#OOTD: How to Wear a Bomber Jacket This Winter

It’s with one of the best men’s bomber jackets at the forefront that we’ll kick off today’s #OOTD, and not a moment too soon for the demands of winter weather and winter layering. In fact, the Bonobos Quilted Bomber Jacket shown below checks all the right boxes interms of versatility, wearability and warmth, and it’s exactly the kind of jacket you might not have known you needed this winter. We’ve talked about how to wear a bomber jacket for fall, to be sure, but this look updates things for winter just enough. Even with such a stylish and versatile jacket like this one, the supporting cast is still crucial, and that’s why you’ll see timeless picks like a classic chambray shirt and a rugged merino sweater, all the better for blending winter warmth with comfort and style.

As you’ll soon see, this is a go-anywhere #OOTD that you can mix and match at will — switch out the jacket and wear the sweater atop the chambray shirt on its own, or lose the sweater and wear the Bonobos Quilted Bomber Jacket atop your classic chambray shirt. With men’s performance pants offering up plenty of stretch, and with rugged leather boots along for the ride, consider this look one you can wear to the office or on the road with ease. It’s all yours for the taking, so layer up in style with my guide on how to wear a bomber jacket this season.

It all starts with a rugged-yet-classic bomber jacket and the proper menswear picks for winter alongside it.

  • The Bomber Jacket: Bonobos Quilted Bomber Jacket, $148 — This quilted bomber jacket is rugged and yet easily wearable with business casual style staples, and the quilted construction should keep you plenty warm.
  • The Sweater: Todd Snyder Italian Merino Waffle Crew Sweater, $198 — Choose carefully when it comes to layering with one of the best men’s sweaters out there, an expertly crafted piece to wear all season long.
  • The Shirt: Proof Strong Shirt, $128 — This rugged, classic chambray shirt is the kind you’ll want to wear as often as possible, and it plays quite well off your Todd Snyder merino sweater.
  • The Pants: Western Rise Evolution Pants, $149 — For the guy who values comfort and style on the go, it’s hard to top these water and stain-resistant travel pants from Western Rise, made with stretch fabric and featuring plenty of durability.
  • The Boots: FRYE Murray Chukka Boots, $298 — Keep the classic vibes going with these rugged leather chukka boots that you can wear with anything (but especially your Western Rise pants).
  • The Watch: Centric Instruments Lightwell Field Watch Mark III, $200 — This crisp, clean, classic leather watch is both dressy and casual at the same time, making it ideal to wear alongside your Bonobos bomber jacket.
  • The Belt: Billykirk No. 288 Center Bar Belt, $99 — Make sure your accessories are on-point with one of the best leather belts for men, the perfect way to round out this ensemble.
  • The Grooming Essentials: Huron Starter Kit, $20 — Score an easy-to-use trio of the best men’s grooming picks for a new year, and keep your face and skin in fine form despite challenging winter weather. Better still, you can subscribe to the brand to get deliveries as often as you like.

Part tailored jacket, part sweater, all versatility.

For essential winter style and warmth, it really is all about getting the details right, and that’s particularly true when it comes to how to wear a bomber jacket for men this winter. Of course, the Bonobos Quilted Bomber Jacket is quite the way to kick off an #OOTD, what with its tough quilted construction and casual styling potential. On top of that, it’s highly versatile — witness the fact that you can layer a Todd Snyder merino sweater atop a classic chambray shirt for the kind of ensemble that works on the office, out on the road or layered up to enjoy a beer at an outdoor beer garden. To really drive home the “wear anywhere” nature of this look and the Bonobos Quilted Bomber Jacketa pair of men’s performance pants toe the line between road-ready and office-friendly.

The same can be said for your rugged leather chukka boots, all the better to get around with style and dependable good looks in mind. Close things out the proper way with the right accessories, including a classic leather watch for sharp, easily wearable style. Naturally, one of the best leather belts for men helps finish off this outfit quite nicely, and a the best men’s grooming picks makes it easy to keep your skin in great shape this winter. Put all the pieces together properly, layer up in style and get out there this winter. And if you really like this look and want to talk more menswear, head to Twitter and give me a follow.

