Tag / affordable men’s style

by Beau H.

The List: Here’s All of the Best New Men’s Style Gear to Buy For Summer

The one watch you need this summer — plus, the rest of my gear picks below.

For everyday summer style, it’s sometimes best not to overdo it, to not go way too over the top. That’s the focus of today’s edition of The List — reliable, tough gear made to last and made to wear just about anywhere, from the stylish VAER watch shown above to the perfect T-shirt for summer and some of the best light wash jeans on the market. Again, these are pieces that aren’t too flashy, and you’ll be all the better served for it.  Like what you see? Be sure to keep up with me on Twitter.

VAER Watches Heritage Watch — $169.98 

A rugged and dependable daily watch for the office and the weekend.

As mentioned above, every guy needs a dependable, reliable and stylish everyday watch — the VAER Watches Heritage Watch is exactly the right kind of watch to get the job done. Wear it for summer travel and to the office in equal measure.

Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Triblend Tee — $35

One of the best men’s T-shirts your money can buy right now.

Is this substantial-but-not-too-heavy tee the perfect T-shirt for summer? Available in a range of neutral colors and made in America by Flint and Tinder, I’d say … YES.

Mott and Bow Slim Laight Jeans — $128

These slim jeans are reliable, stylish and ready for the office or the weekend.

For wearing to the office (with a navy cotton blazer and a white Oxford shirt) or wearing on the weekend (with a classic T-shirt), you need some of the best light wash jeans your money can buy — so, you need a pair from Mott and Bow.

Grayers Navy Floral-Printed Chambray Shirt — $88

A subtly stylish printed shirt for all your summer fun.

Every guy needs at least one or two stylish printed shirts in his summer wardrobe — they shake things up and make a fun party or BBQ piece. You can wear this Grayers printed shirt plenty this season.

Relwen Bivouac Weekend Duffel Bag — $168

The go-anywhere duffel bag to bring with you on every summer adventure.

The good folks at Relwen always deliver when it comes to stylish, military-inspired apparel — now, they’ve upgraded your everyday carry with a durable duffel bag for summer travel. Grab and go.

Mott and Bow Wythe Denim Shirt — $79

Yes indeed, more stylish Mott and Bow gear — this denim shirt is as good as it gets.

Don’t store your denim shirts just yet — this pleasing light wash denim shirt from Mott and Bow can easily help you take care of your laidback style needs (especially when worn with tan chinos and classic white sneakers).

Bellroy Travel Folio — $139

The sleek travel folio to take with you to the office and on the road this summer.

For summer travel, you can’t go wrong with a durable, stylish travel folio for your everyday carry— this one from Bellroy is sleek and sharp.

Taylor Stitch Ranch Boots in Whiskey Eagle — $348

The durable and tough-as-heck boots to wear to a rock concert (or a wedding?) this summer.

As far as an everyday pair of leather boots to pair up with your light wash denim shirt and other style staples, well, you’d do worse than the stunning Taylor Stitch Ranch Boots in a fantastic Whiskey Eagle leather.

Billy Reid Reversible Shirt Jacket — $395

A dependable shirt jacket to wear on breezy summer nights.

We’ve been talking a ton about versatile, durable gear that can go the distance — even in the summer, you could use a stylish shirt jacket (hey, it gets breezy out there!). Billy Reid is the way to go.

Bespoke Post Shore Box — $45

All the right gear for a day at the beach this summer.

Is it hard to believe that you get all of the above essential beach gear for under $50? Well, when you start signing up for Bespoke Post, it’s not that hard. What are ya waiting for??

Rhythm Classic Trunks — $68

The classic swim trunks for every beach vacation.

The next time you head to the beach, wear a pair of classic swim trunks like these from Rhythm — they’re stylish & affordable, possibly the perfect swim trunks for summer.

Yuketen Loafers — $340

Well-crafted loafers that you’ll want to wear to every special occasion this summer.

Are you on board with the resurgence in stylish loafers out there? Or not quite yet? Maybe you’ll change your mind when you glimpse the Yuketen Loafers, a pair of the best men’s loafers for your next summer wedding or cocktail party.

 

OK, my friends. It’s now time to wrap up this post covering the best summer style essentials out there. What’s your favorite of the above list? I personally love the Yuketen Loafers for easygoing-yet-sharp summer style.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Build a Casual Outfit Around Your New Favorite Watch

Do you normally think about what watch you’re wearing as you start to put together an outfit? Sure, a great watch is up there on your list of men’s style essentials … but what about building an outfit around one watch? One truly unique, innovative watch, that is? It’s a different take on dressing for spring and summer, but I think it’s one you’ll grow to appreciate and enjoy. Accessories can often make all the difference in an outfit, from stylish sunglasses to the remarkable Grovemade Black Watch 01 we’re featuring today — if you read the blog regularly, you know the small details are surprisingly vital.

