Tag / bridge and burn review

by Beau H.

#OOTD: A New Way to Wear Linen Trousers for Summer

By now, you’ve probably realized one crucial thing: The heat is unequivocally here to stay. So, how do you dress to beat the heat and yet still look great? Especially when considering that changing seasons still necessitate your best menswear? Well, that’s what we’re here to help out with today at The Style Guide.  It starts first with looking at the fabrics you’re wearing — particularly on your bottom half. Breathability and comfort are key — as is a tailored, yet mobile, fit. That’s where linen trousers — or in this case, cotton-linen trousers from Style Guide favorites Bridge and Burn — come in handy. Certainly, they should be on your list of summer style essentials. And the same goes for your top half. While four-season staples like a classic Oxford shirt can still feasibly work in the summer, we’re starting things out with a slim short-sleeve shirt today. Lest we let accessories slip, I think you’ll also appreciate the picks we’ve got on-hand here — you might just find your new favorite watch or an essential summer tote bag. With all that being said, I’m looking forward to this #OOTD, and I hope you are, too. Leave any thoughts in the comments, or tell me what you really think of this #menswear ensemble via Twitter. Happy shopping and stay cool out there!

Linen-blend trousers paired up with a head-turning short-sleeved shirt, crisp loafers and a clean watch. A winning combo!

The Trousers: Bridge and Burn Roark Dune Trousers, $128 — The good folks of Bridge and Burn blend an appreciation of classic menswear with functional fabrics — like these cotton-linen blend trousers, good for breezy Northwest evenings or a sweltering Southern wedding in equal measure.

The Shirt: Outerknown Shibui Short-Sleeve Essential Shirt, $75 — Want a slim short-sleeve shirt that’s comfortable, stylish and sustainable? Look no further than the work being done by surfer-turned-designer Kelly Slater and Outerknown.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Tan Leather Belt, $24.50 — A versatile, quality belt is a must-have menswear accessory — this one is affordable and sure to see plenty of wear.

The Loafers: Sebago Legacy Penny Loafer in Red Leather, $135 — Want to cool down in a hurry? Accent those linen-blend trousers and slim short-sleeve shirt with head-turning loafers in a classic silhouette and sharp color.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack), $22.98 — Make no mistake, we’re still gonna need socks. Stylish no-show socks are especially key in the summer, and Arvin Goods makes some of the best.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph, $225 — On this blog, we certainly love a crisp, durable watch that works for situations both dressy and casual. Such is the case with the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph — the perfect watch for a breezy-yet-dressy summer day.

The Sunglasses: Component Havana Sunglasses in Gunmetal, $285 — Ever heard of Component? If not, know that this brand carries with it some serious sunny pedigree — they’re based out of Miami, and they offer up modern takes on classic silhouettes, like these slick gunmetal shades.

The Everyday Carry: W&P Design Cocktail Tote, $127.98 — Now, just because this thing says “cocktail tote” doesn’t mean you can’t make use of it as part of your everyday carry. It’s durable, it’s handsome and it’s an essential for all of your summer needs — from stylish grooming gear to an extra phone charger. Ya dig?

Greats

And now, we’re closing the curtain on another #OOTD entry. Did this post get you thinking about how to wear linen trousers this summer? Hopefully, it’s a unique look for you — starting out with durable linen-blend trousers is a smart move, and complementing those trousers with a slim short-sleeve shirt from Outerknown is only going to help you stay cool. Classic loafers are among those men’s style essentials every guy should own, as is a classic dress watch — in that regard, I’d highly recommend you pick up the Sebago loafers shown here, along with the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph. Don’t sleep on your everyday carry, either — Component sunglasses are not to be overlooked, and the W&P Design Cocktail Tote should function quite nicely at either a summer BBQ or a weekend coffee shop outing. Once again, I hope you’re ready to beat the heat in style.

Thanks for reading — see you out there!

-Beau

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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Golden Globes, Bridge and Burn and Daniel Craig’s Winter Style

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

We’ve nearly reached the end of quite the week in NYC (and elsewhere)… particularly if you follow politics. I have a feeling we’ll be saying that a lot in the weeks and months to come, but for now, let’s keep things strictly focused on all the good that came out of the #menswear world this week — shall we?  Crucially, if you don’t have any 2017 style resolutions set up yet, fear not — there’s still time! And with a new and refreshed approach comes a whole host of other valuable insights to step up your style, from how to suit up this winter to the best winter boots to buy now — seriously, these are all men’s style upgrades you can make like, right now. If you’re keeping your eye on other lifestyle endeavors, like upgrading your home goods, know that we’ve got some helpful content coming your way in the next few weeks. And in the meantime, did you enter this week’s reader giveaway with the great folks at Friday and River?? No, you say? Well, you’ve got until tonight — so, get to it while you can. And if you need something to read while you work on this chilly Friday, the below pieces ought to have you covered — for at least part of the day.

