May 24, 2017May 14, 2017 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Shirts to Buy For Summer

Quick, look at what you’re wearing. And if it’s not a stylish shirt for summer, I don’t know what to tell ya. Luckily, we here at The Style Guide can help today. While we’ve talked about the best transitional jackets for men, we haven’t quite gotten around to talking about what to pair with that jacket on breezy summer nights or rainy summer days — yet, we’re checking off that box today. After all, what are you going to wear when hauling your daily everyday carry in a stylish messenger bag? A great summer shirt, that’s what. Yes indeed, simply designed, subtly stylish and well-made shirting is the way to go. Whether you go with a vibrant patterned shirt or a laidback classic Oxford, you really can’t go wrong. You’ll absolutely recognize the brands on this list, from Abercrombie and Fitch to Mott and Bow (they make shirts now!) and classic brands like Grayers. It’s a full set of tried-and-true brands that can easily go just about anywhere you want this season — be that planning for a Memorial Day weekend trip or picking out to gear to wear to the beach this summer. If it’s easygoing versatility you seek, look no further. See how I style my own favorite spring shirts over on Instagram, and keep up with my writing on Twitter in the meantime. Now, onto the picks!

#1. Outerknown Shibui Short-Sleeve Essential Shirt — $175

A unique shirt with head-turning style and sustainability in mind.

If at first you found yourself balking at that price, bear with me here. Outerknown is the brain child of pro surfer Kelly Slater — a legend in the water who’s shown a knack for successfully launching a standout brand. Outerknown proves that sustainability and style can go hand-in-hand — it’s a premium approach that results in the price tag you see above, but the Outerknown Shibui Short-Sleeve Essential Shirt really is too good to pass up when it comes to unique-yet-versatile style. Wear this shirt with stylish shorts or slim swim trunks and definitely team it with slim light wash denim on weekends galore.

#2.Abercrombie & Fitch Garment-Dyed Oxford — $39

A shirt that calls to mind the Oxfords of years past, made with excellent fabric.

Ladies and gentlemen, you might recognize this shirt from my Instagram or indeed, from my Spring Style Wish List. The folks at Abercrombie and Fitch were kind enough to send it along as a gift, and I can certainly recommend it to you in good faith. This one calls to mind a well-worn favorite shirt, what with its garment-dyed fabrication. The colorway is just different enough from a plain white Oxford, and that makes it the type of shirt that works just as well with black denim at a rock concert as it does with grey chinos at the office.

#3. Mott and Bow Graham Slim Buttondown Shirt — $79.98

A pleasing color and slim fit make this new Mott and Bow shirt a must-have.

Entry number three on our list of the best men’s shirts for summer comes at you via Mott and Bow — lest you thought they only made your favorite pair of classic blue denim, they recently introduced a line of soft, premium and well-constructed denim shirts. The Mott and Bow Graham Slim Buttondown Shirt in particular features a pleasing dark blue wash, exceptionally soft and breathable fabric, and the type of casual style that would work well for exploring Brooklyn (among other pursuits).

#4. Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt — $79.98

A reliable upgrade to your classic Oxford, with plenty of style points and exceptional quality built in.

Everyone needs a reliable Oxford in their closet, even in the summer — yes? It’s the type of shirt to pair with everything from a classic pocket tee to your favorite lightweight navy blazer, and you can wear it in all style situations. That goes for casual Friday and that certainly rings true for a weekend coffee date. So, why the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt? Well, folks — Grayers uses some of the best fabric in the business, and that means the Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt is a reliable layer on breezy beach nights and early mornings alike.

#5. Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy — $79 OR La Paz Leao Polo — $115

Two polo shirts for the picking, both made with soft fabric and featuring slim fits.

Because it wouldn’t be summer without a smattering of classic polos in the mix, I’m pleased to present to you not one, but two slim and well-made polo shirts for the season. The Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy upgrades the brand’s classic Player’s Shirt with a sharp silhouette and soft fabric — as you might recall from this #OOTD on how to wear light wash jean. And as to the La Paz Leao Polo? Well, my loyal Style Guide readers … it features French terry construction, a reliable fit and Portuguese-made construction. Not bad at all, ehh?

Alright, thanks for the applause. Wait, you are cheering, right? When picking out a summer shirt, the same exact keys apply as they do the rest of the year — start with quality and comfort, plus a great fit. That’s where reliable polo options like the Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy and the La Paz Leao Polo perform so admirably. And if it’s sustainability and eco-friendly style that you see, the Outerknown Shibui Short-Sleeve Essential Shirt is going to be your best friend for barbecues and beyond. And for seasonal versatility — and again, great quality — the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt is the way to go. Of course, don’t rule out a classic Abercrombie and Fitch Oxford, either. It’s certainly tough to narrow any list down to just five, so let me know of any picks I missed via the comments section. Excited to see what y’all come up with!

