Tag / best men’s fashion

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Right Way to Wear a Chambray Shirt This Summer

We talk a lot here on The Style Guide about the best way to wear certain summer style essentials — case in point, this recent #OOTD covering how to wear a denim jacket.  Today, we’re talking about another summer style essential that’s truly crucial to pulling together a well-appointed wardrobe in warm weather: The chambray shirt. To be sure, owning a stylish chambray shirt isn’t a matter of life or death … but you’d definitely do well to pick up the slim chambray shirt we’re talking about in today’s ensemble.

The cool cotton and go-anywhere versatility of the chambray shirt makes it an easy choice to throw on with sharp white sneakers and an investment-level watch, even when the thermostat rises — as you’ll see in the below outfit. The best part about the CIVIC Jack Shirt? It’s going to prove plenty useful the rest of the year, too. But for right now, when you need to look presentable yet don’t want to throw on too many extra layers? Reach for a classic chambray shirt, made with a decidedly modern fabric. While we’re certainly not reinventing the wheel here, we’re giving you yet another way to wear this beloved wardrobe staple — no matter how hot it gets. Wear this look to a BBQ or to the bar, or to a balllgame. Heck, wear it to the office if you feel quite casual.

Want more styling tips (mixed with a healthy dose of craft beer and travel? Head to my Instagram. 

A versatile chambray shirt and white sneakers, plus a tremendously rugged and stylish watch? That’s all you need this summer. Besides pants, that is.

  • The Chambray Shirt: CIVIC The Jack Shirt in Sky Blue Chambray, $128 — From the partner brand of Taylor Stitch comes a versatile chambray shirt with a tailored cut and go-anywhere fabric. Ideal for summer.
  • The Pants: Mott & Bow Slim Mercer Jeans in Khaki, $128 — While we could go with chinos here, khaki jeans are decidedly more casual — and thanks to Mott & Bow, the Mercer Jeans are VERY easy to wear (it’s the stretch fabric construction!).
  • The Sneakers: SeaVees Monterey Sneakers, $54.98 — It’s tough to knock the combination of affordability, style and versatility you’re getting with classic SeaVees sneakers. I can’t recommend the Monterey Sneakers enough.
  • The Socks: CHUP Volant Socks, $32 — What socks to wear when you’ve got on a pair of low-cut sneakers? An comfortable yet-subtly stylish pair like the CHUP Volant Socks, of course.
  • The Belt: Levi’s Alturas Belt, $38 — Levi’s is a go-to brand for your favorite pair of denim, yet don’t turn a blind eye to the brand’s accessories; I’m a fan of the rugged leather of the Alturas Belt. It’s those small style details that matter.
  • The Watch: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch, $1,295 — Take it from a guy who loves his watches — the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 is a beast, and yet subtly stylish at the same time. The perfect counterpart to a classic chambray shirt, if you ask me.
  • The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $40 — The much-loved Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is a personal favorite. It’s a premium, stylish upgrade over your standard athletic logo cap, too. Give it a try with this #OOTD.
  • The Wallet:Wingback London Cash Wallet, $84 — Investing in a great leather wallet can be one of life’s finer pleasures. The Wingback London Cash Wallet will age handsomely each time you use it, too.

And with that … we’re done with today’s #OOTD! Feeling more confident about how to wear a chambray shirt, or reinvigorted with new ideas about how to style the CIVIC Jack Shirt in a way that’s new and fresh? Good. Great, even. The above look isn’t too complicated, although you could add a rugged denim jacket if you like. Complementary pieces like the Mercer Jeans from Mott & Bow keep this outfit casual and yet versatile — we’re all about comfort and style that can take you places (the ballpark, the bar, that BBQ … you get the drift). As one would expect, classic SeaVees sneakers also get the job done when it comes to go-anywhere style — the white Monterey Sneakers add crisp, casual style to this ensemble in particular. I’m also all about little details making the difference, from the neat pattern of the CHUP Volant Socks to the aged leather of the Alturas Belt — small styling touches add just enough visual interest to an outfit that’s packed with classics. Speaking of classics … I’m positive the investment-level quality (and matching price tag) on the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 is going to lend some serious style cred and classic style to this look, and a heck of a lot of others.  All that’s left to do? Throw on the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, grab the stylishly rugged  Wingback London Cash Wallet, and hit the road. Summer’s in the bag, folks.

