Tag / fall style essentials

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Line of Trade Flannel Shirt Is Your New Everyday Go-To This Season

The right wardrobe for fall calls for reliability and rugged appeal — the sort of pieces, as we so often talk about, that you can wear consistently and stylishly, especially in these increasingly casual times.

So, while a dress shirt or even a chambray-style dress shirt can often suffice in the dressiest situations out there, one of the best flannel shirts is a wise move to keep close at hand as your “daily driver,” so to speak.

And when you find a stylish men’s flannel shirt, one that you can wear with corduroy trousers as easily as with dark blue jeans, that’s just the ticket. As I’ve found out over these past few weeks putting stylish new fall gear to the test, well, that’s where my friends at Bespoke Post and Line of Trade can help out.

Find out more now at Bespoke Post

Throw in the fact that the best men’s flannel shirts are often made with affordability and comfort in mind — and a lightweight build compared to. say, flannel shirt jackets — then you’re in business and on the go.

At least, all of those attributes hold true with one of my favorite flannel shirts, the Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt.

As you’ll recall if you’ve had the chance to try out one of these standout flannel shirts — or any product from the Bespoke Post-approved brand, for that matter — then you’ll know that there’s a combination of style, classically rugged appeal and, in the case of the newest edition of the Summit Flannel Shirt, a supreme focus on ultra-soft brushed cotton flannel.

The Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt gets its standout quality from the use of soft brushed cotton flannel, the kind that’s lightweight enough to wear on its own and yet able to layer easily atop a thermal henley or beneath a stretch cotton blazer.

It doesn’t hurt that your new favorite flannel shirt comes in a handful of classic plaid patterns as sold by Bespoke Post (and you can also pick it up directly through Line of Trade, as luck would have it).

In my experience, the handsome Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt is nearly the perfect flannel shirt, with a lighter weight than a classic shirt jacket and a look that more than readily wears well with everything from a charcoal blazer to a durable pair of blue jeans. When you want quality that won’t quit, in a timeless plaid design and featuring super-soft fabric, look out for the Line of Trade Summit Flannel Shirt — it’s your new daily driver, as they say.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Boots are a Timeless Fall Classic

When you come across a true men’s style classic, you tend to recognize it right away — and in the case of the best fall boots for men, those classics tend to hail from a heritage-minded company like Allen Edmonds. The Port Washington, Wisconsin company has been doing things the right way, the hard way since 1922, when Elbert W. Allen founded the Allen-Spiegal Shoe Company.

Learn more now at Allen Edmonds

The rest isn’t merely history — there’s a sense of long-lasting style, quality and durability in every stitch of a set of Allen Edmonds men’s boots, something I’ve learned through personal experience over the years. I’ve found the American company makes boots and dress shoes with supple-yet-strong leather, the kind that develops a rich patina over time.

These boots also mold to your foot all the while through Goodyear welted craftsmanship. Sounds too good to be true (as well as mighty impressive), right? Well, you best believe it, which brings us to the positively stunning Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Boots you see before you today.

They’re crafted from materials like rich Chromexcel leather (at least, that’s the case for the pair shown above), and the timeless lace-up style boasts a versatile rounded toe shape that pairs up nicely with blue jeans or stretch chinos in equal measure.

Allen Edmonds men's boots review.

The Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Boots aren’t merely a stylish fall footwear choice, though — they boast plenty of functionality, from a custom cork insole (one that molds to your foot) to a weatherproof design from toe to heel. The Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Boots rest on Dainite rubber soles for added traction and a smooth ride underfoot.

Shop men’s boots and more at Allen Edmonds

Plus, the 757 last — although a fairly recent introduction to the brand dating back to 2016 — boasts a classic design inspired by vintage logging boots. If you ask me, no matter the shade of handsome leather you select, well, the Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill Boots might just be the most versatile, most dependable fall boots in your rotation right now. Lace ’em up and see for yourself.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Billy Reid Fisherman Sweater Is a Perfectly Rugged Fall Style Move

There are some times when it makes perfect sense to go with a rugged classic, times when a brisk breeze beckons and you need a layer to stand up to that weather. In those times, my friends, I’d certainly reach for the Billy Reid Fisherman Sweater. If you’ve kept up with this very blog, you know that the Alabama-based designer reinvents the classics on a near-daily basis, and in this instance, that means taking inspiration from a burly, old-school fisherman sweater and then turning it into the one and only Billy Reid Fisherman Sweater.

Learn more now at Billy Reid

That also means using rich and rugged 100 percent wool construction, a handsome raglan-sleeve knit for mobility, and then offering up classic colorways like navy and olive for the instant smash hit that is the Billy Reid Fisherman Sweater.

