The Friday Read: The Best Fall Jackets, Rugged New Boots & A Luxury Old Fashioned

Thanks for joining me, my friends, on another fine fall Friday. It’s the perfect time of year to gear up and hit the road with, say, one of the best duffel bags and perhaps, a rugged fall jacket from the good folks at Filson, as I’ve been talking about so frequently as of late. There are certain brands that are just uniquely well-suited to the demands of the season, and I’ve been testing out Filson menswear whenever I get the chance on brisk Brooklyn days. How about yourself? Be sure to let me know in the comments if you have any favorites from the famed retailer.

Now, onto business. In my neck of the woods, I’m actually deviating from the norm in terms of fall style and hitting the road for a family trip to the sunny confines of Turks and Caicos (keep up with all the fun on my Instagram!). From there, I’ll be preparing for Thanksgiving (crazily enough!) and taking some time off — how about yourself? Before we roll into the weekend, be sure to check out a few of my picks for the best fall menswear and some choice fall reads.

Best men's boots for fall.
  • Much like the best Filson menswear, there’s never been a better time to shop and save on some of the best men’s boots for fall. On that note, I’ve been a big fan as of late of Austin-based HELM Boots, which uses handsome, rugged leathers and the right mix of dressy design and durability in crafting some of the coolest boots for men. Give the brand a look the next tine you’re ready to score a pair of your new favorite boots.
  • Ready for fall layering with one of the best men’s sweaters? Not quite? If you still need a quick and easy wardrobe upgrade at a nice price, check out my latest blog post on one of the most affordable, stylish men’s sweaters out there this season (via Bespoke Post). Cheers!
  • If you, like me, enjoy a nice dram or cocktail during happy hour, my latest for Maxim is going to be of particular interest. I wrote about Sunday’s Finest, the Chicago company shaking up the “Ready-To-Enjoy” cocktail market with a luxe Old Fashioned in a bottle. Kick back, pour up a dram and read all about it.

That’ll bring the curtain down on my latest edition of the Friday Read — hopefully, you’re feeling just a bit more ready for the weekend and the rest of the season ahead. As always, cheers and thanks for reading!

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The Friday Read: A Fall Road Trip, Seeing The Killers & the Best Fall Style Picks

Brandon Flowers of The Killers

My friends, can you believe Friday is upon us yet again? A remarkably busy season is flying by in my neck of the woods, between the likes of Glenfiddich Scotch tastings, shopping for fall style essentials and of course, a fall road trip to see The Killers. Today marks the third — yes, third — time I’ll be hitting the road to see one of my favorite bands and my hero, Brandon Flowers.

Ever-stylish, always hard-working and ambitious, and remarkably passionate and talented — the music of The Killers is surely worth the trek back to my home state of Michigan & the fine city of Detroit this weekend, in fact! It’s a concert that’s been in the works for me since summer 2021, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for the big day (Saturday!).

Perhaps you recall my Esquire interview with Brandon Flowers from last year, or perhaps you’ve been following along with my travels and my concert-going and fall style shopping over on my Instagram — either way, it’ll be a banner weekend with lifelong friends seeing an all-time favorite band! That won’t be the only thing I’ll be doing in Detroit.

Naturally, I plan to visit Detroit breweries like Batch Brewing and Atwater Brewery, not to mention a stop by Detroit’s own Shinola, long one of my favorite watchmakers and lifestyle brands, period. Fittingly enough, I just wrote about the brand’s first-ever mechanical timepiece, and did so over at Maxim — talk about one of the best men’s watches, no doubt.

What’s on your weekend agenda, other than cold beer and menswear shopping, of course? Feel free to give me a follow on Twitter to check in, and keep it tuned here tomorrow for Saturday’s Style Pick of the Week. One last fall style essential for now: This rugged Buck Mason jacket could be a new fall favorite. Head here to read all about it on my blog. Cheers!

