The List: Gear Up For Spring with the Best New Men’s Style Essentials

The best henley to wear all spring? You be the judge of that.

Folks, here we sit at the start of another spring day. As has been the case lately, these are strange and trying times we live in — and once again, a lot of us are changing our routines and spending more time at home to fight this pandemic. That being said, being at home tends to leave one with, well, a lot more opportunity to read, to reflect, to listen to music … and yes, to think about the spring style essentials you want to add to your list. That’s where today’s roundup of the best new men’s gear enters the fold, starting with your new favorite henley as pictured above from Buck Mason. Let me know your favorites on Twitter — let’s get right to it.

Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley — $52

The best henley for spring? It very well could be.

The perfect henley for breezy spring mornings and evenings? Why, it’s the exceptional, super-soft and well-ftting Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley. This rugged henley is available in a wide array of colors, but Steel Blue is especially well-suited to wear with your favorite slim chinos. Kind of like the below …

Grayers Stretch Slim-Fit Chino Pants — $98

The best men’s chinos for spring, very nearly.

Speaking of your favorite slim chinos, well, here we are. Grayers has a knack for making perfectly classic yet modern men’s style essentials, and these slim stretch chino pants are ideal for spring and summer (plus, that British Tan color is as good as it gets).

Armor-Lux Logo Crew — $105

A cool-as-can-be spring sweatshirt.

Mixing up your spring layering calls for thinking outside the box at times — that’s why this stylish logo crewneck is a welcome addition to your rotation of spring sweaters. Armor-Lux makes some of the coolest men’s sweaters to begin with (Breton stripes, anyone?), and this is just the latest and greatest.

SeaVees Legend Sneakers — $80

Newly iconic men’s sneakers to wear all day long.

Right off the bat, it’s crucial that a portion of proceeds from these classic men’s sneakers are going to the Channel Island Marine Wildlife Institute, near SeaVees‘ home in Santa Barbara. And beyond that? Well, the SeaVees Legend Sneakers are easily some of the best sneakers for spring, what with their low profile and classic design. Wear ’em with some of the best men’s jeans and a slub tee for easygoing spring style.

Billykirk Bray Brother Bundle — $513.99

The rugged essentials you need for the perfect everyday carry.

If you follow the blog, perhaps you’re familiar with the expert American-made leather goods purveyors at Billykirk — founded by Chris and Kirk Bray in 1999, the brand is now offering bundles of the best leather goods and accessories, curated by each brother. This bundle features a rugged canvas carryall, a handy cable pouch, and a sleek leather notebook holder — all fine additions to your everyday carry essentials.

HELM Boots Holt Boots in Dark Grey — $350

Rugged, durable, simply unstoppable Chelsea boots from HELM Boots.

To be sure, we’ve talked about the HELM Boots Hollis Boots previously on the blog, but they’re back for another appearance here — and in a standout color, to boot (pun intended). Rugged leather Chelsea boots just make sense for spring, what with their sleek design, dressed-up wearability and durable (yet fairly lightweight) construction. HELM Boots has  your back when it comes to the best men’s boots for spring.

Taylor Stitch California Shirt in Navy Jacquard Dot — $108.50

Another classic men’s shirt from Taylor Stitch.

For the foreseeable future, the great folks at Taylor Stitch are giving you 25 percent off the entire site, and that includes the brand’s collection of stylish men’s shirts. My pick? The excellent Taylor Stitch California Shirt in a cool-as-can-be Navy Jacquard Dot pattern. It’s one of the coolest shirts to buy for spring.

Mott and Bow Slim Staple Jeans — $128

Slim stretch jeans to wear with your favorite henley.

Yes, you can still wear your favorite pair of dark denim as temperatures increase — especially if the slim blue jeans in question come from Mott and Bow & are made with plenty of stretch and ease of movement. They’re some of the best men’s jeans, and you won’t want to stop  wearing ’em.

