Style Suggestion: Upgrade Your Corduroys in Style for Fall

If the thought of corduroy trousers makes you think of your stuffy college professor or hideously dated, baggy pairs of pants, think again. In fact, today’s Style Suggestion here on the blog is going to tell you all about how to upgrade your corduroys in a big, big way this season. Perhaps you’ve already got a pair of slim corduroy pants in your closet, which is all well and good. And if you don’t, allow me to point you toward your new favorite pair of corduroys — seriously. The key, as with most #menswear challenges we dive into at The Style Guide, revolves around reaching for a pair with a more modern cut and a sharp color. Think a pair that’s more like black jeans than old-school corduroys. That way, you can wear them to the office and to happy hour afterward without missing a beat (or feeling out of place). Whic is to say, the Citizens of Humanity Bowery Standard Jeans are the way to go, what with a tailored fit and a dark shale color. We’ll show you how to wear ’em below. Don’t let the name fool you — these feature the cut of denim and the traditional texture of a stylish pair of corduroy pants. And y’know what’s even better? They match up handsomely with all kinds of men’s fall style essentials, from a slim cotton sweater to rugged suede boots.  Have questions? Get in touch with me on Twitter. Happy fall!

The Corduroys: Citizens of Humanity Bowery Standard Jeans in Shale — $198

Citizens of Humanity

Cut like a jean and packed with the serious style of a great pair of corduroys.

Are the Citizens of Humanity Bowery Standard Jeans pricey? For sure. Are they a somewhat rare pair of corduroys that look like a jean and harness just a bit of edgy style? They are. That makes the Bowery Standard Jeans a great pick-up if you want a stylish pair of corduroys. Again, don’t let the name fool you — the Bowery Standard will work as smoothly with a herringbone blazer as they will with a rugged henley and a selvedge denim jacket.

The Sweater:  BANKS River Knit Sweater in Desert Mist — $70

BANKS

A fall-ready sweater with neat layering potential from BANKS.

Your top layer here is really what’s going to set this outfit apart. A stylish striped cotton sweater such as the BANKS River Knit Sweater has plenty going for it, from the fall-ready color and rich red stripes to the classic crewneck silhouette. At least to your Style Guide author, that means you can layer it under a navy blazer at the office or throw it on underneath a tough, classic denim jacket. As luck would have it, we’ve got an option for you coming up.

The Shirt:  Line of Trade Oxford in Light Blue — $70

An easy-to-style option for any situation — especially with slim corduroys this fall.

With a pair of slim corduroys and a classic crewneck sweater, your shirting options are plentiful. You could reach for a slim chambray shirt for more rugged appeal, or throw on the Line of Trade Oxford Shirt for style that’s just a bit more office-ready. And if you follow this site, you know that we previously recommended Line of Trade in our guide on how to wear an Oxford shirt  — so the styling options for this classic Oxford are certainly abundant this season.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in ’68 Cone Mills Selvage — $188

Taylor Stitch

The perfect fall jacket — rugged, easy to layer and ready to break in with slim corduroys.

Promised you we’d get to a rugged denim jacket in this style suggestion, right? Again, outerwear makes a big difference when styling corduoy pants. A tough denim jacket from the master menswear purveyors at Taylor Stitch adds a touch of rugged appeal to this ensemble — it’s suitable to wear to the office on a casual Friday, or to head out to grab brews at your favorite bar. And the thing with the Long Haul Jacket is that it only gets better the more it’s worn.

The Boots: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots in Roughout Suede — $299.98

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots

A knockout pair of boots from Wolverine.

Folks, these might just be your new go-to fall boots. Whether you wear these rugged fall boots with your Citizens of Humanity corduroys as mentioned above or wear ’em with anything else in your closet, the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots are going to stand out quite stylishly. Particularly with this outfit, the 1000 Mile Boots add fall-ready texture and a nice contrast to the dark corduroy pants; they’ll work at the office on a laidback fall day, and they’re surely ready for your next tailgate.

The Watch: Farer Kingsley Watch — $357.50

Best men's casual watches

A sleek watch that offsets the rugged nature of this ensemble.