  • Did you happen to catch the Golden Globes? Perhaps you’ve read about ’em a little bit here and there (or a lot), but one man with show-stealing style? Donald Glover, y’all. Esquire.com breaks down Donald Glover’s Golden Globes style — and it was memorable and sharp.
  • Remember the good folks at Bridge and Burn? Purveyors of plenty of great style gear, including one of this site’s best denim shirts to buy now? Yes, those guys. They’re back with a great deal to get your wardrobe sorted in 2017. Now through January 15th, use the code ‘SAVE30’ to get 30 percent off all Bridge and Burn gear! That’s a heck of a deal from a brand that makes investment-worthy goods — might I suggest something winter-ready, like the Bedford Navy Multi-Stripe Shirt? Or perhaps a personal favorite, the Flint Denim Overshirt? You’d do well to buy and layer either one, be it over a rugged henley or atop your favorite crewneck sweatshirt and tough selvedge denim.
  • Here at ye olde Style Guide, we love rugged winter layering. So who better to show us how it’s done than everyone’s favorite Bond himself, Daniel Craig? GQ.com takes us through a seriously cozy and still-stylish fit from a guy who knows a thing or two about rugged style. The man is definitely to be emulated, that much is true.

We’re not done with our weekly dose of menswear yet …

  • Although I love writing about classic men’s accessories like stylish weekender bags, it can be nice to switch it up every now and then — take my latest piece for GearMoose, for instance. I don’t know if I’d rock a rolltop backpack every day, but if a new bag upgrade is what you need, I’d point you toward my roundup of the best men’s rolltop backpacks. Happy reading!

OK, we’re all wrapped up with this edition of the Friday Read — join us for our Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, and enter the Friday and River giveaway while there’s still time.

Cheers everyone,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Denim Shirts to Buy Now

Editor’s note: Get more menswear shopping picks for the season at that link.

There are some staples that never really, truly go out of style. From a rugged chambray shirt to a classic blue Oxford, these are the sort of pieces that a well-dressed guy should feasibly have in his wardrobe. And although there are a few other items you should readily have in your closet, it’s tough to dispute the timeless, rugged style of a denim shirt — yes, that’s right. Like the chambray shirt, the denim shirt is a hearty take on men’s shirting, originally worn by rough-and-tumble cowboys, ranchers and guys who needed a shirt that could take a beating. Well, modern iterations are a bit different — cut slimmer and trimmer, with more style-forward washes and detailing, for one. Yet, it’s the type of shirt that can make any guy look good — if you know which one to buy, that is. Its rugged appeal and durability makes it timeless and … you guessed it … essential. Today, we talk five great denim shirts to buy RIGHT NOW. Get more menswear at The Style Guide Facebook page and via Twitter, folks.

#1. Levi’s Barstow Western Shirt — $69.50

Made the same way as it was decades ago -- and updated with a modern fit and neat style details.

Made the same way as it was decades ago — and updated with a modern fit and neat style details.

If there’s a brand that makes a better denim shirt — or has more longevity doing it — they’ve got a tough act to follow in Levi’s. The brand still abides by the rugged ethos and construction that made its denim the pants of choice for gold miners out West, and the Barstow Western Shirt carries on that same tradition through to the 21st century. Wear this one with the Levi’s 505C to your next concert, and hang onto it the next you want a shirt to wear to the bar with friends.

#2. Scotch and Soda Denim Shirt (Available via East Dane) — $125

A minimal take on the denim shirt -- just as essential for the season.

A minimal take on the denim shirt — just as essential for the season.

While a denim shirt with a bit of a faded wash  is a reliably safe bet, you can never go wrong with a deep, dark blue denim shirt. Scotch and Soda makes pieces that are eclectic and unique in their construction and design, but this denim shirt is a winner — as with the Levi’s option above, it’s the type of shirt to wear to a rock concert, perhaps with a rugged waxed trucker jacket. And for $125, you should give it a go with a grey wool knit tie and burgundy corduroys this coming winter, too.

#3. Buck Mason Bleached Indigo Pearl Snap Shirt — $145

Made in America with classic style details -- doesn't get any better!

Made in America with classic style details — doesn’t get any better!

$145 for a shirt? Oh, yes. And here’s why — the team at Buck Mason knows a thing or two about making premium menswear in America, and this bleached indigo shirt is a fine example. Made from an 8oz. chambray fabric, it features custom-built pearl snaps and a fit that should team nicely with your favorite rugged henley this fall  and winter. The color and construction mean it also works for  layering under a suede bomber jacket on breezy days.

#4.  J. Crew Slim Midweight Denim Shirt — $88

It's tough to go wrong with J. Crew -- this denim shirt is a surefire winner.

It’s tough to go wrong with J. Crew — this denim shirt is a surefire winner.

J. Crew was (and is?) quite possibly the reason behind the surge in popularity of the classic chambray shirt over this past half-decade in menswear, and it’s no surprise that they make a heck of a denim shirt, too. This piece is slim and features a dark wash that should look just right this fall and winter with grey denim — and just as great come springtime with slim stone chinos and classic navy sneakers.

#5. Bridge and Burn Flint Overshirt — $182

A deep indigo dye and sturdy construction make this a fall and winter layering favorite.

