August 10, 2020August 4, 2020 by Beau H.

The List: Buy All These New Men’s Style Picks for the Dog Days of Summer

A perfectly easygoing pair of stylish slip-ons for the tail end of summer.

Can you believe we’re nearly halfway through August? It’s astonishing in its own way, and although you might be tired of the heat, it’s not done with us yet — that’s why it’s still prudent to get some of the best essentials for the summer heat via my latest edition of The List. We’ll throw in a few rugged gear picks you can rock past Labor Day (steadily approaching!) and on into early fall — in total, you’ll find 20 of the best men’s style essentials for right now. To keep things light, breezy and stylish, we’ll start things off with some of the best slip-on shoes for men, a uniquely cool pair from Huckberry that you can start wearing this instant. Happy reading, my friends.

Astorflex Sandflex — $125

The most stylish leather slip-ons (possibly) for a low, low price.

If you’ve never tried a pair of Astorflex shoes, now is a great time to start. This family-owned brand of Italian shoemakers delivers some of the coolest shoes for guys for any season, from suede chukka boots to the perfectly summer-ready Astorflex Sandflex slip-ons for lazy summer days (and for wearing with the best men’s chinos, of course).

Save Khaki Utility Anorak — $220

Your new favorite transitional jacket for chilly summer nights and breezy early fall days. One of the best men’s jackets, no doubt.

Maybe you know Save Khaki because of the fact that they make, well, some of the best men’s khaki pants on the planet. But what if I told you they now make one of the best transitional jackets out there, too? This rugged anorak — made in partnership with New Balance — is what you need for your next hike or camping trip.

Buck Mason Slub Classic Pocket Tee — $40

A classic pocket tee done the Buck Mason way.

As ever, if you peruse the pages of this blog, you might know that (IMHO) Buck Mason makes one of the very best men’s T-shirts in the game. They’re now turning their attention toward a cool pocket tee you can rock with just about anything — shop accordingly.

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Blue Everyday Oxford — $98 or 3 Shirts for $220

This is the best Oxford shirt to buy right now — period.

Folks, we sure do love San Francisco-based Taylor Stitch here on the blog. Hopefully, you’ve had positive experiences with them, but in my estimation, they nail the fit and the fabric when it comes to the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt. Pick up at least one of the best men’s shirts for any season ASAP. In fact, wear this classic Oxford shirt with your new linen pants. On that note…

Billy Reid Cotton-Linen Five-Pocket Pants — $100.98

Breezy, stylish men’s pants for summer. It’s that simple.

The best casual pants for men come from an iconic American designer that just knows how to make guys look good — that’d be Mr. Billy Reid. These stylish five-pocket pants feature a crucial cotton-linen blend for perfect summer style. Again, pair them with the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt. Plus, it’s rare to find gear from Billy Reid on sale, ehh?

Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Slub Jersey Montauk Polo — $88

One of the coolest polos for men, guaranteed.

Hey hey, let’s stick with another one of America’s best menswear designers here in Todd Snyder, shall we? The designer has perfected the art of the American-made polo, something that’s seriously tricky to do. Call this one of the best men’s polos — it’s 100 percent true.

HELM Boots Brass Buckle Wide Belt — $98

Get a belt to go with your rugged HELM boots — and get $50 off your first order in the process.

When it comes to the best men’s gear, only the best men’s accessories will do — right? This is no moreso the case than when it comes to the stylish leather belt you need to complement your rugged leather boots. As it were, HELM Boots has you covered here.

FRYE Astor Low Lace Sneakers — $198

The great thing about the best leather sneakers is how easily they work for right now (the doldrums of August), and yet how readily you can wear these stylish leather sneakers on into fall. FRYE does it right when it comes to the best men’s shoes, folks.

VAER Watches A5 Automatic Field Watch — $449

VAER Watches A5 Field Automatic | Huckberry

The coolest field watch of the moment? Possibly, possibly.

