The Thursday Buy: Add a Winning Layer for Shoulder Season with this Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket

Relwen men's jacket review.

There’s plenty to look forward to across autumn: The delightful fall foliage, the comfort of a roaring bonfire, a crisp, cool morning breeze accented by a treasured cup of joe.

What can you wear to take on all of those pursuits and then some, carrying you with style and functionality from point A to point B and parts unknown? One of the best, most rugged fall jackets should pass muster, an especially apt addition to your wardrobe if you value utility, military heritage and modern style — of course, that’s where Huckberry comes into play.

Perhaps you know where I’m going with this one, as Huckberry fan favorite Relwen delivers the goods in impeccable fashion once again this shoulder season. And its the Huckberry-exclusive edition of the Relwen Quilted Thermal Tanker that claims the top prize today on this menswear blog, drawing on decades of past inspiration while using modern fabrication for hard-wearing appeal, my friends.

You’ll find it on full display in all its glory within the Huckberry Fall Style section at the moment (alongside other must-haves like a trusty Shinola watch, versatile Flint and Tinder selvedge denim and hard-working Rhodes Footwear boots). All make for a fine fall #OOTD, particularly a jacket inspired by tough-as-nails styles worn by armored vehicle crews in World War II, as Huckberry notes.

The brand updated the fit, exterior fabric and padded insulation on this new version of the Relwen Quilted Thermal Tanker, which also features a highly appealing autumnal Dark Brown color, accented by visually appealing camo-patterned insulation.

Details like an oversized chest zipper pocket, plus front side seam hand pockets and a right chest pocket flap-snap pocket, bolster the plentiful everyday carry utility of one of the best fall jackets for men. Its use of black oxidized copper-plated brass snap hardware for a snap-front closure is mighty useful, at least in my experience, while its zipper is finished off with a leather pull tab for a dash of utility and eye-catching good looks.

Yessir, did Huckberry and Relwen think of everything — or, seemingly everything — in designing the Relwen Quilted Thermal Tanker? Color me impressed, I’d say, as wrist snaps finish things off for a perfectly tailored, customizable fit.

The only thing better might be layering up with a Relwen thermal shirt or long-sleeve polo, both options which work as seamlessly at the beer bar as they do on the road or on a cabin front porch. You’ve got options in spades thanks to the Huckberry fall gear lineup on deck right now, this handsome Relwen jacket very much included — as ever, we’ll see you out there, my friends.

The Friday Find: FRET12 Makes Some of the Coolest Gear and Garb For Music Lovers (And More)

Fret12 Chicago review.

There are certain pairings in the universe — yes, the universe — that go together well without even a second thought. An icy cold beer at an indie rock show, the perfect pair of boots alongside classic blue jeans, a chambray shirt and, well, another cold beer at an indie rock show — at least, that’s my outlook on the world.

What about a brand bringing a dash of that same sentiment and forward-thinking outlook together in one community, both online and IRL? A lofty goal and moment to meet, but Chicago’s FRET12 talks the talk and walks the walk — an ideal brand to dive into ahead of the weekend, right?

Founded in 2008 by Dan Tremonti, the brother of Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti, the company takes an ingenious approach to live music and culture — spurred on by the inventive and utterly fun “String Thing,” a found-art type of object that takes old, broken guitar strings and transforms them into lively action figures of sorts.

Chicago’s FRET12 does oh-so-much-more than that (which you can read about in my latest CoolMaterial feature on the brand!), including crafting a seriously cool, rugged lineup of the best gear and menswear for guys out there like you and me. The company also specializes in all sorts of music gear and emphemera, and if ever you get the chance to trek to the Windy City, a visit to the FRET12 space at acclaimed Chicago music venue The Salt Shed is very much recommended.

But back to that lineup of rock n’roll-inspired menswear. Take the FRET12 Studio Shirt, the kind of handsome denim or chambray shirt that wouldn’t look out of place on the back of one of your favorite guitarists (Aaron Dessner, anyone?).

It’s designed, cut and hand-sewn in Chicago from 100 percent cotton, and serves as the perfect complementary piece alongside, say, your favorite pair of black jeans and some trusty tan leather boots (feel free to mix and match, people!). I’ve gotten plentyof mileage wearing it alongside dark blue jeans at a music festival as well as alongside chino shorts in hotter temperatures.