Let me know how you feel about the above look by checking in on Twitter.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Stitch Fix, North & Mark and the Best Men’s Pocket Tees

We’ve had quite a lot going on around The Style Guide as of late, from a recent trip to Detroit (Editor’s note: Check out my amazing girlfriend Laura’s guide to things to do in Detroit!) to quite a few neat #menswear events here in NYC — one of which you’ll learn about below! Along the way, I’ve carved out some to listen to some new tunes — the new CHVRCHES album “Love is Dead” has been on heavy rotation — and I’ve tried some tasty new beer to kick off summer. On that note, Corona Premier is a pleasingly light, easy-to-drink beer that still harnesses some nice flavor (thanks to the brand for sending over some test brews!). While I love a hefty New England or West Coast IPA — of which you can find a good deal of in Brooklyn — I’ve still got a soft spot for a Corona and a day spent catching some sun.

But, back to business. Let’s talk about the watch you need for summer adventures. Or conversely, the classic white tee to wear with everything this season. Or perhaps, a stylish short-sleeve shirt is more your speed this weekend. Whatever tickles your fancy, hopefully, we can help you find it. On that note, we’re looking into a few handy, helpful seasonal style matters today, a new outerwear brand and classic pocket tees among them. So for now, I’ll say farewell. Happy reading, happy shopping … oh, and cheers!

  • Have you heard of or used Stitch Fix? I was able to give this personal styling service a try last fall via my Instagram and blog, but at any rate, GQ.com took a closer look at the inner workings of this fast-moving platform recently. You decide whether the service is for you, I’d say.
  • I had the chance last week to check out the launch of North & Mark, a highly functional, highly stylish outerwear brand that makes its gear in NYC and draws inspiration from the Windy City.  From four-way stretch blazers — tailored but easy to wear over a classic white tee to the office — to clean and classic overcoats and a heck of a stylish belted trench coat, this is one brand that’s certainly going to help you up your outerwear game when the weather calls for it.
  • Esquire.com has been tracking the best songs of 2018 (so far), and I’m having a tough time picking my favorite from this list. For this self-proclaimed Indie Rock Dad (Editor’s note: Actually not a father!), it just might be “What a Time to be Alive” by revered North Carolina rockers Superchunk. What’s your pick from that list?
  • Perhaps most helpfully for y’all, I wrote up some of the best men’s pocket tees for GearMoose.com. My favorite from this list? The Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee, naturally.

That’s going to do it for today’s Friday Read. Still need something to read or something to shop? Start with my list of the best summer style essentials. Then, read why you need this timeless navy polo in your closet for summer. All set? All set.

Cheers!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Rugged Men’s Henley, Favorites from Shinola and A Michigan Weekend

 

Snapped by my amazing girlfriend Laura — a heck of a talented photographer — exploring Detroit recently. I layered up with my Grayers Edgeware Cotton Moto Jacket!

We made it to Friday, and another Friday Read— cheers! For me as of late, the week’s end has been especially fun and meaningful — Friday has often meant a trip back to the Midwest (to The National Homecoming festival, for instance), or back to my home state of Michigan (like Detroit, shown above!) to see my lovely girlfriend, Laura! And that’s the case this Friday as well — we’re heading north to Mackinaw City to experience a bit of early summer fun “up North,” as we Michigan natives like to say. What does the weekend have in store for you? Whatever the case might be, I hope it’s packed with some #menswear shopping, some craft brews (or your beverage of choice), and great times with family and friends. As for me? Well, I’ve got a flight to catch. But you should feel more than free to stick around and make yourself at home. You’ll enjoy this week’s style reads, and you’ll certainly get a kick out of tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Thanks for reading!

  • In need of a new, rugged henley for spring and summer? This classic henley from Faherty Brand ought to do the trick — it’s our most recent Style Pick here on the site.
  • The fine folks at Shinola excel — and I mean, simply EXCEL — at producing all manner of beautiful lifestyle goods that anyone can appreciate. With that in mind, I picked out my five favorites from Shinola for The Manual! Shop now, will ya?
  • The fine art of crafting stylish men’s shoes is something I’ve always found fascinating — the folks at Gear Patrol tend to agree on that front. I found their recent interview with John Lofgren (maker of everything from high-top sneakers to durable boots) to be seriously cool.
  • Now that we’re ticking toward Memorial Day, you’re probably wondering … what should I wear? Rest assured that we’ll have a full ensemble coming next week, but in the meantime, you should certainly check out this #OOTD (from the blog!) on how to wear stylish shorts this summer. Cheers!

