See Now, Buy Now: The Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Is the Perfect Layer for Summer Nights

Huckberry

A rugged, timeless classic — fit for layering on summer nights and keeping in your rotation come fall.

Ahh, yes. Summer time. The living is easy, the beer is cold, and the Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket rests comfortably on your shoulders as you hit the road for another trip. What’s that? You don’t have the Denim Trucker Jacket from Flint and Tinder in your closet yet? Let’s change all that — ASAP, preferably. It’s darn near essential for a well-dressed guy like yourself to have a classic denim jacket on hand, especially in the summer months. Light layers reign supreme, and the Denim Trucker Jacket from Flint and Tinder is one piece you can throw on with virtually anything, particularly as you head out on a summer trip or another happy hour (tough life, I know). A rugged denim jacket can be the outer layer you didn’t know you needed — it’s casual, it’s cool and the Denim Trucker Jacket in particular has hip pockets and a button-flap chest pocket, all the better for storing your everyday carry.

A classic American style staple, made in the U.S.A.

Featuring stretch cotton denim and a cool-as-can-be light wash, the Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket takes the cake in terms of a reliable layer on chilly summer nights — or breezy days, for that matter. Wear it over a classic indigo shirt with khaki chinos for a dose of go-anywhere casual style, and feel free to pair the Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket with a rugged merino henley, black jeans and tough brown leather boots for a rock concert or music festival — that’s just for starters, mind you. The essential and cool-as-heck styling potential of the Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket is nearly limitless. It’s going to look excellent with a white slub T-shirt and olive chinos — plus classic suede chukka boots — for a weekend brewery visit. Heck, the Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket will even work as a blazer replacement when worn with slim tan chinos, a white Oxford and stylish brown leather dress shoes at the office — I’m serious about that, folks. And if you’re serious about looking great no matter the summer style scenario, do yourself a favor and snag the Denim Trucker Jacket from Flint and Tinder. Let’s go!

Tell me: How would you wear the Flint and Tinder Denim Trucker Jacket? Tell me on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

See Now, Buy Now: Your Next Oxford Shirt Is Made in America by Flint and Tinder

Flint and Tinder

Just one way to wear the stellar, remarkably well-made Flint and Tinder Oxford via Huckberry.

If there’s a shirt that stylish guys like you and me could — or should — wear everyday, it’d be the classic Oxford shirt. And luckily for you and me, the latest entry in The Style Guide’s See Now, Buy Now series fits the bill quite perfectly; it’s simply a piece that should likely buy, well, right now.  We last talked about stylish wingtip boots for fall, and the astonishingly well-made, well-fitting and great-looking Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford is assuredly next in line as you plan out your fall style wish list. Call it the changing of the seasons or the soon-to-be-changing color palette in nature, but as we look toward fall (and rugged fall style), yours truly is quite partial to the Flint and Tinder Charcoal Oxford . It’s worth noting that each of these classic Oxford shirts is stylish as heck, though. From the can’t-go-wrong light blue Flint and Tinder Oxford to the brand’s crisp white Oxford shirt, each can go just about anywhere (and it’s absolutely an asset that either one would team well with a pair of American-made denim from the fine folks at F&T).

And it’s certainly just as beneficial that they’ve found the right company to make these durable, modern-fitting Oxford shirts — a family outfit by way of El Paso that’s dialed in the slim-but-not-tight fit and well-crafted fabric (wearable even in the summer). Having checked out the Charcoal Oxford Shirt seen above, I can certainly vouch for this line through and through. Yes indeed, Flint and Tinder Oxford shirts check all of the boxes in your search for the perfect Oxford shirt. Able to team with a lightweight cotton sweater and slim chino shorts in the weeks ahead, and just as ready to wear under a crunchy tweed blazer alongside … you guessed it, rugged wingtip boots in the fall and winter. Oh, and they’re positively perfect in any color you pick up. When you find a shirt that great, it deserves your time, attention and dollars. True? True.

Is the Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford the shirt for you? Let me know in the comments below!

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Polos for Men to Buy Now

If you’ve been feeling a little over this whole “summer” thing — sick of the heat and such — I’m here to tell you that there’s style salvation in the form of the best polos for men to buy now. Yes, I’m talking to you. More laidback than your favorite dress shirt, easier to  wear in the heat than a long-sleeve chambray shirt and more crisp than a plain T-shirt, the polo is the perfect summer go-between in terms of #menswear moves. You can certainly get away with wearing a well-fitting polo to the office to beat the heat in style (I’m partial to an option like the Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt, personally).

And when you want to just grab a shirt and go — yet don’t want to look like you woke up five minutes before brunch — a versatile, slim polo shirt can team with your favorite weekend looks. That means everything from tan chinos and leather loafers to light wash denim and classic summer sneakers are fair game. You can’t just throw on any old polo and hustle out the door, though. The key in shopping for a stylish summer polo revolves around searching for a fabric that’s lightweight and breathable, yet textured and visually interesting. And in terms of fit? Look for a polo that cuts out excess fabric and fits a bit like the polo worn by James Bond in “Casino Royale.” You can dig it, right? Feel free to shop these picks below, chime in on Twitter and check out my Instagram account for summer style moves galore. Are you ready? Let’s go.
Timex

#1. La Paz Leao Polo — $91.98

An easygoing polo made out of comfortable fabric for a great fit.

