Tag / how to wear a chambray shirt

by Beau H.

#OOTD: This Is How to Wear a Chambray Shirt Right Now

There are times when a guy’s gotta do what a guy’s gotta do — be it picking up to-go beers or freshly ground coffee from your local shop, loading up the car for a day trip upstate or hanging out and grilling this summer … for all those times, you need the best men’s style essentials. Gear that’s not going to let you down, gear that’s going to look great … no matter what. Enter today’s #OOTD covering the best chambray shirt — and how to wear it. We’ll dive into what exactly makes one of the best chambray shirts for men (Hint: It’s gotta be from Buck Mason), plus the best accessories to go alongside it. Now, I know what you’re (maybe) thinking. “A chambray shirt?? In the middle of August? The horror!” … OK, I’m kidding. But if ever you were skeptical about trying out a chambray shirt, rest assured that the Buck Mason chambray shirt in question today is lightweight, easy to layer and plenty stylish all the way through (it helps that we’ll layer it over one of your favorite T-shirts for breezy seasonal style). And if you’re the type of guy who simply can’t put away his selvedge denim, I’ve got just the solution for you: A pair of lightweight stretch selvedge jeans from none other than Todd Snyder. Of course, it’ll get all the better thanks to the best chukka boots, too. But, I don’t want to spoil the look for you. Keep scrolling to check out the full #OOTD, then chime in on Twitter if you plan to pick up any of these rugged summer gear picks. Onward, folks!

A cool chambray shirt worn an even cooler way. Get into it. folks.

Hopefully, you’ve got a few more ideas on how to wear a chambray shirt this summer. The key here involves layering it up the right way, and accessorizing it with the best men’s gear for warm weather. Luckily, Buck Mason makes it easy to do that successfully — this is quite simply one of the best men’s chambray shirts I’ve seen, and I think you’ll feel the same way. You’ve got on-point summer style aplenty here thanks to the best white T-shirt for guys, to go along with stylish stretch selvedge jeans from one of your favorite menswear designers (or at least, one of my favorites!). The look gets all the better thanks to rugged chukka boots from Red Wing Heritage — which also happen to be surprisingly lightweight — and then it’s all finished off in fine form with a vintage-inspired watch from the good folks at Timex. How can it get better? That’s easy, folks. A stylish brown leather belt from Billykirk keeps your black selvedge jeans in place and looks great doing it, while a pair of the most affordable sunglasses for men belongs on your face for the rest of summer. Last but not least, one of the coolest growlers for beer helps you transport your favorite beer and keep it cold for hours of summer enjoyment. It’s all about casual, rugged style, and I don’t think it can get any better than, well, right now. But again, it all starts with one of the best men’s chambray shirts — choose wisely, shop accordingly, then get out there this summer.

Advertisement
by Beau H.

#OOTD: My Guide to Wearing a Chambray Shirt This Month — Or All Year

As you’ll see below, there might never be a bad time to wear a chambray shirt like the one we’re about to discuss today. We’ve mentioned it time and time again on the blog, but the best men’s chambray shirt (and there’s a difference between good and great), is a true four-season essential, as wearable now as it will be come September, October, November … you get the picture. But sometimes, getting through the seasonal doldrums that we find ourselves in right now isn’t as daunting as it might seem at first. In fact, it’s sometimes about taking tried-and-true men’s style essentials and having some fun with them. In the case of the classic chambray shirt on display today in our #OOTD series, that means it’s being worn with equally classic style picks that fit in regardless of season (yes, even in the sweltering August heat). Witness, for instance, the stylish slim chinos and the classic chukka boots in this ensemble, not to mention the positively rugged, investment-level watch — all worn with ease and casual cool for a look that’s as ready for happy hour as it is for a Casual Friday. Throw in accessories like a slim leather wallet, and you could even wear this look out on a date. See, the doldrums of summer aren’t a time to throw away style principles — stick to yours, wear this classic chambray shirt, and get ready for what lies ahead.

Mixing and matching classic picks with an essential chambray shirt.