Yessir, it’s a new staple in my rotation, but beyond that, Chicago’s FRET12 is an inspiring brand taking on a bit of everything at the intersection of rock music, craftsmanship, menswear and more (keep an eye out for collaborations with the likes of Huckberry, for good measure). This certainly isn’t the last time you’ll be hearing about FRET12 — plug in, score a new shirt in the meantime, and embrace the power of great gear and great rock n’roll, my friends.

The Sunday Sale: These Rhodes Footwear Vibram Wedge Boots from Huckberry a Dependable Fall Footwear Move

Huckberry men's boots review.

Are you sick of talking about the best boots for men yet? I’d surely hope not, as fall presents prime opportunuties aplenty for lacing up and stepping into downright rugged, essential men’s footwear, as useful in the garage or the shop as they are in the yard or out far afield.

Perhaps the best boots for men are merely a pair you need as you strive to build the perfect bonfire and then admire your handiwork — either way, they can stand up to wind, rain, fall leaves and debris while also wearing stylishly with your favorite pair of blue jeans off the clock.

Let’s get even more specific: The selection of men’s boots at Huckberry has long been positively outstanding, running the gamut from sleek suede chukka boots to durable moc toe boots and the handsome Rhodes Footwear Vibram Wedge Boots shown above.

It gets even better once you know your new favorite boots are on sale at Huckberry right now for a rather impressive 40 percent off — that adage we always talk about on this menswear blog about striking while the iron is hot certainly comes into play here.

The goods are certainly delivered and then some, as Huckberry’s own Rhodes Footwear takes classic silhouettes, like the lace-up work boot, the chukka boot or the plain-toe dress boot, and livens them up with premium footwear construction hailing from Leon, Mexico, arguably a hotbed for crafting some of the finest footwear for men on the plane.

The hard-wearing Rhodes Footwear Vibram Wedge Boots feature chestnut suede (be sure to treat them with waterproof suede protector), but the real winner here in matters of constructing some of the best boots for men is the use of that anti-slip, deep-lug Vibram 2060 outsole for sturdy performance, from cobblestone streets to the yard and back.

With a profile that can be dressed up slightly with olive chinos or worn in more rugged fashion with canvas work pants, the Rhodes Footwear Vibram Wedge Boots are also built out with features like bovine and suede leather lining for breathability and comfort that molds to your foot over time, right out of the box.

Huckberry notes the utterly stylish, classic Rhodes Footwear Vibram Wedge Boots also feature an anti-shock EVA foam midsole for added rebound and support. And at a price like that — under $170, marked down from $268 — you’re adding an ideal blend of style, savings and performance to your wardrobe. You can’t beat that from Huckberry now, can ya, my friends?

Style Pick of the Week: Thursday Boots Captain Boots – Fresh Fall Footwear, Guaranteed

Don’t underestimate the long-running classics (or rather, modern classics) in your menswear rotation, particularly as you build your next #OOTD from the ground up by leaning on a pair of the best boots for men. And in the way of modern classics, you might say that there’s not a men’s footwear brand out there that’s made more waves — at least on a large scale — than New York City-founded, New York City-based Thursday Boots.

Thursday Boots

Founded more than a decade ago by friends who first conducted IRL boot fittings, long before they had their own shop or warehouse, the company is now certainly impressive in its range, from chukka boots to Chelsea boots to lace-up dress boots, not to mention handsome leather sneakers and a gorgeous lineup of leather jackets.

Yessir, Thursday Boots has come a long way since I first wore the brand back in Brooklyn about 11 years ago, and I’ve certainly put one of the best men’s boot brands to the test in plentiful style situations, from rock concerts to distillery visits to global travels.

It all tends to come back around, and a pair like the OG Thursday Boots Captain Boots can speak to both modern style and the company’s evolution — lofty praise though that might be, there might not be a better combination of high-quality construction, durable materials and fair pricing than what the team dreams up to this day.

Thursday Boots men's boots.

And what the team has dreamed up is certainly dynamic, formidable, fashionable and functional across a wide range of silhouettes, an expansion from years past. There’s the captoe design of the Captain Boots, the crisp plain-toe lace-up construction of the Thursday Boots President Boots, the combat boot-esque appeal of the Captain StormKing Boots, the hard-wearing moc toe design of the Diplomat Boots and even dressy wingtip boots.

