Tag / best men’s style

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This Black Denim Jacket for Early Fall

How are you prepping for fall? And what are we excited about when it comes to #menswear? For your Style Guide author, I’m personally excited about a return to rugged layering in particular — including a refresher on how to wear a black denim jacket. Taking slightly unexpected, edgy pieces and mixing them together is one of the small joys of the season — take, for instance, the Roark Revival denim jacket we’re talking about in today’s #OOTD. It’s got just enough cool design touches to set it apart from your typical denim jacket, from the unique chest pocket detailing to the faded black color. And crucially, a jacket like the Roark Revival HWY 41 Jacket is going to be the perfect way to step into fall. It makes for a great layer on chilly weekend days and week nights alike, and that edgy style is going to help you go everywhere from a rock concert to a bar crawl to a weekend coffee run. When paired up with other fall style essentials — including classic suede chukka boots and a rugged striped henley — you’re going to be able to take on everything from a weekend getaway to a casual date night out seriously. So, are you ready to learn about your new favorite denim jacket? Good. Then let’s go! Follow me on Instagram for more insider style tips, plus a dose of craft beer and live music.

Rugged Fall Style

A mix of edgy pieces — like the Roark Revival denim jacket — and classic offerings, like a rugged henley.

The Jacket: Roark Revival HWY 41 Denim Jacket, $79.98 — As discussed above, the affordably priced, well-crafted and uniquely edgy Roark Revival HWY 41 Jacket is the unexpected fall layering piece you didn’t know you needed — until now.

The Henley: Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley, $98 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post) — When is it worth it to pay nearly $100 for a henley? When that rugged henley is made by Taylor Stitch.

The Pants: Original Penguin P55 Brushed Cotton 5-Pocket Pant, $89 — Want to shake things up from your typical rotation of slim blue denim  this fall? Reach for a pair of tailored cotton 5-pocket pants for a bit of high-low style.

The Boots: Hudson Shoes Corelli Suede Dip Dye Boots, $198 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)  — Want a pair of footwear that’s going to fit right in with the rock n’roll vibes of this ensemble? Suede chukka boots are going to be your best bet — Hudson Shoes knocked it out of the park with the Corelli Suede Dip Dye Boots.

The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks (Three-pack), $30 — Sustainably made, understated socks are what Arvin Goods excels at making — these stylish crew socks fit the bill nicely.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Natural, $80 — Don’t forget about the small style details. Particularly when your outfit is packed with rugged basics, your belt should fall in that same category aesthetically. Sturdy Brothers gets it right with the Everyday Belt.

The Watch: Szanto Aviator Automatic Watch — $289 — Rugged good looks, tough durability and a subtly stylish design make the Szanto Aviator Automatic Watch the right timepiece to offset this outfit.

The Grooming Essential: Blind Barber 60 Proof Hair Wax, $18 — What if I told you for under $20, you could get a true men’s grooming essential to help complement this sharp look? Easy choice, right?

When the foundation of your outfit is the rugged, edgy and unique Roark Revival HWY 41 Jacket, it makes filling in the pieces around it pretty easy. And when those pieces happen to include a mix of high-low style essentials like brushed cotton pants and a rugged striped henley? Well, the only question now is where that outfit can take you.   Stylish, sharp footwear like the  Corelli Suede Dip Dye Boots are a great way to step into early fall thanks to their unique texture and versatility, while a tough timepiece like the Szanto Aviator Automatic Watch  is going to complement plenty of seasonally ready outfits. Remember to turn to durable, dependable brands like Sturdy Brothers to upgrade your accessories, and know that the little touches in terms of grooming (like using Baxter of California hair wax) are going to take your ensemble to the next level. So, what do you think of this #OOTD? Where would you wear the Roark Revival HWY 41 Jacket this fall? 

Thanks for reading, as always!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers

A fall-ready sneaker that blends high-quality construction and striking looks.

If you’ve clicked through the pages of The Style Guide recently, then you surely recognize Rancourt & Co. — and particularly, perhaps you recognize the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low. It’s the perfect pair of sneakers to wear to transition into fall; I don’t know much, but I’d bet you’ll agree. First seen in our #OOTD post on how to wear an Oxford shirt this fall, these handsome, rugged sneakers nearly check all the boxes when it comes to classic fall footwear. That’s no joke. While it’s nice to step into tried-and-true staples like suede chukka boots or leather work boots when the weather gets chilly, durable leather sneakers can work just as well from early September to early November. It’s especially helpful that in the case of the Carson Low, the fine folks at Rancourt & Co. have applied the same approach that makes the brand’s other footwear so great (Exhibit A: The 4-Season Ranger Moc). The brand got into making USA-made sneakers back in 2015, and they’ve amped up their approach this time around.

