The Friday Read: The Myles Apparel Fall Forward Sale, the Best Fall Boots & Philadelphia

My friends, welcome to another Friday, the last proper work day of the week and of course, the first day of October. We’re well and truly into fall right now, especially with the hint of a fall chill in the air. That must mean one thing: It’s time to throw on one of the best pairs of fall travel pants to hit the road. Those pants in question could mean the extremely travel-friendly, stretchy and durable Myles Apparel Tour Pants, right? If you’re not familiar with the brand, they’re a great place to start — particularly because this weekend, the Myles Apparel Fall Forward Sale wraps up. I talked about one of the best menswear sales out there previously on the blog, so if you act quickly (ideally, today!), you’ll have time to get deals on the best fall travel gear ASAP.

Speaking of fall travel gear, I’ve had plenty of fall mini-road trips myself, namely of the concertgoing variety. I’ve talked briefly about some of these jaunts — to Pennsylvania to see The Killers and to Detroit to see indie rocker Julien Baker — in my twice-weekly music and menswear newsletter (music is my other great passion in life). Now, of course, I bought many of these tickets months ago and have since planned out my travels, but the schedule has been jam-packed in between writing for sites like AskMen and Maxim. What does it all mean? Well, of course it means that I’m hitting the road once more this weekend, trekking down to Philadelphia to see indie rockers Big Thief! I’ve previously seen the band in Brooklyn and Manhattan, and even got to cover their set at NYC’s Governors Ball Music Festival, but a proper headline show (dressed in indie rock style — subscribe to my newsletter for more!) is always the right way to go about it. If you’d like to keep up with my Philadelphia trip, give me a follow on Instagram. For now, here’s the rest of today’s weekend roundup. Happy shopping and stay stylish!

  • If you’ve not yet laced up a pair of the best fall boots, then now is the right time to get on that. As luck would have it, I wrote about the best men’s boots for fall just yesterday on the blog, so be sure to check out my deep dive into the FRYE William Lace-Up Boots right now. There’s still plenty of time to get into it, folks.
  • I mentioned above that I’d been keeping busy covering menswear for sites like AskMen, and I wasn’t joking. For the lauded men’s lifestyle site, I wrote all about the best waxed jackets for the season ahead. It’s worth your time to really layer up in style, folks.
  • Like I said, I’ve been plenty busy writing style dispatches for the busy fall season. With all that being said, here’s one additional gear dispatch you should dive into today. Head to the Huckberry Journal — the excellent blog of one of the best retailers for men — to find out all about the best men’s shirt jackets for prime seasonal layering. It doesn’t get any better than that, my friends. Better still, head to Huckberry to shop the best menswear for fall.

We’ll help you roll on into the weekend now with a few style tips and some shopping picks in mind — how’s that sound? Before I let you go, let me offer up one last fall style tip for men: A chambray shirt is the sort of rugged and go-anywhere essential you can style with a cardigan at the office or on its own over a henley through the weekend. And Todd Snyder’s chambray shirt is the perfect piece to head into the season in style, so do yourself a favor and click through to my blog post on the ideal fall shirt. Cheers once again, my friends! Enjoy the weekend.

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The Friday Read: New Florsheim Boots, The Perfect Weekend Snack & The Best Fall Whiskey

Florsheim Lodge Boots

Two picks from the Florsheim Lodge Collection, both more than ready for fall style right now.

Folks, it’s high time we stepped right into another weekend, is it not? In fact, you could certainly do worse than to step into said weekend with the rugged-yet-refined Florsheim Lodge Boots, a prime pick I’ve enjoyed testing out on my walks through Prospect Park and to a few choice sidewalk bars alike in Brooklyn. If you want affordable men’s boots for fall, you should go with Florsheim — crucially, you can use the code LNK10 to get 10 percent off right now, an ideal fall weekend jumpstart. And a heads-up: I’ll be partnering with the brand later this year on some exciting Instagram content, so keep your eyes peeled. Now, to the rest of business in today’s Friday Read. After you!

