Tag / best men’s watches

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Lorde, Rado Watches and New Menswear from Jane.com

Sometimes, in the daily production of everyone’s favorite #menswear blog — that’s this blog, The Style Guide — it seems there’s not enough time or space to cover everything that needs to be covered. From new series like The List (highlighting the best men’s gear to buy now) to weekly series like our #OOTD and Style Pick of the Week entries, there’s a lot of content that’s rolling out — to say the least. And when I need to really lock in and get it done, I often turn to my favorite music. I say this because there are some songs and records I find myself putting on a lot — like, a lot.

And on the note, I’d say that it’s essential — yes, essential — that you listen to the beautifully crafted, emotionally written and perfectly composed “Melodrama” by Lorde . It’s a fine record that’s sure to sit near the top — or at the top — of many a year-end album ranking, and I’ve listened to it a lot since its release just a short time ago. If that sounds like the idea of a great way to kick off the weekend, I’m here to do you one better — complement it with a full rundown of the week in men’s style news and interesting tidbits from Brooklyn and beyond! Right? Right. To keep up with my weekend — and weekday — shenanigans, follow me on Instagram or Twitter. And to get a daily dose of menswear, check out The Style Guide Facebook page. Happy reading — happy listening, too!

With Jane.com, you get the chance to pick up a stylish tee, denim and crisp sneakers all at once — and that’s just the start of it! Learn more below.

  • Ever needed one cool place to satisfy all of your stylish men’s clothing needs all at once? Ideally, a boutique marketplace with products that have personality, style and some unique design touches? That’s what Jane.com provides for you — that is to say, you can get everything from stylish knitwear to slim denim and crisp sneakers at affordable prices from sharp retailers. And the end results? Pretty stylish, if I do say so myself — I was more than pleased with the slim black denim, casual-yet-classic sneakers and rugged raglan tee I picked from the site. Again, it’s one easy spot to take care of your men’s fashion needs, and that should be applauded.

  • There are some times when you want a crisply designed, no-frills watch … and there are times when you want a watch with a little bit of bold personality (and the requisite functionality, of course). In the search for stylish men’s watches, things can get tricky. Yet, there’s help! With both sleek style and the versatility that comes with multiple color options, the True Thinline Collection from Rado Watches offers you the best of both worlds. You get a watch that can accessorize with simple summer outfits while providing a pop of color. Crucially, watches from the True Thinline Collection can also travel with you — the lack of a  leather strap means you don’t need to match it to your shoes and belt to your favorite watch. Handy and stylish in more ways than one, ehh?

  • While we’re on the topic of bold-yet-wearable, stylish summer sunglasses and summer-friendly accessories, you might do well to check out the latest launch from Style Guide favorites Electric California. I took the brand’s sunglasses with me on a summer weekend trip to Florida, I’ve recently been checking out a stylish Electric watch, and perhaps you recall the brand from my Father’s Day gift guide. So, it’s winning style all the way around — and they recently released the quick-selling Zombie S, a bold set of shades for those who love the West Coast. Importantly, the brand worked with Scotty Stopnik of the revered California surf/skate/chopper haven Cycle Zombies on two shades that capture the independent, bold spirit of the industry and the area.  How’s that for upgrading your pair of stylish summer sunglasses?

Did you enjoy this week’s Friday Read? If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. For now, I’ve got a work day to finish up — and then, it’s off to enjoy one of the best beers for summer, I’d wager. Hope your plans are similar, folks.

Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Masters, Coachella and Stylish Dress Watches

If you can believe it, we’re back at it with another Friday Read here on the ole Style Guide. What have you been up to this week? It’s been a busy one that promises plenty of excitement around these parts to end the week — namely, we’re talking the official release of some excellent albums and a lovely spring weekend in Brooklyn. Yes indeed, I’m very much looking forward to listening to the full-length debut of infectious New York pop-punk rockers Diet Cig, along with what promises to be a very fun record release show tonight at fun Brooklyn rock club Baby’s All Right! And of course, who else is pumped about the new Cold War Kids record!? How great will that be? Very great. In other menswear matters, we’re fully into transitional spring style now — if you’re curious about how to dress for spring break, we have some helpful tips for you. And if you want to know about the investment-worthy leather jacket you need in your closet now, well, we’ve got you covered there. Oh, and it’s Masters weekend for all you golf fans out there — with that in mind, this week’s Friday Read covers a fun style move to make for the occasion.

A fun way to inject a little golf-inspired style into a warm-weather look.

  • OK, so as I said — it’s Masters weekend. And particularly if you’re a golf fan, you should be looking to dress in style and stay hydrated (cheers!). And what better way to do it than with some unique, head-turning flip-flops? Flip-flops aren’t for everyone, but if you’re hanging out at a beachfront patio bar or a pool — perhaps sipping on a Corona and watching the tournament — you should strongly consider picking up the Reef Mulligan II golf sandals. Your purchase gets you a neat pair of flip-flops, plus a Reef tee and tee holder. The upper mimics a textured golf ball, while the footbed plays off putting green grass — oh, and did I mention there’s a bottle opener in the sole? Bottoms up indeed!

Beckett Simonon

  • NYC cyclists or casual bikers, listen up — this weekend only, Timbuk2 (makers of stylish commuter gear) are offering a combo bag-and-bike deal at the brand’s NoHo shop (that’s at 325 Lafayette Street) with Pure Cycles. What does that mean exactly? The donation of any bag or bike via the “Break Up with Your Bag and Bike” event gets you 30 percent off the purchase of gear from both brands — and your donated gear goes toward Recycle-A-Bicycle, an organization focused on uplifting NYC through community engagement, youth development and healthy living. That’s a win all around!