A rugged field watch is yet another essential you can put to great use now, and then keep on using come fall and winter. VAER Watches successfully delivers one of the best men’s field watches for the everyday and beyond, my friends.

Blackhouse Cowdell Coffee Table — $970

The rugged, efficient, effective coffee table of your dreams, with plenty of storage space.

A great coffee table really can change up the character of your den or your living room, at home or at your cabin. Luckily, Huckberry stocks and sells one of the coolest coffee tables I’ve seen in some time — I’m envious, given that my space in Brooklyn is limited!

Mott and Bow Driggs Classic Crew Tee — $32

This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about Mott and Bow T-shirts on the blog, and it won’t be the last. This is among the best crewneck T-shirts to pair up with your Mott and Bow jeans.

Proof Marled Travel Shirt — $108

A travel shirt you can actually wear anywhere you want for summer.

Travel is looking mighty different these days — but travel-ready men’s shirting still belongs in your wardrobe. Take this casual performance shirt, with its comfortable marled fabric blend and versatile fit. It’s one of the best men’s shirts for late summer weather — and early fall transitional style.

Ibex Journey Long-Sleeve Crew — $98

Journey Long Sleeve Crew

Speaking of the best men’s shirts for travel, how about this finely made merino wool long-sleeve shirt from Ibex? The aptly named Ibex Journey Long-Sleeve Crew should provide endless comfort at home and on the road.

Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase — $189

A rugged, durable and stylish everyday bag from Topo Designs.

The ways in which we “commute” (or not!) are quite different these days, but you still need the best gear for summer adventures. This stylish briefcase from Topo Designs checks all the right boxes, does it not?

Szanto Roland Sands Icon Signature Watch — $190.98

A cool watch collaboration and a vintage-inspired design.

These last few weeks of summer call for an adventure-ready watch you can start wearing right now, then keep wearing when the weather turns. This rugged watch, inspired by vintage racing designs, is your new favorite watch to wear with faded jeans and a henley. Speaking of …

Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley — $38

Easily the best short-sleeve henley for summer — or, the end of summer.

It’s almost a no-brainer to pick up one of the best men’s henleys — or heck, more than one! — from Huckberry. Flint and Tinder, of course, has managed to churn out an American-made henley that’s as rugged and versatile as it gets.

Freemans Sporting Club CS-1 Shirt — $155

A rugged men’s shirt you should wear as often as you can right now — and later this year.

Want the type of everyday summer shirt you can invest in now and then continue to rock into fall and winter? That’s exactly what Freemans Sporting Club has done here with this rugged utility shirt. Stylish enough to wear atop your favorite tee or underneath a classic denim jacket.

Basic Hard Seltzer — Price Varies

A fun and refreshing fridge addition. I love the Pamplemousse flavor the most.

Let’s close things out with a fun summer sipper. If you follow the blog, you know I love an ice-cold beer as much as the next guy. But what about when the occasion calls for something lighter? Something fresh, effervescent and flavorful? That’s where Basic Hard Seltzer comes into play. The brand (which I had the chance to test out recently) takes a “no-BS” approach to quality seltzer you can stock in your cooler for weekend trips aplenty.

Frye Bowery Chukka Boots — $328

The coolest chukka boots your money can buy, very nearly.

Getting back into menswear to close things out here, it’s never too early to stock up on the best men’s chukka boots for fall. And my friends, that’s what the Frye Bowery Chukka Boots happen to be.

Filson Ultralight Vest — $145

A durable, dependable lightweight vest that’ll wear nicely heading into fall.

Consider this lightweight vest the perfect transitional layer atop your favorite henley (paired with the Frye Bowery Chukka Boots and slim denim). Ideal to pack on trips and throw on when it gets unexpectedly chilly.