HELM Boots

In fact, speaking of other crucial boots to buy for fall, did you check out last week’s post on the ever-stylish HELM Boots Zind Boots? They’re another pair of rugged boots for the season I’ve had my eye on. Speaking of all the rugged gear for these days ahead, you can get plenty more of that via my newsletter, The Style Guide In Brief. I publish that newsletter on Tuesday and Saturday — so, tomorrow! — and I theme it around a favorite indie rock track, seasonal gear, craft beer and more. It makes much more sense if you read and subscribe, trust me.  As for the rest of today’s post, I’ve got just a few reads to get your weekend going. Happy shopping, happy sipping — stay safe and take care!

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The best bourbon for your fall weekend? Quite possibly.

  • Speaking of happy sipping, I know what I’ll be enjoying on this fine Friday night. I’m going to break into some Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, as fine a whiskey for cocktails or enjoying on the rocks as it gets. Of course, if you read the blog, you know I’m all about keeping things efficient, so I’d say you should get one of the best affordable bourbons delivered to your door via alcohol delivery service Drizly, as I have so often done in recent months. If you pick some up, do let me know on Twitter. Cheers!
  • Let’s change pace just a bit here. While your Florsheim Lodge Boots are pretty ideal to wear as you head to a (modified) cocktail bar or enjoy some bourbon, there’s a pair of technical footwear I can’t help but recommend this season, and that’s the KEEN Footwear Howser Slides, a sort of slipper-hiking shoe hybrid that are ridiculously comfortable to wear on city walks or quick trips outside to stock up on more coffee (I should know, as I’ve been trying ’em out as of late!). Thanks to the brand for sending, and again, let me know on Twitter if you decide to give them a go.
  • Here’s one more recommendation from the bevy of picks I’ve been testing. Now, is bourbon and beef jerky an unlikely pairing? Perhaps, but not if you’ve got some premium, gourmet and seriously delicious Chef’s Cut Real Jerky on hand. It’s closer to steak than any other beef jerky out there, and that’s no exaggeration. Consider this an endorsement to add some to your fall weekend pantry rotation, because it could be the perfect weekend snack (especially alongside some college football). My top pick is Chef’s Cut Biltong Jerky, as it were.

HELM Boots

Who’s ready to stock up on new whiskey and some premium beef jerky for the weekend? Throw on your Florsheim Lodge Boots and I’d say you’ve just about covered off on your fall to-do list (at least, for now). But if that’s not quite enough, I’ll leave you with a recent addition of The List, my weekly gear roundup where I’m covering the best fall menswear, whiskey and much more. And once again, if you need more style inspo still, you can find me on Instagram 24/7, 365. Folks, thanks for reading and make it a great one!

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Bootflex Boots

Step right into fall with these richly crafted, rugged leather boots.

Are you sick of hearing about Astorflex boots yet? Hopefully not: The brand is a longtime favorite of your humble menswear writer, and they simply make some of the best men’s boots for fall (and beyond, for that matter). With all of that being said, the above criteria makes the Astorflex Bootflex Boots the perfect leather boots for fall — and a natural fit for a late September Style Pick of the Week as we really get into the best season for menswear. What makes Astorflex boots so special? That’s a prime question indeed, my friends. As you’ve read in the past, it all starts with the right approach in terms of design and construction. In the case of the Astorflex Bootflex Boots, that means they’re made with premium European leather aged in oak barrels for 30 days — just the right amount of time to get that perfectly lived-in look and feel, right out of the box. All-natural ingredients soften the leather even further before it’s finished off with top-notch construction via a perfectly casual natural rubber sole. These are, again, some of the best men’s boots you can buy, with a difference that’s noticeable from the second you try them on.

SHOP: The Astorflex Bootflex Boots

Easily wearable with your favorite pair of dark denim — and plenty of other fall style suggestions.