Greats

And one more thing before we start the weekend …

  • Last but certainly not least — we’re talking crisp, classic and stylish dress watches via my latest in-depth feature for GearMoose. I’d wager there are some picks that you’ll very much enjoy — and don’t forget to check out The Style Guide’s list of the best men’s leather watches in the meantime.

Greats

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Wear Your New Favorite Polo

We try to keep things moving forward when it comes to our Style Suggestion series on the blog. That is, mixing up situations — including things like how to dress for winter travel — and certain occasions, like dressing for the polar vortex. Now that we’ve reached the start of March (pretty wild in and of itself), it’s time to turn our eyes toward spring style. We’re not necessarily all the way out of chilly weather yet, and rain likely beckons ahead in the forecast. But when you want to lighten things up, how do you do so in a way that’s crisp and yet easily wearable through the season? Easy. A long-sleeve polo. It’s got some “geezer style” connotations, but the long-sleeve polo is also a classic menswear piece worn with casual cool (and James Bond in “Casino Royale” even dons a navy long-sleeve rugby shirt). Luckily for us, we’re taking a great long-sleeve polo from Paul Fredrick and styling it accordingly today for spring weather. Read on, shop away and join us on Instagram and Twitter for plenty o’ daily #menswear inspiration.

The Long-Sleeve Polo: Paul Fredrick Silk, Cotton and Cashmere Polo Pullover — $79.50 [Get 20 percent off and free shipping on any order with code ‘IMSCBH’].

A refined layering option made from luxurious fabric.

A refined layering option made from luxurious fabric.

Part polo, part pullover and made with quite the luxurious blend of silk, cotton and cashmere, this Paul Fredrick long-sleeve polo is the way to go if you want breathability, comfort and style fit for spring weather. The navy colorway calls to mind what Bond himself wore, and it’s the right pick here in that it’s not too bright or loud — perfect for all types of style scenarios, including dressing for Sunday brunch. Plus, you can pick up it up for 20 percent off using the code above.

The Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch Box Quilted Jacket — $130

A neat new addition to your spring outerwear rotation.

A neat new addition to your spring outerwear rotation.

Just as critical as your base or mid-layer — perhaps moreso — is a stylish spring jacket. As with its fall and winter offerings (like the rugged, essential Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt), the brand continues to build on its reputation as an essential company for today’s well-dressed guy. With unique takes on outerwear like the Box Quilted Jacket
you get a different look combined with comfort (the fleece lining helps with that). What’s more, the neat olive color is a nice way to transition from the darker hues of winter into the lighter shades of spring and summer.

Nothing fancy or overpriced about a comfortable undershirt.

Nothing fancy or overpriced about a comfortable undershirt.

While you could use the pullover in a fashion similar to a V-neck sweater and layer up with a classic chambray shirt, it’s visually interesting enough on its own to merit the use of a simple (yet well-made) Mack Weldon undershirt. Call your Style Guide author crazy, but from the brand’s merino long-sleeve tees to the neat Mack Weldon Vesper Polo, these guys are a brand to know — and wear any time you need a comfortable base layer.
Yet another item to pick up from a brand that's getting better and better.

Yet another item to pick up from a brand that’s getting better and better.

 If you’re more likely to think of baggy cargo shorts — or pants — when you think of A&F than slim chinos, think again. The brand’s revamped focus centers around all manner of menswear staples, including what could be your new favorite pair of chinos (seriously — you just haven’t bought ’em yet). They feature what looks to be a straight, yet relatively tailored, cut. And the use of cotton and elastane should give them some comfortable stretch. Yes indeed, grab a stylish leather weekender bag and wear these bad boys when you hit the road this spring.
The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots — $180
An ethically made, great-looking Chelsea boot for a casual style situation.

An ethically made, great-looking Chelsea boot for a casual style situation.

If these boots ring any bells, that’s great — crucially, they were the footwear pick of choice in a feature on how to layer up in style this winter. Casual leather chukka boots would also be a fine style move here — particularly if it’s rainy and you want to keep that suede safe — but these  Bitflex Chelsea Boots offer up both spring-appropriate texture and a bit of rich color. Don’t forget that Chelsea boots add a decidedly modern vibe to the more classic parts of this outfit (including khaki chinos and a long-sleeve polo).

The Watch:Tanner Goods Martenero Ace Automatic Watch — $549.98

A revamp of the pilot's watch, with a tough leather strap for good measure.

A revamp of the pilot’s watch, with a tough leather strap for good measure.

What do you get when the heritage leather goods makers at Tanner Goods decide to update a stunning pilot’s watch? Well, you get the Martenero Ace Automatic Watch, another recent #OOTD accessory pick. It’s definitely got a lot going for it — and for that investment-worthy price, you can be darn sure I’m recommending you wear it as much as you can. Featuring a natural shell Cordovan strap that’ll age wonderfully each time you wear it, the Desert Tan face on the Ace Automatic Watch is also bold and unique. In short, the perfect timepiece for this outfit.

The Socks: CHUP Prairie Socks — $35 [Check out the full run of CHUP socks while we’re here].

Not your everyday socks -- and not your everyday price for a pair, either.

Not your everyday socks — and not your everyday price for a pair, either.

We never let stylish socks slide here at the blog — especially if they’re a pricey, yet well-made, pair like these CHUP Prairie Socks. The design offers a shot of unique color and pattern, and you get handmade quality via a wearable cotton blend. As always, your socks shouldn’t be an area you overlook.