Ready for the weekend? I know I sure as heck am. Can’t wait! Thanks for sticking around, and be sure to check out my Instagram for the scoop on all of this weekend’s Michigan adventures.

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Laidback Spring (Or Summer) Friday

We’ve been slowly but surely getting into the heart of spring and summer style here on The Style Guide, and that means one thing: Focusing on warm weather essentials that are going to help you conquer even the most tricky seasonal style situations. Think of a decidedly casual spring or summer Friday in the office (or perhaps … working from home?). What are you wearing? A one-size-too-large polo and khakis that probably don’t fit as well as they should? Not if this #OOTD has anything to say about it. Even when it comes to “Casual Friday,” there are ways to rise to the occasion while still keeping things toned down and office-appropriate. For instance: We’re ditching the polo or overly casual graphic tee in favor of a stylish short-sleeve shirt from Style Guide pals Taylor Stitch, and we’re swapping those khakis for slim light wash denim and classic suede chukkas from a timeless brand (that’d be Red Wing Heritage). Along the way, we’ll accent this ensemble with durable accessories, including a stylish casual watch and a work week-friendly leather messenger bag. This ensemble just gets it done if you happen to work in an environmen that, like so many offices nowadays, leans more and more laidback. Rethink the way you dress for summer … starting right now.

A breezy, West Coast-inspired short-sleeve shirt pairs up nicely with suede chukkas and casual office essentials.

  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Short-Sleeve California Shirt in Navy Poplin, $98 — This isn’t like Dwight Schrute’s short-sleeve shirts. The California Shirt in Navy Poplin is tailored and classic — perfect for the office.
  • The Denim: Standard Deviation Beta Denim in Light Indigo, $98 — These slim Standard Deviation jeans strike a nice balance between being overly faded or overly heavy (like indigo selvage denim, for instance).
  • The Belt: Levi’s Aberdeen Belt, $38 — Leave it to Levi’s to make a stylish leather belt that’s neither too casual nor too dressy — again, the perfect middle ground for a Friday in May … or June, or July, or August.
  • The Chukka Boots: Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, $230 — Ditch the dress shoes for a day — the comfortable, durable and casually stylish Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka just works.
  • The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks, $10 — One of the best parts of spring and summer? Rethinking your sock wardrobe. Gone are those heavy boot socks — enter these crew socks, cut shorter for casual style and a cool breeze.
  • The Watch: Redux Courg Watch, $319.98 –Don’t worry about matching your watch strap to the color of your belt or shoes here — the Redux Courg Watch means business, in the most rugged and laidback way possible.
  • The Bag: WP Standard Vintage Messenger, $295 — The handsomely crafted WP Standard Vintage Messenger has more than enough space for your laptop and every single one of your everyday carry essentials.
  • The Sunglasses: Komono Luca Sunglasses, $119.95 — Sunglasses are a somewhat underrated finishing touch, and the right pair — like the Komono Luca Sunglasses — add just enough casual flair to a cool ensemble.

The key to pulling off a dressed-down Casual Friday ‘fit starts with … well, fit. The California Shirt in Navy Poplin from Taylor Stitch is a prime example of the right way to do a short-sleeve shirt at the office. It can be worn untucked thanks to a length that’s just right. The fit is nicely tailored, the fabric is classic and the stripes are a spring-friendly (or summer-friendly) touch. Yes, the California Shirt in Navy Poplin is but one element that puts this #OOTD over the top. Pleasingly faded light wash denim works quite well alongside the Red Wing Heritage Weekender Chukka, thanks to the casual vibe of both pieces. Levi’s serves up the rugged Aberdeen Belt, which contrasts in a cool way with the Redux Courg Watch for style that fits in at the office and at happy hour. I’d be willing to bet that no one else in your office has the Komono Luca Sunglasses, which is what makes ’em such a cool pick for this particular #OOTD. And when it comes time to hit the road — both heading to and leaving the office — the WP Standard Vintage Messenger should certainly come in more than handy. To recap — you can make a short-sleeve shirt work at the office in a casual setting, as long as you nail the fit and fabric. Again, the California Shirt in Navy Poplin from Taylor Stitch checks off all the right boxes. It’s up to you to power through the work day now.

