Tag / affordable men’s style

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for A Casual Spring Weekend

Style is all about dressing in a way that stays true to yourself — and in a way that’s true to the situation, right? Right. There’s no sense in wearing a suit to the ballpark, for instance. The best style moves — from the classic Oxford shirt to the perfect pair of everyday denim — nail that tricky balance of classic-yet-versatile style, while working in any situation. And so it is with today’s #OOTD — we’re talking a specific situation (in this case, an easygoing spring weekend) and we’re talking picks that should fit right in with your wardrobe if you’re the kind of guy who values casual, laidback style with just a bit of retro cool. That’s what I call staying true to yourself, ehh? Spring is a time to shed extra layers and take it easy, so we’re stepping out in retro-inspired high-top sneakers, a classic leather watch and — perhaps most crucially — an ultra-cool short-sleeve shirt for the season. All of it adds up to an outfit that’s appropriate for a park picnic, a zoo visit, a stroll through an outdoor art fair or a visit to your favorite brewery … maybe all in one day? If you’ve got thoughts on this outfit, let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page or Twitter. Cheers!

Layering a stylish short-sleeve shirt with an easygoing tee and high-tops — that’s all there is to it!

The Shirt: Portuguese Flannel El Dorado Shirt, $125 — The purveyors of your favorite flannel shirts for the cold weather turn their attention toward a retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt — get yours now.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White, $25.98 — Are we layering a short-sleeve shirt over a tee? Heck yes, we are. This Flint and Tinder Slub Tee has a bit of a similar feel to something Armie Hammer might have worn in “Call By Your Name,” I’d say.

The Denim: Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Natural Indigo Selvage, $248 — Is this a pricey pair of light wash denim? It sure is. But Todd Snyder makes some of the very best denim around, easily. Roll these atop your sneakers or wear them with just one cuff. Speaking of sneakers …

The Sneakers: Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid, $185 — Made-in-America high-tops like these spring-ready Rancourt & Co. sneakers are tough to come by — these should stand up with ease to bar crawls and park strolls alike.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Boucle Mix Socks, $12 — While you could go with no-show socks here, these Anonymous-ism socks feature a neutral color and fabric that’s not too heavy — both spring must-haves.

The Belt: Filson Leather Belt, $85 — We’ve featured this Filson leather belt in a past #OOTD entry, and with good reason — it’s a dependable, stylish addition to your accessories lineup.

The Watch: Jack Mason Field Camp Watch, $195 — The Jack Mason Field Camp Watch is the timepiece you need for a spring weekend — it’s got just enough sharp style and just enough rugged appeal to go anywhere.

The Essential: ManCan 128oz. Picnic Keg, $44.98 — Is the ManCan Picnic Keg an essential? Well, only if you fancy having a park picnic … which I’d wager you do!

This outfit can go anywhere you go on a casual spring weekend — it’s pieces like slim light wash denim and those durable, retro-inspired Rancourt & Co. sneakers that get the job done when it comes to laidback style for the season. Layering a  retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt underneath a Flint and Tinder Slub Tee is also a slightly unexpected style move that gives this outfit some versatility and visual interest — it’s the kind of look that’s going to look particularly at home lounging on a patio with a margarita (or your drink of choice, that is to say). To stay on time through it all, the rugged style of the Jack Mason Field Camp Watch should help out admirably, while the ManCan Picnic Keg — funny name and all — is the essential to bring with you to a park picnic or a backyard party.  And the great thing about this outfit is the freedom of choice — you can rock it with or without the Anonymous-ism socks, for instance. So, where will this #OOTD take you this spring? What picks would you add or subtract? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Gang of Youths, Spring Travel and Wes Anderson

First of all: Happy Friday, Style Guide readers? Are you ready for the weekend? Are you ready to close out March? Know that we’ve got plenty of spring style essentials, shopping picks and outfit suggestions coming your way across the next month. But for now, let’s turn our attention to another edition of The Friday Read. Most importantly, I’m hitting the road back to the Detroit area for the weekend today. I’m looking forward to exploring Detroit, visiting must-see spots like Third Man Records, and enjoying some excellent coffee, brunch and Bloody Mary’s (what more could you ask for out of a weekend!?). As I hit the road, I’ll likely be listening to a new favorite band of mine, Australian indie rockers Gang of Youths. I first saw this powerful, epic rock band last February and had the chance to see them again on Sunday at Bowery Ballroom — I’d recommend them, without a doubt. And in the meantime, I’d also recommend you check out this week’s featured reading — from my latest feature at The Manual to a piece that Wes Anderson lovers will surely enjoy, we’ve got something for everyone below. Enjoy!