Shop Andrew Marc Today!But why build an outfit around a watch? Well, it’s easy — the right watch can instantly elevate more casual or more subtle ensembles, and that’s especially true when it comes to the classic Oxford shirt and slim chinos shown below. The idea is that, whether you wear this #OOTD to the office on casual Friday or to a laidback weekend brunch, you’re going to stand out in the right way — not because you threw on a watch and called it a day, but because these picks are made to go just about anywhere in style. The even better thing about the Grovemade Black Watch 01 is that, like the brand’s other essential gear picks, it goes with just about anything — it’s truly timeless, so you can mix and match as you please with, say, a rugged denim shirt or a crisp white tee and classic light wash denim. For now, let’s show you this full look, shall we?

Shop Mott & Bow Today!

The watch makes this outfit, but the rest of it is subtly stylish and sharp, too.

Take 30% OFF your order.The Watch: Grovemade Black Watch 01, $230 — If you’re building an #OOTD around your new favorite watch, you might as well ensure that watch is unique as heck and seriously high-quality, to boot. This Grovemade watch is all of that.

  • The Classic Oxford: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford, $118 — Every guy needs an essential Oxford shirt, and this American-made version is subtly stylish — it won’t distract from your standout timepiece.
  • The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Organic Olive, $98 — Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple — a la classic olive chinos from Taylor Stitch. A perfect fit with this #OOTD.
  • The Classic Chukka Boots: Esquivel Hand-Stained Leather Boots, $725 — Is it worth it to drop more than $700 on boots? Well, when they could be the last chukka boots you’ll ever buy — perfectly made, incredibly comfortable, highly versatile — then yes, that’s worth it.
  • The Socks: Civic Merino Socks, $22.50 — Lightweight, comfortable, anti-microbial socks that offer plenty of all-day support? An essential in any outfit, but especially this one. They could be the best men’s socks you wear all spring and summer.
  • The Daily Bag: Bleu De Chauffe Musette Gaston Bag, $229.98 — While the name might at first be a mouthful, you won’t regret picking up this handsome, tough everyday bag. Take it every possible place you can — it’ll serve you well.
  • The Grooming Must-Have: Duke Cannon Emergency Heat + Light Soap, $34 — Duke Cannon assuredly makes all of the grooming essentials you didn’t know you needed, including this fresh, pine-scented brick of soap.
  • The EDC Essential: Leatherman Wave Plus Multi-Tool, $100 — You might not need this handy Leatherman multi-tool every day, but if you work in a studio or design shop — or find yourself with a tricky-to-fix task on the go — keep this one on your person.

MenloNR 320x50It can sound a bit off-the-wall at first to start thinking about a watch before you add in other pieces to an #OOTD, right? Ideally though, that approach is going to start making more sense after viewing the above picks — particularly the handsome, entirely unique Grovemade Black Watch 01, a timepiece unlike anything you’ve ever seen (before now, that is). How do the rest of these #menswear picks complement it? Pretty nicely, I’d say. Your best bet is going to be focusing on premium-yet-accessible versions of your favorite menswear staples — take an essential Oxford shirt, for instance, in a spring-friendly garment-dyed wash. It’s perfect to wear as you roll up your sleeves and get to work, and it pairs more than nicely with classic olive chinos from Taylor Stitch — not to mention a pair of simply astonishing Esquivel leather chukka boots.

MenloNR 320x50Those three building blocks right there make this an office-ready outfit in my mind. When you incorporate a tough everyday bag, you’ve got your EDC essentials sorted, including a downright useful Leatherman multi-tool. But before you go anywhere, you need to smell great, simply put. Grooming essentials courtesy of Duke Cannon will sort you out there. And with all that being said, I think you’ve found a way to accessorize and build a highly stylish outfit around your favorite watch — to say the very least.

Would you wear the Grovemade Black Watch 01? How would you style it? Let me know on Twitter!

by Beau H.

The List: Upgrade Your Spring Style Right Now with the Best New Gear of the Week

Adidas

Get up and get going with lightweight spring sneakers like these from Adidas — read more below, of course.

What do you think of when you think of spring style essentials? Perhaps a return to lightweight, stylish sneakers is what you’ve got in mind? Well, we’re on the same page then — the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker is but one of the many new spring gear picks we’re featuring today, all with an eye toward helping you stay fashion-forward while on the go this season. Have any brands you’d like to see included in future editions of The List? Catch up with me on Twitter to let me know. Cheers.

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker — $200

Comfortable, stylish hiking sneakers you can wear all day.

The name of the game this spring has got to be stylish, functional sneakers — like the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker, a pair of performance-ready sneaker boots that you can wear on a day hike and a coffee date thereafter.