Fisher + Baker Passage Jacket — $328

The rugged, functional spring jacket you need right now.

Not familiar with Fisher + Baker? The Minneapolis brand, built on the adage “Timeless, purposeful, functional,” has quietly been making some of the best men’s outerwear for a few years now, including the essential Fisher + Baker Passage Jacket. Wear it atop a rugged henley for expertly functional spring style.

Bear Hybrid Mattress — $1,352

Is a new mattress in your future? Make it this one.

Alright, here’s the deal. Maybe you’ve realized your mattress isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe, unlike days past, you’ll actually be home during the day to receive a new mattress delivery. In that case, why not invest in one of the best mattresses? The Bear Hybrid Mattress, made with plenty of cushioning and five layers of support, is quite simply one of the best mattresses to buy now.

Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer — $198

A durable blazer made for work at home and in the field.

Looking for one of the best men’s blazers for spring? Look no further. Heck, looking for a blazer that’s more rugged than preppy, and made with workwear inspiration in mind? Get the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer — it’s a uniquely rugged blazer crafted more like a chore coat than your typical blazer, which means you can absolutely wear it with, say, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley.

GREATS Royale Sneakers in Blanco — $179

Classic sneakers from Brooklyn’s own GREATS Brand.

It wouldn’t be a roundup of spring style essentials without calling out some of the best men’s sneakers, would it? The GREATS Royale is a near-perfect silhouette, wearable with pieces like a stylish logo crewneck and slim stretch chino pants.

Mollusk Surf Shop Scout Pants — $88

The perfect pants for casual spring style.

Finding the right pair of laidback pants for spring involves a few key considerations, and the Mollusk Surf Shop Scout Pants check all the right boxes in that regard. Comfortable? You bet, thanks to the drawstring waist and lightweight cotton canvas construction. Stylish? Yes, as ready to wear with your favorite Oxford shirt as with a casual pocket tee. Affordable? They’re from Huckberry, so they sure are.

MANTL Daily Routine Set — $65.98

A trio of must-have men’s grooming essentials.

Lest we forget, keeping your skin in shape for spring starts and ends with the best men’s grooming essentials. Including crucial moisturizer and a daily SPF, the MANTL Daily Routine Set (made with sulfate-free ingredients) freshens your face and protects your skin, critical to looking and feeling your best this season.

Flint and Tinder Indigo Check Shirt — $98

A classic indigo shirt that’s going to be a new spring favorite.

It wouldn’t be an edition of The List without Flint and Tinder, right? The Flint and Tinder Indigo Check Shirt, made from breathable organic cotton spun with indigo yarn, is one of the best men’s shirts for spring, the type of rugged everyday shirt you’ll look forward to wearing with slim blue jeans or rugged chore pants in equal measure. Heck, this could be the perfect shirt to throw on as you enjoy some whiskey on your back porch. Did someone say whiskey?

Law’s Whiskey House San Luis Valley Bonded Rye Whiskey — Price Varies

A classic whiskey you’re going to enjoy on breezy spring nights.

Yes indeed, someone did say whiskey. Law’s Whiskey House, out of Denver, takes an exceptional approach to crafting some of the best whiskey this writer has tasted. The San Luis Valley Bonded Rye Whiskey (Colorado’s first whiskey made to federal bonding standards) is an exceptional one to enjoy right now, aged more than six years in charred oak barrels and made with 100 percent San Luis Valley Rye. Talk about attention to detail, am I right? Even better? You can get some Law’s Whiskey delivered to your door!

Faherty Brand Cloud Summer Blend Shirt — $148

A classic summer buttondown in a lightweight fabrication.

Let’s go back to stylish men’s shirting for one second, shall we? Faherty Brand has a knack for making expertly laidback men’s style essentials, includinng the easygoing Cloud Summer Blend Shirt. Team it with your favorite slim chinos, then call it a day — spring style is nearly that easy.

