Tag / best fall style for guys

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Rugged Overshirt This Fall

This week’s #OOTD fun on The Style Guide continues in fine fashion — or should I say, fall fashion? That’s right — we’re truly starting to get into rugged fall style on the blog, from the menswear to wear on a fall trip to today’s focus: How to wear a rugged overshirt this season.  The overshirt — particular a stylish Taylor Stitch overshirt as featured today — is as versatile a #menswear layering weapon as you’ve got in your fall style arsenal. Namely, it can function as both a shirt … and a jacket. For those days and nights when it’s not cold enough for a heavier top layer, an overshirt can pull double duty. Feel free to layer it over a slim striped henley or toss it on over another shirt — say, an American-made Oxford. Made with the right fabric (like the Japanese selvedge cotton found on the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket seen here), it’s going to provide warmth from the chill and earn you major style points at the same time. You’ll notice some other fall style touches, including stylish (yet tough!) Danner hiking boots and a classic field watch. This look is casual enough to fit in at an outdoor concert, it’s durable and rugged enough to wear to a fall tailgate … basically, a rugged overshirt is your ticket to versatile, casual style this season. Want more style tips? Follow me on Instagram. And let me know what you think of the below #OOTD in the comments below!

Rugged fall style

Classically rugged fall style — essential for a tailgate, a bonfire or a day trip. Gotta love the rugged Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket as seen here.

The Overshirt: Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket in Sea Washed Indigo, $118  (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post) — Ahh yes, the well-made, well-crafted and exceptionally stylish rugged overshirt we discussed earlier.  This Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket features selvedge detailing and a modern fit.

The Henley: Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley, $125 — What are you layering under your Taylor Stitch overshirt? A rugged Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley, of course. The stripes add visual interest, and the merino wool adds breathability and classic fall style.

The Denim: DSTLD Slim Jeans in Charcoal Overdye, $85 — You could certainly throw on a pair of classic dark denim for monochromatic style, but these slim charcoal jeans from direct-to-consumer Los Angeles brand DSTLD offer a neat contrast in terms of color and texture.

The Boots:  Danner Vertigo 917 Boots, $220 — Now, you could easily swap in a pair of stylish leather sneakers here, yet these hybrid hiking boots from Danner convey both rugged style and functionality — a wise bet if you end up on your feet for longer than expected (perhaps an Octoberfest bar crawl, ehh?).

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — We always say that the little details make the difference here at The Style Guide, and this tough leather belt from Sturdy Brothers gets those details right.

The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks (Three-pack) — $24 — If you read this blog regularly, you recognize the name Arvin Goods — the brand makes functional, understated socks at a great price. These affordable crew socks should team nicely with your Danner hiking boots.
The Watch: Momentum Watches Flatline 42 Fabric Watch, $164.98 — When your outfit is filled with adventure-ready pieces, it makes sense to grab a classic field watch. The Flatine 42 Fabric Watch from Momentum Watches gives you the durability and style you need.
The Fall Essential: Knight Co. Complete Moisturizer, $24 — Don’t overlook the importance of keeping your grooming game tuned up through the fall months — especially as colder weather descends. The Knight Co. Complete Moisturizer should prove both premium and quite helpful with that goal.

As October approaches and crisp weather rolls into town, I’d say you surely need a rugged layering piece with plenty of potential — the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket is going to be your ticket to essential fall style. From craft beer festivals to weekend coffee trips and perhaps a stylish fall weekend trip, there’s little that the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket can’t do. Particularly when layered up with a rugged striped henley — also from Taylor Stitch — you’re going to be set for fall weekends aplenty. Charcoal denim from DSTLD is a nice way to mix things up visually, while the Danner Vertigo 917 Boots offer both comfort and durability for all-day style. And with its subtly fashionable design and tough construction, the Flatine 42 Fabric Watch is the ideal casual men’s watch to offset this ensemble. Of course, no outfit is complete without taking care of your men’s grooming essentials — who else needs that Knight Co. moisturizer in their medicine cabinet? At any rate, I hope this #OOTD gets you thinking when it comes to rugged fall style. Who’s ready for the season? I sure am!

Thanks for reading and cheers,

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Huckberry Chukka

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.

A much-needed way to ease the transition from summer to fall -- a great-looking chukka sneaker.

A much-needed way to ease the transition from summer to fall — a great-looking chukka sneaker.