Folks, what do we think of this #OOTD? Will you be trying this slightly bold look out at the office this summer? 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Proof Performance Oxford

A streamlined take on the Oxford shirt, made with stain-resistant fabric and a tailored fit.

Right off the bat, the Proof Performance Oxford is head and shoulders above other ordinary shirts on the market. A bold statement, to be sure, but I ask that you bear with me today. There’s plenty that’s made the Proof Performance Oxford worthy of being this week’s Style Pick, from the innovative construction to the stain-resistant fabric to the fact that every guy, no matter who you are, needs a stylish Oxford shirt that can quite literally go anywhere. The Performance Oxford is that shirt. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with a classic cotton Oxford, there are instance where a thicker, heavier Oxford might not work.

Take, for example, the dead of summer or an abnormally humid spring day — you’re going to want to stay cool, dry and stylish, and that’s where the Proof Performance Oxford comes into play. The midweight, cotton-poly blend that makes up the innards of the Proof Performance Oxford combines what you love about cotton (the most versatile fabric on the planet, perhaps?) with the “performance” aspects of nylon — as the shirt’s name would imply! In short, the Proof Performance Oxford is the spring and summer shirt that you didn’t know you needed … yet. The brand calls the Performance Oxford the “21st-century take” on the traditional Oxford, and your Style Guide editor is inclined to agree with ’em.

Stain-resistant fabric, again, is what makes this shirt stand out from the pack. Assuredly.

It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic Oxford, including a pleasingly modern fit, a buttondown collar and versatile color options — I’m a fan of the mid-range Navy Oxford, personally. Add in the fact that the Performance Oxford features coveted and exceedingly rare stain-resistant fabrication, and you’ve got a surefire winner when it comes to the next shirt you’ll splurge on this season. It’s also quite versatile — this isn’t a longer-cut dress shirt by any means. The Performance Oxford works with tailored navy shorts or slim tan chinos in equal measure. The footwear choice is yours, although anything from oxblood leather loafers to tan suede chukkas are going to work more than handsomely with any color of the Performance Oxford. It’s the type of versatile shirt that’s going to pair nicely with the full range of pants in your wardrobe in the months ahead, from faded American-made jeans to dark blue denim to olive chinos and beyond. Again, the list of positives for the Proof Performance Oxford goes on and on, without a doubt. That’s true in both matters of style and substance. Leave your old Oxford behind — the Proof Performance Oxford means business.

Who’s buying the Proof Performance Oxford? How are you styling it? 

Thanks for reading!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The National Homecoming, Spring Style Essentials and Slim Light Wash Denim

Sipping an iced coffee and reflecting pensively on a great long weekend in Cincinnati. Wearing a cotton flannel shirt from Todd Snyder and a navy T-shirt from Mott and Bow. Photo by Laura Henschke.

Gather ’round the proverbial Style Guide fire for another weekly edition of The Friday Read. It’s been a whirlwind couple of days, as I roadtripped back from Cincinnati on Monday following a long weekend trip to Cincy. What took me to Ohio? Well, if you caught last week’s Friday Read, you know that the extraordinary first edition of The National Homecoming festival was more than enough reason to visit the seriously cool city of Cincy (This terrific piece by The Ringer sums up the weekend nicely!). Headlined by, yep, The National and featuring sets from luminaries like Future Islands, Lord Huron, Julien Baker and Alvvays, we had a great time sipping on cold beverages from Rhinegheist (check us out on their Instagram!) while enjoying lovely (if somewhat chilly) spring weather. If ever you get to Cincy, I know I loved the gourmet Mexican food and margaritas at Bakersfield OTR, plus the excellent brunch deal at Nation. We also enjoyed hearty cold brews from Coffee Emporium and checked out a National-themed photography exhibit at the city’s Contemporary Arts Center! Top it off with two stellar, unique sets from The National, and you’ve got the makings of an extraordinary weekend! To say the very least. In other happenings, well, we’re about to kick off another weekend, and this one will also find me traveling back to Michigan — and Grand Rapids — for Cinco de Mayo celebrations with close high school friends. Follow along with all the fun on Instagram, and be sure to get your weekend going with a few more-than-engaging reads below. Cheers!