Ahh, yes — just what the doctor ordered. A refined, versatile and supremely stylish leather watch from Farer.  Your watch is yet another area that can make or break an outfit — given the rugged denim jacket and tough Wolverine suede boots, this outfit definitely leans more casual. And yet, the handsome Farer Kingsley Watch adds a touch of minimal, sleek style. The 39.5mm case diameter also means the Farer Kingsley Watch  leans dressier  while standing out quietly– all the better if you’re looking to wear this ensemble to the office.

The Socks: Necessary Anywhere Four Sock in Navy — $18
Stylish men's socks

A distinctive pattern and a sharp color will help these socks pop nicely underneath your corduroys.

In the way of style upgrades, stylish socks surely need to be on your mind — right? And that’s certainly the case when stepping out in slim corduroys this fall. These Necessary Anywhere socks are just that: Necessary anywhere. Get it!? At any rate, the neat pattern is subtly stylish, while the blue color plays nicely off the darker color of the corduroys and the blue indigo Taylor Stitch denim jacket. Ya feel me on that?
The Belt: Line of Trade Veg-Tanned Leather Belt — $40 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

The perfect leather belt to stand up to tough suede boots and textured corduroys.

So, your belt. We leave no stone unturned here when it comes to essential men’s accessories, got that? Right on. A well-made, simply designed and stylish leather belt is a necessary finishing touch when stepping out in any season — and this rugged Line of Trade leather belt stands up to the visual heft and texture of those Citizens of Humanity corduroys and your tough Wolverine 1000 Mile boots.
The Bag: Whipping Post Large Leather Messenger Bag — $310
Whipping Post

The last messenger bag you’ll need to buy? Very likely. Very likely indeed.

Whether you wear your Citizens of Humanity corduroys to the office or for a day hopping from bar to bar, you’re going to need a way to haul your everyday carry. And the Whipping Post Large Leather Messenger Bag delivers the goods — and then some. This ridiculously well-made, handsome and durable leather bag has more than enough space for office essentials, and it’s certainly got plenty of space for off-duty essentials.

As we covered above, the Citizens of Humanity corduroys are a neat way to upgrade your trousers this fall. These slim corduroys are closer to rock-inspired slim black denim than stuffy corduroys of years past, and that’s great news if you’re looking to team them with rugged outerwear like a Taylor Stitch denim jacket or durable fall boots (you certainly can’t go wrong with the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, right?).  And the Citizens of Humanity corduroys  give you plenty of layering options on your top half, from a versatile chambray shirt to a classic Oxford shirt and a stylish striped cotton sweater (preferably from BANKS).  And if you want to offset all of those timeless pieces with a bit of a sleek edge, the remarkable Farer Kingsley Watch is the timepiece to throw on. Lastly, don’t forget patterned socks and a surprisingly stylish leather belt  — both picks are going to work well this fall no matter how many times you wear corduroys.

So, I think that about covers it — any questions or comments? Let me know on The Style Guide Facebook page!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

 

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear a Flannel Shirt This Fall

Gather ’round, Style Guide readers — today’s #OOTD tackles a favorite topic when it comes to rugged men’s fall style: How to wear a flannel shirt this season. If flannel shirts call to mind the mid-aughts boom of American workwear, well, they should — they were a key piece of #menswear then, and the right flannel shirt is just as relevant now. Today’s shirt of choice, the Filson Vintage Flannel Shirt, channels just the vibe you want when wearing a flannel shirt. It’s got all the trappings of a classic piece, but it’s just a bit more modern. With a cool black-and-cream color, it’s less outdoors-y and instead, just …  a cool shirt. And the way you wear your new favorite flannel shirt is going to make all the difference, too. Pair it with rugged style essentials like a premium slim henley and textured Bedford cord pants, and you’re going to shake off all those “urban lumberjack” connotations. Fear not, though — we’re still finishing off this #OOTD with rugged leather boots.  I know this much: You can make this outfit work for you at a football tailgate, at a bonfire or on a brewery tour — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let me know your thoughts over on Twitter when you get the chance, if you so please.

Best men's flannel shirts

Think again about how you wear your flannel shirt — this Filson shirt bucks the trend and looks great.

The Flannel Shirt: Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt in Black and Cream, $145 — The centerpiece of many a stylish and rugged fall outfit, Filson gets the color and classic fabrication just right with its Vintage Flannel Work Shirt.

