August 5, 2019August 5, 2019 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Wear the Grayers Dylan Blazer to Your Next Summer Wedding

A classic, casual khaki blazer from an all-American brand.

Have you been through the ringer when it comes to summer weddings? Are you running out of things to wear, or heck … even any ideas as to what to wear to a summer wedding? Well, fear not: The Grayers Dylan Blazer is the blazer to wear to a summer wedding (or any seasonally friendly shindig, for that matter). It’s one of the best men’s blazers on the market, all owing to a combination of lightweight fabric, classic style & an impeccable fit from Grayers. Would you expect anything less, really? It all starts with the summer-ready shade of khaki, wearable with everything from grey chinos and a white linen shirt (for a breezy outdoor wedding) or slim navy chinos, brown suede loafers and a navy knit tie (for a slightly more formal affair). In short, the Grayers Dylan Blazer is your easy answer if ever you get stuck between wanting to look sharp and wanting to stay cool — never an easy task in the heat of summer (believe me, we’ve all been there).

SHOP: The Grayers Dylan Blazer

This stylish blazer also stands apart compared to dressier, potentially more heat-inducing style staples. As much as brands have innovated to make suits lighter, there’s still the chance you’re going to be sweating before the reception starts — not so with the Grayers Dylan Blazer, made with a cotton-spandex blend for ease of movement. Note that the sleeves are lined in Bemberg, so it’s best to go lighter in terms of weight with your shirt (think a garment-dyed Oxford shirt or perhaps, a stylish short-sleeve shirt as a style hack). The way you wear the Grayers Dylan Blazer is ultimately up to you, seeing as it’s also versatile enough to be worn to the office with dark blue denim, classic suede chukka boots and a blue Oxford shirt (for starters). Again, you should rest easy knowing that your warm-weather style needs are more than covered when it comes to this handsome blazer.

SHOP: The Grayers Dylan Blazer

April 6, 2019March 18, 2019 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Vetra Cotton Blazer

The stylish, rugged, casual spring blazer you need now.

Slowly but surely, we’re getting into the time of year where your outerwear and blazer rotation should be catching up to the rest of your wardrobe. That is to say, you need to lighten up with one of the best men’s blazers, and more specifically, one of the best men’s blazers for spring and summer — a jacket that works every bit as hard as you do. A jacket not unlike the Vetra Cotton Blazer, in fact. For when you need to shelve your rugged denim trucker jacket in place of something more polished — but no less casually cool — that’s when you turn to the Vetra Cotton Blazer. There’s a time and a place for breaking out a stylish spring and summer blazer, from rooftop date nights to a polished casual Friday, and the Vetra Cotton Blazer, especially with a pleasing, seasonally friendly off-white color, can do it all. So, while April can surely bring plenty of showers (and the requisite outerwear needed), it won’t be dreary the whole way through.

SHOP: The Vetra Cotton Blazer

Yes indeed, for shaking up your office style or stepping things up for Sunday brunch (maybe with tan chinos and a blue chambray shirt, plus brown leather loafers?), you could do worse than the workwear-inspired Vetra Cotton Blazer. It’s finished off with military-esque details and a helpful cotton-linen blend for extra breathability, too. All of this begs the question: Could it be your new favorite blazer? You’ll have to see for yourself — but if it’s sold by Huckberry (which it is!), you can count on the Web site’s coveted seal of approval. Now then: If you’re more of a classic blue blazer guy, or if you don’t often wear a stylish blazer, how to incorporate this into your daily #OOTD? Fear not.

Classic workwear details incorporated into a sharp blazer.

The Vetra Cotton Blazer is surprisingly rugged compared to your traditional take on the blazer — it’s got three buttons and thus more of a casual feel, by nature. This is almost the type of jacket to act as a grab-and-go piece on a breezy spring day atop a classic chambray shirt and blue denim — heck, you can even flip up the collar for some extra protection from the wind. That rugged appeal means the Vetra Cotton Blazer will also wear well with more high-low style combos — think an olive henley and tan chinos, plus stylish brown leather boots. Feel like switching it up at the office?

Wear the Vetra Cotton Blazer with a crisp blue Oxford, olive chinos and classic brown leather brogues (keep the collar flipped down this time, though). And remember: The blend of linen and cotton, plus the casual patch pockets — again with that workwear inspo — means this stylish jacket is going to look even better when it gets a little rumpled. Am I saying you should feel free to wear it with a merino tee and your favorite chukka boots on your next long flight? Yes. Am I also saying you should wear the Vetra Cotton Blazer right out to a neat speakeasy when you deplane? Yes, yes I am. This jacket works as hard as you do.