  • Over at The Manual, I wrote about the essentials you’re going to need for spring — from crucial layering moves to cool sneakers and a great watch, I hope you find these picks helpful as we bridge the gap between seasons.
  • If you didn’t catch last week’s featured men’s style pick on the blog — that’d be the Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket — well, here’s your chance. Read that piece, buy that jacket and step out this weekend (and every other weekend, for that matter!).
  • For lovers of both music and Wes Anderson films — of which I’m both — I thin you’ll greatly enjoy this excellent feature on the music behind his movies, and his overall approach. Some seriously cool stuff!

That’ll be the last of today’s featured articles, folks. Enjoy the weekend, and check back for our next Style Pick of the Week!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket

A grab-and-go jacket that offers a heck of a lot of style and versatility.

What’s one thing you need in your wardrobe (and on your back) this spring more than anything? I’d say it’s got to be a dependable spring rain jacket. Dependable and stylish, that is. But where to go for such a tricky find? Iron & Resin is, simply put, one of those brands you can always turn to in the clutch when you want stylish, wearable and tough gear. From a rugged men’s henley to the excellent Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket that you see on display today, you can be sure the brand is building pieces that are seasonally friendly and more than ready for adventure. With roots in making rough-and-ready threads for chopper enthusiasts, this is one brand that doesn’t skimp on quality or construction (you know we’re all about those two focuses here at The Style Guide). The Reserve Jacket embodies that approach quite nicely — it’s more than just your standard lightweight polyester jacket. Notably, the Reserve Jacket is filled with recycled polyfill, a crucial bit of insulation that provides nice cover on cool spring nights (and breezy spring days, come to think of it). Welt handwarmer pockets offer a handy place to store your everyday carry essentials and keep your hands toasty at the same time — a pretty crucial benefit as well, right? You got it. As we always strive to do here on the blog, the Reserve Jacket packs a hefty punch on the style front, so you’re in luck there.

Polyfill insulation adds some needed warmth for chilly spring nights.

In a black color that actually looks like it might lean more navy, the Reserve Jacket is the sort of classic piece of outerwear that works well in just about any ensemble. Fancy wearing a grey slub tee and some faded denim alongside stylish leather sneakers to get a weekend coffee? Toss on the Reserve Jacket. Want to rock a knit tie and a classic Oxford shirt alongside slim tan chinos and white sneakers? The Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket is a worthy and functional blazer substitute. And when you find yourself in need of a go-anywhere coat for a spring road trip or a music festival (The National’s Homecoming Festival is my pick!), then the Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket is the one to buy. The Reserve Jacket ditches the logos and crazy colors of other spring rain jackets, and it looks all the better for it. So, what’s not to like about that? Let me know in the comments below if you’ll be picking up this crucial spring addition.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Traveling Abroad, How Your Denim Should Fit and Weekend Style Upgrades

Check your watch, check your calendar and step on up — it’s officially spring, Style Guide readers. If that doesn’t get you amped to load up your shopping cart with spring style essentials, then I’m not sure what will (maybe this classic track from CHVRCHES to which I’m currently listening? Ehh?). At any rate, you can expect plenty of transitional style content here on the blog in the coming weeks — starting with tomorrow’s timely Style Pick of the Week. And for today’s Friday Read, we’ll cover travel style, we’ll cover the right way to wear your denim in these trying times, and we’ll cover weekend style upgrades for the guy with a wish list and some cash to burn. But if you just can’t wait to dive into how to dress this spring, might I suggest this essential #OOTD focused on classic, everyday spring style? It’s a good one, folks. OK, enough idle chitchat — let’s get to this week’s links. Shall we? Cheers.

  • It’s been quite the month of March around these parts — or rather, around Ireland, Scotland and England! Read more about my adventures in the U.K. in my latest travel style post.
  • Do you have a favorite pair of classic denim? I’d wager that you do — right? Maybe you even found it perusing the pages of this blog. At any rate, Esquire.com is here to remind us all about how your denim should fit in 2018.
  • It’s perhaps no more relevant than it is right now — laidback weekend style, that is. GQ.com has 14 — yep, 14 — weekend style upgrades to shop right now. Get on it!
  • Last but certainly not least, I rounded up the 12 best men’s hiking socks — yes, we’re getting as specific as hiking socks — over at GearMoose. Shop away!

