeans

Classic denim in a modern fit — plus a spring-friendly wash. The perfect pair? You decide.

If you pass through The Style Guide regularly, then you’ll surely recognize the importance of seasonal style essentials — in this case, spring style essentials — that help you fully embrace this time of year and all of its potential. Bar crawls. Barbeques. Park strolls. Weekend festivals. It’s all on the table, and you need the right gear for every situation. When you feel like completely refreshing and revamping your wardrobe, these essentials are the pieces to which you can always turn. That brings me to the star of today’s post — the Raleigh Denim Graham Jeans, a lovely pair of stylish light wash denim that simply belong in your closet (and on your legs) this season. They check all the boxes in terms of the perfect pair of light wash denim with which to switch up your rotation of dark, inky blue denim. That’s right: Every so often, I’m recommending you set aside your deep, dark blue denim for something with a bit more spark — a slim pair of light wash denim like the extremely well-made, timelessly stylish Raleigh Denim Graham Jeans. In a cool Pilot wash and made with a slim-straight fit, you truly can’t top this pair of denim. And if you’re somewhat new to the whole “light wash denim” game, you might as well invest in the best and pick up a pair you can wear all through the spring and summer, and next spring & summer … and every spring and summer well after that, too. Folks, again … that’s what the Raleigh Denim Graham Jeans bring to the fold.

I’m a big fan of the striking, visually pleasing Pilot wash, the sort of finishing touch that nods toward spring but doesn’t go too far down the “stonewashed retro” path. Small touches like the yellow-gold stitching contrast quite nicely with the rich, pleasingly faded blue of the Raleigh Denim Graham Jeans in particular. This is a pair of classic light wash denim that I could see working quite well with a rugged short-sleeve henley and classic suede boots for a round of beer and cider at your favorite brewery. The slim-straight fit is also flattering but not too tight or too loose — a good go-between when it comes to finding the right balance between casual and sloppy. That means the Raleigh Denim Graham Jeans work in a variety of style situations, even ones that are business casual. Seriously, try pairing the Raleigh Denim Graham Jeans with a dark navy cotton blazer and a striped merino henley (plus suede chukka boots) for a high-low, transitional spring style combo. Stylish light wash jeans that you can wear to the office and to the bar? Your list of spring style essentials just got a little longer.

Will you be purchasing — and wearing — the Raleigh Denim Graham Jeans? Check in with me via The Style Guide Facebook page.