SHOP: The Vetra Cotton Blazer

January 25, 2019January 25, 2019 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Best Men’s Blazers, The Top Bomber Jackets for Winter & A New Brewery in NYC

A handsome, timeless shirt jacket from one of my favorite brands.

Don’t waste any more time gearing up for the weekend, because style essentials like the Taylor Stitch Summit Shirt (it’s on sale here!) are going to help. That’s the focus of today’s Friday Read, at least — dressing in peak winter style with rugged shirting from Taylor Stitch, then adding a few extra touches (like one of the best men’s bomber jackets — more on that in a second). The Summit Shirt (as seen above) featured a durable wool-poly waffle knit & is part of the brand’s run of new outerwear, so you can be sure it’s up to snuff. How else are you dressing for the weekend? And what’s on your agenda? For me personally, I’m excited to check out a bit of a different show here in NYC than I’m normally used to attending. Two college friends from my time at Michigan State will be in town to see “The Waverly Gallery” by acclaimed director Kenneth Lonergan — it should be a very touching, moving performance. And again, it’ll be a bit different than the rock shows I frequent!

We’re also looking forward to exploring Prospect Park in Brooklyn, having a cup or two (or three?) of excellent coffee, and perhaps even tracking down a cold beer from Manhattan’s newest brewery, Torch & Crown Brewing Co.! The new brewery is distributing two styles across beer bars in Manhattan (an IPA and a lager) — it’s exciting stuff. While brewing has been thriving in Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx, it’s hit a major lull in Manhattan itself — until now. Follow along on my Instagram to see how these beers taste, and to see what one wears to a grab a beer and then head to a Broadway play. Cheers to the weekend, and cheers to today’s Friday Read!
The bomber jacket is an underrated style move in the winter months, when everyone seems to be reaching for thick parkas. But if you’ve read my post on The Manual on the best men’s bomber jackets, you know that’s not the case. And if you haven’t read it yet? It’s time to get caught up!

Let’s talk more about the best of the best in terms of men’s style essentials, shall we? Namely, it’s been a busy week of menswear writing around these parts, which is how I also found myself writing about the best blazers for men — a piece I penned yet again for The Manual. You could do worse than upgrading your office style this month, my friends.
Once more, you could use a new dress watch — yes? Luckily for you, I covered the top dress watches to buy now for GearMoose. Between your new bomber jacket, your new blazer and a new dress watch, you’re going to be all set this winter.

Before we let you go for the weekend, I’ll leave you with this post on the best new leather wallet to buy now. What’s more, I’ll also point you in the direction of the 12 best style upgrades (yes, 12!) to keep 2019 rolling. Oh, and one last thing: This stylish field jacket belongs your back as you fight a chilly winter. OK, that’s a wrap — feel free to check in with me on Twitter if you’ve got any feedback on the blog. Have a great weekend, folks!

November 28, 2017November 12, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: This Is the Right Way to Wear a Blazer This Winter

Finding the right blazer for winter presents some challenges. You want to nail the fit and the quality, for one. But you don’t want to shell out high triple-digits for a stylish winter blazer (as you might find at a retailer like Bonobos or J. Crew nowadays). So, what’s a guy to do? That’s what today’s #OOTD is diving into — and our featured blazer, the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat — is a heck of a perfect blazer for cold weather, and it’s certainly one of the best men’s blazers you can snag now. That it checks that critical box while also providing quality and a great fit (plus an agreeable price) is simply too good. And the great thing about a tailored-yet-casual jacket like the Hutton Sportcoat is the ease with which it pairs with your other favorite men’s style essentials, from a Taylor Stitch Everyday Oxford to classic khaki chinos and stylish leather chukka boots. You know what’s even more critical when it comes to the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat? That all-important winter fabric and texture, geared for warmth and seasonally apprpriate style. So, ready to change the way you think about your winter blazer? That’s great, ‘cuz I’m ready to get after it. Good luck out there!

The Blazer: Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat (Huckberry Exclusive), $195 — Ahh, yes — the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat that we previously discussed. As classic a winter blazer as it gets, Grayers has nailed the perfect balance between classic and casual tailoring.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch The Jack Shirt in Black Everyday Oxford, $98 — Think mixing black and blue is a no-no? The handsome, stylish Oxford shirt that is the Jack Shirt from Taylor Stitch should dispel that notion — it’s a crisp, classic men’s Oxford.