Billykirk No. 309 Leather Valet Tray — $40

A surefire way to store your everyday carry.

It’s fitting that we’re closing  out this post looking at the best way to store your everyday carry. And in this case, that means we’re talking about a rugged leather valet tray, made the right way by the good folks at Billykirk. Use this to store your favorite watch and other essentials at the end of a long day.

Alright, my friends. We’re through another edition of The List. Did you have a favorite pick from the offerings above? Maybe something on the smaller (but no less essential) end of things, like a a rugged leather valet tray from Billykirk? Perhaps our lead pick, the Buck Mason Pima Curved Hem Henley tops your own list, as well? I’m partial to picks like HELM’s rugged leather Chelsea boots and the the Flint and Tinder Desert Field Blazer. Whatever ended up in your shopping cart, I hope it serves you well. Feel free to let me know what you scooped up over on Twitter! Thanks for reading — stay safe.

-Beau

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee

One of the best T-shirts of the moment.

There are certainly a plethora of options out there when it comes to shopping for one of the best men’s T-shirts, right? Casual picks abound, as do picks made with durable, heavyweight fabric  and there are definitely more lightweight T-shirts available, too. Well, folks, there’s one brand that can seemingly do no wrong when it comes to crafting and selling the best T-shirts for men, and that brand would be the all-American folks at Buck Mason. Specifically, the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee is the rare American-made T-shirt that wears well with practically anything (more on that in a second) and simply looks plain great the longer you consider it. It’s one of the coolest tees you can buy for spring, and having tested out tees from Buck Mason in the past, I’d say that claim is pretty darn accurate (although you’re welcome to shoot me a note on Twitter if you feel otherwise). The best men’s tees blend the best fabric with the best fit, and again, that’s what the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee does here. This curved hem T-shirt stands apart right from the get-go thanks to that unique design — the curved hem is flattering to a variety of body types, and it gives this tee an air of visual interest that makes it plenty suitable to wear in its own (especially with Buck Mason jeans, I might add).

SHOP: The Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee 

A classic tee in just one of many standout colorways from Buck Mason.

This stylish spring T-shirt certainly has plenty going for it beyond just an eyecatching design (although that design makes it a perfect T-shirt to wear to the bar — when appropriate — for that feeling of old-school cool). This is a made-in-America T-shirt that certainly passes muster, using lightweight 100 percent slub cotton treated with a pre-shrunk wash for a perfect look and feel. It’s the kind of classic T-shirt that’s going to feel like you’ve had it for years … right out of the box. Wear it with slim tan chinos and a rugged denim jacket for breezy spring style, or else team it with a classic navy cotton blazer and slim light wash Buck Mason jeans for expert casual office style (when you can get back to your office, that is). The real kicker with the Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee  might be the wide range of colors it comes in, from earthy Barley to rich Resin and an expertly washed Navy slub colorway. Again, I told you this could just be the coolest T-shirt to wear now — and at this rate and price ($35 via Buck Mason), you’re going to want to pick up way more than just one color. You’ve just found your new favorite T-shirt, my friends. 

SHOP: The Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee 

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

A new everyday Oxford shirt, no doubt about it.

Alright, folks: Welcome to another Style Pick of the Week. Let’s talk all about one of the best men’s Oxford shirts, shall we? It helps that the stylish Oxford shirt in question comes from the classic menswear purveyors at Buck Mason, a longtime favorite of the blog (seriously, check out this post on Buck Mason from 2015!). But to be sure, the brand gets several things right all the way across the board, from the perfect everyday watch to the rugged field jacket you need in your closet ASAP. But back to the reason we’re here: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt is every bit the shirt you would expect from this lauded brand, and it’s a perfect menswear essential to snag as we head (slowly but surely) from winter into spring. It all starts with the attention to detail and construction over at Buck Mason, this much I know to be true. The brand says the fit of this shirt is similar to its other collared shirts (I love the Denim Vintage One-Pocket Shirt in particular) and its classic T-shirts, so that’s great news right off the bat. Made with 100 percent cotton for a breezy feel and finish, this essential Oxford shirt is perfect to wear on its own at the office (preferably with slim tan chinos and classic suede chukka boots) or else open atop a crisp white tee with your favorite pair of jeans on the weekend.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

This sharp Buck Mason Oxford shirt also comes in classic white.

