Style Pick of the Week: Snow Peak Military Jacket

Snow Peak

A streamlined silhouette and a durable exterior merge seamlessly with a classic military silhouette.

The Style Guide is all about classic, rugged menswear — if you read the blog at all, you know that. But what if you prefer your fall gear with a bit more of a technical focus? Yet just as much versatility? That tricky-to-find middle ground is where the Snow Peak Military Jacket comes into play, and this unquestionably stylish fall jacket has something for everyone. Snow Peak pulls out all the stops when crafting menswear that’s technical enough for the trail, yet sleek enough to move around the city in style — add the Snow Peak Military Jacket to your fall style wish list ASAP. Military-inspired style never loses its edge or classic appeal, and that’s what makes the Snow Peak Military Jacket  a fall style essential.

Made from nylon coated with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish for, yep, durability, the Snow Peak Military Jacket plays off real-life military functionality. With both oversized chest and hip pockets, it’s got ample room for your everyday carry, minus the bulk. Even better? The packable hood adds needed protection from the elements should you encounter nasty fall weather — it’s as if Snow Peak thought of everything, and then some. Worried that this jacket doesn’t fit the bill in terms of standout style? Fear not: Snow Peak took care of that quite nicely.

Design details like a packable hood and chest & hip pockets are much-needed for all your fall adventures.

The great thing about a jacket that blends both fashion and function is the versatility it gives you in terms of fall style ensembles. For example: With a military-inspired silhouette, the Snow Peak Military Jacket is going to look right at home layered over a striped henley. Add a pair of trusty black denim and finish the look with tough black combat boots that can take you to a bar crawl, a bonfire or a rock concert — all without worry when it comes to battling the elements. The durable Snow Peak Military Jacket is also simple and sleek enough to pair with slim tan herringbone trousers, durable brown leather boots and, believe it or not, a classic Oxford shirt at the office. Roll up those sleeves and get to work, yes? And when it comes to matters of fall exploration, from a day hike to a camping trip, the Snow Peak Military Jacket should come through in the clutch, too. Layer it over a rugged overshirt and add classic hiking boots — that’s a combination built for toughness, outdoor exploration and a dash of style. What do you think of the Snow Peak Military Jacket? Will it be making its way into your closet this fall?

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another See Now, Buy Now entry focused on standout fall style!

Online Shopping Picks: These Are the Best Men’s Jackets for Fall

These are heady times we live in — busy times, too. If you’ve followed along with our Online Shopping Picks series on The Style Guide, you know that we’re all about getting you prepped for rugged fall style. And that continues today, in a big way. Putting together a rugged fall #menswear look is about the details — the big categories and the small ones, too. And in the way of essential men’s style for fall,  outerwear is a pretty big category. So, we’ll get you shopping and thinking today. The best men’s jackets for fall feature durable construction, essential warmth and pleasingly rugged-yet-versatile style — that combination is going to take you a lot of places.

Some of the below picks, like the tough Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket seen below, can work in both casual and tailored situations (try it with an American-made Oxford and a knit tie). And others — like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — fit right in with the rugged climes of fall. Regardless, this list of rugged fall jackets should have you set for the season. For more #menswear than you can shake a stick at, follow me on Twitter or Instagram. Enjoy fall — soon enough, anyways!

#1. Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket — $265 

A rugged and versatile piece that’s ideal for layering.

Yes indeed, ladies and gentlemen … the Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket tops our list, and with good reason. It’s the perfect transitional jacket to wear during early fall and on through November. Made from a custom-developed two-way stretch windshell nylon fabric, the Albion Jacket is a positively versatile layering piece. It’s even lined in fleece and is water-resistant — it’s a stylish fall jacket for layering over a rugged striped henley and teaming with classic dark denim.

#2. Abercrombie and Fitch Shera-Lined Corduroy Jacket — $160

A cozy jacket that evokes classic, timeless fall style.

Abercrombie and Fitch — a Style Guide favorite — continues to come roaring back season after season, and the Sherpa-Lined Curdory Jacket is a prime example of that. It evokes the kind of classic fall jacket that your dad or grandpa might have worn to do yard work, except this number features a slimmed-down fit and just as much warmth — plus added style points. Again, a slim striped henley and suede chukka boots are ideal companions.

#2. Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket — $158

Flint and Tinder

This piece could very well be your new favorite denim jacket — agreed? Agreed.

Originally part of our See Now, Buy Now series, the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket should be welcomed to this list with open arms. At least, I think so. Everyone needs a stylish denim jacket in their layering arsenal — the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker features a crisp indigo color and the type of easygoing wearability that looks great with slim tan chinos and a white chambray shirt or a slim striped henley.

#3. Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — $238

A fall-ready color and durable cotton construction set this jacket apart.

If you’ve read our Style Guide Q+A with Portland lifestyle brand Bridge and Burn, you know they’re dedicated to making classic, straightforward pieces with a touch of Northwest style influence. And in this case, the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket channels the kind of rugged durability you need this fall, and tosses in a healthy dose of style, too. The hard-wearing cotton outer and quilted liner of the Thielsen Jacket provide protection from the elements, while the rich Acorn color is a fall-ready shade. Who’s ready to hit the pumpkin patch, people?

