Tag / best men’s spring style

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Transitional Footwear for Spring

Join us for the ride today as we kick off another Online Shopping Picks entry  — if you’re looking for the best men’s transitional footwear for spring, you’re in luck.   What exactly do we mean when we say transitional? Well, we — and by we, I mean me — aren’t exactly talking about rugged winter boots or even classic summer sneakers. No, today we’re talking footwear that’s a touch more durable than your average set of kicks — maybe they combine a few different elements, like the cut of a chukka and the materials of a sneaker (see: Exhibit A, the SeaVees Huckberry Chukka).  Or maybe, they’re both slightly dressy and yet suited for casual wear. Better yet, they should be relatively durable and versatile for fighting spring rain and looking great at the same time. So, you’ll see a solid mix below, from sleek suede chukkas to durable sneaker-boots and everything in between. If you agree with these picks — and even if you don’t — join me over on The Style Guide Facebook page to pick up what should be a lively #menswear discussion.

Greats

#1. Beckett Simonon Laval Suede Chukka Boots in Chestnut — $199

Supremely stylish and water-resistant suede chukka boots — perfect.

I’ve been fortunate enough to test out some Beckett Simonon footwear across the past few months, namely during a fall weekend in New York City. And the good news is that the brand’s chukkas are sturdy, sleek and extremely stylish. Such is the case with the Laval Suede Chukka Boot in a handsome shade of Chestnut. Pre-order these now and wait for them to arrive, because I’d wager you’ll want to wear them with everything from slim light wash denim to chinos. Oh, and an even better perk? The water-resistant suede, fit for taking on inclement weather.

#2. SeaVees Mariner Boot in Navy or Olive — $149.98

SeaVees

A collaboration between SeaVees and Taylor Stitch, with very stylish results.

When it comes to talking transitional footwear, the Mariner Boot just might be the ideal pair to buy now — and wear very frequently when spring rains roll through.  The end result of a collaboration between our pals at SeaVees and Taylor Stitch, the Mariner Boot features a British Ventile waterproof duck canvas upper for crucial spring protection. Plus, SeaVees’ signature herringbone tread outsole adds a nice dash of traction on wet streets, and the option to pick up either the Navy Mariner Boot or the Olive option bodes well for those of us who appreciate versatile footwear.
Frank & Oak

#3. AstorFlex Bitflex Chelsea Boot in Dark Khaki — $180

Astorflex Chelsea Boots

The combination of suede and a Chelsea boot silhouette is especially crisp for spring.

As seen in a Style Pick of the Week entry last fall, the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boot has a lot going for it — it’s stylish and sustainably made, for one. And crucially, it combines both a relatively slim profile and a unique crepe rubber sole. Plus, who doesn’t love a great Chelsea boot? It’s an of-the-moment silhouette that’s transcended, well, trends, to become a footwear essential. And if you haven’t tried out a pair, this spring might be a good time to start. While they’re not water-resistant like the Beckett Simonon suede chukkas above, you still get nice quality & sharp looks.

#4.  CLAE Hayward in Mojave Pig Suede — $100

Retro style meets functionality — waterproof suede and a neat silhouette.

The retro-style runner continues to have a moment in the menswear space — in other words, it’s simply an excellent-looking shoe style. If you love a great pair of sneakers, give the CLAE Hayward a look if you’re seeking a new way to shake up your spring footwear rotation.  They’re certainly unique in both looks and functionality, incorporating waterproof suede with nylon side panels atop a crisp runner’s sole. Wear these guys with white jeans and a slim short-sleeve chambray shirt — plus a  stylish denim jacket — on a breezy spring day, and you’re all set.

#5. OluKai Pahoa Boots in Black Seal/Brown — $200

Note the burnished leather, waxed laces and easily wearable design.

If you’re sensing a theme in this post — that of durable footwear that also looks sharp — then you’re right on the money. And the last entry on the list definitely falls underneath that umbrella. Comin’ at ya all the way from Hawaii, the OluKai Pahoa Boots feature some mixed-media design touches — note the contrasting upper and waxed cotton laces. What’s more, the footbed features EquilFit technology for comfort and performance. Not bad for a pair of leather chukka boots, ehh?