And without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to your weekend. That’s it! We’ll see you tomorrow to tell you all about a new spring menswear essential that I think you’re definitely going to like.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Mollusk Surf Shop Is Making Your New Spring Chinos

A close-up look at a pair of chinos that are ready to wear with plenty of gear you already own.

While the classic, much-loved chino pant is nothing new in terms of early spring style, there are some new places you should consider looking if in fact you really, really want to step into this season the right way. What I mean to say is, Mollusk Surf Shop is but one unexpected brand that deserves a second look. Specifically, the Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants  — simply named, cleanly designed and more than ready for the season ahead. Let’s be clear: A classic pair of chino pants can work at any time of the year, but there’s something about early spring that feels especially well-suited to something like the Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants. The fit is tailored but not too tight, the cotton construction is amplified thanks to the made-in-the-USA quality, and the Mash Green color is a nice seasonal go-between.

There are no overly fancy bells and whistles at play when it comes to the Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants — this is just a solid pair of classic cotton chinos, all the better for pairing with similarly versatile spring style essentials. In the view of your Style Guide author, that means complementary pieces like durable leather chukkas, a rugged denim shirt  and a go-anywhere leather watch. And the good news, a pair of surprisingly tough chinos from Mollusk Surf Shop can add a bit of unexpectedly laidback style to many a spring ensemble. Army green chinos also work quite handsomely with even the most minimal of pieces — think a crisp white tee and white leather sneakers, perhaps capped off with your new favorite denim jacket. The Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants are a neat way to trade in your light wash denim or navy chinos for something just a bit more different and a bit more fresh; that’s where all the best seasonal style upgrades start, after all.

Can you get on board with the Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants for March weather (and beyond)? 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: A New Way to Dress in Casual, Everyday Spring Style

Gather ’round, step on up and ready your spring style essentials — the time is nigh to talk about easygoing, casual spring style. The sort of outfit that really covers all your bases, at least in a casual sense. The sort of outfit you’re going to look forward to wearing as often as you can. And the sort of #OOTD that just makes sense for a lot of us fans of classic, straightforward style. You’ll see pieces like a classic striped tee, a great pair of everyday men’s chinos and some minimal grey leather sneakers that add refined polish any day of the week. The rest of the ensemble also features pieces that can easily be broken out and worn on their own, particularly as temperatures continue to get hotter. Before then, I think you’ll like where we’re going (namely, check out the classic chambray workshirt being used as a necessary top layer). All the building blocks are there in terms of an outfit that screams spring. We’ve got pieces that can be worn all year in other outfits, brought together in one laidback, casual and cool #OOTD. Wear it on a breezy Friday, wear it for a bit of Saturday day-drinking and wear it for Sunday brunch — not all in the same wekeend, of course. Want to chime in on the conversation? Head to The Style Guide Facebook page. Chat then!

Ever wondered how to layer your chambray shirt and still look great this spring? Well, here you go!

The Chambray Shirt: WP Standard Chambray Work Shirt, $98 — A crisp, rugged chambray shirt that doubles as a bit of an outer layer when worn over a striped tee — perfect for a breezy spring night.

The Striped Tee: Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Tee, $55 — Taylor Stitch doesn’t mess around with fabric quality, even when it comes to a basic T-shirt. The use of mercerized merino makes this classic striped tee durable and ready for extra layers over top.

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pants in Earth, $98 — We love the 365 Pants for their blend of jean-like durability and chino-like comfort — you get a pair of pants that can be dressed up or, in this case, dressed down.

The Sneakers: Oliver Cabell Low Top 1, $173 — What says spring more than a pair of minimal low-top sneakers, particularly in a unique shade of grey leather? This initial run of sneakers from Oliver Cabell is excellent.

The Socks: American Trench Merino Activity Socks with Silver, $16.98 — Let’s say it’s still just a bit breezy out there — leave the no-show socks at home, and throw on the Merino Activity Socks from American Trench instead. You get more ankle coverage (it’s a thing) and you get sporty, casual style, too.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Chrono Watch, $77 — Not to be forgotten, a NATO strap watch, especially an affordable casual watch from Timex, is the one to wear with this outfit. The color is spring-ready, too.

The Tote Bag: Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, $95.98 — If you hadn’t guessed it by now, this outfit was designed with more casual ventures in mind — I.E. Lounging on a patio crushing session IPAs. Carry the beer in the Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, my friend.

The Pomade: O’Doud’s Standard Pomade, $18 — While you could certainly accessorize with a stylish, vintage-inspired ballcap here, maybe you’ve freshened your ‘do for spring. The O’Doud’s Standard Pomade can help with a new look, sir.