That means the upper on the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low starts with exceptionally high-quality Horween leather, a claim not many pairs of sneakers can boast. The Vibram Strighton outsole is another point of durable differentiation (say that five times fast). That construction ensures grip, traction and a visually interesting contrast from the Horween leather upper on the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low. It’s that blend of quality and style that makes the Carson Low so appealing — and certainly, worthy of an investment this season.

Racnourt & Co.

Roll your jeans now with the Carson Low, and then keep these sneakers around once we get into fall.

So, with a pair of sneakers this well-made and stylish, it begs the question: How can’t the  Rancourt & Co. Carson Low work in a plethora of style situations? Classic dark denim and a slim grey crewneck sweater? Add these sneakers, plus a rugged leather watch. A slim herringbone blazer and grey corduroy trousers? The Rancourt & Co. Carson Low is a tremendous style move. A black denim jacket and grey jeans at a pub crawl? Sure thing, the Carson Low is up to the task. The rich brown leather, sturdy sole and handsome silhouette makes these sneakers timeless, versatile and durable. Finished off with leather laces, the Carson Low could just be your new favorite pair of sneakers this fall. Again, they’re an investment that’s worth it on the footwear front.

Will you be buying the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low  for the fall season? How would you style these stellar sneakers? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter! 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Huckberry Is Now Stocking Your New Favorite Chukka Boots

A dependable pair of chukka boots, now available on an upgraded tread sole. Get ’em ASAP via Huckberry.

Some pairs of footwear just immediately call to mind the season ahead — right now, the new Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots are that pair of footwear (at least, to yours truly at The Style Guide). And the great news? You can get your new favorite chukka boots right this very instant from our pals at Huckberry (Editor’s note: Huckberry is an advertising partner of this blog — but all opinions are my own!). What exactly is it that makes the Greenflex Rough an excellent addition to your fall footwear rotation? Take it from me — this new Astorflex style knocks it out of the park when it comes to a combination of classic looks and seasonal reliability. And if you haven’t started shopping for your fall style essentials yet, I’d urge you to start with the Greenflex Rough. I certainly love Astorflex for its mix of sustainability, style and versatility, as you might remember from our Style Guide Recommends series. The Astorflex Greenflex, absolutely a classic pair of chukka boots, is a particular favorite in that regard — and the Greenflex Rough amplifies those qualities even more. Crucially, Astorflex amps up this silhouette in casual, rugged fashion, starting with a treaded sole for added grip and traction on slippery surfaces this fall. Throw in metal eyelets for durability, and the Greenflex Rough is a winner. The good —  neigh, excellent — part about this approach is that the Greenflex Rough still retains all the style points you need this fall. So how should  you wear the Greenflex Rough? Bear with me.

Crucially, the Greenflex Rough comes in a rich Sand colorway, all the better for pairing with everything from slim black denim and a classic men’s T-shirt to slim olive chinos and a rugged henley. Don’t save them simply for rugged fall style situations, though. I’d break out the  Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots with an unstructured navy blazer, a classic grey crewneck sweater and burgundy corduroys for a little late fall, business casual style when the time comes. Don’t worry if they can stand up to repeated wear, either — from the looks of it, the Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots are built for the long haul this season.

How would you style the Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots? Will you be picking up this new addition to the Astorflex line?

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Grab This New Gear for Early Fall

What exactly do we mean at The Style Guide when we say early fall gear? That’s the question, right? Well, we’re on the verge of September and if you haven’t put together your fall style wish list, perhaps it’s time to start thinking. We’ll be focused on my fall style favorites next week, but for now, let’s get a jump on shopping — shall we?  We’re digging into those nice-to-have essentials for when that first crisp breeze hits and you head out to a football tailgate or a day hike or a bonfire … or any other like-minded fall pursuits. When the time comes, you’ll, be ready. A handsome leather flask? You got it.  A rugged leather dopp kit for all your long weekends away?  It’s on this list below.  There a few other picks that straddle the line between apparel and handy everyday carry gear, and that’s a good thing — fall is perhaps the best season for #menswear, right? With that spirit in mind, let’s get to work. After all, fall’s on the way. If you want to see how I’m transitioning into the season, hit the “Follow” button on Instagram, or keep up with my of-the-moment musings on Twitter.