Honorable Mention: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Chukka — $149

Crisp, clean and well-made — all for under $150. That’s what you get with Thursday Boots.

We’re bringing back the Honorable Mention category in these Online Shopping Picks posts, namely because it’s mighty tough to pick just five great pairs of stylish spring footwear. And when the final brand on the cut line is Thursday Boots, you can be darn sure we’ll give ’em a second look. Featuring a slick European-inspired silhouette and plenty of traction via a studded rubber outsole, these are dressy enough for the office and more than ready for Sunday brunch.

From start to finish, I hope you enjoyed this essential, excellent, even tremendous rundown of the best men’s transitional footwear for spring. Finding shoes that serve a purpose while providing comfort and functionality can sometimes be tricky — yet, plenty of brands are hitting that sweet spot quite nicely.  From the water-resistant suede of the Laval Suede Chukka Boot to the toughness and on-point styling potential of the Mariner Boot, you’ve surely got options aplenty. If retro-inspired style is more your bag, grab the CLAE Hayward for a change, and I’d urge you not to pass up a pair of dressy-yet-versatile Chelsea boots (like the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boot). Of course, who can resist yet another pair of suede chukkas, like the Thursday Boots Suede Scout Chukka? No one, that’s who.  If you’ve got questions on how to style these boots or heck, if you should buy any of them, drop me a line via Twitter or in the comments below.

More importantly — stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear for Cinco de Mayo

Editor’s note: For all manner of style suggestions covering everything from brunch to the holidays, head here.

As I sit here to write this post, it’s pretty wild that it’s already time to think about Cinco de Mayo — where has the time gone? And how are your 2016 style resolutions holding up so far? I’m still struggling to wear less blue, namely — the below outfit doesn’t necessarily move away from that color, either! With that being said, it’s important to recognize that Cinco de Mayo really does have historical significance — and yet, it’s a time a lot of us use to spend with friends at say, a patio bar crawl or the like. And if you’ve been cooped up inside all winter, it seems people need any excuse to get outside (heck, who doesn’t love a great brew regardless — am I right, or am I right?). At any rate, we’re combining style that’s part casual, part rugged and a little refined to combat warm breezes during the day, and possibly cool temps at night. Like what you see, or have other suggestions in mind? Give The Style Guide a shout over here. Onto the outfit!

The Jacket: JackThreads Trucker Jacket — $79

Unique design details and a classic indigo color make this the ideal piece of spring outerwear.

Unique design details and a classic indigo color make this the ideal piece of spring outerwear.

Just as we kicked off our suggestion covering what to wear to Sunday brunch with a JackThreads, so we begin this style suggestion with a tough trucker jacket that’s a positively stunning value — and it should come in handy if it gets breezy, too. The silhouette is a bit different than your standard denim jacket (note the covered placket and the front ridges on either side of it). Lest you think a denim jacket can’t work for you, note that it can be worn plenty of ways. It’s also worth noting that JackThreads’ creative director, Tony Kretten, was the man behind the relaunch of the GAP 1969 denim line — so he knows a thing or two about great denim.

The Shirt: Saturdays Surf NYC Esquina Denim Shirt in Light Washed Indigo — $115

The spring and summer answer to winter's dark denim shirt.

The spring and summer answer to winter’s dark denim shirt.

We’re going full-on denim on denim on the top half — but it’s no Canadian tuxedo. Lest you’re wary of pairing two shades of blue, note that this Saturdays Surf NYC oxford has nice texture and a color that’s significantly lighter than the jacket. It’s a simple, minimal shirt that could quickly turn into a workhorse spring styling piece — it would work well with slim tan chinos or even dark  blue jeans throughout the summer (don’t rule out a pair of tailored shorts, either). From personal experience, Saturdays Surf NYC shirts fit slim and hold up very well through repeated wear — a good thing considering the price tag.