Flint and TInder 365 Pants in Slim or Straight — $98

One pant, two fits, plenty of color options — possibly the perfect spring pants.

Make no mistake, we sure do love the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants here on the blog (and by we, I mean … just me). The real kicker when it comes to these stylish spring pants? The versatility you get through two fits — the Slim Fit works for guys who prefer a lean silhouette, while the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants in Straight Fit are made for the fella who needs more room to move. The fabric is quality and the color choices are on-point, too.

Wills Cashmere Quarter Zip Mock — $218

A supremely luxurious cashmere zip for cool spring nights.

While we love a rugged crewneck sweatshirt as much as the next guy, a style like that won’t quite work every day. For when a breezy day turns into a breezy evening of rooftop cocktails (like an Old Fashioned?), the Wills Cashmere Quarter Zip works just fine.

Bespoke Post Downpour Box — $45 (When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

The seriously affordable rain jacket you’ll wear all spring.

Is there anywhere you can get an affordable rain jacket for way, way less than you’d expect? The short answer is: Yes! That place is Bespoke Post, and that affordable rain jacket comes courtesy of the Bespoke Post Downpour Box.

MWC Watches U.S. Infantry Watch — $210.98 (When On-Sale via Huckberry)

The hard-wearing field watch you can take anywhere this spring.

As the weather takes a turn for the better, reach for a durable, lightweight field watch that’s got a healthy dose of military inspiration baked right in. One of the best men’s field watches? Assuredly.

Onitsuka Tiger Basketball Sneakers — $90

High-top kicks that draw inspiration from a classic Onitsuka pair.

Onitsuka Tiger is a brand with strong heritage dating back decades — if you look at a pair of Onitsuka Tiger shoes, you know what you’re getting. But who knew they make subtly stylish, retro-inspired basketball sneakers in addition to colorful, cool runners? These are sure to be a spring favorite with light wash denim and a white Oxford shirt, and they’re made to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary. Oh, and if you happen to be in NYC? Swing by the brand’s new store in SoHo.
Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley — $98

A casual-yet-tough henley in a spring-ready color.

We’ve featured the Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley in the past on this site, namely as we move from summer into fall. So, moving from winter into spring merits a return to this rugged cotton henley — in a spring-ready color — from Faherty Brand for easygoing layering.
Roark Revival Highway 133 Denim — $75

Pleasingly light, but not full-on “dad jeans.”

There’s a right way to shop for the best men’s denim this spring — you should be looking for a pair that’s got a lighter construction and a lighter wash.  That means you want a pair like the Roark Revival Highway 133 Denim, some of the best light wash jeans for men.
Birdwell Aloha Field Jacket — $299

The classic field jacket you can wear all spring and summer.

Just when you thought your rotation of the best men’s spring jackets was complete, along comes the absolutely stunning, essential Birdwell Aloha Field Jacket.  You surely recognize the Birdwell name from the brand’s excellent swimwear, but I’m here to tell you that you need to give the Aloha Field Jacket a shot. It’s made with ripstop poplin and finished off with a Hawaiian print from Hoffman Fabrics, the original importer of Hawiian prints.

Pendulux Nautilus Table Clock — $339.98

You don’t have a clock like this on your desk right now — do you?

I’m all for upgrading your living space in accordance with your personal style — on that note, the seriously cool Pendulux Nautilus Table Clock is but one way to give your office and home accents a shot in the arm for spring.

Helm Boots Muller Boots — $385

Tough leather boots you can wear all spring — yes, even with a khaki cotton suit.

You might recognize these stylish leather boots from my post last fall on the best boots to buy now — and they’re back again, because you could always use another pair of rugged cap toe boots to stomp through spring.
Herschel Supply Co.  Buckingham Backpack — $120

Turn to Herschel for a functional, mobile backpack.

Now, I’m not normally a big backpack guy — to say the very least. That being said, there are situations (like an early spring outdoor adventure!) where you need a functional, stylish backpack. This Herschel Supply Co. backpack gets it done for you.

 

So, to wrap up today’s post … are we feeling ready for spring yet? And which of the above picks will you be adding to your menswear wish list? For me, it’s got to be a pair of stylish leather boots from Helm Boots — that’s an easy pick, in my mind. Thanks for reading!

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Vintage Sneakers for Spring

Do you have a favorite pair of sneakers in your closet? A pair of stylish sneakers to consistently turn toward in a multitude of spring style situations? Weekend brunch, brewery visits, hours-long park strolls — and of course, days at the office aplenty — can all be tackled with the stylish spring sneakers (and the #OOTD) in question. It’s all about versatility and comfort when it comes to Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers, and they’re complemented handsomely by a rugged chore jacket (via Everlane), a stylish denim shirt from Billy Reid and slim chinos (sold by Huckberry, of course). The building blocks here can really take you anywhere, with the ability to be mixed and matched with ease. The resulting #OOTD can go to the office on a casual Friday, or out to your favorite brewery, and essentially anywhere in between.