The Boots: Unmarked Roll-Top Desert Boots — $159.98

Classic, uniquely made and ready for fall adventures.

What would fall be without a unique, yet decidedly classic, pair of desert boots? Particularly early fall, ehh? Unmarked is making its Roll Top Desert Boots with both craftsmanship and flair — these feature a unique silhouette, handmade construction and a one-piece heel counter/ankle collar. Construction details aside, they’re the ideal pair of rugged (yet not over-the-top) classic desert boots to take you into early fall.

The Sweater: Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover in Navy — $89

Flint and Tinder

The type of hoodie you can wear over a classic Oxford — seriously.

Just as you need an easygoing pair of desert boots for all occasions — or nearly all occasions — so too do you need a stylish sweatshirt that’s truly a grab-and-go piece. The 10-Year Pocket Pullover from my pals at Flint and Tinder features better looks than your average hoodie, thanks to raglan stitching and no gaudy logo. Add in the soft fabric, the on-point fit and the array of color options, and the 10-Year Pocket Pullover is  a sweater that can go from the apple orchard to the bar, no sweat.

Gear Patrol American Craft Beer Field Guide — $9

Gear Patrol Field Guides

A trusty guide to take with you on a weekend trip.

While we’re out there talking rugged menswear like a classic hooded sweater and stylish desert boots, let’s talk about travel companions. Like, for instance, that trusty book you take with you wherever you go, and can pick up just about any time. The first of many Gear Patrol Field Guides fills that void if you happen to be a craft beer lover  (like me). And seeing as fall is a prime time for switching from light, crisp beers to richer brews, you best study up. Perfect for taking on a weekend away, preferably en route to a brewery.

The Flask: Slightly Alabama Hand-Stitched Leather Flask — $109.98

Ever seen a flask this cool? I certainly haven’t.

Ahh, here it is: The handcrafted, rugged leather flask we mentioned earlier. It’s the small pleasures in life that really count, and if ever you’ve wanted to take your favorite spirit to a tailgate or bonfire in style, this Slightly Alabama leather flask is the way to do it. With plenty of attention to detail and an aesthetic that doesn’t look half-bad resting on your mantle, Slightly Alabama has outdone themselves here — an expensive piece, but well worth it.

The Bonfire Essential: Sturdy Brothers Firewood Carry — $127

A heck of a way to haul your firewood — to say the least.

OK, maybe it’s not a full-on essential if you’re a city dweller like yours truly. And yet if you dwell outside the big city, why not grab something that’s rugged, durable and tough as nails to haul that firewood you’ll undoubtedly be chopping for bonfires aplenty? Again, do you need the Sturdy Brothers Firewood Carry? Ehh … perhaps  not. But will the Sturdy Brothers Firewood Carry work for seasons to come, through all types of weather? Absolutely.

The Travel Essential: Sturdy Brothers Horween Leather Dopp Kit — $138

Make this dopp kit the next addition to your weekender bag, yes?

OK, you’ve got your handy field guide, your rugged desert boots and your stylish weekender for an early fall getaway. What are you going to put your toiletries in for said getaway? Easy: The Sturdy Brothers Horween Leather Dopp Kit. Certainly, it’s a unique choice as far as dopp kits go, but the rugged leather and standout color of this stylish dopp kit will definitely help it fit in with the cooler climes of fall. It’s all about the details, yes?

We’re going to wrap this one up now — time to prep for fall, ehh? Transitioning from the heat of summer is all about reaching for pieces that are suited for all your fall adventures. Take rugged desert boots and a stylish casual sweater and wear ’em through plenty of weekends, for starts. And those everyday carry pieces that you can’t go on a trip without — like a uniquely stylish dopp kit — are going to serve you well, too. And then … because it’s fall … there are tough-as-nails pieces of gear that are just pleasing to have around. Take the Slightly Alabama leather flask as seen above, or the rough-and-ready Sturdy Brothers Firewood Carry.  After diving into this post, I’m certainly ready for a little early fall fun. How about you? You can check back here next week for our full Fall Style Wish List. Up next: A new See Now, Buy Now  post! 

Stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: An Updated Way to Wear Your New Oxford Shirt

If there’s one shirting style that tends to come up time after time here at The Style Guide, it might be the classic Oxford shirt. From a made-in-America Oxford shirt to the handsome Line of Trade navy Oxford shirt you’re going to read about today, there’s not a garment that more consistently works in so many style situations for today’s modern man (that’d be you!). Hopefully, you’ve already got one of the best Oxford shirts for men in your close. And although we talked about how to wear an Oxford shirt for summer, we’re shaking it up a little bit today. The below #OOTD is one that harnesses the best of end-of-summer style and yet uses rugged accessories like a heritage-quality leather belt and a tough stainless steel dive watch to nod toward the fact that fall is slowly but surely approaching.  Are you ready? I’m getting there.

Truly, I think you’ll find that the classic Oxford shirt seen below can work in all kinds of scenarios, from a casual weekend coffee run to a farmer’s market trip to a day at the office. That’s what we’re going for here, at least. And the great thing about your new favorite Oxford shirt is that it’ll work with plenty of pieces you’ve already got in your closet, from American-made denim to tailored sweatpants and crisp leather sneakers for a very laidback Sunday brunch. What do you say? Shall we get after it? Chime in on the below in the comments or on Twitter once you’ve checked out the #OOTD below. Shop on!

Line of Trade

Take that navy Oxford and pair it with slim chinos and classic kicks to step into September (and beyond).

The Oxford Shirt: Line of Trade Navy Oxford, $70 – Let’s kick it off with a modern-fitting, garment-washed Oxford shirt in a slightly different deep navy color. Ready to wear with anything — slim chinos included.

The Chinos: Banana Republic Aiden Slim Rapid Movement Chino, $98 — A recent addition to the BR line, these stretch chinos combine a tailored fit with a range of color options — although the shade seen here is perhaps most versatile.

The Sneakers:  Rancourt and Co. Carson Low in Natural Canvas, $175 — Made in America to exacting standards, these Rancourt and Co. sneakers are a more durable answer to classic white canvas sneakers — and all the better for it.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks, $30 (Three-pack) — Because it’s not quite fall yet, we’re still rolling up our chinos to show off those USA-made sneakers — and Arvin Goods no-show socks are critical in that regard.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — Tired of buying cheap accessories? This handsome, extremely well-made Sturdy Brothers belt is the upgrade you need for fall.

The Watch:  Timex Stainless Steel Waterbury Watch, $119 — Told you we’d be breaking out durable everyday accessories, right? This rugged stainless steel dive watch from Timex is a steal in terms of price and looks.

The Sunglasses: Classic Specs Lowerree Aviators, $88 — Perhaps you’re not familiar with Classic Specs  — I know I wasn’t — but pieces like these stylish Aviator sunglasses should change that in a hurry.

The Everyday Carry: Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, $134.98 — Wary of carrying a rugged leather tote when you normally haul around a stylish messenger bag? This handsome leather tote bag  is a new way to switch up your everyday carry.

Alright, then. Have a better idea of how to wear your new favorite Oxford shirt? When you start with a piece as classic and simply constructed as the Line of Trade navy Oxford shirt shown above, the possibilities are nearly endless. However, your Style Guide author thinks that keeping things straightforward is the best way to go. That is to say, slim chinos and natural canvas sneakers from Rancourt and Co. are standout building blocks for any outfit.  Add in fall-ready accessories like a rugged stainless steel dive watch from Timex  and a durable leather belt from Sturdy Brothers, and you’re set for this #OOTD — and plenty more outfits in the season ahead.  No outfit — especially one featuring a classic navy Oxford shirt — is complete without finishing touches like stylish Aviator sunglasses and a handsome leather tote bag, though. So, just as with many of your other favorite #menswear pieces, the little details matter, and starting things off with easily wearable essentials is the best way to say goodbye to one season and look toward the next.

Hope you enjoyed today’s post — and thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Halios Laguna Watch

Halios Laguna Watch

The rugged leather watch to team up with all your favorite fall style essentials.

