Style Guide Recommends: Step into Classic Astorflex Footwear

Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots

Classic, stylish and easy-to-wear chukka boots via Astorflex — more than deserving of an entry in this ongoing series, right?

OK  — step on up and let’s get started with another edition of Style Guide Recommends, our monthly look into what you should be wearing, shopping, reading … the whole deal and then some. Sounds good, right? Our last feature told you all about why you should be shopping Bespoke Post — monthly purveyors of “Boxes of Awesome” and plenty of other excellent #menswear. Also an advertiser on this site, I would confidently recommend Bespoke Post either way. And today’s latest entry tells you all about Astorflex — Italian-made crafters of the classic suede boots to  buy now, and plenty more beyond that.  If you peruse the pages of this site from time to time, the brand should (hopefully) jump out at you. The brand makes all of its stylish men’s footwear with careful attention to detail in northern Italy, then sells ’em at excellent prices — as simple as that. I personally love my Astorflex suede chukka boots, and I break them out as often as I can (follow me on Instagram to see exactly how I style them).  With that being said… why are they the right brand for you, and why are they the focus of this week’s #menswear entry?  Allow me.

Astorflex

Sneakers that blend craftsmanship, sustainability and style in equal measure.

It can be all too easy to get sucked into the cycle of buying clothing that looks good just because it … well, looks good. The fine team at Astorflex goes beyond that, though. The brand makes it stylish footwear sustainably — something that’s tough to come by in the industry, it seems (looking at you, fast fashion retailers). That means that everything from the well-crafted Astorflex Softflex sneakers to durable Astorflex Chelsea boots are made with responsible construction and premium European leather that’s aged in an all-natural water, oak bark and powdered mimosa mix for 30 days. That creates a supple, soft suede that matches up perfectly with crepe rubber soles — the result is a classic pair of desert boots (or sneakers, or rugged Chelsea boots) that look great and feel incredible. And when I say incredible, I mean that Astorflex suede chukkas in particular are comfortable enough to be worn with just stylish no-show socks (finished off with slim light wash denim and a classic Oxford, I should add).  Too good to be true? Not in the slightest. And in addition to comfort and style, Astorflex also offers plenty of versatility throughout its line.

Here’s your next pair of suede chukkas — according to this author.

Take the Astorflex Greenflex— you’re getting a casual and easygoing suede chukka, a perfect multi-season boot. It’s ready to team with everything from a rugged short-sleeve henley and faded dark denim in the spring and summer to a slim topcoat and perhaps wool trousers in the fall or early winter months (certainly, before the first polar vortex hits). And if you’re more of a sneakerhead, look no further than the finely crafted, sharp and visually interesting Astorflex Softflex sneaker. This one sneaker that takes the principles of time-honored footwear and applies it to a silhouette that could work with light wash denim and a classic pocket tee or your new favorite Oxford and slim chino shorts.

Astorflex Bootflex

A well-made, tough pair of Astorflex boots — ready for just about anything.

And lest we forget, the brand also introduced the rugged, tough and wearable Astorflex Bootflex, a lace-up boot that applies that same quality craftsmanship and versatile style. Wear the Astorflex Bootflex with everything from tobacco-colored cotton chinos in the early fall to grey denim in the spring — they’ll work in equal measure for a weekend coffee date or your next music festival.  Last but certainly not least, it’s imperative that you keep the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boot in mind as you consider potential wardrobe upgrades.  Another comfortable and surprisingly lightweight boot, these sleek, stylish Chelsea boots would do well with dark black denim as you figure out how to dress for a rock concert, and they’ll add a bit of edge to a crisp white Oxford and grey cotton chinos in a spring work week ensemble. How’s that for one brand that can do it all? Definitely not bad.

Timex

So, to recap. It can be tough to find a brand that does it all — from blending sustainability and style to crafting well-made, versatile silhouettes, Astorflex hits the nail on the head. The brand’s craftsmanship is apparent, and it starts with that premium European leather and attention to detail. And the resulting styles? Excellent and nearly impossible not to wear well.  Try the Astorflex Bootflex out with everything from grey selvedge denim and a blue Oxford to dark denim and a tough henley. Or, pair the more laidback Astorflex Softflex sneaker with your favorite shorts come summer time. The rest of the year, I’d step into the Astorflex Greenflex or a dependable pair of Astorflex Chelsea boots. Again, keep in mind that the brand is offering up all of this at great prices — starting at $145 and topping out at $190. Hopefully, you see now why they made our Style Guide Recommends series — agreed? Good deal.

Let me know what you think of the brand in the comments section below, or follow me on Twitter for daily style dispatches.

Thanks for reading!