The Sunday Sale: Shop the Grayers Last Call Section to Get the Best Deals on Menswear

Grayers is the Vintage Menswear Brand You Need To Check Out - Gear For Life

Believe it or not, sometimes, finding the best deals on the best menswear just involves a one-stop shop of sorts. And today, that one-stop shop for the best fall menswear (and the best gear for this season and beyond) comes from Grayers. Let’s get more specific, though: It’s the Grayers Last Call section that’s got all the gear you need right now, from easy-to-layer shirting to lightweight sweaters, shawl cardigans, cotton blazers and plenty more. The best part? Most of these Grayers men’s style picks are now marked down under $100. It’s nearly as easy as closing your eyes, moving your mouse around the page and then determining if you like what you see. Alright, so perhaps that’s a bit dramatic, but if you haven’t checked out the modern-meets-prep takes on menswear as delivered by Texas-based Grayers, it’s worth a look.

Beyond that, a selection of goods like the Grayers Last Call section is actually a great place to find deals on some out-of-season items, be it stylish chino shorts or printed short-sleeve shirts. That way, when it comes time to plan out that tropical getaway this winter, you’ve already got some fresh gear close at hand. Now make no mistake: Since plenty of these deals are so stellar, sizes are moving quickly. It’s understandable: When some of the best fall style essentials (and spring and summer essentials for that matter) go on sale, you’d do very well to snap up these discounts right now. If you like what you end up finding, let me know on Twitter. Happy shopping!

The List: Buy the Best American-Made Casual Menswear at Goodlife Clothing

Goodlife Clothing: Men's & Women's Clothing Made in USA

There comes a time in your seasonal wardrobe refresh — like right now, as you shop for the best fall style essentials — when you’ve got to up the ante a bit. Be it finding a rugged new henley or one of the best men’s hoodies, there’s on reason to let your casual menswear fall by the wayside this season. That’s where Goodlife Clothing comes into play. The brand, which just opened a colorful NYC store last month, specializes in some of the best American-made menswear, focusing on quality knitwear and basics, from henleys to T-shirts, sweats and outerwear. Heck, as the brand itself says “Goodlife is unique to each of us, a state of mind, and a way of living by those who appreciate and understand true style and quality.” Sounds pretty great — and pretty stylish, does it not? Better still, they also offer a T-Shirt Club subscription service, in case you can’t get enough of the brand’s T-shirts (and believe me, you won’t be able to — I’m wearing one as I type!). You’re also going to love the Goodlife Loop program, which repurposes excess textiles and returned garments by transforming them into insulation for housing. What’s not to love about that, right?? If you seek the best made-in-America menswear to upgrade your casual wardrobe, you’re going to love what Goodlife Clothing is doing.

The Best Men’s Style Essentials to Buy Right Now From Goodlife

Goodlife Sun-Faded Scallop Hem Henley — $98

Goodlife’s henleys are a cut above the rest, from the sun-faded slub cotton fabric to unique details like the flattering curved hem. This midweight henley will feel comfortable as can be right out of the box, so get ready to layer up with your favorite flannel shirt or a Goodlife sweatshirt.

Goodlife Supima Scallop Crew — $68

Goodlife T-shirts are about as high-quality as it gets, made with American-grown Pima cotton for a soft finish and excellent structure. The curved hem is yet another flattering detail every guy should appreciate, and hey, can you ever have enough stylish T-shirts in your rotation?

Goodlife Denim Shirt — $175

Here’s the kicker — Goodlife Clothing isn’t just about the best men’s casual basics. In fact, they’ve come through with a perfectly rugged denim shirt you can wear all fall and winter. Note the higher price tag, owing to the use of rich indigo denim, plus the fact that this shirt is made in Portugal.

Goodlife Loop Logo Terry Hoody — $135

Your search for one of the best men’s hoodies for casual, cozy fall weekend style is complete, thanks to this ultra-soft, well-made version from Goodlife. The Clay color is perfectly at home this fall with your favorite pair of faded blue jeans.

Goodlife Linen Shirt Jacket — $225

In need of another dependable layer for fall, perhaps the kind you can throw on over one of the best men’s hoodies when chilly fall weather hits? Well, here’s the one you need right now. Best of all, it’s available in a range of cool, neutral colors.