If there’s one thing I know for certain when it comes to #menswear, it’s that a stylish watch can be the perfect finishing touch to an outfit — and there are some watches, like the Halios Laguna Watch, that stand out above the rest in that regard. Now, we just talked about a tough stainless steel dive watch in our latest See Now, Buy Now entry, but I’m here to tell you that the Halios Laguna Watch is just as worthy of a spot in your watch collection. The best watch to buy now conveys that ideal mix of rugged and yet slightly refined style, wearable with everything from a slim graphic tee to an American-made Oxford. If that’s what you’re looking for, I think you’ll be mighty pleased with today’s Style Pick of the Week.

Folks, the Laguna Watch is a timepiece that signifies more than rugged, durable style. What with its handsome combination of a black dial and a tough brown leather strap (or a stainless steel set of links), the Laguna Watch nods toward the changing of the seasons — bear with me on this one.  Early fall, which is coming soon enough, means we’re switching out lightweight, breathable menswear, like classic men’s T-shirts, for heavier, more durable pieces. So, essential menswear picks like a rugged henley and tough brown leather boots are crucial. And in that case, you need accessories that follow suit in terms of visual interest and style. It’s your lucky day, because that’s where the Halios Laguna Watch comes into play.

Laguna Watch

Another way to wear the ridiculously rugged, tough Halios Laguna Watch.

Halios has raised eyebrows — in a good way — for the manner in which the brand crafts its rugged men’s watches. The Laguna Watch is a fine example; take the scratch-and-shatter resistant sapphire glass crystal, plus the insanely tough stainless steel case (made with the same steel used in jet engine parts!).  As if that wasn’t enough, know that you’re really getting two watches for the price of one with the Halios Laguna Watch — as you can see above, you also have the option to swap in a tough stainless steel set of links, the ultimate in versatility. And the 43mm case diameter on the Halios Laguna Watch, while substantial, should be more than wearable for most guys. The Japanese-made automatic movement should prove reliable and precise, and even the carrying case for the Halios Laguna Watch is guaranteed for life. Yep — LIFE.

That’s an uncommon promise for something as seemingly small as watch storage, yet it means that the Halios Laguna Watch can stand up to any early fall adventures — and well beyond. I’d wear this stylish timepiece with plenty of other rugged menswear essentials, from a striped henley and faded American-made denim to suede boots and a rugged shawl-collar cardigan. Given that the price tag is a bit of an investment, it’s safe to say the Halios Laguna Watch deserves as much wear as you can get out of it. So, what do you say? Can a watch help you transition into fall? Let me know in the comments below — and let me know if you’ll be buying the Halios Laguna Watch in the near future!

Stay stylish and thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Essential Everyday Carry Gear, Craft Beer and Nisolo Shoes

Can you believe another week is in the books? Heck, can you believe I’m in Chicago again for the second time this month? I certainly can’t — and yet, today’s edition of the Friday Read is coming to you live from the Windy City. I trekked to Chicago just a few short weeks ago for Lollapalooza 2017, and had a great weekend dressed in ideal music festival style. This time around, I’m meeting my family back in the Midwest for a weekend of city exploration and crucially, a family trip to see lauded American musical “Hamilton.” Having seen the show twice already, I gave up my ticket to my young nephew, a budding musical enthusiast and huge fan of the standout musical. So, that’ll free up some time for me to explore all that Chicago has to offer — anywhere that’s a must-see on your list? I’m looking forward to hitting up the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, a refined, old-school art-deco spot with (apparently) a neat speakeasy. That’s just one of many stops I’ll be making, though. Follow along with all the action on Instagram, and be sure to check back here for a full #menswear trip recap on Monday. Until then — stay stylish and enjoy the below weekend reading picks!

  • Fall is a great time to hit the road for day or weekend trips — heading to a winery, a brewery, an orchard … you name it, and it should definitely involve essential travel style. To that end, I rounded up the best everyday carry gear for your next drive. Head to GearMoose to check it out.
  • We enjoy talking craft beer around these parts — to say the least. With that in mind, I point you toward The Manual — my colleague Lee Heidel is taking you into a new initiative from the Brewers Association to properly label beer from breweries that fit the definition of “craft.” It’s a worthy cause that might just make you love your favorite beer even more — agreed?

  • Let’s stick with the latest happenings at The Manual — shall we? Namely, I rounded up my favorite picks from Nisolo, the ethically crafted footwear makers behind a whole host of stylish chukka boots, rugged sneakers and plenty more. Shop away!