The Pants: JackThreads Slim Chino in Stone — $49

A pair of pants to go along with the JackThreads jacket -- slim, stylish and affordable.

A pair of pants to go along with the JackThreads jacket — slim, stylish and affordable.

In this case, the darker blue jacket and lighter blue shirt are just fit for the cool tones of these JackThreads stone chinos. The brand crafts these with a slim fit and nice fabric, plus the price is (as always with JackThreads) exceptionally solid. Some slim khaki chinos would also work with the rest of this ensemble, as might some natural denim — and if you were lucky enough to pre-order the incredible Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Stone, that’s a worthy pair of pants to keep in mind when matching up multiple shades of blue (although it doesn’t look like they’ll ship in time for this particular holiday).

The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneaker Standard in Bleach — $78

Just as stylish now as it was decades ago.

Just as stylish now as it was decades ago.

SeaVees was among the first brands to really pioneer the classic plimsoll sneaker, and the silhouette has stood up to the years — the Legend Sneaker Standard is no different. These kicks are crisp, casual and timeless — they’ll pop nicely with the light grey chinos and the darker blue jacket, and the great thing about these kicks is that they’ll probably look even better a bit beat up. Plus, they’re comfortable and lightweight — perfect for hanging out on a patio as the sun sets. If those aren’t your speed, check out other stylish spring sneakers here.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Braided Leather Belt — $18.50

A welcome and appropriate departure from a thin dress belt.

A welcome and appropriate departure from a thin dress belt.

Casual situations call for a change of pace from a slim, minimal dress belt — this is definitely one of those times. This J. Crew Factory braided leather belt works well in terms of adding some texture and visual interest to this outfit, and it works for spring (and summer, and fall … and winter). A striped webbing belt would also add a spring-friendly vibe to the look, yet the leather belt is going to be a bit more versatile across the seasons. If you happen to have the rugged vintage leather belt from this style suggestion, throw that on instead.

The Watch: AVI-8 Hawker Harrier II — $165

A sufficiently rugged watch ready for the rigors of a bar crawl.

A sufficiently rugged watch ready for the rigors of a bar crawl.

Are you familiar with AVI-8 Watches? The brand takes pride in producing authentic, tough and durable watches inspired by classic pilot timepieces. The story is an admirable one, and the product looks great — and backs it up with quality for a very solid price, too. The version of the Hawker Harrier II seen here is a bit less technically complicated than some of the other models from the same line (including this chronograph number), but it’s fitting for this particular occasion — it’s not too dressy, and it gives off a nice, rugged vibe. The combination of black and tan between the dial and the case is solid, and the 45mm diameter means it’s pretty beastly. If a smaller-sized watch might be more your thing, head to last week’s post on the best casual watches to buy now.

The Socks: American Trench Summer Footies — $13.50

An underrated finishing touch that could be crucial in keeping your white kicks pristine.

An underrated finishing touch that could be crucial in keeping your white kicks pristine.

Don’t underestimate the power of taking care of your feet this summer — and by extension, your shoes. A nice pair of no-show socks can help contain foot odor, make sneakers last longer and ultimately, prove much more comfortable for your feet. American Trench does standard fall and winter socks well, and they’ve even introduced some nice, spring-ready colors (in addition to the no-show socks you see here). Even if they’re only socks, the fact that they’re made in the USA at a family mill is another big bonus. They’ll definitely finish off this outfit the right way.

When approaching a situation like Cinco de Mayo, where you might be headed to a party to a bar and back, or multiple indoor or outdoor stops along the way, layering up appropriately is going to be key. The denim trucker jacket adds a rugged, bar-ready look to those modern, slim chinos — and classic white sneakers are a great piece of finishing footwear.   A tough, military-inspired watch serves a dual function — that of a neat conversation starter and a really solid watch. Plus, each of these pieces can work across the rest of the season in various outfits. That’s worth a toast in my book.

How are you dressing for Cinco de Mayo? Any pieces you would change or add?

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Florsheim

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Casual Spring Basics

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.