 

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#OOTD: How to Wear a Bomber Jacket This Season

Perhaps you’ve been searching high and low for a crucial fall jacket that can pass muster in terms of style points while also offering up critical functionality and dependability. A tricky balance to strike, right? Well, my friends, you’re in luck, because one of the best bomber jackets is exactly what you need, and that’s why we’re here. After all, the best #OOTD for fall starts with the best gear, and my friends, that’s just what we’ve got on tap today. Consider the bomber jacket a perfect go-between style right now — when it’s chilly and breezy, yet there’s no snow on the ground (in most places).

And as it were, the Buck Mason Sergeant Oil Cloth Bomber Jacket  is just what the doctor ordered as you search for one of the best bomber jackets, featuring a water-repellent finish that makes it a natural choice for fall outings aplenty. Especially if the occasion is casual (I.E. Outdoor, distanced patio beers or a coffee run, or a quick day trip), then a rugged bomber jacket is the way to go. And if you’ve been feeling like you haven’t gotten your money’s worth out of your favorite fall essentials, like a Todd Snyder + Champion sweatshirt or a classic Oxford shirt, just rest assured that those picks (and so much more!) are along for the ride in this ensemble. If you like the looks of this #OOTD, be sure to let me know on Twitter. Happy shoppping, folks!

A rugged bomber jacket worn in unstoppably classic, cool fashion.

  • The Bomber Jacket: Buck Mason Sergeant Oil Cloth Bomber Jacket, $225 — The right #OOTD starts with one of the best bomber jackets, a rugged and durable number that’s exceptionally easy to layer.
  • The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder + Champion Lightweight Pocket Sweatshirt, $98 — It doesn’t get any more classic for fall than a Todd Snyder + Champion sweatshirt, right? Right. It’s the ideal layer beneath this Buck Mason bomber jacket.
  • The Classic Shirt: Everlane Japanese Oxford Shirt, $62 — Round things out nicely with a classic Oxford shirt you can wear with just about anything — including a bomber jacket and crewneck sweatshirt.
  • The Pants: American Giant WFH Pants, $148 — These wind-resistant pants, made from 4-way stretch fabric, are as good as it gets to work from home, and naturally, they also work if you want to hit the road, too.
  • The Boots: FRYE Bowery Light Lace-Up Boots, $298 — You know FRYE boots, you love FRYE boots and in particular, this rugged-yet-lightweight pair is perfectly suited for fall adventures. Some of the best men’s boots? No doubt about it.
  • The Socks: American Trench Merino Activity Socks with Silver, $19.50 — Accent your FRYE boots with a pair of the best men’s socks, period, from American Trench. Consider them a must-have fall style essential, easily.
  • The Watch: Luminox Atacama Field Watch, $990 — Get around with style and functionality in mind, thanks to this rugged stainless steel field watch.
  • The Everyday Carry: Filson Rugged Twill Tote Bag, $225 — For hauling all your fall essentials (like a craft beer growler and a book, for instance), get the Filson Rugged Twill Tote Bag. It really is that simple.

Are we feeling more ready to gear up and layer up for fall now? As you well know by now, starting off an ensemble with the best of the best really is key to helping you stand out subtly and stylishly, and the Buck Mason Sergeant Oil Cloth Bomber Jacket is one heck of a way to get the job done. It’s a functional and rugged pairing for fall weather alongside an iconic Todd Snyder + Champion sweatshirt, which gives the look a bit of classic flair and casual versatility. Go right ahead and unbutton the collar buttons on your classic Oxford shirt from Everlane — it’s a throwback movie that, say, JFK or Steve McQueen might approve (this is a great thing indeed). It gets even better and even more versatile for fall road trips aplenty with the American Giant WFH Pants, a comfortable pair of stylish stretch pants you can wear at home and out & about without missing a beat. Of course, no look is complete without a rugged stainless steel field watch, especially one that offers all kinds of performance and versatility. Crucially, you also can’t go wrong with a pair of FRYE boots for plenty of rugged fall style. It’s all accented nicely with a pair of the best men’s socks, and you’ll have plenty of chances to haul your gear in style with the Filson Rugged Twill Tote Bag. How’s that for a head-to-toe #OOTD that just works, ehh? Stay safe, shop smart and I’ll see you out there.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Spring Jacket