OK, everyone — we’re keeping it short this week! Enjoy the weekend, and check back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Add to Your Watch Collection with the Timex Waterbury Stainless Steel Dive Watch

Timex Waterbury

One heck of a watch for the price — maybe one to buy right now, as it were?

One of the things that comes up a lot at The Style Guide (weekly? daily?) is the importance of buying quality, affordable and versatile #menswear pieces. From a classic Oxford shirt to a rugged henley to slim, American-made denim, that type of quality and wearability is out there — if only you know where to look. Such is the case with Timex, a brand that you might have glazed over in the past, one that now deserves a second, or third, look. And in the latest entry in our ongoing See Now, Buy Now series, we’re giving the rugged, essential Timex Waterbury Stainless Steel Dive Watch a close look — it’s among the best men’s casual watches to buy now, I can say that much.  The Waterbury Stainless Steel Diver plays off the brand’s vintage-leaning, stylish Waterbury line — surely, you’ll recognize the rugged Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono from the pages of this blog. The Waterbury Stainless Steel Diver is in a league of its own, starting with the standout price and carrying right on through to its handsome, subtly stylish and easily wearable aesthetic.

It’s a rugged men’s dive watch that gets the look right without a cluttered design. While it’s not exactly made for plunging into great depths in the ocean, it’s a daily watch that’s more than serviceable thanks to the classic durability for which Timex is known. For you and me both, that’s great news. And the better news? You can get it via Bespoke Post, purveyors of plenty more of your favorite #menswear.  If there’s one watch to wear to the office with a classic navy blazer during the week while also teaming it with a rugged short-sleeve henley on the weekend, it’s the Waterbury Stainless Steel Diver. Folks, that type of affordable style can’t be emphasized enough. And a rugged stainless steel dive watch is the perfect piece to add a bit of toughness and visual interest to cold-weather outfits, too — perfect given that we’ll be into fall before you know it. With all that being said … I can’t recommend the Waterbury Stainless Steel Diver enough. That’s as true right now as it’ll be when fall hits.

Shop away, and thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This Outfit on Your Next Weekend Trip

Come along for the ride today on The Style Guide as we dive into an #OOTD that should come in pretty darn handy over these next few weeks and months. Folks, we’re talking today about a stylish, mobile and versatile #menswear look to wear on your next weekend trip. And we’re building it from the ground up, focused on wearable classics like stylish leather chukka boots and a durable, great-looking weekender bag. Whether this outfit takes you to a quaint country town, a friend’s house or an upstate trip — or, dare I say it, a “staycation” — I think you’ll be ready for the road, followed by a stop at a new favorite watering hole. Truly all the goods are here. I’m telling ya, you’re gonna love this Taylor Stitch shirt-jacket and the casual staple pieces we’re pairing it with,  It’s an outfit that’s just a bit rugged, just a bit refined and very ready for nearly anything. We’ve got a few choice layers to combat late summer and early fall breezes, plus a stylish leather watch to wear as you travel, too. All sounds pretty great, right? Dive in, leave any feedback below and hop on over to my Instagram or The Style Guide Facebook page if you can’t get enough of what we’re serving up.

Layer right on up with a stylish shirt-jacket, a classic Oxford and other staples ready for travel or play.

The Top Layer: Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket, $148 — Seeing as chillier temperatures are approaching, it’s a wise bet to outfit yourself with a rugged shirt-jacket that slips on and off with ease — Taylor Stitch makes one of the best out there.

The Oxford: Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford, $89 — If there’s one workhorse you need in your bag for a weekend trip, it’s  a classic Oxford shirt. Try this charcoal Oxford from Flint and Tinder — it’ll play nicely off the Taylor Stitch shirt-jacket, and it’s made in America.

The Chinos: Banana Republic Aiden Slim Rapid Movement Chino, $98 — A relatively recent offering from a brand that specializes in versatile gear for the modern man, these stretch chinos are perfect for a day of travel.

The Chukka Boots: Nisolo Luca Chukka Boot, $174.98 — Packing light on the footwear front is easy when you wear classic chukka boots like the Nisolo Luca Chukka Boot — agreed? Agreed.

The Socks: (Not Pictured) Anonymousism Cotton Stripe Sock in Khaki, $8 — You’d do well to stock up for your trip on at least a few sets of affordable, stylish and unique Anonymousism patterned socks.