Now, let’s say you feel you’ve already got enough leather boots in your arsenal … well, A) You can never have enough leather boots and B) You surely don’t have a pair akin to the Astorflex Bootflex Boots in terms of style and versatility. The crepe rubber sole means these aren’t cut out for all types of terrain, but for traversing a new city on a fall weekend getaway or heading out to your favorite brewery? Wear the Astorflex Bootflex Boots, accented with slim dark denim and a thermal henley, or try them with olive chinos and a classic chambray shirt. These tough leather boots will also age beautifully the more you wear them, and the unlined leather lining means they’ll provide all-day comfort with seriously minimal break-in time. Weekend tailgate? Early brunch? A day at the office (navy blazer in tow)? The Astorflex Bootflex Boots are here for you. And the price is ultimately what could be the kicker — finding stylish leather boots under $200 is a quest all its own, yet Astorflex delivers on that front handsomely. Happy fall, my friends.

SHOP: The Astorflex Bootflex Boots

 

Style Pick of the Week: Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots

Timeless, durable leather boots that pass every test you could throw at ’em. Image courtesy of Red Wing Heritage.

Let’s keep it simple to start today’s Style Pick of the Week off the right way, folks: For fall, you need nothing less than the Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots on your feet. After all, if you’re going to snap up a pair of stylish leather boots just in time for the season, you might as well make ’em the best of the best.  And if you read the blog at all, you’re aware that we’re all about quality, timeless materials and a distinct sense of versatility & toughness — all of which Red Wing Heritage stands by. And the Rover Boots in particular sit right in the crosshairs of what you should be looking for this fall — boots that simply won’t quit, the kind that’ll pair with your favorite dark denim and a flannel shirt or a thermal henley for weekend (and weekday) adventures aplenty. They’ll work with more outdoors-minded pieces like tough chore pants and a rugged flannel-lined trucker jacket, too. What separates the Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots from the rest of the pack?

SHOP: The Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots and Red Wing Basic Care Product Kit  

It’s simple: The same approach and attention to detail that makes any pair of boots from the brand tough to beat. The best boots for fall start with the best leather, and Red Wing sits at the top in that category — they make it look easy with full-grain, oil-tanned leather from their own Minnesota tannery. Goodyear welt construction, a process that allows the boots to be resoled after years of hard wear, also, sets the beautifully rugged Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots apart from the pack.

Red Wing Heritage

Another look at the workman-like profile of these tough leather boots.

The construction of these boots is notable for another reason — they’re, somewhat incredibly, water, stain and perspiration-resistant — yep, the Rover Boots are as tough and stylish as it gets. You’re also riding easy in terms of comfort: These durable boots are built from the ground up with a crepe rubber sole. So, you know they can stand up to most anything. Might I also suggest you snag a handy Red Wing product care kit to keep the Rover Boots looking fresh? That’ll do it. Heck, even the price is a selling point when it comes to the Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots — try finding a pair of boots like this for under $300 anywhere else. It’s tough to do, yes? I think you’ll agree with me when I say the Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots are all you need for fall, right down to the USA-made construction. Who else is ready to break out these handsome, rugged and stylish boots? I thought so. If you pick up these boots, keep me posted on Twitter. And thanks for reading!

SHOP: The Red Wing Heritage Rover Boots and Red Wing Basic Care Product Kit  

Style Pick of the Week: Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka

Hudson Shoes

The handsome pair of chukka boots to get you ready for fall.