Really, the versatility of the Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt comes down to the fit — the fact that you can rock untucked on its own with classics like edgy black denim or office-ready olive chinos is a big bonus. And yet, it’ll look sharp and stellar beneath a navy or khaki cotton blazer as the weather starts to warm up. The baggy Oxford shirts of days gone by are simply a thing of the past. Heck, if you were feeling really ambitious (and seriously cool, for that matter), you could pair this classic blue Oxford with one of Buck Mason’s leather moto jackets — talk about a menswear match made in heaven, right? It’s fitting that the Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt is so versatile and so classically cool: It was made by a brand that believes in those things, after all. The next time you want an Oxford shirt that’s as comfortable as a broken-in tee and yet stylish enough to wear at the office, get this handsome number from Buck Mason.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Classic Oxford Shirt

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch

The perfect casual watch to pair with the rest of your Buck Mason menswear.

Just when you thought your wardrobe was packed with enough stylish menswear from Buck Mason, the lauded brand comes along and releases the ideal accessory to complement those pieces: The Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch. It’s got the potential to be your new favorite casual watch, with all the trappings you need and expect from a rugged timepiece that’s crafted for everyday wear. The specs on this stylish casual watch are certainly up to the standard the brand has set for itself — in this case, Buck Mason teamed up with watchmaker A.W.C. to re-tool a Seiko 7S26C. To wit: The 42mm stainless steel case is water-reistant to 200 meters, so you know this watch can take a beating beyond the coffee shop and out on the road (perhaps teamed with a rugged Buck Mason leather jacket for your travels, ideally). Shop Western Rise Now

And even the NATO strap delivers on its promise of tough performance: The Phoenix G10 NATO nylon strap (available for the Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch in two colorways) plays off the original 1970’s strap made for the British Ministry of Defense. But why pack all of this into a humble wristwatch? For starters, it’s so much more than your average watch — again, it’s as if the Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch was crafted to be worn specifically with the rest of your Buck Mason-centric ensemble … and in a way, it was.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch

Pick from two NATO straps that accompany this stylish casual watch from Buck Mason.

Before we go any further: You should know that this highly versatile, highly stylish casual watch comes with a bit of a price tag — OK, I’ll spill the beans. You’re dropping nearly $900 for this vintage-inspired watch, but trust me … it should be worth it.

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After all, what other watch can you wear to the office (with a Buck Mason Oxford shirt) and then out on a road trip with your new favorite leather jacket without having to switch things up? For your money’s worth, make it the Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch. It’s the type of highly wearable, understated wristwatch every guy needs in his rotation, and the even better news? You can start wearing this watch now (the rugged NATO strap pairs nicely with a classic henley and denim), and then keep it handy to throw on before you head to the beach this summer. Talk about a classic watch that offers some serious bang for your buck — it’s like we said. You shouldn’t expect anything less from Buck Mason and Co.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch

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See Now, Buy Now: The Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket Belongs In Your Closet Right Now

A tough field jacket is always deserving of a spot in your wardrobe.

Make no mistake: This time of year, there’s no excuse for skimping on your outerwear or your layering game — and that means you should accept nothing less than top-notch quality in terms of the best men’s jackets for your wardrobe. Enter Buck Mason and the Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket, a reliable, rugged field jacket to keep on-hand in place of a blazer or as a crucial layering move underneath your favorite parka. But why a classic field jacket, and why now? Well, it’s always nice to mix things up through the doldrums of winter — and while you won’t be able to wear this jacket through a polar vortex, there are plenty of other opportunities to get tons of mileage out of the Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket. As we’ve said, it’s a solid change of pace when you want to swap out your blazer — simply add a classic white Oxford shirt and your favorite five-pocket pants. It’s part-jacket, part-shirt, and all the better for it.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket
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Perfect to wear atop a crisp white T-shirt or your favorite henley.