Timex

Style Suggestion: Wear This Casual Outfit to Work Remotely

OK, step right on up — we’re talking today on The Style Guide about a somewhat difficult style conundrum that seems to be popping up more often in today’s economy of the 21st century. To get right to the point: We’re covering the best #menswear to wear to work remotely — so, how to dress for comfort and style when working from home, working on the road or working from your favorite Brooklyn coffee shop (as I so often do on weekends and my days off from the old day job).  One thing is clear — you need plenty of the best men’s gear to keep you going. And what are my top picks (and possibly yours, too)?The trick is to keep it simple, stylish and certatinly not sloppy. Think a bit like a business casual look, yet … more casual. And yes, even if you’re not in the office, dressing a bit better ramps up your focus and productivity just a bit. Let’s start with a classic Oxford shirt and team it with other reliable basics — slim grey chinos, a trusty pair of classic suede chukka boots and other favorites — including a timeless leather watch and plenty more.  Are you ready? Let’s gear up to get to work. Chime in with your thoughts on this #OOTD on Twitter, and catch my daily ensembles on Instagram. Thanks for reading!

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford in White — $89

Flint and Tinder

A crisp, classic and clean white Oxford — great even for working from a coffee shop.

The great folks at Flint and Tinder do so many things so well, and you can now add a stylish Oxford shirt to that offering.  There’s a reason the classic Oxford shirt is a menswear staple — it’s among the men’s shirts out there, it’s timeless and it looks great on every guy. It also adds some needed polish to even the most laidback of ensembles — I’m not saying you can wear it with slim sweatpants, but I am saying it’ll clean up in a jiffy if you need to throw on a navy blazer to head to an unexpected meeting as you work remotely. Plus, it’ll work stylishly through all four seasons. Not bad at all, ehh?

The Tee: Outerknown Pagoda Stripe Tee — $53.98

Outerknown

A reliable tee that’ll work nicely for layering — and sustainable style.

In the name of adding visual interest to your white Oxford shirt, we’re throwing on a slim striped tee underneath. It serves a dual purpose — coffee shops can be a bit chilly if the A/C is blasting, so a tee helps add both comfort and style. Oh, and since it’s from Outerknown, your purchase of this tee champions the brand’s mission of sustainable style. First seen in a Style Pick of the Week entry, this pleasingly textured shirt is a reliable second layer — you can even ditch the shirt and wear only the Outerknown Pagoda Stripe Tee (which I’d also support).

The Mid-Layer: Life/After/Denim Awash Hoodie in Dark Blue — $80

Life/After/Denim

Absolutely more than a hoodie — absolutely the nicest hooded sweatshirt you’ll buy.

As we mentioned above, coffee shops can get a tad chilly. And if you happen to be holed up working away, you might just want another layer to keep you cool and comfortable (you’ll hear that word a lot in this post). We’re not just throwing on a ratty hoodie and calling it a day, though. Life/After/Denim takes everyday basics for the stylish guy and amps them up a bit, focusing on excellent fabrics and just-right construction. That’s what makes the Awash Hoodie such a neat buy — it’s a refined hoodie that wouldn’t look out of place over a classic Oxford.

The Pants: Outerknown Ditch Crop Pants — $99.98

Outerknown

A pair of laidback, casual-yet-stylish chino pants that work for everyday wear.

Once again, Outerknown pops up in this style suggestion, partly due to the brand’s emphasis on easygoing-yet-sharp styles and partly due to its commitment to sustainability.  Both are important to consider, and it should make purchasing the Outerknown Ditch Crop Pants that much easier.  The versatile grey color goes with just about any off-duty style combo you can dream up, while the tapered and cropped fit offers more room to show off your classic suede chukka boots. Speaking of…

Timex

The Boots: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Chestnut — $145

Astorflex

A wear-with-anything set of chukkas that’ll look better than plain sneakers.

We here at The Style Guide love our versatile chukka boots –any time of the year. Bear with me — this particular pair, made sustainably by Astorflex, incorporates plenty of comfort and a very wearable silhouette. They’re timeless and laidback, easy to take on and off, and polished enough to team up with more refined pieces in a hurry. And they provide a nice, earthy contrast to the slim grey chino pants and white Oxford.  There’s certainly a lot to like — no, love — about the Astorflex Greenflex.

The Socks: Arvin Goods Casual Socks (Three-pack) — $36

Arvin Goods

Well-made socks that are far from flashy — just what you need to work outside the office for the day.

Fear not, my fellow menswear lovers. We’ve got you covered right down to the socks today. When your outfit is composed of casual basics, from suede chukkas on up to a slim striped tee, socks might be seen as an afterthought. Not so fast, my friend.  Made in a simple grey-and-red color combo from lightweight fabric, these Arvin Goods Casual Socks won’t slip down your legs throughout the day — and they’ll provide a bit of color in terms of your overall outfit. Nothing too flashy, though. Sounds like a winner on all fronts.

Greats

The Watch: Timex Weekender Chrono in Brown Leather — $82

Timex Weekender

Nothing overly fancy about a well-made, tough Timex watch. Just the right pick for this outfit.

