Men’s Style Holiday Wish List 2016

Editor’s note: Be sure to check out last year’s Men’s Style Holiday Wish List as you shop around. Portions of this post use affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned. Thanks for supporting the brands that support The Style Guide!

If you peruse the pages of ye olde Style Guide regularly, you might recognize that your author is a big fan of the much-coveted style wish list. From a seasonal favorite — the rugged-leaning Fall Style Wish List — to holiday-centric picks like the ones below, it’s fun to shop around, look ahead and set goals. That is to say, the pieces featured below are definitely investment-worthy, often made with beautiful construction, quality materials and classic styling potential for the holiday season and beyond. It’s a favorite of mine to write, and hey, it’s fun to dream about what Santa might be putting under the tree this Christmas. You’ll recognize picks from Style Guide-approved digital sites like Huckberry and brands like Apolis, along with new picks sure to surprise, delight and possibly hurt your credit card. Not convinced? Read on below and drop us a note on The Style Guide Facebook page.

#1. Thorogood Dodgeville Boots in Cognac — $375

thorogood-boots

A handsome, rugged pair of boots made in America.

Who doesn’t love a pair of rugged leather boots? Very few, I’d say. And even fewer if the boots in question are the beautifully crafted, handsome-looking Thorogood Dodgeville Boots. They top this Wish List because, to be frank, last year’s Wish List featured leather sneakers at the top, and this year’s edition needed some refreshing — truly! Even more than that, they’re a unique change of pace from something like the Red Wing Iron Ranger — they’re unlined for a lighter weight and far less break-in time, and the Cognac color of the Dodgeville Boots should prove itself versatile, rich and investment-worthy — for you or someone else on your list.

Frank & Oak

#2. Todd Snyder Suede Quad Jacket in Tobacco — $1,595

A simply stunning jacket that's unique, premium and yes ... expensive.

A simply stunning jacket that’s unique, premium and yes … expensive.

So, first things first: Wow. Just … wow. That jacket is something else! And were it not for your author’s love of rugged, durable boots, it would top this list. Now, is it realistic to spend more than $1,500 on a jacket for yourself? Ehh… not really. That’s why it’s on the Wish List, though — it reflects the type of premium approach to heritage staples that Todd Snyder has perfected. From the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt to the stunning Suede Quad Jacket, each piece is worthy of the purchase price in its own way. This upgraded hybrid field jacket is one you should wear as much as you can — with a shirt and tie, over a marled henley and out to Sunday brunch this holiday season.

#3. Lum-Tec Special Edition Combat B30 Bronze Watch — $899.98

Uniquely durable, well-designed and long-lasting -- a beautiful watch for your own wish list.

Uniquely durable, well-designed and long-lasting — a beautiful watch for your own wish list.

Yet again, another entry on this Holiday Style Wish List is a jaw-dropper — at least for this #menswear fan.  Of course, it’s a jaw-dropper in terms of price as well as looks — the Lum-Tec Special Edition Combat B30 Bronze Watch is the type of watch that’s somewhat rare, in that it’s built for the field and the office in equal measure thanks to its handsome profile. The bronze case will take on a unique patina over time, the Miyota automatic movement is one of the best around, and the Combat B30 Bronze Watch  comes with four heavy nylon straps — the interchangeability means it could be dressed up with a leather strap, too. So yes, it made my wish list pretty easily — how about yours?

#4. Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket — $178

A versatile, easy-to-layer and oft-coveted bomber jacket for the holiday style wish list.

A versatile, easy-to-layer and oft-coveted bomber jacket for the holiday style wish list.

Now, it’s somewhat rare that a piece like the Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket — more suited perhaps for fall than winter weather — makes a cold-weather style wish list. But then again, the Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket  is no ordinary bomber jacket. It’s tough, durable and fully ready for winter layering — it’s the rare bomber jacket that also nails the hybrid between casual and dressier style, so it could reliably stand in for a blazer atop a blue Oxford for unique (and toasty) looks. That’s what makes it a worthy addition to this list — the Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket is high-quality enough to hang with the best outerwear around, and versatile enough to work through the spring. Heck, you might want to gift it to someone — and then pick one up for yourself.

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A unique take on the trucker jacket in a winter-friendly fabric.

A unique take on the trucker jacket in a winter-friendly fabric.

We all love a versatile, durable denim jacket for the warmer months, right? And sure, you’ve got a tough waxed trucker jacket for the fall season. But what about when you need another casual layer during the chill of winter? Something to throw on underneath a slim topcoat or over a classic crewneck sweatshirt?  That’s exactly the type of jacket your friendly neighborhood menswear author had in mind when adding the Alta Wool Flannel Jean Jacket to this list – it’s unique in its silhouette and fabrication, cozy enough to wear over a marled henley with a winter scarf, and ready for prime layering this winter. Hopefully, Santa brings you one.

Huckberry

BONUS PICK: Apolis Selvage Denim Chore Coat — $228
Apolis Selvage Denim Chore Coat

A Huckberry exclusive made with the best denim around.

We’ve got a bonus pick for you here today, ‘cuz Santa doesn’t leave just one gift under the tree — does he? Brands like Apolis stock darn near all the great menswear you could ask for, from rugged picks like the Huckberry-exclusive Selvage Denim Chore Coat to classic staples like its Standard Issue Utility Chino. But the coat featured above is the one to grab — or covet — this holiday season. It’s made from premium Cone Mills denim in an immensely wearable silhouette, from the office to the trail and back. Again, I sure hope Santa hooks you up.
And with that, the book is closed on this year’s Holiday Style Wish List. Well, partially. On second thought, might just open up another tab for that Flint and Tinder Bomber Jacket … at any rate, it’s an exercise in fun that should get you thinking about gift-giving and saving ahead for the new year. Yes, we’re all about style resolutions, and upgrading key wardrobe essentials like a rugged chore coat and a stylish field watch are great goals to keep in mind this holiday season and beyond. Chime in on additions to your own wish list in the comments or on Twitter. And let’s connect via Instagram for plenty more menswear fun.
As always, thanks for reading!
-Beau

Men’s Style Christmas Wish List 2015

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.

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 Holiday Wish List.

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?
Ben Sherman US
#3. Shinola Runwell 41mm Watch — $550

A football leather strap and a crisp dial are excellent finishing touches for a stellar timepiece.

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.

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.

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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