From hard seltzer to the best everyday summer shirt to an American-made henley, what are we digging the most today, my friends? The right gear to carry us through the end of summer is going to come in mighty handy in the days ahead, that much is true. However, you can also rock plenty of these picks on the daily into fall and winter — witness a stylish leather belt from HELM Boots or the the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, for starters. As for me, my top pick today just might be the Astorflex Sandflex for end-of-summer relaxation. Heck, they’d wear extremely well with one of the best men’s polos from Todd Snyder, too. Last but not least, I wouldn’t say no to a casual performance shirt from Proof, either. Got favorites of your own? Be sure to let me know on Twitter. Thanks for reading, as always!

-Beau

October 12, 2016October 12, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: East Dane Event of the Season

Editor’s note: Click through for a full look at other seasonal menswear shopping picks. This post will be updated throughout the day with more picks from the East Dane Fall Sale.

Here we are again on another lovely day at The Style Guide. Ready to go? More importantly, ready to shop? That’s why we’re here today. Although there’s a whole plethora of digitally shop-able menswear out there, it’s tricky sometimes to get it all in one place. Luckily, that’s where East Dane and the East Dane Event of the Season come into play. Yes indeed, using the code MAINEVENT16 can get you 25 percent off your entire order up to $500, and 30 percent off orders over $500, now through 2am EST (midnight PST) on Sunday, the 16th. So, those are the nuts and bolts. But what about the clothes? The men’s fashion arm of Amazon takes a premium, nuanced and slick approach to menswear — you get everything from standout Owen & Fred accessories to an array of gear from Todd Snyder to a heck of a selection of durable fall boots, and you get it conveniently under one easily searchable digital roof. Now granted, the site does have some pieces that sway a little more high-fashion (not to mention a tad expensive), but rest assured — whatever menswear itch you might need to scratch, East Dane takes care of it. That made it a pretty difficult endeavor to narrow down their extensive selection to just a relative few picks. But that’s what we did today at The Style Guide — check out a plethora of gear guaranteed to impress for the fall and winter seasons, and beyond. Now, there’s a heck of a lot on the site, so we’re keeping it to the major categories. Shop the East Dane sale while you can, and stick around on Facebook or Twitter for more men’s style tips and advice — yeah?

Outerwear: Z Zegna Light Shell 4-Pocket Field Jacket (Available via East Dane) — $695

A lightweight, city-ready field jacket perfect for layering.

The Z Zegna Field Jacket is certainly pricey at its normal rate. But given that sale discount, you can snag it now for a much more agreeable price, particularly given the fact that it’s ideal for stylish seasonal transitions. It’s the kind of rare, easily wearable piece from a brand that veers into high-fashion territory. But this field jacket is a simple silhouette with functionality and prime layering potential — especially with fall essentials like a slim henley or a perfect fall cardigan.

Shirting: Z Zegna Slim Poplin Shirt — $245 (Available via East Dane)

Versatile, crisp and essential — get this pricey poplin shirt for a better deal via this East Dane sale.

Is it worth it to spend more than $200 for a white poplin shirt? Ehh, depending on your financial situation, that’s … debatable. But when said white poplin shirt goes on sale? That’s much more agreeable. There’s nothing overly fancy about this shirt, but then again — simple style is sometimes the best. A crisp white (or navy, or black) poplin shirt can pair up with a slim crewneck sweater and leather sneakers on the weekend, it can team with a fall blazer on chilly work days, and it can work when worn untucked with garment-dyed chinos (like in this look). That’s a lot of versatility for one shirt, which justifies the price.

Footwear: Lacoste L. 12.12 Leather Sneakers — $170 (Available via East Dane)

Crisp, easily wearable sneakers at a decent price.

Sizing for these sneakers is already a bit limited, so it’s advisable that you hop on them quickly. A crisp pair of leather sneakers can work wonders in terms of style and versatility even during the colder fall months — wear this navy pair with grey chinos and a tan herringbone wool blazer, and pair them up with a slim cardigan and dark blue denim on the weekends. The price is pretty agreeable for a premium sneaker offering, and it gets you closer to that $500 threshold for 30 percent off, as well. And if you find yourself gravitating more towards boots? Start with our picks for stylish chukka boots.