As with the rest of this ensemble, the “less is more” approach works out quite nicely. So, we’re ditching a flashy watch for something casual, low-key and distinctly stylish. And it frequently seems to be the case that the Timex Weekender is the right watch to pick for those types of circumstances. Featuring handy chronograph functionality and a rich brown leather strap, the Timex Weekender Chrono should be your go-to watch for when you want to feel casual, yet look sharp.

The Belt: Line of Trade Veg-Tanned Leather Belt — $55 ($40 When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

Line of Trade

A rugged, well-crafted belt to complement those light grey chinos.

Leave no stone unturned when it comes time to put together a stylish outfit to wear when working remotely. This Line of Trade belt is handsome, rugged and very well-made. It’ll age beautifully the more you wear it, and it’ll stylishly complement that classic Timex watch — whether you’re at your favorite coffee shop or the nearest Starbucks (happens to the best of us).

Frank And Oak

The Essentials: Filson Pullman Bag — $420.98 AND Tactile Turn Brass Slider Pen — $59

Filson

Two picks that could feasibly go everywhere with you. Definitely add them to your daily haul.

We were just talking about leaving no stone unturned when gearing up to work remotely, and you certainly need the right goods to get the job done. The recognizable, heritage-quality Filson Pullman Bag is a durable, tough and stylish pick to haul around your everyday carry (plus, it fits with the rugged-casual nature of this outfit). And a good pen — with great writing quality — is an underrated desk essential. Make sure the Tactile Turn Brass Slider is in your bag.

The Laptop Carrier: This Is Ground Mod 15-Inch Laptop Carrier — $419.98

 

Designed and sized to carry everything you could possibly need for a day of work.

There’s nothing you want less when working remotely than to realize you forgot something essential. That’s where the ridiculously handy and well-made This Is Ground Mod Laptop Carrier comes into play. It’s priced on the high side (to say the least), but it’s worth it. Sized to help you haul just about everything you might need to work remotely, it comes in a handsome shade of French Grey, the Mod Laptop Carrier features plenty of space for your phone, your laptop and a plethora of pens and office supplies. It’s practically a must-buy.

The Wallet: Jack Mason Leather Front Pocket Wallet — $95 ($70 When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

Jack Mason

The slim wallet that you’ve been looking for — ideal for slipping into your bag as you head out to get some work done.

Particularly when working away from the office, the daily essentials take on that much  more significance. Which is to say: You don’t want to be caught without your wallet. The handsome, meticulously crafted Jack Mason Leather Front Pocket Wallet solves that problem easily, what with its rich leather and easy accessibility from the front (or back) pocket of your Outerknown chinos.

The Headphones: Marshall Major II On-Ear Headphones — $100

Nothing beats great tunes and a little peace, quiet and … freelance work?

To be fair, not everyone likes to listen to music when working. Ladies and gentlemen … I am not one of those people. Let’s upgrade your listening experience in terms of both style and quality, though — shall we? Marshall on-ear headphones are high-quality and distinctive — and what’s more, they’ll provide a neat complement to your home listening experience as well as when you work remotely. They’re well-priced, too. That’s a heck of a lot of positives to consider, no?

There are certainly challenges inherent when it comes to dressing to work remotely. You need to consider comfort and style in equal measure — two areas that can sometimes be difficult to match up. I think you’ll find a classic Oxford shirt, like the Flint and Tinder piece featured here, helps out. As far as your basics go, the Outerknown Ditch Crop Pants  provide easy wearability when matched up with classic suede chukka boots. And essential accessories — from a rugged leather watch to a stylish Filson bag — are going to make your remote work that much more enjoyable (and timely).  Don’t forget to keep your laptop safe with the investment-worthy This Is Ground Mod Laptop Carrier. As far as musical accompaniment to your day, I’d also urge you to snap up the Marshall Major II On-Ear Headphones.  Again, there’s certainly a lot of gear — and quite a few variables — to keep in mind when working remotely, especially if you want to look (and feel!) your best. With that being said — what do you think of this list? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

#OOTD: The Best Way To Upgrade Your Casual Shirt This Spring

Here at The Style Guide, I always say it pays to focus on the little style upgrades we should all be making daily.  Whether that’s starting with the basics — like investing in a pair of classic dark denim — or going a step further (like dialing in the exact fit of your favorite chambray shirt), there are certainly quite a few #menswear details to consider on the daily. And perhaps one of the more overlooked pieces of a guy’s wardrobe could be casual shirting. It’s fair to say that if you’re dressing in tailored office style during the week, there’s not a lot of room to wear more laidback garb.  So, it’s certainly easy to overlook shirting that can be worn for off-duty occasions. From a spring bar crawl to Sunday brunch, that’s where the below tips are going to come in handy. Luckily for you, there’s one brand in particular that’s merging a reliable fit with classic styling potential and hey, a dash of helpful technology — the Tech Prep Chambray Shirt from GANT is geared to wick away moisture and manage temperature while looking great. Didn’t think a casual shirt could do that, did ya? See how to style it via the below #OOTD, and get more casual style inspiration via my Instagram. Happy spring!