Alright, Style Guide readers. I’ve got good news and … more good news. The good news is that you’re really going to like today’s Style Pick of the Week. The better news is that we’re one week closer to everyone’s favorite #menswear season — fall. OK, maybe jumping the gun a bit (or a lot). And yet, it pays to be prepared when it comes to the best men’s gear for the season — right? So, let me introduce you to the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka. Yes indeed, the Lewiston Chukka is a heck of a pair of chukka boots to put on your shopping list for fall. Heck, they can help you step into any situation in style, at any point in the year. Seriously. A classic pair of men’s chukka boots can work wonders with the simplest outfits. A stylish Oxford shirt and slim dark denim? Throw on leather chukka boots. Slim grey denim, a henley and a blue denim jacket? Lace up the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka. A herringbone blazer and navy chinos when the fall rolls around? The Lewiston Chukka is your best bet. And the best part is, you can get ’em for a nice deal through Bespoke Post. The cognac leather upper is all style, while the leather lining is all comfort. And the rubber sole is made for navigating tougher terrain than your average pair of dress shoes. That’s really not all the Lewiston Chukka offers, truly.

Hudson Shoes

A closer look at the sleek profile of the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka.

In addition to the solid price for a pair of year-round chukka boots, you’re getting neat design by way of Britain. Like the Crockett & Jones chukka boots that James Bond wears so well in “Skyfall,” the rubber sole on the Lewiston Chukka adds a bit of durability and traction in the rain and on other slippery fall surfaces. Again, just because it’s August doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look ahead. To wit: The Lewiston Chukka is going to sit just right under grey flannel trousers and a navy topcoat on a blustery day, and you can even wear ’em to the office and then to happy hour after without needing to switch them out.  That’s what I’m talking about, folks. All of that means you should give the Lewiston Chukka a serious shot now –and later in the fall season. Oh, and the custom stitching means you’re getting something no other shoe brand can bring to the table; well-done, Hudson Shoes. So, what do we think of the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka? Are we ready for fall? Rest assured, we’ll be talking more in the months to come about the best men’s boots for fall and beyond — and you can expect the Lewiston Chukka to make that list.

Hey — stay stylish!

-Beau

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Boots for Fall

Editor’s note: To start your seasonal shopping, check out these men’s style picks.

Fall boots? Yes, we're looking in that direction today. Karnes Alpine Hiker by Johnston & Murphy. Ivy Blazer by Grayers. Blue Oxford by JackThreads. Silver knit tie by Banana Republic. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Glasses by Frameri.

Fall boots? Yes, we’re looking in that direction today. Karnes Alpine Hiker by Johnston & Murphy. Ivy Blazer by Grayers. Blue Oxford by JackThreads. Silver knit tie by Banana Republic. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Glasses by Frameri.

There are few times of the year I love more than fall — if you’re a devout reader of this blog, you certainly know that. Now, is it too late in the fall season, per se? I think not. We’ve got time before Thanksgiving, certainly. And as far as the weather goes, it’s finally the perfect time to get that fall style wish list in order, and it’s about time to get a full rotation of stylish men’s boots rolling. Not that there’s anything wrong with a sharp pair of leather sneakers, but the crisp breezes of fall lend themselves to staples that get a lot of play on The Style Guide during this time of year — everything from selvedge denim to classic chambray shirts to boots (and boots … and more boots).  So if you aren’t yet satisfied with your boot collection, or you find yourself looking to add another pair (or two, or three), we’ve got your shopping picks below. Keep in mind, these aren’t necessarily full-on functional boots that you’re going to want to stomp through the snow with  — that comes later this season. They are, however, boots that are equal parts sharp and stylish, casual and a bit more crisp. None of those are bad things to look for when shopping around, ehh? See how to style your boots via Instagram or over on the good ole Twitter-sphere.

#1. Thursday Boots Black Wingtip Boots — $200

The latest introduction from a brand that consistently delivers.

The latest introduction from a brand that consistently delivers.