The Henley: Billy Reid Speckled Henley, $155.98 —  Yet another critical fall layer, this made-in-Italy Billy Reid henley is a premium upgrade over a standard thermal henley — perfect for layering with a Filson flannel.

The Pants: BANKS Roll Bedford Cord Jean, $75 — Rather than reaching for dark blue denim, reach for the slim, fall-ready BANKS Bedford Cord Jean — textured, unique and slim-fitting.

The Boots: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots in Roughout, $299.98 (When On-Sale) — For fall, Wolverine has taken its 1000 Mile Boots and upgraded them in a rich, seasonally ready roughout leather. Perfect.
The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — To stand up to your sturdy leather boots and a rugged flannel shirt, a tough leather belt from Sturdy Brothers is just what the doctor ordered.
The Watch: Pantor Sea Lion Watch, $424.98— This outfit is packed with fall-ready neutrals, so shake up your wrist game with the striking, durable Pantor Sea Lion Watch. It’s the ideal, rugged watch to wear to a football game or a bar crawl.
The Bag: Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase, $119.98 — Whether you head to a house party or out on a day trip, the sturdy, well-made Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase is more casual (and durable) than the briefcase moniker implies.
The Beard Balm: Upstate Stock Willowemoc Beard Balm, $22 Upstate Stock happens to be one of my favorite spots for menswear in Brooklyn — and they make a nice beard balm to tame your mane this season.
Are you sold yet on the versatile, rugged styling potential of the  Vintage Flannel Work Shirt from Filson? In a cool color scheme, it’ll work as a warm top layer over something as premium and understated as the Billy Reid Speckled Henley. And when you team up that combo with a crisp set of trousers like the BANKS Roll Bedford Cords, you’re set for casual fall excursions from the city to the country and back. Don’t step foot outside this fall without tough leather boots, either — I’d strongly urge you to invest in the stellar Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots — are you with me there? A durable, weather-ready watch like the Pantor Sea Lion Watch is going to fit right in with the tough nature of this outfit, and the Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase is standing at the ready if you need a new fall go-to to haul your everyday carry. So, I think we’re all set with today’s #OOTD. Thanks, as always, for reading!
-Beau

Style Pick of the Week: Bespoke Post Wander Box

From a helpful guide book to a nifty iPhone camera lens, this is the gear you need to travel with this fall. Image courtesy of Bespoke Post.

We’re taking a slight departure from our usual #menswear focus on today’s Style Pick of the Week — just a slight (if literal) departure. Because, let’s be real — who among us doesn’t love the thrill of adventure and the excitement of exploring somewhere new? For travel lovers and explorers alike the Bespoke Post Wander Box is a prime choice as this week’s Style Pick– like other favorites on the blog, it’s an all-in-one offering in terms of versatility and dependability. And if you’re looking for a bit of fall travel style, I’d urge you to pick up the Wander Box. Without a doubt, the Wander Box from Bespoke Post has everything you need to explore a new locale — with a few handy extras thrown in. The utility of the Wander Boxavailable for just $45 when you sign up for Bespoke Post– starts with the essential Wildsam Field Guide.


These mini-encyclopedias fit easily in a bag or a coat packet and are jam-packed with all kinds of helpful info on a wide range of cities. The guides cover everywhere from San Francisco to Brooklyn to Nashville and Austin –it’s your call. And when I say jam-packed, I mean jam-packed. From insights on gourmet eats and craft beverages to a full set of personal essays and reflections on specific cities, each Field Guide is entirely customized by city — and again, they’re packed full of essential info. Heck, I used my Wildsam Field Guide on a fall trip to Nashville and absolutely loved the cool spots it turned up, from coffee to menswear. So, that’s one major benefit of the Bespoke Post Wander Box  — and the rest of the goods? They’re just as stellar.

Bespoke Post Wander Box

Using my Wildsam Field Guide to get around Nashville in style — this could be you! Or not. But it could be!