Accessories: Michael Kors Paxton Watch — $195 (Available via East Dane)

Reasonably priced, surprisingly durable and fit for fall style.

Featuring a black case-and-dial combo and a striking cognac leather strap, this watch is the sort of affordably priced addition to your collection that you didn’t know you needed. Granted, it’s not as affordable as a classic Timex (or even the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury collection), but with 100 meters of water resistance, a slightly unexpected black-and-cognac combination and an easily wearable, classic dial design, it could be worth adding it to your cart this time around.

Bottoms: Todd Snyder + Champion Sweatpants — $118 (Available via East Dane)

Premium sweatpants — there certainly is such a thing thanks to Todd Snyder & Champion.

There’s certainly a ton of Todd Snyder + Champion gear available at nice prices, but if you’ve yet to pick up any of the brand’s knitwear, you’re missing out. Is $100-plus a lot for sweatpants? It certainly is, but if you want to upgrade your casual wear, a pair of these sweatpants is the way to go. Featuring an indigo dye and made out of French terry, they’re both more comfortable and better-looking than whatever sweatpants might be in your drawer right now — ya dig? And again, they’ll help you get over that $500 mark to tip off more discounts. Not a bad thing, ehh?

So, there we go — sorting through a big sale such as the East Dan Event of the Season can be a big endeavor. But as the (hopefully) condensed post above goes to show, it all starts with narrowing down your focus and checking out key categories — and you’d be surprised what you’ll find when you dig a little deeper in bigger sale events. Are you shopping the East Dane Event of the Season? Let me know what you’re picking up in the comments below, or over on The Style Guide Facebook page.

Thanks, as always, for reading — see you for our weekly menswear recap on Friday!

-Beau

Standby, folks — more picks to come!

June 11, 2016June 8, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt

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.

An extremely versatile, extremely wearable and extremely well-made chambray shirt from Taylor Stitch.

What’s one shirt you find yourself reaching for (or at least wanting to reach for) every day? If you’re like me, it very well could be an essential chambray shirt, like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — known as the California — pictured above. Rain or shine, cold weather or warm weather, I find myself drawn to a few chambray shirts in particular (because you assuredly need more than one). In fact, I’ve written about a few different chambray shirts here on The Style Guide, from the Todd Shelton Chambray Shirt to a classic GAP Chambray Shirt. There’s a very good reason for that, and it likely ties into the fact that a chambray shirt is such an easily wearable piece – whether you’re just getting started out in the style realm, or whether you consider yourself a seasoned pro looking to expand on his wardrobe. A chambray shirt is the more visually interesting answer to the classic blue Oxford, in that chambray as a fabric has great texture and often incorporates workwear design details — the crisp white color of the piece you see here is an added bonus. We’re talking small touches like front button patch pockets or a tab collar (like the famous J. Crew chambray shirt we all know and love). Lucky for us #menswear fans, the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt is more refined than its mass-market brethren, and has just the type of details you should look for in a great chambray shirt, plus a few extra.

Unbreakable Japanese urea buttons and a stellar fabric make this shirt a workhorse.

It’s made in America using the care and attention to detail for which the brand is known – and that’s something that’s made your trusty #menswear author a big, big fan. From the brand’s stunning Moto Jacket to its Long Haul Jacket and especially its famous Standard Issue Chinos, Taylor Stitch gets it right, from head to toe. Particularly if you want to take a step up in terms of price, but don’t want to completely deplete your bank account, they’re a brand to watch – and shop on repeat. They’ve also done a great job introducing more technical fabrics and designs as part of their recent collaboration with Mission Workshop, but this good ol’ chambray shirt is the piece to buy today. It features a 7 oz. Japanese chambray and genuine unbreakable Japanese urea buttons, for starters. Plus, the lack of pleats make it super-clean and easily wearable with dark raw denim, slim tan chinos or heck, stylish chino shorts. The double needle construction is something you won’t find on hardly any other shirts (if at all), and the soft California collar looks great unbuttoned, but could easily smarten up when buttoned with a navy knit tie. So if you’re lucky enough to get this shirt in your closet, there’s a very good chance you’ll soon start reaching for it every day – rain or shine, cold weather or warm weather.