  • Let’s get right down to it — if you missed this week’s post about spring style essentials to shop in the latest edition of The List, you need to catch up. We’ve got stylish spring sneakers, we’ve got everyday carry essentials, we’ve got a stylish weekender bag … and it’s all yours for perusing now.
  • If you haven’t yet heard, J. Crew Factory is running an extraordinary summer sale, and Esquire.com has all the picks you need to shop now, right this very instant. Get to it and stock up on summer style essentials just a bit early.
  • Speaking of music festivals, Pitchfork put together quite an interesting and insightful analysis of the gender balance — or rather, inbalance — at festivals via some revealing data-crunching and colorful graphs. The biggest takeaway? More representation is needed at festivals across the board! That’s all there is to it.
  • Lastly, I’ll leave you with one more #menswear essential to buy now — these slim light wash jeans from Raleigh Denim, as featured on the blog last week, could feasibly see a ton of use in the weeks and months ahead. Get to shopping!

That’s all I’ve got in today’s Friday Read, my friends. Cheers!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket

The next addition to your spring wardrobe — check it out below.

The topic of today’s Style Pick of the Week is a brand you very well might recognize — Relwen. Makers of superb outerwear fit for nearly every situation, from casual weekends (see the Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket) to the more field-ready (enter the Relwen Quilted Patrol Jacket). If you’re a fan of those two unique silhouettes, then today’s stylish spring jacket is certainly going to work out nicely. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket — it’s quite possibly your new favorite spring jacket. The Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket isn’t just any lightweight spring jacket to throw on — it’s packed with that critical combo of styling potential and weather-ready durability that you need this season particularly. The CPO-style design is quite likely different than any other jacket you’ve got hanging in your closet currently, which is part of what makes the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket so cool and essential. Seriously. It’s got the styling chops to hang with your other favorite spring style essentials — take light wash denim, canvas high-top sneakers and a classic white T-shirt, for starters. Feel free to match the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket with other, slightly more office-ready looks; a blue Oxford shirt, slim tan chinos and clean white sneakers ought to do the trick. So, we know it’s got the looks you need. What about the performance? Believe — at least based on the specs — the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket can hang.

The waffle-knit lining in this jacket adds just the right amount of warmth when it comes to spring layering.

It starts with the perfectly spring-friendly cotton-nylon construction — easy enough to layer on a breezy day, sturdy enough to retain its shape and silhouette through lots of repeated wear. Believe me, I think you’re going to find that the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket is the right kind of jacket for the season; it looks great with classic picks, like a light blue chambray shirt, and it works well with laidback staples (like the classic white T-shirt we mentioned earlier). Add in a plethora of pockets, including two slanted hip zipper pockets and two front-button snap pockets at the chest, and you’ve even got enough room to handle all of your everyday carry essentials. Plus, the waffle knit lining at the shoulders provides some needed insulation for cooler spring (and even summer) nights. Pleated elbows and shaped cuffs are also design touches you don’t often find on other jackets — the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket has everything considered quite nicely, one could say. For me, that makes it a darn-near essential spring jacket — what say you?

Feel free to leave your feedback or comments on Twitter about this essential spring jacket, my friends. Thanks for reading! 

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket

A grab-and-go jacket that offers a heck of a lot of style and versatility.

What’s one thing you need in your wardrobe (and on your back) this spring more than anything? I’d say it’s got to be a dependable spring rain jacket. Dependable and stylish, that is. But where to go for such a tricky find? Iron & Resin is, simply put, one of those brands you can always turn to in the clutch when you want stylish, wearable and tough gear. From a rugged men’s henley to the excellent Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket that you see on display today, you can be sure the brand is building pieces that are seasonally friendly and more than ready for adventure. With roots in making rough-and-ready threads for chopper enthusiasts, this is one brand that doesn’t skimp on quality or construction (you know we’re all about those two focuses here at The Style Guide). The Reserve Jacket embodies that approach quite nicely — it’s more than just your standard lightweight polyester jacket. Notably, the Reserve Jacket is filled with recycled polyfill, a crucial bit of insulation that provides nice cover on cool spring nights (and breezy spring days, come to think of it). Welt handwarmer pockets offer a handy place to store your everyday carry essentials and keep your hands toasty at the same time — a pretty crucial benefit as well, right? You got it. As we always strive to do here on the blog, the Reserve Jacket packs a hefty punch on the style front, so you’re in luck there.

