Tag / buck mason

by Beau H.

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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by Beau H.

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 chinos — Buck 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

by Beau H.

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!

by Beau H.

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!

by Beau H.

#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.

by Beau H.

#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

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Layering Up in Style 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.

OK, so first of all — it’s Valentine’s Day! I hope you’re spending the day just as you’d like, and in style. To that end —  if you’re looking to shore up or switch up your casual winter style  after a few months of bone-chilling cold, this week’s #OOTD will sort that out nicely for you. We talked last month about how to wear a turtleneck this winter, but we’re going a bit more accessible and a bit more versatile today — as you’ll see below. It’s taking pieces that you might already have in your wardrobe, or pieces that you might be coveting — ahem, the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — and putting in all together in a look that you can wear any day of the week. So, Sunday brunch? Check. Heck, Saturday brunch? You got it. And a weekend coffee date or a business casual day at the office? Absolutely. For more daily style inspiration, follow your Style Guide author on Instagram. Join us later this week for our regularly scheduled #menswear programming, too. Happy shopping!

Taylor Stitch

Taking classic pieces and upgrading the fabrics and fits.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket, $248 — Ahh, yes. The warm, comfortable, slim-fitting and versatile Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket. How could you not love it? Right? Right.

The Sweater: Bonobos Merino V-Neck Sweater, $58 — If you’re going to wear something more simple in form — like a V-neck sweater — you might as well make yours a high-quality, well-fitting piece in a rich winter color. Wondering how it should fit?  Read my recent Effortless Gent piece on how to find the perfect sweater (nudge, nudge).

The Oxford: JackThreads The Oxford Shirt, $39 — Is there a more classic combination for versatile, casual style than a V-neck sweater and an Oxford? Not quite — especially when it’s a great deal from the folks at JackThreads.

The Denim: Buck Mason Lou Slim Fit Jean, $175 — If you haven’t checked out Buck Mason, I’d advise you do so — from the brand’s classic short-sleeve chambray shirts to slim denim like this pair (faded just right), it’s tough gear for the modern man.

The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots, $180 — As sold by everyone’s favorite E-commerce retailer — that’s Huckberry, y’all — Astorflex makes essential, sustainable and stylish footwear. Yes, the Bitflex Chelsea Boots are a winning footwear choice.

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Leather Belt, $44 — Sometimes, your accessories help define a casual ensemble. In this instance, a textured belt tones things down in comparison to a slim dress belt.

The Socks:  American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $16.98 — If you’re going to fill your sock drawer with only the best, might as well make your picks from American Trench — the brand makes beautiful, comfortable socks.

The Watch:  Tanner Goods Martenero Ace Automatic Watch, $549.98 — Just as a textured leather belt places this outfit in casual territory, so too does a rugged, handsome and eye-catching watch with tough Tanner Gods leather.  Truly, the Ace Automatic Watch is expertly designed and made to stand up to anything.

With versatility and great comfort & fit in mind, dressing in casual style can be easy and hey, fun. And if you’ve been looking for ways to switch up your style this winter, a great V-neck and Oxford is one way to go. These are pieces you might already have, but you can amp things up with something like the handsome, rugged Maritime Submariner Jacket and slick footwear like the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots. Oh, and if adding to your watch collection is a priority in terms of your 2017 style resolutions, there’s no better place to start than the very investment-worthy Ace Automatic Watch. If you have any questions or suggestions on this outfit, drop ’em in the comments or hit me up on Twitter. Talk to you soon, and thank you for reading!

-Beau

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Holiday Shopping, Buck Mason and The Head and The Heart

Quick, check your calendars. We’re just about one week from Christmas! That’s pretty wild, all things considered. It means it’s more than time to wrap up — or get started — on your holiday shopping, and it means it’s time to plan out a holiday travel ensemble or two (right?). Click through our women’s holiday gift guide to take care of everyone from your mother to your grandma; don’t worry, we’ll remind you next week, too. And maybe pick up something from this site’s men’s style holiday gift guide — it’s gonna come in handy, trust me. I’ve got a decent jump on my own holiday shopping — and my holiday menswear wish list, for sure — but there’s definitely more work to be done. (just a bit… I guess). Before I take care of some of that shopping, I’m pretty excited to close out the week — I’m heading to the fine city of Baltimore tonight to see The Head and The Heart, the joyous indie folk rockers out of Seattle! Seeing great live shows this fall, from Bastille — as I wrote about in last Friday’s weekly recap — to Local Natives in Providence has been really special, and I’m definitely excited to hit the road again. It’s my first time in Baltimore and my first time seeing the band, makers of one of the most easily listenable, enjoyable albums of the year in “Signs of Light” — oh, and a slew of other fun, rambling and rambunctious tracks like “Shake” and “Lost in My Mind.” So it should certainly be a heck of a fun show, and a heck of a fun way to end the week. Any recommendations for neat things to do in Baltimore? Send me a tweet on Twitter and I’ll get right to it — promise!  As with my recent trip to upstate New York and my Thanksgiving visit to Florida, you can expect a full #menswear blog post on Monday — and you can check out exactly what I’m wearing via my Instagram in the meantime. If you haven’t, join us over at The Style Guide Facebook page — and for now, check out some of the best men’s style news o’ the week below.