Blending breezy and continental style with a versatile color and excellent fabric, the La Paz Leao Polo is the kind of laidback shirt that almost wears more like a T-shirt. With its terry fabric construction, it’ll feel like it, too. That doesn’t mean you can’t dress it up with a lightweight navy blazer, though. Yet, bear in mind that it might look best when worn on a beach or around a bonfire with chinos and a cold Corona. Wishful thinking? I sure hope not.

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#2. Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Polo in Navy OR Black$68

Two colors, the same great fit and breathable French terry fabric.

Surely, you’re not sick of reading about Flint and Tinder yet, are you? The brand excels in many a category, making them a Style Guide favorite for plenty of reasons. And the brand’s line of quick-selling Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit polos? Well, they’re not to be overlooked at all. Featuring the modern-yet-accessible fit for which the brand is known, plus airy Supima cotton construction, either the Navy Supima Air Knit Polo or the more sleek Black Supima Air Knit Polo would be a great pick. Pair either with slim off-white chinos and light blue canvas sneakers from SeaVees.

#3. Criquet Shirts Performance Player’s Shirt — $94 OR Criquet Shirts Player’s Shirt — $79

Another brand offering you multiple options and plenty of bang for your buck.

We’re going with not one, but TWO options from the excellent folks at Criquet Shirts.  The brand’s philosophy is simple — no-frills, no-fuss, classic polos with a  reliably tailored fit, organic fabrics and cool looks. The Player’s Shirt is perhaps the style for which the brand is most well-known, what with its crisp collar and array of color options. And the Performance Player’s Shirt? It’s the same fit and styling details as the Player’s Shirt, yet it features TransDRY technology to wick away sweat and moisture. Perfect for taking from the green to drinks afterward — just as Criquet Shirts would want it, really.
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#4. Mack Weldon Vesper Polo in Denim/Total Eclipse Blue OR Rum Swizzle Pocket$68

A tailored fit plus micro-mesh fabric and plenty o’ great color options — the Mack Weldon Vesper Polo is an easy winner.

Surely, you all know Mack Weldon quite well — right? The Mack Weldon Vesper Polo proved a big hit last summer (at least in the eyes of this style writer), and the brand has expanded its color offering in the easy-to-wear style since then. What does that mean for you? That means more chances to get an affordably priced polo made from a micro-mesh fabric. Yes indeed, Mack Weldon has once again outdone themselves — I’d wear the Denim/Total Eclipse Blue option with light grey chinos and white slip-on sneakers to your next happy hour.

#5. J. Crew Garment-Dyed Polo Shirt — $45

No set of shopping picks is complete without J. Crew — agreed?

Is it a polo roundup if you don’t include a classic, casual and wearable option from J. Crew? Not quite. For all of the brand’s woes, they still can make an expertly broken-in polo or tee — this garment-dyed option (which has sold quite quickly) nails the balance between breezy and dressed-down. The blue color of this particular option would be a natural fit with rolled white denim and perhaps some classic suede chukka boots.

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Here we are at the end of another Online Shopping Picks entry. Remember this: If you start with the right fit — crisp and tailored — and the right fabric (breathable and comfortable), you won’t go wrong when it comes to finding your new favorite summer polo. If you want style that’s fit for kicking back on the beach, the La Paz Leao Polo is a prime pick — if a bit of an investment. If that’s not quite your speed, either of the handsome, slim-fitting Mack Weldon Supima Air Knit polos should set you on the right path to ideal summer style.  Still shopping? Don’t sleep on the comfort and affordability you get when you pick up a Criquet Shirts polo. I’m partial to the Criquet Shirts Player’s Shirt, so … maybe you should be, too? I kid, I kid. At any rate, standout brands like Mack Weldon and J. Crew definitely have a plethora of options from which to pick.  If you’d like to hear more selections — or if you need guidance on which one to buy — catch up with me on Twitter — I won’t let you down, promise.

Until we shop again — thanks for reading!

-Beau

#OOTD: How to Dress for the Fourth of July This Year

It’s tough to believe it, but it’s here — the Fourth of July, that is. It’s a bit of an oddly timed holiday this year, falling on a Tuesday and all. But rest assured, your Style Guide team of one has still got some prime #menswear for you to check out, purchase and wear this year.  I’ll be looking forward to a day spent hanging out around Brooklyn — and perhaps a trip to Coney Island. If you’ve got similar plans on the books (be it a day at the beach or a backyard barbeque), I’m willing to bet that you’re going to want to dress in laidback, casual summer style. That’s why we’re using this opportunity to pull together a lot of sesasonal essentials you likely already have in your closet. From a slim pair of chino shorts to a stylish chambray shirt and classic summer sneakers, dressing in style for the Fourth of July really has never been easier. It’s all about finding the proper fit, sharp colors and mobile, versatile style — no matter where  the day takes you. I’d love to hear how you’ll be celebrating the day and what you think of the following list of summer style essentials — shoot me a quick Tweet on Twitter, if you so please.  And follow me on Instagram to see how I’m styling my gear leading up to and on the holiday.