 The Sunglasses: Sunski Dipseas Sunglasses — $44.98
Different than your everyday aviators, but just as necessary in your rotation.

Different than your everyday aviators, but just as necessary in your rotation.

Hey, recognize that accessory? Stylish men’s sunglasses?  Sure you do. We certainly haven’t hit full-on beach weather as of yet, but we’ll get there soon (hopefully). And you know what else is great? Well, the Dipseas Sunglasses from our friends at Sunski are unique, effective and affordably priced. They’re just the type of piece to offset a more casual look in a cool fashion — and that’s how every outfit should be finished off, right?
Frank & Oak
If you’re now amped and fully ready to step out in classic spring style, you’re not alone. From a sharp, revamped piece of spring outerwear to your new favorite long-sleeve polo and classic Mack Weldon basics, this outfit has something for everyone. Essential chinos provide classic contrast alongside the more modern Bitflex Chelsea Boots, and before you know it, you’ll be breaking out a neat pair of Dipseas Sunglasses (trust me on that). And as I said before, a durable and tough watch like the Martenero Ace Automatic Watch ties everything together very nicely indeed. Good luck getting ready for spring, and let me know what you think of today’s outfit in the comments.
See you around and stay stylish,
-Beau

by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Todd Snyder

The man of the hour, American designer Todd Snyder.

The man of the hour, American designer Todd Snyder.

So, it’s been a bit of time since our last Style Guide brand profile. Quite a bit of time, in fact. But every so often, it’s nice to step back from the daily, ever-evolving process of crafting your latest #OOTD and get to know your favorite brands just a bit better. In this instance, that’s what we’re doing today with Todd Snyder.  It was a treat to check out the designer’s much-lauded Fall/Winter 2017 collection during New York Fashion Week: Men’s recently, and I can assure that more great gear is on the way. If you peruse the pages of The Style Guide regularly, you’ll surely recognize the designer’s namesake brand, keen eye for detail and sharp instincts when it comes to translating classic silhouettes into recognizable and easily wearable pieces. If that sounds like too tall a task for one designer to conquer, rest assured … it’s not.

The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, done up in casual form. It's a keeper!

The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, done up in casual form. It’s a keeper – read on for more!

The approach starts with a rather unique combination, namely his Midwestern roots and love of sports and classic menswear. Having interviewed Mr. Snyder on two occasions for The Manual, I can assure you he’s a true gentleman and as down-to-earth as it gets. As an Iowa native, he’s stuck with a unique formula that’s caught the eye of many a style blogger, writer, editor…. you name it. And it’s best summed up with updated takes on vintage staples — if that’s your thing, stick with us. Take, for example, last fall’s rendition of the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top, made with a sturdy military-grade canvas upper and featuring a tough rubber sole. They worked perfectly for me during a fall weekend in NYC, and if you were fortunate enough to pick up a pair, you’ll know they’re similarly versatile. That’s only the starting point for his work, however.

The designer's handiwork in action -- notably, the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top!

The designer’s handiwork in action — notably, the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top!

In fact, doesn’t even begin to cover the designer’s nuanced approach to other collaborations.  If you know Mr. Snyder for just one piece, it just might be the covetable, essential and casual Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt. Rest assured, you should snag one ASAP and make it your new weekend layering go-to. If spending nearly $100 on a crewneck sweatshirt is too much … just know that it’s worth the investment. The great thing is, it handsomely complements the designer’s other easily wearable staples (think less sportswear-inspired, more classic everyday pieces). We’re talking refined, versatile items like Japanese selvedge Oxfords and merino crewneck sweaters done in partnership with England’s John Smedley.  If there’s a designer that can do more while sticking to the same overall aesthetic, it’s tough to top Mr. Snyder.
Beckett Simonon

It nearly goes without saying that the brand’s accessories — from collaborations to third-party goods like rugged Red Wing leather boots — are all shoppable and enviable in their own right. In fact, the newly launched Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch is a perfect example of what the designer does best — take an older classic and bring it into the modern era. You should definitely team it with one of the brand’s Japanese chambray shirts — as seen in this site’s roundup of the best chambray shirts for men. Of course, the Timex + Todd Snyder Mod Watch as launched last summer was a hot-seller in its own right — and if you follow me on Instagram, you know how much I love mine. Again, we’re talking about a designer who can do it all.

Quite possibly the only suit you'll need to buy -- ehh?

Quite possibly the only suit you’ll need to buy — ehh?

It would be remiss to close out this piece without focusing on the fact that Snyder even takes care of your more formal evening and office wear via his fantastic, accessible and high-quality Todd Snyder White Label suiting line. While plenty of designers are dabbling in multiple categories nowadays, you won’t often find one who does a suit as well as he does a  crewneck sweatshirt. If you only had to buy one suit, I might make it the Todd Snyder Sutton Suit in Navy Wool — think of it like an upgraded J. Crew Ludlow suit, with premium components, great fabric and plenty of wearability.  Again, it’s rare to find a brand that excels in so many categories, but Todd Snyder is a perfect company to check out if you want classic, reliable and timeless goods made with heritage quality and modern style in mind. Sounds pretty good to me — how about you?

Do you own any Todd Snyder goods? What other brands would you like to see in this site’s Brand Profile series?