If this #OOTD doesn’t get you excited to kick back outside with a beer or two, then I just don’t know what to tell ya. The WP Standard Chambray Work Shirt is as classic and stylish as it gets, with the potential to layer quite easily over the Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Tee. And those two pieces, combined with the equally essential  Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, are going to nicely complement crisp leather sneakers from Oliver Cabell for an easygoing springtime look. Don’t sleep on the value of comfortable socks, either — the Merino Activity Socks from American Trench are going to get the job done in terms of style, too. Of course, an affordable casual watch from Timex certainly helps to cement the nature of this outfit,  along with the grab-and-go Nisolo Lori Leather Tote. Want to top things off in a new way? Ditch the ballcap (for now) and style your hair with a bit of O’Doud’s Standard Pomade — all things considered, this ensemble has everything you need for a great spring day.

Cheers, my friends!

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Across the Pond, Part 2: A Family Trip to Ireland, Scotland and England

Paying homage to bands like The Killers at Royal Albert Hall in London — leg two of a Hayhoe family adventure! My picks for the trip included versatile Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots and a great Grayers jacket.

Although we had a break of a few days for more regularly scheduled content here on The Style Guide — such as our Style Pick of the Week — we’re back with a full recap from last week’s lengthy, busy and incredible Hayhoe family trip to Ireland, Scotland and England! Following an overnight flight to Dublin, we spent time at the Guinness Storehouse, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway before making our way to Edinburgh and then London. In fact, you can (and should!) check out part one before getting into part two. Do you have any experience with traveling to any of these countries? If so, hopefully you agree with the day trips we took and the sights we saw — not to mention the menswear I packed! Traveling with versatility and weather-ready durability in mind was the name of the game. And with Dublin and Edinburgh in the books, I packed up my  WP Standard Leather Messenger Bag and grabbed a coffee (or two … or three) to start the day.

Upon our Following our arrival in London on Wednesday, I knew that layering up for the chilly weather would continue to be critical. I threw on a ruggedly stylish piece from Taylor Stitch — the tough Heavy Bag Henley from the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Collection. Made from upcycled cotton and featuring that tailored fit we all know and love from Taylor Stitch, this rugged men’s henley was perfect for London. The combo paired up quite well with my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket — the tough waxed cotton and handy front snap button pockets handled the demands of hauling around everyday carry essentials as we explored the city and shopped at famed department store Harrods. I stayed on time throughout with my Timex x Todd Snyder MS1 Maritime Watch,  this time swapped out for a brown leather watch strap from Form-Function-Form (two watches in one!).

Wearing a Todd Snyder flannel — teamed with black Abercrombie & Fitch denim and Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots — for a bit of rock n’roll-inspired style at Rough Trade Records.

Major highlights included some excellent time spent Thursday evening at the  legendary Rough Trade Records— the venerable label’s Brooklyn outpost is one of my favorite spots back in NYC, and visiting the London location was just as much of a treat.  To stay comfortable and light on my feet, my sleek Allen Edmonds Liverpool Suede Chelsea Boots held up throughout our stay in London (which also included a Friday night viewing of revered American musical “Hamilton” in London’s West End!). The next time your travels take you across different countries in the chilly early spring weather, reach for durable outerwear, easy-to-wear boots and warm, essential layers from brands like Taylor Stitch. 

Wearing Donegal trousers and Chelsea boots in a nod to cold weather in the U.K. — the perfect outfit for exploring the world of Harry Potter!

Earlier on Thursday in London, I once again focused on warm layering via my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket, paired up with JackThreads Donegal Trousers and the durable Allen Edmonds Liverpool Suede Chelsea Boots for a bit of sharp, mobile style. I completed the combo with a rugged, classic shawl-collar cardigan from Life/After/Denim. Great menswear and a day in London? How could it get any better? Oh, that’s an easy answer. We spent an incredible and very, very worthwhile day on our feet via the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, celebrating the making of Harry Potter! It’s a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan (and the place was positively packed with them throughout the day!). This extraordinary book and film series has left an indelible mark on my life — it’s been a family staple since I was in first grade, from Halloween costumes to summertime reading to midnight movie theater showings, all the way to a recent trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter earlier this year! Needless to say, I was so thrilled to be on the tour, as were my mom, dad and sister.