Does it feel odd that we’re throwing around phrases like “new favorite spring jacket” already? It does to me — I feel as if a surge of New York winter could return at any moment, and yet … here we are, talking all about styling a classic bomber jacket for the month of March. Upgrading your outerwear game is as crucial in March (and April) as it is during the more extreme cold of winter — the Baro Dean Jacket, as seen below, is a terrific first step when it comes to dressing in casual style and protecting yourself from rainy weahter this season. Hopefully, you’re going to like the rest of today’s #OOTD on The Style Guide, too. It’s packed with pieces that are critical to crossing over from winter. Y’know, pieces like a rugged Taylor Stitch henley, a standout pair of slim light wash jeans, and some investment-level leather boots (remember, don’t shelve those boots just because winter’s done!). Yes indeed, spring style essentials are the name of game today. Most importantly, crossing over from one season to another doesn’t have to mean you immediately replace the gear you know and love — it’s all about finding new ways to wear those picks (like the classic henley that helps hold down today’s outfit). Have questions, comments or feedback? Hit me up after the post, or follow along with my incoherent ramblings on Twitter.

A durable bomber jacket and tough leather boots, mashed up with light wash jeans in the spirit of spring.

The Bomber Jacket: Baro The Dean Jacket, $120.98 — With a simple silhouette, an easy-to-style color and the durability to stand up to spring showers, the Dean Jacket is your spring style centerpiece.

The Henley: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley, $68 –Made from upcycled cotton in that tailored fit you know and love from Taylor Stitch, the Heavy Bag Henley is a new, stone-cold classic.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans, $128 — Can’t give up denim? Lighten things up for spring with the suitably slim, suitably light Pacific Wash Jeans from our buds at Flint and Tinder.

The Boots: Red Wing Merchant Boots, $320 — Just as you might find it hard to shelve your denim, putting away your rugged leather boots is no easy task. The sharp Red Wing Merchant Boots are here to ease your pain.

The Belt: Filson Leather Belt, $85 — The Filson Leather Belt — simply named but remarkably well-crafted — could be the last brown leather belt you buy for a good long while.

The Socks: Arvin Goods Casual Socks, $12 — With a focus on sustainable production and clean, retro-inspired styles, Arvin Goods makes comfortable socks to complement any #OOTD — especially this one.

The Watch: Shinola Runwell Watch, $550 — Complement this straightforward outfit with a rugged, casual timepiece from the hitmakers at Shinola — the Runwell is a certified classic (in the modern sense, at least).

 The Cap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $40 — Before I leave the house most weekends, I throw on my Huckberry Explorer’s Cap. You should do the same, yes?

And that’s the capper on this #OOTD — who’s all geared up for spring? Keeping it casual and classic doesn’t mean you have to sacrific style or functionality — the Dean Jacket is a prime example of a cool way to take on a blustery spring day. Plus, it fits in with other pieces you assuredly already have (like a rugged henley from Taylor Stitch and slim Flint and Tinder jeans in a pleasingly spring-friendly light wash). What would this #OOTD be without some ever-present boots, though? The Red Wing Merchant Boots will get better with each and every wear this season (and well beyond), as will the Filson Leather Belt — seriously, that’s the way the brand made it. And the coveted Shinola Runwell Watch is another stunner, adding rugged edge to a perfectly weekend-ready ensemble. I also think you can’t go wrong with the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap; who agrees with me there? Most importantly, in what style situations would you rock this outfit? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading,
-Beau

