The Friday Read: Stylish Men’s Henleys, Seasonal Layering and the Value of New Outdoor Gear

Hey there, folks — it’s Friday! And it’s time to wrap up the work week here and jet off into the weekend (preferably dressed in casual weekend style). The start of November means a few things, at least for me personally … namely, it’s a month that’s VERY closely associated with my favorite song by my favorite band (that’d be “Mr. November” by The National). Does that stellar song top my list of things to look forward to this month? Well, of course not … but it’s a fun one nonetheless. We’ve also got Thanksgiving on the horizon, along with Black Friday shopping aplenty; you can expect a full rundown of stylish men’s gear to buy for that occasion here in the next few weeks. For now though, I’m happy to be at home in Brooklyn this weekend. My fall travels have taken me out to Portland and south to Nashville, along with a quick Northeast jaunt to Boston to see, as luck would have it … The National! But my focus is solely on the homefront this weekend. I’m planning on swinging by my favorite menswear and coffee shop, Upstate Stock, to check out plenty of finely crafted #menswear, and I’m also hoping to make my way to a local sports bar to cheer on my beloved Michigan State Spartans as the battle the Penn State Nittany Lions in a college football showdown. What’s on your weekend agenda? Before you dive in, check out the below men’s style news for your reading pleasure. Cheers!

  • Want a simply designed, yet simply unbeatable, windbreaker? The GoRuck Simple Windbreaker (would ya look at that!) is the one to buy now! Read more via my latest GearMoose post, and check out my own guide on how to wear a bomber jacket for more inspo.
  • Make no mistake, I’m not necessarily a hiking enthusiast, per se — but I know great outdoor gear (and rugged style essentials) when I see it on the market. Interestingly enough, Gear Patrol makes the case that you shouldn’t buy new outdoor gear … how about that? What’s your take on that?

  • Now, I sure do love me a stylish men’s henley — and if you happened to catch my feature for The Manual on the best men’s henleys, you know that all too well! Get yourself one before it’s too late, my friends.

Alright, my friends … that’s all the #menswear I’ve got for ya today!

Enjoy the weekend, and check back for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week!

-Beau

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#OOTD: Upgrade Your Casual Weekend Style for Fall

Alright, you know the drill. We’re back at it with another #OOTD for the weekend and beyond this fall. You know the situation — perhaps you had a late Friday or Saturday night, yet weekend brunch or coffee is calling your name. What are you going to wear? The answer, my friend: Casual weekend style that incorporates essential fall layers, a rugged overshirt, a stylish slim henley and …. wait for it … tailored sweatpants that actually look great. Truly! It’s all about taking pieces you already have in your closet, upgrading their fabrics, dialing in the fit and focusing on the details — those moves are going to set you apart from folks who’ve just rolled out of bed. And if you’ve been soft on wearing tailored sweatpants out of your apartment or house, know that the pair as seen in today’s #OOTD is a lot better than any you might have had in high school or college. So, it’s easier than you think to look great on the weekend … even when you might not feel that great. Have an iced coffee and a Bloody Mary for me,  while you’re at it. We’ll see you out there — chime in on Twitter or in the comments with your thoughts on this #menswear ensemble. Cheers!

Start with a rugged overshirt and add other casual, laidback pieces to get weekend style right.

The Overshirt: Finisterre Petrichor Overshirt, $76.98 — Start things out the right way — leave the old hoodie at home and throw on a versatile, rugged overshirt from Finisterre — all the better for weekend coffee or brunch.

The Henley: Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley, $98 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post— If you don’t yet have a rugged fall henley in your rotation, pick up this Taylor Stitch henley — far better than an old T-shirt.

The Sweatpants: Muttonhead Sweat Pants in Heather Navy , $112 —  Yes, that’s right. Here are the stylish sweatpants we talked about. A tailored silhouette and the pleasing heather navy color of these Muttonhead sweatpants makes ’em a great, easygoing weekend style move.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Cordies Varsity Sneakers in Navy, $67.98 — Leave the logo sneakers at home – the Legend Cordies Varsity Sneakers are a seriously cool pair of stylish fall sneakers from SeaVees.

