Tag / affordable style for guys

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Techne Merlin Watch is the Casual Timepiece You Need

Techne

The durable, stylish and understated watch you need on your wrist this fall.

If you, like me, are constantly on the lookout for ways to add to your stylish watch collection, you’ll certainly find today’s See Now, Buy Now entry of use. We’ve talked about the rugged outerwear you need for fall, and we even talked about stylish leather boots for the season … but what about a tough, durable and yet good-looking casual watch that can take a beating and still look sharp? That’s the Techne Merlin Watch, my friends.  Now, it’s rare to find a watch that speaks so specifically to a certain season. Yet, the Merlin Watch from Techne is the sort of timepiece you’re going to want on your wrist as you head on weekend trips, dress for your next tailgate or generally enjoy the bounty of fall and winter (looking at you, my IPA and stout-loving friends).

The Techne Merlin Watch certainly has plenty of rugged, fall-friendly style going for it. Inspired by old-school pilot’s watches — along with the engines on the P-51 Mustang fighter jet — you can be sure that there’s not quite a timepiece out there like the Techne Merlin Watch. From the brushed stainless steel case to the simple, sharp 39.5mm case diameter of the Merlin Watch, it’s a unique timepiece in every aspect of the word. Add in a durable ballistic nylon strap in a shade of cool gray, and you’re set when it comes to understated, classically inspired style. Yes indeed, the Techne Merlin Watch is a reliable accessory in plenty of laidback situations.

Wear it when heading to a rock concert with a rugged striped henley and a denim trucker jacket, or team it with another one of the best fall jackets out there — an overshirt, a bomber … you name it, the Techne Merlin Watch is the ideal casual timepiece for fall and winter. Heck, you could even wear it with a cotton blazer and a classic crewneck sweater — plus tan chinos — on a particularly casual day at the office. Did I mention the Merlin Watch from Techne clocks in at well under $200? I don’t know if can get any better.

Let me know in the comments — will you be buying the Merlin Watch from Techne? 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

 

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

af-wool-shirt-edited

Didn’t think Abercrombie & Fitch could do shirts with serious, heritage-inspired style? Think again. Glasses by Frameri. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

First things first — Happy Saturday! What’s on your weekend agenda? Hopefully, some menswear shopping — and of course, a little reading at The Style Guide. Second of all — we’re back at it in the ongoing Style Pick of the Week feature, and fittingly enough, Abercrombie & Fitch is back in the fold. From seasonally appropriate outerwear — like this beautiful Leather Bomber Jacket — to a new-and-improved focus on quality basics like denim, the A&F brand seems to be coming back in a big way. That’s due in large part to the efforts of the brand to focus once again on quality heritage-inspired basics, driven by Sir Aaron Levine (Editor’s not: He’s not actually a knight). But his approach to redefining modern basics with quality materials helped propel Club Monaco ahead, and in short, pieces like the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt represent his new take on the brand very nicely. A wool shirt, you might ask? What’s wrong with a classic chambray shirt? Well, nothing. But there’s something refreshing about switching up your fall shirting rotation, particularly when it involves reaching for a soft, slim-fitting and easily wearable shirt in a unique wool-cotton blend fabric.  Those details make it a keeper — and the styling potential will have you reaching for it time and again.
Huckberry

What’s not to love about a shirt that evokes the rugged outdoors and classic camp shirts? It features a shirt-jacket design with thicker corozo buttons and a pleasing Heather Oatmeal color — it’s just different enough from your classic white Oxford. Although the shirt is thicker than most, the cotton blend makes it easy to wear this shirt on its own with slim light wash denim for a more casual fall look. Even with the slightly heavier weight, it would also pair up nicely atop a rugged fall henley and your favorite pair of leather boots. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised with its ability to slide nicely underneath a quilted field coat — it’s a foolproof fall layering method. Of course, you can’t go wrong layering it underneath a classic grey crewneck sweater, either. Lest we forget, the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt  is the type of piece that would also work very nicely underneath an indigo chore coat — although if you’ve been reading this blog regularly, you already know that (Wink, wink). Another bonus to buying this shirt now? It’s quite the steal — you get J. Crew-level quality and a price that’s competitive, but not otherworldly.  Yes indeed, there are many positives to picking up this shirt — from the versatile styling potential to the solid price, it’s a heck of a deal. So, what are you waiting for? Dash off to pick up the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt , ASAP.