So, if you’re a discerning #menswear fan like this guy over here, you’ve likely been thinking about the process of shelving your spring and summer sneakers — if you’re not already there, that is. If you’ve been reaching for your white canvas sneakers as it gets colder and colder, it might just be time to give ’em up (I know, I know — it’s difficult). But rest assured — The Style Guide is here with just the solution for you. And that solution happens to be an easily wearable, essential fall sneaker from the folks behind SeaVees and Huckberry — that would be the SeaVees Huckberry Chukka, to be exact (cue fireworks). Yes, this meeting of the minds is pretty sharp — to say the least. And it just makes sense, when you think about it. There’s no question that the good folks at Huckberry get it right when it comes to all things men’s lifestyle, and the team at SeaVees makes classic, crisp and versatile sneakers for all occasions. So lest you worry about wearing boots for days and weeks (and months) on end, the SeaVees Huckberry Chukka is here to solve those menswear woes. In fact, you should probably snap this pair up right this second — under $100 is about as solid as it gets for a well-designed, durable fall sneaker.
Frank & Oak

Available exclusively at Huckberry  — a pretty neat thing in and of itself — the SeaVees Huckberry Chukka has plenty going for it. As the Huckberry folks put it, the resulting sneaker puts a “California casual twist” on the classic chukka silhouette. Made from duck canvas in a neat sand colorway, this thing is durable, tough and versatile. The vulcanized gum rubber sole is yet another point of differentiation from the classic chukka, in a good way. It’s an excellent hybrid style finished off with leather laces and brass-reinforced eyelets — touches not seen on many sneakers. Those two additions make it feel a little more premium than a lightweight summer sneaker — it’s an elevated combination that’s practically begging to be paired with a fall blazer and a rugged henley for a cool-casual office look. Heck, wear them with an unstructured navy blazer, a blue Oxford and flannel trousers while you’re at it. Don’t forget an essential shawl cardigan, either. And the rest of the time? Wear them with nearly anything and everything. There might not be a better pair of fall sneakers on the market — the higher chukka-style cut gives them a more substantial look, meaning they can stand up to tough selvedge denim and a rugged chore coat with relative ease. Plus, the duck canvas and gum rubber sole are ready to crunch some leaves, hike a few trails and grab a brew as you watch a football game — seriously. That’s a heck of a lot of shoe — and a heck of a lot of fall style — for $98. With all that going for it, it’s more than worth it to pick up the SeaVees Huckberry Chukka.

So, let me know on Twitter … (say, sometime tomorrow?) if you pick these guys up. We’ll see you with a new post on Monday, folks.

-Beau

Get SeaVees Huckberry Chukka sneaker now at Huckberry.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: US Authentic Baron Leather Jacket

Editor’s note: Thank you to US Authentic for kindly sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own. To see other Style Picks, head here.

Set for the season with my U.S. Authentic Baron Jacket. Denim Shirt by JackThreads. Slim selvedge denim by Raleigh Denim Workshop. Greer Wingtip Boots by Johnston & Murphy. Sunglasses and timepiece by MVMT Watches.

Set for the season with my U.S. Authentic Baron Jacket. Denim Shirt by JackThreads. Slim selvedge denim by Raleigh Denim Workshop. Greer Wingtip Boots by Johnston & Murphy. Sunglasses and timepiece by MVMT Watches.

When the calendar turns — ever so slowly — from the heat of summer to the crisp breeze of fall, I start to get excited. If you’ve been reading The Style Guide, you know that fall is an essential time for fans of rugged menswear — it’s the perfect time to break out those trusty leather boots, slip into some sturdy selvedge denim and relish the chance to tie it all together with great outerwear — like a classic leather jacket. That’s certainly the case with today’s Style Pick of the Week, and it’s fitting that I’ve teamed up with US Authentic to showcase how I get ready for fall. Not familiar with the brand? Start learning — these jackets are perfect for the months to come. The season is a time of transitions that calls for classic style and added layers to fight the cold, plus a dash of durable appeal. In that regard, US Authentic leather jackets incorporate everything you could want and then some. They’re packed with heritage inspiration, high-quality materials and a rugged-refined feel. That’s absolutely true of the Baron, an A-1 jacket that manages to capture vintage vibes and modern style all at once. The brand takes a similar approach with other silhouettes, including an A-2 flight jacket and a bomber jacket, but the Baron was my pick — and for good reason.