Toss in the handsome and ultra-premium Black Label Challenger lineup, and there’s assuredly a pair of Thursday Boots men’s boots out there for every sense of taste and style — and that only covers lace-up varieties.

With your new favorite boot brand (or perhaps, old favorite boot brand!), the fun certainly keeps going, and that extends to warm-weather-friendly sneakers, traditional loafers and boat shoes, and a wide array of outerwear, from the classic denim jacket to the edgy moto jacket.

The Thursday Boots Captain Boots are as straightforward and stylish as it gets, featuring Rugged and Resilient leather — among a dizzying array of leather construction options — plus Goodyear welted construction. The glove leather interior is supple and easy to break in right out of the box, and the shock-absorbing insole design acts as intended.

The studded rubber outsole is a durable design feature that’s proven a favorite of mine, while the use of Kevlar blend laces takes durability to another level. Better still is the fact that your selection of most any pair of Thursday Boots for men will lend itself to an eye-catching, personable patina over time.

Yes indeed, if you’ve yet to try the utterly impressive Thursday Boots Captain Boots — or any other pair on offer from the fan-favorite brand — now’s an ideal time to retool your foowear lineup for fall. Expect much more to come on Thursday Boots in the season ahead.

The Friday Find: Triple Aught Design Is Perfecting the Base Layer with the Traverse Merino Henley

We can’t all be so lucky to go as far afield as our intrepid explorer in the photo above, but when the opportunity comes to get out in the field — be it a weekend camping jaunt or a cabin getaway — you’d better be prepared with the proper gear.

Your selection of waxed outerwear and flannel shirt jackets go a long way towards filling out your go-bag with the best fall style essentials, as does starting from your base layer and working up. And for the proper blend of technical performance and rugged good looks, San Francisco performance brand Triple Aught Design is as worthy of discovery as any.

It’s a brand we’ve talked about before in past Triple Aught Design reviews on this blog, blending durable, technical specs with classic silhouettes the timeless henley shirt shown here. The Triple Aught Design Traverse Merino Henley takes an outdoor-ready staple and updates it with modern fabric fit for day hikes, long weekends and days on the road — much like the rest of its reliable gear lineup, of course.

The key is the company’s Active Merino fabric, which makes use of an 89% merino wool and 11% nylon jersey blend, wicking away moisture while drying quickly and regulating your temperature between hot and cold based on the environment at hand. The details are also carefully considered for maximum range of motion and optimal coverage, from the low mock-neck design to single-panel underarm construction for increased mobility.

Best henleys for men to wear this fall.

The company’s signature TAD slotted buttons are an ingenious and durable touch, while the fabric itself is naturally odor-resistant and the close-fitting design is made for active pursuits.

The modern explorer certainly remains top of mind as Triple Aught Design puts remarkable care into this rugged, useful henley, the kind you can wear underneath a denim jacket at your corner bar or as a hike-ready solo or base layer out in the wilds this autumn. If I had to guess, I’d say the Triple Aught Design Traverse Merino Henley can stand up to just about anything you put it through.

The Tuesday Steal: Save Big on this Rugged Barn Jacket from Flint and Tinder and Huckberry

The deals on the best fall style essentials that are too good to pass up, well, those are the kind of deals we love to see this time of year, aren’t they, my friends? And when you can score a deal on rugged gear from the likes of Huckberry and iconic in-house brand Flint and Tinder, that’s all the better as you round out your rotation of the best jackets for men.

Today’s stylish selection certainly fits the below for the height of shoulder season, featuring all the chops you require for dependable days on the road, at the cabin, strolling by a lake under the fall foliage, or getting things done in the garage.

Yessir, the Flint and Tinder Mason Canvas Barn Jacket checks the right boxes, at least in my experience, boasting hard-wearing stretch canvas that the good folks at Huckberry reinforced with triple-needle stitching at key stress points. Of course, you can count on Huckberry to get the little things right, and it’s helpful to note that more than a dozen reviews give it a nearly five-star rating — again, trust Huckberry to know what its customers want, folks.

There’s much to love beyond that though as far as the details are concerned, with a corduroy collar for classic good looks and warmth, plus style inspiration in spades hailing from old-school ranching and hunting coats.