  • The Chambray Shirt: Proof Strong Shirt, $128 — The best men’s chambray shirt? The chambray shirt to rule them all? I’ll leave that to you to decide, but there’s a good chance that … yes, yes it is.
  • The Classic Chinos: Wellen Easy Chinos, $88 — Keep things casual yet surprisingly polished with these stylish slim chinos, made sustainably in a classic color.
  • The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots, $165 — There’s absolutely never a bad time to wear classic chukka boots, even in the middle of August — trust me on that. Astorflex gets ’em right.
  • The Watch: Lum-Tec M84 Automatic Watch, $1,095 — I’m admittedly not a huge watch snob, but there’s no question the Lum-Tec M84 Automatic (while pricey!) might just be one of the best men’s watches we’ve featured on this site. That’s it!
  • The Belt: Macondo Belts Inca Belt, $105 — Granted, you might not think of a stylish leather belt as a place to stand out in terms of pattern and design — change that with this number from Macondo Belts.
  • The Everyday Carry Essential: Tanner Goods Journeyman Wallet, $65 — Be it on the go to the office or to an evening dinner, a slim leather wallet carries only what you need.
  • The Daily Cologne: Ranger Station Birch Bark Cologne, $69 — This cologne from Ranger Station is pleasing, crisp & not too heavy for daily wear.
  • The Grooming Essential: Jack Henry Face Toner, $24 — I can’t recommend this lightweight, refreshing, functional toner from Jack Henry enough after using it every day for weeks. It’s a men’s grooming essential you need ASAP.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, sometimes, the best men’s chambray shirt is all you need to build a great outfit (or at least, the foundation of a great outfit). And it gets even better and even more seasonally friendly when you throw on easygoing Wellen chinos (it’s right in the name, after all!), plus classic chukka boots — granted, these are picks that work any time of the year, but they’ll do more than fine in August as we look toward (gasp) Labor Day. The right accessories elevate the chambray shirt from good to great, as well. Take the Lum-Tec M84 Automatic, a beast of a watch that’ll stand out stylishly as you roll up the sleeves on this shirt.

Couple that with the equally eyecatching stylish leather belt on display here, and this #OOTD is ready to be worn the office, shirt tucked in (or untucked — do as you please, of course). For keeping thing streamlined and smooth, grab your slim leather wallet from Tanner Goods — it’ll fit nicely in the front pocket of your chinos, and it’ll age the more you use it. All those little details stand out quite easily, too, including what should be a fantastic Ranger Station cologne (making this ensemble ready for date night). And in the way of a men’s grooming essential you shouldn’t go without, I’m a big fan of Jack Henry’s Face Toner (a  great outfit is nothing without a little T.L.C for your face, ehh?). Are you sold on the utility and versatility of the chambray shirt? You should be. Have questions? Drop me a line on Twitter. Cheers!


by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Right Way to Wear a Chambray Shirt This Summer

We talk a lot here on The Style Guide about the best way to wear certain summer style essentials — case in point, this recent #OOTD covering how to wear a denim jacket.  Today, we’re talking about another summer style essential that’s truly crucial to pulling together a well-appointed wardrobe in warm weather: The chambray shirt. To be sure, owning a stylish chambray shirt isn’t a matter of life or death … but you’d definitely do well to pick up the slim chambray shirt we’re talking about in today’s ensemble.

The cool cotton and go-anywhere versatility of the chambray shirt makes it an easy choice to throw on with sharp white sneakers and an investment-level watch, even when the thermostat rises — as you’ll see in the below outfit. The best part about the CIVIC Jack Shirt? It’s going to prove plenty useful the rest of the year, too. But for right now, when you need to look presentable yet don’t want to throw on too many extra layers? Reach for a classic chambray shirt, made with a decidedly modern fabric. While we’re certainly not reinventing the wheel here, we’re giving you yet another way to wear this beloved wardrobe staple — no matter how hot it gets. Wear this look to a BBQ or to the bar, or to a balllgame. Heck, wear it to the office if you feel quite casual.

Want more styling tips (mixed with a healthy dose of craft beer and travel? Head to my Instagram. 

A versatile chambray shirt and white sneakers, plus a tremendously rugged and stylish watch? That’s all you need this summer. Besides pants, that is.