  • First things first — it’s primetime layering season. And as our friends at Esquire so wisely demonstrate, you need a stylish overshirt in your closet; make it one from Style Guide favorites Buck Mason, and you’re plenty set for cold weather style.
  • Speaking of cold weather style — Esquire.com is coming back at ya with an overview of a seriously warm parka you also might want to pick up this week. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of his music per se, but Drake’s design project OVO certainly keeps things moving along nicely, particularly when it comes to the brand’s collaboration with Canada Goose. Yes, the OVO x Canada Goose collaboration offers up two pricey — but decidedly warm parkas and a set of  matching trucker caps for your purchasing pleasure at the Canada Goose Web site.
  • Still need some help sorting out your holiday shopping? Good thing the folks at Paul Fredrick are hooking you up with 20 percent off orders of $200 or more, plus free shipping on any order. Pick up a crisp white dress shirt — or a versatile denim shirt — for the style-minded guy in your life. Oh, and know that the deadline for standard shipping delivery in advance of Christmas is 11:59 p.m. EST today (Friday, folks). Happy shopping!
  • So, we’ve also got something that should be of interest to both fashion fans and fans of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” — in theaters today. Old Navy has made some classic graphic tees for the occasion, and they’ve got picks for both adults and kids. Show some of that Star Wars spirit this season, ehh?
  • One last thing before we hit the road for the weekend — the new MVMT Watches Modern Sport collection, if you haven’t seen, is packed with durable, handsome and functional timepieces like the Mariner Watch, as I covered for the fine folks at GearMoose. I’ll be bringing my own Calypso Watch from the Modern Sport collection with me to Baltimore this weekend, and I can’t recommend these eye-catching, sturdy and ultra-affordable watches enough.

Have menswear-related questions? Can’t figure out what to wear for the first snowfall? We’ve got you all set — happy shopping, happy reading and have a great weekend!

-Beau

Huckberry

Nautica

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style a Crewneck Sweater 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, welcome back to the #OOTD series here on The Style Guide. The above headline might seem a bit familiar — after all,  a slim crewneck sweater is a personal favorite of this blog, and it’s as well-suited for casual, rugged fall style as it is for layering in the early stages of winter. And the particular sweater that’s being featured today is as close to a perfect reinterpretation of a classic style as we’ve got — especially from lauded American menswear designer Todd Snyder. But what differentiates the below #menswear look from other features here on the blog? We’re throwing in more weather-ready layers, for one. And we’re mixing high-low style staples like a slim topcoat with everyday wardrobe staples. If you find you don’t have any of the picks below, it’s as good a time as any to get shopping. Got additional picks to add to the below list? Hit me up on Twitter, or check out the Instagram feed for a look into what makes The Style Guide (AKA, me) tick.

A high-low way to wear a crewneck sweater this winter. Not bad, ehh?

A high-low way to wear a crewneck sweater this winter. Not bad, ehh?

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, $98 — The Todd Snyder x Champion line is packed full of stellar, heritage and sportswear-inspired pieces. This Pocket Sweatshirt is exhibit A in  that regard — it’s comfortable, easy to layer and potentially your new favorite sweatshirt.

The Shirt: Life/After/Denim Windom Oxford Shirt, $128 — More than $100 for a classic Oxford shirt? Well, when it’s made from premium yarn-dyed cotton in a slim cut, it’s worth the investment.

The Topcoat: JackThreads Tieman Topcoat, $149 — So, here’s where a bit of that high-low style comes into play. The “topcoat-over-a-crewneck” look is something perfected by the likes of David Beckham, so I’d say it’s Style Guide-approved.

The Denim: Buck Mason Black Slim Stretch Denim, $175 — From the makers of your favorite short-sleeve chambray shirt comes a fantastic pair of slim black denim — just as ready for a  rock concert as a casual weekend coffee date. What belt to wear? Well, brown and black can work casually (keep reading), so reach for a braided leather belt.

The Socks: American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino/Cashmere, $28.98 — So, some of the picks in this particular #OOTD are quite pricey — including these socks. But American Trench does things as well as anyone when it comes to stylish, durable accessories.

The Boots: Thorogood Dodgeville Boots in Cognac ,$375 — Need another pair of durable, rugged leather boots in your closet? This handsome, versatile and easy-to-wear unlined pair of Thorogood Dodgeville Boots are a nice way to amp up the slightly more casual crewneck sweater.

The Watch: MVMT Watches Calypso Watch, $145 — From the stellar new Modern Sport Collection by MVMT Watches, the Calypso is a particular highlight. It’s got the handsome look of a rugged Tudor watch at a fraction of the price. Since it’s a casual outfit, a black rubber strap can work alongside the cognac Thorogood boots.

The Hat: Columbiaknit Marled Watch Cap, $17.98 — Sometimes, you don’t need to go too fancy with your winter accessories. In this case, the Columbiaknit Marled Watch Cap is neutral, simple and quite functional in the cold.

And, well, that’s all she wrote. When it comes time to layer up on a casual-but-cold day at the office or around town, you nearly can’t beat a stylish crewneck sweater — especially one made from premium materials. And pieces like slim black denim and a classic navy Oxford create a bit of a unique one-two punch, particularly when accented by an affordable (yet great-looking!) camel topcoat. When you top it all off with rugged, eye-catching cognac leather boots, it’s a mixture of pleasing colors and textures that work well when put together (yes, even the black denim and brown boots). Of course, you can’t go wrong with a warm winter hat or well-made Fair Isle socks. In fact, this head-to-toe look might just become one you break out time and again — at least, I hope so.

Stay stylish, and stay tuned for a (relatively) last-minute holiday gift guide coming tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

-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