Goodlife Essential Twill Pants — $135

Round out your collection of the best basics for men with these rugged twill pants, built with both durable fabric for fall-ready comfort and a drawstring waist for plenty of mobility. Team them up with one of the best men’s henleys for casual fall style pursuits aplenty.

So, are you sold on stocking up on the best new fall menswear from Goodlife Clothing? The brand does it all, and exceptionally well at that, using soft fabrics and durable construction to get all the details right, be it one of the best men’s henleys, a pair of rugged twill pants, one of the best men’s hoodies or something as simple and subtle as a classic scallop hem T-shirt. If you end up taking the plunge, be sure to let me know on Twitter.

The Sunday Sale: Stock Up On Rugged Fall Menswear with the Howler Brothers Last Call Section

40% off Howler Brothers Entire Fall Collection | Cool Material

It’s rare to find a brand that practices what it preaches as much as Howler Brothers. The Austin, Texas-based brand, found at retailers like Huckberry as well as online at its own store and in Austin at its own outpost, is all about seizing the spirit of adventure. It’s made all the better by the best deals on menswear in the Howler Brothers Last Chance section, the reason we’re here for today’s Sunday Sale. What makes this brand so special? Reader, I’m glad you asked. So named for howler monkeys that founders Chase Heard and Andy Stepanian encountered during a jungle adventure in Costa Rica, the brand is about blending form, function and rugged appeal. They mix technical fabrics — suited for fun on water and back on land — with silhouettes like puffer jackets, shirt jackets, short-sleeve shirts and more. It’s vibrant, it’s Southwest-inspired and yet, Howler Brothers menswear works just about anywhere there’s a good time to be had and stylish memories to be made.

In fact, the Fall 2021 Howler Brothers Collection — packed with technical shirts, cozy hoodies, colorful short-sleeve shirts and much more — is about seizing the day and taking on whatever life throws at you, in style (naturally). And yet, it’s the fast-selling Howler Brothers Last Chance section that’s particularly of interest (at least to this writer). Right now is actually a great time to get discounts on last season’s menswear and much more, believe it or not, be it the rugged Howler Brothers Harker’s Flannel or the go-anywhere Howler Brothers Stockman Stretch Snapshirt. Helpfully, prices tend to drop well below $50 or $60, and well below that, throughout the technically minded, rugged-but-modern Howler Brothers Last Chance section. What will you add to your rotation today? Be sure to let me know on Twitter.

The Friday Read: The Best Adventure Sunglasses, The Best High-Top Sneakers & New Aether Apparel Gear

Score 25% Off Designer Outerwear From Aether Apparel

Who’s ready to gear up for yet another fall weekend? I’ve got just the brand to help you do that, at least in my estimation. Whether your fall adventures involve a day hike, brunch, college football or yard work (I know, I know), the new Aether Apparel Fall Collection is packed with rugged gear for excursions near and far. These are durable, dependable pieces made with technical fabrics and plenty of style points, always worth adding to your own fall style rotation (call ’em the best fall style essentials if you must). It’s similar to the gear I’ll be wearing as I scout out Brooklyn beers, enjoy some college football and pack for a very exciting getaway early next week (be sure to follow me on Instagram for full details).

Yes indeed, I’ll be hitting the road to Kentucky next week for two days of special events with Horse Soldier Bourbon, as the veteran-founded brand breaks new ground on a distillery and offers up a tour of its current operations. It’s a trip perfectly timed with fall weather and fall whiskey, and I’m ever so grateful for the invite. Of course, I’ll be staying busy in the days before and after writing for sites like Fatherly and AskMen, so check out my bylines there, too. In the meantime, here are some top weekend gear picks from yours truly to keep the season rolling in fine fashion.