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Leather Watches To Buy Now

Whereas recent online shopping picks entries have covered everything from the best men’s home goods  to smaller accessories like the best gloves to buy for winter,  we’re going back to basics today and telling you all about an everyday essential. That is, we’re shifting gears to something that should likely be a part of your daily style ensemble — a great leather watch. We’ve taken a deep dive with rugged casual watches and stylish dive watches, but a simple, sharp leather watch can — and likely should — become an easy-to-wear, everyday go-to in your rotation. Even if you don’t consider yourself a watch aficionado, adding a crisp leather watch to a simple outfit — say, a classic chambray shirt and dark denim — can add visual interest, subtle style and a sense of purpose (notice how more folks use their phone to check the time than a watch?). At any rate, we’re focused on affordability, classic looks and wearability when it comes to today’s #menswear picks. Shop away, chime in on Facebook and follow yours truly on Instagram for a look at how I wear my favorite watches.

#1. Shinola Runwell Watch — $550

A clean, simple and versatile watch worthy of an investment.

A clean, simple and versatile watch worthy of an investment.

Let’s call this “the watch that started it all” — at least for this menswear writer. It’s tough to argue with Shinola’s crisp, classic and durable approach to watch construction — even if some oppose the brand’s marketing practices — but make no mistake, you’re buying quality when you buy a Shinola timepiece.  In fact, this very watch made a past men’s style holiday wish list on this site, and it’s still a coveted timepiece. Anyone out there have any experience with Shinola?

#2. Orient Bambino Second Generation Watch — $198.98

Orient Bambino

Super-sharp, classic and easy to wear with just about anything.

Whereas the Shinola Runwell leans more casual, the Orient Bambino Second Generation  is all dressy, refined and crisp style. With a textured leather strap, a just-right 40.5mm case diameter and minimal dial markings, it’s the watch you’ll want to wear with your best tailored suit this winter, and then slim stone chinos and stylish suede Chelsea boots come spring. In fact, the refined, sharp aesthetic means it’ll class up even a T-shirt and denim — give it a shot sometime in place of a more casual rubber strap watch.

#3. Seiko Dive Watch — $319.98

Seiko

A leather watch that can pull double duty at the office and on the weekend.

Leave it to Huckberry to offer up a versatile, tough dive watch with not one, but two strap options (suede leather from Lum-Tec and a rubber strap option). In an eye-catching red-and-blue color combo, the 40mm case diameter hits the sweet spot for those of us with larger or smaller wrists. The option to switch up the straps means this timepiece will work just as stylishly at the office with the leather option as it will with high-top sneakers and a classic crewneck sweater as you swap in the rubber strap. Two for the price of one, ya dig?

NOV CAMPAIGN: Photo of brown boots with logo (no border)

#4. MVMT Watches The 40 in Blue/Brown Leather — $120

A clean watch with an eye-catching dial-and-strap combination.

A clean watch with an eye-catching dial-and-strap combination.

The folks at MVMT Watches make essential, no-frills watches fit for situations both casual and dressy — and that makes ’em a Style Guide favorite. If you saw our January 2016 MVMT Watches product review, perhaps you’re already acquainted with the brand’s classic 40 Series. If not, consider this a great introduction. The  brown leather strap and blue dial are a study in handsome contrasts, and the relatively slim case means this is a great watch to offset everything from a tailored navy suit to a classic blue Oxford this winter — and well beyond.

#5. Linjer The Minimalist — $224.98

Clean, essential and unique. Everything you could want in a nice leather watch.

Clean, essential and unique. Everything you could want in a nice leather watch.

If you’ll recall, this site reviewed a sharp Linjer Leather Goods wallet all the way back in 2015 — the brand has certainly grown quite a lot since then, including its introduction last year of crisp, sleek watches.  In particular, the brand’s Minimalist Watch solidifies its place on this list, what with its super-sharp looks and a very clean dial. This is certainly a dress watch for any and all occasions, but again, the crisp design means you can wear it casually with dressed-down ensembles. And hey, you need a watch to offset your Linjer wallet, right?

Honorable Mention: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Fairfield — $98

Timex

A recent introduction from Timex meets a classic, tough leather strap.

If you’re looking to upgrade your watch collection on a budget, you’re going to want to check out this honorable mention. It’s comin’ at ya from our pals at Form-Function-Form and Timex — in particular, the Form-Function-Form team knows how to make a sturdy, handsome leather strap to reliably complement any watch. And when that watch happens to be a clean timepiece like the Fairfield, that’s all the better. It’s been refreshing to see Timex update its designs as of late, and the result is a surefire winner that looks great and pairs well with picks like a slim cardigan and dark denim.

That’s a wrap on today’s online shopping picks, folks. Which of the above watches are you thinking of adding to your collection? If you’re looking for sharp versatility, a pick like Linjer’s The Minimalist is tough to beat. On the more rugged end of the spectrum, Seiko packs plenty of functionality and eye-catching design into its timeless Seiko Dive Watch, while perennial Style Guide favorites MVMT Watches serve up go-anywhere style with the brand’s 40 Series. Hopefully, you’ve found these picks affordable and stylish — right? Shop on, stock up and see you out there.

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Casually This Winter

We’re a month into the new year, and the question for all of us #menswear fans has to be: Are you sticking to your men’s style resolutions? Finding ways to improve your wardrobe and upgrade your style? Hopefully, that’s the case through these first few weeks of 2017 — and it’s that same approach that should apply to even seemingly casual, daily style. We’ve talked tailored winter style, we’ve talked classic winter style and now, we’re talking about a style situation that can sometimes be a difficult balance — casual winter style. For those times you want to be relaxed and comfortable, yet put-together. Even if you’re only making a quick morning coffee run or an evening beer run before hosting friends, putting your best foot forward is, as we always talk about at The Style Guide, crucial. So, we’re taking staple pieces of your wardrobe and switching them up a bit — a classic black jacket, sharp denim and your favorite pair of leather boots, for starters.  Read and shop the below #OOTD,  leave questions in the comments section below, and follow along on Instagram for more daily winter style inspiration.  Good luck out there!