#4.  BANKS Tombstone Jacket — $130

BANKS Tombstone Jacket

Another warm, classic and durablly made piece of outerwear for the season.

The rugged fall style just keeps coming in spades with the BANKS Tombstone Jacket. A unique brand available via the great folks at Bespoke Post, the Tombstone Jacket channels classic style with a modern edge. Which is to say, the faded blue cotton exterior plays nicely off the golden sherpa collar, while the lined warmer pockets ensure you stay warm even at long, chilly tailgates. So, throw on the Tombstone Jacket and pass me a beer, will ya?

#6. Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Cone Mills Selvage — $188

Taylor Stitch

A handsome denim jacket that’ll only get better with age.

Another jacket from Taylor Stitch on our list of the best men’s fall jackets? Yes indeed, you bet. The Long Haul Jacket is a much-loved silhouette from the brand, harnessing a slick, slim design with the power of Cone Mills denim. That’s right — Taylor Stitch teamed up with the country’s foremost denim mill on a rugged denim jacket that you can wear now over a chambray shirt and wear later over a stylish crewneck sweater. And that’s just the beginning, I’d wager.

#7. Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket — $148

A faded shirt jacket that layers with darn near anything in your closet — a job well-done by Taylor Stitch.

Hey, might as well round out this list with more rugged menswear from Taylor Stitch, yeah? The Maritime Shirt Jacket made an appearance in our #OOTD series earlier this year — specifically when it comes to how to wear a rugged overshirt — and it’s guaranteed to impress. The Maritime Shirt Jacket features a cool sun-bleached finish, sturdy construction and the type of fit that works with slim chinos and wingtip boots or black denim in equal measure.

#8.  Finisterre Petrichor Overshirt — $76.98

A durable, rugged silhouette with the strong fabrication to match.

Why exactly are we included an overshirt on this list of fall’s best jackets? Well, my friends — anything goes when it comes to stylish fall layering, and the construction and style of the Petrichor Overshirt is such that it can serve as both if needed. It’s an affordable stylish chore jacket that doubles as overshirt, and the densely woven cotton and cool khaki color make for a heck of a durable piece — so, sold on the Petrichor Overshirt yet?

Alright, friends — what’s your favorite pick of the above? Will it be the rugged versatility of the sturdy cotton Petrichor Overshirt or the sun-bleached cool of the Maritime Shirt Jacket? Is it perhaps the classically styled BANKS Tombstone Jacket or the rough-and-rugged  Long Haul Jacket? Yes indeed, from sherpa-collar corduroy jackets from Abercrombie and Fitch to a durable cotton number like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket, I hope you found this list helpful. It’s about finding the right fabrication and the silhouette that works for — because believe it or not, I’m sure once you try one of these rugged fall jackets, you’ll want to wear it as much as you can.

How’d we do with today’s post? What do you think of the above picks? Feel free to drop a note in the comments below, or hit me up on Twitter! 

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Montreaux Windbreaker Jacket

Grayers

The Montreaux Windbreaker from Grayers could be the casual jacket you never knew you needed — right? Pictured here with the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Star, plus my Original Penguin Stretch Scout Shorts, classic SeaVees Army Issue Sneakers and my Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch.

What’s got style, easygoing wearability and functionality built into one? The Grayers Montreaux Windbreaker Jacket, of course. It’s today’s Style Pick of the Week, and it’s perhaps the one jacket you need to buy now. OK, that’s saying quite a lot, if we’re being honest. But truly, the Grayers Montreaux Windbreaker Jacket is an unexpected #menswear move — it switches things up from a more typical rugged denim jacket in the later part of the summer, and it provides easy, breezy and travel-ready style all in one package. Certainly, the Montreaux Windbreaker is a decidedly effective way to combat late-summer chills once the sun sets — that’s certainly true whether you’re at a bonfire, heading out on a weekend trip or hanging around a backyard BBQ.

And best of all, it’s the kind of simple, classic and yet modern style that Grayers has so nicely perfected over the years. The Montreaux Windbreaker — also available in Navy — is nothing less than the kind of subtle, crisp jacket that you can throw on with anything — be it a stylish denim shirt or someting as straightforward as the equally stylish Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt. It’s a silhouette and overall look that’s as ready to go now as it’ll be in the spring — and when layered right, I’d wager you can likely get away with wearing it in the early fall atop a rugged crewneck sweatshirt.  When I took it for a spin myself during day two of the excellent Panorama 2017 music festival, I was certainly pleased with its durability and utility — and when you check out the details on this jacket, you might just decide you also need the Montreaux Windbreaker in your closet.

Grayers

Made from tightly woven polyester, this jacket delivers in terms of comfort and style.