The Socks: Anonymousism 5-Color Mix Crew Sock in Black, $22 — As we always say here at The Style Guide, don’t overlook small details like stylish socks. These understated Anonymousism socks are a sharp weekend upgrade.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch in Red Wing Leather, $139 — Stay on time for weekend brunch with a classic Timex watch — the definition of an affordable leather watch to add to your weekend wardrobe.

The Grooming Essential: The Rich + Clean New Standard Face Wash, $18 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post— Keeping your grooming game on point is all the more important if your bar crawl went a little long. The New Standard Face Wash will give you a bit of pep in your step.

The Ballcap: Ebbets Field Flannels x Bespoke Post “B” Baseball Cap, $38 — Available exclusively at Bespoke Post, this stylish ballcap is an understated, simple way to stick with casual weekend style — oh, and it saves you the trouble of styling your ‘do.

OK — ready for weekend brunch yet? Getting around in style even on a casual fall weekend starts with picking the right laidback pieces, like the rugged-yet-easily-wearable Finisterre Petrichor Overshirt  and a slim Taylor Stitch henley. And when you reach for surprisingly stylish sweatpants, your weekend is going to get started on the right foot — it’s as easy as dialing in the fit and fabric, folks. Plus, the Legend Cordies Varsity Sneakers from SeaVees are a heck of a cool pair of casual sneakers to step out wearing on the weekend — and the neat texture and design works well with a rugged Timex watch for a bit of fall-friendly visual interest.  When you cap off the whole ensemble — literally — with a stylish Ebbets Field Flannels ballcap and small details like stylish Anonymous-ism socks — you’re going to be set for a much-needed brunch. That’s all we’ve got today, my friends. Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page if you’re a fan of this look!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

Style Suggestion: What to Wear to the Pumpkin Patch

 Editor’s note: Head over here to see more men’s style suggestions for all sorts of situations.

Now, as I sit here in Brooklyn and write this #menswear style suggestion for fall, there’s nary a pumpkin patch — or a rolling field — in sight. If that’s also the case for you, perhaps we can consider this simply another crisp fall weekend style suggestion. But if you do indeed consider trips to the pumpkin patch (Halloween’s coming!) or corn maze a fall ritual — as I did growing up in the Midwest — we’ve got just the set of picks for you. Granted, we’re looking at pieces that mix the premium with the rugged — these are true style upgrades, and they might be a bit much for the pumpkin patch. In that case, know that they’re still plenty wearable for a plethora of other fall activities. Oh, and if the weather is still balmy in your neck of the woods? Scroll through this warm-weather style suggestion.  Now, back to the matter at hand. Your fall explorations might seem more casual — and thus, just in need of the most comfortable clothing you can wear — but there are several opportunities to (all together now) upgrade your style. From your outerwear to your to your rugged boots, we’ve got a full rundown covered below — and then some. Follow along on Instagram daily to see how I’m attempting to transition to fall, and chime in with your own picks on Facebook.

The Outerwear: JACHS NY Navy Double-Breasted Peacoat — $185

A classic in the perfect weight and cut for fall.

A classic in the perfect weight and cut for fall.

Rather than throwing on a zip-up hoodie or a logo athletic sweatshirt, start with a navy double-breasted cotton peacoat. While it’s not quite as warm as a wool peacoat, it’s better suited to the transitional temperatures of fall — if it’s crisp, you’ve layered up with a sweater underneath that (more on that in a second…), and if it gets hot, you can carry it with you. This particular JACHS NY peacoat is stylish, trim-fitting and well-made, complete with shoulder epaulets for a bit of visual interest. You can’t ask for much more than that, truly.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — $118

Stylish, slim-fitting and essential for fall.

Stylish, slim-fitting and essential for fall.