It’s the little details in every Bespoke Post box that make the difference, and the Wander Box gets those right, too. Namely, you get your pick of ebony or bamboo headphones from LSTN Sound Co. — crystal-clear sound quality and understated style, to boot. What’s more,  these headphones feature no-rub functionality (no twisted cords here), and they also come with an in-line microphone to take calls. Not bad, ehh? And the Wander Box doesn’t stop there — no sir. It’s complete with a Universal Smartphone Fisheye Lens, a  wide-angle smartphone camera attachment that should up your photo quality significantly. That’a heck of a deal for just $45 — can’t believe it? Neither could I when saw the price tag. So, to recap the Wander Box — you get a brand-new camera attachment to capture the perfect Instagram shot, plus an amazing field guide to help you explore cool cities like Nashville … plus an excellent set of stylish headphones. That’s all too good to be true, yes? Well, Bespoke Post makes it a reality. Just pick your city, pick up the Wander Box  and get planning.

Will you be picking up the Wander Box  from Bespoke Post before you hit the road this season?  Let me know on Twitter

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

The Friday Read: A Taylor Stitch Giveaway, Portland Travel Tips and Stylish Sweatshirts

Is it just me, or has it been a long week? For your Style Guide author at least, it took a bit to recover from a fun trip out West to the lovely city of Portland! That’s  a long flight back to Brooklyn, but while in the City of Roses, I visited som excellent craft breweries, dined at a few great restaurants and took in a live show by the excellent synth pop band Future Islands! Again, you can read my trip recap and get some travel style tips of your own at that link. All very cool, exciting things to do on the road — and a nice way to cap off a month of travel, which also included a weekend trip to Nashville! Given all the hustle and bustle over these past few weeks, I’m definitely looking forward to a relaxing weekend exploring Brooklyn and of course, working on more #menswear content while listening to some excellent tunes and perhaps enjoying a refreshing cold brew. On that note, The Killers released a  new album, “Wonderful Wonderful,” last week — despite some mixed reviews, it’s on track to be the band’s first No.1 album in the U.S. How about that? Maybe give that a listen as you dive into the below men’s style news? And most importantly, enjoy the weekend and check out tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Cheers!

  • Let’s kick things off with news of an important giveaway — perhaps the most important giveaway you’ll enter all week! No, definitely the most important giveaway you’ll enter all week. GearMoose is giving you the chance to win a Taylor Stitch giveaway featuring pieces from the stellar Good Acre Collection. That includes a durable Chore Shirt or two, hard-wearing Chore Pants and plenty, plenty more — enter the Taylor Stitch giveaway at GearMoose and you’ll (hopefully) be rewarded! A heads-up — it runs for two weeks, so you’ve got plenty of time to again, enter this stellar Taylor Stitch giveaway.
  • What’s more quintessentially American than the crewneck sweatshirt? With athletic roots and a heritage that’s decidedly not high-fashion, this staple has stuck around for decades — and the stylish crewneck sweatshirt is being brought back in all kinds of forms by designers and brands new and old. You probably even know some (including the Todd Snyder x Champion Classic Pocket Sweatshirt, yes?). That’s why it was such a treat to write about the best men’s crewneck sweaters for The Manual — shop away and enjoy!
  • With roots in sporty and collegiate style — at least where I’m from in the Midwest — a stylish hooded sweatshirt can be tough to come by. But a hooded bomber jacket is an easy, grab-and-go piece that can actually look pretty smooth in more casual style situations — don’t take my word for it, though. Style Girlfriend tells you all about how to wear a hooded bomber the right way this season. It can indeed be done, friends!
  • Let’s end on another music-related note. Here in Brooklyn earlier this week, I had the pleasure of seeing the fantastic, fun and bright British pop duo Oh Wonder. They dropped their second album, “Ultralife,” earlier this summer, as it were — it’s filled with vibrant hooks, beautiful singing by Josephine Vander Gucht and some great live tracks. It’s an unexpected second album from a duo that never intended to make an album in the first place, and this Toronto Star profile captures the innovative, fun spirit that went into this album (and a heck of a show at Brooklyn Steel!).

We’re going to get the weekend started a little early today, my friends — we’ve got the Michigan State-Iowa football game coming up tomorrow, and I’d wager that we’ve got some men’s style and craft beer adventures around Brooklyn on the way, too. Follow along on Instagram for more, check back tomorrow for a new Style Pick of the Week and make sure you see us on Sunday for another See Now, Buy Now entry — #SundayFunday style.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

Online Shopping Picks: These Are the Best Men’s Jackets for Fall

These are heady times we live in — busy times, too. If you’ve followed along with our Online Shopping Picks series on The Style Guide, you know that we’re all about getting you prepped for rugged fall style. And that continues today, in a big way. Putting together a rugged fall #menswear look is about the details — the big categories and the small ones, too. And in the way of essential men’s style for fall,  outerwear is a pretty big category. So, we’ll get you shopping and thinking today. The best men’s jackets for fall feature durable construction, essential warmth and pleasingly rugged-yet-versatile style — that combination is going to take you a lot of places.