Florsheim

Taking style staples you’ve already got in your closet, pulled together in one casual, laidback and good-looking ensemble.

The Shirt: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt, $68 — Peruse the pages of this site much? Surely, you recognize the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt from our Style Pick of the Week series — with a cool pattern and breezy fabric, it looks better than a plain T-shirt for the day.

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The Sweatshirt: Flint and Tinder Pocket Pullover, $78 — Because it’s liable to get breezy in the evening, you need an American-made pullover from Flint and Tinder — it’s anything but your average sloppy hoodie.
The Shorts: Finisterre Coverack Shorts, $72.98 — Casual, slim chino shorts are the perfect move here — especially ones made in a versatile color and hard-wearing fabric. First seen in our guide to the best shorts f0r summer.
 Frank And Oak
The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Standard, $78 — Whether you’re manning the grill, strolling the boardwalk or hanging out with friends around a campfire, breezy, stylish summer sneakers from SeaVees are much-needed.
The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack), $30 — With casual summer sneakers on your feet, durable no-show socks remain a must. Arvin Goods is, quite simply, the brand to buy.

Nautica

The Holiday Essential: Bespoke Post Chill Box, $55  – Yes indeed, I’m calling the Bespoke Post Chill Box a holiday essential — crucially, the Chill Box comes with a durable Hudson Sutler Cooler Bag and two portable pils glasses. Nothing better.

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98 — Available in a plethora of color options, the well-made, easy-to-wear and American-made Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is the perfect hat to throw on your noggin in the sun.

Ben Sherman

The Watch: Timex Archive Waterbury United 38mm Watch, $110 — Last but certainly not least, a durable, handsomely crafted and vintage-inspired timepiece is just the right way to accent this casual get-up. Just don’t spill any beer on it, ehh?

With that stylish Timex watch, we’ve put the capper on our latest #OOTD. Do you know what you’ll be wearing for the Fourth of July? I’ll be dressed in much the same way, and looking forward to an easygoing afternoon with friends — dressed to grill out, of course. Similarly stylish gear will serve you well no matter where you go. Critically, the  United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt  personifies wining summer style to a T, while  slim chino shorts from Finisterre should round out your ensemble nicely. Any time you get the chance to pick up  Flint and Tinder gear — like the Pocket Pullover seen above — you should take it. I’d wager that F&T pullover will be perfect for many a summer evening. Throw on some durable no-show socks and classic SeaVees sneakers, too — and you certainly shouldn’t forget the thirst-quenching Bespoke Post Chill Box to keep your guests happy. All set and ready to go? Before you hit the road, be sure to do so with a stylish leather weekender in tow.

Those are all the tips I’ve got in my bag of tricks today, folks. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

Sutro Shoes Inc.

#OOTD: The New Chambray Shirt to Wear This Season

Join us today for another entry in the #OOTD series. If you want to know all about the new chambray shirt to wear this season … it’s your lucky day. From upgrading your pocket tee to wearing a patterned shirt the right way, we’ve certainly covered a lot of ground in all matters spring style — and we’re continuing to do so today, with both sustainability and great looks in mind. Indeed, in the same way that a chambray shirt can work handsomely with a rugged shawl-collar cardigan in winter or a waxed trucker jacket in the fall,  so too can it work in the spring — namely, with a little less fabric in the sleeves. That’s where the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt comes into play. You might recognize it from a recent Style Pick of the Week entry, and it’s taking center stage now (it’s also been a hot seller via Huckberry, so I’d look to slim short-sleeve chambray shirting from Old Navy to replicate this look). That being said, let’s get to the most important part — your purchase of this shirt helps remove a pound of trash from oceans and waterways, part of the brand’s commitment to the environment. And why should you buy it? Plenty o’ reasons. It features a neat mini-plus sign pattern — just eye-catching enough — and a reliably tailored fit (no baggy shirts — who’s with me?). Both of those features make it perfect for everything from exploring Brooklyn to heading out on a weekend coffee date — and it also can team up with slim tan chinos and a pair of stylish men’s dress shoes for  summer half-day at the office (and happy hour afterward). Alright, so that’s the shirt to wear this season — but what to wear it with? Stick around for the below #OOTD. Stay stylish!

Pairing a cool chambray shirt with slim five-pocket pants, a lightweight bomber and simple sneakers — not bad at all.

The Shirt: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt, $68 — See, we told you this shirt would look great — right? It’s the ideal way to start a spring style ensemble — slim, unique and ready for just about anything.

The Jacket: Public Rec Apparel Crosstown Bomber, $129 — For those spring and summer evenings when it gets a bit breezy, the Public Rec Apparel Crosstown Bomber is the perfect weight and the perfect silhouette.