The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Travel Chinos in British Khaki, $128 — In keeping with the classic nature of this #menswear ensemble, reach for, fittingly enough, a classic pair of men’s chinos made with versatile, travel-ready touches. Taylor Stitch does it again.

The Boots: Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boots, $198 — Because we’re tackling how to wear a blazer for winter, durable leather chukka boots are going to be an absolute must — the Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boots manage to be sleek and functional at the same time.

The Socks: American Trench Breton Stripe Socks, $14.50 — Why are there two pairs of American Trench socks in the above grid? Well, you get two for $14.50 — a stylish pair of socks to complete this outfit sounds pretty good, right?

The Belt: Levi’s Indigo Roller Belt, $48 — Didn’t know that Levi’s made stylish men’s belts? The Indigo Roller Belt is unique in terms of color and texture, just what you should be looking for when it comes time to step out in style.

The Watch: Alsta Nautoscaph II Watch, $879 — Looking for an investment-level watch? The sharp, durable Alsta Nautoscaph II Watch is ready for anything — including being paired with a stylish winter blazer.

The Pomade: Rudy’s Shine Pomade, $22 — Because this look is ready for a holiday party or a day at the office in equal measure, a slick-looking haircut is a must — style it with Rudy’s Shine Pomade.

Are we now more acquainted with the best blazer to wear this winter? I think I’m ready for the season. The cold weather-ready nature of the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat makes it a perfect winter tailoring choice, and it’s reliably complemented by the classic Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt — don’t be afraid to mix black and blue, folks. The Taylor Stitch Travel Chinos are also a winning part of this look, giving you the style and flexibility to navigate slippery terrain with the durability of the Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boots. The Alsta Nautoscaph II Watch is also a perfect winter watch pick, mixing a tough design with sleek, dressy-yet-casual style. Accessories like the Indigo Roller Belt and the American Trench Breton Stripe Socks help tie things together, too. Ready to step out in style for winter? You’ve got this, I know it. Just rock the Grayers Hutton Moleskin Sportcoat, and you’re in business.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

November 12, 2017November 12, 2017 by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat Is The Perfect Fall Blazer

A well-made sportcoat from a classic American designer. Not a bad pick-up in advance of cold weather.

Is it a tall order to claim that something’s the perfect item of menswear in a certain category? Sure it is. But when it comes to the Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat, well … it really just might BE the perfect fall blazer. What makes the Charlie Sportcoat a surefire winner — and the latest entry in our See Now, Buy Now series? Oh, man — plenty of positives. The Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat manages to harness what the brand does best. That is, the Charlie Sportcoat takes a classic American sensibility and blends it with easygoing styling potential — this is the type of blazer you can wear with slim dark blue jeans and classic suede boots, or with tailored wool trousers and an American-made Oxford in equal measure. That type of versatility can be hard to find in a sportcoat, but the design of the Charlie Sportcoat just lends itself to wearability, no matter the situation. Casual day at the office? Throw it on over a rugged henley. Big meeting? Dress it up with a chambray dress shirt. See? The Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat is even better than you thought.

And the construction of this stylish blazer is exactly what you need when it comes to cold-weather layering. The blend of premium virgin wool and polyester means that you’re going to stay warm and comfortable all day long. What’s more, the Charlie Sportcoat is unstructured and features front flap pockets, both touches that make it more casual in nature. Now, here’s the catch — like other gear from Billy Reid, you’re going to have to pony up some cash to get this classic blazer … nearly $600 (gulp). Is it worth that investment? Considering that you can wear this jacket a ton of different ways all throughout the work week (and even to a stylish Sunday brunch) … I’d have to say yes. Yes, indeed! Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page if the Billy Reid Charlie Sportcoat is going to be hanging in your closet soon.

August 17, 2016August 21, 2016 by Beau H.

Rolling the dice: Heading West for Liberty Fairs Las Vegas

Editor’s note: To recap the last time I hit the road, click here.

A hot and sunny business trip to Las Vegas. Ivy Blazer by Grayers. Pocket square by J. Crew. Denim Shirt by JackThreads. Slim Stone Chinos by Taylor Stitch. Chukkas by Timberland. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder.