With Thursday in the books, it was nearly time to cap off our trip — not before a last day of exploration in one of my new favorite cities, however! I stepped into the durable Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Tops, featuring classic looks and plenty of comfort for a long day on my feet. My outerwear pick was an easy one — the Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket continued to function admirably in the chill of London, and my Timex for J. Crew Field Watch helped me stay on time in rugged, casual style (always a must!). For an evening viewing of “Hamilton,” I changed into my Thursday Boots Wingtip Boots in Cognac Suede. yet I found my sneakers worked quite nicely for a day about town. If you haven’t yet seen “Hamilton,” I’d say it’s worthy viewing even for non-Broadway buffs. Minus a few key geography and name changes to appeal to a mainly British crowd, the production gets everything right — it’s simply stunning.

We wrapped up our London visit with a quick morning stop at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, site of many a famed live show — including a 2009 live concert DVD by one of my favorite bands, The Killers (click here to read more about my concertgoing experiences following this excellent band!). As you can see at the top of the page, I did my best to layer up against an unexpectedly chilly London day, complete with snow flurries. My ever-versatile Allen Edmonds Liverpool Suede Chelsea Boots did the trick when it came to footwear, while a new pair of Scotch and Soda denim (in the excellent Ralston fit) worked just fine for my final day in this great city. Much like the rest of the trip, I just had to throw on my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket to get around (luggage and all) in style.

The long flight back brought our trip to a close — it was a whirlwind, between an overnight flight to kick off leg one, then exciting day trips, plenty of pints of Guinness and great times in three different countries! And there’s nothing like seeing a famed, emotional and impactful musical like “Hamilton” — particularly in London. I’m really grateful to see plenty of new sights all along the way — the Irish countryside is beautiful, so much of Scotland is packed with amazing history, and London probably has as much cosmopolitan charm and modern flair as any city on the planet. To see all of that in just one trip, complete with some quality family time (and the requisite menswear I packed) was a lifetime chance, to say the least! I’ll definitely back — sooner rather than later!

Until the next trip, check back here tomorrow for a new #OOTD post. Thanks for reading! And if you’ve got questions on how to pack for your own overseas trip, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Family Trip Abroad, The Shinola Canfield Watch and Spring Essentials

TGIF, yeah? All things considered, it’s certainly a different Friday for The Style Guide — namely, I’m writing this post from sunny London this morning, on the final leg of a Hayhoe family trip across the United Kingdom! Leg one took us from Dublin (and the Guinness Storehouse!) to Edinburgh (and spots like the Edinburgh Castle), and today finds me enjoying an English breakfast and coffee before citywide exploration. Needless to say, I could get used to this — no doubt about it. If you missed leg one of the trip, you can catch up with Wednesday’s trip post before you dive into today’s Friday Read. We’ve got tips and tricks about keeping your watch in the best possible shape, and today’s post also features a look at the next watch in which you should invest — maybe? Or, save your dollars and join me at the pub for a pint later! Again, I could get used to hanging out in the U.K. for a while. For now, follow along with my adventures on Instagram if you so please, and enjoy the day!

  • A relevant read at any time of year, my pals at The Manual came up with this excellent guide on how to keep your luxury watch in pristine condition — even the biggest watch fans among us might need a reminder every now and then, ehh?
  • Speaking of fine timepieces, who can argue with the need for a slim, sleek watch from the likes of Shinola? My latest feature over at GearMoose covers the exceptionally refined Shinola Canfield Watch — read up and stay on time, my friends!
  • Lastly, I think the time is now ripe to revisit a recent edition of The List, whereby we looked at the best men’s gear to buy to get ready for spring. And, well, that about says it all. Who’s pumped to really get into the season, ehh?

Coming to you live from London, we’re wrapping up today’s Friday Read. Join us for the Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, as always.

Cheers, my friends!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots Are the Best Way to Step into Spring

Now available via Huckberry for a heck of a price, these sleek and simple Chelsea boots are primed for spring.

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Yes, we really do love ourselves some Astorflex boots here at The Style Guide. They make a heck of a pair of classic chukka boots, for starters. What’s more, this sustainably made, stylish brand keeps churning out essential men’s footwear, season after season, from lace-up boots to sneakers to today’s offering — more than worthy of including ’em in our latest See Now, Buy Now feature (Editor’s note: Click through to read all about why I love Astorflex). And lest you think we’re repeating ourselves here, the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots on display today are an all-new pair, exclusive to our pals at Huckberry. Can you say “spring style essentials,” anyone? The Cuoio Bitflex Chelsea Boots blend a striking new color with a sleek and easily wearable silhouette, and they do so just in time for prime “Chelsea boots season.” Is there such a thing? Perhaps not … until now.