Yow-za. Right? From durable suede chukka boots  to concert-ready moc toe boots, the team at Thursday Boots keeps expanding its arsenal in stellar fashion. The brand’s latest release — which just dropped last … Thursday (wink, wink) drives the brand forward even further. It’s a heck of a sharp wingtip boot done in sleek black. Even your author — who normally favors brown leather wingtip boots and the like — would consider taking these for a spin. The beauty of a sleek black pair of boots is that they’ll still work with garment-dyed chinos or blue denim  … or heck, sand chinos … no matter the day of the week.
Frank & Oak
#2. Johnston & Murphy Karnes Captoe Boot — $198

A lug sole, brogue captoe detailing and a sharp tan calfskin upper -- all big bonuses.

A lug sole, brogue captoe detailing and a sharp tan calfskin upper — all big bonuses.

The folks at Johnston & Murphy are doing big things as of late, from opening a new menswear-only shop in NYC to continuing to release excellent footwear staples for the season. The Karnes Captoe Boot is among that standout set of durable, style-forward and affordably priced boots, with hand-stained calfskin leather and brogue captoe detailing. Plus the charcoal wool ankle collar is a neat touch that adds comfort and seasonally appropriate texture. Wear these with jeans and a wool blazer or your favorite V-neck sweater and a classic chambray shirt for versatile style.

#3. CAT Footwear Sutter Boot $210

A rich shade of burgundy in oiled full-grain leather -- an excellent fall boot.

A rich shade of burgundy in oiled full-grain leather — an excellent fall boot.

From checking out the brand’s boots at Governor’s Ball this past summer to checking out their current crop of fall footwear offerings, this #menswear writer has been mighty impressed at what he’s seen from CAT Footwear. The Sutter Boot continues that upward streak in handsome fashion, crafted from oiled full-grain leather and featuring a rich burgundy color. The rubber outsole and Goodyear welt add plenty of durability — these are just the right boots to pair with grey flannel trousers and a navy peacoat to head to the office this fall and winter, seriously.

#4. Chippewa Original 6-Inch Service Boot in Crazyhorse — $269.95

Dependable, durable and surprisingly versatile -- that would be the 6-Inch Service Boot, folks.

Dependable, durable and surprisingly versatile — that would be the 6-Inch Service Boot, folks.

Chippewa Original means nothing but business when it comes to rugged, durable boots — picking ’em up through Huckberry means you can throw in some dependable accessories, too. The Service Boot plays off real working man’s boots, with a Goodyear welt and leather laces for both durability and long-lasting style. Yes indeed, these guys are a classic pair of fall boots, one that wouldn’t look out of place with slim selvedge denim as you head to a weekend coffee date. And lest you worry they aren’t quite versatile enough, you can still team with slim charcoal trousers and an elbow-patch cardigan for a bit of old-school office style.

#5. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots in Black — $360 (Available via East Dane)

All-black everything -- and still highly wearable.

All-black everything — and still highly wearable.

Perhaps it’s just me, but I certainly do love a pair of rich brown leather boots — for their versatility, their sharp looks, you name it. Now, that being said — the above boots aren’t brown. A shock, I know — but crisp black boots (particularly the Original 1000 Mile Boot) are both a nice change of pace and an essential in a guy’s footwear rotation. They’re going to offer a slick contrast to everything from blue selvedge denim to olive chinos, and they’re going to do so while providing long-lasting durability. Even if you find yourself reaching for black boots over brown, that’s an underrated option to have on-hand for everything from crisp fall weekends to busy fall days at the office (or the classroom, or on campus — you get the picture, yeah?).
Huckberry

So, in reviewing the above #menswear picks, you might have noticed something missing. Perhaps Chelsea boots are more your thing? Check out this fall style suggestion, for starters. Maybe you’re a guy who loves stylish chukka boots? Knock yourself out.  The right pair of fall boots should mix durable style with rich seasonal colors and the ability to pair with durable denim, flannel trousers, olive chinos — and that’s just the start, ehh? Buying quality — like those pricey-yet-durable Chippewa Original Service Boots — can definitely pay dividends, too. If you think I missed any picks on this list, let me know over on The Style Guide Facebook page — it was tough to get to just five, I tell you what!