Out of all the things that excite me about New York City and the chance to work in the menswear industry, there are certain parts of the job that just can’t be beat. Although I certainly hope to do a lot more, I’m pretty thankful and lucky right now that I get the chance to travel for my day job, and blog about that travel, at the same time. Such was the case these past four days , as I headed west to Liberty Fairs in Las Vegas; it’s a twice-yearly men’s fashion trade show that makes stops in NYC and Las Vegas, showcasing what’s new and next in the industry. That means everyone from fashion magazine editors to publishers, bloggers and sales representatives are gathered under one massive roof to scope out seasonal trends, post relentlessly on Instagram and of course, do business — everything from socks to shoes to outerwear is on display by brand. It’s a busy, hectic time, which didn’t leave much opportunity to sight-see. Although I experienced a bit of the bustle during New York Fashion Week: Men’s, hitting the road to travel and check out Liberty Fairs in a city like Las Vegas was another animal entirely. As always, that’s why I hauled my favorite #menswear essentials with me.

Travel essentials fit for Vegas. Voyager Waxed Weekender by Owen & Fred. T-shirt by Public Rec Apparel. Capital Shorts by OLIVERS Apparel. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Sunglasses by Steven Alan Optical. Belt by J. Crew. Lanyard by Tanner Goods.

As I’ve been on the road a lot lately, my durable, rugged Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender has gotten a lot of work — and for good reason. If you don’t have a stylish weekender bag, and you’ve instead been relying on an old suitcase or a gym bag, making the switch is a mighty good investment. Unlike a recent trip to Michigan for a bachelor party, Las Vegas presented quite the different set of challenges — that would be the extreme heat, of course. Standard, sweat-wicking materials just wouldn’t do, though. With style in mind, I was happy to test out a new T-shirt from Public Rec Apparel. Known for its All Day Every Day Pant, the brand recently launched a super-soft, super-comfortable and super-durable T-shirt. The tee is made with a remarkable sweat-wicking fabric blend in a silhouette that still looks smart on its own or under a blazer — you can’t say that about your standard gym wear. And that tee was complemented nicely another staple that merges athletic performance materials with a tailored silhouette. Yes, the OLIVERS Apparel Capital Short was just the right pair to wear from New York and right into the Vegas heat — the shorts feature a nylon-spandex blend & four-way stretch, yet fit and looks like a pair of slim chino shorts. Those two pieces kept me comfortable, which was crucial for a long travel day.

A Monday of meetings and menswear. Pocket Tee by Steven Alan. 505C Jeans by Levi’s. Ivy Blazer by Grayers. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Chukkas by Timberland. Striped socks via the latest SprezzaBox. Notebook by Word Notebooks.

With my accommodations all set and a busy slate of trade show appointments locked in, it was time to hit the ground running on Monday. Throughout the course of a busy two days, it was excellent to be able to catch up with some great blogger friends like Leo of Levitate Style and Danielle of She’s A Gent. The duo was among a group participating in The Studios at Liberty Fairs, a partnership giving creatives the chance to create content — everything from photos to videos, portraits and social media posts — with brands and fellow influencers across three very busy days at the trade show. So given the need to look camera-ready, I tried to rise to the occasion while fighting the heat. A soft Steven Alan pocket tee was just the ticket in that regard — especially when paired with my Grayers Ivy Blazer, a casual linen-cotton jacket with unique patch-button pockets and a casual feel. If you’re looking for a way to dress down your summer blazer, you can’t go wrong with a garment-dyed tee. The combo helped me move in style around the trade show, as did a pair of sharp-yet-edgy Levi’s 505C Jeans, made with a hint of stretch and featuring a faded grey-black wash. They’re a slightly cooler take (figuratively and literally) on heavy dark denim and a blazer, particularly when moving around a lot. I finished off the combination with a pair of rugged Timberland leather chukka boots and my ever-dependable Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, a frequent travel companion and just one of a few stunning watches from the Timex x Todd Snyder partnership.

With Day 1 in the books, it was a quick turnaround for another busy day at Sands Expo at The Venetian scoping out the bustling (and hustling) crowd of #menswear aficionados. Throughout the day, I checked out the wares on display from perennial Style Guide favorites like Red Wing Heritage and (potential) soon-to-be favorites like Hudson Shoes. It was a great mix of brands, including everyone from accessories companies like Herschel Supply Co. to sock brands like Happy Socks. All the while, I again took on the day — and the heat — in style. I stuck with some of my favorite style essentials, like my JackThreads Denim Shirt (a very wearable shirt no matter the season). I complemented that with my Taylor Stitch Slim Stone Chinos — they’re unbeatable for the price and quality. And when you’ve got versatile staples like those two pieces, stylish Steven Alan sunglasses and sturdy leather chukka boots are a nice finishing touch (the pair seen here is from Timberland — you can snag a similar style from Thursday Boots for a nice value). On the accessories front, my ever-reliable Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch was the perfect timepiece for the occasion — it goes with just about everything thanks to the crisp retro dial and grey NATO strap. For being on time to various meetings and catching up with friends (all on the job), it helped keep me in line. That outfit combination worked well for the evening, too — it’s not every day you get the chance to attend a party thrown by the Hearst and Esquire teams (yes, that Esquire). Luckily, my smart-casual combination was able to take me from a day on the trade show floor to enjoying some delicious cocktails without missing a beat (that’s what we’re all about here at The Style Guide).