And the beauty of this #OOTD is that you can remove layers as needed through shifting spring weather. Specifically, the Everlane Chore Jacket (a new personal favorite) can even double as a cool blazer replacement if need be. And again, it all starts from the ground up with your new favorite pair of sneakers from Beckett Simonon. Cheers to spring!

Mixing up your spring sneakers with touches both rugged and casual — and from some of your favorite brands.

We’ve told you in the past that the best ensembles start from the ground up, right? In this case, that involves Beckett Simonon’s Morgen Trainers, a heck of a stylish, comfortable and premium pair of sneakers that tie each and every outfit together handsomely. In this case, the outfit only gets better and better the more you look at it (I think so, at least). That is to say, a rugged chore jacket from Everlane adds versatile utility and style, especially when layered over both a stylish denim shirt from Billy Reid and a rugged henley from Flint and Tinder. Those three layers should have you ready for whatever comes your way this spring, from a light breeze to a sudden drop in temperature. And in matters of style, this entire combo works, too — it’s fit for a night at a gastropub or a round of beers at a brewery, or a day at the office. It’s also tied together by slim chinos that sit nicely atop the vintage trainers from Beckett Simonon— you see, it’s all tied together. It should also go without saying that the right #OOTD is also finished off with the right accessories, including a stylish leather watch and an equally stylish leather belt (both investment-level pieces in their own right). Richly crafted indigo socks from Anonymousism provide a dash of comfort and style, too. When worn all together, this #OOTD is darn near unbeatable — and again, it all comes back down to the stylish sneakers you’ve got on your feet. Happy spring, folks!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos

Breezy, versatile chinos in a modern cut — can’t ask for much more than that for spring.

What pair of essential men’s pants belongs on your legs and in your closet this spring? That’s quite easy — the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos, naturally. After all, every guy needs a stylish pair of chinos in his wardrobe to kick off a breezy, warm new season, and the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos check all the right boxes. Classic style? Check. A slim-but-not-too-slim fit? Check. The dependability that comes with gear made and sold by Huckberry? Triple-check on that one. And luckily, Flint and Tinder has made the choice easy this spring when it comes time to decide on the best men’s chinos to buy this very instant. It all starts with the use of high-twist cotton, a weave that gives these slim chinos breathability and mobility — these aren’t the thick cotton twill chinos that, while classic, can prove quite hard to get around in. No sir, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos get the job done quite nicely, and they clock in at under $100, too. Throw in the fact that they’re made in America, and you’re looking at your new favorite pair of chinos. But what else makes ’em so great?

The Olive color of the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos is particularly sharp, right? Right.

As we said before, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos just check all the right boxes, right on down to the customary Flint and Tinder shotgun shell button and zip fly. Those design touches are in keeping in line with what Flint and Tinder does so well — modern classics, done in a way that menswear lovers (new and old) can appreciate. Again, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos live up to that promise admirably, with the type of style that works just as well with a blue chambray shirt and classic chukka boots as it does with crisp white tee and your favorite vintage sneakers (preferably from Huckberry, too). And it goes without saying that you’ve got your pick of versatile color options when it comes to the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos, all designed to give you plenty of styling potential.  Try out the slim tan chinos with an indigo denim jacket and a white short-sleeve henley, or pair the classic olive chinos with a heather grey tee and stylish brown leather brogues. After that, you’re off to the races. Or at least, you’re off to wherever it is you need to go, dressed in sharp, classic style.

by Beau H.

The List: Gear Up for Spring with Your New Favorite Daily Style Essentials

The reliable spring jacket you can count on — all tough style that you need, and not a thing you don’t.

There are certainly more than a few ways to layer up for spring, and I hope to cover off on a few of them today with our latest round of men’s style essentials. Case in point: The affordable, durable, remarkably tough Roamers Utility Jacket, among the best jackets to buy for spring — owing, of course, to its classic workwear silhouette and tough construction. As to the rest of what you’ll be wearing this season? Check out the newest edition of The List (and find out more about the Roamers Utility Jacket) below.

Roamers Utility Jacket — $90.98

A no-fuss silhouette that’s ideal for spring layering.

Dressing in style for spring really doesn’t have to be expensive — the Roamers Utility Jacket proves that quite handily. It’s a tough workwear jacket made out of equally tough canvas, all the better to layer over your favorite henley or a classic chambray shirt on a chilly spring morning. The utilitarian style also wears nicely with everything from slim chinos to dark indigo denim — and again, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg.