Do you own any shirts from Taylor Stitch? How would you style this classic chambray shirt?

April 4, 2016April 5, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Five Best Polos to Buy for Spring and Summer

Editor’s note: To fill up your digital shopping cart with more spring shopping picks, start over here.

When it does warm up, you’ll be glad you grabbed a sharp polo. Pictured is one from last year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration. Linen shorts by Frank & Oak. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Brown leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Glasses by Warby Parker. Shot outside the Los Angeles Shinola store.

The polo — underrated style move, or a once-cool style move that’s been co-opted by fellas rocking one too many with popped collars? We’ll consider those important questions and more here today on The Style Guide, where we’re into full-on spring shopping mode. A trusty spring jacket is going to be an essential layering piece, as will a slim, lightweight sweater, but eventually, things will warm up. And when they do, don’t count out the polo. The key to differentiate it from polos of years past (likely florescent in color — see Exhibit A) is to pick out one that’s cut slim and modern, with some unique texture or pattern to boot. The great thing is that designers have certainly stepped up their game in recent years — get a load of the retro, high fashion-inspired polos produced as part of the Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration in recent years. And as with the style you see at the top of the page, you should be looking for similar inspiration and a trimmer fit. Yes, the polo has gotten its own upgrade (thankfully). And hopefully, the picks below are going to be upgrades for yourself, too. Read on, and get to shopping — those polos won’t buy themselves now.

#1. J. Crew Textured Cotton Tipped Polo Shirt — $49.50

Retro style, meet a very competitive price point from J. Crew.

J. Crew’s take on the textured cotton polo shirt looks to be a nice return to form from a retailer that’s had its struggles as of late. But when it comes to easygoing seasonal staples, it’s still tough to beat them. This polo combines some retro style inspiration (check out the tipped collar and sleeves) with what should be soft fabric and a trim fit. Any of the three colors would be remarkably solid to rock at the office with slim tan chinos and a retro pair of sneakers, but this writer’s a fan of the navy-and-white colorway in particular.

#2. Uniqlo Dry Shirt Collar Polo — $19.90

The dressier answer to the casual polo, courtesy of Uniqlo.

While this Uniqlo polo loses the fancy stripes of the J. Crew option in slot #1, it manages to look surprisingly dressy and crisp thanks to the button-down collar. Plus, the built-in DRY technology will keep you cool. Notably, Uniqlo’s polos are a remarkably good value for the price. The range of color options here again means any of the brand’s picks would be suitable to rock under a lightweight blazer in a heightened shade of blue. While plenty of us just can’t seem to stop wearing blue (myself included), the light shade shown here is perfect for spring Sunday brunch — and beyond.

#3. Grayers Slub Nep Jersey Polo in Denim Blue — $59.50

Spring and summer-ready fabric at a reasonable price.

When it comes to prep style staples, Grayers is definitely a brand to which you want to turn. Its Slub Nep Jersey Polo is crafted from soft jersey fabric that manages to be surprisingly breathable. Having checked out one of these myself, the fit is slim and the styling potential is perfect for spring — for a styling suggestion, check out a recent #OOTD from this site. The heather blue fabric is a nice change of pace when you want to add some texture to a denim jacket, and the price is solid for a polo that can be worn with everything from lightwash denim to grey chinos.

#4. Bonobos Classic Pique Polo in Heather Brick — $58

Don’t let the blues get you down — grab this heather brick polo instead, ehh?