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Earth, $98 — Are you sick of hearing about Flint and Tinder yet? Not quite? Good. The Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Earth should prove tough, versatile and perfect for situations casual and slightly dressier — particularly alongside the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt.

The Sneakers: Dr. Scholl’s Rythms Sneaker in Grey Nubuck, $89.99 — For a bit of monochromatic style up against the Public Rec Apparel Crosstown Bomber, reach for affordable, crisp and classic grey sneakers.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — Because every pair of stylish spring sneakers deserves great socks, get this two-pack of tough (literally) no-show socks.

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch, $205 —  Tough, rugged and yet refined at the same time, the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand Watch is your answer to that age-old question: “What watch do I wear with this outfit?”
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The Sunglasses: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $145 — Blending retro style with a decent price and great quality, the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses are a great pick-up in advance of summer — truly.

The Everyday Necessity: Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, $134.98 — More than $130 for a leather tote? Well, when it’s an extraordinarily high-quality bag that looks smart alongside your everyday carry, you should give it a shot.
Sutro Shoes Inc.

OK — all ready to wear your new favorite chambray shirt for spring and summer? Of course you are. The building blocks of this outfit are essentials every guy should have in his closet — the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt is just the beginning. It should look right at home alongside a versatile pair of pants like the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Earth. And simple grey sneakers are a nice complement to a casual spring jacket — the Public Rec Apparel Crosstown Bomber is the jacket you need now. Make no mistake, on-point accessories are also clutch — the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses could be your new go-to pair of shades, while the Nisolo Lori Leather Tote is a reliable and simple way to carry around your goods. All set for this season’s adventures? I know I am!

As always — stay stylish,

-Beau

#OOTD: Upgrade Your Henley This Season

If the title of today’s #OOTD has you scratching your head and asking,”Why are we talking rugged henleys in spring?” … bear with me here. After all, there’s really no reason that a slim henley — the style essential every guy should have — isn’t fit for the warmer temps of spring. The key with today’s ensemble involves re-thinking how you wear your henley. While the crisp temperatures of fall and early winter call for layering your stylish henley with tough pieces like a waxed trucker jacket, the breezy days of spring call for a lighter approach all the way around. And that lighter approach starts with the henley itself — today’s well-made, well-crafted and lightweight Flint and Tinder slub henley is just the piece you need to switch up your spring layering game. It’s wearable with your favorite chinos, it works with slim selvedge denim and well … I’ll leave the rest of these tips for the remainder of this post. But again, think lighter colors and fabrics, think spring and get ready to buy your new favorite henley — or at least, steal some #menswear inspiration from this post. If you’ve got questions, I can be reached 24/7 on Twitter or via email — well, nearly 24/7. At any rate, shop away and enjoy!

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Flint and Tinder

We’re lightening up your spring henley and pairing it with classic staples fit for warm weather.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Slub Henley in Vintage Pewter, $58 — Just as I mentioned above, you can’t beat this Flint and Tinder slub henley, especially in a welcome, spring-like shade of pewter. The slub cotton is lightweight, breathable and ideal for layering — get on board with this one, folks.

The Jacket: Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Rinse, $70 — Does it get any more classic than a rugged denim jacket for spring? Particularly one in a crisp, dark wash as done by Levi’s? Buy this one now, and break it in a ton this season.

NORDSTROM.com

The Chinos: Abercrombie and Fitch Cropped Chino Pants in Cream, $68 — Want to really go for this whole spring style thing? Try pairing some light cream chinos with a similarly light henley — it’s monochromatic style that’s nicely broken up by the denim jacket.
Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Sneakers: Gola Classic Comet Plimsoll Trainers, $60 — Yours truly was pleasantly surprised to stumble across the crisp, sporty and vintage-looking Gola plimsoll trainers seen here — excellent looks, great styling potential and more than a century’s worth of British sporting heritage to back ’em up.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — If you’re rolling your chinos and sticking with classic spring sneakers, you’re bound to need effective no-show socks — like these Darn Tough no-shows.

The Belt: La Matera Corbina Belt, $145 — The similarly light colorplay between the chinos and that Flint and Tinder slub henley necessitates adding a shot of color and pattern — the La Matera Corbina Belt is the way to do it.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph, $118.98 —  When you’re pairing up rugged essentials like a classic denim jacket and a slim slub henley, you need an equally tough watch; the handsome Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph as seen here should be your go-to casual watch.

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Leatherback Writer, $74.98 — Never underestimate the importance of an essential everyday carry piece to stow everything from notebooks to pens & extra headphones — this is a good one to buy.