Upgrading your casual shirt with a focus on performance and style.

The Shirt: GANT Tech Prep Chambray Shirt, $125 — As mentioned before, this shirt checks the boxes in terms of performance and style, what with a rich four-season color, a slim fit and moisture-wicking capability.

The Jacket: La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond, $275 — Another underrated spring style upgrade — a cotton bomber jacket featuring a modern fit and quality construction. The La Paz Ortigao Bomber is a surefire winner, folks.

The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Democratic Chino in Army, $98 — Because we’re all about showing you how to wear your new favorite chinos this spring, let’s add the Taylor Stitch Democratic Chino to your shopping list, ehh? High-quality fabric, an outstanding army green color and a fit that’s pleasingly modern, yet not restrictive.

Frank & Oak

The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki, $129.98 — Who can resist a pair of stylish chukka boots from our pals at Huckberry? If you don’t know Astorflex, get on it — the Greenflex in Dark Khaki is made sustainably with comfort in mind.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Leather Belt, $24.50 — Simple, affordable and wearable with gear ranging from a slim pocket tee and olive cargos to stone chinos and a lightweight navy blazer, you can’t go wrong with this belt.

Beckett Simonon

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch, $185 — Equal parts rugged and dressy, the Aviator 3-Hand Watch is the sort of watch you could wear 7 days a week, with everything from a marled henley to a classic blue Oxford and knit tie.
Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Tyrell Socks, $12 — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — small style details matter, and neutral-colored socks with a dash of pattern are one way to get it right.

The Everyday Necessity: Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, $134.98 — If you tend to think more of a messenger bag when compiling your everyday carry, consider a humble — yet handsomely appointed — Nisolo tote bag instead. Specifically, the Nisolo Lori Leather Tote. It’s more unique than a messenger and just as well-suited for casual spring style.

If at first glance the above outfit doesn’t blow you away with crazy-loud colors or styling touches, that’s … probably a good thing. After all, sometimes, the best #OOTD looks are ones that are crisp, done simply and tailored nicely. Such is the case with the breathable and stylish GANT Tech Prep Chambray Shirt, a great upgrade to your casual shirting game if ever there was one. Unique outerwear like the La Paz Ortigao Bomber could change your seasonal layering game altogether, particularly given its cool color and great fit. Olive chinos from the likes of Taylor Stitch are as surefire a bet as any, and classic suede chukka boots are yet another ideal spring style move. No matter the season, keep in mind that you can wear a tough Jack Mason watch with nearly any outfit — and rest assured that your gear is going to be safe and sound with the Nisolo Lori Leather Tote.

Got any questions or thoughts as to what you’d like to see covered in the #OOTD series? Shoot me an email and let’s talk menswear!

In the meantime — stay stylish,

-Beau

Greats

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for A Spring Road Trip

Are you packed up for your next spring road trip? Or perhaps, your first of the season? If you’re still struggling with what to bring in your stylish weekender bag, your hard-working Style Guide team of one can help you with that today. Much like dressing for winter travel, gearing up for a day in transit — be it by plane, train or automobile — requires you to meet a few different style scenarios. You could be migrating from temperate, breezy conditions to sweltering heat, as I did on a spring road trip to Florida, or you could be going from a dressy day at the office to a casual vacation.  Either way, packing and traveling with versatility and crisp-yet-casual style in mind can only help you in the long run. So, the focus is on layering, solid fits, mobile fabrics and just a few spring style classics. Think you can handle all that? Hope so — and if you want to see a certain topic covered in this series, leave me a comment in my virtual suggestion box … on Twitter. OK, gear up and hit the road!

The Weekender Bag: Nisolo Leon Weekender in Chestnut — $397

Nisolo Leon Weekender

A beautiful mix of durable leather and excellent style.

As previously covered in our Style Pick of the Week series, there’s really no way you can go wrong with the handsome, supremely stylish and tough Nisolo Leon Weekender in Chestnut. Done up in rich brown leather and lined with tan cotton canvas, the Leon Weekender is a refined blend of style and functionality, and it’ll look just as great in any Instagram travel shots as it will sitting in your trunk or overhead compartment. Think of the Nisolo Leon Weekender as an investment in great taste, great looks and great adventures.

Greats

The Bomber Jacket: La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond — $275

La Paz Ortigao Bomber

A unique shade of … well, almond, done up in a classic cotton bomber jacket.

We all need some stylish spring outerwear in our lives, right? That’s what you’re getting with the versatile, casual and well-made La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond. This 100 percent cotton bomber — featuring raglan sleeves to broaden your frame visually — is made in Portugal, hence the higher price tag. And lest you be wary of the Almond color, think of the lighter cream/off-white shade of the La Paz Bomber as being similar to a foray into white denim — a move that when done right, looks great. I have a sneaky feeling you’ll like the rest of the #menswear ensemble we pair it with, too.
Flint and Tinder

A classic navy polo, made with comfort and care from a solid brand.