Taking basic pieces and amping them up with improved fits, great fabric and yes, great style

Taking basic pieces and amping them up with improved fits, great fabric and yes, great style.

The Jacket: Reigning Champ Trail Jacket, $198.98 — Lest you think that this Trail Jacket is basic, its performance and classic silhouette speak for itself (namely, the terry cotton and nylon combo is functional and easily wearable).

The Henley: Faherty Brand Waffle Henley Sweater, $154.98 — Part henley, part sweater and a substantial upgrade from your standard weekend T-shirt — warm, cozy, ultra-stylish and yes, pricey.

The Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch Slim-Straight Performance Winter Jeans, $35.20 — Is there such a thing as winter denim? There certainly is — and for a great price, you’re getting excellent comfort, a tremendous fit and comfortable fabric.

The Hat: Ebbets Field Flannels for J. Crew Detroit Cubs Ballcap, $49.50 — A ballcap in this instance? Absolutely — we’re going for casual style after all, and this hat is a unique, vintage-inspired conversation starter.


The Boots: CAT Footwear Sutter Boots, $210 —  While you could always swap in a pair of handsome leather sneakers, tough leather boots are the way to go in the snow — plus, they add a bit of sharpness to this casual look.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Stitcher Classic Boot Sock, $16 — Comfort, quality and a bit of sport-inspired style — that’s what you’re getting with these crisp boot socks.

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $30.80 — Add some seasonally appropriate texture and casual style with this nicely priced, versatile leather belt. Wear it with slim chinos and a navy blazer to the office, too.
Beckett Simonon

The Watch: Timex Weekender Chrono Oversized, $84.95 — It’s tough to beat the reliability, durability and simple style of a Timex watch for the price. You could also go with the sharp Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Weekender here.

The Briefcase: Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase, $265 — Be it lugging around your laptop or your everyday carry, you need a great bag. The Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase is handsome, beautifully made and durable — just what you need.

That’s a wrap on this week’s #OOTD — although it’s sometimes easy to let your style slip up in casual situations, resist the temptation to do so with functional, comfortable pieces that fit, feel and look great. Starting with the technical-yet-sharp Reigning Champ Trail Jacket and continuing with reliable layering pieces like the Waffle Henley Sweater, you’ll be set in terms of warmth and versatility. Brushed cotton denim and tough leather boots hardly ever fail, and they’re a nice way to complement more casual accessories, like that vintage-inspired J. Crew ballcap and Timex watch.  And no matter the occasion, a reliable bag like the Joshu + Vela Zip Briefcase  is the perfect way to carry your gear from point A to point B. OK, got all that? You bet.

Thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Classic Winter Style

Welcome to another edition of the #OOTD series here on The Style Guide.  At this point in the winter season, hopefully, you’ve got a closet stocked chock-full of style essentials — you know, things you can wear (and enjoy wearing) every day, like a slim topcoat , a great pair of dark denim, a sharp casual watch … you get the picture. If you don’t yet have those pieces, that’s what today’s #OOTD will solve. We’re talking a classic-yet-modern ensemble that fits in at the office on a casual day, out at the bar or stepping out on a weekend coffee date.  It’s focused on taking easy-to-wear pieces — some of which you might recognize from past posts — and putting it all together in one sharp combination. After all, that’s what great style is all about — and if you’re hard at work on your 2017 menswear resolutions, versatility should be top of mind.  So, it’s all on the table; let’s get to it, shall we? Leave any feedback on Twitter or in the comments below — let’s get shopping!

Some classic pieces, some new pieces and a combination that's ready for nearly anything.

Some classic pieces, some new pieces and a combination that’s ready for nearly anything.

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt, $89 — So, let’s start off this ensemble with a unique take on the traditional Oxford — this American-made moleskin shirt should be warm, slim-fitting and versatile (add a grey wool tie if you need to sharpen it up a bit).

The Cardigan: JackThreads Cable Knit Cardigan, $59 — Here’s yet another layering piece that switches things up from the typical shawl-collar cardigan — note the cable knit and unique silhouette.

The Topcoat: JackThreads Tieman Topcoat, $149 — Is there ever really a bad time to throw on a camel topcoat? Not really — and this sharp, double-breasted number adds a bit of tailored flair to this casual #OOTD.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder All-American Jeans in Straight Tapered, $98 — While you could also reach for a pair of classic slim chinos, American-made denim in a slim-straight cut is the slightly more rugged, casual option if you’re putting together a weekend brunch ensemble, for instance.

The Boots: G.H. Bass Camp Moc Toe Ranger Boots, $160 — For a combination of prep style and rugged good looks, it’s tough to beat these handsome moc toe boots.

The Socks: American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino and Cashmere, $28.98 — When a brand like American Trench consistently delivers superbly high-quality socks, you make it a point to buy ’em in bunches — right?

The Belt: Anderson’s Stretch Woven Leather Belt, $114.98 — How do you offset a mix of casual and dressy pieces? With a textured leather belt that’s incredibly well-made, that’s how.