  • If you’ve been searching for some of the best adventure sunglasses, the type of sunglasses you can wear on the trail or on a run, and then to a brewery (to name but a few fall pursuits), then Nathan Sports has you covered. The Nathan Sunrise Sunglasses retail for just $50, blend stylish elements like a classic tortoise finish with polarized lenses, and look great for work or play. Don’t sleep on these durable outdoor sunglasses for the season ahead, my friends.
  • Speaking of my work at Fatherly, here’s a story I certainly feel is worth your hard-earned time and cash. The cult favorite basics brand Entireworld, known for its colorful sweats and T-shirts and founded by Scott Sternberg of Band Of Outsiders, is sadly going out of business. Fear not, because you can still score some stellar deals on the best basics, and I wrote all about the best on-sale clothing at Entireworld right now. Happy shopping, folks.
  • The headline says it all in today’s post, but right now truly is the season to step out in some transitional footwear, also known as the best high-top sneakers (in my opinion). Where can you find said sneakers? Why, via my latest roundup for The Manual. Time to step out in style, my friends.

I’ll let you cruise on into the weekend right now with those helpful style tips and shopping picks top of mind, but before I let you go, allow me to make one more recommendation: The best Chelsea boots from Nisolo are going to go a long way towards getting you around town in sustainable style. Read this blog post from yours truly for the full scoop. With all that being said: Enjoy the weekend and thanks for reading!

The List: Stock Up on the Best Fall Menswear at Huckberry Right Now

If you read the blog, you know that Huckberry has a particular knack for delivering the best men’s style essentials for fall, be it the coolest new fall boots or the famed Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket. While that might seem like old news, it’s always worth going back to the well again, as it were, when a new season starts to roll in. Labor Day is right around the corner, and from there, we’re going to be rolling right into the heart of fall. There’s no time to waste when it comes to fall style essentials, so here are a few of my top picks this week from your favorite online menswear store (that’s just a fact, right?). Happy shopping!

The Best New Menswear for Fall from Huckberry

Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots — $195

Rugged leather boots are a fall style staple for a reason, and with these sub-$200 Chelsea boots, it’s not hard to see why. They’re carefully and sustainably constructed, they’re made to be worn with denim or chinos or corduroy pants, and they look darn great with everything in your wardrobe, practically.

Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie — $108

Without a doubt, the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie, whether in its pullover or front-zip iteration, is a stone-cold fall classic. You can layer it atop your favorite henley alongside slim blue jeans and those same sub-$200 Chelsea boots for expert fall weekend style, changing leaves underfoot and hot coffee in hand. You’re just getting started.

Shinola Monster Automatic — $1,250

Want a rugged, durable watch you can wear just about anywhere… even back to the office with sleeves on your chambray shirt rolled up? This Shinola Monster Automatic is the dependable, smart, stylish timepiece you need ASAP.

Wellen Organic Cord Shirt — $88

Say goodbye, if briefly, to your summer shirting for the time being and layer up instead with this sustainable corduroy shirt. Layer it over a rugged henley, rock it on its own with slim blue jeans or style it with the much-loved Proof Rover Pants.

Flint and Tinder All-American Stretch Denim — $138

Fall is nothing if not the time to celebrate a return to wearing classic blue jeans for men, right? Flint and Tinder makes its pairs in a perfect set of washes, with sizing inclusive of Slim, Tapered and Straight fits. Your new favorite jeans are here, folks.

Danner Tool Bag — $190

Best known for its rugged, American-made boots, Danner is now making one of the best ways to haul your everyday carry essentials. This Danner Tool Bag could also serve as a perfect fall hiking or camping bag, to say the least.

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Hudson Jacket — $298

It’s hard to go wrong with a waxed jacket from Huckberry, especially the field jacket-inspired Flint and Tinder Hudson Jacket. It’s ideal for late-night fall whiskey sipping sessions or outdoor beers aplenty, to name but a few Huckberry-approved pursuits.

Billy Reid Donegal Terry Henley — $73.98

Last but not least, pick up one of the best henleys for men, and be sure to do so with one that’s both on-sale and ultra-premium from Billy Reid. Call it a stellar job by the famed American designer.

