#OOTD: Ready for Fall with US Authentic

Editor’s note: Thank you kindly to US Authentic for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest and completely my own.

The Baron -- a classic reimagined for modern times, and paired up here with an Old Navy henley, the Slim Mercer Denim from Mott & Bow, patterned Richer Poorer socks and Beckett Simonon chukka boots.

The Baron — a classic reimagined for modern times, and paired up here with an Old Navy henley, the Slim Mercer Denim from Mott & Bow, patterned Richer Poorer socks and Beckett Simonon chukka boots.

What’s one surefire to upgrade your style while sticking to tried-and-true classics? Add a killer piece of outerwear — particularly as we roll into fall. Essential, investment-worthy pieces are talked about a lot here at The Style Guide. Be it sturdy selvedge denim, stylish boots or a rugged Henley, each piece lends itself to timeless style. That sense of timelessness is also true with a beautiful, built-to-last leather jacket. So when US.Authentic reached out to help me prep for fall, I was more than ready to take on the change in seasons in style — as you might have seen in last week’s Style Pick of the Week post, also featuring the Baron, a fantastic A-1 bomber.  A rugged leather jacket can be a rather daunting purchase for which to shop — particularly if you don’t know where to start. It can be even more intimidating to style on the daily — however, a classic, handsome piece like the Baron helps you tackle that problem swiftly. Fashioned for modern times with authentic specs made to match those of World War II (when flight jackets really were built for the field), it’s a piece that’s easily wearable in 2016. Perhaps the best way to style it leans both rugged and classic. Make no mistake, The Baron is the type of jacket to wear whenever you can — yes, even over a navy knit tie and a white Oxford shirt. However, the Baron is at its best when matched with pieces like the ones seen in the photo at the top.

The Baron pictured alongside other stellar outerwear from US Authentic

The Baron — just as with other leather jackets — works particularly well for casual wear. In this case, a slim short-sleeve henley plays nicely off the rich leather of the Baron. And although slim selvedge denim would be a reliable styling choice, a pair of natural denim  offers a solid change of pace from the everyday. And as with the crisp wingtip boots featured in last week’s post, unconstructed brown leather chukkas (from Beckett Simonon) mix high-low style easily. While your first instinct might be to reach for sturdy lug-sole boots, chukkas offer a sleek contrast to the henley and the vintage vibes of the Baron. Of course, this is but one #OOTD in which a finely crafted leather jacket works. With any number of US Authentic jackets — particularly the Baron — you’re getting fine attention to detail, excellent styling potential and sturdy construction (trust me, this jacket is a beast — perfect for layering throughout the fall). Best of all, you can complement it with sharp, timeless accessories like aviator sunglasses and a beautiful brown leather watch. It’s worth stating again — a timeless jacket like this one will never go out of style. Shop this jacket now via US Authentic, and check out more #menswear looks on Instagram.

Get the Baron now, and check out US Authentic on Instagram for more.

 

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Short-Sleeve Chambray 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.

Savor the last weeks of summer with a chambray shirt that can tackle anything. Flowing locks and well-kept beard not included.

Savor the last weeks of summer with a chambray shirt that can tackle anything. Flowing locks and well-kept beard not included. Photo courtesy of Buck Mason

So you’ve got your slim chinos and your classic white sneakers, but you don’t quite have a shirt to wear with ’em — or do you? The Buck Mason Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt, my friends, is that shirt — and if that’s not the one, I’d suggest the Buck Mason Oxford. But as to the Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt: It fits in quite well with the brand’s line of durable, essential basics, which run the course from crisp blue denim to perfectly washed slub tees. And it fits in very well with the sort of menswear you should be looking to rock to finish out summer. We’re talking pieces that can handle a beach walk or a day by the pool, and then drinks out on the town. And we’re talking just as much about pieces that can be fun to wear. If you’re on the hunt for a unique alternative to a classic summer polo or a slim pocket T-shirt, the short-sleeve chambray shirt is the way to go — as  a matter of fact, you can rock the style at least five different ways (wink, wink). The light wash is casual, the workwear-inspired front pockets are a nice visual touch, and the styling potential is certainly tough to beat. Yes indeed, the Buck Mason Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt can be worn with everything from a pair of stylish swim trunks and slip-on sneakers on Saturday to linen trousers on a casual Friday — no jacket required. And with Buck Mason, you’re getting every bit you pay for — and then some.

Subtle details like front-button chest pockets switch things up from the standard navy polo.

Subtle details like front-button chest pockets and fish eye buttons switch things up from the standard navy polo.

The brand’s story began with a conscious decision to return to American manufacturing, and that commitment to quality and effortless style shines through here. While “heritage style” can sometimes have negative connotations (as seemed to be the case after the trend blew up in the mid-2000s), there’s nothing overly costume-y or dated about a very well-fitting, very well-made short-sleeve chambray shirt. Critically, this shirt is made with a lightweight indigo-dyed chambray — that means it’s breathable and moves easier than heavier shirts cut for fall or winter. Another big benefit? It’s made in America, so it’s right in your wheelhouse if you like to know where your #menswear comes from. And although this particular Buck Mason chambray shirt has short sleeves, know that you can still team it up with, say, a lightweight cotton sweater after a day on the water — it’s even better for layering in that regard. But the benefits don’t stop there — it’s got a bit of an edge to it, to the point where it wouldn’t look out of place worn with an iconic jean like the Levi’s 505C at a rock concert. The tricky part is going to be keeping this shirt in your closet once fall and winter really hit — so if you’re blessed enough to live near Buck Mason’s Los Angeles home base, do us all a favor and continue to rock it year-round.

Click here to get the Buck Mason Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt.

Do you own any Buck Mason gear? How would you style this chambray shirt? Weigh in at The Style Guide!