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Flannel Shirt for Fall

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

It’s been a few weeks since we had a proper #OOTD here on The Style Guide, so we’re getting back to business today. As fall weather rolls into your neck of the woods, perhaps you’ve been breaking out some of your favorite style essentials for the season. It’s a time much-loved around Style Guide HQ for that very reason — and your list of seasonal essentials should definitely include a flannel shirt. Now, cotton flannel fabric in a plaid pattern carries with it a bit of a negative stigma — it was such a trendy staple for years that it might seem played out. But there are a few key ways you can break out a flannel shirt without looking as if you’re heading off to chop wood. The key starts, as always, with the fit of your shirt. Take that classic flannel fabric, slim it down (or size down) and pair it with a decidedly modern bomber jacket. Oh, that’s right — that’s what the below #OOTD is doing. Take a look below, follow your author on Instagram and follow The Style Guide on Facebook for your daily prescribed dose of #menswear.

Not too trendy, not too boring -- just right. A modern flannel shirt paired with other modern staples.

Not too trendy, not too boring — just right. A modern flannel shirt paired with other modern staples.

The Flannel Shirt: Eddie Bauer Favorite Flannel Shirt, $49.99 — There are some brands you don’t mess with when it comes to flannel. Eddie Bauer’s been making these for years, and they’re comfortable, easily wearable and — here’s the key — slightly visually different in an engaging Baltic plaid pattern. Size down for a slightly trimmer fit, and wear it a ton.

The Bomber Jacket: Beckett Simonon Cole Bomber Jacket, $295 — The biggest key to making this look more modern than lumberjack? A beautiful calfskin suede bomber jacket in a trim fit. Treat this piece with care (I.e. Avoid the rain) and it should last through many seasons to come.

The Denim: Cheap Monday Sonic Denim (Available via East Dane), $90 — Learn more about a denim brand that could be a new favorite — we’re talking classic washes, nice fits and agreeable price points for the quality.

The Boots: Chippewa Original 6-Inch Service Boot in Cordovan, $269.98 — Does it get any better than ridiculously durable Chippewa boots, especially in Cordovan? Hardly. These boots are the rugged complement to the slick bomber jacket — you’re wearing a flannel shirt, after all.

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $18.98 — Textured socks in this particular color should play nicely off the deeper blue of the plaid flannel shirt — the American-made quality doesn’t hurt, either.

The Watch: Timex for J. Crew Andros Watch, $118 — J. Crew does many things quite well, and a few things very well — its collaborations with third-party partners rank high on that list.

The Belt: Rag & Bone Rugged Brass Belt. $150 (Available via East Dane) — Is $150 a lot for a belt? It certainly is. But Rag & Bone does essential basics without fuss — this durable belt falls within that category neatly.

The Everyday Carry: Taylor Stitch Raw Brass Keyhook, $32 — Goods from Taylor Stitch — from the brand’s Everyday Chambray Shirt to this keyhook — are as well-made as can be. Carry this thing everywhere, and never lose your keys again, yeah?