The Style Guide editorial team — of one — sure does love Flint and Tinder. From rugged fall and winter outerwear like the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket to seasonal staples like the Flint and Tinder Moleskin Shirt and even the brand’s Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, they make something for every occasion and preference. And now, my fine gentlemen (and ladies!), I offer up the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo. Made with a tailored fit and in an essential color like navy, it’s a comfortable, breathable layering piece that does just fine sans jacket, too. 

The Pants: Iron and Resin Drifter Pant in Graphite — $50

Iron and Resin

The comfort of a drawstring waistband with the tailored look of chinos.

The vibe of this outfit so far screams comfortable, casual and put-together — not sloppy. So while you could feasibly reach for tailored sweatpants here, we’re going with another hybrid option — specifically, classic drawstring trousers from the fine folks at Iron and Resin. Featuring organic cotton with 2 percent stretch and a straight fit, these are perfect pants for travel, what with room to move and versatile looks that can take you from the road to dinner without missing a beat.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Sneakers: Johnston and Murphy Allister Lace-up — $145

A clean white sneaker from a brand known for its hard-wearing boots.

Who doesn’t love a pair of crisp, classic white sneakers for spring? Your Style Guide author surely does. And while you could certainly swap these white sneakers for something a little more polished — like refined suede Chelsea boots — the simple, clean silhouette of the Allister Lace-up works just as well.  The cushioned footbed should keep your feet comfortable for hours at a time, and there’s hardly a spring style combination more widely accepted than tailored chinos and white sneakers.

The Belt (To Pack): J. Crew Factory Washed Leather Belt — $24.50

No need to get too fancy when it comes to a leather belt to pack for weekend trips.

Packing up your Leon Weekender is going to require some planning. After all, if you’re only going away for a weekend, perhaps you can survive with only a brown leather belt — particularly if you’re wearing drawstring pants on one of those days. But, let’s say you also bring along some slim dark denim. Well, enter this affordable belt for classic style that’s wearable with everything from tough leather boots to the aforementioned white sneakers. It’s as simple as that.
Huckberry

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand — $205

A great-looking watch for a solid price — spring style on the go, without a doubt.

You didn’t think we forgot about including an essential leather watch, did you? Of course not. Just as with packing up only one belt, perhaps you can get through a weekend with just one watch — and if that’s your challenge, I’d humbly submit the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand as your watch of choice, amigo.  The folks at Jack Mason make watches that pull from a variety of influences, from flight to seafaring, and the handsome Aviator 3-Hand combines rugged good looks and crisp, classic style.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Griffin Socks — $8

Richer Poorer

Simple stripes and a nice. comfortable weight for spring.

If you’re going to drop some serious cash on a slim bomber jacket and a durable leather weekender bag, you might as well hang onto your spare change when it comes to buying socks, right? Fear not — Richer Poorer makes high-quality socks in a variety of fabrics despite the low price. Those options include the “Everyday Midweight” option seen here. Even better? They won’t look half-bad in terms of color and design when you take off your spring sneakers, either.

The Underrated Accessories: Hudson Suttler USA Dopp Kit — $49.98 AND Decibullz Custom-Fit Bluetooth Wireless Earphones — $119.99

A durable dopp kit and high-quality headphones — both great pieces to have handy on the road.

If you’ve been hunting for a stylish men’s dopp kit for a while now, end that search ASAP, because the Hudson Suttler USA Dopp Kit is here to save the day. Heavy-duty olive drab canvas sets this kit apart, as do small touches like leather zipper pulls. In short, it’s a much better way to carry your grooming essentials than a plastic bag. And who doesn’t need premium headphones, right? The kicker with Decibullz? These headphones can be molded to the shape of your ear, just like a mouthguard. If you need some music to listen to on your trip, might I recommend Lucius or Local Natives? Onward.

There are a lot of details to consider when packing up for a spring road trip. Starting with a durable, functional weekender bag like the Leon Weekender is as good a jumping-off point as any, however. And for travel that could start out chilly and end up warm, layering essentials like the La Paz Bomber should prove premium, well-made and versatile. The same can be said for a classic spring polo — enter the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo. Lest we leave behind any stylish travel accessories, don’t forget to pack a durable casual watch — certainly, the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand is the way to go. Clean white sneakers and grey Iron and Resin chinos also make for easygoing, high-low style, which is just what you want when on the road. And certainly, everyday carry pieces like the Hudson Suttler USA Dopp Kit are going to make your life a whole lot easier — and more stylish — when traveling. If you’ve got pieces you’d like to see added, or if you think this suggestion is just fine and dandy, leave a note on The Style Guide Facebook page.

See you on the road — stay stylish!