A comfortable, casual and crisp travel outfit. Polo by Life/After/Denim. Warren Denim by Mott & Bow. Chariot Runner Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Steno Book by Field Notes Brand. Mailbag by Satchel & Page.

Sadly, my time at Liberty Fairs came to an end all too quickly — today called for a flight back to NYC. For one last push through the heat of Vegas, I grabbed the aptly named Marco Polo from Life/After/Denim. It blends a modern fit with a garment-washed look and feel, plus an open collar (one featuring no buttons). The overall effect is breezy and casual, but it’s one that still looks put-together for a cross-country flight when teamed with the ever-stylish Slim Warren Denim from Mott & Bow. For only about $20 more than what the brand normally charges, you’re getting a well-fitting pair of Italian-made denim — they were the perfect complement to my lightweight Brooks Heritage Chariot Runners in color and silhouette. Throughout the day, kept track of my flight time with my Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono and chronicled my adventures with my handy Word Notebooks Adventure Log — both of which you should bring along for a weekend getaway.

As great of a time as it was in Las Vegas, it was even better to reconnect with great friends and fellow bloggers — plus, some terrific brands you’ll (hopefully) see a lot more of here and on my Instagram in the coming months. Forging partnerships and featuring great brands and products is terrific, but meeting great people in a like-minded environment is even better. Even though it’s been a heck of a busy week so far — and it’s only Wednesday (!) — my travels aren’t quite done yet. We’re looking at one day back in NYC before I hit the road on Friday to head back to my hometown of Mason, Michigan for my great friend Andy’s wedding. Seeing my friends for his bachelor weekend in Grand Rapids was an absolute blast just a few weeks ago, so this upcoming trip is bound to be just as incredible (even if it’ll be powered by lots and lots of coffee). If you’ve got menswear musings or questions on what to wear for your next Las Vegas trip, shoot me a tweet on Twitter or follow along on the daily via Instagram.

Look for the Friday Read and Style Pick later this week, and swing back through the blog on Monday for yet another Michigan trip recap — stay stylish!

-Beau

July 26, 2016July 26, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Down a Summer Blazer

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.

As we’ve talked about in past #OOTD entries here on The Style Guide, summer style — particularly at this point in the season — can be a bit tricky. Perhaps you feel you’ve exhausted all the ways to wear shorts in the summer that you can think of, or maybe you’ve even tired of styling linen pants in the heat. But, that’s where summer also works out well. Since it’s warm, you get a bit of leeway when dressing. And that means you can put together stylish combinations that are also unexpected. Those khaki suit trousers? Break them up from the rest of your suit. Throw in style staples that should already be in rotation — like a classic navy blazer — and you’re set with an #OOTD that works for traveling in warm weather or waltzing to Sunday brunch. Oh, and a great polo is also a must-have. But where to get all this great gear? Look no further than the below ensemble — and follow along on Instagram to get more daily styling tips (if you feel so inclined, that is).

Mashing up your favorite style essentials, from a crisp summer polo to a classic blazer and comfortable slip-on sneakers.

The Polo: Mack Weldon Vesper Polo, $68 — Yes, it’s true: The brand that makes your favorite long-sleeve merino tee is here with a new polo that’s crisp, well-tailored and made from very breathable micro-mesh knit fabric.

The Blazer: Grayers Cayman Blazer, $104.98 — At just more than $100, this blazer is a heck of a deal, made from 100 percent cotton and featuring Bemberg-lined sleeves (that’s the good stuff, FYI).

The Pants: Canvas by Lands’ End Stretch Chino Suit Trousers, $89 — Just when you thought you could only wear suit pants with a suit, along come these versatile chino trousers cut with a hint of stretch.

The Pocket Square: Ties.com White Edged Linen Pocket Square, $10 — A sharp navy blazer deserves a crisp white pocket square cut in a summer-appropriate weight, and at $10, this thing’s a steal.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-on Standard in True Navy, $78 — A pair of classic white sneakers would also work here, but the navy plays nicely off the powder blue polo.