Shop Huckberry’s Bestsellers Now

The best way to gear up for fall

The hits just keep coming with Huckberry. I’ve talked frequently on the blog about the importance of finding a one-stop shop you can truly rely on, and the good folks at San Francisco-based Huckberry epitomize that to the fullest. Be it one of the best henleys for men or a unique EDC steal like the Danner Tool Bag, I have no doubt you’ll find what you need in the brand’s well-stocked digital shelves this fall. Again, happy shopping and thanks for reading!

The List: These are the 10 Best Essentials To Shop From Huckberry This Week

Welcome, my friends, to another edition of The List, where we’ll be talking about the best men’s style essentials for any season, as well as doing things a little bit differently today as we kick off November in earnest. Past editions of The List have featured as many as 25 of the best men’s style picks for fall, but we’ll narrow it down a bit today to focus on the 10 best style essentials to buy right now at Huckberry.  Keep in mind that future editions of The List might very well focus on just one brand, too. But for now, the lauded San Francisco retailer has been a longtime favorite of the blog, and for good reason — you’re about to find out all about the must-haves from your favorite brand for November … starting … right now.

Eddie Bauer Tech Skyliner Jacket — $299

Eddie Bauer Tech Skyliner Jacket

A rugged and durable update of a classic jacket.

Yes indeed, the jacket that you see at the top of the page really is one of the best men’s jackets for fall, a play off the original Skyliner Jacket made to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary. How cool is that, right??

Huckberry x Danner 917 Logger Boots — $230

Huckberry x Danner 917 Logger Boots

Possibly your new favorite everyday boots this fall and winter.

The folks at Huckberry and Danner have done it yet again, coming through with a rugged pair of leather hiking boots you can wear all through the rest of fall. These have proven a hot-selling pair of boots, so act quickly to snag ’em now.

Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Hudson Jacket — $258

Flint and Tinder Waxed Hudson Jacket

Very possibly your new favorite jacket for fall.

For the most bang for your buck, it’s hard to beat what the good folks at Flint and Tinder bring to your fall wardrobe. This rugged waxed jacket is a tough, easy-to-layer option alongside your rugged pair of leather hiking boots.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Long-Sleeve Henley — $98

Proof 72-Hour Merino Henley

This could very well be your new favorite henley, no doubt about it.

If you want one of the best men’s henleys, look toward the Proof Merino Long-Sleeve Henley, designed to repel odor with anti-microbial properties.

Victory Sportswear Classic Runners — $220

Victory Sportswear Classic Runners

Pick up your new favorite everyday sneakers right here, right now.

There’s still plenty of time to wear the coolest men’s sneakers out there, and these Victory Sportswear Runners (exclusive to Huckberry) take the cake when it comes to casual, cool style.

Reigning Champ Midweight Terry Slim Sweatpants — $120 

Reigning Champ Sweatpants

Get the coolest men’s sweatpants on the market for casual fall days aplenty.

If you’re anything like me, you value a mix of comfort and style when off-duty, and these Reigning Champ sweatpants provide that in spades.

Proof Strong Shirt — $128

Proof Strong Shirt

Step right up and get your new go-to shirt for fall and winter, my friends.

If you haven’t noticed, so many of these rugged Huckberry style essentials can be mixed and matched with ease, and that’s certainly the case with the Proof Strong Shirt, one of the best chambray shirts on the market.

Shinola The Guardian Watch — $675 

Shinola Guardian Watch

It’s official — this is your new favorite everyday watch, is it not?

In the spirit of rugged and versatile style, get the Shinola Guardian Watch, then feel free to wear it day in and day out with the rest of these rugged style staples. Right? Right.

Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie — $108

Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie

Your new go-to weekend essential, my friends.

Last but certainly not least, let’s close things out the right way with one of the best hoodies for men, a casual style staple that Huckberry has perfected with the lauded Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie. No if’s, and’s, or but’s about it … it’s a perfect weekend layer.