This classic shirt jacket also has the kind of hybrid style that can come in handy if you need an extra layer underneath your puffer jacket, or atop a flannel shirt — don’t underestimate how many different ways you can wear one of the best men’s jackets. Heading out for travel? Throw on this shirt-jacket hybrid and use it to stow your everyday carry essentials. Grabbing a weekend coffee? Wear  this rugged field jacket atop your favorite henley (as mentioned above). Need a layer to bolster your cozy thermal shirt? This classic shirt jacket is the one you need now. OK, do we have all of that down? Let me know how you’d style this handsome number in the comments below.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Bunker Twill Field Jacket

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Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Full Grain Sundown Flight Jacket

An enviable leather jacket from the good folks at Buck Mason.

My friends, your search for the best leather jacket might just be complete — that is, if you take my advice and snap up the Buck Mason Sundown Flight Jacket, a classic leather jacket that gives you tons of style points for winter (not to mention crucial comfort and warmth). It’s a perfectly rugged winter jacket you won’t be able to get enough of, whether you pair it with your favorite henley and faded denim or a crisp Oxford shirt and slim chinosBuck Mason just wins and wins, either way. So, let’s get into why you need this leather jacket right now. Like, ASAP. In short, the Buck Mason Sundown Flight Jacket just channels the kind of essential, throwback style that seems to be all the rage right now — it starts with Buck Mason’s approach to quality and heritage construction. The brand was inspired by and founded on the principles of old-school manufacturing and blue-collar style — maybe that’s why this tough leather jacket pairs up very nicely with the brand’s expertly cut henleys and iconic tees. For winter though, you’re going to want to layer up the Buck Mason Sundown Flight Jacket with likeminded cold-weather staples, be it your favorite flannel shirt or a cozy thermal base layer.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Sundown Flight Jacket

All the right details make the difference here. Well-done, Buck Mason.

There are, after all, plenty of touches that make this one of the best leather flight jackets you’ll find out there, from the tough full-grain cowhide leather to the removable shearling collar (crucial for providing unparalleled warmth and style). The tough black leather will only get better over time — see, the Buck Mason Sundown Flight Jacket  is the kind of jacket your father or grandfather would have worn with pride, and you should feel the same way. The quilted satin lining offers both warmth and comfort (especially when worn with one of your favorite henleys), while the overall look is stylish enough for your commute and then happy hour drinks thereafter. There’s really no place a classic leather jacket isn’t going to look anything but super-sharp and stylish — yes, even in the depths of winter. Think of it as a nice change of pace in your outerwear rotation — and indeed, consider the fact that this rugged leather jacket is as at home on the road as it is at a rock show. How can it get any better than that? Answer: It can’t. Add this jacket to your menswear rotation now.

SHOP: The Buck Mason Sundown Flight Jacket

The Friday Read: Kicking off 2020, A New Buck Mason Jacket & the Best Corduroy Pants

Nothing but the very best leather jacket to wear to start 2020.

Ahh, yes — another Friday, another new edition of The Friday Read, and crucially, another opportunity to keep 2020 rolling in style. First things first: We’ve talked previously about Buck Mason on the blog, and how this venerable brand produces some of the best men’s jackets and other must-haves, and that’s no different when it comes to the investment-worthy leather jacket you see at the top of the page. It’s one of the best leather jackets you can buy, and it’s an ideal way to kick off the first weekend of 2020. How was your (hopefully) shortened week? I spent mine with two days of work at my day job working on social media and influencer programming, and then, I closed out 2019 in the very best way possible — seeing legendary NYC rock band The Strokes play at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn!