Again, the key with breaking out a flannel shirt revolves around picking a more unique color than the tried-and-true red-and-black combination, along with a slimmer fit. Of course, a sharp suede bomber jacket helps matters out, as do simple, clean accessories like a NATO strap watch and premium socks (yes, the socks do make a difference). Some of the picks are definitely pricey, but as we always say, they can serve as a nice reward, and a reminder of the quality you get when you pay a bit (or a lot) extra for everyday goods. Got any questions on this #OOTD? Or would you swap in a few different brands? Hit me up on Twitter.
Check back tomorrow for another fall-centric style suggestion — and until then…
Stay stylish,
-Beau

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Casual Summer Day

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Past #OOTD features here at The Style Guide have tackled everything from dressing up linen pants to dressing down a chambray blazer, but what about those times when you just …. need something in-between to wear? The title of this #OOTD might be a dead giveaway, and it might be a bit “boring,” but maybe you’re grabbing coffee and groceries and then a beer or lunch, maybe you’re strolling through the park  — but it’s a casual scenario, it might be hot (but it could get a bit breezy later), and you want comfort, good looks and an easy-to-wear #menswear ensemble.  That’s the aim of today’s #OOTD — it’s taking somewhat expected pieces (like classic, slim denim and a V-neck tee) and matching them up in a way that’s cool, simple and effortless (and more on why we’re sticking with denim in a second). If you want more daily styling tips or appreciate a great outfit grid (as I do), check out my Instagram feed for more — and chime in on Twitter with suggestions on topics for the next #OOTD. Got it? Good!
Huckberry

Pairing up items you've already got -- like a V-neck tee -- with sharp sunglasses, lightweight sneakers and a trusty denim shirt.

Pairing up items you’ve already got — like a V-neck tee — with sharp sunglasses, lightweight sneakers and a trusty denim shirt.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Slim Mercer Light Denim, $108 — Mixing things up from typical dark or light wash denim is a must, and the light tan color of these jeans matches up pleasingly well with blue and grey — as you’ll see below. Plus, they’re a little more versatile than shorts — although if it gets too hot, those would work fine here.

The T-Shirt: Life/After/Denim Club V-neck Tee, $58 — Here’s the casual part of the outfit –a garment-dyed V-neck tee in a rich blue color that fits slim and looks better than a standard crewneck tee.

The Overshirt: JackThreads The Denim Shirt, $34.99 — A light wash denim shirt is an unexpected summer style move — lest you think it’s too heavy, know that this shirt is lightweight and should offset the deeper blue of the tee nicely; wear it slightly buttoned up for a layered look, or leave it open during a stroll by the lake.

The Watch: Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, $138 — Lest we get too far ahead of ourselves, know that this Timex x Todd Snyder watch is indeed on backorder — but it should ship soon, and you’ve got the perfect #OOTD ready when it does.

The Sneakers: UGG Freamon Sneakers, $110 — Am I the only one who didn’t know that UGG made men’s sneakers? Maybe so? Either way, this pair of chukka sneakers features water-resistant suede, lightweight traction & a nicely versatile color.

The Belt: Arcade Belt Co. Crawford Belt, $36 — Style comes down to the details, and this belt combines the look of a crisp tan leather belt with a high-tensile navy elastic for comfort.

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $22.98 — American Trench reliably makes excellent socks that breath well even in the heat, and these should be no exception. Again, if it’s too hot, trade the denim for shorts and swap in a pair of stylish no-show socks.

The Sunglasses: Randolph Engineering Aviator Sunglasses in Gunmetal, $209.98 — When you’re pairing up classic pieces like a denim shirt and a V-neck tee, there’s no need to go overboard with your shades; classic aviators are the way to go here.

The above outfit might not gain you major street style snaps, but it’s effective, solid and reliably stylish because the basic pieces are well-made and well-fitting. Plus, accessories like a  crisp NATO strap watch and classic aviator sunglasses can take you anywhere the rest of the season. And that denim shirt can also work in the fall when layered over your favorite long-sleeve henley. The more scenarios you can take on with one outfit, the better off you’ll be — and that’s the case with this #OOTD. Got any feedback? Give us a shout in the comments below! And be on the lookout for a great reader giveaway coming up tomorrow.