If that sounds like precisely what you need in your knitwear rotation this season, give Billy Reid a shot, be prepared to invest (the Billy Reid Fisherman Sweater will set you back $298), and then revel in cozy comfort this spring. It’s yours for the taking, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Sunday Sale: Save 30 Percent on This Rugged Taylor Stitch Vest for Expert Fall Layering

Best vests for men this fall.

I’m willing to bet you’ve already got a great idea of the best fall style essentials you need to keep close at hand this season (in your wardrobe and at the ready, specifically).

That likely includes one of the best waxed trucker jackets or your favorite henley, but what about in-between layers that deliver just as much variety and utility? We’re talking, in this case, about one of the best vests for men, delivered with durability, rugged style and savings by my good friends at Taylor Stitch.

Learn more and shop now at Taylor Stitch

The Taylor Stitch Able Vest certainly lives up to its name, and it arrives on sale for 30 percent off via the Taylor Stitch Last Call Section. Now, that selection is packed with summer style essentials, but this stylish quilted vest is a very apt layer for right this very moment, indeed.

You see, the Taylor Stitch Able Vest boasts a lightweight yet strong recycled nylon shell that’s then filled with recycled polyester for added warmth atop, say, a Taylor Stitch henley or one of the best men’s shirts from Taylor Stitch.

It’s also designed with a vertical quilted construction for a more streamlined look and feel, the kind that you can wear with ease for outdoor fall weekend pursuits aplenty (don’t forget your Taylor Stitch work pants or denim, my friends). The handsome Army Green colorway of the Taylor Stitch Able Vest is a versatile touch that wears well with everything from dark blue jeans to tobacco chinos or grey jogger pants.

Thick collar ribbing should keep your neck warm on brisk fall days. The Taylor Stitch Able Vest might not be the very first layer that springs to mind in cold weather, but it’s one of the best options to snag on sale right now. Act accordingly, my friends.

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: There’s Never Been a Better Time to Buy The Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket

Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket review.

If I’ve said it before, I’ve said it plenty of times: Huckberry just knows how to make darn fine gear, some of the best fall style essentials day in and day out. If you read the blog, you assuredly know this, but every so often, it’s a treat to realize we’re still only now rolling into the best time of year, or rather, the best time of year to layer up with your new favorite jacket.

Or perhaps the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket is already in your rotation, but the thing is… this Huckberry classic gets better with age, it gets better by the year and it comes in a wide array of rugged seasonal colors. It’s also made in the U.S. of A, and things only get even cooler and more reliable from there.

Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket.

The specs are as reliable as ever on one of the best fall jackets for men, from the custom hardware to the waxed Martexin sailcloth to fight back against fall breezes and rain. The trucker jacket style (in a wide array of fits for every body type) also has the proper build for fall adventures, including an interior media pocket, a front-button chest pocket and handy hip pockets.

It’s not hard to see why it’s a tried-and-true Huckberry bestseller, all to the tune of more than 3,000 positive reviews. Yes, a whopping 3,000-plus — are you one of them yet?

Shop jackets and more at Huckberry

I personally can’t wait to wear mine in casually rugged style situations aplenty, and I plan to get a lot of use out of it this fall and winter. In fact, it nearly goes without saying, but we’re big on reminders and consistency in style here at The Style Guide.

And if you’ve been waiting to pull the trigger one of the best men’s waxed jackets, period, well, it’s like I said above: There’s never been a better time to buy it. Go forth and prosper in rugged fall style, my friends. Huckberry will see you out there.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New Men’s Footwear from Billy Reid & Classic Fall Whiskey from Castle and Key

Billy Reid men's footwear.

My friends, here we are on the brink of what promises to be another most excellent fall weekend — it might be a blustery and rainy one in New York City yet again, but I’m equipped with the proper fall style essentials for the task at hand, including my trusty Shinola leather watch (and many more).

Best chukka boots for men.

With today’s post (or yesterday’s post on the best shirt jacket for men), hopefully, you feel the same way. On that note, let’s talk some of the best fall boots — and from an unlikely source, at least until recently: Billy Reid. You see, the famed Alabama-based menswear designer, one of my favorite brands and menswear companies, period, hadn’t made footwear in recent years — that all changes now though, with two classic styles that should cover plenty of style scenarios.

Learn more now at Billy Reid

Billy Reid footwear now includes both a sleek pair of leather moto boots and a stylish pair of chukka boots, and you can certainly look for much more on two of the best pairs of shoes for men this weekend on the blog (hint, hint). I don’t know about you, but it’s an exciting prospect that one of the best menswear designers in the country is now making some of the best men’s boots — it’s almost worthy of a toast, don’t you think?

And a toast or two was once again the focus of my week, as I trekked to the lovely, rolling hills of Kentucky and Bourbon Country itself. The mission? Visit the historic Castle & Key Distillery outside Lexington as part of my spirits and freelance writing pursuits, a trip that included a tour of its famed grounds and plenty of sipping on Castle & Key Restoration Rye.