Style Q+A: Bridge and Burn

First of all, welcome back to another entry in our ongoing Style Q+A series.  From purveyors of rugged goods like NYC’s Rivay  to the masterminds at Tread for Men Grooming, I hope you’ve enjoyed following along.  And as always seems to be the case, we’re giving you what I think is another great entry worth your time today (and as an aside, it contains perhaps my favorite quote from our Style Q+A series — see if you can spot it). If you peruse the pages of this site — from pieces like how to wear a bomber jacket  to the best men’s denim shirts to buy now, you’ll surely recognize the brand featured here. Yes, today we’re talking about Bridge & Burn, a brand with a heck of a backstory and roots that extend all the way out to Oregon more than a decade ago. With a computer science background and experience starting and running two different brands — each of which  have lent unique qualities to the stylish, functional and timeless aesthetic of Bridge & Burn — founder Erik Prowell is just the guy you want to see if you need to upgrade your outerwear or pick up a heck of a versatile shirt (or learn about the Pacific Northwest, for that matter). From simple-yet-soft graphic tees to refined chinos  and hard-wearing jackets, you’ve got yourself a winning look any time you throw on the brand’s gear. In fact, Bridge & Burn’s recent collaboration with Kiriko is equally stunning, featuring a mix of chinos, overshirts and engineer stripe shirts done up with beautiful patterns and incredible fabrics — in short, amplifying a lot of the great work you see from Bridge and Burn on a daily basis. With all that being said, they’re a brand worth knowing if you value quality construction, well-executed details and timeless wearability. It’s been a treat to learn more about Bridge & Burn and experience their high-quality goods while meeting the team behind the brand across these past few months. With that being said, I hope you’ll enjoy learning more, too. Take it away, Erik!

The original Bridge & Burn graphic.

The original Bridge & Burn graphic.

The Style Guide: Tell me about the start of the Bridge & Burn brand?
 
Erik Prowell: To be honest, I really didn’t know what I was doing when I started Bridge & Burn. I studied Computer Science in college and worked as a software developer for a few years. My friend and I started making graphic tees for fun and it snowballed into a pretty decent business where we were selling to over 200 stores nationally including Nordstrom and Urban Outfitters. Through that business, I started going to trade shows and was exposed to the wide world of apparel. At the shows, I’d see all these pieces that had great silhouettes but always seemed over-designed. When I started my goal was to make clean, classic pieces that I wanted to wear.
The name Bridge & Burn was inspired by the first t-shirt I ever designed.
It was a burning match under a bridge — because sometimes you have to burn the bridge to past expectations in order to follow your passions into an unknown future.  
A look at the Bridge & Burn x Kiriko collaboration -- read on for more.

A look at the Bridge & Burn x Kiriko collaboration — read on for more.

TSG: The Northwest seems to have played a big role in the brand’s evolution and design — tell me a bit more about that approach?
EP: The Pacific Northwest is known for its quality of life. It’s not about excess. It’s not about the next big thing. It’s about knowing what is good and how to enjoy all that is good to the fullest. I grew up in Oregon, and I chose to start Bridge & Burn in Portland because I love this city. It’s small, it has character, and is full of inspiring, creative people. Our location can be challenging, as most of the apparel world is centered in New York and Los Angeles. It’s more difficult to make connections and I am forced to travel quite a bit. That said, our origin naturally differentiates the brand and gives us unique character. Our designs come from a different point of view and the landscape inspires every aspect of our designs from the colors we choose to each garment’s simple functionality.
TSG: What’s one essential every guy should have in his wardrobe? 
EP: Every guy should have good socks and a great jacket (Editor’s note: Check out American Trench socks in particular, and read our piece on how to wear a bomber jacket for a Bridge and Burn take on the style).
Frank & Oak
TSG: As interest in men’s style specifically has increased, has that benefited the brand?
EP: Definitely. Our approachable designs and moderate price point makes it easy for guys to ease in to the world of fashion. And for those who are already there, we offer new fits and fabrics each season to keep them on trend with new ways to express their own personal sense of style.
TSG: Any exciting upcoming new product launches readers should know about? 
EP: We just launched our most ambitious apparel collaboration ever, with fellow Portland retailer, Kiriko. Bridge & Burn x Kiriko is a limited capsule collection for men & women. The aesthetic was inspired by classic American workwear fused with Japanese minimalism and heritage textiles. The designs are classic Bridge & Burn with a modern japanese twist. For more on the collaboration and the incredible Japanese fabrics we sourced with Kiriko, check out our blog post.
So, there you have it — beautiful fabrication, classic designs and a timeless approach to style. Follow Bridge & Burn on Twitter and Instagram for more — and get shopping!