Some of the below picks, like the tough Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket seen below, can work in both casual and tailored situations (try it with an American-made Oxford and a knit tie). And others — like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — fit right in with the rugged climes of fall. Regardless, this list of rugged fall jackets should have you set for the season. For more #menswear than you can shake a stick at, follow me on Twitter or Instagram. Enjoy fall — soon enough, anyways!

#1. Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket — $265 

A rugged and versatile piece that’s ideal for layering.

Yes indeed, ladies and gentlemen … the Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket tops our list, and with good reason. It’s the perfect transitional jacket to wear during early fall and on through November. Made from a custom-developed two-way stretch windshell nylon fabric, the Albion Jacket is a positively versatile layering piece. It’s even lined in fleece and is water-resistant — it’s a stylish fall jacket for layering over a rugged striped henley and teaming with classic dark denim.

#2. Abercrombie and Fitch Shera-Lined Corduroy Jacket — $160

A cozy jacket that evokes classic, timeless fall style.

Abercrombie and Fitch — a Style Guide favorite — continues to come roaring back season after season, and the Sherpa-Lined Curdory Jacket is a prime example of that. It evokes the kind of classic fall jacket that your dad or grandpa might have worn to do yard work, except this number features a slimmed-down fit and just as much warmth — plus added style points. Again, a slim striped henley and suede chukka boots are ideal companions.

#2. Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket — $158

Flint and Tinder

This piece could very well be your new favorite denim jacket — agreed? Agreed.

Originally part of our See Now, Buy Now series, the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket should be welcomed to this list with open arms. At least, I think so. Everyone needs a stylish denim jacket in their layering arsenal — the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker features a crisp indigo color and the type of easygoing wearability that looks great with slim tan chinos and a white chambray shirt or a slim striped henley.

#3. Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — $238

A fall-ready color and durable cotton construction set this jacket apart.

If you’ve read our Style Guide Q+A with Portland lifestyle brand Bridge and Burn, you know they’re dedicated to making classic, straightforward pieces with a touch of Northwest style influence. And in this case, the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket channels the kind of rugged durability you need this fall, and tosses in a healthy dose of style, too. The hard-wearing cotton outer and quilted liner of the Thielsen Jacket provide protection from the elements, while the rich Acorn color is a fall-ready shade. Who’s ready to hit the pumpkin patch, people?

#4.  BANKS Tombstone Jacket — $130

BANKS Tombstone Jacket

Another warm, classic and durablly made piece of outerwear for the season.

The rugged fall style just keeps coming in spades with the BANKS Tombstone Jacket. A unique brand available via the great folks at Bespoke Post, the Tombstone Jacket channels classic style with a modern edge. Which is to say, the faded blue cotton exterior plays nicely off the golden sherpa collar, while the lined warmer pockets ensure you stay warm even at long, chilly tailgates. So, throw on the Tombstone Jacket and pass me a beer, will ya?

#6. Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Cone Mills Selvage — $188

Taylor Stitch

A handsome denim jacket that’ll only get better with age.

Another jacket from Taylor Stitch on our list of the best men’s fall jackets? Yes indeed, you bet. The Long Haul Jacket is a much-loved silhouette from the brand, harnessing a slick, slim design with the power of Cone Mills denim. That’s right — Taylor Stitch teamed up with the country’s foremost denim mill on a rugged denim jacket that you can wear now over a chambray shirt and wear later over a stylish crewneck sweater. And that’s just the beginning, I’d wager.

#7. Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket — $148

A faded shirt jacket that layers with darn near anything in your closet — a job well-done by Taylor Stitch.

Hey, might as well round out this list with more rugged menswear from Taylor Stitch, yeah? The Maritime Shirt Jacket made an appearance in our #OOTD series earlier this year — specifically when it comes to how to wear a rugged overshirt — and it’s guaranteed to impress. The Maritime Shirt Jacket features a cool sun-bleached finish, sturdy construction and the type of fit that works with slim chinos and wingtip boots or black denim in equal measure.