-Beau

NOV CAMPAIGN: Photo of brown boots with logo (no border)

#OOTD: The Right Way to Wear A Patterned Shirt This Spring

If you’re anything like me, perhaps you’re anxious to shelve your neutral style essentials and inject more interesting, eye-catching color and pattern into your spring #OOTD — all in the name of warmer weather, of course. Well, you’re in luck today, because it’s time we got around to covering how to wear a patterned shirt this spring. Yes, there are some things you should do, and some things you definitely shouldn’t do. Although patterned shirts might call to mind lurid florals and baggy fits — perhaps most commonly found around the community pool — we’re dialing in the fit and the color palette considerably in the below #OOTD. We’re also teaming this stylish short-sleeve shirt with essentials you can wear all spring and summer — pieces like durable suede chukkas and an essential casual watch, for starters. But, we’ll figure out all the specifics below; for now, check out my upcoming #menswear picks and follow along for the topsy-turvy ride on Instagram and Twitter.

Swapping out gaudy florals for a cool patchwork pattern and other seasonal staples.

The Shirt: Life/After/Denim Patchwork Short-Sleeve Shirt, $110 — The piece de resistance of the entire outfit — a neat, very unique indigo patchwork shirt with a retro-style camp collar. Perfect for a or to wear when dressing for a summer festival or heading on a spring bar crawl.

The Jacket: Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Rinse, $89.50 — There might not be a better piece of spring outerwear than a trusty denim jacket from a reputable source like Levi’s — wear this thing as much as you can, and it’ll break in handsomely.

The Pants: Devereux Ford Five-Pocket Pants, $138 — If you find white denim a bit intimidating,  why not reach for an off-white pair of 5-pocket pants? These mimic the tailoring of a chino with a cotton-spandex blend that’s more familiar.

Beckett Simonon

The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki, $145 — With their classic silhouette and handsome shade of dark khaki suede, it’s easy to mistake the Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki for something a menswear icon like Steve McQueen might’ve worn — and that’s a very good part about this #OOTD.

The Socks: Teva Benny Gold Socks (Limited Edition), $12 — In an outfit packed with various shades of dark blue, it’s nice to inject a bit of lighter blue. Enter the limited edition, exceedingly comfortable Teva Benny Gold Socks.Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Belt: Arcade Belt Co.  Crawford Belt in Olive Green, $25 — For a mix of comfort and casual style, reach for a mixed-media Arcade Belt Co. belt with stretch — it’s an easy way to loosen up after a few bar crawl beers, ehh?

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch, $138 — If you don’t have this timepiece on your wrist yet, you’re missing out. I took mine on a spring road trip to Pittsburgh and found it highly versatile — I’d imagine you’ll feel the same!

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Mod 15″ Laptop Carrier, $499.98 — For all those times you find yourself fumbling with cords and cables, there’s gear from This Is Ground. A functional, minimal and effective piece like the Mod Laptop Carrier should save you a heck of a lot of trouble.

Greats

For all of the pattern and color on the above Life/After/Denim patchwork shirt, it really is quite easily wearable (that’s thanks to the deep indigo base). When you pair it with easygoing spring staples like off-white pants and the Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki, it’s wearable for casual situations and perhaps even a laidback office Friday.  You can — and should — use your accessories to reinforce the laidback nature of this patterned shirt; that’s where an Arcade Belt Co. belt can come into play. Don’t leave behind your everyday carry — I’m a big fan of the Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch for its durability and versatility. Plus, the Mod Laptop Carrier is going to be a very effective way to travel efficiently and stylishly. So, there you have it. If you’ve got questions about styling a short-sleeve shirt or everyday menswear essentials, shoot me an email and I’ll get back to you — promise!

For now — stay stylish,

-Beau

Greats

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Leather Jacket This Spring

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves — welcome back to another entry in our weekly #OOTD series. Before we dive in — perhaps you might be set on spring outerwear so far? If so, good for you — there’s no question we all need pieces like a tough waxed trucker jacket to wear  this spring.  However, there are absolutely other layering tools you should consider this season.  Lucky for you, we’ve covered a lot of ground on layering in recent weeks, including the best way to wear a cardigan. Well now, we’re taking things a bit of a different direction — a slightly edgier direction, notably. Specifically, we’re dialing in the best way to wear a stylish leather jacket this spring. OK, OK … there are  admittedly several great ways to wear an investment-level leather jacket for spring. But your Style Guide author sure digs the below combination — and it’s quite easy to love, what with the fact that it features the inimitable, one-of-a-kind Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket.  How cool is this jacket? Well … the Moto Jacket could very well be the last leather jacket you ever buy. Enough with the theatrics, though — let’s get to the #OOTD. Scroll down below to see the full look, and catch my daily looks on Instagram if you need more inspiration. Oh, and you should follow me on Twitter if you want to keep up with my stream-of-conscious thoughts on men’s style. OK, away we go!

Beckett Simononootd-leather-jacket-grid

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket, $1,075 — Recognize this bad boy? Of course you do — the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket is known across the World Wide Web for its insane combination of quality, toughness and style. In short, it’s the perfect stylish leather jacket to buy right now — and wear a ton this season.