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Spring Weekend

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

When the weather finally starts to warm up, bit by bit, it raises some interesting style questions — like “Where did I put those shorts?” or “Where are my sneakers?” (right?). We’re here today to answer some of those questions for you — whether it’s a spring bar crawl or just a casual weekend outing, keeping those crucial style principles of proper fit and functionality in mind is crucial. As this #menswear writer has mentioned before, casual doesn’t have to mean sloppy. That’s what the below #OOTD covers — be it a trip to a farmer’s market, a stroll in the park or a nice outdoor meal, it’ll be just as great to get outside in some warm weather as it will to look great doing it. If you have suggestions for additional #OOTD entries, let me know on Facebook! Stay stylish.

A lightweight jacket and a sharp popover take this outfit to another level -- read on for more details!

A lightweight jacket and a sharp popover take this outfit to another level — read on for more details!

The Jacket: Grayers Reston Quilted Jacket, $165: Because it might still be a bit breezy (or chilly, or rainy), this jacket is going to keep you dry, warm and stylish this spring. Previously featured on this site’s Spring Style Wish List.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch The Summer Popover in Navy Aloha, $98:  A popover is a welcome swerve from a stylish polo or even a well-crafted pocket tee; this one is visually interesting thanks to the rich pattern and color — waiting for it might be the hardest part (you can snag a similar one from J. Crew in the meantime).

The Shorts: Johnnie-O Catalina Shorts in Navy, $79: While there can be a tendency to reach for khaki shorts (never a bad thing), navy shorts are going to offer a nice monochromatic look alongside the jacket, and bring out the blue in that popover. Plus the 9″ inseam is a good length for most of us.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneaker Standard, $78: A stylish pair of white sneakers is, as SeaVees might say, a standard (and essential) spring style pick. This silhouette is classic, crisp and affordably priced.

The Socks: J. Crew Factory No-Show Socks, $7: These socks have popped up in a few recent outfits here on this blog — get used to rocking no-show socks this spring and summer, folks.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Striped Belt, $14.50: With so much blue going on in this outfit, it only makes sense to reach for a belt that provides a nice bit of contrast thanks to that olive color.

The Watch: Shinola Rambler 44mm GMT, $750: Is this watch pricey? Heck yes. Is it the sort of extraordinary timepiece that we should all aspire to own? Well, yes. That as well.  (For more on Shinola, check out my latest Effortless Gent feature!).

While it might still be a bit too breezy for shorts in some cases, the above outfit is definitely one to keep in mind as the weather heats up. Slim navy shorts are a bit of a change of pace from a standard pair of khaki shorts, and a crisp popover adds a great bit of visual interest, too. A hybrid jacket is going to get the job done when the sun goes down and things get chilly, and pieces like sharp white sneakers and an outstanding watch will never go out of style. After all, that’s the goal with these #OOTD pieces. Have any suggestions for gear you’d sub in? Let me know!


by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Christmas Day

Editor’s note: For another Style Suggestion covering a cozy, more casual Christmas, swing your sleigh this way.

Classier than Cousin Eddie, not as bold as Clark Griswold. An in-between Christmas Style Suggestion.

Classier than Cousin Eddie, not as bold as Clark Griswold. An in-between Christmas Style Suggestion.

Just last Wednesday on The Style Guide, we covered what to wear if you found yourself taking it easy on Christmas — casual, but not sloppy (looking at you, Eddie). But the holiday season can go several types of ways — including a bit more dressy, as you might have seen with this holiday party style suggestion. The tricky in-between place is where lots of occasions seem to go nowadays. If you’re in your own home or heading over to someone else’s for the day, it’s best to err on the side of caution. Dress up too much and you stick out a bit — but show up wearing sweatpants and that might just not fly, either. So your humble staff of one at The Style Guide’s Brooklyn HQ pulled together the below outfit for this exact scenario. Keep in mind that if it’s hot where you are, simply swap in a great pair of shorts and perhaps a solid polo in place of the heavier ensemble (the accessories can feasibly work with either get-up, though). In the meantime, get the last of your Christmas shopping in order with my holiday gift guide for the lovely ladies in your life, and stock up on your menswear Christmas Wish List while you’re at it.