#OOTD: How to Wear a Bomber Jacket This Season

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 will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Ahh, yes. The classic bomber jacket. A men’s style staple that’s experienced a huge resurgence in recent years, in part thanks to certain, ahem, celebrities (Mr. Kanye West among them). But how do you take a style that’s seen on the runways and boil it down to an essential, easily wearable outfit? A solid menswear #OOTD, if you will? That’s why we’re here today at The Style Guide, and after you read the below, your questions will all be answered (hopefully). The key with looking at a major trend sometimes isn’t too follow it exactly — that is to say, you can buy that Alpha Industries bomber jacket, but maybe (no, definitely) switch it up from how Yeezy wears it. In this case, we’re working with a different bomber jacket entirely, and classic style staples like a slim chambray shirt and … well, we’ll leave that to the imagination for now. Have thoughts or suggestions on how you would style your bomber jacket? Leave a comment below or join the (very fun!) conversation on Twitter.

Slick, sharp and casual -- just the right way to wear a bomber this fall.

Slick, sharp and casual — just the right way to wear a bomber this fall.

The Bomber Jacket: Bridge & Burn Northrup Olive Jacket, $218 — See, I said we were using a different bomber jacket entirely — right? The olive color is neutral and yet still a change of pace from navy or that military green typically seen on bomber jackets, and the front snap hip pockets and stand-up collar are neat design touches, too.

The Chambray Shirt: JackThreads Chambray Workshirt, $49 — The great thing about starting an outfit with a neutral bomber jacket is that any classic chambray shirt in your arsenal would work — yet this neat patterned workshirt offers a heftier weight for fall, plus a pattern that’s just different enough.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Slim Morton Denim, $128 — You (probably) should recognize the Mott & Bow Slim Morton as a recent Style Pick of the Week entry, and it’s a good pick here because of the super-comfortable four-way stretch and dark black color in a no-fade rinse.

The Sneakers: UGG Kramer Sneakers, $120 — Your humble author discovered the comfort and style of UGG men’s sneakers during a summer trip to Michigan, and the Kramer falls right in line with those same qualities. Surprised? Don’t be — these are a reliable, stylish high-top sneaker pick for the season ahead.

The Socks: ICNY Half-Calf Gradient Socks, $13.98 — Sometimes, you just need simple, straightforward socks that offer neutral color, comfort and performance. You get all that with this pair for a pretty decent price, and the fact that the fine folks at Huckberry sell ’em is a positive.

The Watch: MVMT Watches The 40 in Rose Gold/Natural Leather, $120 — Since when can you get a crisp, versatile watch fit for both casual and dress situation? At a low price, to boot? Since MVMT Watches started making ’em, that’s when. The case diameter is just right, and the look is crisp and clean for just over $100.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt in Hickory, $99.98 — Looking for an investment-worthy belt that’ll break in beautifully and offer a rich accent to dressy and casual outfits? Here it is.

The Everyday Carry: Bull & Stash The Stash Notebook (5.5″ x 9″), $50 — $50? For a notebook? Bear with me. Bull & Stash Notebooks support American-made production and top-notch quality, and they’re refillable — just swap out the paper when you’re done (save those memories though).

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

If the below #OOTD feels a bit too casual for you with those sneakers, swap them out for a pair of stylish men’s dress shoes (casual wingtips are a nice way to go), or heck, keep the sneakers and add a navy knit tie to wear this to the office. This sort of casual yet put-together look might be best for a  weekend coffee run or, dare I say it … Sunday brunch. And since it’s a midweight approach to wearing a bomber jacket — note the lack of a heavy hoodie, a la Kanye — it should work in the early fall or spring in the right conditions. For a bomber jacket that’s certainly an investment, it’s a positive that it can be worn multiple ways. For a look at how yours truly styles spring and fall outerwear for similar situations, head over to Instagram — maybe? Please?

‘Til the next #OOTD,

-Beau