Beckett Simonon

Alright – that’s a wrap on this spring layering #OOTD. See, wearing a spring henley isn’t as difficult as it might seem — right? Hopefully? It’s admittedly taken some time for me to incorporate my beloved henleys into spring style ensembles, but I’m confident that if you start with a great Flint and Tinder slub henley, you’re going to be inspired to put together quite a few looks. Take a classic, inky blue denim jacket and pair up your new favorite henley with cream chinos, to start.  Sport-inspired sneakers can add a nice dash of color to any spring ensemble, particularly a more monochromatic outfit like this one. And you can never go wrong — never — with durable accessories like the Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph or the visually interesting La Matera Corbina Belt. Before you step out the door though, don’t leave behind a handy everyday catch-all like the This Is Ground Leatherback Writer. OK, all good? I, for one, am ready to get out and try a few spring-centric looks. Follow along on Instagram, and drop any questions via our comments section below.

Thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

Oxfords under $50 CAD_250x250

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Slub Henley

First off: Happy Saturday, folks! And welcome to this week’s Style Pick of the Week.  With spring style transitions fully underway, it’s high time we layered up accordingly — right? And if you follow this blog on the regular, you’ll recognize that the right way to layer up in style this spring likely starts with gear from Flint and Tinder — true, yes? That’s definitely the case with today’s Style Pick, the essential, rugged and brand-new Flint and Tinder Slub Henley. Here at The Style Guide, we (and by we, I mean myself) love the brand for its blend of American-made quality, rugged style and classic looks. From the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt to more casual pieces like the brand’s Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, they’re tough to beat in terms of wearability and great looks across the board.  And that’s why we’re going to bat today for the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley. This piece gets quite a lot right in terms of essential spring style, from the unique Pewter color — ideal for a monochromatic pairing with slim stone chinos — to the textured slub fabric that would nicely offset stylish suede Chelsea boots and light wash denim. Yes, it certainly is a nice addition to the Flint and Tinder marled henley collection — trust me on that one.  Maybe if you’ve got a closet full of rugged men’s henleys — as I do — you might question the merit of adding another one. And yet … I’d say you should give it a closer look.

Beckett Simonon

Flint and Tinder

Lightweight, garment-dyed cotton and a vintage-style collar — just what you need in a spring henley!

The Flint and Tinder Slub Henley has some unique styling details going for it in addition to the garment-dyed fabric and spring-friendly colorway. The three-button collar on the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley calls to mind a band-collar shirt — and of course, a band-collar shirt might just be the one shirt to add to your closet this season. It’s a slightly vintage look that would fit right in with dark blue selvedge denim and your favorite pair of worn-in leather boots.  And the good news is, the lightweight American cotton construction of the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley should provide some leeway in terms of spring layering — for example, a lightwash denim jacket and perhaps the famous Flint and Tinder 365 Pant could make for a nice weekend ensemble.
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On the other hand, you could easily slide it under a stylish chambray shirt for a spring bar crawl,  or pair it with a tough spring jacket — say, a field coat — for on-the-go wearability. And like other Flint and Tinder gear, you’re getting an agreeable price for truly excellent quality — $58 isn’t the worst price in the world for a piece that can be mixed and matched with a  lightweight navy blazer or a slim leather moto jacket in equal measure. Again, it’s tough to top Flint and Tinder gear across the board — let me know via the comments if you’re picking one up, or drop me a line on Twitter if you’ve got questions on how to style it. All good? All good.

Cheers and thanks for reading!

-Beau

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for A Spring Road Trip

Are you packed up for your next spring road trip? Or perhaps, your first of the season? If you’re still struggling with what to bring in your stylish weekender bag, your hard-working Style Guide team of one can help you with that today. Much like dressing for winter travel, gearing up for a day in transit — be it by plane, train or automobile — requires you to meet a few different style scenarios. You could be migrating from temperate, breezy conditions to sweltering heat, as I did on a spring road trip to Florida, or you could be going from a dressy day at the office to a casual vacation.  Either way, packing and traveling with versatility and crisp-yet-casual style in mind can only help you in the long run. So, the focus is on layering, solid fits, mobile fabrics and just a few spring style classics. Think you can handle all that? Hope so — and if you want to see a certain topic covered in this series, leave me a comment in my virtual suggestion box … on Twitter. OK, gear up and hit the road!

The Weekender Bag: Nisolo Leon Weekender in Chestnut — $397

Nisolo Leon Weekender

A beautiful mix of durable leather and excellent style.

As previously covered in our Style Pick of the Week series, there’s really no way you can go wrong with the handsome, supremely stylish and tough Nisolo Leon Weekender in Chestnut. Done up in rich brown leather and lined with tan cotton canvas, the Leon Weekender is a refined blend of style and functionality, and it’ll look just as great in any Instagram travel shots as it will sitting in your trunk or overhead compartment. Think of the Nisolo Leon Weekender as an investment in great taste, great looks and great adventures.

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The Bomber Jacket: La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond — $275

La Paz Ortigao Bomber

A unique shade of … well, almond, done up in a classic cotton bomber jacket.

We all need some stylish spring outerwear in our lives, right? That’s what you’re getting with the versatile, casual and well-made La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond. This 100 percent cotton bomber — featuring raglan sleeves to broaden your frame visually — is made in Portugal, hence the higher price tag. And lest you be wary of the Almond color, think of the lighter cream/off-white shade of the La Paz Bomber as being similar to a foray into white denim — a move that when done right, looks great. I have a sneaky feeling you’ll like the rest of the #menswear ensemble we pair it with, too.
Flint and Tinder

A classic navy polo, made with comfort and care from a solid brand.