Other than the sweatshirt you’re about to read about below (patience!), there might not be a better pick for a reliable, classic and stylish shirt than this stellar Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt. It’s a four-season essential, to be sure, but it wears particularly great in the fall thanks to the slightly heightened blue color, textured fabric and modern fit (ideal for layering). Heck, you might want to wear this shirt … every day?

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt — $98 

A classic sweatshirt, redefined for the modern man.

A classic sweatshirt, redefined for the modern man.

The sweatshirt that needs no introduction, ladies and gentlemen. The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt basically redefined the traditional crewneck sweatshirt, slimming down the fit, adding raglan sleeves and upgrading it ever so slightly with a chest pocket — oh, and making it using the quality and durability of these particular materials. Yes, that’s why it retails for nearly $100, and that’s why it’s a neat style upgrade.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.
The Denim: Flint & Tinder All-American Slim Tapered Jeans — $98

Your new favorite pair of fall denim, complete with a great price tag to match.

Your new favorite pair of fall denim, complete with a great price tag to match.

The All-American Slim Tapered Jean from Flint & Tinder keeps popping up on this site — check this fall weather style suggestion — and for a very good reason. It’s nay impossible to find a well-made pair of tough selvedge denim for under $100, and these jeans just might be the best of the bunch. They’re slim, they’re stylish and they’re a significant upgrade from casual sweatpants.

The Boots: Johnston & Murphy Karnes Alpine Boot — $198

Sleek, rugged and refined -- very Bond-esque, indeed.

Sleek, rugged and refined — very Bond-esque, indeed.

The heritage footwear makers at Johnston & Murphy don’t skimp on the quality or durability of their boots — particularly not a pair like the rugged, refined and stellar-looking Karnes Alpine Boot. The blend of beautiful mahogany calfskin and dark brown nubuck at the padded ankle collar is an eye-catching, yet durable combination. Make no mistake, this is a very sleek pair of hikers that actually wouldn’t look out of place at the office. Granted, they’re the sort of luxury-type boot Bond might have worn in Scotland — so if you don’t want to get them too muddy, best to go with a dependable pair of broken-in boots.

The Socks: Mr. Gray Slub Nep Colorblock Socks — $25

A bit of colorblocking and a lot of comfort, quality and style.

A bit of colorblocking and a lot of comfort, quality and style.

Every now and then, you just feel like upgrading certain essential pieces in your wardrobe — particularly your sock drawer. The Nep Colorblock Sock from Mr. Gray takes care of that upgrade in comfort and style — and you can wear ’em plenty of different places besides your next outdoor fall adventure. Don’t sleep on thick, durable American Trench Fair Isle socks, either.

The Watch: Lum-Tec Huckberry Combat B33 GMT — $498.98

Durable, rugged, refined and ready for action.

Durable, rugged, refined and ready for action.

Now, if your monthly budget or ability to pay your rent or mortgage might be compromised by buying this watch *raises hand*, keep your credit card in your wallet. If it’s a goal that’s within reach, or you simply enjoy admiring (and buying) beautiful watches, the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT might just be yours to keep. Make no mistake, this timepiece really is something else. It’s a custom-designed timepiece featuring a durable 43mm stainless steel case and a Swiss GMT quartz movement — in short, all the functionality and durability you need for a fall weekend and lugging around some pumpkins.

The Belt: Maximum Henry Slim Standard Belt — $100 (Available via East Dane)

Made by just one man, Maximum Henry's belts use excellent materials and craftsmanship.

Made by just one man, Maximum Henry’s belts use excellent materials and craftsmanship.

The hardworking team (of one!) behind Maximum Henry focuses on making simple, quality belts and leather goods the right way — in very small batches in America. That’s the way to go, and it’s why another Maximum Henry belt popped up in this recent #OOTD. It’s a style upgrade that you might not think about making until you realize this belt will simply last and last — right?