Sometimes, you reach a point in your quest to build great style where it’s refreshing to turn back to the basics. After all, style doesn’t always have to be complicated or overly formal, as we’ve talked about in past #OOTD posts here on The Style Guide. Taking well-crafted, well-fitting and versatile pieces is a skill that’s underrated in a #menswear world where $10,000 suits are floated out in the digital style space on the regular. Now while there’s a time and a place for that, today’s #OOTD goes back to basics in a bit of an unexpected way — namely, lots of upgraded products with a premium feel. That approach will pay off no matter the season — and just keep in mind that great style is an evolving process. Know your fundamentals, know ’em well and don’t be afraid to stick to ’em. Shop on, and thanks for reading!

Pieces that you know and love, with some premium upgrades thrown in the mix.

Pieces that you know and love, with some premium upgrades thrown in the mix.

The Oxford: Taylor Stitch The Jack in White Everyday Oxford, $98: The backbone of many an outfit, including this one. Crafted exceptionally well in America, you’d be wise to grab this number while it’s still in stock. (A heads-up that you can also snag it at Spring now, and shipping is free).

The Sweater: JACHS NY Heather French Terry Crewneck, $79: So you’ve got your white Oxford, but what if it gets a bit cold out there? This crewneck sweater combines soft French terry fabric with a rich indigo wash. High-low style at its best.

The Jeans: Raleigh Denim Workshop Jones Original Selvage Raw Denim, $285: So, nearly $300 is a heck of a lot for a pair of denim (it’s still no $10,000 suit, though!). But this could be the first and last pair of selvedge denim you buy.
The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt, $100: Again, this is quite the price for a belt. But it’s a classic piece that’ll age well over time, and look great with casual or formal outfits.
The Sneakers: GREATS Royale Chukka in Oxblood, $169: While oxblood as a color definitely leans more toward colder weather, the suede keeps things texturally in line with spring, and the chukka cut is versatile and stylish.
The Socks: American Trench Rugby Stripe Boot Socks, $18: In keeping with the theme of super-luxe upgrades to style staples, American Trench crafts these solid boot socks in an eye-catching color combo using Italian-spun wool and silk.
The Watch: Daniel Wellington Dapper Reading Watch, $299: Rocking such a crisp, sharp watch with a laidback outfit? Certainly. The black leather combo between the belt and the watch is unexpected (in a good way). Give it a try sometime.
If some of the above prices gave you sticker shock, know that reaching for less, but reaching for better pieces, certainly pays off down the line — and it can add a premium feel to more laidback outfits, too! It’s always refreshing to realize the difference between a great pair of denim, say, and an average pair, for example. So the above #OOTD aims to nail that delicate balance in style.  Do you agree? Disagree? Any picks you’d substitute in instead? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page!



by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Spring Bar Crawl

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.

Now that spring is here in earnest (at least a little bit), maybe those invitations to outdoor get-together (the best kind after a long winter) are starting to trickle in. If you’re like this #menswear writer, you might enjoy a cold beverage or two on a patio as things to start to warm up, and those sorts of things just go well with some nice barbecue or a burger. Even if Memorial Day and the true start of summer is a ways off, it never hurts to have gear on hand for these sorts of situations (that goes for beer, as well). We’re taking a scenario that’s more laidback and adding a bit of class through some key style details, like a sturdy jacket and some natural, garment-dyed jeans — both slight upgrades from the athletic windbreaker and baggy denim others might pick in a situation like this (to each their own, though!). Check out this casual, relaxed (but not sloppy!) take on a spring-ready outfit, and let me know how you like it over at The Style Guide Facebook page.

A casual, laidback mix of color and texture -- with a few vintage style touches thrown in.

A casual, laidback mix of color and texture — with a few vintage style touches thrown in.

The Jacket: J. Crew Mechanic Field Jacket in Navy, $198 — While any of a number of spring jackets might also be acceptable here, there’s something rugged and classic about a tough field jacket for tossing back a beer or two (if that’s your thing).

The Shirt: Mack Weldon Pima V-neck in Deep Lichen Green, $32 — Mack Weldon’s tees are slim, soft and well-crafted; in this case, the olive color plays very well off the dark navy of the field coat.