The Style Guide editorial team — of one — sure does love Flint and Tinder. From rugged fall and winter outerwear like the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket to seasonal staples like the Flint and Tinder Moleskin Shirt and even the brand’s Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, they make something for every occasion and preference. And now, my fine gentlemen (and ladies!), I offer up the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo. Made with a tailored fit and in an essential color like navy, it’s a comfortable, breathable layering piece that does just fine sans jacket, too. 

The Pants: Iron and Resin Drifter Pant in Graphite — $50

Iron and Resin

The comfort of a drawstring waistband with the tailored look of chinos.

The vibe of this outfit so far screams comfortable, casual and put-together — not sloppy. So while you could feasibly reach for tailored sweatpants here, we’re going with another hybrid option — specifically, classic drawstring trousers from the fine folks at Iron and Resin. Featuring organic cotton with 2 percent stretch and a straight fit, these are perfect pants for travel, what with room to move and versatile looks that can take you from the road to dinner without missing a beat.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Sneakers: Johnston and Murphy Allister Lace-up — $145

A clean white sneaker from a brand known for its hard-wearing boots.

Who doesn’t love a pair of crisp, classic white sneakers for spring? Your Style Guide author surely does. And while you could certainly swap these white sneakers for something a little more polished — like refined suede Chelsea boots — the simple, clean silhouette of the Allister Lace-up works just as well.  The cushioned footbed should keep your feet comfortable for hours at a time, and there’s hardly a spring style combination more widely accepted than tailored chinos and white sneakers.

The Belt (To Pack): J. Crew Factory Washed Leather Belt — $24.50

No need to get too fancy when it comes to a leather belt to pack for weekend trips.

Packing up your Leon Weekender is going to require some planning. After all, if you’re only going away for a weekend, perhaps you can survive with only a brown leather belt — particularly if you’re wearing drawstring pants on one of those days. But, let’s say you also bring along some slim dark denim. Well, enter this affordable belt for classic style that’s wearable with everything from tough leather boots to the aforementioned white sneakers. It’s as simple as that.
Huckberry

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand — $205

A great-looking watch for a solid price — spring style on the go, without a doubt.

You didn’t think we forgot about including an essential leather watch, did you? Of course not. Just as with packing up only one belt, perhaps you can get through a weekend with just one watch — and if that’s your challenge, I’d humbly submit the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand as your watch of choice, amigo.  The folks at Jack Mason make watches that pull from a variety of influences, from flight to seafaring, and the handsome Aviator 3-Hand combines rugged good looks and crisp, classic style.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Griffin Socks — $8

Richer Poorer

Simple stripes and a nice. comfortable weight for spring.

If you’re going to drop some serious cash on a slim bomber jacket and a durable leather weekender bag, you might as well hang onto your spare change when it comes to buying socks, right? Fear not — Richer Poorer makes high-quality socks in a variety of fabrics despite the low price. Those options include the “Everyday Midweight” option seen here. Even better? They won’t look half-bad in terms of color and design when you take off your spring sneakers, either.

The Underrated Accessories: Hudson Suttler USA Dopp Kit — $49.98 AND Decibullz Custom-Fit Bluetooth Wireless Earphones — $119.99

A durable dopp kit and high-quality headphones — both great pieces to have handy on the road.

If you’ve been hunting for a stylish men’s dopp kit for a while now, end that search ASAP, because the Hudson Suttler USA Dopp Kit is here to save the day. Heavy-duty olive drab canvas sets this kit apart, as do small touches like leather zipper pulls. In short, it’s a much better way to carry your grooming essentials than a plastic bag. And who doesn’t need premium headphones, right? The kicker with Decibullz? These headphones can be molded to the shape of your ear, just like a mouthguard. If you need some music to listen to on your trip, might I recommend Lucius or Local Natives? Onward.

There are a lot of details to consider when packing up for a spring road trip. Starting with a durable, functional weekender bag like the Leon Weekender is as good a jumping-off point as any, however. And for travel that could start out chilly and end up warm, layering essentials like the La Paz Bomber should prove premium, well-made and versatile. The same can be said for a classic spring polo — enter the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Polo. Lest we leave behind any stylish travel accessories, don’t forget to pack a durable casual watch — certainly, the Jack Mason Aviator 3-Hand is the way to go. Clean white sneakers and grey Iron and Resin chinos also make for easygoing, high-low style, which is just what you want when on the road. And certainly, everyday carry pieces like the Hudson Suttler USA Dopp Kit are going to make your life a whole lot easier — and more stylish — when traveling. If you’ve got pieces you’d like to see added, or if you think this suggestion is just fine and dandy, leave a note on The Style Guide Facebook page.

See you on the road — stay stylish!

-Beau

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Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Quite possibly your new favorite winter shirt ... give it a try now.