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt — $148

A classic, slightly rugged, slightly refined shirt from Taylor Stitch.

We’ve written at length in previous editions of The List about the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, and we’ve done it when it wasn’t even spring — so it only feels fitting to bring back this versatile, all-season shirt to welcome a new season.

Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Polo — $44.98

A crisp navy polo never fails, guaranteed.

Let’s dive right into spring style with the best new polo to buy now, coming at you courtesty of Flint and Tinder. This slim navy polo is probably an all-time classic … but you decide.

Faherty Brand Stitch Henley — $72.98

A seriously cool short-sleeve henley, practically made to be layered under a denim jacket (or worn on its own).

We’ve long admired Faherty Brand for the way they use excellent fabrics and excellent finishes, like this stylish indigo henley. It’s a contrast to the Roamers Utility Jacket pictured above, but what’s to say you couldn’t wear them both at once, ehh?

Taylor Stitch French Terry Crewneck in Heather Olive — $98

Taylor Stitch

There’s no way around it — this is the spring sweater you need now.

A reliable, no-frills, subtly stylish crewneck sweater from Taylor Stitch? Sign me up. It’s the perfect spring sweater to layer under your favorite trucker jacket, no?

Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots — $525

The dependable waterproof lace-up boots to carry you through spring.

If you read the blog, you’re familiar with Tricker’s. Now, just because it’s spring doesn’t mean your rugged leather boots should collect dust. No sir, not when they’re the fully waterproof, highly stylish Tricker’s Low Leg Logger Boots.

MWC Watches British Army General Service Boots — $232.98 

MWC Watches

The best field watch to buy for spring? It could just be.

There are times when it comes to shopping for accessories — like a stylish field watch — when it’s best to not overdo it. For blending utilitarian style and a sense of history, it doesn’t get better than this vintage-inspired watch from MWC Watches.

Native North Bayden Corduroy Overshirt — $140 

A surprisingly bold spring layer from Native North.

This classic corduroy shirt is certainly a unique offering for spring — part corduroy shirt, part jacket, and done up in a bold spring color. Wear it with a crisp white tee, slim tan chinos and clean white sneakers.

Bradley Mountain Dopp Kit — $64 

A dependable dopp kit for travel from point A to point B.

Spring brings with it new beginnings, and of course, the chance to travel to new locales. For your grooming essentials (more on that in a minute), the Bradley Mountain Dopp Kit can get the job done.

Bellroy In-Flight Kit — $219

A sleek set of stylish travel essentials from Bellroy.

It’s tough to overstate the importance of organization when traveling — the Bellroy In-Flight Kit takes care of that for all of your everyday carry essentials, and looks great doing it.

Proof Rover Pants — $98

The stylish, lightweight, mobile pants you need for spring.

To be sure, we’ve talked a ton about the Proof Rover Pants here on the blog, but in this updated color for a new season, they could just be the best pair of pants for spring.

Raen Optics Aren 50 — $140

A sharp, subtly stylish pair of sunglasses available at a low price.

Finding stylish sunglasses that also happen to be affordable is one of the more challenging pursuits as we head into warm weather. Luckily, Raen Optics delivers on this seriously unique, well-made pair at a low price.

 

OK now, folks. We covered a bit of everything — or rather, a lot of everything — on the blog today. Can you get over the versatility, style AND affordability of the Roamers Utility Jacket? I sure can’t, and that’s why it sits at the top of today’s post. Alright, let’s get shopping!

 

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Carpenter Watches Is Making Your New Favorite Watch, the G4 Brooklyn Gent

A watch company making classically inspired watches in Brooklyn? Sign me up!

Looking for a stylish new watch (maybe one to spend that bonus or tax return on as a treat)? I’d wager you are. In that case, the timing couldn’t be better, seeing as Carpenter Watches is making your new favorite watch — the stellar, classically inspired G4 Brooklyn Gent. It;’s not cheap (get it for $895 at Huckberry), but it delivers in every single category. We’re talking both throwback looks (mid-century, specifically), plus durability and quality construction (the G4 Brooklyn Gent features a Swiss-made automatic movement for precise timekeeping). Again, what makes it worth spending your hard-earned dough on a stylish new watch that’ll set you back close to a grand? Allow Carpenter Watches — out of Brooklyn, fittingly enough — to answer that one for you via our See Now, Buy Now series. Specifically, the G4 Brooklyn Gent and Carpenter Watches take cues from founder Neil Carpenter’s own family, and watches passed down through the years. That would explain the perfectly executed dial design and the refined, not-too-small 38mm case diameter.

SHOP: The G4 Brooklyn Gent via Carpenter Watches

Carpenter Watches

Sleek, well-designed, throwback-inspired — all the right boxes to check.