#8.  Finisterre Petrichor Overshirt — $76.98

A durable, rugged silhouette with the strong fabrication to match.

Why exactly are we included an overshirt on this list of fall’s best jackets? Well, my friends — anything goes when it comes to stylish fall layering, and the construction and style of the Petrichor Overshirt is such that it can serve as both if needed. It’s an affordable stylish chore jacket that doubles as overshirt, and the densely woven cotton and cool khaki color make for a heck of a durable piece — so, sold on the Petrichor Overshirt yet?

Alright, friends — what’s your favorite pick of the above? Will it be the rugged versatility of the sturdy cotton Petrichor Overshirt or the sun-bleached cool of the Maritime Shirt Jacket? Is it perhaps the classically styled BANKS Tombstone Jacket or the rough-and-rugged  Long Haul Jacket? Yes indeed, from sherpa-collar corduroy jackets from Abercrombie and Fitch to a durable cotton number like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket, I hope you found this list helpful. It’s about finding the right fabrication and the silhouette that works for — because believe it or not, I’m sure once you try one of these rugged fall jackets, you’ll want to wear it as much as you can.

How’d we do with today’s post? What do you think of the above picks? Feel free to drop a note in the comments below, or hit me up on Twitter! 

#OOTD: Here’s Your New Favorite Blazer for the Season Ahead

Need a new blazer for fall? Better yet, need to know how to wear it? We’re getting down to business in today’s #OOTD on The Style Guide — as I always say, you’re going to like the results of this #menswear ensemble. Wearing a blazer in early fall is much the same as you might wear a blazer in the spring or summer, with a few key points of differentiation. We’re still relying on classic men’s style staples, from an American-made Oxford to slim charcoal trousers, but the differences comes in color and texture throughout this look — for instance, a pair of rugged leather boots from Hudson Shoes are in the mix today. Talk about rugged fall style, yes? And even the stylish leather watch from Timex that you see below features a bit more fall-ready texture and style. It’s all about dialing in the fit and making classic style essentials work for you — to your Style Guide author, this is the type of ensemble that works any day of the work week in September and October (and beyond!). You know what’s even better? You can easily layer up with a stylish crewneck sweater later this season as it starts to get chilly. How about that? Chime in with your thoughts on the below #OOTD in the comments or on Twitter — feedback is always welcome! Thanks, as always, for reading.

A cotton blazer matched with charcoal trousers and rugged leather boots — your ideal fall #OOTD.

The Blazer: Abercrombie and Fitch Utility Blazer in Olive, $120 — Nod toward fall with a rugged cotton coat that’s part utility jacket-part blazer — the olive shade is a unique, seasonally appropriate color, too. Feel free to wear it with a rugged striped henley if you’re feeling more casual.

The Oxford: Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford, $64.98 — As versatile as ever, this classic white Oxford  from perennial Style Guide favorite Flint and Tinder adds crisp style to this work-ready ensemble.

The Trousers: Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Slate, $98 — These versatile five-pocket trousers should work any time of the year — and the charcoal color of the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant makes them particularly ready for fall.

The Boots: Hudson Shoes Lennon Boot in Tan, $270 — As first seen in a See Now, Buy Now feature on this site, Hudson Shoes makes a perfect pair of rugged leather boots — the tan leather nicely offsets the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant.

The Belt: Whipping Post Officer’s Belt in Natural, $78 — The best way to get into the spirit of rugged fall style is with similarly rugged accessories – this richly crafted natural leather belt from Whipping Post gets it done.

The Socks: Anonymousism Slub Crew Sock in Navy, $18 Stylish socks are an underrated, essential style accessory, and these textured navy Anonymousism socks fit right in with the rest of this stylish ensemble.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch in Red Wing Leather, $139— In keeping with the rugged fall vibes of this outfit, a stylish leather watch from Timex, featuring Red Wing boot leather, is a nice pick-up.

The Essential Accessory: Fellow Stagg x Pour-Over Set, $69 — To me, this outfit signifies work-ready, get-the-job-done style. So, you’re going to need to fuel up properly, ehh? This Fellow Stagg x Pour-Over Set should make just about the best pour-over coffee you can get at home.

