The Friday Read: Huckberry’s Annual Winter Sale, NYFW, The Best Crewneck Sweatshirts & Savings at DSTLD and Topo Designs

Huckberry Annual Winter Sale.

Let’s start the weekend on the right note, a rugged and very well-made note, at that. I could be talking about any number of things, but really, I’m talking about the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale, a just-launched offering of some of the most rugged gear for men, only available now through Sunday. If you keep up with the blog, you know how much I love Huckberry, San Fran purveyors of some of the best gloves for men, the most affordable slippers and a heck of a lot more (like the best waxed trucker jacket on the market, among other picks. Through the Huckberry Winter Sale, you can get the savings of your dreams — seriously — with up to 50 percent off on gear you’re not going to find anywhere else. Don’t let me have all the fun — go shop this sale and feel free to report back on your purchases.

That’s not the only menswear-related offering I’m excited about this weekend. This Friday marks a pretty neat in-person menswear opportunity, too. It’s one of two annual presentations of the up-and-coming men’s fashion showcase known as New York Men’s Day, which was previously part of New York Fashion Week: Men’s and now serves as part of New York Fashion Week in general. It’s being presented by Perry Ellis, the iconic prep sportswear brand that now blurs the lines between classic and modern — 10 new designers get to showcase their collections, including a look at Perry Ellis menswear itself.

I always love checking out emerging designers and seeing how broader, runway-type trends might trickle down into future collections. And of course, it never hurts to connect with fellow menswear writers and editors! To keep up with all the fun, head to my Instagram and give me a follow (events run into early next week, too!). For now, here are plenty more menswear essentials to get your weekend rolling the right way.

Best jeans for men.
  • How’s this for another deal you can’t pass up? It won’t be around for long, though: Now through February 14th, get 50 percent off sitewide at DSTLD with the code TREAT50. The LA-based denim brand specializes in inky blue denim, super-soft T-shirts, minimal cashmere sweaters and more. If you’ve been waiting to score some of the best men’s blue jeans, this is the sale to shop.
Best on sale winter gear for men.
  • Speaking of savings on the best winter gear, there’s a lot to love — as always — at Colorado-based Topo Designs. The makers of some of the best outdoor gear are giving you up to 60 percent off via the Topo Designs End of Season Sale, now through February 21st. You don’t need any code, so do yourself a favor and get shopping — will ya?
  • I’ll send you into the weekend with a useful reading and shopping suggestion, at least in my opinion — a crewneck sweatshirt finds its roots in athletic wear, yet it’s just as at home these days under a blazer or worn casually with jeans. This versatility makes it downright useful in the winter months, which is why I wrote all about the best crewneck sweatshirts for men at AskMen. Layer up accordingly, my friends.

How’s that for a few menswear sales to keep the start of your weekend rolling in style? Before I let you go, here’s one more pick for you to consider as you’ve got your credit card at the ready. The best boots on the planet are made carefully and with rugged style in mind, like the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, yes? If you see a new pair of boots in your future, might as well make ’em Wolverine — read more about the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots here on the blog. Alright, then. You know what to do. Here’s to the weekend!

Style Pick of the Week: Reigning Champ Crewneck Sweatshirt

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.

Slim-cut, a classic color and plenty of styling options -- the navy crewneck sweatshirt from Reigning Champ.

Slim-cut, a classic color and plenty of styling options — the navy crewneck sweatshirt from Reigning Champ.

As with reaching for a pair of sturdy winter boots or a warm peacoat, there are some style moves that you just have to make in the winter time — mostly out of the increasingly cold weather, but also out of a desire to stay comfortable (and look good!). As far as style essentials go, the crewneck sweatshirt fits into that category. It’s a silhouette that’s really made a comeback into the style mainstream over the past few years going from a long-lost, poor-fitting piece (i.e. Jim Belushi’s crewneck sweater) to a silhouette that designers have turned to when seeking sportswear inspiration. Credit should go to a designer like Todd Snyder and his collaboration with Champion, and credit should also go to our brethren to the north, and the subject of this week’s Style Pick — Reigning Champ. The Canadian-based brand is focused on crafting timeless style staples — like basic tees and varsity jackets — alongside its impressive collection of sportswear-inspired pieces, like its Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt. You very well might recognize the brand from its partnerships with everyone from East Dane to Club Monaco, and the fact that they’re sold in those higher-end retailers is reflective enough of their quality and style — and that’s why you should consider picking one up, good sir.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan should stitching.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan shoulder stitching.

While it is just a crewneck sweatshirt after all, the timeless craftsmanship and neutral color give it lots of styling potential. A navy crewneck hits the sweet spot between dressed-down and business casual — it can be paired with slim tan chinos, captoe sneakers and a chambray shirt (as in this post), and you can even swap out those sneaks for chukka boots and a knit tie. David Beckham even pairs darker navy sweatshirts with blue denim. Of course, a simple navy crew meshes just as well with slim sweatpants and black sneakers on the weekends, too. And coming from Reigning Champ, you know you’ll get exactly what you pay for (from personal experience, the brand’s sweatshirts fit slim, and the fabric is soft & wears nicely). To boot, the Canadian exchange rate puts the Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt at a shade under $90, far less expensive than Todd Snyder’s more Wish List-worthy crewnecks — still pricey, but more agreeable. This Reigning Champ piece doesn’t have the collar or front raglan-sleeve stitching that one might expect from a typical crewneck, but that helps dress it up a bit, while the ribbed side panels, cuffs and hem add some visual interest. For one simple navy crewneck sweatshirt, there’s a lot of upside — and even more potential to wear it a few different ways.

Do you have a navy crewneck in your arsenal? Would you pick up this piece from Reigning Champ?

Florsheim