The Jeans: JackThreads Slim Natural Garment-Dyed Denim, $59 — If ever you felt like stepping away from rugged dark denim for something lightweight and spring-inspired, this is the pair for you. The slim fit should be on point, as well.

The Sneakers: GREATS Royale in Graphite Suede, $159 — Just like natural-colored denim, suede is a material that’s particularly at home during spring (especially in crisp sneakers that can be dressed up or down).

The Socks: J. Crew Factory No-Show Socks, $7 — We’re sticking with no-show socks here to really get into the spirit of spring — plus, some slim denim practically begs to be cuffed or rolled to show off those sneakers.

The Belt: Perry Ellis Navy Webbed Belt, $17.99 — So in this instance, does the belt match the shoes? No, sir. But, this is a casual situation — and crucially, the navy color and webbed texture play nicely off the rugged jacket and garment-dyed denim.

The Watch: Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch, $49.99 — For the rugged quality of this watch, there might not be a better value on the market. Also featured in this site’s post on what to wear for the NCAA tourney.

The Cap: Ebbets Field Flannels Bustin’ Babes 1927 Ballcap, $39 — Nearly $40 is quite the splurge for a cap, but this piece is a great conversation starter and it complements the vintage look of the field jacket. Call it a decided upgrade over a plain athletic logo hat. And if you’re not into hats, this outfit should look just fine without it.

We’ve talked a lot (I mean, a lot) about style upgrades on this blog, and for good reason. When you approach a more casual situation like a barbecue or beer (I mean, bar) crawl with an eye toward style, it helps. And coming from a guy who loves menswear, it’s always nice to be able to combine some unexpected colors — navy, olive, charcoal and a natural garment dye — in an unexpected way. Plus, the combination of easygoing layers and durable casual essentials (like that rubber-strap watch or the vintage ballcap) should come in handy throughout tons of other spring style scenarios.

What’s your take? Is this outfit fit for tossing a few back?


by Beau H.

#OOTD: Tailored Style for Spring

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.

So we’re slowly but surely creeping towards warmer spring weather, at least in NYC. That’s good news if, like yours truly, you were getting sick of the cold (as much as I love layering with rugged winter style staples). As the weather warms up and gets more breezy, you might run into the temptation to shelve your blazer (or your black dress shoes) in favor of more laidback style combos. But you can definitely still nail a sharp business casual look using pieces that are in play the rest of the year — namely, a classic navy blazer with a subtle pattern, plus a sharp white shirt. The below look should be sharp but not stuffy, featuring just enough personality to set you apart from other, less well-dressed fellas. That’s the goal of these things, right? To leave #OOTD suggestions of your own, head over to The Style Guide Facebook page. Stay stylish!

Business-ready spring style with sharp black Oxfords and subtle patterns.

Business-ready spring style with sharp black Oxfords and subtle patterns.

The Blazer: J. Crew Factory Thompson Microdot Blazer, $131.50 — Recognize this blazer? It was first featured in this St. Patrick’s Day style feature, but it works plenty of other times of the year thanks to the subtle variation in pattern.

The Shirt: Paul Fredrick Extra Trim Fit Non-Iron Button-down Dress Shirt, $89.50 — The upscale, dressier answer to a more laidback Oxford-cloth shirt, this piece is part of the brand’s new, slimmer offerings.

The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Corduroy Dots Pocket Square, $10 — Dots on the blazer and … dots on the pocket square? Yes, indeed — the color and scale are just different enough where it works out, plus the corduroy breaks up the dots on your top half, too.

The Pants: J. Crew Factory Slim Bedford Linen-Cotton Pant, $55.50 — While lightweight khaki chinos can also work here, these pants will serve you well in breezier, warm spring and summer days alike. The slim stripes and light grey color are a nice change of pace, too.