Here’s the thing: When you’re dealing with a retailer like Huckberry, there’s almost no way to go wrong. Whether you want a a rugged pair of leather hiking boots or the simply excellent Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie, or even something with a bit more polish (say, the Proof Strong Shirt or the exceptional Shinola Guardian Watch, you’re never going to wrong. I say that as a longtime fan of the brand, but try out any of these pieces and I’m certain you’ll feel the same way. To let me know your favorites, be sure to get in touch on Twitter. Cheers, my friends.

The Sunday Sale: Get This Classic Flannel Shirt for Less Than $50 at Bespoke Post

Rhythm Woodsman Flannel Shirt

A rugged, sherpa-lined flannel shirt for all your fall and winter style pursuits.

Folks, thanks for taking time out of your Sunday to check out today’s Sunday Sale, where I offer up a standout sale pick (or picks) on everything from the best crewneck sweatshirt for fall to, in the case of today’s post, a deal on the best flannel shirt for the season. That’s a mighty high bar to clear, given that the market is packed with flannel shirts aplenty these days, but for my money’s worth, one of the best flannel shirts just so happens to be available for less than $50 (yep!) from Bespoke Post. In fact, it’s the Rhythm Woodsman Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt, and it’s yours for the taking ASAP. It’s got plenty going for it, including the fact that the body of the shirt is lined in warm sherpa fabric. Now, if you follow the blog on the regular, you know that the Bespoke Post Sale section is packed with all kinds of the best men’s gear, from bar essentials to pieces like this rugged flannel shirt. In short, it’s the perfect place to go to stock up on the best gear for men, and the Rhythm Woodsman Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt is a highly underrated style steal in that regard.

SHOP: The Rhythm Woodsman Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt

Best flannel shirts for men

An easygoing, dependable flannel shirt made for fall weekends.

The Rhythm Woodsman Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt  is a downright bargain at under $50, and it’s the kind of piece you need to pick up ASAP, particularly given that plenty of sizes are available right now. What’s more, the cotton construction should be easy to layer over your favorite henley or a graphic T-shirt (similar to this #OOTD), and you’ve got to love the seasonally friendly Maple colorway and plaid pattern. It’s the kind of classic flannel shirt you’ll have for years to come, and again, given that it’s on sale right now at Bespoke Post, it’s a highly worthy purchase. Happy shopping, and happy fall, my friends.

SHOP: The Rhythm Woodsman Long-Sleeve Flannel Shirt

 

See Now, Buy Now: Get This Everlane Flannel Shirt to Get Into Fall Style

Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt

This is the perfect new flannel shirt to buy for fall, guaranteed.

What is fall if not the perfect time to find and buy your new favorite flannel shirt … right? If you’re on the hunt as cooler weather arrives and approaches, then might I point you towards the Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt, one of the coolest fall shirts around. It’s made with the sort of radical transparency you’d expect from Everlane: That means the brand takes you step-by-step as to where and how this rugged flannel shirt is made (in this case, it’s made in Shengzen, China) It’s an approach the brand has stuck with since they launched back in the early 2010s (it’s still strange to reference that!), and it’s an approach that’s worked well when it comes to sustainable fashion — and stylish results. On that note, the  Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt is certainly the perfect candidate to add to your wardrobe if you want to shake things up ever so slightly when it comes to your rotation of fall shirts.

SHOP: The Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt

Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt

One of six cool color and pattern options for this rugged flannel shirt.

Made with soft 100 percent cotton that’s been brushed for a soft finish, this is the best flannel shirt for men when it comes to layering atop, say, your favorite T-shirt or a classic henley. It’s a reliably casual option with a fit that’s tailored but not too tight, meaning you can throw this on and then put on a waxed trucker jacket over top with relative ease. Of course, you can certianly wear this slim flannel shirt all on its own, too. It’s suited for fall bonfires, socially distanced road trips and casual fall mornings at home. Even better? The Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt retails for under $80, making it one of the most affordable flannel shirts on the market. All of which is to say: You should add this newly classic flannel to your shopping cart ASAP.

SHOP: The Everlane Modern Flannel Shirt