October 18, 2017October 12, 2017 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Buy One of the Best Men’s Henleys for Rugged Style

Men's Style
#menswear, affordable men's fashion, affordable men's style, best henleys for guys, best henleys for men, best men's henleys, best men's henleys for fall, men's style essentials, online shopping picks, rugged fall style, rugged men's style
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Fired up for another set of Online Shopping Picks today at The Style Guide? I know I am — let’s get to it, then. We sure do return time and again to rugged, classic menswear week after week, from stylish men’s boots to classic fall jackets. And if you haven’t caught on by now, there’s one item of menswear that can reliably team with both of those pieces. It exists in both the past and the present, simultaneously classic and modern — a stylish men’s henley. Yes, it’s rooted in British sporting tradition, but today’s best henleys feature modern fabrics and textures, plus the type of fit that goes with everything from a rugged flannel trucker jacket to your favorite fall blazer. Just see for yourself with the below picks, from brands both familiar and perhaps new to you. If you want to see some real-life tips on how to style a henley, check out my Instagram — I absolutely can’t get enough of the classic men’s henley, that much is true. Read on and happy shopping to you!

#1. Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley in Navy OR Natural — $62

We’re kicking off this list of the best men’s henleys by giving you not one, but TWO terrific options from Style Guide favorites Flint and Tinder. Made with carded cotton for a heavier texture — hence the name — the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley is going to serve you well when it comes to fall layering. Wear the Natural Henley underneath a crisp blue chambray shirt, then pair that combo with rugged dark denim and brown leather boots, or take the Navy Henley and style it with a classic moto jacket and black denim for sleek style.

#2. Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley in Forest Stripe — $125

A well-made merino henley from Taylor Stitch in a cool fall color? Sign me up.

It wouldn’t be a list of men’s style essentials without including Taylor Stitch, right? The well-crafted Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley — a previous Style Pick of the Week entry on this site — utilizes that modern fabric we talked about earlier, combining breathability with stylish stripes and a flattering cut. The Forest Stripe color in particular should stand out nicely underneath a dark blue denim jacket or a black denim jacket in equal measure — and of course, you can slip the Merino Henley on underneath a tan herringbone blazer for high-low office style.

#3. Billy Reid Speckled Henley — $195

A sleek henley that’s made in Italy and sharp enough to wear with a crisp blazer.

It can be rare to find a henley you can wear with a blazer — yet, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is one that gets the job done. Made in Italy using premium fabric and refined construction, the Speckled Henley is neutral and clean enough to work with a navy herringbone or tan wool blazer quite easily. Just add slim blue denim and stylish chukka boots, and you’re set for casual Friday, casual Thursday … heck, any day that calls for laidback, business casual style.

#4. Life/After/Denim Thermal Heney in Heather Grey — $98

A warm, casual and rugged henley for cool fall nights.

A thermal henley might be the type of classic men’s henley that first pops to mind when you think of the style. And if you want an upgraded take on this decades-old staple, the Life/After/Denim Thermal Henley is the one to buy. Made from 100 percent cotton slub fabric in a neutral and easy-to-layer heather grey, this Life/After/Denim henley would look great when teamed up with a classic chamois shirt or a black trucker jacket for edgy, casual style. The three-button placket and side seam paneling provide some visual interest, too. Rugged AND modern? Sign me up!

#5. Levi’s 1920s Sunset Henley — $125

A durable, unique and historical henley from Levi’s — not a bad addition to your closet.

The henley itself has sporting roots, to be sure, but it’s also a truly rugged and functional staple found throughout the hardworking history of America — and Levi’s knows this well when it comes to the brand’s 1920s Sunset Henley. In this case, the maker of your favorite pair of jeans has taken a style from its 1920s archives and updated the fabric and fit. The resulting Sunset Henley is seriously cool and unique, made from a cotton-linen blend in Portgual. Wear the 1920s Sunset Henley on its own with a black moto jacket and grey denim, or style this rugged henley with rugged leather chukka boots & blue indigo denim.

#6. Bread & Boxers Thermal Henley in Navy — $32

A comfortable, casual and cozy henley for fall layering.

We’re keeping things casual, rugged and durable once again with the sixth slot on this list, the Thermal Henley from Bread & Boxers. The contrasting cuffs and placket are a neat design touch that elevates this casual staple just a bit. That being said, this Bread & Boxers thermal henley might look best when worn with faded denim and stylish leather sneakers for a casual weekend day — heck, you can even team it with sweatpants from Bread & Boxers to complete the casual, comfortable vibes. Who’s with me?

#7. Billy Reid Hartford Henley — $95

A more affordable Billy Reid henley that doesn’t skimp on quality.