The Sweater: JACHS NY Merino Wool Burgundy Crewneck Sweater — $129

A color that fits in for the season -- and beyond. Comfortable fabric is a bonus, too.

A color that fits in for the season — and beyond. Comfortable fabric is a bonus, too.

As with another great JACHS sweater featured earlier this fall on The Style Guide, this piece also has some on-trend and seasonally appropriate elbow patches. The color is rich and the quality of the 100 percent merino wool fabric is definitely breathable and fairly lightweight, unlike other, scratchier wool-blend sweaters. But those touches can come with a premium for some of us — that’s why if you do spring for this sweater, I’d advise you to rock it as many ways as possible throughout the rest of the winter (burgundy doesn’t just fit in at Christmas) — although the crewneck makes it more casual than a V-neck sweater, it can still go over a shirt and tie if needed.. If you fancy a cheaper option instead, give some picks from Frank & Oak a look instead.

The Shirt: Ace Rivington Beach Washed Chambray Pocket Shirt — $84 (Was $67.20)

A simple chambray is the way to go here, especially one that's been pre-washed.

A simple chambray is the way to go here, especially one that’s been pre-washed.

This indigo chambray number from Ace Rivington is a fairly solid price from a brand that takes pride in crafting its gear (although a cheaper option from GAP as seen here wouldn’t go amiss either). It’s pre-washed and lightweight yet it should still be durable — and that pre-washing should allow it to break in even easier. Unlike a stiff white or blue dress shirt, the chambray shirt is the way to go here because it strikes the all-season, all-situation vibe that should play well just about anywhere — particularly when combined with a  nice merino sweater. Plus, if it gets hot and the sweater needs to come off, the chambray shirt will do fine on its own.

The Pants: JackThreads Skinny Stretch Denim — $59.50

Made with a hint of stretch, this pair of denim looks cleaned-up but should wear comfortably.

Made with a hint of stretch, this pair of denim looks cleaned-up but should wear comfortably.

Keep in mind that you could definitely substitute in your favorite pair of denim — be it a heavier pair of Mott & Bow raw denim or something a little more lightweight, like this pair of JackThreads stretch denim. The brand has been getting a lot of play here in recent weeks simply because its new menswear vertical combines what so many guys look for — a digital shopping experience, easygoing but crisp style essentials and very accessible prices, something that’s no more true here (seriously, this price is just above a UNIQLO-type offering). Now, the 14 1/2″ leg opening runs pretty slim, so if you’ve got some leg muscle, you might be better off reaching for something like the 770 jean from J. Crew. Note that if things get a little dressier, you could keep the jeans and simply add a sharp knit tie to your top half.

The Shoes: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Chukka — $149

The rich honey color should complement the other colors in this outfit nicely.

The rich honey color should complement the other colors in this outfit nicely.

Just like a heftier pair of Thursday Boots, these Suede Scout Chukkas live up to solid quality for the price (a review of the Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka is coming on Wednesday on this blog, in fact!). Combine that with a nice shade of honey (dark tan, you might say?) and you’ve got a boot that’s refined yet casual — perfect for this type of dressing situation. They’ll be comfortable should you need to leave them on, and they can easily come off since you’ll be rocking some sharp socks — but more on that in a minute. The color should stand out nicely under the dark denim and burgundy sweater here. If needed, some leather sneakers could fill the same footwear void.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Leather Belt — $19.50

Reach for a casual belt with some texture to complement the rest of this ensemble.

Reach for a casual belt with some texture to complement the rest of this ensemble.