The Henley: Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Henley in White, $25 — When a brand like Abercrombie & Fitch keeps churning out seasonal staples at great prices, it’s tough not to love ’em. Such is the case with your new favorite short-sleeve henley.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Dude Dan Jean, $208 — Now, we’ll have a rundown of the best men’s light wash denim for spring coming up in the next few weeks. But for now, I’d urge you to pick up the slim, high-quality Nudie Jeans Dude Dan Jean from our great pals at Huckberry.

Frank & Oak

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $44 — For all the talk of gaudy accessories being all the rage, sometimes, it pays off to keep things understated and casual. A textured leather belt is one way to do that.

The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki, $145 — If you’re not yet acquainted with the sustainable, stylish and unique work being done by Astorflex, I’d urge you to catch up. Maybe start by picking up the Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki? Good job.

The Socks: Mack Weldon Performance Dress Socks, $24 — Did ya catch this site’s Mack Weldon review? Maybe not? Either way, Mack Weldon dress socks are just as worthy of your hard-earned dollars as the brand’s other gear.

The Watch: Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch, $150 — When you’ve got leather jacket like the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket, it’s best to let it do the talking. In this case, we’re sticking with a tough casual watch — enter the Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch.

The Sunglasses: Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses, $30 — For a mix of retro style and plain old cool looks, you can’t beat the Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses. Plus, how outstanding is that price?

And that’s a wrap for this week’s #OOTD — have any new ideas on how to wear your new favorite leather jacket? I sure hope so. I know I’ll be coveting the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket for a long, long time — maybe you’re in the same boat? But the point is, there’s really no wrong way to wear an outstanding leather jacket like the Moto Jacket — particularly if you pair it with a rugged short-sleeve henley and crisp spring style essentials like the slim, slightly edgy Nudie Jeans Dude Dan Jean and a sustainable pair of chukkas like the Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki. And it always helps to finish off a look with durable accessories in mind — that’s where the Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch and the Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses enter the equation.  Alright, all ready to go? Enjoy the day and check back tomorrow for more great men’s style content on the blog.

Shop on and stay stylish,

-Beau

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Chelsea Boots

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. Portions of this post use affiliate links, of which a small commission might be earned.

A sharp Chelsea boot made responsibly with premium materials? Sign me up.

A sharp Chelsea boot made responsibly with premium materials? Sign me up.

As hard as it can be to shelve your favorite summer sneakers, there’s something to be said for the durability and style of a great Chelsea boot in the chillier months. From a rock concert to the office and beyond, the stylish Chelsea boot is a super-sharp, upscale answer to a pair of rugged leather lace-up boots — and the good news is, there’s no wrong time to wear them. Particularly in the fall months, something like the Astorflex Chelsea Boot will have you set up for plenty of style situations ahead — particularly in a rich, versatile and yet neutral color like the Dark Khaki option pictured here. And well, that’s why it’s this week’s Style Pick of the Week. The Astorflex brand, sold by the Style Guide favorites at Huckberry, is a company that continually looks to update its offerings — they just introduced some low-cut sneakers, and the Astorflex Chelsea Boot  is just the latest in its rugged-refined set of products. Crucially, they’re handmade in northern Italy with premium European leather. And if you value exacting craftsmanship in your Chelsea boots — in addition to great style — these are the boots to get. The leather itself is aged for 30 days in a mixture of oak bark, water and powdered mimosa — how’s that for attention to detail? And the resulting finishing process is top-notch, as well. They’re made with 100 percent natural rubber soles and memory foam footbeds — talk about the perfect blend of form and function.

Huckberry

Along with those top-of-the-line materials and environmentally friendly construction process, they’ve got top-of-the-line styling potential. The silhouette is such that they’re able to be worn to a rock concert (seriously!) alongside dark blue or black denim, topped off with a durable henley. And the rest of the week, you can team them with wool trousers and a V-neck sweater (maybe atop an essential chambray shirt?) for days at the office. The rubber sole on the Astorflex Chelsea Boot  should be sturdy and durable, while the premium suede should hang in there through the fall months with a little care. When the spring hits, they’d also be a unique complement to light wash denim and your favorite pocket T-shirt. With the Astorflex Chelsea Boot , the design and materials are so on-point that there’s no wrong way to wear them. Not sold on a Chelsea boot yet? Give these a try for an agreeable price ($180 ain’t too bad), and rock them as much as you can.

Grab the Astorflex Chelsea Boot  via Huckberry  now.

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Online Shopping Picks: Best Suede Chukkas to Buy For Spring

Editor’s note: To learn more about great gear to buy for spring, click here.

Suede chukkas work in plenty more seasons than one. Read on for more details on the pair at left. Image courtesy of Huckberry.

Suede chukkas work in plenty more seasons than one. Read on for more details on the pair at left. Image courtesy of Huckberry.

