Editor’s note: To check out past Christmas Wish List posts, click here.
Alright, folks — you know the drill. In just a little over two weeks, Santa’s coming to town (yes, Santa!). And that hopefully means some stylish gifts for us menswear aficionados out there — but more importantly, some great time spent with loved ones. However, it can be pretty sweet undoubtedly to get just what you want under the tree. As to your humble style blogger over here — well, I’ve got my eye on some nice gear as well (just look at my Wish List Pinterest board for starters). Budgetary constraints definitely put some limits on these things the rest of the year, but a guy can dream … right? What’s on your Christmas Wish List?
#1. FRYE Company Grand Tall Lace Sneaker — $288
Antiqued leather and rawhide laces put these sneakers a cut above the rest.
If you follow this blog, you’re probably well-acquainted with the fact that I love me a great sneaker (particularly from Brooklyn’s own, uh, GREATS). And throughout the fall and winter, I find myself always on the hunt for a terrific high-top leather sneaker — the style just seems to go well with the heartier textures and colder weather of the season. FRYE is normally known for its rough-and-tumble boots, yet these sneakers look absolutely superb. The rich cognac color would pair well with black, grey or blue denim, and they look dressy enough to wear with a navy blazer and some burgundy cords, too. Alas, they’ll have to stay on the wish list for now.
#2. Apolis Wool Chore Jacket — $328
A versatile color and an updated take on a classic silhouette make this item worthy of the Christmas Wish List.
Yet another item that’s pricey yet drool-worthy, and that’s why it fills out the second spot on this list. Apolis has done a great job combining quality product and an emphasis on doing business the right way. They don’t lose any style points in the process — its outerwear across the board represents updated takes on classic workwear styles, and versatile options ike this olive chore jacket provide great styling potential. That goes for blue or black denim, or even light grey chinos. Its indigo jackets are frequent hot sellers as well, but I think this colorway would be just as versatile — can you hear me, Santa?
#3. Shinola Runwell 41mm Watch — $550
A football leather strap and a crisp dial are excellent finishing touches for a stellar timepiece.
A Shinola Runwell watch made my Christmas Wish List last year too, and a new Shinola Runwell watch from the American-made brand is more than worthy of inclusion in this year’s edition. Shinola has a penchant for watches of exceptional quality, on top of subtle design touches that create a pleasing overall package. The dark camel football leather strap is one such feature here. The black dial and gold numerals build off the crisp style for which the brand is known, and that 41mm case diameter hits the sweet spot. Again, taking notes Santa?
#4. JackThreads The Bomber — $149.50
Just one of the many Wish List-worthy items from JackThreads’ new menswear line.
Two jackets on one Christmas Wish List? Yes, sir — they’re both that great-looking. While this bomber jacket certainly isn’t as cost-prohibitive as the other items on this list, a buck-fifty is still a good chunk of change to throw down — and this is coming from a guy who loves his jackets. JackThreads has done a tremendous job launching its new menswear line, and it’s filled with modern updates on stylish essentials; one such example can definitely be seen here. This is the kind of jacket I might wear with a great henley and some slim denim on the weekends, or over a knit tie and chambray shirt to work.
#5. Todd Snyder Great Lakes Sweatshirt — $198
A touch of home in a stylish (and expensive) sweatshirt.
Just as Shinola nabbed a spot on this list for the second year in a row, so too does Todd Snyder. There’s something about the noted American menswear designer and his penchant for mixing heritage sportswear and contemporary fits, as he continually does with his collaborations with Champion. I have a soft spot for the Great Lakes Sweatshirt in particular, as I love visiting my home state of Michigan. The piece on its own is the epitome of a casual weekend sweater — stylish, versatile and made with what looks to be high-quality washed cotton. Can you ask for much more in a crewneck sweater?
So that about wraps up my Christmas Wish List for this year, although I can say in advance that I’ll certainly be looking forward to spending plenty of high-quality time with my family in sunny Florida in a few weeks’ time. And if in the meantime, one of these gifts ends up under the tree, I certainly wouldn’t be mad about it!
What’s on your Christmas Wish List? Any of the above picks?
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