The Shoes: Jack Erwin Noah Quarter Brogue Oxford in Black, $195 — Black shoes can still be worn in spring and summer even when everyone else turns to brown; it makes this outfit all the more sharp sans tie.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt, $100 — Just the right mix of casual and formal, this is a go-anywhere belt that works in casual and formal situations.

The Socks: Society Socks in Visionary Blue, $9.20 — Lest this outfit miss out on the sudden arrival of color that is spring, these socks add a definite pop to the get-up.

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield in Silver, $229 — Daniel Wellington’s watches, while a step up in price from a Timex or another casual watch, provide sharp, versatile style — and in this case, sufficiently dressy looks.

The above ensemble perhaps isn’t the most groundbreaking offering — it does feature a navy blazer, a white dress shirt and black Oxfords, for instance. But that’s where subtle changes in pattern, better quality (in the case of the shoes) and a bit of color — by way of the pocket square and socks — come into play. The black leather watch and belt shown above are timeless staples that’ll work in any outfit across the rest of the year, too. Plus, the shirt should fit nice and trim if you take off that blazer during the course of the day. Now, roll up those sleeves and get work — this new gear won’t pay for itself!

Shop the latest in Men's styles Under $50 + get FREE Shipping on orders over $100 at Frank & Oak!

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Sweaters for Spring

Editor’s note: To catch up with other Online Shopping Picks fit for each and every season, head this way.

Is it  just me, or does this seem familiar? Well, we were here on Monday talking about the best men’s outerwear for spring. And now, we’re back with another Online Shopping Picks entry — yet, this isn’t déjà vu. Rather, today we’re tackling another somewhat overlooked but quite crucial facet of spring style — transitional layering outside of spring jackets. So for all those in-between times when it’s not breezy enough for a coat, but you’d feel more comfortable with another top layer. It’s a tricky time of year, yes? And there’s another crucial distinction to make here — while it’s great to wear something like a thick shawl-collar cardigan during the depths of winter, such a sweater is just too overpowering for the spring. We’re lightening things up, mixing in some trends and looking at a plethora of price points in the picks below — stay a while, won’t you? In the meantime, if you’d like to see anything on The Style Guide in particular, hit me up on Twitter.

#1. JackThreads The Reverse Sweatshirt — $59

Definitely a change of pace compared to a standard crewneck -- but perfect for spring.

Definitely a change of pace compared to a standard crewneck — but perfect for spring.

Maybe it’s just me, but yours truly feels that if you’re going to rock a sweater in the spring, it doesn’t hurt to take a bit of a style risk and go for a piece that’s distinctive… yet oddly versatile. JackThreads launched its full menswear line last fall, and the most recent crop of spring offerings nails it again in terms of price, quality and unique styling potential. The Reverse Sweatshirt uses on-trend colorblocking and some unique details, to be sure — but it actually leans more middle-of-the-road thanks to the neutral color palette. It’s not terribly expensive, and it would be a great change of pace when worn with lightwash jeans or tan chinos and white sneakers on weekend outings.

#2. H&M Fine-Knit Cotton Sweater — $24.99

We're talking a very manageable price and a neutral, wearable color.

We’re talking a very manageable price and a neutral, wearable color.

Spring is all about color, right? So why the pick of a heather grey cotton sweater here? Well, versatility is pretty critical, for starters. However, at a price like this H&M sweater here, you very well might be able to get away with grabbing the blue version of this piece as well. But sticking to what’s in the cards — H&M seems to do certain things very well for the price, and if you’re not looking to drop a ton of cash for a piece that might see limited use (particularly if you live in a warm climate), then it’s perfectly acceptable to spring for something a little cheaper — been there, done that. If you’re interested in a higher price point, though…

#3. Bonobos Linen Henley — $98

A switch from heather grey to a lighter blue that should pair quite well with dark denim or khaki shorts.

A switch from heather grey to a lighter blue that should pair quite well with dark denim or khaki shorts.