In fact, Huckberry perhaps says it best, noting that “the result is a jacket that’s built to move, layer easily, and earns a patina like the toughest workwear.” And now, the fact that this Huckberry workwear jacket is marked down below $130 makes it a mighty fine wardrobe addition indeed.

The classic Khaki color is especiallyy appealing, complete with a contrasting corduroy collar for good looks aplenty. Plus, rivets at both the chest and hip pockets bolster the utility of this handsome coat, while a flap patch chest pocket amps up your everyday carry storage potential even further. Roll it altogether and you’ve got a jacket fit for work or play indeed, my friends. Isn’t that what fall style is all about?

See Now, Buy Now: The Criquet Shirts Corduroy Quilted Shacket Is Back in Stock This Autumn

Criquet Shirts corduroy shacket review.

We’ve been saying it now for weeks, but it’s high time we toasted the season once again, embraced the many whims of fall and fall style essentials, and properly layered up for the season at hand. If you can feel it in the air, then it’s about time you met the moment accordingly — and I think I know just where to turn today, at least as far as what might possibly become your new favorite shirt jacket goes.

Austin-based Criquet Shirts, purveyors of utterly classic polo shirts first and foremost, have long been expanding into areas of your wardrobe fit for the colder months. And while its polos look like something Arnold Palmer might have worn — in the best way possible — its autumnal gear takes on a more rugged, yet no less vintage-inspired, tint.

The Criquet Shirts Corduroy Quilted Shacket is as fine an example of this as any, merging two Criquet brand favorites (the Western-tinged Corduroy Pearl Snap Shirt and the company’s cozy Quilted Shacket). It’s all the better for it, as is your wardrobe.

A nylon interior lining delivers structure while recycled polyester makes up the fill of this handsome shacket itself, with Criquet calling the blend between a shirt and a jacket a “melting pot of old-school swagger and high quality materials.” Sounds pretty darn pleasing for your wardrobe, ehh?

The pearl snap buttons remain the same, while a slightly roomier fit lets you layer this dependable shirt jacket atop, perhaps, another one of your favorite shirts from Criquet.

Those options are plentiful, of course, as are the colors and patterns in which you can snag the corduroy quilted shacket itself. Look for earth tones like Pinecone or Camel, or else a crisp, Dressy Blue Plaid variety. Each variation also wears well with dark denim or classic chinos in a corresponding shade, of course, as you might know from past Criquet Shirts reviews on this very blog.

And as our finely dressed fella above shows, this reliable shirt jacket is fit for the road, with just a bit of storage space in what Criquet calls its signature pocket.

The details and colorways are on point, the fit should prove prime for seasonal layering, the corduroy exterior and polyester fill interior should deliver classic comfort … what more do you need from your favorite new autumnal layer? Not too much, my friends. Not too much, at all.

See Now, Buy Now: You Can Wear this Taylor Stitch Double Knit Sweater Anywhere This Season

The Double Knit Sweater in Charcoal | Taylor Stitch

There are certain times this fall (and this holiday season) when you’re going to want to go more casual — lounging around on a weekend, catching up on afternoon football — and certain times when you’re going to want to step things up a notch. This is where one of the best men’s sweaters, a sweater you truly can wear anywhere at all, comes into play. It’s the simply named, highly effective and always stylish Taylor Stitch Double Knit Sweater, made with an innovative fabric blend built to go the distance. It’s here, crucially, just in time for all those instances when you need a layer you can rock with anything, and for when you need a layer that can sometimes pull double duty (as in, wear this Taylor Stitch sweater to Thanksgiving dinner, then wear it the next day with some Taylor Stitch sweats for digital Black Friday shopping).

Sound too good to be true? Well, we’re talking about Taylor Stitch after all, San Francisco-based purveyors of everything from the best fall weekend pants to one of the most rugged flannel shirts on the market. They’ve perfected the art of versatile, slightly rugged and plenty classic menswear, and this double knit sweater (more on the fabric blend in a moment) is certainly no exception to that rule.