Polyfill insulation adds some needed warmth for chilly spring nights.

In a black color that actually looks like it might lean more navy, the Reserve Jacket is the sort of classic piece of outerwear that works well in just about any ensemble. Fancy wearing a grey slub tee and some faded denim alongside stylish leather sneakers to get a weekend coffee? Toss on the Reserve Jacket. Want to rock a knit tie and a classic Oxford shirt alongside slim tan chinos and white sneakers? The Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket is a worthy and functional blazer substitute. And when you find yourself in need of a go-anywhere coat for a spring road trip or a music festival (The National’s Homecoming Festival is my pick!), then the Iron & Resin Reserve Jacket is the one to buy. The Reserve Jacket ditches the logos and crazy colors of other spring rain jackets, and it looks all the better for it. So, what’s not to like about that? Let me know in the comments below if you’ll be picking up this crucial spring addition.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Across the Pond, Part 2: A Family Trip to Ireland, Scotland and England

Paying homage to bands like The Killers at Royal Albert Hall in London — leg two of a Hayhoe family adventure! My picks for the trip included versatile Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots and a great Grayers jacket.

Although we had a break of a few days for more regularly scheduled content here on The Style Guide — such as our Style Pick of the Week — we’re back with a full recap from last week’s lengthy, busy and incredible Hayhoe family trip to Ireland, Scotland and England! Following an overnight flight to Dublin, we spent time at the Guinness Storehouse, the Cliffs of Moher and Galway before making our way to Edinburgh and then London. In fact, you can (and should!) check out part one before getting into part two. Do you have any experience with traveling to any of these countries? If so, hopefully you agree with the day trips we took and the sights we saw — not to mention the menswear I packed! Traveling with versatility and weather-ready durability in mind was the name of the game. And with Dublin and Edinburgh in the books, I packed up my  WP Standard Leather Messenger Bag and grabbed a coffee (or two … or three) to start the day.

Upon our Following our arrival in London on Wednesday, I knew that layering up for the chilly weather would continue to be critical. I threw on a ruggedly stylish piece from Taylor Stitch — the tough Heavy Bag Henley from the Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Collection. Made from upcycled cotton and featuring that tailored fit we all know and love from Taylor Stitch, this rugged men’s henley was perfect for London. The combo paired up quite well with my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket — the tough waxed cotton and handy front snap button pockets handled the demands of hauling around everyday carry essentials as we explored the city and shopped at famed department store Harrods. I stayed on time throughout with my Timex x Todd Snyder MS1 Maritime Watch,  this time swapped out for a brown leather watch strap from Form-Function-Form (two watches in one!).

Wearing a Todd Snyder flannel — teamed with black Abercrombie & Fitch denim and Allen Edmonds Chelsea boots — for a bit of rock n’roll-inspired style at Rough Trade Records.

Major highlights included some excellent time spent Thursday evening at the  legendary Rough Trade Records— the venerable label’s Brooklyn outpost is one of my favorite spots back in NYC, and visiting the London location was just as much of a treat.  To stay comfortable and light on my feet, my sleek Allen Edmonds Liverpool Suede Chelsea Boots held up throughout our stay in London (which also included a Friday night viewing of revered American musical “Hamilton” in London’s West End!). The next time your travels take you across different countries in the chilly early spring weather, reach for durable outerwear, easy-to-wear boots and warm, essential layers from brands like Taylor Stitch. 

Wearing Donegal trousers and Chelsea boots in a nod to cold weather in the U.K. — the perfect outfit for exploring the world of Harry Potter!

Earlier on Thursday in London, I once again focused on warm layering via my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket, paired up with JackThreads Donegal Trousers and the durable Allen Edmonds Liverpool Suede Chelsea Boots for a bit of sharp, mobile style. I completed the combo with a rugged, classic shawl-collar cardigan from Life/After/Denim. Great menswear and a day in London? How could it get any better? Oh, that’s an easy answer. We spent an incredible and very, very worthwhile day on our feet via the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, celebrating the making of Harry Potter! It’s a must-visit for any Harry Potter fan (and the place was positively packed with them throughout the day!). This extraordinary book and film series has left an indelible mark on my life — it’s been a family staple since I was in first grade, from Halloween costumes to summertime reading to midnight movie theater showings, all the way to a recent trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter earlier this year! Needless to say, I was so thrilled to be on the tour, as were my mom, dad and sister.