First things right off the bat — is this a henley, or is it a sweater? Both? For being a linen knit, the photos certainly make it look a bit thicker in terms of fabric. It’s certainly a higher price point, but the quality should definitely be there given Bonobos’ history of solidly constructed knitwear. The Cloudy Blue color strikes a different vibe than light grey or even a  darker navy, so it would be a unique pick to pair with chinos and desert boots (know that for now though, it’s only available in the brand’s Slim fit). It could certainly be rocked on its own, but it could also complement a white Oxford for a spring-ready layered look.

#4. J. Crew Factory Textured Cotton Crewneck Sweater — $32

The textured cotton and chest pocket are nice visual touches.

The textured cotton and chest pocket are nice visual touches.

For seasonal staples that pack in quality very similar to J. Crew, there’s just one place to turn — the big brand’s smaller offshoot. Crafted from textured cotton that looks soft and with some nix texture, this cotton crewneck sweater could definitely be a spring go-to, especially in that shade of khaki. It would work as a solid top layer with navy chinos and a blue Oxford for the work day, and it could also be thrown on over a simple white tee with linen shorts similar in styling to one of the outfits here for when you head out to a campfire or a rooftop barbeque. Toss in some white sneakers and you’re practically ready for evening after evening of fun.

#5. Billy Reid Fisher Crew — $145

From the maker of the Bond Peacoat -- a seasonal sweater that's splurge-worthy.

From the maker of the Bond Peacoat — a seasonal sweater that’s splurge-worthy.

It wouldn’t be an Online Shopping Picks entry if we didn’t highlight a splurge-worthy entry from one of this site’s favorite American menswear designers. Billy Reid takes Southern sensibilities and mixes ’em with a dash of heritage style for seasonal offerings like this crewneck sweater, which gets a lot right. The raglan sleeves are cut to make your chest and shoulders look broader without the added bulk of, say, a winter sweater. The cotton-polyester blend should be lightweight and breathable, and the cream contrast cuffs are a nice-looking design touch. This just might be the dressiest sweater of the bunch based on sheer quality alone  (although feasibly any of these pieces could be worn over an Oxford, for example).

So what’s your take on the spring sweater? Worth the hassle (and style points), or no? Keeping the principles of solid fit, versatile color and a price within your reach are all key when hitting the market. If you play your cards right, the above pieces could even be layered under a tough denim jacket  in the fall — that’s definitely two-season style from one sweater (maybe even three if you toss on a great winter peacoat). Don’t forget about other spring style essentials to go along with this guy — to that end, we’ll have features on excellent spring sneakers and jeans coming up in the next couple weeks. Stay tuned!

And most importantly — stay stylish,

-Beau



by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear for the NCAA Tournament

Editor’s note: For more style suggestions covering a boatload of scenarios, head here.

If the headline of this here post is slightly confusing to you, don’t be alarmed. You, regular reader of The Style Guide and avid #menswear lover, have nothing to fear — this isn’t turning into a sports blog (despite my past sports writing chops). Rather today, we’re taking some well-loved and much-discussed Style Guide principles and putting them to use in a very real and very imminent real-world situation — what to wear to cheer on your team during college basketball’s NCAA Tournament. Much of the county seems to obsess over how their bracket is holding up, but that same level of detail can definitely carry over to how you cheer on your team, too — it pays to look good nearly anywhere that you can, in the view of this writer. And heck, the same sort of style you adapt here can be tweaked from season to season if you attend or watch lots of games in person. But right now, it’s all basketball, all the time. Hopefully, you’ll have to refer to this style scenario more than once in the coming weeks.

The Shirt: Tailgate Clothing Team T-Shirt — $34

Just one of dozens of school T-shirts stocked by Tailgate Clothing.

Just one of dozens of school T-shirts stocked by Tailgate Clothing.

If you’re like me and hadn’t really given second thought to Tailgate Clothing, the collegiate-focused sportswear brand operated by menswear designer Todd Snyder, definitely reconsider. While they won’t have T-shirts for each and every team competing in this year’s tourney, there’s a good chance your school is covered. In this case, I’m looking forward to rocking this excellent vintage Michigan State basketball T-shirt  to rep my alma mater– it can easily be worn under something like a quilted field coat or even beneath a slim blue chambray shirt. If you’re worried a graphic tee is too casual, a slim V-neck tee in your team colors would work, too.