A deep indigo dye and sturdy construction make this a fall and winter layering favorite.

So, is this overshirt your typical denim shirt? Not quite. It’s thicker, lined with cotton flannel and done up in a deep indigo wash, for one. And it doesn’t feature the  typical pearl snaps seen on most denim shirts. However,  it gets the nod here because of its versatility, durability and quality construction. The great team at Bridge & Burn puts their own touches on classic staples  (including fall’s  must-have bomber), and the Flint Overshirt is yet another example of those efforts. It’s easy to layer over a slim pocket tee, and it’ll pair up quite nicely with a stylish henley and your favorite pair of selvedge denim.
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No matter how you wear it — atop a tee, under a slim cardigan or on its own with the sleeves rolled up — a tough denim shirt is your answer to rugged fall and winter style. In the right cut and with a bit of visual interest, a denim shirt can act as another casual shirting option — think of it as an alternative to your favorite chambray shirt. And it’ll work in the fall and winter, plus the spring — when worn with other seasonal style essentials, of course. Did I miss any picks? Shoot me a note on Twitter, or drop us a line in the comments below.

Happy shopping!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Bomber Jacket This Season

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 will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Ahh, yes. The classic bomber jacket. A men’s style staple that’s experienced a huge resurgence in recent years, in part thanks to certain, ahem, celebrities (Mr. Kanye West among them). But how do you take a style that’s seen on the runways and boil it down to an essential, easily wearable outfit? A solid menswear #OOTD, if you will? That’s why we’re here today at The Style Guide, and after you read the below, your questions will all be answered (hopefully). The key with looking at a major trend sometimes isn’t too follow it exactly — that is to say, you can buy that Alpha Industries bomber jacket, but maybe (no, definitely) switch it up from how Yeezy wears it. In this case, we’re working with a different bomber jacket entirely, and classic style staples like a slim chambray shirt and … well, we’ll leave that to the imagination for now. Have thoughts or suggestions on how you would style your bomber jacket? Leave a comment below or join the (very fun!) conversation on Twitter.

Slick, sharp and casual -- just the right way to wear a bomber this fall.

Slick, sharp and casual — just the right way to wear a bomber this fall.

The Bomber Jacket: Bridge & Burn Northrup Olive Jacket, $218 — See, I said we were using a different bomber jacket entirely — right? The olive color is neutral and yet still a change of pace from navy or that military green typically seen on bomber jackets, and the front snap hip pockets and stand-up collar are neat design touches, too.

The Chambray Shirt: JackThreads Chambray Workshirt, $49 — The great thing about starting an outfit with a neutral bomber jacket is that any classic chambray shirt in your arsenal would work — yet this neat patterned workshirt offers a heftier weight for fall, plus a pattern that’s just different enough.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Slim Morton Denim, $128 — You (probably) should recognize the Mott & Bow Slim Morton as a recent Style Pick of the Week entry, and it’s a good pick here because of the super-comfortable four-way stretch and dark black color in a no-fade rinse.

The Sneakers: UGG Kramer Sneakers, $120 — Your humble author discovered the comfort and style of UGG men’s sneakers during a summer trip to Michigan, and the Kramer falls right in line with those same qualities. Surprised? Don’t be — these are a reliable, stylish high-top sneaker pick for the season ahead.

The Socks: ICNY Half-Calf Gradient Socks, $13.98 — Sometimes, you just need simple, straightforward socks that offer neutral color, comfort and performance. You get all that with this pair for a pretty decent price, and the fact that the fine folks at Huckberry sell ’em is a positive.

The Watch: MVMT Watches The 40 in Rose Gold/Natural Leather, $120 — Since when can you get a crisp, versatile watch fit for both casual and dress situation? At a low price, to boot? Since MVMT Watches started making ’em, that’s when. The case diameter is just right, and the look is crisp and clean for just over $100.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt in Hickory, $99.98 — Looking for an investment-worthy belt that’ll break in beautifully and offer a rich accent to dressy and casual outfits? Here it is.

The Everyday Carry: Bull & Stash The Stash Notebook (5.5″ x 9″), $50 — $50? For a notebook? Bear with me. Bull & Stash Notebooks support American-made production and top-notch quality, and they’re refillable — just swap out the paper when you’re done (save those memories though).

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

If the below #OOTD feels a bit too casual for you with those sneakers, swap them out for a pair of stylish men’s dress shoes (casual wingtips are a nice way to go), or heck, keep the sneakers and add a navy knit tie to wear this to the office. This sort of casual yet put-together look might be best for a  weekend coffee run or, dare I say it … Sunday brunch. And since it’s a midweight approach to wearing a bomber jacket — note the lack of a heavy hoodie, a la Kanye — it should work in the early fall or spring in the right conditions. For a bomber jacket that’s certainly an investment, it’s a positive that it can be worn multiple ways. For a look at how yours truly styles spring and fall outerwear for similar situations, head over to Instagram — maybe? Please?

‘Til the next #OOTD,

-Beau