Talk about an action-packed, hit-filled night with nothing but all-time classics on loop. It was an incredible way to close out the year and the decade — I’m seriously looking forward to 2020, as I’ve got some big plans for the blog, including ongoing freelance writing pursuits and of course, my ever-growing Instagram (I kid, I kid!). Hopefully, you’ll find some of the best men’s style tips to jumpstart your 2020 — as always, the focus will be on affordability, quality construction, classic design, and yes, a bit of fun and maybe a splurge or two along the way (start with my series The List to kick things off with the best new men’s gear, will ya?). And for the rest of you: If you’ve resolved to kick off your new year in style — and really, who among us hasn’t? — then you’re going to like today’s take on The Friday Read. For now though, I’ve got some coffee to enjoy and some beer to imbibe later this weekend (chiefly, at at the new Brooklyn location of Hudson Valley-based Svendale Brewing). OK, that’s all from me for now. Let’s get to it!

  • Finding the right gear to amp up your style during winter can be a bit of a challenge — but if you start with the classics, like some of the best corduroy pants for men as covered by yours truly at The Manual — I think you’re going to like the end result.  You can also read more right here on the blog when it comes to the best men’s corduroy pants, too.
  • Starting off a new year is about more than just upgrading what you’re wearing — it’s also about amplifying your men’s grooming essentials, and as you’ve read on the blog, you know that Duke Cannon can help you do that. Specifically, I’m talking about the Duke Cannon Proper Cologne, one of the best men’s colognes you’re apt to find.
  • Let’s keep talking new men’s gear, shall we? With improving your everyday carry top of mind to start 2020 (both in matters of style and functionality), I wrote about a trio of EDC essentials to get you where you’re going without missing a beat — head to GearMoose to check out the full post.

Alright, that’s going to bring an end to the first edition of The Friday Read to start this year. Before you go, though  — I think you’d do well to check out my simple, easy, effective guide to wearing your new favorite winter sweater. Hint: It’s a classic cashmere sweater from Mott and Bow, and it’s teamed with sharp wingtip boots and plenty more men’s style essentials. I’ll leave you to it, then — happy shopping, and happy 2020!

The Friday Read: The Best New Leather Jacket, Taylor Stitch Ranch Boots & The Pinstripe Bowl

This classic leather jacket is going to add a ton to your menswear rotation.

Let’s jump into things right off the bat, shall we? The headline mentions above that we’ll talk about the best leather jacket for the season, and in fact, it’s the incredible Buck Mason Bruiser Leather Bomber Jacket as shown above. Especially with New Year’s Eve on the horizon — and particularly if you enjoy going to a rock concert or two — you need one of the best leather jackets you can buy. It’s an apt layer with your favorite henley this winter (trust me). So, we’ve closed out Christmas and are looking toward the end of 2020 — how wild is that?? I hope you’re gearing up for a relaxing weekend with family and friends, or a more adventurous time on the road — either way, today’s Friday Read is going to get you sorted out in short order. I also hope you got something on your Christmas wish list — I know I certainly did, and I loved spending a relaxing week in Florida with family, celebrating in the fun and the sun (as seen on my Instagram).

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This weekend though, I’m back in New York and excited despite the cold — in addition to a laidback weekend in Brooklyn, I’m venturing into Manhattan today for a very unique reason. Notably, my alma mater, my beloved Michigan State Spartans, are playing in the Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium to close out this season! It’s going to be a bitterly cold affar (as any college football game at Yankee Stadium should be), but I’m still beyond excited to see my Spartans right here in NYC. Before the game, I’d say a pint or two will be in order at this weekend’s MSU hub, Stan’s Sports Bar. The rest of the weekend, I’ll be getting out and about in Prospect Park (likely wearing some of my favorite boots and a tough waxed trucker jacket) — how about you? Let me know on Twitter, and let’s keep things rolling along in fine form with the rest of today’s Friday Read — cheers!