So, I hope we’ve all got a better idea of how to wear a blazer for fall — I’ve got some ideas myself now! When you start with an easygoing cotton blazer with rugged styling details, the rest of the outfit falls into place. From slim charcoal trousers and an American-made Oxford to stylish leather boots from Hudson Shoes, these are the type of pieces you can wear again and again throughout the fall season. And when you consider the rugged style and affordability of the Timex Waterbury Watch, this outfit is that much better of a value. Even stylish socks from Anonymousism should provide both comfort and great looks, too. But there’s more! The rest of the season, you can also layer up the Abercrombie & Fitch Utility Blazer with plenty of other rugged style essentials. What’s your take on this #OOTD? If you want to see some real-time fall style tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram!

That’s all for now — thanks for reading!

-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: The Billy Reid Speckled Henley is an Essential Fall Layer

An ultra-premium henley that’s more than ready for fall layering. Did I mention it’s from Billy Reid?

We’ve been talking about men’s fall style essentials for a while now on the blog, and make no mistake, we want to get you prepped the right way. That’s why you need — NEED — the Billy Reid Speckled Henley for fall. Is that a bit extreme perhaps? Sure  — but if you argue that every needs a rugged henley in his fall layering rotation, then the Billy Reid Speckled Henley becomes that much easier to consider (and even buy!). And so it goes with another See Now, Buy Now entry – the Speckled Henley in particular is a welcome sight. It means that we’re that much closer to fall breezes, crisp morning walks through your favorite park, rich stouts on tap at your favorite brewery … you name it, and the Billy Reid Speckled Henley can take you there this season. It’s an accessible piece from a designer lauded for his runway shows and his richly crafted (and expensive) outerwear and tailoring — but rest assured, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is worth it.

Made in Italy from a 12-gauge knit heathered fabric, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley could be the most premium henley you own. That means you can wear it with a herringbone blazer and dark blue denim to the office on a casual Friday, and you can easily throw it on underneath a classic denim jacket or a black moto jacket and stylish Chelsea boots to head to a  rock concert. And with small details like a tubular neckline finish and high-quality horn buttons, this henley acts more like a dress shirt than a base layer. Crucially, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is going to retain its shape and look great even with repeated wear. Are you ready for fall yet? Hopefully, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley  helps get you in the spirit soon enough.

How would you wear the Billy Reid Speckled Henley? Will you be picking it up this season? 

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots

A classic in any season — especially fall.

Folks, let’s dive on into another Style Pick of the Week. More specifically, let’s talk rugged fall boots — as in the standout Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots. They’re investment-worthy and wish list-worthy, to say the least. Surely, if you’re a #menswear fan and have kept up with the industry, then you’ll recognize the durable, classic and resurgent style of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot. They were a trendy favorite in the mid-2000s as workwear and made-in-America goods surged back into play, but here’s the catch — Wolverine has made these boots a modern-day classic. Yes, the handsome, rugged and timeless silhouette of the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boot is just as relevant today. And what better season than fall to break out a pair of classic leather boots, after all? Wolverine has come up in the past on The Style Guide, specifically when talking the best boots for fall. Why not get ready for the season with the real deal, the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boot? Ehh? Yessir, Wolverine has nearly outdone themselves once again with this easily wearable, ridiculously well-crafted silhouette — and again, the time is just right to pick up the 1000 Mile Boots, my friends. And if I were you, I’d wear them to your next tailgate, on a bar crawl or to the office when paired up with a stylish fall blazer. They’re that good.

A tough silhouette that’s not too bulky — wearable with jeans or wool trousers in equal measure.

Like other Style Guide favorites — including the Original Chippewa Service Boots — this pair of 1000 Mile Boots is built to last right here in America. Wolverine uses uncompromising standards in crafting boots that can work with every single one of your fall menswear essentials, from rugged dark blue denim and a light blue denim shirt to faded black denim and a slim striped henley — and that’s only the beginning. The thing with the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots  is that they’re only going to get better the more you wear them. Heck, the pattern of the boots itself is recreated from 1914, when the original 1000 Mile Boots  launched. And the leather?  It comes from Horween, perhaps the country’s foremost leather crafters. Throw in well-considered details like flat waxed laces and a leather outsole, and you’ve got a stunning pair of boots that can certainly last … beyond a thousand miles. See what I did there? At any rate, the craftsmanship and rugged appeal of the 1000 Mile Boots keeps going and going. OK, we’re done now. Thanks for reading!