Billy Reid is back at it again on this list with the more affordably priced Hartford Henley. Don’t let the smaller price tag fool you — the Hartford Henley is just as premium a piece as the Billy Reid Speckled Henley nearer to the top of this list. This lightweight long-sleeve henley features a cotton-polyester blend, all the better for layering underneath a slim merino cardigan or a rugged indigo shirt jacket. The heather grey color of the Hartford Henley contrasts nicely with the henley’s premium horn buttons, too — not a bad design touch from a menswear master.

#8. Levi’s Refined Henley in Medium Grey Heather — $30

As easygoing of a henley as you’re going to get — made with 100 percent cotton, too.

Make no mistake about it, heather grey is a heck of a versatile color when it comes to a rugged men’s henley — that’s why we’re closing out this list with the Refined Henley from Levi’s. Available for an astonishing $30 — yes, just $30 — the Levi’s Refined Henley is a great deal for the price, what with its 100 percent cotton construction and a textured jacquard knit. Wear it with a slim blue denim shirt and black jeans, or style it with your favorite denim trucker jacket.

When it comes down to it, you need a stylish men’s henley in your wardrobe this season (and beyond). The right men’s henley — like the durable, rugged Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley — merges a clean fit with excellent construction and versatility. Seriously, the best men’s henleys can work with everything a charcoal herringbone blazer and a slim topcoat to a leather moto jacket — the Mercerized Merino Henley from Taylor Stitch is a terrific choice for that type of style. Either the Hartford Henley or the Speckled Henley are also premium wardrobe picks from Billy Reid, while Levi’s has done a nice job with the vintage-inspired 1920s Sunset Henley. More casual henleys, like the Bread & Boxers Thermal Henley, are to be applauded, too. So, that’s our list for ya — which of the above best men’s henleys are you shopping this season? Let me know on Twitter!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

April 18, 2017April 15, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Upgrade Your Henley This Season

If the title of today’s #OOTD has you scratching your head and asking,”Why are we talking rugged henleys in spring?” … bear with me here. After all, there’s really no reason that a slim henley — the style essential every guy should have — isn’t fit for the warmer temps of spring. The key with today’s ensemble involves re-thinking how you wear your henley. While the crisp temperatures of fall and early winter call for layering your stylish henley with tough pieces like a waxed trucker jacket, the breezy days of spring call for a lighter approach all the way around. And that lighter approach starts with the henley itself — today’s well-made, well-crafted and lightweight Flint and Tinder slub henley is just the piece you need to switch up your spring layering game. It’s wearable with your favorite chinos, it works with slim selvedge denim and well … I’ll leave the rest of these tips for the remainder of this post. But again, think lighter colors and fabrics, think spring and get ready to buy your new favorite henley — or at least, steal some #menswear inspiration from this post. If you’ve got questions, I can be reached 24/7 on Twitter or via email — well, nearly 24/7. At any rate, shop away and enjoy!

We’re lightening up your spring henley and pairing it with classic staples fit for warm weather.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Slub Henley in Vintage Pewter, $58 — Just as I mentioned above, you can’t beat this Flint and Tinder slub henley, especially in a welcome, spring-like shade of pewter. The slub cotton is lightweight, breathable and ideal for layering — get on board with this one, folks.

The Jacket: Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Rinse, $70 — Does it get any more classic than a rugged denim jacket for spring? Particularly one in a crisp, dark wash as done by Levi’s? Buy this one now, and break it in a ton this season.

The Chinos: Abercrombie and Fitch Cropped Chino Pants in Cream, $68 — Want to really go for this whole spring style thing? Try pairing some light cream chinos with a similarly light henley — it’s monochromatic style that’s nicely broken up by the denim jacket.

The Sneakers: Gola Classic Comet Plimsoll Trainers, $60 — Yours truly was pleasantly surprised to stumble across the crisp, sporty and vintage-looking Gola plimsoll trainers seen here — excellent looks, great styling potential and more than a century’s worth of British sporting heritage to back ’em up.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — If you’re rolling your chinos and sticking with classic spring sneakers, you’re bound to need effective no-show socks — like these Darn Tough no-shows.

The Belt: La Matera Corbina Belt, $145 — The similarly light colorplay between the chinos and that Flint and Tinder slub henley necessitates adding a shot of color and pattern — the La Matera Corbina Belt is the way to do it.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph, $118.98 — When you’re pairing up rugged essentials like a classic denim jacket and a slim slub henley, you need an equally tough watch; the handsome Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph as seen here should be your go-to casual watch.

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Leatherback Writer, $74.98 — Never underestimate the importance of an essential everyday carry piece to stow everything from notebooks to pens & extra headphones — this is a good one to buy.