The Baron is built to authentic specs, just like the old days — that means vintage goatskin leather, a 100 percent cotton lining and sturdy 100 percent wool rib knitting at the collar, cuffs and waistband. The jacket’s materials are true to the World War II era, and you can definitely feel it — the Baron is sturdy, durable and yet slim-fitting and timeless. The rich brown leather color and dark brown wool cuffs fit right in with the deeper tones of fall. too. This is certainly a jacket you’re going to get a lot of use out of in the season ahead (and well beyond). I’d suggest styling it much as I did — with a rough-and-tumble denim shirt, sturdy selvedge and your favorite pair of wingtip boots — and then heading out to explore a park or grab a coffee. Of course, a classic jacket like the Baron can be complemented nicely with flight-inspired accessories like stylish Aviator sunglasses. The rest of the time, I’d suggest you stick with similarly retro-inspired style — pair the Baron with a durable long-sleeve henley, sharp chukka boots and slim denim (and if I were you, I’d look out for a very similar #OOTD next week). Seriously, the timeless style of the Baron  really can’t be topped — you’re getting a piece of outerwear modeled on a classic silhouette, with the specs to back it up. Heck, you could wear this jacket every day for months on end. That’s investment-worthy style at its finest. Are you ready for fall yet? I sure am.

Pick up the Baron here, and follow US Authentic on Instagram.

by Beau H.

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?

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New York Fashion Week, Sunlit Youth and Fall Style Wishes

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.  

As every week draws to a close, it’s pretty fun to carve out some time to write these posts — sometimes, that time is pretty short (those Effortless Gent features don’t write themselves), and other times, there’s a bit more room for introspection. I often like to put on some music as I write, and for about the past week, that’s consisted of “Sunlit Youth,” the fantastic new album from the fantastic indie rock band Local Natives. But what’s that got to do with menswear, you might ask? Well, those guys dress in laidback, minimal California cool garb, for one (wink, wink). And number two — well, it’s just a plain beautiful record, and it’s got me looking forward to a Northeast trip to see their Providence show, wherein we’ll have a full travel style post next month. See, there’s the tie-in! At any rate, records like that are works of art, and worth your time, too — much like some excellent menswear, yes? And it’s music that’s so far colored my week — for the better, by far (personal favorites include the soaring “Past Lives,” the hopeful and lilting “Coins” and the determined drive of tracks like “Psycho Lovers” and “Mother Emanuel”). But again, I’m just one guy. If you fancy spinning that record while you catch up on the below men’s style stories, give it a go. I guarantee it’ll be a perfect start to your weekend.

  • With a new season comes the chance to buy and try out some new menswear — why not start with something supremely stylish, like this standout double-breasted camel wool suit from Banana Republic? It’s part of the brand’s new line of seasonal essentials featuring NBA All-Star Kevin Love, who cleans up pretty nicely in a variety of tailored looks from the brand. And if he can find a suit that fits him the right way, so too can you. Right?
  • If you’ve been itching for a change in seasons, much like I have, this week’s Fall Style Wish List at the ole’ Style Guide should set you right. Personal favorites — besides all of ’em — include that gorgeous Flint & Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket. Who’s ready for fall yet??
  • While we’re out here talking about the change in seasons, the folks at Taylor Stitch are making gear to suit your needs for now and beyond. The Taylor Stitch Summit Sweater is what we’re talking about, and in either a marled red or navy color, it’s the perfect weight for layering up with a classic chambray shirt — so says Well-Spent, anyways.
  • Elsewhere in NYC, it was New York Fashion Week, which did feature a decent helping of men’s style in addition to dozens upon dozens (upon dozens) of women’s fashion shows — for one, the J. Crew Spring 2017 menswear presentation did a fine job at showcasing what the brand does best, which would  be breezy, wearable clothes for the modern man.

Want one last story to read before getting back to work?

  • Speaking of Flint & Tinder, the brand is on a serious push when it comes to stellar fall menswear that’ll last and last. Slim henleys in marled fabrics, that beautiful waxed trucker jacket and even some sharp denim — it’s all up for the taking. Read more about it at The Manual, and again — shop the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket ASAP; you can also snag the rest of the line at Huckberry.

That’s it for the above Friday Read, ya dig? Now, back to another spin of “Sunlit Youth”…. right?