The Socks: Sock Genius Villa Park No-show Stripe Sock, $10 — The same spot you hit up to snag that pocket square can also hook you up with comfortable, stylish no-show socks for a nice deal.

The Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph, $225 — A sporty-yet-stylish polo calls for a slick watch inspired by the world of aviation, and the navy blue strap plays handsomely off the crisp white dial.

The Sunglasses: Sunski Madronas Sunglasses, $39.98 — Simple is sometimes better when it comes to great style, and that’s the case with these durable and very affordably priced shades via Huckberry.

Putting together an outfit when you’ve been dressing for the warm weather for a few months needn’t be all that difficult, even if at first it sounds taxing — especially when you’ve got pieces that combine subtle style efficiently. The base of the outfit is the same thing you might wear on the weekend — stylish slip-on sneakers — yet the other pieces, like the sharp polo and the navy blazer, are more suited to the work week. Yet in tandem, the combination works because the colors play well off each other and the overall ensemble — slightly sporty yet stylish — is very well-suited to summer. It’s going to be hot, and a breathable polo and cotton blazer work well together. Chime in with an #OOTD suggestion of your own at The Style Guide Facebook page in the meantime.

Do you own a new Mack Weldon polo yet? Would you style it with a navy blazer, or ditch the jacket and keep it casual?

June 28, 2016June 23, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear A Chambray Blazer

When the heat waves start to roll in, it can be a tricky time to try and dress well. There’s that ever-difficult balance between keeping your cool and looking cool that requires you mix things up a bit. In the case of today’s post, that means we’re talking how to wear a chambray blazer. It’s the lightweight alternative to the classic navy blazer, what with a rougher, more visually interesting texture and (usually) less internal construction. That means it looks more natural when paired with other casual menswear pieces, such as a simple T-shirt and twill pants. It’s a get-up that nods toward a trend (that would be the menswear world getting more and more casual by the day), yet you still look crisp and put-together. As you’ll see with the below #OOTD, it’s a look you could even pull off as you dress for summer travel. So with that being said, get to reading below. For more #menswear inspiration, check out yours truly on Instagram, or swing on through Facebook for a daily briefing.

An effortless mix of casual and cool — a chambray blazer plus a simple striped tee.

The Blazer: JackThreads Chambray Blazer, $79: A chambray blazer for just $79? Believe it. Slim, stylish and well-made, from a brand that just gets things done.

The T-shirt: Bourbon and Blue Surfcomber Heathered Red Stripe Tee, $55: If you’re going to rock a tee under a blazer, it’s best to pick up one that’s comfortable, well-made and trim-fitting; warm weather stripes don’t hurt, either.

The Pants: Old Navy Ultimate Slim-Fit Khakis, $29: While the color of the chinos in that particular picture is lighter than the pair on Old Navy’s site, the principle remains the same — slim khakis fall in line with that trim blazer and tee, and can be easily rolled to show off those sneakers.

The Sneakers: GREATS Pronto in Cadet, $199: GREATS does, well, a great job at producing versatile, comfortable sneakers that are easy to wear with high-low style combos like a blazer and tee (Italian manufacturing just does that).

The Socks: J. Crew Anchor No-show Socks, $10: Stylish no-show socks are an absolute summer must, and these add another subtle, nautical touch to the outfit while keeping your feet cool.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-striped Webbing Belt, $14.50: As much as it’s popped up in a few recent #OOTD posts (including this post on how to wear a short-sleeve shirt), it’s a highly versatile casual belt that adds some nice color to this ensemble.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Fairfield, $75: Timex watches are as solid as they get, and this particular timepiece is suitably refined enough to heighten that blazer-and-tee combo just a bit.

The Accessory: Cambridge Satchel Oxblood iPhone Case, $32: So not everyone still has an iPhone (just me?), but regardless of what phone you’ve got, it’d be a neat touch to finish off your everyday with a rich leather phone case.

Does that check all the boxes of dressing sharply in warm weather? Well, mostly. If you feel a tee is too casual, you could always swap in an essential chambray shirt or a classic blue Oxford. But the best part about pairing a tee with a chambray blazer is the combination of effortless style and comfort it gives you. It’s an on-the-go style move that meets the warm weather while looking cool and sharp. Plus, it works well when paired with a classic set of navy sneakers — a more comfortable answer to brown leather wingtips, for starters. And crisp accessories, like a lux leather phone case and a dependable watch, are going to be by your side (and on your wrist) for plenty of outfits in the future. Even starting gradually (swapping out denim for twill pants and upgrading to a lighter chambray blazer) can be a step in the right direction. Still unsure? Give it a try –it might become a go-to style combo.