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph, $158 — Last but not least — if you want a watch that’s rugged, functional and handsome, this is the one to buy. It’s the perfect complement to this versatile ensemble — in my humble opinion, that is.
Frank & Oak

And with that, we’ve reached the end of this week’s #OOTD — what did you think? It’s tough to be a slim-fitting, classic American-made moleskin shirt, particularly when you offset that with unique layers like a navy cable-knit cardigan and a classic camel topcoat. Throw on a classic, durable pair of essential dark blue denim and pair the look up with rough-and-tumble (yet versatile) moc toe boots for style that’ll work throughout the work week and on into a weekend happy hour. And if you needed an excuse to buy a stylish leather watch, that Red Wing Leather Chronograph is just what the doctor ordered. OK, do you have all those notes down? Somewhat? Good, good. Let me know what you think in the comments — and thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

Huckberry

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Layer Up This Winter

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, first things first — I hope y’all had a great Christmas. I know I enjoyed spending mine with family in lovely, sunny Florida (you can check out the full trip recap here). And with that being said, it’s time to get back to dressing for a decidedly colder NYC winter — perhaps it’s chilly where you are as well, and if that happens to be the case, well … The Style Guide is here to help with the latest entry in our #OOTD series. We’ve discussed casual cold-weather style moves this fall and winter, from dressing for a weekend coffee date to layering up with a crewneck sweater. The below #OOTD builds on that approach with a bit more tailored flair. It seems there re a myriad number of ways to go about dressing for a cold day — either on the weekend or during the week — but what about when you feel like mixing more formal pieces into a casual ensemble? Say, when dressing for Sunday brunch and a stroll around town, or a nightcap at your favorite local watering hole — times when you could wear jeans but, well, don’t quite feel like it. We’ve all been there, right? The below #OOTD mixes in picks that are both classic and casual, durable and slightly dressier. I won’t ruin all the fun, though — the entire #menswear ensemble is below. As always, your comments are appreciated and welcomed — seriously!

A mixture of rugged and refined pieces for winter layering.

A mixture of rugged and refined pieces for winter layering.

The Jacket: Grayers Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka, $225 — The jacket in this look — available via the fine folks at Huckberry — is exhibit A when it comes to a heritage-inspired, yet surprisingly versatile, piece. And if you live in a more temperate climate, the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket also works in this instance.

The Shirt: JackThreads Plaid Poplin Shirt, $39 — The great folks at JackThreads do casual shirting as well as anyone in the business, and this slim-fitting plaid shirt provides a welcome pop of winter-friendly color. You could always throw on something like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt if it’s particularly cold.

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The Pants: JACHS NY Navy Herringbone Suspender Pants, $125 — This is the part of the ensemble where high-low style comes into play — these nicely tailored cotton herringbone pants feature an eye-catching windowpane pattern that’s just different enough from the large plaid shirt to work.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt in Hickory, $99.98 — First off, why a belt with suspender pants? Well, it’s nice to have the option, and not everyone owns a pair of suspenders — ya dig? And if you’re going to invest in a beautiful brown leather belt, one from Tanner Goods is the way to go.

The Boots: Thorogood Dodgeville Boots in Cognac, $375 — Maybe it’s just me, but I find it very hard to pass up a great pair of durable leather boots — and the Dodgeville Boots are equal parts handsome, tough and ready for situations both a bit dressier and more casual.

The Socks: United By Blue Ultimate American Sock, $29.98 — Lest we forget that it’s likely freezing outside when throwing on this outfit, you’re going to need tough, warm socks. The Ultimate American Sock  has all the comfort you need.

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph, $158 — If you haven’t acquainted yourself with the ongoing Timex + Todd Snyder collaboration, this is a great time to start. This particular watch is tough, durable and handsome.

The Scarf: Abraham Moon for J. Crew Wool Scarf, $59.50 — Even right down to your accessories, you can add a few dressier touches. This beautiful plaid wool scarf plays nicely off the orange plaid shirt and the windowpane trousers — and it’s relatively affordable for the quality.

Frank & Oak

So, do you feel prepared to take on the cold? Maybe? Just a bit? I hope so. The key with dressing for cold winter days is mixing tried-and-true favorites with unique pieces — that is to say, it’s nice to be able to wear your favorite brown leather boots with something a bit more eye-catching, like the Grayers Montana Parka. Tough and rugged accessories like the reliable-as-heck United By Blue Ultimate American Socks are going to provide nice contrast to dressier pieces (like the J. Crew wool scarf), and you can hardly ever go wrong with a heritage-inspired leather watch from the likes of Todd Snyder. Don’t forget that you can mix and match these pieces during the work week, too — particularly the navy windowpane trousers. If you’ve got questions or feedback on this #OOTD, let’s hear it in the comments. Layer up and stay warm out there!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: 2016’s Best Watches, Last-Minute Gifts and Holiday Travel Style

Check your watch, check your calendar, check this blog — we’re just two (TWO) days away from Christmas! It’s been a hectic week between my winter trip to Baltimore and some travel to sunny Florida, but I hope you’re en route to your holiday destination — and traveling in style, of course.  If you’ve slacked (big-time) on your gift buying, check out our women’s holiday gift guide and the requisite men’s holiday gift guide one final, last time. And right after we turn from Christmas, New Year’s Eve is upon us — to that end, we’ll cover what to wear on New Year’s Eve in the next few days. And we’ll be going through men’s style resolutions for 2017, too. If your resolutions include upgrading your workout gear, you’d do well to enter this site’s latest menswear giveaway. But back to business. It’s been great to reflect on a stellar year in NYC over the last few days; that includes the chance to build on my career in fashion PR, write this blog and pursue my passion through other great menswear sites like The Manual and GearMoose. We’re not done with the style content on this blog for 2016 yet — far from it. For now, I’ll leave you today with the best in men’s style — I hope you take care of your last-minute shopping, and more importantly, I hope you’ll join us for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.  Now, get to it!