The Double Knit Sweater in Forest - Classic Men's Clothing

As crazy as it might seem, the Taylor Stitch Double Knit Sweater really is like no other sweater out there, and it comes down to the care with which the brand has built this investment-level sweater. It retails for $188, but when you consider how it’s made, you’ll understand. You see, Taylor Stitch used a blend of wool and cotton, plus rayon, poly and spandex, to deliver a classic-looking crewneck sweater that’s actually more innovative than you might expect at first glance. The interior uses viscose and polyester for a finish that’s smooth, not scratchy, meaning you could likely wear the Taylor Stitch Double Knit Sweater atop a short-sleeve T-shirt (perhaps the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee) if absolutely needed.

And on the outside, the Taylor Stitch Double Knit Sweater uses a ribbed collar and cuffs to keep the fit trim and clean, plus a blend of wool and cotton for warmth. You can certainly layer this shirt atop one of Taylor Stitch’s shirts for a crisp, office or holiday-party look. But because this is Taylor Stitch here, this subtly stylish sweater won’t look out of place with tailored joggers for casual weekend days aplenty. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but the Taylor Stitch Double Knit Sweater really is one of the most solid sweaters you can snag right now, and in any color (pick from Forest, British Khaki or Charcoal). Happy layering, my friends, and thanks for reading!

The List: Start Your Week with the Best Men’s Style, Beer and Whiskey For Fall

A dependable and pleasingly rugged jacket for fall.

My friends, do you feel that slight chill in the air? The call of fall, the promise of (socially distanced) adventures and of course, the need for the best men’s gear for fall? It’s all ahead of us yet, and if you’ve not yet made plans for a getaway or a slight change of scenery, perhaps these forward-thinking picks — from a dependable Relwen jacket to a classic waxed chore coat — will be enough to reset your approach and get you thinking beyond the comforts of home this season. I know that’s where my mind has started to wander, so if you feel the same way, you best check out my favorite fall style picks below. Oh, and be sure to catch me on Instagram to see how I’m dressing for fall. Cheers to the season, my friends.

Relwen Quilted Tanker Jacket — $298

Relwen Quilted Tanker

Be prepared to layer up right now with your new favorite jacket for fall.

For layering up on the road and at home this season, you need one of the best quilted jackets from a brand you can assuredly trust: Relwen. With military heritage and top-notch performance at the forefront, this rugged fall jacket is one of the season’s best.

Oliver Cabell Wilson Waxed Rustic Boots — $268

The coolest leather boots for fall? Yes, quite possibly.

The best companion alongside a rugged fall jacket has got to be some equally rugged fall boots, like this premium pair of leather boots from the good folks at Oliver Cabell. Lace ’em up accordingly, my friends.

Everlane Slim-Fit Black Jeans — $68

Everlane Slim Fit Jeans

Sleek black jeans that’ll wear exceptionally well with the best men’s style essentials for fall.

Outfit yourself accordingly for fall with sleek, slim black jeans available at a highly agreeable price from one of the best men’s retailers around. Affordability, transparency and sustainability are the way to go this fall, folks.

Filson Mile Marker Coat — $219 via UNCRATE

Another reliable, unstoppably cool jacket for fall.

Get a discount on one of the best men’s jackets for fall over at UNCRATE, and then use it well. This Filson Mile Marker Coat, made from an easy-to-layer waxed canvas, is the stuff of legend, and of your own fall adventures.

Paulaner Oktoberfest Bier — $10.99 (Six-Pack) via Drizly

Paulaner Oktoberfest

Get one of fall’s best beers here.

‘Tis the season to get an Oktoberfest six-pack delivered right to your door via Drizly, quicker than you can say “Cheers!” — is it not? Paulaner plays a huge role in the real-life Oktoberfest, so I’d say you should bring some of that flavor home this fall. Agreed?

Todd Snyder Brushed Cotton Cashmere Shirt — $178

Brushed Cotton Cashmere Twill Shirt in Grey

An incredibly well-made, luxurious twill shirt to wear all fall from Todd Snyder.

How about this luxurious men’s shirt for the fall season, ideally paired up alongside a fresh Oktoberfest beer and some Oliver Cabell boots, ehh? That’s as great a combo for the season as any, and this just might be one of the best men’s shirts for fall on the market

Alex Mill Sueded Jersey Henley — $65

Best men's henleys

A rugged henley made for layering or wearing all on its own for fall.

For all your fall weekend layering needs, consider one of the best men’s henleys for, well, pretty much any occasion. The Alex Mill Jersey Henley (a new offering at Huckberry) looks great on its own, and even better when layered under your favorite denim trucker jacket.