Are you sold on the idea of pairing a blazer with a striped tee? What about sneakers? Let me know in the comments!

February 23, 2016February 16, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Down a Wool Blazer

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.

With winter weather still in full force for a lot of us, there can be a tendency to get into a bit of a style rut. That is, there are only so many ways you can style a shawl-collar cardigan or a crewneck sweater before you want to change things up a bit. The good news is that, for so many of us, high-low dressing (that is, mixing and matching casual and formal pieces) is easier to do than ever before, regardless of what you might find yourself doing day-to-day. The below outfit makes use of some staples you likely already have in your closet (like dark denim, for starters) and puts ’em together in a slightly unexpected way. As a matter of fact, you might recognize the blazer from last week’s #OOTD post. Get the lowdown here, and then get those goods in your shopping cart.

Putting it all together — combining style essentials you might already have in your closet.

The Blazer: Frank & Oak Fairmount Deconstructed Blazer in Light Brown, $145 –A slim, soft sportcoat with a tailored fit and minimal padding — ideal for casual wear.

The Henley: JackThreads Daily Henley in Indigo, $34 — A great price for a superb piece that’ll age well over time; the “dressed-down” part of this outfit.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Skinny Mosco Denim, $96 — A classic pair of denim with great color and a nice bit of stretch (full review here). Note that Slim and Straight options are also available.

The Shoes: Frank & Oak Modern Leather Brogues in Dark Tan, $175 — Italian leather and European construction takes this pair to another level, plus the color stands out remarkably well against the denim. Click here for a full Frank & Oak review.

The Socks: Anonymous Ism Wave Socks, $25 — Definitely a pricey splurge, but worth it for the quality and nice color they provide.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch, $80 — A new Style Guide favorite; very well-priced, clean and classic. The ideal blend of casual and classed-up style.

Oh, and seeing as it is winter and all, finish off your oufit with my picks for the best winter accessories.

So with the above outfit in mind, I’d say give it a try just as soon as you can — when you pick up style staples that fit well and can be mixed and matched with ease, you’ll give yourself plenty of #OOTD options.

Would you rock the above look? How do you dress down your blazer?

September 23, 2015September 23, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Blazers for Fall and Winter

Editor’s note: For a plethora of Online Shopping Picks delving into accessories, footwear and knitwear, head right this way.

Ready to take on fall in this "old" photo circa 2014. Blazer & chambray shirt by J. Crew. Slim jeans by Scotch & Soda. Shawl cardigan by GAP. Knit tie by Frank & Oak. Brown wingtip boots by JC Penney. Photo credit: Khoa Nguyen.

Ready to take on fall in this “old” photo circa 2014. Tan herringbone blazer & chambray shirt by J. Crew. Pocket square by Banana Republic. Slim jeans by Scotch & Soda. Shawl cardigan by GAP. Knit tie by Frank & Oak. Brown wingtip boots by JC Penney. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Burberry. Photo credit: Khoa Nguyen.

As is often the case in the world of men’s style, it seems that sometimes the seasons change too quickly — on the writing front, that is. Last week, we tackled excellent henleys to transition into fall weather in earnest (for most of us, at least), and now your humble author will gladly take a stab at the best cold-weather blazers out there on the market — because those things have been on shelves far too long now for you not to buy one, right? Keep in mind that a great lighter weight blazer (one from this list) could definitely transition into the slight chill of fall when layered appropriately. Heck, I even have an unconstructed blazer I’ve worn in the Michigan winter, layered up with a V-neck sweater (of course). But let’s say you want something thicker to stand up to chilly weather — a la the trusty J. Crew blazer (sadly, long gone from shelves) at the top of the page. That’s what this edition of Online Shopping Picks will cover — but you’ll have to foot the rest of the bill for a new jacket. [Editor’s note: Some might take issue with the definition of a blazer here — these styles are sometimes called sportcoats — but we’ll stick with blazer terminology for now. To clear up any confusion, head here].

#1. Uniqlo Wool Blended Comfort Jacket — $99.90

As previously seen on this site’s Fall Style Wish List, Uniqlo delivers on another great fall & winter blazer.