Alright – that’s a wrap on this spring layering #OOTD. See, wearing a spring henley isn’t as difficult as it might seem — right? Hopefully? It’s admittedly taken some time for me to incorporate my beloved henleys into spring style ensembles, but I’m confident that if you start with a great Flint and Tinder slub henley, you’re going to be inspired to put together quite a few looks. Take a classic, inky blue denim jacket and pair up your new favorite henley with cream chinos, to start. Sport-inspired sneakers can add a nice dash of color to any spring ensemble, particularly a more monochromatic outfit like this one. And you can never go wrong — never — with durable accessories like the Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph or the visually interesting La Matera Corbina Belt. Before you step out the door though, don’t leave behind a handy everyday catch-all like the This Is Ground Leatherback Writer. OK, all good? I, for one, am ready to get out and try a few spring-centric looks. Follow along on Instagram, and drop any questions via our comments section below.

Thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

September 13, 2016September 5, 2016 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.

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

September 12, 2016September 12, 2016 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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

June 7, 2016June 9, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style A Henley for Summer

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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

To me, there isn’t a style of shirt (without a collar, that is), that’s more versatile or rugged than a great short-sleeve henley. Although expressions of style and masculinity are changing all the time, there’s no doubt that a stylish henley is a still a reliable go-to if you want to upgrade your game and look a little tougher and stronger — or simply better in general — and that’s certainly true for the below tips on how to style a henley for summer. That goes for long-sleeve henleys with a vintage look, and it goes for fashionable short-sleeve henleys fit for fighting the warm weather. The button placket on well-made henleys adds some nice visual interest to looks both casual and a bit crisper, and in the right fit and color (like the slim-fitting indigo henley) below, you can wear the piece on its own with slim chino shorts or layered up under an unconstructed blazer for unique high-low style that can go to the office on a casual day and out on a date thereafter (I bet you’ll look better than the fella in the ill-fitting suit — trust me). It can be a bit of a process to switch from a plain white tee to a knit with more texture, color and visual details (even if it is just a simple button placket). But those added small details make it a worthy style upgrade — especially when you ditch the long sleeves in favor of a piece that’s just as trim-fitting, yet a heck of a lot more ready for the warm weather. Invest in one that’s well-crafted and you can rock it under a spring jacket, beneath a fall blazer or as a complement to a warm shawl cardigan in winter. For now though, focus on great chinos, solid suede boots and other accessories just begging to be worn on a warm summer’s day. Chime in on the #OOTD discussion at our very own Style Guide Facebook page, and we’ll see you out shopping.

Pair a short-sleeve henley with staples you might already have in your closet, like stone chinos and suede chukka boots.

The Henley: Jason Scott Banks Short-Sleeve Henley in Indigo — $96: Nearly $100 is a certainly a steep price to pay, but that price gets you exceptional quality, terrific Peruvian fabric and finishing touches like antique metal buttons on the placket.

The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Light Stone — $98: Taylor Stitch chinos have been a Style Guide favorite for some time now, and the reliably ideal fit and excellent fabric quality and color make these a fine match for that indigo henley.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Boot — $149: Just as with those Taylor Stitch chinos, the Scout Boot from Team Thursday has received positive reviews in this neck of the woods, for comfort and quality as much as looks. This rich Honey Suede pair really does have it all.

The Socks: American Trench Edo Collection Socks — $19.50: Nearly $20 for a pair of socks? You’re darn right, and they’re some of the best (if not the best) ones you can rock that are made in America at family mills. Plus, the color pops just the right amount against the faded indigo henley.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-Striped Webbing Belt — $14.50: Again, it’s a little counterintuitive that a belt would cost less than socks, but this piece is a bargain number that can be styled into several looks (see my Instagram for more examples, will ya?)

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Jack Sunglasses in Silver Navy — $98: As first seen on this site’s roundup of the best men’s sunglasses for summer, this pair of aviators is simple yet sleek and stylish (not to mention pretty cost-effective).

The Trunks: Tommy John Second Skin Titanium Trunk — $32: More than $30 sure is a heck of a lot to pay for underwear, but with what Tommy John can deliver in terms of quality, it’s worth it. The Dark Titanium color shown here has sold fast, but check out their other colorways here.

The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chronograph — $158: Timex and Red Wing really have thrown everything they’ve got at this standout watch, with a strap crafted from rugged Red Wing boot leather and a sturdy, classic-looking dial that’s super-functional and ready for just about anything (including NYC style adventures).

Sure, chinos and a henley might seem like a simple outfit combination at first glance, but it’s the upgraded, slimmer fits, richer colors and better quality that make this look acceptable for everything from grabbing beers at the bar to leaving early on a casual Friday (perhaps with a light grey blazer, if I do say so myself). And the other pieces in this ensemble, from a warm-weather friendly cotton belt to suede chukkas, can work in multiple seasons. Finally, there’s truly no bad time for a durable leather watch or a subtle-yet-stylish socks or crisp sunglasses. Making these pieces work in your favor by adding a lightweight sweater or swapping in a stainless steel dive watch is definitely going to pay style dvidends. Do we read each other loud and clear? Yes? Excellent.