  • Whenever you talk about a  stylish, durable watch, it’s advisable to turn to the folks at GQ. Yes, they do make some questionable styling choices and hop on and off quite a few trends, but hey, GQ.com rounded up 2016’s best watches — and the list includes some stone-cold stunners, like the rugged Tudor Black Bay Bronze.
  • Let’s stay on the topic of GQ, shall we? The publication’s digital arm rounded up 16 holiday travel style favorites. Some of these picks are mighty premium — take the $840 AMI overcoat, for starters — but the premise is admirable. 16 items, a full set of outfits and some solid suggestions (denim-on-denim among them).
  • And on the topic of last-second shopping, if you’ve got someone on your list who values a touch of irreverent style and a bit of high-fashion — like an embroidered Levi’s denim jacket  — use the code ‘MERRY30’ to get 30!percent off almost everything online and in-store at Brooklyn’s own Kinfolk. Note that the deal excludes footwear, collaboration apparel & N. Hoollywood gear, but hey, there are plenty of picks from which to shop.

One last item to read …

  • Did you catch the launch of the slick new Taylor Stitch Minimalist Collection? It includes a bifold wallet and a slim cardholder, among other goods. They’re reasonably priced for investment-worthy leather pieces and feature the classic design that’s made Taylor Stitch so coveted among lovers of great menswear. Get the scoop via my latest GearMoose post.

Did that help you fill the time between holiday shopping sessions? Once more, check out the women’s style gift guide and shop our men’s style gift guide as quickly as you can.

Finally: Have a great day, and a great weekend!

-Beau
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by Beau H.

Signs of Light: A December weekend in Baltimore

Layered up for a pit stop at Artifact Coffee. Wool-Blend Topcoat by Old Navy. Snow Bridge Cardigan by Eddie Bauer. Denim shirt by JackThreads. Travel Jeans by Bonobos. Lockridge Moc Toe Boots by Cole Haan. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Glasses by Frameri. Cashmere hat by Club Monaco.

Layered up for a pit stop at Artifact Coffee in Baltimore. Wool-Blend Topcoat by Old Navy. Snow Bridge Cardigan by Eddie Bauer. Denim shirt by JackThreads. Travel Jeans by Bonobos. Lockridge Moc Toe Boots by Cole Haan. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Glasses by Frameri. Cashmere hat by Club Monaco.

As I traveled down the East Coast this past Friday morning, I was able to look back on a heck of a lot of things besides the crisp winter scenery. It was outstanding to reflect on a great year of work, of time with family and friends, of travel and a great year of celebrating some of my passions — including live music and menswear, all rolled into one. And it was as good a time as any for this Style Guide author to catch a great show and bring along some of my favorite men’s style essentials, yet again. My travels this time around took me to the unique and ever-changing city of Baltimore to see joyous indie folk rockers The Head and The Heart — that’s a definite recipe for success. I’ve been really lucky to be able to travel in style (of course) so frequently to see great bands, from an upstate trip to see Lucius to a weekend trip to Providence to see (perhaps) my favorite band, West Coast indie rockers Local Natives. So it was fitting that on one of the last weekends of the year, I took to the trail again. What did I bring with me? Only the best gear I could pack into my Owen & Fred weekender bag — you knew that bag was sturdy as heck and travel-friendly, right?

Rugged layers for a chilly weekend. Wool Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch. Yosemite Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Donegal Trousers by JackThreads. Red Wing Leather Waterbury Chrono by Timex _ Todd Snyder. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Glasses by Frameri. Cashmere hat by Club Monaco.

Rugged layers for a chilly weekend. Wool Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch. Yosemite Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Donegal Trousers by JackThreads. Red Wing Leather Waterbury Chrono by Timex _ Todd Snyder. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Glasses by Frameri. Cashmere hat by Club Monaco.

As seems to be the case with the weather across much of the country, the weekend was an especially frigid one in Baltimore — and NYC. For my train ride down the coast and a day exploring Baltimore, I layered up accordingly as seen at the top of the page, starting with my trusty JackThreads denim shirt. Of course, a stylish shawl cardigan proved a crucial layering piece given the chill, and I prepared accordingly with the durable, thick-knit and unique Eddie Bauer Snow Bridge Cardigan. I topped those layers off with the slim, warm Old Navy Wool-Blend Topcoat, an unexpected offering from a brand that keeps improving its apparel and outerwear game. For a blend of flexibility, comfort and style — crucial when sitting on a train for a few hours, then moving about the city — my trusty Bonobos Travel Jeans in Allegheny Oak fit the bill perfectly, and played nicely in terms of color off my sturdy, tough-wearing Cole Haan Lockridge Moc Toe Boots. You might recognize those boots from this site’s piece on how to dress for the first snowfall, and they’ve got plenty of weather-ready bells and whistles — they’re waterproof and feature the brand’s Grand.OS technology, for starters. When paired up with my reliable-as-ever MVMT Watches Calypso Watch and tough accessories like my Grifter Company Ranger Gloves, I was more than set to battle the chill.

I also brought along my trusty Brothers Leather 810 Wallet .It’s a beautiful, handmade and essential wallet — and you can get 15% off that wallet, or any Brothers Leather item, using the code ‘BrotherBeau15’! Seriously, look into upgrading your everyday carry ASAP. Know that the next time you hit the road to a chilly locale, you should pack as many durable winter accessories as you can, too.

