Tag / best menswear shopping picks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Selvedge Denim for Fall

Editor’s note: To fill up your closet with plenty more online shopping picks, head here.

We all love a great pair of classic dark denim, right? Surely, it’s fun to switch up your denim wardrobe with slim white jeans during the warmer months, but there’s something about the changing of the leaves — any day now — that calls to mind the desire with more rugged style in mind. That starts from the ground up with tough leather boots, and it carries through to a #menswear staple that can seem intimidating at first — selvedge denim. There’s a whole lexicon and a significant subset of the digital menswear community that reveres this type of jean, and with good reason. It’s made with more attention to detail and skill than non-selvedge denim, as it’s constructed with the ‘self-edge’ (outer) part of the fabric — creating the distinctive detailing on the inside of the outseam. It’s prized for its durability, toughness and plain cool looks — plus, who doesn’t love to cuff a pair of selvedge denim over broken-in leather boots? So, that’s a little history for you. What makes it better than plain dark denim? It’s a matter of preference, to be sure — but the sturdier weight and feel of selvedge helps it break in over time, last longer and create some very neat selvedge denim fades. Again, that heavier construction lends itself perfectly to fall and winter — particularly with pairings like a shawl cardigan and a classic chambray shirt. With that being said, where to begin? Start with The Style Guide’s picks below for the best men’s selvedge denim for fall (and beyond!). Catch more menswear inspiration on Twitter or Instagram, too.

#1. Raleigh Denim Workshop Jones Slim 211 Selvedge — $225 (Available via East Dane)

As classic as it gets when it comes to selvedge denim -- a tailored fit, beautiful fabric and sturdy construction.

As classic as it gets when it comes to selvedge denim — a tailored fit, beautiful fabric and sturdy construction.

Tracking down great selvedge denim can be tough if you’re just starting your search — it’s helpful, then, that Raleigh Denim Workshop does such a great job crafting slim, stylish denim right here in America. The fact that they’ve got other stylish men’s denim options available via East Dane is a bonus if you’re deep into denim shopping, too. While the Jones Slim 211 Selvedge (which you can also find via Raleigh Denim) are a bit pricey, the quality, durability and longevity are absolutely on-point. They’re about as classic a pair of selvedge as you can get, right down to the red chainstitched hem, the textured white weft fabric that’ll break in over time.

#2. Levi’s Red Tab 511 Selvedge Jeans — $128 (Available via East Dane)

Black selvedge denim? Give it a try sometime -- this is arguably the one pair you need.

Black selvedge denim? Give it a try sometime — this is arguably the one pair you need.

Where else to start in your search for stylish selvedge denim but Levi’s? The Levi’s Red Tab denim line is a premium take on the brand’s classic styles, yet you still get the excellent fit, comfort and quality for which the brand is known. The 511 is a, you might say, a classic jean around The Style Guide for its slim fit and reliable durability, so upgrading to a sleek selvedge pair is only a logical next step. Black selvedge might seem out of left field at first, but know that if you only have to buy one pair of black denim, this is as good a place to start as any.

#3. Flint & Tinder All-American Slim Tapered Jeans — $98

A new offering from a brand that's done a stellar job expanding its basics.

A new offering from a brand that’s done a stellar job expanding its basics.

The hunt for sturdy, tough selvedge denim can take you high and low — that goes for the price, as well. Luckily, Flint & Tinder has done a stellar job on its new fall menswear line, from its easily wearable marled henleys to pieces like the handsome-looking All-American Slim Tapered Jeans. For starting out making boxer briefs and hoodies, the expansion of the line is an admirable one, and it means you could get dressed head-to-toe in Flint & Tinder (including the brand’s Inventor Socks, of course). This pair of selvedge should last and last while teaming with other stylish Huckberry essentials — if you’ve got a fall wish list going, that’s a very good thing indeed.

#4. 3Sixteen CT-101x, $220

Another pair of selvedge that's as classic as it gets.

Another pair of selvedge that’s as classic as it gets.

You know a jean has some cache in the marketplace when it’s named using letters and numbers — much like the brand 3Sixteen itself, as it were. They’ve developed a cult following for their ridiculous level of attention to detail, dependability and style (let’s not forget style). Now, it’s certainly open to debate as to the “must-buy” pair of denim from 3Sixteen (plenty also like the CT-220x), but the CT-101x has gotta be high on that list. It’s got a higher rise yet a tapered cut — that means a fit and feel that’s a little more old-school. The denim should still be a reliable pick to wear all kinds of places, including to your next rock concert with your favorite pair of leather boots (once you break the denim in a bit).

#5. J. Crew 770 Stretch Selvedge Jean in Indigo –$198

The folks at J. Crew get another style essential -- selvedge denim -- right.

The folks at J. Crew get another style essential — selvedge denim — right.

The thing about denim shopping is that, of course, it’s all about fit. Not every guy can slip into the Levi’s Red Tab 511 or something similar. J. Crew helpfully recognized that last fall, and introduced a better-fitting addition to its denim line — the J. Crew 770, a jean built with the athletic-minded guy in mind. They feature an excellent deep blue resin rinse, signature selvedge detailing and fit that offers more room to move in the seat and thigh. If that checks all your denim shopping boxes, toss these jeans in your cart. This is a pair of denim that’ll fit in at your next football tailgate or at the office when paired with a fall blazer.

Frank & Oak

Was that enough of a crash course in stylish selvedge denim? It’s a somewhat daunting universe, with plenty of specific terminology and devoted fans to make anyone’s head spin. Yet, learning even a bit more about selvedge can be a beneficial experience — you might only need to buy one pair of selvedge before you won’t want to wear anything else. There are also excellent places you can go for visual inspiration — that is, styling tips and tricks, plus information on new brands. My Instagram pal Marvaments crafts a beautiful feed featuring selvedge denim, chinos and rugged boots galore. And my fellow Instagram bud Ryan Cascarano frequently features some standout selvedge — and boots, of course. Give them both a look, follow along and if you’ve got any questions about selvedge denim or styles to shop for, shoot me a tweet or drop a comment below.

Stay stylish!

-Beau