‘Til next time!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

August 31, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Labor Day

Perhaps the best representation of the kind of gear you should have on-hand for the weekend. French Terry Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Brass bottle opener by Owen & Fred. Two-Hearted Ale by Bell’s Brewing.

Well folks, it’s almost upon us. The de facto end of summer — Labor Day. That means fall style is well on its way (including an updated 2015 Fall Style Wish List), which is quite exciting as far as the potential it brings for layering and new outfit combinations. However, that also means there’s one last chance to bust out some casual, long weekend summer style. Whether you’re hitting the beach, the pool or a backyard barbeque, you can’t go wrong with trying to look your best — ya dig? Take a look at the below suggestion and feel free to share what you’ll be wearing when the time comes!

The Shirt: Pistol Lake Short-sleeve Henley — $35

The perfect shirt for a laidback weekend. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

So this henley keeps popping up on this blog time and again, but for extremely good reason (see a rundown of other great henleys here). It’s the ultimate masculine style piece for warmer weather, what with its athletic cut, unfinished sleeves (giving it a vintage look) and a worn-in vibe that perfectly complements a casual weekend fit for a barbeque or some time at the beach. If the occasion does call for something dressier, you could throw on a crisp polo instead. Any of the brand’s neutral colors would work well for this henley, but the Relic White or Quartermaster options are particularly versatile.

The Shorts (or Swim Trunks): Pistol Lake French Terry Sweatshorts — $55 OR H&M Solid-color Swim Shorts, $12.99

On the left: A sporty pair of sweatshorts that allow for flexibility and casual style. On the right: Cheap swim trunks that can easily be replaced.

Why the two different options listed? Well, let’s say you don’t happen to be at the water but still want to look good — not too dressed up or dressed down. A French Terry sweatshort (as seen on GearHungry) allows you the flexibility to move around and play some backyard football, say, yet it’s an upgrade over baggy cargo shorts or athletic shrots. Some lightweight shorts in a neutral color (like any of the options seen here) could stand in as well. The swim trunks, on the other hand, are the type of thing that could be a quick pick-up if you need a replacement pair of trunks — or just a pair in general. And at that price, they can very easily be replaced when swimming season rolls around again (for those of us in colder climes).

The Shoes: Sperry Authentic Original Fleck Canvas 3-Eye Boat Shoe — $90

A sneaker-boat shoe hybrid from a brand that does boat shoes the best.

Unlike the swim trunks listed above, $90 is actually quite a bit of an investment to make for a canvas boat shoe at this point in the summer. But if you don’t mind hanging on to them until spring rolls around again, then these could be a good pick-up from a well-known brand. Boat shoes haven’t gotten a ton of airplay on this blog, but the style would blend in better with swim trunks than a pair of classic sneakers — although if you go the sportier route and opt for something like sweatshorts, crisp white sneakers certainly wouldn’t be amiss. And with either option, you could opt to go barefoot or grab some Richer Poorer no-show socks that do a nice job staying put.

The Watch: Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch — $83

The Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray watch.

This watch, like some of the other items here, has indeed been featured on this blog quite a bit (read the original review here). But, there might not be a better (or quicker-shipping via Amazon) rubber strap watch out there. It again meshes with the sporty-casual vibes of this outfit and looks particularly rugged when paired with swim trunks (James Bond wears a rubber strap watch in Casino Royale, as you might recall). Other tough-casual options are out there as well — the Timex Cordura Ripstop watch (a new release this summer), which adds a bit of sheen with a blue dial. Subbing in a NATO watch strap with some pattern also could work if you already have a preferred casual watch.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Factory Navigator Sunglasses — $14.50

A retro frame shape and color make these one heck of a pair of shades for the price.

Under $15? For a J. Crew (well, close enough) pair of sunglasses? That’s a downright steal, and plays into the notion of grabbing something on the cheap for the weekend. That way, you won’t feel bad should they break or get stepped on. This pair in particular combines a retro-looking square lens shape with an equally retro gold frame for some pretty neat style. If buying goods made to last is more your thing, the Concorde Flash Lens series from Randolph Engineering hits the mark for a pair that’s made in America and exceptionally solid. If you want even more retro flair however, J. Crew Factory also offers a pair of Clubmaster-inspired frames for a low price.

Of course, if the situation does call for an overall dressier look, throwing on some slim chinos should dress up that henley (or polo) nicely. And if you are hitting the road, make sure you prepped to do so in style with these great men’s travel essentials. Above all though — enjoy this last hurrah (or perhaps the first of many fall …. hurrahs?) and do so in style!

What are your thoughts on the above outfit suggestion? What pieces would you change or swap out?

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Tag / best henleys for guys

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