  • The Chambray Shirt: CIVIC The Jack Shirt in Sky Blue Chambray, $128 — From the partner brand of Taylor Stitch comes a versatile chambray shirt with a tailored cut and go-anywhere fabric. Ideal for summer.
  • The Pants: Mott & Bow Slim Mercer Jeans in Khaki, $128 — While we could go with chinos here, khaki jeans are decidedly more casual — and thanks to Mott & Bow, the Mercer Jeans are VERY easy to wear (it’s the stretch fabric construction!).
  • The Sneakers: SeaVees Monterey Sneakers, $54.98 — It’s tough to knock the combination of affordability, style and versatility you’re getting with classic SeaVees sneakers. I can’t recommend the Monterey Sneakers enough.
  • The Socks: CHUP Volant Socks, $32 — What socks to wear when you’ve got on a pair of low-cut sneakers? An comfortable yet-subtly stylish pair like the CHUP Volant Socks, of course.
  • The Belt: Levi’s Alturas Belt, $38 — Levi’s is a go-to brand for your favorite pair of denim, yet don’t turn a blind eye to the brand’s accessories; I’m a fan of the rugged leather of the Alturas Belt. It’s those small style details that matter.
  • The Watch: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch, $1,295 — Take it from a guy who loves his watches — the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 is a beast, and yet subtly stylish at the same time. The perfect counterpart to a classic chambray shirt, if you ask me.
  • The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $40 — The much-loved Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is a personal favorite. It’s a premium, stylish upgrade over your standard athletic logo cap, too. Give it a try with this #OOTD.
  • The Wallet:Wingback London Cash Wallet, $84 — Investing in a great leather wallet can be one of life’s finer pleasures. The Wingback London Cash Wallet will age handsomely each time you use it, too.

And with that … we’re done with today’s #OOTD! Feeling more confident about how to wear a chambray shirt, or reinvigorted with new ideas about how to style the CIVIC Jack Shirt in a way that’s new and fresh? Good. Great, even. The above look isn’t too complicated, although you could add a rugged denim jacket if you like. Complementary pieces like the Mercer Jeans from Mott & Bow keep this outfit casual and yet versatile — we’re all about comfort and style that can take you places (the ballpark, the bar, that BBQ … you get the drift). As one would expect, classic SeaVees sneakers also get the job done when it comes to go-anywhere style — the white Monterey Sneakers add crisp, casual style to this ensemble in particular. I’m also all about little details making the difference, from the neat pattern of the CHUP Volant Socks to the aged leather of the Alturas Belt — small styling touches add just enough visual interest to an outfit that’s packed with classics. Speaking of classics … I’m positive the investment-level quality (and matching price tag) on the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 is going to lend some serious style cred and classic style to this look, and a heck of a lot of others.  All that’s left to do? Throw on the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, grab the stylishly rugged  Wingback London Cash Wallet, and hit the road. Summer’s in the bag, folks.

Let me know how you feel about the above look by checking in on Twitter.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear Your Chambray Shirt with Rugged Menswear Essentials This Season

Take it from me, folks — your next #OOTD should feature a classic chambray shirt this season. It’s a four-season menswear staple that we’ve long loved here at The Style Guide (just check out this 2014 piece), and it’s the perfect shirt to break out for fall and winter. Of course, a stylish chambray shirt is more than serviceable in the spring and summer, especially when teamed with classic leather sneakers, but the texture of cotton chambray just feels right when teamed with tough, rugged fall style essentials.  Rest assured, we’ve covered how to wear a chambray shirt before, but this one is amped up forr the season. And seeing as we got a late start to the fall this time around, now is as good a time as any to break out the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt that you see below. It’s a shirt that’s so simply made that every guy looks great wearing it. And I think you’ll find it teams up more than stylishly with accessories like classic dark denim and a tough waxed canvas jacket. That’s not the only reason you’ll love wearing it for the fall and winter — the Everyday Chambray Shirt is a great deal that’ll up any outfit (yes, even a casual weekend ensemble). With all of that being said, I’ll let the rest of this #OOTD do the talking. Thanks for reading!

A finely crafted chambray shirt teamed with durable essentials for perfect layering.

The Chambray Shirt: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, $118 — Is this Taylor Stitch chambray shirt the best of the best? Maybe? It’s certainly a highly wearable, great-looking shirt for the colder months ahead.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Field Tan Waxed Canvas — $188— There’s no better jacket to break out for stylish layering than the Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket — at least, that’s true when it comes to this particular combo.

The Pants: BANKS Roll Bedford Cord Jean in Dirty Denim, $75 — Textured jeans in a rich, deep color are a nice way to offset the striking blue of the Taylor Stitch chambray shirt seen here — BANKS does it right with this pair of classic denim.