Quite possibly your new favorite winter shirt … give it a try now.

OK, ready for the first Style Pick of the Week of 2017? Better be. The fine folks at Flint and Tinder have practically become an everyday go-to on The Style Guide (and in real life) for the brand’s blend of classic style, durability, functionality and plain old utility. From the much-loved Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket to the brand’s essential, comfortable Marled Henley Collection, you could practically outfit yourself head-to-toe in just F&T product. You’ll see more of this shirt in the coming weeks, but know that for now, the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt is another similarly versatile, excellent and well-made offering for your consideration (like, big-time consideration). Let’s start with the best part — it’s constructed in Texas at a family-owned factory, so you’re supporting quality production. And on the style end of the spectrum, everything’s coming up roses, too. A moleskin shirt is a bit unique — and that’s a great way to switch up your wardrobe. While the fabric is typically turned into excellent trousers this time of year, it’s time to shake it up and acquaint your top half with the useful, warm and flattering Moleskin Shirt — sold by the excellent folks at Huckberry , of course.

A unique color and the same great construction you've come to expect from Flint and Tinder and Huckberry.

A unique color and the same great construction you’ve come to expect from Flint and Tinder and Huckberry.

Available in a classic Navy color as seen at the top, the shirt also comes in a more unique Coffee color  or a cool Grey option, each made with the best fabric, construction and fit you can buy. The Coffee shirt in particular would nicely offset slim grey chinos and lighter brown boots — lest you’re wary of hanging up your favorite blue shirts. The fabric is, according to the brand, heavyweight, durable and tough — it’d be the perfect shirt to layer under a selvedge denim chore coat for a monochromatic look, or atop a long-sleeve henley for rugged style.  Although it’s got a classic button-down collar and chest pocket, just like your favorite Oxford, this shirt could feasibly serve as a shirt or a jacket depending on the frightful weather outside. The tailored fit should make it flattering to wear both tucked in and untucked — so you should feel free to try a bit of high-low style with rugged leather boots and perhaps … the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant? Told ya we loved us some Flint and Tinder on the blog. Of course, price should remain a consideration in any of your #menswear shopping endeavors — and for a shirt that’s USA-made, you can hardly get a better price than $89. Seriously, under $100 for a domestically made, warm, durable and versatile shirt? That’s as good as it gets when it comes to style upgrades for the new year.

How would you style the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt? Will it be joining your wardrobe anytime soon?
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Fort Myers Festivities: Celebrating a Florida Christmas

Dressed for Christmas the Florida way. Printed shirt by Quiksilver. Chambray shorts by Canvas by Lands' End. Ripper Sneakers by Reef. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason. Glasses by Frameri.

Dressed for Christmas the Florida way. Printed shirt by Quiksilver. Chambray shorts by Canvas by Lands’ End. Ripper Sneakers by Reef. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason. Glasses by Frameri.

When the holiday season hits, I tend to think back to Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons spent in Michigan — who doesn’t love traditions of years gone by? With those memories in mind, it’s been a fun process the past three years to start new traditions in my parents’ adopted home of Fort Myers, and I always welcome the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City for a warm and sunny Florida vacation. I traveled to Fort Myers last Christmas, and I get back every few months — including a recent visit for Thanksgiving — but it never gets old spending time in the sand and sun (especially when the alternative is dealing with a polar vortex in New York City).  Yes, the holiday season in Florida is always a treat, an adventure and a bit of a sight to behold — palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights looks a bit different. But it was great to be with family and friends, and I brought along as much stylish travel gear as I could pack.

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Gear fit for Florida and NYC. Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Kinzie Jeans by Mugsy Jeans. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Wallet by Brothers Leather.

Surviving a frigid day in New York City and capping that off with a flight to breezy Florida is no joke, so I wore gear that could stand up to both challenges (the rest, I packed in my trusty, durable Owen & Fred weekender bag — but you knew that, right?). Of course, my packing list looked a lot different than my winter weekend in Baltimore, but I stuck with the ever-versatile Taylor Stitch Jack in Indigo Star Shirt,for starters. It’s as reliable and well-fitting of a casual shirt you can buy, and it provided a nice bit of contrast to my light wash Kinzie Jeans — they’re the perfect travel denim from Mugsy Jeans.
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For the day in NYC, I layered up with the heritage-inspired, ultra-comfortable Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, and accented the sporty sweatshirt with my comfortable and casual Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers. They proved easy to slip on and off at the airport, and I’d wager they’ll work just as well for you the next time you travel. On the accessories front, I found my simple, effective (and unfortunately sold out!) Timex for J. Crew watch provided easygoing-yet-crisp travel style. And throughout my trip, I loved throwing on my vintage-inspired Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, a one-of-a-kind grey cotton flannel baseball cap with a navy felt “H” — for Huckberry, of course. So, that gear helped me make it to Florida in style — and it’s a good thing, as we had lots in store for Christmas weekend.

Looking out on a lovely day at Cayo Costa. Brando T-Shirt by Barking Irons. Swim Trunks by JackThreads. Gratton Sneakers by Fronteer. Expedition watch by Timex. Explorer's Cap by Huckberry. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches.