Will the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots be making their way into your footwear rotation this fall? How would you style the 1000 Mile Boots?

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Fall Boots, Portland and A Rugged Fall Jacket

Let’s turn the page on another week and hop right into the weekend here on The Style Guide. With another Friday Read comes another step closer toward fall. From football tailgates to breaking in new Chelsea boots all the way through to knocking back a rich IPA or an Oktoberfest beer at your local haunt, it’s a great time to prep for the season with perfectly rugged fall style. We’ve been talking a lot about those themes on the blog, from a new way to wear your denim jacket to the best men’s boots for fall, too.

If all of that #menswear doesn’t get you excited, I’m not sure what will! I know I’m excited to break out some new seasonal favorites — you can follow me on Instagram for more there. And in the meantime, you might want to tag along this coming weekend; I’ll be hitting the road in style once again, this time on a West Coast trip to lovely Portland! It’s coming on the heels of a big fall event at my day job, so the trip is perfectly timed for a little rest, relaxation, craft beer, fall menswear and of course, some live music. Who exactly is on the docket? Why, passionate, energetic and plain fun synth pop band Future Islands! Give their new album, “The Far Field,” a spin as you relax with your weekend coffee and a few prime pieces of men’s style news — which, as always, you can find below!

  • As we talked about earlier, it’s the perfect season for a great pair of stylish leather boots — right? Right. And my picks for The Manual covering the best leather boots for men might just take the cake. At least, that’s what I think! Read up now, folks.

  • Fancy getting out of the city on a hike? I know I could use a getaway every now and then — and if you’re more outdoors-minded than this city dweller, one of the best pairs of men’s hiking pants, as written about by yours truly, could very well be of interest. Get out there and get to it!

Alright, we’re keeping it short and sweet today — although if I had to make one last recommendation, it’d be to read this neat Esquire rundown of why you need a denim shirt in your fall men’s style rotation. Get it? Got it? Good.

Happy Friday and enjoy the weekend!

-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: Layer Up For Fall with the Rugged Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt

Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt

Just what rugged fall style calls for — great fabric, serious functionality and strong Taylor Stitch construction.

Let’s get one thing straight off the bat — the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt could be the new fall menswear essential you need now. Are we still slowly but surely transitioning into the chilly depths of fall? We sure are. But the beauty of #menswear lies in being able to plan ahead — and the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is a great place to start. San Francisco-based Taylor Stitch consistently brings great gear to the table, season after season and month after month. Whether we’re talking winter style picks like the ridiculously rugged  Rover Jacket or pieces that are fit for year-round wear, like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, you know that you’re getting durability, quality and classic style.

Certainly, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt checks each of those boxes — and that’s why it’s worth considering for early fall layering and beyond. It’s the kind of shirt you could team up with a rugged henley and American-made denim on a chilly fall night, and you could also layer it reliably under a slim topcoat as the depths of winter descend upon us. Heck, you could even pack it in your bag for one last trip to the beach — should it get chilly during an evening bonfire, you’re all set. The Utility Shirt‘s versatility and rugged good looks start, as always, with excellent Taylor Stitch fabrication.

Rugged details, tough fabric and a classic Taylor Stitch fit make the Utility Shirt essential fall shopping.

The brand’s use of Merino wool featuring a newly developed Serona fiber offers everything from durability to a hint of stretch to stain resistance — that makes the Utility Shirt sound too good to be true, right? Well, just know that it’s available for a decent price (under $150!) — that’s yet another classic Taylor Stitch move to be applauded. And in the way of other design details, Taylor Stitch also gets it right, from the button chest pocket to the powder-coated aluminum buttons. Take the fall-friendly Moss Herringbone, too. It gives the Utility Shirt  an earthy tone that teams well with everything from slim black denim and classic suede chukkas to tan chinos and brown leather boots for a play on the same color family. And with the brand’s essential, tailored cut — able to be worn tucked or untucked — plus double-stitch buttons and buttonholes, you’re getting a shirt with every detail considered. Would you expect anything less from Taylor Stitch? Surely not.  Snag the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt now while it’s around, and you’re one step closer to essential fall style.

Thanks for reading — stay stylish!

-Beau