The Boots: Sutro Footwear Alder Boots in Honey, $218 — Sutro Footwear builds its handsome boots with plenty of quality and just a bit of rugged edge — these rich leather captoe boots are a bit dressy and a bit casual, all at once.
The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Natural, $80 — When it comes to underappreciated style details, a dependable belt sits near the top of the list. Sturdy Brothers makes one that’s perfect for fall and winter, what with its rich leather.

The Socks: CHUP Vivienda Socks, $35 — You know that we’re fans of stylish socks here on the blog, right? The CHUP Vividena Socks are eye-catching and essential in terms of adding a bit of color to this #menswear ensemble.

The Watch: AVI-8 Flyboy Leather Watch, $269.95 — Need a stylish leather watch that adds a bit of understated style to this classic fall look? The AVI-8 Flyboy is the casual watch to buy now.

The Everyday Carry Essential: Makr Phone/Card Sleeve, $59.98 — Listen, we’ve all been there — right? If you’re like me, prone to dropping your phone, keeping your phone protected with a durable phone case is essential.

There are certainly plenty of ways to wear your new favorite chambray shirt, but this look is a personal favorite for your Style Guide author. Sharp, simple and filled with rugged fall layers, including the tough Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket as seen above. And that combo looks all the better when it stands out against classic Bedford Cord pants
and tan leather boots from Sutro Footwear. Of course, stylish men’s socks are needed to add a bit (or a lot) of visual interest, while the Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt is a more-than-able accessory. On the watch front, the AVI-8 Flyboy plays off military inspiration in a way that’s subtle and stylish, potentially making it your favorite casual watch. Oh, and if you’re prone to dropping your phone *raises hand* the Makr Phone/Card Sleeve is the everyday carry essential you didn’t know you needed. All set to step out in perfectly casual-yet-sharp style? It’s really as easy as starting with the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt and going from there.
Let me know in the comments how it all works out — thanks for reading!
-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Chambray Shirts

Editor’s note: Connect with The Style Guide on Facebook for even more menswear.

It might come as a shock to you that this here blog hasn’t rounded up the best chambray shirts for men — ever, really. Now, we’ve talked about how to wear a chambray shirt for fall, and we’ve even reviewed an American-made chambray shirt from Todd Shelton — but a complete rundown of essential chambray shirts to buy now? Not so much.  With its textured cotton fabric and roots in American workwear, it’s a piece that — much like a rugged henley — has been turned into a four-season piece with the versatility to rival a classic blue Oxford.  You can thank brands like J. Crew for that, and you can thank Style Guide favorite Todd Snyder, too — his time at J. Crew helped cement, among other things, the popularity of the shirting style. Which brings us to the present day — hopefully in your neck of the woods, it’s truly and properly fall. If that’s the case, there might not be a better time to layer up a new chambray shirt. Hopefully, you’ve knocked a few pieces off your fall style wish list, but if you’re still searching for a few more staple items to fill your closet — *cough, cough* a new chambray shirt — today’s post has you covered. Chime in on the below picks, if you please, in the comments, and follow along on Instagram for more fall styling tips.

#1. Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — $98

Taylor Stitch

It just doesn’t get any better than the Everyday Chambray Shirt from Taylor Stitch.

As much as J. Crew has turned the chambray shirt into an essential casual (or dressy) piece for all guys, Taylor Stitch has done just as much in a short period of time. The Everyday Chambray Shirt is a stone-cold Style Guide favorite for a multitude of reasons. With a slim fit, premium Japanese chambray fabric and double needle construction, it’s a wonder that the fine folks at Huckberry can even keep this thing in stock. Wear it with slim chinos and high-top sneakers on the weekend, then pair it with brown wingtips and a navy blazer during the work week. As with most Taylor Stitch pieces, you won’t be able to stop wearing the Everyday Chambray Shirt — at least, I think so.

#2. J. Crew Slim Indigo Japanese Chambray Shirt — $88

The shirt that (arguably) started it all. Buy it now, wear it a bunch.

The shirt that (arguably) started it all. Buy it now, wear it a bunch.