How do you get into this monumental (and all-new!) season the right way? Well, it’s relatively simple. Pick a pair of the best light wash denim for men, throw on the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots in a handsome shade of dark tan, then accessorize with simple staples like a rugged short-sleeve henley (when it’s warm out) or a classic crewneck sweater or waxed trucker jacket (when it’s still a little chilly this March). The natural rubber soles provide comfort from the ground up, while the leather on the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots is treated with all-natural ingredients for a purchase you can certainly feel good about. The easy-to-wear nature of the Cuoio Bitflex Chelsea Boots means you can match them up with other neutral style staples for early spring, including navy chinos and a charcoal Oxford — that’s a look that’ll work wonders for you at the office and at happy hour. You justt need to snag your pair, well … now.

Who’s going to be picking up the Cuoio Bitflex Chelsea Boots from Astorflex? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Shake Up Your Business Casual Style For the Office

There are solid, reliable go-to’s that we all have when it comes to dressing for the office — right? Pieces like slim dark denim, a classic navy blazer and the like. But what to do when you want to switch things up just ever so slightly? That’s where today’s #OOTD is taking us. Dressing for the office can be a challenge, sometimes — it seems like every office, from creative agencies on up to accounting firms, are getting more and more casual. At least, that’s been my experience (let me know if you agree over on The Style Guide Facebook page). With that being said, looking great still pays off, and it’s still important — no matter how casual everyone else around you might be dressed. So, back to today’s #menswear ensemble. We’ve still got a stylish navy blazer in the mix, but we’re going a  step further with a casual printed shirt and stylish leather Chelsea boots. Everyone wins with this look, because we’re even incorporating … *gasp* … a tie! Yep, we’ve got it all covered. Read up below and let me know what you think via Twitter — cheers!

Can’t go wrong with some texture and unique style for late winter.

The Blazer: Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat, $165.98 — A stylish moleskin sportcoat is a unique change of pace from your standard cotton-blend navy blazer — the Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat from Grayers is a nicely tailored option.

The Shirt: Life/After/Denim Art Deco Shirt, $158 — While something like a classic Oxford shirt also works here, a unique printed shirt from Life/After/Denim adds nice visual interest and cool, casual style.

The Tie: Pocket Square Clothing Castillo Necktie, $56 — Ahh, yes … the dreaded necktie. Don’t wear a tie too often? A tweed tie from Pocket Square Clothing nods to the chilly temps some us might still be facing, and it also adds nice texture to this look.

The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Democratic Chino in British Khaki, $98 — Classic chinos from our pals at Taylor Stitch are an excellent change of pace from dark denim (which would also work nicely here, mind you).

The Chelsea Boots: Hudson Shoes Wynford Chelsea Boots, $210 — Because we might still be dealing with slippery roads out there, stylish Chelsea boots provide traction and sleek, office-ready style.

The Socks: American Trench Boot Socks in Light Denim, $29.50 — When is it worth it to spend nearly $30 on a pair of socks? When the socks in question are from American Trench & perfectly complement this outfit.
The Watch: BREDA Visser Watch, $90 — Leave the dive watch at home — this affordable, stylish leather watch from BREDA  is a perfect accessory for the office.
The Belt: Ezra Arthur No.1 Belt in Cognac, $100 — Even your belt should be sleek, minimal and dressy when it comes to biz casual style — the Ezra Arthur No.1 Belt hits the mark quite nicely.
 Did this #OOTD hit the mark in terms of shaking up how you’ll be dressing for the office? The building blocks — those crucial building blocks we always talk about — aren’t all that different from a typical office ensemble, yet the Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat from Grayers adds more texture and style that’s appropriate for the cold weather. A  cool, visually striking printed shirt from Life/After/Denim also switches things up from a typical office shirt. And in terms of your trousers, can you top classic chinos from Taylor Stitch? Nope, not quite. A cool tweed tie from  Pocket Square Clothing is a nice menswear move that ups the ante in terms of your ensemble, while the beautifully crafted (and affordable) Wynford Chelsea Boots from Hudson Shoes add sleek style on the footwear front. To keep it all in line, the Ezra Arthur No.1 Belt is an essential finishing touch, as is the BREDA Visser Watch. Last but not least, I can’t vouch enough for socks from American Trench — what more do you need to get ready for the office? Not a heck of a lot, truly. Let me know in the comments if this #OOTD does it for you!
Thanks for reading, as always.
-Beau