With Thursday in the books, it was nearly time to cap off our trip — not before a last day of exploration in one of my new favorite cities, however! I stepped into the durable Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Tops, featuring classic looks and plenty of comfort for a long day on my feet. My outerwear pick was an easy one — the Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket continued to function admirably in the chill of London, and my Timex for J. Crew Field Watch helped me stay on time in rugged, casual style (always a must!). For an evening viewing of “Hamilton,” I changed into my Thursday Boots Wingtip Boots in Cognac Suede. yet I found my sneakers worked quite nicely for a day about town. If you haven’t yet seen “Hamilton,” I’d say it’s worthy viewing even for non-Broadway buffs. Minus a few key geography and name changes to appeal to a mainly British crowd, the production gets everything right — it’s simply stunning.

We wrapped up our London visit with a quick morning stop at the iconic Royal Albert Hall, site of many a famed live show — including a 2009 live concert DVD by one of my favorite bands, The Killers (click here to read more about my concertgoing experiences following this excellent band!). As you can see at the top of the page, I did my best to layer up against an unexpectedly chilly London day, complete with snow flurries. My ever-versatile Allen Edmonds Liverpool Suede Chelsea Boots did the trick when it came to footwear, while a new pair of Scotch and Soda denim (in the excellent Ralston fit) worked just fine for my final day in this great city. Much like the rest of the trip, I just had to throw on my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket to get around (luggage and all) in style.

The long flight back brought our trip to a close — it was a whirlwind, between an overnight flight to kick off leg one, then exciting day trips, plenty of pints of Guinness and great times in three different countries! And there’s nothing like seeing a famed, emotional and impactful musical like “Hamilton” — particularly in London. I’m really grateful to see plenty of new sights all along the way — the Irish countryside is beautiful, so much of Scotland is packed with amazing history, and London probably has as much cosmopolitan charm and modern flair as any city on the planet. To see all of that in just one trip, complete with some quality family time (and the requisite menswear I packed) was a lifetime chance, to say the least! I’ll definitely back — sooner rather than later!

Until the next trip, check back here tomorrow for a new #OOTD post. Thanks for reading! And if you’ve got questions on how to pack for your own overseas trip, feel free to hit me up on Twitter.

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Taylor Stitch’s Slim Chinos Are The Classic Pair You Need In Your Closet

Classic, easily wearable chinos made with great quality in mind — just add stylish leather boots and other essentials for cold weather.

Another day, another stellar product from Taylor Stitch — is it boring when a menswear brand is this great? Not in the slightest, my friends. In fact, the Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in British Khaki are as good as it gets when it comes to an everyday pair of classic men’s chinos. Ya dig? Good, ‘cuz you’re in for a heck of a ride today on The Style Guide. If you’re not familiar with the work being done by San Fran-based Taylor Stitch,  fear not — the brand just knows how to make quality men’s style essentials. The brand’s rather-famous Slim Chinos are no exception. As it were, the Slim Chinos in British Khaki might be the best of the bunch, featuring a rich color, excellent fabric and the type of versatile styling potential that works with stylish men’s dress shoes and a chambray shirt or a rugged crewneck sweater and classic leather sneakers in equal measure. Oh, and more casually rugged pieces like a Taylor Stitch henley? The Slim Chinos in British Khaki will work there, too.

They feature a tailored fit that’s not too tight — a crucial first step in finding that perfect pair of chinos — and all the customary touches one expects from Taylor Stitch. We’re talking a 9.5oz. brushed Spanish twill fabric in a rich color that’s going to look great with a shawl-collar cardigan and rugged tan leather boots on cool fall days. And the real kicker? Taylor Stitch has made these slim chinos with cool details like vintage map pocketing featuring the brand’s home town of San Francisco. How neat is that? Quite neat. The Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in British Khaki aren’t your father’s khakis, that  much is true. Cut slim and without pleats, they’re easily wearable with all your favorite fall and winter style essentials, and in plenty of different situations. Thanksgiving, a fall trip, a weekend with the family or a busy day at the office … yes indeed, the Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in British Khaki are the pair to buy now. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say they were among the best men’s chinos out there. But you’ll have to see for yourself.

Are the Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in British Khaki making their way into your shopping cart? Let me know in the comments!