Stay stylish and keep your eyes open,

-Beau
Huckberry

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

by Beau H.

#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

by Beau H.

Fall 2016 Style Wish List

Editor’s note: For other seasonal style wish lists, click here.

Can you believe it’s (nearly) here already? Fall? Me neither. As always seems to come up with these seasonal style wish list posts, it feels as if I just sat down to write the last one — did you manage to pick up everything from your spring style wish list, while we’re at it? Making what can feel like the rather abrupt transition from style built for the heat of summer to style geared toward cooler climes is a luxury for some of us, but it can be just as much of a struggle if you’re looking to add transitional pieces to your wardrobe. And of course, it might still be a bit warm in your area. But fall is coming, and we’ll get to that in the coming weeks. For now, we’re still in Wish List mode here at The Style Guide. So, the below pieces are picked (sometimes) with budget in mind, but they more likely represent the best of fall style out there — according to this #menswear editor, that is. That means we’re looking for pieces that more often than not exude rugged, versatile and exemplary fall style — it’s a time for crisp breezes, crunching leaves, walks in the park, some football-viewing and beer-drinking … it’s, in short, the most wonderful time of the year (wink, wink). Don’t believe me? Read on for the below Style Wish List picks, and follow along on Instagram for more transitional style inspiration — you won’t be let down, promise!

#1. Flint & Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket — $198

A durable new piece of outerwear that's built for darn-near anything.

A durable new piece of outerwear that’s built for darn-near anything.

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls — step right up, because the good folks at Flint & Tinder have done it again with this stunning waxed trucker jacket. The makers of your favorite domestically produced boxer briefs and a stupendously great hoodie have really outdone themselves this time with a beautiful piece of outerwear that’s practically tailor made for fall. The Whiskey color is rich and should look great with dark denim and a rugged henley, and the herringbone flannel lining should keep you nice and warm through all sorts of fall festivities. Feel free to rock this guy into winter, too — the Martexin 7oz. waxed sail cloth can handle a little inclement weather.

#2. Todd Shelton Classic White Oxford — $200

The ideal Oxford to offset the ideal fall jacket -- right?

The ideal Oxford to offset the ideal fall jacket — right?

This Oxford shirt right here is another Wish List-worthy piece, if only based on price alone. Every guy needs an essential Oxford shirt in his closet — we’re talking one that pairs with everything from chinos and crisp white sneakers in the summer to that durable waxed trucker jacket in the fall. Well, this Oxford fits that bill beautifully. It’s made from a substantial but breathable 100/2 ply cotton (that’s two fine yarns twisted together), and the made-in-America construction and customizable fit are huge bonuses to a piece that’s investment-worthy in every sense of the word. It’s a great piece year-round, but it would add an extra touch of crisp refinement to your favorite fall style essentials, like a shawl cardigan and sturdy dark denim.

#3. Johnston & Murphy Eldredge Wingtip Boot — $275

Italian-made leather wingtip boots that you won't want to take off? Sign me up.

Italian-made leather wingtip boots that you won’t want to take off? Sign me up.

From my recent travels to Michigan to  a Labor Day weekend in Asbury Park, Johnston & Murphy has certainly won over this style writer for blending comfort, quality and affordability. With that spirit in mind, it’s easy to see why a dependable, durable-looking and just plain handsome pair of wingtip boots makes the cut on this list.  Handcrafted in Italy, these tan calfskin leather boots are the ideal mix of rugged and refined, able to add a bit of flair to faded grey denim or a pair of slim wool trousers — try out either combination from one day to the next if you don’t believe me.  Oh, and don’t forget stylish socks that add a bit of color and comfort, will ya?

#4. Flint & Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley — $62

The answer to your search for the perfect fall henley, made right here in America.

The answer to your search for the perfect fall henley, made right here in America.

Yet another piece from Flint & Tinder on this list? Believe me, the brand’s new fall collection really is that on-point. We here at The Style Guide (ahem *just me*) love a rugged henley, and it looks as if the newest addition to the Flint & Tinder line takes the cake in terms of the designated henley spot on this year’s Fall Style Wish List (only partially kidding). While it’s also available in versatile colors like Navy and Olive, you really can’t go wrong with  a classic white henley. It’s another made-in-America piece that’s going to have you covered for all sorts of style situations, particularly including pairing with a certain tough trucker jacket (can you see a theme here?). Of course, it’ll also set you right for layering under everything from a wool blazer at the office to a navy field jacket at your next rock concert.