Does this jacket look familiar at all? Of course it does (at least if you caught it at the top of my Fall Style Wish List). Some might have issues with Uniqlo’s fit, as the tail of its jackets and its sleeves generally run a little shorter and slimmer than most, but the brand does make an outstanding jacket (is it a blazer? a sportcoat) for the price. These jackets certainly lean casual given the lack of construction, but in a deeper, saturated shade like the Grey Plaid on the far left or even the Dark Green option as seen on the site, it’s a jacket that could absolutely be paired with dress trousers and some sharp black shoes for the office.

#2. J. Crew Factory Thompson Elbow-patch Sportcoat in Tweed — $168

A four-season shade of navy merged with suede elbow patches for fall and winter.

Rustic, slightly throwback-focused details like suede elbow patches have been making a comeback in clothing items for the past couple years now, and designers aren’t pulling the plug on this added touch just yet. In the case of this blazer, it works quite well, calling to mind old hunting jackets. And this piece has some other things going for it, too — namely, you get J. Crew-like quality at a lower price than some similar models at the big brother retailer. The slightly flashier touch of those elbow patches is grounded by a nice shade of navy, which should work well over dark denim or grey wool trousers. The patches make it more casual and thus a little less versatile — thus dropping it to spot no. 2 here. Still, it’s a jacket that could see a lot of use in the coming months. If you’ve got some bulk to you and want a jacket that ditches the elbow patches, the mainline brand is making a blazer in a similar shade in its roomier, more athletic Crosby fit.

#3. Apolis Indigo Wool Blazer — $388

The ideal balance of tradition and modern style, done up in an on-trend color and luxurious fabric.

Whoa, now. Almost $400 for a blazer? In spot #3? Yes, yes indeed — and here’s why. The argument can definitely be made here for investing in quality pieces that provide a long-term benefit; a terrific wool blazer, sure to be warm, well-made and endlessly versatile, can serve you well for seasons and years to come. And the way Apolis makes ’em, you know you’re getting a quality product. Not everyone has the kind of, er, capital to invest in such a piece, but this option has all the makings of a classic jacket if you do take the plunge. The double vents and deep indigo color make it the closest to a traditional blazer of any of the bunch seen here, yet it leans modern thanks to the slim fit. Wear it with some broken-in denim, wear it with black corduroy pants for some edge — heck, wear it over a T-shirt.

#4. GAP Herringbone Blazer — $89.95

A nice color combo and casual patch pockets make this one blazer to take business-casual … or just casual.

Now, that’s more like it. We turn to a reliable standby at an affordable price for option #4. It’s somewhat concerning that the fit looks a bit … off in these photos, so this might be a good pick to try on in store. The price is not so expensive that it’d be too much of a pain to tailor. But note that the sleeves feature functioning cuffs, which can be an absolute mess to get tailored. However, the fabric blend, cool grey color and patch pockets make this an ideal blazer to throw on over, say, a white Oxford, red V-neck and dark jeans in a business casual setting — if the fit is on-point. Since the patch pockets do push it into casual territory, you could even mix it up and toss it over a long-sleeve henley. A word to the wise — keep your eyes open for the launch of The Hill-side’s capsule collection for GAP very soon; there’s likely to be a great blazer or two in there (Editor’s note: Check out the full rundown via GQ as of 9/23).

#5. Everlane Luxe Sweater Blazer — $165

Part blazer, part sweater and all casual style in one high-quality Everlane piece.

Is this a sweater? A blazer? A swacket? Whatever you call it, the Luxe Sweater Blazer definitely walks the line between casual and crisp style — exactly the type of versatility a nice blazer (or swacket) should provide in the colder months. It should almost wear like the Uniqlo wool blend jacket seen at the top of the page — easygoing enough over a crewneck sweatshirt (for both warmth and casual style), and high-quality enough to pair with a chambray dress shirt. From personal experience with Everlane, its products fit slim, and jackets like these often feature a nice hint of stretch — key when you still need mobility underneath a topcoat. This is one blazer in particular that would pair especially well with high-low combos — think slim chinos plus vintage-inspired runners.

The competition across the board as this post was assembled was pretty cutthroat (or as cutthroat as writing about blazers can be). Brands like Bonobos, with its Italian Knit Blazer, are giving more established brethren like J. Crew a run for their money in the looks (and price) department. As was previously alluded to, The Hill-side is also quickly establishing itself as a player in the splurge blazer game — this Selvedge Mini-Houndstooth Tailored Jacket in Indigo has a great workwear vibe to it, not to mention a high price. Stick to affordable (or at the very least, classic) and versatile options when picking up a great blazer or two this season though, and you’ll reap those rewards as soon as the leaves start to turn.

What’s your go-to fall and winter blazer? Are you planning on refreshing your closet with any of the picks here?

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