This J. Crew Factory belt is the cheaper alternative to the Land’s End belt featured in the Thanksgiving Style Suggestion a few weeks back, and that’ s all the better for a casual leather belt. It’s not too thick in terms of width, so it could also be worn in business-casual situations outside of this occasion, and that small but noticeable contrast stitching near the buckle should break up the inky blue of the dark denim a bit. Although the boots are honey suede, don’t worry about matching up the color of the belt to those chukkas — simply enjoy your holiday in style.
The Socks: Richer Poorer Poet Socks — $12

Navy on navy -- in the case of the denim and the socks -- definitely works thanks to the pop of pattern.

Navy on navy — in the case of the denim and the socks — definitely works thanks to the pop of pattern.

Richer Poorer also made it into last week’s cozy Christmas Style Suggestion, so keep in mind that those fun polka-dot socks could work with this outfit, too. However, if you’re a fan of colorful, well-designed socks, read on. Although the Poet Socks, the dotted geometric pattern offer up some visual contrast when put right up against the skinny dark denim, and to have just a bit peeking out from atop your suede chukkas isn’t a bad thing. If you’re like me and stocked up on American Trench socks earlier this fall, some stripes from that brand could also do you good with this outfit.

The Watch: MVMT The 40 – Blue/Brown Leather — $120  $108 (Take 10% Off Here)

The bright blue dial stands out next to other, darker shades of blue in this outfit.

The bright blue dial stands out next to other, darker shades of blue in this outfit.

MVMT Watches seem to fly under the radar from time to time. That is to say, plenty talk about lower-priced brands on one end and higher-end brands on the other, yet MVMT occupies that nice middle ground. The pricing is just right (and 10% off doesn’t hurt), and the looks are clean and crisp. Particularly in the case of The 40 in Blue/Brown Leather, the styling potential is just as versatile as with a white or black dial. Take the pairing of navy socks and navy denim plus this electric blue dial — it’s a combo that matches up well, as you can absolutely wear multiple shades of blue at once. And since colored watch dials lean a little more casual, it works well with the high-low nature of the outfit.

So that wraps up another round of Christmas Style Suggestions — did I cover off on everything you’ll need? Sure hope so! And while style’s definitely important around the holidays, I know I’ll be looking forward the most to spending much-needed time with family and friends on the special holiday. I hope you’ll do the same!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

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by Beau H.

What To Wear Today: Beat the Heat

Ernest Alexander

Editor’s note: For more posts covering #WTWT (What to Wear Today), click here.

When it’s hot out, there’s the temptation to stray from dressing well and move towards dressing more basic – less layers equals less heat, right? As with any pursuit though, hot weather shouldn’t equal less attention to detail – and it doesn’t have to mean that. Certain staples can carry you through the season while still keeping you looking good.

Just one way to beat the heat in style -- a polo from this year's Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration.

Just one way to beat the heat in style — a polo from this year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration.

Starting up top, while a stylish T-shirt isn’t  a problem in and of itself, on some occasions a polo looks more crisp – and unlike a T-shirt, it can work more readily on its own at the office, too. You could also put forth a more fashion-forward take on the T-shirt though, as style legend (and Esquire Fashion Director) Nick Sullivan does here.  It’s a look that simultaneously casual and cool, but not sloppy in the slightest  (the key is the fit of the blazer, along with its more rumpled texture – a jacket from this list might do the trick while also working in spring and even fall if layered correctly).

Another versatile layering option that could work in the heat. Pocket T-shirt by Everlane. Unconstructed blazer and pocket square by J. Crew Factory.

Another versatile layering option that could work in the heat. Pocket T-shirt by Everlane. Unconstructed blazer and linen microdot pocket square by J. Crew Factory.

Those who prefer a more tailored look would be wise to reach for a linen buttondown, something with some cooling texture but in the traditional shirt structure  – Stock Manufacturing Co.’s shirts are made in America and hit the mark perfectly (a price is paid for that quality, though). On the budget end of things, the versatile Oxford-cloth button down can be worn with almost anything and can be picked up for a positive steal from Uniqlo, although sizing is somewhat scattered at this point.