#5. M.Gemi Netto Leather Sneakers — $228

Low-top leather sneakers in the fall? If you know how to style them, yes indeed.

Low-top leather sneakers in the fall? If you know how to style them, yes indeed.

Yes, we’re going with another pair of footwear to round out this list (although it was mighty hard to narrow it down to just five!). These sneakers are certainly a worthy Wish List — or wait list — addition, as they’ve sold pretty quickly (that seems to make them even more covetable, however). A pair of rich brown leather sneakers is a pretty underrated style accessory in fall — it’s still sneaker weather, even if at first it might not seem like it. The color of this particular pair makes them as versatile as leather chukka boots — style them with a white Oxford and navy chinos for a high-low office look, or pair them up with a crewneck sweater (and yes, even that waxed trucker jacket) for a dash of slightly dressy weekend style. What are you waiting for? Hop on them before they sell out!

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

Are you fully on-board with the above Fall Style Wish List picks? I certainly hope so. There’s plenty more fall style-centric content to come in the weeks ahead, particularly focused on pieces you’ll love to wear, like leather chukka boots, slim henleys and yes, a trucker jacket or two. If tackling the changing seasons at first feels daunting, look for investment-worthy pieces you can wear across all seven days of the week — dependable boots and a crisp white Oxford should certainly be on your shopping list if you don’t have ’em already, and a reliable long-sleeve henley is a must-buy (at least in the mind of this author). Everyone should splurge — truly — on a staple piece of outerwear that you can wear all season long, and that waxed trucker jacket is Exhibit A. Heck, the longer it takes me to write this post, the more ready for fall I get. If you’re in the same boat, or if you feel I missed any fall style picks, give me a shout on Twitter.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Yeezy Season 4, Bonobos GoodSport and What to Wear During Football Season

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.  

The last time we spoke, we were heading into an action-packed Labor Day weekend and the start of some serious fall style cravings (oh, and college football season). Well, surprise — it’s a week later, and it doesn’t exactly feel like fall around these parts. We’ll keep looking toward everyone’s favorite menswear season next week, with both a Fall Style Wish List and some rugged men’s shopping picks for the season.  For now, we’ve got the shopping picks you need should you still find yourself having to beat the heat — as has been the case for months now, it seems like.  Rest assured that we’ve also got a few choice reads to jumpstart what I hope is a weekend of relaxation, menswear, football and craft beer (or are those just my plans?).  If you’re trekking to a tailgate, here’s what to wear.  If you’re heading to a rock concert, what do you know? Here’s what to wear to a show. And if you just fancy catching up on the week in men’s style news? Read on below.

  • If you stuck your head under a rock earlier this week, you might have missed the relative chaos that was Yeezy Season 4, just ahead of the start of New York Fashion Week. It was inescapable around New York City these past few days, and while I’m not the biggest fan at all of ‘Ye musically or, I guess, personally, the man knows how to command headlines. You decide whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing…
  • Gushing over these pieces is always fun (if slightly depressing in terms of budgetary constraints) — here are the goods the folks at Well-Spent would buy instead of rent this month.
  • Getting to and from the gym with style in mind isn’t always high-priority — but perhaps it should be. Bonobos just launched its GoodSport line of athletic-minded apparel, and GQ is calling ’em the best-fitting gym shorts on the market.

Want more menswear to round out your day?

We’re signing out until Monday, when we’ll deliver the goods on that fall style wish list — check out Instagram for more style snaps along the way, and enjoy the weekend!

-Beau

by Beau H.

What to Wear Today: A Fall-Ready Leather Jacket

Editor’s note: For other What To Wear Today features, head here.

A sold-out style via Taylor Stitch that gets a lot of the details right when it comes to the perfect leather jacket.

A sold-out style via Taylor Stitch that gets a lot of the details right when it comes to the perfect leather jacket.