Happy shopping, and check back on Friday for our weekly #menswear news recap,

-Beau

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for Fall Weather

Editor’s note: For a full set of style suggestions for fall, click here.

We’re slowly (but surely) creeping toward fall — it seems like that’s been the case for a couple of weeks here at The Style Guide, but it’s certainly no more true than right now. Dressing for football season has started, there’s a bunch of great new music out — that signals tons of fall tours and rock concert style — and it’s high time to, well, get with the times. So, grab your fall style wish list and get hip to the scene. Even if it takes a while to get chilly, you’ll still want to have the proper gear on hand when it does. I know temperatures have been high here in NYC, but I’m definitely anxiously awaiting fall. For all of you loyal Style Guide readers (I know you’re out there), it signifies a really fun time of year in terms of menswear. If you’re one who tends to get sick of the oppressive heat — and even tires of heading to the beach — it can be a welcome change of pace to throw on heavier layers and incorporate durable texture into your #menswear ensemble again. And being able to play around with deep fall colors and textures — as some of the picks do below — is another reliable signifier that the season is changing. Everywhere you look, it’s about that time. Wthout further ado, here’s a look at how to dress for fall. Catch more style tips daily on the ‘Gram or Twitter, and leave any thoughts on this look in the comments.

The Jacket: Old Navy Canvas Coat — $69.94

Not as heavy as a winter parka, not as lightweight as a spring jacket -- hence, a great fall coat.

Not as heavy as a winter parka, not as lightweight as a spring jacket — hence, a great fall coat.

You feel a crisp breeze in the air, but a lightweight spring jacket won’t cut — and it’s not heavy winter topcoat time, either. What’s your reliable go-between? A cotton canvas coat in a rich shade that’s perfectly primed for fall. Although the interior of this jacket is lined with a neat striped cotton, it should prove reliable and not too heavy for layering. Details like the front patch pockets call to mind workwear of days past, and the rich Bandolier Brown color is going to handsomely offset the blues in the rest of this ensemble (although we don’t want to give too much away yet).

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — $104.98

Beautifully made, able to withstand anything and certainly able to make that transition to fall.

Beautifully made, able to withstand anything and certainly able to make that transition to fall.

Were you expecting something other than a stellar Taylor Stitch chambray shirt here? I hope not, because I’d bet you’re disappointed right about now. The brand takes the same attention to detail that’s made its Standard Issue Chinos beloved by The Style Guide, and applies that process to a heck of a chambray shirt. Featuring sturdy double-needle construction, a midweight 7oz. chambray fabric and a fit that’s modern yet mobile, it’s the ideal contrast to that handsome brown jacket. Plus, it’s got the type of classic looks and styling potential that’ll work the rest of the year, too.

The Denim: Flint & Tinder All-American Slim Tapered Jeans — $98

New denim from a menswear line that gets essential fall basics right.

New denim from a menswear line that gets essential fall basics right.

The brand that produces your favorite set of American-made boxer briefs and other stellar fall menswear delivers again with new denim that’s part of its deepest product offering to date. For fans of versatile, timeless style, that’s very much a positive. These jeans are every bit an essential pair of fall denim, made from 12oz. Cone Mills fabric and featuring one percent of stretch  — that touch will make it easier to wear ’em on fall hikes or walks in the park. The slim fit is a must-have these days, although the brand’s waist sizing does go up to 40. Grab one pair of these, wear the heck out of them and watch them tell the story of a great fall season.

The Boots: JackThreads Kimbo Chelsea Boot in Brown Calf Leather — $110

Part of a new set of footwear offered from the excellent E-commerce retailer.

Part of a new set of footwear offered from the excellent E-commerce retailer.