A pair of crisp, tailored, go-anywhere chinos like these from Apolis are equally wearable in the summer as in the fall and winter.

A pair of crisp, tailored, go-anywhere chinos like these from Apolis are equally wearable in the summer as in the fall and winter.

And in the summer months as well as well as the rest of the year, the ever-versatile chino is your friend – traditional dress pants here could be a little too insulating if you need to be out and moving. If a dress pant is unavoidable, plenty of brands stock suit separates that combine lighter colors and textures with a slimmer cut (J. Crew’s Bowery line accomplishes this task phenomenally). Shorts worn in a more daring fashion are also on the table for the everyday now as well – believe it or not! Check out ways to style this bolder move here.

Just one shoe option to make things more bearable on a hot summer's day. White sneakers by GREATS Brand.

Just one shoe option to make things more bearable on a hot summer’s day. White sneakers by GREATS Brand.

If you simply can’t put away dark denim and don’t mind the heat, a classic pair in a straight or slim cut with a dark wash is never out of the question, although light-wash jeans still have business-casual potential as evidenced by this look here.  Footwear is another area that’s going to really make or break both the versatility and the overall “cooling” factor of an outfit. Think leather loafers, crisp white sneakers or even runner-style sneakers in a neutral color. Any of those three options could work seamlessly with slim chinos and a polo, or a well-fitted T-shirt and blazer combo.

And because socks are really a prerequisite for extending the life of your shoes, a set of stylish no-show socks from a brand like Richer Poorer could work exceptionally well – the brand’s no-shows in particular are well-priced, well-designed and very comfortable. Wearing no-show socks with dress shoes is a move that’s oft-debated, but if the shoe is comfortable in that instance and the move isn’t too attention-grabbing,  it could absolutely work (wearing that look to a boardroom meeting might not go over too well though, the thought goes!).

The Sturhling Original Asoct Agent is a crisp, classic option for both casual and dressy summer wear.

The Sturhling Original Asoct Agent is a crisp, classic option for both casual and dressy summer wear.

Unlike socks, other accessories are dependent on the situation to some degree – but keepings minimal and crisp with a trim leather watch is always flattering to any pared-down look  (I.e. the T-shirt and blazer combo mentioned here).  In sportier situations though, a NATO strap is both functional and can still be swapped without too much work into a shinier steel dive watch dial or even that leather dress watch.

This shot offers a look at the versatility of a classic braided leather belt (this one's from Target's Merona line).

This shot offers a look at the versatility of a classic braided leather belt (this one’s from Target’s Merona line).

More casual belts are going to be your friend as well – think something with the same texture as a fall belt, like this functional and inexpensive braided leather option  from  Target, or this cotton braided belt from J. Crew Factory. A two-sided reversible belt could also pull double duty if a middle-of-the-road option is needed.
Florsheim
Ultimately when it comes to summer style, it’s a matter of choice –make the choice to keep things tailored, crisp and put-together despite the heat, and a world of style possibilities will open up from there. Crucially, items that work throughout the year – that slim T-shirt under sweaters in the winter, those chinos during transition times in the fall – can still work here when mixed the right way.

Let me know – how are you beating the heat? What combos or items from this list would you try out? Which ones would you leave in the closet? I’m always open to questions – hit me up via beauhayhoe@gmail.com or on Twitter @BoKnowsClothes.

Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

Guest Post: The Product Review, Clarks Bushacre 2 Boots

Editor’s note: The following is a guest post from Mark Lai, a college student based abroad and a longtime reader who’ll be offering his own take on the world of menswear in the coming months. For further guest posts, click here. 

Pick up a pair for yourself, take good care of 'em, and one day they might look like this. Photo courtesy of author.

Pick up a pair for yourself, take good care of ’em, and one day they might look like this. Photo courtesy of author.