Designers and brands have definitely been changing up their approach to polos, opting for softer fabrics than pique — but Bonobos knows its knitwear, so this pick still stands (or is it pique?). The Classic Pique Polo in this case takes a shade of burgundy more commonly seen in fall & winter and updates with some nice heather texture. It’d be a great piece to work into your rotation if you’ve already got polos in other colors, and the price isn’t too bad for being Bonobos (home of tuxedos that push $1,000). Feel free to rock this with slim stone chinos and brown suede chukkas on weekends galore.

#5. Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt in Navy — $125

As worn by Bond himself, a heritage style updated for modern times.

Last but CERTAINLY not least, I give to you — the polo worn by James Bond. Yes. Yes, indeed. Sunspel sure did strike it big when Daniel Craig wore its Riviera Polo in Casino Royale, simultaneously putting that particular style on the map and encouraging a bunch of guys to hit the gym. At any rate, if there’s such a thing as investment-quality polo, this is it. It’s about the furthest thing from the bad connotations given to the polo — this shirt is all class, with breathable cotton mesh fabric and styling potential worthy of James Bond.

As I sought out the perfect polo (or polos, in this case), I looked several places — perhaps you should, too. Brands like Banana Republic offer their own, slightly dressier takes on the polo, while a more classically focused retailer like Old Navy offers very reasonably priced, sport-inspired options. As with any picks here on the ole Style Guide, focusing on fit, quality and price are going to put you in the right position to pick up the perfect polo (say that five times fast!). Did I miss any key picks? Drop me a line on Twitter, and check out The Style Guide on Facebook either way.

What’s your favorite polo on this list? Do you have yours picked out yet?

March 23, 2016March 23, 2016 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

February 27, 2016February 26, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Merino Long-Sleeve Tee

A plain ol’ long-sleeve tee? Certainly not. A premium style upgrade? Definitely.

There are definitely categories in the men’s style world that have been overlooked for years. That’s certainly true for things like underwear (yes, we’re going there), socks and crucially, base layers like long-sleeve tees. Athletic brands have generally dominated that market and focused more on functionality, but some companies have really honed in on a particular category and owned it — good news for you, my friend. So if you haven’t met ’em yet, say hello to Mack Weldon — and what just might be your new favorite T-shirt. The brand excels (and is primarily known for) its well-crafted and comfortable line of underwear, but it also puts out undershirts, T-shirts, sweatpants and even socks. So they’ve got a lot going on. But its Merino knits take the cake in terms of combining comfort and style. Crucially, I’ve had the chance courtesy of the brand to check one out over this past week, in fact. And while this Merino T-shirt might look like an ordinary long-sleeve tee, it’s anything but. So that’s a GREAT thing for the $78 price tag (bear with me!).

Just another one of four color options made with comfort, a tailored fit and style.

It’s built with antimicrobial technology, soft Merino wool and a Tencel blend that aids in that softness even more. The slim fit and raglan sleeves are modern design features that might seem small at first, but actually pay off in a big way. Raglan stitching (that’s the curved stitching at the chest) makes your chest and shoulders look broader, and the slim fit has a two-part function. Say you feel like going extra casual and rocking this tee with a blazer (something you can and should do) — the slim fit absolutely helps with that style maneuver, while the soft fabric and color options still make it different than a normal tee. And if you decide to wear it on its own with tapered sweats or even dark denim on the weekends? The modern fit is going to help you out immensely. My personal favorite of the bunch (four solid and versatile color options) is the Bluestone color — it echoes lighter shades for spring, yet it’s not so loud that it couldn’t be worn alongside darker colorways of blue, rust or even burgundy cords in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, the small size is sold out in that color at the moment; thankfully, there are other options! At $78, it’s a premium investment for sure. However, you might not want to go back to your plain T-shirts after trying one of these on.

Do you own any Mack Weldon gear? How would you rock this long-sleeve tee?

The Style Guide

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Tag / best men’s style picks

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Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Merino Long-Sleeve Tee