And as always — stay stylish.

-Beau

December 27, 2016December 18, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Layer Up This Winter

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

So, first things first — I hope y’all had a great Christmas. I know I enjoyed spending mine with family in lovely, sunny Florida (you can check out the full trip recap here). And with that being said, it’s time to get back to dressing for a decidedly colder NYC winter — perhaps it’s chilly where you are as well, and if that happens to be the case, well … The Style Guide is here to help with the latest entry in our #OOTD series. We’ve discussed casual cold-weather style moves this fall and winter, from dressing for a weekend coffee date to layering up with a crewneck sweater. The below #OOTD builds on that approach with a bit more tailored flair. It seems there re a myriad number of ways to go about dressing for a cold day — either on the weekend or during the week — but what about when you feel like mixing more formal pieces into a casual ensemble? Say, when dressing for Sunday brunch and a stroll around town, or a nightcap at your favorite local watering hole — times when you could wear jeans but, well, don’t quite feel like it. We’ve all been there, right? The below #OOTD mixes in picks that are both classic and casual, durable and slightly dressier. I won’t ruin all the fun, though — the entire #menswear ensemble is below. As always, your comments are appreciated and welcomed — seriously!

A mixture of rugged and refined pieces for winter layering.

The Jacket: Grayers Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka, $225 — The jacket in this look — available via the fine folks at Huckberry — is exhibit A when it comes to a heritage-inspired, yet surprisingly versatile, piece. And if you live in a more temperate climate, the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket also works in this instance.

The Shirt: JackThreads Plaid Poplin Shirt, $39 — The great folks at JackThreads do casual shirting as well as anyone in the business, and this slim-fitting plaid shirt provides a welcome pop of winter-friendly color. You could always throw on something like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt if it’s particularly cold.

The Pants: JACHS NY Navy Herringbone Suspender Pants, $125 — This is the part of the ensemble where high-low style comes into play — these nicely tailored cotton herringbone pants feature an eye-catching windowpane pattern that’s just different enough from the large plaid shirt to work.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt in Hickory, $99.98 — First off, why a belt with suspender pants? Well, it’s nice to have the option, and not everyone owns a pair of suspenders — ya dig? And if you’re going to invest in a beautiful brown leather belt, one from Tanner Goods is the way to go.

The Boots: Thorogood Dodgeville Boots in Cognac, $375 — Maybe it’s just me, but I find it very hard to pass up a great pair of durable leather boots — and the Dodgeville Boots are equal parts handsome, tough and ready for situations both a bit dressier and more casual.

The Socks: United By Blue Ultimate American Sock, $29.98 — Lest we forget that it’s likely freezing outside when throwing on this outfit, you’re going to need tough, warm socks. The Ultimate American Sock has all the comfort you need.

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph, $158 — If you haven’t acquainted yourself with the ongoing Timex + Todd Snyder collaboration, this is a great time to start. This particular watch is tough, durable and handsome.

The Scarf: Abraham Moon for J. Crew Wool Scarf, $59.50 — Even right down to your accessories, you can add a few dressier touches. This beautiful plaid wool scarf plays nicely off the orange plaid shirt and the windowpane trousers — and it’s relatively affordable for the quality.

So, do you feel prepared to take on the cold? Maybe? Just a bit? I hope so. The key with dressing for cold winter days is mixing tried-and-true favorites with unique pieces — that is to say, it’s nice to be able to wear your favorite brown leather boots with something a bit more eye-catching, like the Grayers Montana Parka. Tough and rugged accessories like the reliable-as-heck United By Blue Ultimate American Socks are going to provide nice contrast to dressier pieces (like the J. Crew wool scarf), and you can hardly ever go wrong with a heritage-inspired leather watch from the likes of Todd Snyder. Don’t forget that you can mix and match these pieces during the work week, too — particularly the navy windowpane trousers. If you’ve got questions or feedback on this #OOTD, let’s hear it in the comments. Layer up and stay warm out there!

-Beau

November 7, 2016November 8, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Henleys to Buy Right Now

Editor’s note: Start your seasonal menswear shopping here.