Carpenter Watches gets plenty else right throughout its well-curated and well-crafted line, too — these are handsome, subtly stylish timepieces that make a statement without being too imposing. That means you can wear the G4 Brooklyn Gent with everything from a rugged henley or a classic flannel shirt and slim faded denim to a refined wool suit. The use of a bronze case contrasts quite nicely with the brown leather strap on the G4 Brooklyn Gent as well — again, that contrast will work nicely whether you wear this timepiece from Carpenter Watches to the office or to your favorite brewery (feel free to try it at either location!). It’s also refreshing to find a stylish leather watch that isn’t too ostentatious or gaudy — Carpenter Watches is classic through and through. I think you’ll find the same once you invest in one. Head to Twitter to let me know if you pick one up!

SHOP: The G4 Brooklyn Gent via Carpenter Watches

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for an Outdoor Adventure During Early Spring

The fun part about the slowly changing seasons has to be the potential for renewed energy in what you’re wearing — and what you’re able to do outside. Been feeling cooped up inside all winter? Today’s #OOTD on how to dress for spring (or early spring, at least) is downright essential and just plain fun when it comes to outfitting you in the men’s style essentials you need. It all kicks off with the need to layer up the right way, whether your idea of a spring adventure means a visit to your local park or a day hike upstate. For that, we’re turning toward the Topo Designs Field Shirt and some essential outdoor pieces (like the Topo Designs Field Pants, as luck would have it). A rugged parka made from waxed canvas helps keep you dry in the elements, while we’re accenting the rest of this outfit with durable leather boots, a field-ready watch and plenty (believe me, plenty) more standout picks. It’s just a matter of mixing and matching them for the occasion — and again, the slow transition into a new season brings with it a host of opportunities to dress for exploration. A new coffee shop?A new outdoor art exhibit? Add in a few craft brews, suit up with the below spring style essentials, then call it good.

A mix of rugged, outdoor-ready pieces and versatile style for spring — get out there.

Shop Faherty Brand

  • The Parka: Flint and Tinder Waxed Ridge Parka, $398 — A rugged, tough parka that’s going to stand up to rainy, blustery weather and keep you warm — well-done as always, Flint and Tinder.
  • The Shirt: Topo Designs Field Shirt, $89 — If you’re going to take on a spring adventure (be it a day hike or a casual park stroll), you might as well dress the part with Topo Designs — the rich Plaid pattern is cool without being too outdoors-y, while the organic cotton features a soft brushed interior for easy layering.
  • The Pants: Topo Designs Field Pants, $89 — More gear from Topo Designs? Indeed. The Field Pants feature midweight organic cotton twill for durability, plus a classic straight fit for ease of movement. Wear them to your favorite brewery after.
  • The Rugged Boots: White’s Boots MP-M1 Boots, $600 — These rugged leather boots can work out in the field or in the city, heading out on a short hike or heading out for an Old Fashioned — easy as that.
  • The Adventure-Ready Watch: Jack Mason Field Camp Watch, $175 — You need a stylish field watch that can handle anything your spring adventure throws your way, and Jack Mason has come through with one that’s understated and functional.
  • The Socks: Proof 72-Hour Merino Crew Socks, $32 — How hard can it be to find comfortable, stylish socks? Quite hard — these Proof Merino Socks solve that problem for all of your spring excursions, though.
  • The Durable Bag: Bexar Goods Co. Waxed Canvas LAND Duffel, $395 — Maybe your spring adventure involves a picnic or hauling a ton of gear, or some rough-and-tumble chores in the yard. Either way, the Bexar Goods Co. Waxed Duffel is ready for all of it. Talk about a durable everyday bag, am I right?
  • The Hat: Corridor Natural Vege Suede Cap, $45 — In the event of too much rain or too much sun, this American-made cap from Corridor again marries function and style nicely.

Shop Faherty Brand

It truly wouldn’t be the start of a transition to the new season without rugged, go-anywhere layering pieces like the Topo Designs Field Shirt,  would it? The same can be said for the rugged, dependable Topo Designs Field Pants — and those two pieces are stellar building blocks for the rest of this ensemble. You’re getting a dose of weather-ready style & versatility via a rugged, tough parka from Flint and Tinder, too — versatility in spades, my friend. Heck, it’s that kind of easy wearability that would allow this outfit to work in a variety of places, from an art gallery visit to a hike to an early spring rooftop happy hour. Complementary items like the Jack Mason Field Camp Watch drive that point home nicely, too. What’s more, rugged leather boots give you crucial performance you’re going to need during all sorts of spring excursions, from your local park to that new distillery in town. And although they can be hard to find at times, comfortable, stylish socks pull the whole outfit together, allowing you to stay on your feet for hours at a time. Lastly, we’d be remiss not to mention the importance (in matters of both functionality and style) of an American-made cap from Corridor. The whole ensemble also gets a nice, functional lift from the Bexar Goods Co. Waxed Duffel, which is well-suited for travel or for everyday adventures. The only question now is where exactly this #OOTD is going to take you.

by Beau H.