Looking out on a lovely day at Cayo Costa. Brando T-Shirt by Barking Irons. Swim Trunks by JackThreads. Gratton Sneakers by Fronteer. Expedition watch by Timex. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches.

Getting some quality time out and about on the Florida water was in order for an early Friday boat excursion through the waterways of Fort Myers, from Cayo Costa State Park to Cabbage Key — both scenic islands with ample beach space. I stuck with a combination of gear both new and old, starting with my durable-as-heck FRONTEER Super Gratton high-top sneakers. I wore them on my last Florida trip and found they provided comfort and serious durability. A breathable, vintage-inspired Barking Irons Brando G.I. T-Shirt, courtesy of the New York-based design and apparel company, helped me stay cool on the water. Inspired by infantry T-shirts from the Vietnam era, the little details — like the scalloped hem and raised sleeves — make it a great pick-up. Of course, my JackThreads Swim Trunks were just as needed for the day, with their trim fit and neutral navy color. And my crisp, classic Timex Expedition field watch  on a tough black NATO strap held up more than fine, as did my MVMT Watches Runaway Aviators and my stylish — yet adventure-ready — Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

With a day of exploration behind us and Christmas Eve ahead, it was time to look to the weekend. I did so with a mix of pieces both tropical-inspired — like my Quiksilver Sunset Tunnels Shirt — and my Canvas by Lands’ End shorts. Those pieces worked easily for a nice Christmas Eve dinner and some much-needed time in the sun. It felt slightly odd to not be bundled up on Christmas Eve as in past years, but some subtly stylish, comfortable black canvas Reef Ripper Sneakers helped me navigate the day in style, as did my Jack Mason Nautical 3-Hand Watch on a warm weather-friendly blue perlon strap. The watch, like the black canvas sneakers, proved just as stylish for exploring sunny Fort Myers as it did for grabbing a few brews and enjoy my family’s traditions — a classic Christmas Eve film and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Doesn’t get much better, ehh?

An amazing Christmas featuring some great men's style essentials (of course. Vintage-style cotton sweater by Hillflint. Book by Esquire. Chocolate by Toblerone.

An amazing Christmas featuring some great men’s style essentials (of course. Vintage-style cotton sweater by Hillflint. Book by Esquire. Chocolate by Toblerone.

With a delicious Christmas Eve dinner complete, I went to bed with visions of my #menswear wish list dancing in my head (indulge me, will you?).  I hope you were able to come through with key shopping pick-ups of your own, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what Santa left me under the tree this year. I was really lucky to get an amazing vintage Michigan State sweater from Hillflint — it’s a super-premium cotton knit piece that I’ll look forward to wearing on Saturday fall trips back to East Lansing and chilly weekends in NYC alike. I’m also looking forward to breaking out an amazingly high-quality Todd Snyder White Label dress shirt for New Year’s Eve, and I’ll be reminding myself of proper dress etiquette with Esquire’s “New Rules for Men,” a fun, informative and quick-hitting feature from the fantastic pages of the essential Hearst publication. I also snagged a great Ticketmaster gift card from Santa — so you can expect more live music and menswear in the coming year on the blog!  Needless to say, I’m definitely a fan of the Christmas season, and I’m very thankful for such a great day!

monday-travel-gear-edited

Comfortable, crisp style essentials. Chambray shirt by Old Navy. Alpha Stretch Khakis by Dockers. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather.

Given the need to put together a stylish New Year’s Eve outfit — not to mention those crucial menswear resolutions — I’m sure plenty of this gear will more than come in handy in the weeks ahead. Even moreso than those stellar gifts, it was a day that made me feel very lucky and grateful to spend it with my amazing family — that’s my true takeaway from this Florida trip (and of course, the added #menswear goodies will make it a bit hard to pack up for my flight home).  So with an overstuffed duffel bag packed for later this week, I reached for sharp essentials for another day today in Florida, starting with a classic Old Navy chambray shirt — casual but still crisp. And my Flint and Tinder Pocket T-Shirt proved a comfortable base layer. Because great style doesn’t stop with your top half, I reached for my slim-fitting, easily wearable Dockers Alpha Stretch Khakis and my  Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers. When the occasion calls for simple style, I’d wager you’ll do just fine with similarly versatile, do-everything pieces like a classic chambray shirt and chinos.

So, what’s on the docket for the rest of the week? Definitely some rest, some reflection before 2017 and yes, plenty of planning for a stylish New Year’s Eve in New York City. You can stay tuned for business as usual tomorrow, starting with a winter style #OOTD, and continuing right on through to what to wear to ring in the new year via Wednesday’s style suggestion. Oh, and if you didn’t enter last week’s men’s lifestyle giveaway, do so before the 28th to win a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card and get a jump on those fitness goals. At any rate, thanks so much for reading along — I hope you’ve had a stellar holiday season, and I hope you’re ready for lots more menswear on The Style Guide. Thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

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