The Pants: J. Crew Factory Driggs Broken-in Chino, $41.50

Easy to wear with everything from a sports team to a navy blazer. Dressier than denim, too.

Easy to wear with everything from a sports team jersey to a navy blazer. Dressier than denim, too.

While sweatpants are going to be the pick for some of us at home watching games, if you’re heading out to a restaurant or bar, it always pays to try and go above and beyond just a bit (style upgrades, right?). Now, some slim dark denim would also do the trick here, but these caramel chinos can act as a nice contrast to nearly any team color, especially dark green. Plus, for just over $40, you’ll get a pair of slim tan chinos that are exceptionally versatile the other six days of the week.

The Sneakers: Dr. Martens Baynes Chukka Boot — $109.95

A definite -- but welcome -- change of pace from regular high-top sneakers (or Dr. Martens boots).

A definite — but welcome — change of pace from regular high-top sneakers (or Dr. Martens boots).

Before you’re taken aback here, know that Dr. Martens definitely does more than its classic combat boots. These easygoing high-top chukka sneakers are just one example of that. The price on the cheaper side when compared to other spring sneaker options (like the recent Todd Snyder x PF Flyers collab), and the neutral grey color should pair seamlessly with the slim tan chinos and your team’s chosen shirt. This is definitely one pair of sneakers that can take a beating when out and about.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Woven Cotton Belt — $29.50

A nontraditional belt that brings a dash of spring texture to the ensemble.

A nontraditional belt that brings a dash of spring texture to the ensemble.

When you’re looking to pick up solid accessories that don’t cost a whole lot, don’t sleep on J. Crew Factory. And when you want a belt that’s more casual than a black or brown leather dress belt, yet slightly different than a brown leather braided belt, grab a woven cotton belt like this one. The color is spring-ready, as is the texture (and in this case, the belt color doesn’t have to match the color of your shoes). This is the kind of belt to throw on with ligthwash jeans and navy sneakers even if you’re not heading to a game watch party.

The Watch: Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch — $49.99

Tough and ready for anything -- even watching the tourney.

Tough and ready for anything — even watching the tourney.

Picking out a watch that strikes the right balance between being too formal and too casual can be tough sometimes, but this is one instance where it’s definitely OK to go more casual. A rugged rubber-strap watch can survive all sorts of spring and summer activities beyond just watching a ballgame, but in this particular instance, this Stuhrling watch fits with the tone of the outfit. It’s not too dressy or out-of-place, like a brown leather dress watch might be, and it doesn’t detract too much from the ensemble or the casual nature of watching a basketball game. Plus, take it from a guy who’s had this particular watch for more than two years — it’s tremendous quality for the price!

The Socks: Express Black Windowpane Socks — $10.90

A small touch of pattern and another neutral color option make these a safe choice in this casual outfit.

A small touch of pattern and another neutral color option make these a safe choice in this casual outfit.

Lest you think we forgot about the final touch here at The Style Guide, rest assured that we’ve got it covered. While the belt is a cream color, the black watch and the grey sneakers mean it’s OK in this very casual scenario to grab some neutral black socks (the windowpane pattern is a nice touch, however). If you go with a more plain tee or jacket up top, you could use your socks to incorporate some subtle team color, or even reach for a vintage striped pair. It’s a win-win either way.
Florsheim
The crucial factor in this outfit is that it takes what you might normally wear to a game — say, a team T-shirt, jeans and sneakers — and upgrades it a notch with slimmer fits, richer colors and a few tweaks (like the woven belt and the rubber strap watch). The T-shirt could be a cool conversation starter, and the caramel chinos definitely add a bit more substance to the outfit (although again, dark denim would work quite well here). Those high-top sneakers even add some retro basketball flair. At any rate, the most important thing is going to be cheering on your team — hopefully for at least a few rounds … of the tournament, I mean. The beer you buy at the bar is in your court (and on your tab!).

Stay stylish and Go Green!

-Beau
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