So, we’re into November here on The Style Guide. There’s a chill in the air, the holidays are around the corner (crazy!) and maybe, just maybe, you’ve noticed a piece or two missing from your cold-weather wardrobe. Now, we talked tough denim shirts last week, and we’re talking another choice menswear essential today. You might have tough high-top sneakers and slim selvedge denim covered this season– maybe even a stylish fall cardigan — but what else are you going to layer it with? The answer’s pretty simple, and it’s one that comes up here often on this site. It’s rugged, it’s durable and it makes just about any guy look great – the essential long-sleeve henley, folks. While we’ve covered the best short-sleeve henleys and even took a stab at rounding up stylish henleys last fall, it’s high time for an update. The layering potential of a slim henley is such that you can pair it with a cotton peacoat, a V-neck sweater or underneath a chambray shirt without missing a beat. And if you get one that’s made with quality materials and attention to detail — like the picks below — you’ll have an easier and even more enjoyable time wearing it. Want to chime in on the conversation? Head over to The Style Guide Facebook page for a spell, or hit up Instagram for more.

#1. Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley — $62

One of the best henleys on the market, and sold by the great Huckberry team, to boot.

Our top pick here is almost too easy of a choice. Sold by the folks at Huckberry, the Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley is as good as it gets. With a unique, visually interesting four-button placket, a trim-yet-mobile fit and nicely marled mid-weight jersey fabric, it’s sure to become your new fall go-to. Heck, you could pair this stylish henley with a pair of Flint & Tinder selvedge denim and a rich suede bomber jacket for excellent style nearly any day of the week.

#2. Reigning Champ Long Sleeve Henley — $85

Made in Canada with all the reliable style details you could ask for.

Like Flint and Tinder, Reigning Champ knows a thing or two about reliable, well-crafted basics. Its Long Sleeve Henley is no exception, made from soft cotton in a seasonally appropriate olive color. It’s the type of henley to throw on underneath a chambray shirt, or on its own, with brown leather sneakers for a weekend coffee run. The raglan sleeves are a flattering touch that’ll broaden your shoulders, and a scalloped hem is another neat visual touch. It’ll also work nicely in the early days of spring — keep it around for the fall and beyond.

#3. Grayers Byron Double Cloth Henley — $59.98

Easygoing, essential and stylish. The Byron Double Cloth Henley definitely gets a lot right!

It’s only fitting that Grayers — so named for the flannel trousers worn casually by young British men in the ’50s — makes a heck of a nice henley. It nods to the style’s real-life sportswear roots, yet does so with the modern fit and excellent fabric that’s become a hallmark of the Grayers brand. The Byron Double Cloth Henley is lined with soft cotton jersey and features a heather slub fabric that’s the right weight and feel to team up with a Grayers blazer., for example. The price on the Double Cloth Henley isn’t half-bad for a quality layering essential, either.

#4. Alex Mill Indigo French Terry Mock Henley (Available via East Dane) — $125

Part sweatshirt and part henley — but there’s really no wrong way to wear this Alex Mill piece.

If you’re unfamiliar with Alex Mil, it’d be a wise bet to get acquainted. Particularly if you like ridiculously well-made basics that add a touch of continental flair, the French Terry Mock Henley is worth checking out. It’s made from, as the name would suggest, lightweight French terry fabric in a deep indigo wash — it’s part sweatshirt, part henley and stylish no matter how you slice it. Layer it over a classic blue Oxford or a tough chambray shirt for rugged-refined office style.

#5. Todd Snyder Classic Chambray Henley (Available via East Dane) — $125

An excellent mix of the heritage-inspired and the modern from Todd Snyder.

In the midst of his excellent work with collaborations like the Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, it’s easy to forget that Todd Snyder still makes excellent basics in his own right. The Classic Chambray Henley is virtually a classic Snyder piece, right up there with the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt. Why’s that? Well, it mixes classic sportswear touches — like a elongated placket and a modern fit — with neat chambray detailing at the collar. It’s a premium piece that’s so well-made, you could even get away with wearing it under a wool blazer in the colder months ahead.

Although plenty of people think of the henley solely as a casual piece, the above selections are well-crafted and feature enough visual detailing that they’d work quite well underneath a fall and winter blazer or a slim cardigan on a casual day at the office. And for the investment you’re making, it’s worth it to get as much wear out of it as possible. Pieces like the Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley are top of the line, made in American out of premium materials. And a hybrid piece like the Long Sleeve Henley from Reigning Champ mix in fall-appropriate color and texture. Those types of touches are exactly what you should be looking for in a stylish henley — and hopefully, the above picks are enough to get you started.

Until the next post — thanks for reading!

-Beau

The Style Guide

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Tag / grayers review

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Shirts to Buy For Summer

#OOTD: How to Layer Up This Winter

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Henleys to Buy Right Now