  • The good folks at Taylor Stitch always impress me in terms of their commitment to uncompromising quality and style — that’s the case with the brand’s latest take on the remarkable Taylor Stitch Ranch Boots, an extraordinary pair of rugged Chelsea boots that are worth the money. Read more for yourself via my latest at GearMoose.
  • If you’re on the hunt for the unexpected when it comes to the best winter style essentials, have I got a brand for you. Notably, the California-based, surf-inspired and darn-near-legendary team at Birdwell Beach Britches recently debuted a standout winter collection, featuring offerings that range from an expertly washed crewneck sweatshirt to a classic corduroy overshirt. I took a deep dive into the brand for The Manual — prepare to layer up in style!
  • Let’s go back one more time to GearMoose and one of the best winter jackets, as covered by yours truly (naturally). The Barbour Icons Beaufort Jacket is tough, rugged and utterly dependable, even in the worst weather — get the full scoop here.

Alright, my friends — that’ll wrap up today’s take on the best men’s style news and recommendations. However, I do indeed have one more recommendation before you go — this American-made winter jacket from Flint and Tinder is remarkably rugged, well-designed and ready to layer with anything you can dream up (including, preferably, a Birdwell Beach Britches crewneck sweater). Read all about it, try it out, then let me know in the comments how it works out. Thanks for reading!

#OOTD: Wear This New Menswear to Your Next Spring Happy Hour

So, you’ve just landed that crucial spring happy hour or weekend patio party invite. Nice! You’ve got your favorite beer in hand (and in the fridge),  but what are you going to wear? Allow me. We talk often at The Style Guide about stepping up your off-duty dressing in ways that are subtly stylish, so that it doesn’t quite feel like you’re off-duty (no gym shorts or baggy sweats here). The key comes with upgrading your men’s style essentials in small ways that’ll help you stand out as you wait to snag a beer at the cooler — polished, sharp and not sloppy. So, a classic T-shirt from Buck Mason is the base layer to wear that’s not so basic — and we’re mixing it up with a rugged cotton overshirt from Topo Designs — all the better to add some visual interest to this casual, happy hour-ready look. The rest of this ensemble is all about classic comfort and style, from Mott & Bow denim to some seriously unique sneakers (a silhouette playing off the original high-top basketball sneakers!). A rugged, casual watch rounds things out, too. So, what does it look like, exactly? Check out the full look below, then let me know what you’re wearing to happy hour over on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Pair up your spring T-shirt with other like-minded style staples for a casual happy hour.

  • The Stylish T-Shirt: Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee, $32 — When is a classic T-shirt more than just a T-shirt? When it’s made by Buck Mason and features design details like a cool curved hem — it’s the perfect T-shirt for spring and summer.
  • The Shirt: Topo Designs Dirt Shirt, $89 — Made with durable stretch organic cotton in a pleasingly washed-out spring color, the “Dirt Shirt” (as seen here on my Instagram) is a winning layer on breezy spring days.
  • The Classic Denim: Mott & Bow Slim Stone Denim, $118 Slim grey denim is an unexpected style serve, and this pair of essential Mott & Bow denim should be plenty comfortable for all-day style.
  • The Sneakers: Colchester High-Top Sneakers, $79.98 — Like we mentioned above, these right here are the original high-top basketball sneakers — but they’re updated for the modern man, and plenty stylish for a spring or summer happy hour.
  • The Watch: DuFrane Watches Barton Springs Diver, $491.98 — What could be a better complement to this #OOTD than a rugged, casual watch? Especially this handsome timepiece from DuFrane Watches.
  • The Belt: Vintage Bison Calhoun Belt, $95 — It’s hard to top a ridiculously high-quality, ridiculously well-made leather belt like this one — wear it all the time (but especially with Mott & Bow denim), and it’ll get better with age.
  • The Everyday Bag: Bleu De Chaffe Musette Gaston Bag, $258 — Maybe you won’t need this bag, but if you’re out and about all day, it pays to leave your house with an entirely unique everyday bag handcrafted in France  — each bag is truly one-of-a-kind.
  • The Spring Ballcap: Alex Mill X Field Canvas Cap, $40 — Ballcaps certainly aren’t for everyone, but if you want to add some understated, subtle spring style — and protection from the sun — to this look, reach for this sharp Alex Mill ballcap here.