Since when does JackThreads make footwear? Since this season, that’s when. It’s part of the brand’s mission to expand on its stellar menswear line and take up some serious real estate in your closet. When they’re able to churn out crisp pieces like these refined Chelsea boots for just a shade over $100, that’s very agreeable. A stylish Chelsea boot works nearly any time of year, yet they seem particularly fitting for fall. They’re not nearly as clunky as some thick winter boots, and they feel especially sleek alongside slim denim and a chambray shirt (some stylish leather chukka boots could also work here, though).

The Socks: Mack Weldon Everyday Striped Socks — $14.50

Easygoing socks for daily wear -- in a color that plays along nicely with the rest of this outfit.

Easygoing socks for daily wear — in a color that plays along nicely with the rest of this outfit.

The folks at Mack Weldon are consistently churning out everyday basics that’ll have you covered from the ground up, from its Vesper Polo to pieces like its Merino Long-Sleeve Tee, and if you read this blog as much as I think you should, you’re well-acquainted with those pieces (wink, wink). So, it only makes sense that you should round out your wardrobe with some striped Mack Weldon socks that add a nice bit of color contrast to the deep blues and browns of this outfit. Ya feel me?

The Watch: MVMT Watches The 40 in Rose Gold/Brown Leather — $120

A stunner of a watch for a stunningly low price.

A stunner of a watch for a stunningly low price.

Are you familiar with MVMT Watches? If not, you definitely should be. That is, if you’re a fan of stylish, affordable eye-catching watches — and who isn’t? There are some watches that are so refined in their design, you can wear them more casually — that’s certainly the case with this MVMT Watches timepiece, crafted from a rich brown leather-brown dial-rose gold case combo that’s a heck of a looker. It’s a way to offset some of the more rugged pieces in this outfit, like the canvas coat and chambray shirt. More importantly, it’s dressy enough to wear later on this season with, dare I say, the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit?

The Belt: J. Crew Suede Belt — $55

Texture in the form of a refined belt for the season.

Texture in the form of a refined belt for the season.

This suede belt first made an appearance in this site’s suggestion on how to dress for a football game, and it’s back here and adding a change of pace to this outfit in the process. The look is already quite heavy on rugged style, to be sure, so it’s fitting that a suede belt comes into play. Fall is the perfect time to try out texture where you might not do so normally, and for more than $50, you better get a lot of wear out of this belt to justify the initial price (although this particular pick is suede, a handsome leather belt like the Tanner Goods Classic Belt would work, too).

The Sunglasses: MVMT Watches Runaway Sunglasses — $75

Equal parts retro cool and affordable style from a watch maker who knows how that stuff works.

Equal parts retro cool and affordable style from a watch maker who knows how that stuff works.

Wait a second — MVMT Watches does sunglasses? Yes, they sure do. And why do we have sunglasses in this post? Well, as this is transitional style and all, it’s still going to be a bit sunny out there most days, whether you’re taking a hike through a park, heading to a bar crawl or taking in that football game. These sunglasses aren’t too precious to take a beating, and more importantly, they’ve got a distinct air of retro cool about them. Just like the watch, they’re perfect to pair with everything from that Taylor Stitch chambray shirt to … wait for it… the decidedly modern Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit.

And there you have it, folks — pick up one, all (or heck, none?) of the above items and prep for fall in style. As we always aim for at this #menswear blog, reaching for pieces that are going to have your back the rest of the year is a solid bet no matter the season. And if given the chance to wear a durable chambray shirt with a crisp canvas coat, take it. The combo is just the right amount of rugged with venturing too far off the beaten path, and pieces like slim, dark denim and brown leather Chelsea boots keep things modern. A refined watch and cool-as-heck sunglasses are items every guy needs, yet not every guy has — except you. And you can never go wrong with accessories from staple players like Mack Weldon and J. Crew. Head-to-toe, there might not be a better time to be a style fan — and that’s what makes fall menswear so great.

What’s your take on this ensemble? Have you picked up any of these pieces?

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear A Henley This 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.