Ahh yes, here we are. The shirt that spawned copycats and helped men the world over dress a bit better (if not more so). Just as with Taylor Stitch, J. Crew has perfected casual, easygoing basics  that are versatile, well-fitting and reliably able to be dressed up or down in a pinch. Made with premium Japanese chambray, this indigo chambray shirt might just be your new favorite chambray — other than the Everyday Chambray Shirt, that is. If you hang around, you can likely snag it for a steal using a J. Crew sale code. But in the meantime, it’s a nice deal for the price.

Beckett Simonon

#3. Todd Snyder Chambray Patch Pocket Shirt in Light Indigo — $168

A rich indigo color and the sort of details one would expect from a designer that specializes in rugged staples.

A rich indigo color and the sort of details one would expect from a designer that specializes in rugged staples.

It should come as no surprise that the designer who helped put J. Crew back on the map now makes a heck of a chambray shirt in his own right. The Chambray Patch Pocket Shirt is the sort of piece at which Todd Snyder excels — it mixes a dash of heritage style with rugged vibes and easy wearability. It’s the type of chambray shirt that you could reliably pair with everything from dark denim and the designer’s famed Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch to a classic fall blazer as you head to the office. For the price, you’ll certainly want to get a lot of wear out of it.

Frank & Oak

#4. Ben Sherman Chambray Shirt in Navy Blazer — $85 (Available via East Dane)

Simple, stylish and nicely done via Ben Sherman.

Simple, stylish and nicely done via Ben Sherman.

From the brand’s classic Harrington jackets to slim chinos, Ben Sherman specializes in classic pieces with a dash of mod, British edge.  This slim chambray shirt uses a nice medium blue color that would look right at home with slim, American-made chinos and brown chukka boots at the office, while also blending in nicely with, say, a first date ensemble.  It’s fairly priced considering the quality and history of the brand, and it’ll work just as well this coming winter under a slim cardigan as it will come spring time with your favorite pair of shorts.

#5. Gitman Vintage Chambray Oxford Shirt — $124.80 (Available via East Dane)

Gitman Vintage

Inspired by a chambray shirt and featuring classic Oxford detailing.

Are you familiar with Gitman Vintage? Maybe? Maybe not? Either way, this brand does the classics the right way — its premium shirts are infused with a dash of classic prep style and a slightly irreverent modern edge. And as it were, this chambray Oxford shirt gets a lot of things right, from the trim fit to the blue chambray color and the Oxford styling details. It’s a hybrid shirt that you can wear as you would a normal Oxford — say, with a wool tie and a herringbone blazer — or a regular ol’ chambray shirt (perhaps atop your favorite henley this season).

And, well … that’s it for the first-ever Style Guide rundown of the best men’s chambray shirts. It was admittedly pretty tough to narrow it down to just five — heck, in addition to the crisp blue Everyday Chambray Shirt, even Taylor Stitch makes a terrific grey chambray shirt. But the above picks represent quality, versatile style potential and the type of easygoing wearability that’ll work just as well this coming winter as it will when the weather warms up. There aren’t that many shirts you can layer under a slim cardigan in one season, and wear with your favorite swimsuit in the spring, but the chambray shirt is certainly one of’ ’em. Get to shopping for your new favorite chambray shirt and let me know how it goes, will ya?

Stay stylish — and thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style a Chambray Shirt 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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Ahh, yes. The hallowed, essential chambray shirt. With its textured cotton fabric, workwear roots and both short-sleeve and long-sleeve iterations, it’s a Style Guide favorite through and through. Now, you might be thinking “Another chambray shirt, Beau? Really?” … really. While we’ve talked about how to style a chambray shirt for spring and we’ve reviewed a great Todd Shelton chambray shirt, it’s high time to circle back around to a style essential that works in all four seasons — especially fall. Those much-welcomed fall breezes certainly have taken their time showing up in NYC, but if the season is finally changing where you are, there’s no better time to style a chambray shirt. And the one we’re talking about today just might be the best out there. Folks, it’s the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — a piece you might recognize from our Style Pick of the Week series — and it’s made with top-notch Japanese chambray fabric and sturdy double-needle construction. There’s no getting around it, the Everyday Chambray Shirt is the one to buy this season (well, not the only one … but perhaps the best). How exactly to style this thing? With rugged-refined #menswear essentials, of course. Read on for more.

The perfect chambray shirt, worn just the right way for a perfect season in menswear.