The List: Shop This Week’s Best Men’s Fashion and Gear Picks for Any Occasion

Filson

This beauty of a bag from Filson is but one of a host of menswear essentials I think you’ll love today.

We’re going to jump right into today’s list of the best men’s fashion picks by checking out a seriously rugged, adventure-ready bag from Filson — the Tin Cloth Excursion Bag, to be more specific. You’re going to love it. Heck, sometimes, the right bag can be an easy way to upgrade the rest of your style — after all, you want to step up the rest of your outfit accordingly, right? The rest of today’s picks also feature something for everyone, from a peek at Topo Designs x The National (that’s right!) to the best leather Chelsea boots your  money can buy. Let’s dive in below.

Filson Tin Cloth Excursion Bag — $425

One heck of a durable, well-made bag for adventures in every season.

See, I told you that you’d love the first pick in today’s post. Featuring beastly construction and the sort of attention to detail you’d expect from Filson, the Tin Cloth Excursion Bag is another piece to add to your consideration set for your everyday carry.
Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots — $195

Dependable boots made the right way, all courtesy of Astorflex and Huckberry.

We’re big fans of Astorflex here on the blog for the way the brand makes its stylish boots sustainably and with some serious style top of mind. The Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots, exclusive to Huckberry, carry on that lineage handsomely (and they’re newly restocked!).
Topo Designs x The National Classic Duffel — $149
Topo Designs x The National

A classic travel bag made in partnership with the iconic indie rock band The National.

This right here is a no-brainer for me — Topo Designs, makers of excellent technical gear infused with quite a bit of style, have teamed up with my all-time favorite band, my heroes … yes, The National. The resulting Classic Duffel is travel-ready, which is fitting considering I’ve traveled a fair amount on my own to see them. In short,  I’m on board with this handsome bag, from the Cordura fabric exterior to the embroidered NTL logo. Fun fact: The color of the bag also plays off the blue color found on the band’s 2017 classic “Sleep Well Beast” … just perfection.
Bespoke Post Cheers Box — $45 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)
Bespoke Post

The right picks you need to enjoy your next craft beer … over and over and over.

Only $45 for a box of craft beer essentials? All available with ease through Bespoke Post? How cool is that? Whether you’re a craft beer novice or a longtime fan, the Bespoke Post Cheers Box is enough to get anyone fired up about the industry (and about whatever beer you have in your hand, of course).
Outerknown Octillo Shirt — $88

A no-frills shirt that manages to be sustainable AND stylish.

From the rich color to the easygoing styling potential, this Outerknown shirt is the kind you throw on underneath a shawl cardigan with faded jeans (or all on its own, sleeves rolled up), to head into the office on a casual day in late winter or early spring. The double-weave organic cotton is a winning fabric with a light weight, so you should also feel free to layer it over a classic henley.
Centric Instruments Lightwell Field Watch — $260

A dependable field watch powered by the energy of the sun? Put me down for one.

The perfect everyday watch (shown here in a different colorway than previously featured on the site) can be very tricky to find — you might say the search is *ahem* time-consuming. Centric Instruments takes care of all of that for you, thanks to this rugged field watch with a solar-powered movement capable of holding reserves up to six months. Bingo.
Orvis Tech Chambray Work Shirt — $89
Orvis Tech Chambray

A modern update on a rugged classic from Orvis.

You might know Orvis for its field-ready gear made for outdoorsmen, but the brand is more than that. The Tech Chambray Work Shirt features quick-dry fabric and the styling potential of a tough chambray work shirt, all wrapped into one. From the triple-needle stitching to two front-button pockets, I’ve found this shirt to be versatile and durable (especially for my recent trip to Dublin).
Coalatree Trailhead Pants — $90

A unique pair of pants fit for travel or weekend relaxation.

Right off the bat, you can tell the Coalatree Trailhead Pants are a little different than the rest. From the drawstring ankles and waist to the tear-resistant nylon fabric, they could just be the perfect pants for winter travel — try them with a classic chambray shirt and rugged leather chukka boots.
Taylor Stitch The Jack Shirt in White Reverse Jacquard — $138
Taylor Stitch

A cool pattern mixed with that timeless Taylor Stitch fit — coming up aces.