Alright, who’s up for another beer? The key with dressing for something that seems straightforward on the surface — just a spring happy hour, right — is, again, upgrading those style staples accordingly. So, let’s start with a classic T-shirt from Buck Mason, the perfect way to step up in subtle style. It’s easy to layer with an easygoing-yet-rugged Topo Designs shirt, which acts as a light overshirt thanks to its organic stretch cotton — perfect to wear as the sun goes down. That combo wears all the better alongside a pair of Mott & Bow denim, which should prove to be the right mix of sharp and casual — the same can be said of your Colchester High-Top Sneakers, which toe the same line with subtle style. I’m also all about accessorizing accordingly, even for grabbing some beers — a rugged, casual watch can even act as an interesting conversation starter (at least, I think so). Throw on a trusty leather belt, then grab a unique everyday bag to hold any pre-happy hour extras you might want to pick up. Finally, although throwing on a hat is optional, there’s nothing quite like a classic ballcap — especially one that’s emblazoned with an interesting, non-athletic logo. I think this #OOTD could be a new happy hour go-to. What do you think? Again, let me know on Twitter.

#OOTD: A New Way to Layer Your Favorite Shawl Collar Cardigan This Season

Ready to layer up for winter? In particular, ready to wear your new favorite cardigan to power through the rest of the season? We’re kicking things off with an extremely luxurious, investment-level cardigan from my friends at Buck Mason — if you follow me on Instagram, you’ve surely seen how I’ve been wearing it. And now, we’re telling you how to wear it for the weeks and months ahead. It’s an extremely easy cardigan to layer, particularly when you pair it with a stylish flannel shirt from Flint and Tinder, along with an equally classic henley from that same brand. Slim denim from Bluffworks — launched earlier this year — keeps this #OOTD crisp and casual. Rugged leather boots give you the option to stomp through the snow on the weekend, or head to the office on a casual Friday (more on that in a second). And again, it all comes back to this stylish, rugged cardigan — this is the type of piece that a style icon like Steve McQueen might have worn, and it’s ably complemented by a classic casual watch and other winter-ready favorites. The only question is, where the heck are you going to wear it? It’s simple, trust me. So, without further ado … here we go.

A classic, premium cardigan, accented by a rugged flannel shirt & tough leather boots. Hello, winter.

Now, the thing about wearing a classic, rugged cardigan like this one from Buck Mason is that it gives you the ultimate in versatility. Use it as a top layer with a scarf for a Sunday park stroll on a warmer-than-expected winter day, or wear it to the office in place of a blazer — the rest of the pieces in this #OOTD can help you there, too. That process starts with a stylish flannel shirt from the great men’s style purveyors at Flint and Tinder, and carries through to the  slim, comfortable denim on tap from Bluffworks. You can choose to keep the stylish henley as part of this outfit (for a casual weekend brewery outing) or you can lose the henley and perhaps throw on a textured slim wool tie if you need to class things up for the office. Step into a durable pair of leather boots — I.E. The outstanding White’s Boots shown above — and then round out your ensemble with stylish patterned socks and a warm winter cap from Faherty Brand. It’s a can’t-miss combo that only gets better when you wear the Zodiac Grandville Watch.Keep your mug looking fresh with some of the best men’s winter grooming picks, and then be sure to reach for the handy, essential Hitch and Timber EDC Slip — all of that, to me, sounds like the makings of a new favorite winter outfit. To keep up with how I’m getting dressed for winter, be sure to follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading!

-Beau