Again, if you’d rather not break out a full kit of menswear to head out this fall, there’s nothing wrong with that – and it’ll probably save you a few bucks in the long run. But if you do decide to go for it when it comes to rugged-refined fall style, the above suggestion contains plenty of pieces that’ll look just as great strolling around town thereafter — or strolling through the park, or grabbing Sunday brunch. Not bad, right? A beautiful, durable watch and an upgraded crewneck sweatshirt are the type of pieces that are enjoyable to wear — in addition to being much better-looking than average pieces. And rugged-yet-refined hikers are slightly unexpected — they’re a weekend staple, but could work in a pinch at the office, too. You can’t beat versatility like that for under $200. And the rest of the way, it certainly pays to support made-in-America artisans. If you have questions, suggestions or additions, let me know on Twitter — will ya??

Happy pumpkin-picking!

-Beau

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Weekend Coffee Date

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.

The more you get into menswear and the art of dressing well, the more you realize how many situations it can help you through — that’s something I’m still learning everyday. That is to say, everything from your morning coffee run to what to wear to the gym are chances to extend and improve your personal sense of style (says the guy who wears old college tees to work out sometimes). The smallest situations and style details really do help set you apart, and that’s the approach we’re taking in today’s #OOTD. It’s a pretty specific situation — perhaps date isn’t the right word, but know that even when dashing out to grab coffee, it’s still a chance to look put-together. That goes for whether you’re meeting a friend, a date, your dog, your cat … you get the picture. And, it gives you an excuse to work more excellent #menswear into your rotation — that’s what we do at The Style Guide, folks. Plus, assuming it’s well and truly fall weather, it’s a nice chance to break out a few extra casual layers (or, you could just stick with that Taylor Stitch chambray shirt in the heat) and a great watch. There’s plenty more in store — read on below, and get more daily style inspiration via Instagram.

ootd-weekend-coffeeThe Overshirt: Bridge and Burn Flint Overshirt, $182 — It’s a shirt! It’s a jacket! It’s a shirt-jacket, and with a neat cotton flannel lining and a rich indigo dye, it’s just the right weight to throw during a crisp Saturday or Sunday morning.

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt (Available via East Dane), $98 — This sweatshirt is a stone-cold classic — add it into the essential menswear lexicon for the well-dressed guy. It’s clean, classic and again, a perfect layering weight for fall. Snag it here.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, $118 — Whether you go with white or classic blue, the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt is another absolute essential.

The Chinos: Levi’s Made & Crafted Slim Fit Chinos (Available via East Dane), $178 — These Levi’s Made & Crafted chinos are indeed pricey, but well-made, easily wearable for casual situations and a nice weekend upgrade from denim (although that works here, too).

The Sneakers: SeaVees Huckberry Chukka, $98 — Since you’re wearing a classic chambray shirt and chinos, it’s OK to go a bit more casual with these durable sneakers — the perfect weight, color and cut for fall.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism 5-Color Crew Mix Socks (Available via East Dane), $25 Anonymous-ism socks are some of the best money can buy — your feet will thank you for this style splurge.

The Watch: KOMONO Walther Cognac, $179.95  — The Walther is the latest release from a new line being done by KOMONO — the brand’s Crafted Collection features a higher price point and premium materials, plus excellent design. Read a full KOMONO product review here.

The Belt: Anderson’s Stretch Woven Grey Belt, $116.98 — As with other Anderson’s belts, this one is going to cost you — but you get a belt that’s durable, comfortable and on-point stylistically (the texture fits right in with the colder climes of fall).

There are certain style moves that just work when it comes down to it — grabbing a stylish chambray shirt will serve you well, as will layering up with a Todd Snyder x Champion crewneck sweater. The slim-fit chinos and SeaVees sneakers blend sporty and tailored style, and premium finishing touches like those Anonymous-ism socks truly make a world of difference — and a heck of an impression, while we’re at it. The situation is surely different than dressing for a first date, but it’s no less important to look your best — even if you’re just relaxing over coffee with your dog, or your cat, or a book. Got questions, suggestions, additions or deletions? Drop me a line on Twitter.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.