Take it from a big fan — the fit and styling potential of Taylor Stitch shirts is nearly perfect. I’d say that’s also the case when it comes to the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, shown here in a seriously cool White Reverse Jacquard fabric. Wear it with slim tan chinos & stylish leather dress shoes.
Topo Designs Field Pants — $89
Topo Designs

Durable work pants made from tough cotton twill — tailor-made for your favorite brewery or your next weekend hike.

We’re back with more gear from Topo Designs — the durable, rugged Field Pants can take the place of jeans on a Casual Friday (maybe with the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt)  just as readily as they can put in serious work out in, well, the field. 100 percent organic midweight twill cotton provides longevity and easy wearability, while front patch pockets give you space for your everyday carry essentials.
Klitmøller Johan Sweater — $187

A warm, easy-to-layer winter sweater with great styling potential.

Speaking of gear that you can wear with the Field Pants from Topo Designs, well … add this rugged winter sweater from Klitmøller to your list. It’s the perfect pairing with, say, the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots and a hot cup of coffee.
Allegiance Flag Supply Colorado State Flag — $150

Talk about a unique way to amp up your wall decor.

Now, do I have any deep ties to the state of Colorado, or have I ever lived there? Nope. Does this Allegiance Flag Supply flag look pretty cool, nonetheless? Yessir. Go for it to upgrade your living space in style.
OK, which of the above was your favorite today? We covered a lot of ground (in my humble opinion), but I have to say … the rugged versatility of the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots (again, some of the best men’s boots out there) makes it hard to pass ’em up. As always, let me know your thoughts on Twitter — thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Dublin, The Best Old Fashioned to Drink Now & The Best Winter Jacket

Cheers to the weekend — and the best Old Fashioned on the market. Image courtesy of Esquire.

We’re here on the cusp of another weekend, my friends — have an Old Fashioned, you deserve it. It’s been a whirlwind month of February for me, seeing as I woke up on February 1st in Vancouver on a weekend jaunt to see one of my favorite bands, Canadian rock stars Arkells, and then spent the rest of my time checking out a neat coastal city (I strongly recommend you hit up Brassneck Brewery and the trendy-but-not-too-trendy beer & cocktail emporium Six Acres). In short, the show & the trip were extraordinary — but you know that if you follow me on Instagram. Vancouver was lovely & extremely walkable, with sunny, breezy weather, great beer, and some tasty Japanese curry fries. The Granville Island Public Market is another eclectic location worth a visit if ever you get out West, too.

What’s on tap next, then? Why, another trip, of course! Back in October, as I started planning out my 2019, I looked “across the pond” and found a neat 2-for-1 opportunity of sorts — the chance to visit iconic, historic Dublin, Ireland, and the chance to see a stellar show by another one of my favorite groups, Scottish synth pop heroes CHVRCHES! In fact, as you read this, I’m en route to Dublin (with a stop at the Guinness Storehouse planned later today). From the Guinness Storehouse, it’ll be off to explore the city and head to the Olympia Theatre to see CHVRCHES play a Friday night show sure to be packed with hits off three much-loved albums, including 2013 classics “The Mother We Share” and “Recover.” From there, I’m looking forward to exploring as much of the city on foot as possible (with my Huckberry Duck Boots in tow, naturally). What’s on your weekend to-do list? Wait, I know the answer: Kicking it off with today’s edition of The Friday Read, and listening to some CHVRCHES. Problem solved!

  • Aside from a rich, flavorful IPA, I might put an Old Fashioned second on my list of go-to cocktails for a chilly winter night (the photo at the top really says it all, honestly). On that note, the ever-refined team at Esquire offers up a recipe for what just might be the best Old Fashioned to drink now. It’s super simple, it accentuates the whiskey (I like Michter’s at the moment), and it’s a nice way to unwind after a long day.
  • On the hunt for a unique collaboration that’s designed to work at the beach and on the streets? The Hurley x Carhartt collaboration, recently launched, is for you. It blends the spirit of workwear with the adventure-ready mindset of the beach through stylish hoodies, heavyweight tees & more.. And the even better news? I recently wrote about the partnership for The Manual! Check it out above.It’s quite high praise to call out one jacket (that’d be the Fint and Tinder Type 3 Sherpa Jacket) as the best winter jacket, but I’m here to tell you that it’s seriously under consideration for that honor from yours truly. In fact, you should read more about this jacket before it’s snapped up off digital shelves.
  • The best style moves are sometimes the simplest — take the Proof Nova Series Jacket, a minimal jacket that offers up big-time performance. To get the full scoop, I’m going to send you to GearMoose to read my latest feature.

So, that’ll do it for today’s edition of The Friday Read. I’ve got some exploration of Dublin to get done now — if you have any suggestions for sights to see in the city, feel free to let me know on Twitter. And in the meantime, I’d urge you to keep your weekend going by shopping for some of the best menswear essentials. There we go! Thanks for reading.