While we talked fairly recently on The Style Guide about how to transition your style into fall, there’s one key move that can really help you up your fall style game. In addition to looking for items that incorporate more texture into an outfit — like a thicker watch strap or some roughout leather boots — there’s one piece that adds instant style cred to any ensemble. I touched on the importance of a great fall jacket pretty recently, and when you reach for leather outerwear, it’s a gamechanger. There’s a whole host of styles within that leather jacket family that you can reach for, from shearling coats to more classic racer styles, but one thing’s for sure — a leather jacket is no ordinary piece of outerwear. If you do fancy a substantially deeper dive, head on over to my buddy Barron’s Web site Effortless Gent for a fantastic primer on what sets certain leather jackets apart from the rest; know that for now, it’s a piece that’s dressier than a denim jacket, cooler than a blazer and just as ready for tailored gear as casual wear.

A modern update to a classic style via J. Crew. That's exactly how your leather jacket should fit.

A modern update to a classic style via J. Crew. That’s exactly how your leather jacket should fit.

While some might associate leather jackets with poorly fitting versions of old, a great leather jacket nowadays is cut slim and trim, like your aforementioned favorite blazer. While the style shown at the top from Taylor Stitch has unfortunately been pre-funded and isn’t up for sale, it does a nice job of capturing what you want in your leather jacket. It doesn’t feature too many bells and whistles, unlike some styles. While black leather jackets favored by rock stars and the like can actually be pretty cool, it might not be the best pick to reach for if you want to wear a leather jacket in place of a blazer. No, the best leather jackets are slim, trim and clean-cut. The Wallace & Barnes MA-1 Jacket from J. Crew gets it right. It’s prohibitively expensive, to be sure, but it’s a classic silhouette that can be dressed up with some grey wool trousers or dressed down with dark denim and a henley. If you’re looking to closely replicate that style for far less, grab this number from H&M — but be warned, it’s probably not the highest quality. ASOS also stocks a plethora of leather jacket options, but some look pretty questionable as far as quality goes.

Ben Sherman US

Shearling is also having a moment right now when it comes to leather jackets — it’s another classic tough-guy style that’s gotten a modern update thanks to a slimmer silhouette (and a higher price tag). J. Crew again nails this style with this sherpa-collar number from Wallace & Barnes, yet the price of that one piece alone is enough to make most of us turn and run. And therein lies the difficulty if you decide to go the shearling route — there simply aren’t many cheap shearling options out there. It seems that wool-blend jackets with shearling accents represent a more affordable option (particularly this Golden Bear piece for Club Monaco), but that’s not really why we’re here, is it?

While not technically a leather jacket, this wool bomber from Frank & Oak gets the details right.

While not technically a leather jacket, this wool bomber from Frank & Oak gets the details right.

So be prepared to pay more if you throw on additional, pricier accents like shearling. Suede presents another take on the classic leather jacket — but like the J. Crew bomber as featured in my latest Effortless Gent piece, there aren’t exactly all that many cheap suede bomber options out there, either  (take, for example, this $1,800 Club Monaco jacket). And you know when James Bond steps out in a suede bomber, it’s a costly trend worth watching. Yet, the biggest key when searching for (and styling) a leather jacket still revolves around looking for a sustainable investment. For example, Frank & Oak, whose monthly Hunt Club crates are always a hit, produces what looks like to be a nice leather bomber  for about half of what J. Crew charges, although sizes are going very quickly. Some of its wool-and-leather varsity bombers (pictured above) made in partnership with Golden Bear also look to be a very solid bet.

And while a varsity bomber might not be the ideal leather jacket style, it can still be dressed up or down in the same way as a pricier leather piece. Contrasting pieces that add in cold-weather texture, like a knit tie or waffle henley, are going to stand up to the style just fine. The same goes for suede bombers, too.

Stick in the same color family when wearing an edgier moto jacket and you'll be just like Beckham. Well, maybe not just like him...

Stick in the same color family when wearing an edgier moto jacket and you’ll be just like Beckham. Well, maybe not just like him…

And if by some chance you do get your hands on a more classic leather jacket, any number of styling combinations are at your disposal. Try out a crisp moto jacket with  solid tee, a la Mr. Beckham, and consider yourself set for a night out on the town. Conversely, you can pair a classic Harrington-style leather jacket with a white Oxford and navy knit tie — that Club Monaco option is pricey, without a doubt, but you get the idea. Rocking a slightly edgier jacket in place of say, a more traditional fall coat is a style move that can really represent a big forward step — picking up a versatile piece of outerwear and being able to pair it with everything from casual to sharp combos is the mark of a good investment. If you shop right, you might end up looking like Mr. Beckham up there.

Do you own a leather jacket? How do you feel about this fall style move?