Pick up some Castle & Key rye whiskey now

Speaking of rye whiskey, you should also check out my latest Maxim.com feature on an excellent new rye whiskey from the spirits innovators at BHAKTA. But in the meantime, back to Castle & Key.

We also visited charming Lexington restaurants like Eppings on Eastside, and spent a very memorable day sipping bourbon and watching horse racing at the iconic Keeneland race track. Consider this just a taste of what’s to come regarding this heralded, fast-growing spirits company.

Add Castle & Key whiskey to your bar cart

It was once again another reminder that I’m so fortunate to do what I do, be it covering menswear on this very blog or trekking around the country visiting the best distilleries and menswear factories in the business.

For now, I’m going to put some Billy Reid men’s boots on my wish list, and later, I’ll be enjoying some Castle & Key bourbon on a crisp fall night. I hope you consider doing the same! Cheers, and thank you for reading!

by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: Relwen’s Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket is The Best Shirt Jacket to Buy Now

When the hour draws nigh to layer up in perfectly rugged style, you need the right pieces at hand, which certainly applies for plenty of the best fall style essentials from the fine purveyors at Huckberry. Of course, if you pass through the pages of this blog on the regular, you’re no stranger to the San Francisco and Austin-based brand’s penchant for stocking and selling adventure-ready gear that pulls its weight in terms of style and utility. And that brings us to today’s standout pick, the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket.

Shop shirt jackets and more at Huckberry

Based in Columbus, Relwen has long been a Huckberry fan favorite, with a focus on old-school classics made modern. That includes everything from the best thermal crewneck shirt to lightweight-yet-warm quilted popovers to durable hybrid blazers and the shirt jacket (or “shacket”) in question today.

Relwen men's shirt jacket review.

The Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket is built with an almost ridiculous amount of wearability for brisk fall weather, finished with a cotton flannel twill exterior that’s then lined with polyester twill and insulated with recycled polyester. Still with me on that? Good, because the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket is as hard-wearing as it gets for fall.

Best fall shirt jacket for men.

It also uses durable spring-snap front-button hardware throughout, which aids in durability and makes it easier to use those buttons in case you’ve added a pair of the best gloves for men to your fall or winter #OOTD. And like other gear picks from Huckberry, the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket doesn’t skimp on style points. These are outfitted with Huckberry-exclusive colorways and contrasting liners, for starters.

Shop shirt jackets at Huckberry now

It comes in four handsome plaid varieties, each of which would wear well with casually rugged fall style essentials like the best blue jeans for men and the best brown leather boots. All that’s missing is your new favorite henley as a base layer, and you should be all set for whatever fall throws your way. That’s the Huckberry promise, and the Relwen Quilted Flannel Shirt Jacket certainly delivers.

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket is Built for Anything This Fall

Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket review.

If you peruse the pages of this blog with any regularity, you know that there are certain brands I’m all about — certain brands with proven pedigree, performance, heritage and style. I’d wager you’ve got your own list of personal favorite brands, so here’s hoping the fine folks at Filson have a worthy spot within your own ranking.

Learn more now at Filson

It’s hard to single out just one item among Filson’s lineup of rugged menswear fit for fall and winter, but let’s start with the Filson Tin Cloth Jacket. It’s the stuff of legend, with a waxed exterior and an iconic trucker jacket design that can go the distance.

Beyond that, the weather-resistant Tin Cloth fabric is as tough as it gets — that toughness makes it the ideal material to turn into a new Filson men’s jacket, like the Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket. It’s but the latest and greatest jacket from the Pacific Northwest brand, and surprisingly enough, it’s a new entry to the entire lineup.

Filson Tin Cloth Jacket.

How so, you ask? Well, Filson took the design from its archives, where they found a wool jacket cut in a similar style. To get from point A to point B, they drummed up that legendary Tin Cloth material to end up with the hard-wearing Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket. The rest, you might say, is history — or at least, it will be as this jacket establishes itself among Filson’s menswear essentials for rugged style.

Filson men's jackets for fall.

Oversized, reinforced snap pockets provide critical space for your EDC and for any small tools you need for your fall to-do list, while the wool collar delivers standout warmth on chilly days. The Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket hits at the hip, so it should prove slightly longer than the original Tin Cloth Jacket.

Plus, its sleeves are lined in polyester (that lining means the sleeves of your flannel shirt or henley won’t snag as you put the jacket on). It’s a no-fuss, no-frills, tough-as-nails jacket in a timeless Dark Tan color — suffice to say, the Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket should prove worth the nearly $350 price tag. Can’t get enough Filson? You’re in luck with this jacket, because it’s a new heirloom classic.

by Beau H.

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!

by Beau H.

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!