The Briefs: Bread and Boxers Boxer Briefs in Black, $18 — Comfort and simple looks are two qualities you should always keep top of mind when packing (and wearing) briefs — Bread and Boxers will sort you out nicely.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury in Red Wing Leather, $139 — Just as with your classic Oxford, there’s one other essential you’re going to want to keep handy, and that’s the ever-stylish Timex Red Wing Waterbury. Durable, tough and sharp.

The Weekender: Bradley Mountain Utility Bag in Brush Brown, $159 — Sized just right for a few nights away, this handsome, rugged and stylish weekender bag from Bradley Mountain should be your next luggage purchase.

The Wallet: Herschel Supply Co. Raynor Passport Wallet in Nubuck, $49.99 — Even if you’re not heading overseas, having a useful, utilitarian-yet-stylish passport wallet like this one from Herschel Supply is a solid way to round out your everyday carry.

Well, do you think we packed enough essentials for your trip? Starting with a durable pair of leather chukka boots and a stylish weekender bag only sets you up for success — and layering accordingly keeps you traveling in style, too. I can’t say enough about the rugged versatility of the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket — it’s seriously perfect for chilly evenings and day trips alike. And we’d be remiss if we left out a classic Oxford like the one seen above from Flint and Tinder, another remarkably wearable addition to your travel gear. Well-considered details like Anonymousism patterned socks are also the name of the game, and the Red Wing Waterbury from Timex is a watch that could feasibly never leave your wrist throughout the trip. Have any questions on how to pack for your trip or what to wear on the road? Shoot me a note on Twitter — let’s talk menswear!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Maggie Rogers, Rugged Henleys and How Your Blazer Should Fit

Join us as we kick off a Style Guide weekend in Brooklyn, following a busy week (as per usual) in, well, Brooklyn. And Manhattan. At any rate, the summer continues to roll along as we draw ever closer to *deep breath* … early fall. Maybe we’re jumping the gun a bit, but I can say for sure that content prep for plenty of rugged fall #menswear is well underway in these parts. In the meantime though, it was a heck of a week for live music in NYC on this front, as I took in not one but two standout shows by the phenomenally talented American singer Maggie Rogers at my favorite venue in the city, Brooklyn Steel.

Maggie’s been racking up global festival appearances this summer, including a trip to Outside Lands last weekend, in addition to building some serious buzz behind her excellent EP, the gorgeous “Now That the Light is Fading.” If you haven’t yet given her a listen,, I’d stop what you’re doing and plug in. I was fortunate enough to see her play earlier this spring at the intimate Music Hall of Williamsburg, so to see her play two sold-out nights to nearly 2,000 people was an absolute treat. To say that I’m excited for her full-length debut would be an understatement! At any rate, we’ve also kept busy when it comes to bringing you all the best men’s gear you need now — and we’ve got plenty more where that came from. What are your weekend plans? As for me, I’ll be taking in a relaxing Brooklyn weekend and prepping some more #menswear content for Instagram and beyond. Enjoy the weekend, cheers and stay tuned for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week!

  • We’re gearing up slowly but surely for early fall here at The Style Guide — yes, believe it — but before summer’s out, I’d urge you to check out this #OOTD on how to style a rugged henley for the rest of summer. That is, if you haven’t yet checked it out already. Besides, who can pass up a rugged henley — ehh?
  • Want to know how a blazer should fit? It’s one of those essential items every guy needs in his closet — with that in mind, I covered how your blazer should fit in my latest post for Effortless Gent. It’s the little details that matter, and starting with the proper fit is but one way to get those details right.

  • If you’re not yet acquainted with the revamp of Abercrombie and Fitch — an evolution much-loved by your Style Guide author — I’d say you should get up to speed soon. Specifically, the Abercrombie and Fitch denim line is filled with affordable, easy-to-wear and easy-to-buy styles — I wrote about the collection recently for The Manual, and what’s more, I wore some Abercrombie and Fitch denim to Lollapalooza 2017 recently.  Needless to say, I seriously enjoyed the mix of flexible style and comfort the line provides.
  • Lastly and before we go … we mentioned a rugged short-sleeve henley to wear now. But what if you’ve already filled that quota in your wardrobe and want something a little more fall-ready? The Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley is a favorite of mine as of late, and I think it could be a favorite of yours this season. Get to it!

That’ll end this week’s edition of The Friday Read. Have a great weekend!

-Beau