In short, this jacket has all the trappings of a piece that’s really perfect for “grab-and-go” situations. Whether you wear it to dash to your favorite coffee shop or grab a casual lunch, I’d say it’ll serve you well. It’s got the type of sharp style that doesn’t draw attention to itself — again, perfect for pairing up with menswear essentials ranging from your favorite pair of jeans and stylish leather sneakers to classic suede chukka boots and a slim white polo. Truly, it can do all of that — maybe even in the same day. The functionality of the Montreaux Windbreaker lies in the tightly woven polyester construction — ideal for fighting breezes and summer rain,.  Heck, you should keep it handy to throw on with an American-made henley in the early part of fall; again, it’s just that versatile. And if you’re a sucker for small details — as I am — then touches like the leather zipper pull and stand-up collar should win you over. And when the time comes to throw it in your stylish weekender bag and hit the road, it’s going to pack up with ease. There’s not much standing in the way of you picking it up, either — the agreeable price on the Montreaux Windbreaker should help you save some extra coins to spend on another beer or two.

Will you be picking up the Montreaux Windbreaker to hit the road this summer and fall? Let me know in the comments below — thanks for reading! 

#OOTD: How to Wear A Chambray 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.

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.
Ben Sherman

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

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!

Frank & Oak

 

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

 

Style Pick of the Week: Shinola + Golden Bear Wool Bomber

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

The popular watch brand tapped the equally iconic team at Golden Bear for this bomber.

The popular watch brand tapped the equally iconic team at Golden Bear for this bomber.

If you swung through this very small piece of the blogosphere pie a few weeks back, you might recall the jacket you see here from the Best Men’s Fall Jackets feature — but we’re back again. And that’s simple — both in-person and even online, it’s pretty neat to see how Shinola is evolving its product selection, which now includes some sweatshirts. The American brand probably better known for its crisp, classic watches prides itself on its commitment to homegrown partnerships, so it was a smart move to tap the expert jacket makers at Golden Bear for this wool bomber. Beyond this viewpoint, it’s simply a great (and yes, expensive) piece of outerwear if you find yourself frequently trekking through the snow and slush. It plays off a classic masculine silhouette, the A-2 bomber, and features premium details like leather trim and a sturdy brass zipper. It’s these little details — plus the overall excellent look — that make it worth that price tag. On the less expensive end of things, you could always snap up another shearling bomber via JackThreads.

It's also available in Black, although the Grey color still works plenty well for fall & winter.

It’s also available in Black, although the Grey color still works plenty well for fall & winter.

But back to this Shinola number. On top of those other details, the authentic sheepskin shearling collar buttons at the throat too, in case it gets insanely cold. The Melton wool should also keep you extra warm. There’s no word yet on how these jackets fit, but from the looks of it, they’ll feature a modern, contemporary fit that still leaves room for layering. Keep in mind that once you get past all the bells and whistles, this jacket can be styled like even a more basic light grey peacoat would. It’ll add a terrific amount of texture to dark denim and some crisp leather sneakers, and you can certainly dress it up with some navy trousers, brown leather wingtip boots and a light blue dress shirt.  And with a long-sleeve henley and some corduroys, you’ll have the perfect high-low combination for weekend adventures. Given the investment-worthy nature of the price, you’ll certainly want to wear it as much as possible.

Are you a fan of this bomber jacket? Would you invest in this piece?

Florsheim

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Details like a hidden snap-down lend some edge to a piece that's already filled with downtown cool.

A vintage piece that combines rugged cool and heritage quality.

We’re just into September, which means that it’s time for this blogger to … switch from writing about polos to leather jackets? Well, when the offering is as stellar as the latest release from Taylor Stitch, it’s definitely time to cue up a few paragraphs. Taylor Stitch, makers of excellent slim chinos as reviewed on this blog, has really hit it out of the park with its latest endeavor, the Moto Jacket (part of the broader Moto Collection).The pre-sale campaign for the Moto Jacket started just about a week ago, and consumers have responded — this bad boy is a whooping 770% funded. It really does have all the pedigree (and styling potential) that you could want from a great leather jacket — and you’d certainly expect that given the $875 price tag. It’s made in partnership with renowned sportswear purveyors Golden Bear and based off a 40-year-old jacket produced by the same brand. Yet, the two have taken the principles that made the original so great, including a vintage racer silhouette, and brought the entire item into the 21st century.

A contemporary fit and quilted lining keep this jacket sleek and functional.

A contemporary fit and quilted lining keep this jacket sleek and functional.

The thick 3.5oz. steerhide leather looks as if it should break in beautifully over time, and a diamond quilted lining should also keep you insulated from fall’s chill. The jacket looks to fit slim and contemporary, a definite positive that ensures it’ll pair up well with both tailored cords and rugged denim. Leather jackets are one of only a host of outerwear options for the colder months, to be sure, but it’s fall’s answer to the spring denim jacket — able to replace your blazer, if need be. The trickiest thing about it (other than having to fork over that much cash) will definitely be the waiting — it’s set to start shipping around November 23. So, there’s need to buy anything for Black Friday, right? On the plus side, its current price is $300 lower than the regular price. And at the end of the day, it’s truly a jacket that should last at least as long as the one off which it was modeled — and likely beyond that. Pair it with a henley and some dark denim, and consider yourself set for many seasons to come.

What’s your reaction to this moto jacket? Would you wear it  (or spend the cash) and how would you style it?
Florsheim
Greats