Buck Mason Brushed Loopback Trousers — $85

Buck Mason - Faded Black Venice Wash Brushed Loopback Trouser

Casual, comfortable, cool men’s pants for a seasonal weekend.

Cozy comfort mixed with polished style is everything during these days at home, and the Buck Mason Brushed Loopback Trousers combine the look of your favorite chinos with warm, comfortable and easygoing fabric. Call ’em the best men’s pants for fall.

Filson Field Flannel Shirt — $98

Filson Field Flannel Shirt

One of the most dependable men’s shirts for fall, no question.

For when you want to look great without overthinking it, throw on a rugged Filson shirt and call it good. The Filson Field Flannel Shirt looks great when worn around the bonfire, grabbing to-go beers or putting on another pot of coffee. That makes it one of the best men’s shirts around, in my estimation.

Patagonia Iron Forge Canvas Five-Pocket Pants — $75

Patagonia Iron Forge Pants

Rugged, abrasion-resistant pants for the great outdoors and casual style situations aplenty.

Alright, let’s talk about some of the best men’s pants to team up with your Filson Field Flannel Shirt (and plenty of other picks on this list, too). The Iron Forge Canvas Five-Pocket Pants from Patagonia assuredly offer critical fall style and performance, friends.

HELM Boots Cole Sneakers — $225

HELM Cole Sneakers

Some new favorite sneakers from a favorite boots brand — not bad, ehh?

We’ve talked about the HELM Boots Cole Sneakers before on the blog, and if you recall that conversation, you’ll recall that one of your favorite boot brands is now making some outdoor-ready sneakers. These leather sneakers channel hiking-inspired style and performance with rugged good looks.

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket — $188

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket

You won’t find a better fall layer than this one from Taylor Stitch.

The hits keep rolling when it comes to the best men’s jackets as produced by Taylor Stitch (who else??). The Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is a versatile stunner, easy to pair up with indigo denim or grey chinos — alongside Taylor Stitch boots — to deliver impeccable fall style.

Mott and Bow Slim Mosco Jeans — $96

Mott and Bow jeans

Cool, razor-sharp slim blue jeans from an excellent NYC retailer.

For fall and beyond, get some classic dark blue denim from Mott and Bow, a retailer you can trust when it comes to making some of the best men’s jeans (as you should well know from reading the blog!).

Rustico 5-Year Journal — $72

Rustico Travel Journal

A rugged and durable leather journal to bring with you on your fall travels.

Now that you’ve got the right fall outerwear like the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket  at the ready, it’s time to amp up your everyday carry essentials with this handsome leather journal from Rustico.

Pappy Van Winkle The Pappy Kit — $82 via Cool Material

The Pappy Kit

A fitting trio of Pappy Van Winkle essentials from Cool Material.

How covetable is Pappy Van Winkle whiskey? Very, very covetable indeed. This Pappy Kit as sold by Cool Material gives you just a little taste of the world’s best whiskey, via bourbon barrel-aged pepper sauce, brittle and maple syrup. Snap it ASAP.

Pappy Van Winkle’s 15-Year Family Reserve Whiskey — $1,429

Well, because I mentioned Pappy Van Winkle whiskey, why don’t we go ahead and have a little fun with it, ehh? Are you investing a pretty penny into getting your hands on some of the most hyped whiskey in the world? Yes, you sure are. Is this incredible whiskey from Pappy Van Winkle going to delight you and your family for years? Assuredly. Savor it now, folks.

Well, that visually stunning final note on Pappy Van Winkle whiskey brings another edition of The List to a fitting close. If you ask me, there are plenty of incredibly enviable, stylish essential men’s gear picks in today’s post, from some of the best men’s jeans to the Filson Field Flannel Shirt, to name just a few starters. I’m also a huge fan of the Iron Forge Canvas Five-Pocket Pants from Patagonia for fall adventures, not to mention the expertly crafted Filson Mile Marker Coat and the HELM Boots Cole Sneakers. If I had my way, I’d be able to add all of these picks into my wardrobe in a fall (with a spot of whiskey from Pappy Van Winkle to go along with it). But hey, a guy can dream. If you’ve got a surefire favorite from the above picks, let me know on Twitter or give me a shout in the comments below. Thanks for reading, folks!

 

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