So it’s not exactly the middle of summer anymore, is it? That’s a strange sensation if you’ve been used to dressing for the heat or packing up stylish beach gear. But if  you’re anything like this #menswear writer, you relish the chance to dress for seasonal transitions and break out some of your favorite seasonal style staples. We’re talking pieces that are rugged and refined, ready for casual wear or able to be worn with a bit more tailored style in mind. And in the case of this week’s #OOTD, we’re looking at an outstanding piece for a seasonal transition — the ever-reliable slim long-sleeve henley.  With its athletic-minded origins and rugged good looks, a great henley certainly works in the summer as well as the in-between period between summer and fall. But particularly when it’s made with marled fabric and plenty of quality and comfort, it’s the ideal early (and middle, and late) fall style piece — think of the below #OOTD as a weekend workhorse look. To get your mind right when it comes to stylish henleys, check out last year’s picks for the best men’s henleys for fall — and know that we’ll have a similar feature coming on this site in the weeks ahead. Oh, and how exactly should you style this durable staple? We won’t drop any hints up here — scroll below to check out the #OOTD, join in on the men’s style conversation at The Sty le Guide’s Facebook page, and check out this guy’s Instagram for daily style tips.

Best men's henleys for fall

Just one way — but perhaps, the best way — to wear a henley this fall.

The Henley: Flint & Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley, $62  — So, the henley shown here is a bit more expensive than you might be used to paying for a basic layering piece. But the quality, fit and styling potential is top-notch, and given the fact that it’s part of a slew of new additions to the Flint & Tinder product line, you should definitely pick up this slim henley.

The Coat: Old Navy Canvas Coat, $69.94 — It might initially be too hot to wear a canvas coat atop that henley, but know that when it gets slightly chilly and you need a crisp top layer, this rugged canvas coat is the perfect finishing touch.

The Chinos: JACHS NY Grey Bowie Fit Stretch Cotton Chino, $89 — Why go with chinos here as opposed to slim, dark denim? They lend the look a bit of high-low style appeal, and the fabric and slim fit are nice positives.

The Boots: CAT Footwear Russell Boot, $150 — Boots that blend different fabrics and textures (like wool and leather) with a sturdy ankle boot, moc toe combination are the perfect way to nod toward the chillier temperatures of fall — not to mention the rugged-refined vibe of this outfit.

The Socks: Flint & Tinder Inventor Socks, $17.98 (Three-pack) — If we’re going with a Flint & Tinder henley, might as well go with crisp, stylish and comfortable Flint & Tinder socks, ehh?

The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, $158 — The Timex x Red Wing Heritage collaboration is a certified Style Guide favorite, and it’s the perfect mixture of toughness and style to offset the other fall-appropriate pieces in this #OOTD.

The Belt: Anderson’s Stretch Woven Leather Belt, $195 — If you want a belt that’s going to work as hard as you do, last forever (truly) and add some subtle texture to this overall look, the Anderson Stretch Woven Leather Belt is the way to go.

The Everyday Carry: United By Blue Lakeland Laptop Bag, $119.98 — Looking for a durable, dependable bag to haul around your laptop? This United By Blue laptop bag merges function and fashion, and it does so while promoting a good cause (the brand removes one pound of trash from oceans & waterways for every item sold).

Are you ready for some fall weather yet? Hopefully so. Dressing for the transitional period between the heat of summer and the chill of winter can seem taxing if you’ve grown used to wearing that short-sleeve chambray shirt for months on end, yet reaching for the right pieces can make it an enjoyable task. A marled henley is an essential for the colder months, and when mixed with dependable boots and refined chinos, it can work in even more style situations. On top of that, sharp socks that add a pop of color play nicely off dressy touches like that textured leather belt and rugged leather watch. And if it gets truly cold in the weeks ahead, you can always add a crisp shawl cardigan to this same ensemble. Have questions or more suggestions for the #OOTD series? Shoot me a note on Twitter.

Make room in your closet for a great henley — and stay stylish in the meantime!

-Beau