The Clarks Bushacre 2 in Beeswax Leather was my first pair of #menswear shoes, and indeed, my first pair of shoes purchased with the consideration of quality and style, rather than based solely on a label. I’ve long been on the hunt for a pair of the best chukka boots for men — and the best boots for men, period — and I might have found them. A year and a half later, they’re still looking good, especially considering their cheap price tag. If you want to invest in a pair of leather boots, you can still do that — brands like Alden have long made investment-level boots.

In terms of construction, the Bushacres are made with full-grain leather uppers (albeit of a lower grade than more expensive shoes), featuring what appears to be a fabric lining. The main difference between these and Clarks Desert Boots are the rubber soles used in the Bushacres, which are harder than the soft crepe soles used in the Desert Boots. Due to the pillow-like comfort of crepe soles, many choose the Desert Boots over these. However, I chose these for what should be better durability than crepe. Either way, it’s hard to go wrong with some of the best chukka boots on the market. Besides, the tendency for crepe to become dirty and discoloured was one aspect that I decided I’d be better-off without. As the photos show, the soles are holding up pretty well, with only the back of the heels showing signs of wear. I’m highly considering getting these resoled with Dainite soles after they’re worn down.

Ben Sherman US

Sizing-wise, I bought these as a US 8, a full size down from my usual US 9 shoes. Despite this, I encountered some uncomfortable heel slippage the first few times I wore them out, with the heel counters proving to be especially hard on my heels. They gradually broke in, and are now one of my more comfortable shoes. They run wide, which is perfectly fine with me as that’s how my wide feet like my shoes to fit.

The classic Clarks Bushacres -- different looks and construction than the traditional Desert Boot, but with some added benefits. Photo courtesy of author.

The classic Clarks Bushacres — different looks and construction than the traditional Desert Boot, but with some added benefits. Photo courtesy of author.

Although the Bushacres may draw flak for their (relatively) sloppy, unstructured aesthete and their non-Goodyear welted construction, they’re a great option for anyone just starting on their sartorial journey. I know for one that these taught me how to take care of my shoes, which has served me well in handling more expensive ones.

Body Wash Banner

The leather uppers are capable of holding a nice shine, but tend to smudge more easily than my other full-grain shoes, which a good buffing will solve easily. Taking care of your favorite boots is crucial, after all.  Also, the insoles are stitched to a layer of canvas, which is then cemented to the sole itself, making these resoleable, particularly if the uppers are cared for properly. In this case, we see two qualities that stand out refreshingly from the vast majority of sub-$100 shoes: full grain uppers and resoleability, as opposed to corrected grain uppers and fully cemented soles. The best men’s chukka boots feature a lot of these qualities nowadays, which is refreshing to see.

Paired with slim (but not overly cropped) trousers. Photo courtesy of author.

Paired with slim (but not overly cropped) trousers. Photo courtesy of author.

Personally, I prefer wearing the Bushacres with trousers that have a wider leg opening (the leg opening of the denim above is about 7.5 inches), as they cover the top of the boots and make them look less clunky. I find that wearing cropped, overly-slim trousers with them like this causes the Bushacres to look disproportional and somewhat high street-ish, or maybe that’s just my obsession with details speaking.

Freemans Sporting Club

As for my care routine, I polish them monthly. I first brush the shoes to get rid of any dust, following that up with the application of a layer of Collonil 1909 leather lotion (Saphir products would do fine as well, as would Kiwi Leather Lotion. After roughly 20 minutes wait for it to be absorbed, I brush them lightly again to remove excess lotion. Another application of Collonil 1909 neutral-coloured leather cream succeeds this, another wait, and finally, another brushing to bring out the shine. I also place shoe trees in them and brush them after each use.

At the end of the day, it boils down to one simple principle: buy affordable men’s shoes made with good materials, take good care of them and they’ll look great. Besides, would you rather your shoes looking like mine or like this?

What have your experiences been  like with the classic shoe? Considering picking up a pair for yourself? Where else would you go to buy some of the best chukka boots for men? Let me know!

Florsheim