The everyday carry for a quick road trip. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Wallet by Brothers Leather (Get 15% off with the code 'BrotherBeau15'! Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Pen by Owen & Fred.

The everyday carry for a quick road trip. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Wallet by Brothers Leather (Get 15% off with the code ‘BrotherBeau15’! Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Pen by Owen & Fred.

Stop number one on my trip? Of course, a stellar coffee shop — that’d be Artifact Coffee, and I’d absolutely recommend a trip of your own if ever you get to Baltimore. It’s a rustic backdrop for a tasty egg-and-bacon English muffin and a rich cup of coffee, plus some quiet writing and reflection. Properly caffeinated following an early train ride, a stop at one of the city’s neat menswear shops was in order. 16Tons — not a far walk from Artifact — is packed to the gills with vintage menswear, including sturdy tweed blazers, stonewashed denim jackets and a fair selection of tough moto boots. With my fill of menswear shopping, it was time for a much-needed burger at the lauded Abbey Burger Bistro — add the Guinness cheddar to your burger and top it off with a local Union Red Foxy IPA. I walked off the burger with a stroll through the neat Inner Harbor and Federal Hill areas of Baltimore, filled with beautiful red brick historic homes.

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With a great lunch and a great day of exploration around Baltimore behind me, I was more than ready for a long-awaited show from The Head and The Heart — seeing as I missed the band’s NYC tour stop in October after years of listening, it was high time I got around to seeing them. Looking back on 2016, the group’s stellar third album, “Signs of Light,” was one of my favorites for its joyous, uplifting message, powerful harmonies, subtle pop influences and soaring guitars. It’s the kind of music we need a bit — or a lot — more of, and it resulted in a stunning live show that was a joy to watch.With a full day to look ahead to the show, I was beyond excited — and because I packed light and relied on style staples like the tough-yet-comfortable Cole Haan Lockridge Moc Toe Boots and the durable MVMT Watches Calypso Watch I was able to transition from day to night and fully enjoy the concert.

Checking out a new music venue in a new city is always a neat endeavor, and a packed Ram’s Head Live didn’t disappoint. The buzzing,  multi-level venue also drew a nice crowd for folk rock trio Joseph, themselves a group quickly on the rise and capable of producing some powerful songs in the vein of Lucius or HAIM — yes, they’re that good.  And they nicely complemented a beautiful performance from The Head and The Heart, who absolutely didn’t disappoint. I’d recommend you see them as soon as you can — the band’s beautiful vocals and soaring songs — soaring is the only way to describe it — were incredible. From the opener “All We Ever Knew” to a huge rendition of “Rivers and Roads” and stirring, fun versions of “Lost in My Mind” and “Shake,” it was among the better shows I’ve seen this year — and that’s saying something!
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With an amazing live show in the books, I looked ahead to an excellent Saturday of Baltimore, including an amazing brunch & Bloody Mary at Baltimore institution Miss Shirley’s. Of course, a delicious, rich Nutella latte from 3 Bean Coffee was also in order. With chilly temperatures in the forecast yet again, I went with sturdy layers to fight the cold.. Namely, my slim and refined JackThreads Donegal Trousers provided a bit of a high-low style complement to my heritage-inspired Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt. Given the blustery, frigid weather, I also threw on my much-loved Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt, as seen at the top of the post. It’s a soft, warm and essential layering piece. And on the watch front, it doesn’t get any better than my rugged and durable Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph, all of which helped me navigate Baltimore in warmth and good time — seriously!

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Unique, versatile layers for a blustery Brooklyn day. Wool-Blend Henley Sweater and Belted Shawl Cardigan by Abercrombie & Fitch. Kinzie Jeans by Mugsy Jeans. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Red Wing Leather Chronograph by Timex + Todd Snyder. Socks by To Boot New York. Wallet by Brothers Leather (get 15 percent off Brothers Leather goods with the code ‘BrotherBeau15’!

Unfortunately, my trip was over much too soon, and it was time to head back to  NYC. The ceaseless cold weather showed no signs of relenting on Sunday, so I again reached for critical layers, starting with a brand-new, rugged-and-refined Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Henley Sweater. It’s a rich addition to any wardrobe, affordably priced and featuring a neat blend of sport and heritage-inspired style. For an afternoon spent exploring Williamsburg, I accented the sweater with a distinctive Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan — you can expect to see a lot more of this unique, comfortable layering piece soon. On the footwear front, I found myself reaching once again for my durable, tough CAT Footwear Sutter Boots — the brown burnishing is a handsome and classic design touch. And whether in cold weather or on a warm, sunny day, you really can’t go wrong with the ridiculously comfortable Kinzie Jeans from Mugsy Jeans, made with a ton of stretch for ease of movement. I complemented the ensemble with the Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph yet again — it’s a tough watch to pass up wearing!

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As I bundled up heading back through Brooklyn, it was great to be able to reflect on a stellar weekend. It featured some of my favorite things — live music, menswear, travel and a requisite helping of craft beer and great burgers! It doesn’t really get any better, especially packed into the span of a few days. And any time I get to spend at my favorite spots in Brooklyn is also time well-spent. It’s been a whirlwind month of December — and a whirlwind year — but I’m really thankful to get the chance to travel, see great shows and bring along stylish menswear in the process. If you’ve got your own holiday travel coming up, I hope it goes well — and if you’ve still got gifts to buy, check out our men’s holiday gift guide, along with the women’s holiday gift guide. Happy shopping!

Thanks as always for reading — stay stylish!

-Beau