As soon as the calendar really gets rolling into spring, there are certain items I’m anxious to shelve — and certain items that I’m ready to keep on wearing (or at least, wear more). One of those such items is the versatile suede chukka — it’s arguably a three-season shoe, well-suited to the colder temperatures of fall but providing some nice textural difference from shiny leather shoes during the sunnier days of spring and summer. When it gets snowy is when it’s tough to put ’em away — but now that those days are (hopefully) long gone, it’s time to break ’em out more. So that’s what we’re getting into here. The texture isn’t the only great thing about a suede chukka — the ankle cut of a classic chukka boot makes it the perfect go-between from, say, a lightweight, low-cut sneaker and a thicker winter boot — that means they’re ideal to style with everything from slim stone chinos to some rolled lightwash denim. They come in both casual and slightly more formal iterations, too. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Peep the full set of picks below, and let me know on Facebook if you think I missed any key brands.

Stay stylish!

#1. Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Chukka Boot — $149

Eye-catching honey suede from Thursday Boots makes this pair of chukkas a stunner.

Eye-catching honey suede from Thursday Boots makes this pair of chukkas a stunner.

Finding a well-made, reliable chukka (especially in a rich shade of honey suede) is a somewhat tricky endeavor, but Thursday Boots delivers again with its durable Scout Chukka. This writer has a pair of the Scout Chukkas in Chocolate Suede, and if the quality is anything like those, the Honey Suede version should hold up handsomely. The slightly higher-than-normal ankle cut is a continental touch, the studded rubber sole is tough on the ground yet comfortable on your feet, and in this instance, the honey suede is a colorful hue that’ll look great with slim white denim now and even better under dark raw denim come fall.

#2. J. Crew Classic MacAlister Boots in Stone — $148

J. Crew's take on the classic style.

J. Crew’s take on the classic style.

For Thursday Boots taking the cake with its $149 chukka, J. Crew’s MacAlister Boot in Stone comes in a close second — at a very slightly cheaper price (ha!). This is certainly the more casual of the two boots, as this number has all the makings of a traditional desert boot (different from a versatile leather chukka). That goes for the traditional crepe rubber sole and continues on through the raised contrast stitching between the sole and the upper. This boot is still made in Italy, and it should certainly pack in all the quality one would expect from a pair of J. Crew footwear.  For weekend brunches and coffee runs (or a casual Friday), this is your go-to boot.


#3. Clarks Desert Boot in Wolf Suede — $130

An iconic silhouette rendered in a unique suede.

An iconic silhouette rendered in a unique suede.

One would be remiss to talk about desert boots or chukkas and not give a look toward Clarks, the originator of the style (for the general public, at least). The Wolf Suede Desert Boot takes the iconic Clarks silhouette and does it up in a beige suede that should make these another reliable, casual footwear option for a ton of situations — be it a fall coffee date (paired perhaps with a shawl-collar cardigan and denim?) or a spring weekday with a slim polo and chinos. Plus, the price and quality are both very hard to top among like-minded brands.

#4. Oak Street Bootmakers Chocolate Suede Campus Chukka — $426

Perhaps the most premium pair of suede chukkas on the market, totally ready for anything.

Perhaps the most premium pair of suede chukkas on the market, totally ready for anything.

Think a darker suede can’t be worn in the warmer months? Think again, my friend. If you’re on the hunt for a pair of chukkas that are worth the investment and the styling potential, the Chocolate Suede Campus Chukka from Oak Street Bootmakers is the chukka for you. It’s crafted in America with beastly construction, from the Goodyear welt to the waterproof suede (really), and the oiled leather soles. The color is rich and beautiful, equally fit for pairing with slim tan chinos now and your toughest pair of dark denim later this year.

#5. Astorflex Greenflex Chukka in Stone — $145

One seriously stylish and sustainable pair of desert boots.

One seriously stylish and sustainable pair of desert boots.

For the last entry on this list, we turn to a boot that combines all the inspiration of the classic desert boot with some seriously eco-friendly construction (be warned that it’s only available in sizes 9-12 right now, though). Yes, Astorflex certainly knows what it’s doing when it comes to combining quality, style and sustainability. This pair is made in Italy, yet rings up (or rather, charges your card) for an incredibly low price. The memory foam footbed should be comfortable, and the organically treated leather is processed slowly for more than a month, resulting in a pair of footwear that you can also feel good about buying.

So, picking up a new pair of footwear to add to your rotation doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming process. Starting by looking for quality materials and versatile style potential is going to take you much further than settling for something less expensive — in that case, Florsheim’s Constable Chukka was also close to making the cut. If you’re uncertain about how to style a suede chukka, rest assured that it does just as well as a sharp leather chukka when paired with like-minded outfits — whether that’s a slim T-shirt and denim or a polo and lightwash jeans. If you play your cards right (and the weather holds out), it’s a style that could be in your rotation ’til fall.

Do you have a pair of suede chukkas in your closet? Which of the above pairs would you pick up for this spring?