The perfect chambray shirt, worn just the right way for a perfect season in menswear.

The Shirt:Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, $118 — Well, you’ve already got a bit of the rundown, but Taylor Stitch made this site’s Approved Brands page for a reason, and this shirt is a huge part of that. With a pleasing blue color, visually interesting front-button chest pockets and the ability to be worn casually or a bit more dressed up, you don’t want to mess with the Everyday Chambray Shirt.

The Henley: Flint & Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley, $62 — If you caught this site’s piece on how to style a henley for fall, you know exactly why it’s here. The mid-weight marled jersey fabric is of excellent quality, the fit is modern and the color is versatile.

The Denim: Dickies X-Series Slim-Fit 5-Pocket Denim Jean, $29.99 — Since when did Dickies start making slim denim? You’d best pay attention, and snag a pair or two for a great deal and nice comfort.
The Boots: Thursday Boots President Boot in Cognac Suede, $199 — The team at Thursday Boots hits another home run with the Cognac suede being used on a few varieties of boots this season, and the sleek President is the perfect boot pick for a rugged ensemble.
The Socks: CHUP Missouri Socks, $38 — Colder weather calls for heartier textures and a shot of seasonal pattern – the Missouri Sock is your answer.

Banner
The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chronograph, $158 — There’s no question that something as tough as a Taylor Stitch chambray shirt needs a watch that stands out in rugged fashion — the Timex x Red Wing line is your best best.

The Hat: Carhartt WIP Key Ribbed Beanie, $35 (Available via East Dane) — If it’s getting chillier out, you need a hat to fight the chill. Carhartt — and even its fashion-oriented WIP line — knows a thing or two about that.
The Weekend Essential: United by Blue Trail Weekender in Olive, $97.98 — Sometimes, you need a functional, durable bag that just gets the job done; that’s where the Trail Weekender comes in.
‘
And in a nutshell folks, there you have it. A rugged piece like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt is just the kind of ideal finishing touch for fall — it’s got hearty texture, workwear-inspired roots and sturdy construction. All those keys lend it to pairing with like-minded pieces, like a durable henley. The look is grounded with slim grey denim and sleek suede boots, and tough accessories are always a great way to go — particularly when you need to stand up to the chilly weather. The excellent thing about the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt is that it can be kept in your rotation year-round, as we always preach at The Style Guide. For a bit over $100, that’ll make it an essential part of many a fall #OOTD — and plenty beyond.
Snag the Everyday Chambray Shirt while it’s still around at Huckberry.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

by Beau H.

Seasonal style: A September weekend in New York City

Editor’s note: Click through this link to read more personal style posts.

central-park-feature-edited

From the office to a Central Park concert. Chambray shirt by Old Navy. Garment-dyed chinos by Dockers. Leather chukka boots by Beckett Simonon. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches. Weekender Fairfield Watch by Timex. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page.

 

It’s hard to believe that September is very nearly in the books — and of course, we’re now officially into fall. And coincidentally, that brought with an ever-so-slight change in seasons this past weekend at The Style Guide HQ and elsewhere. While I’ve appreciated the chance to travel so much these past few months — from a Michigan wedding to a Labor Day trip to Asbury Park — the slight shift toward fall made me glad to be in New York City this past weekend; it wasn’t quite any regular weekend though, as it kicked off with a stellar concert by the amazing indie pop band Lucius, and rolled into beautiful weather and the chance to explore Brooklyn.  Although I left my trusty Owen & Fred weekender bag behind, I still met the past few days with quality #menswear top of mind.

The weekend kicked off in rather unique fashion — although I headed into the office to cap off a busy week in fashion PR, I had to dress in versatile style. Of course, that goes without saying — but as I trekked from the office up to Central Park thereafter for a stellar Lucius concert via the Central Park SummerStage series, it was particularly important. I hauled my gear in my trusty Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag — handy for getting to and from the office. I also reached for a slim-fitting, textured Old Navy chambray shirt — it was the ideal weight for temperatures that were quite hot, but not sweltering (like the weather during my summer Las Vegas trip).  A chambray shirt is a great four-season essential, especially at a very agreeable price — and it teamed nicely with my Dockers garment-dyed chinos for an upgraded casual Friday look. This particular pair of Dockers chinos fit slim and are made of substantial, durable (yet breathable) fabric — again, a great four-season essential. And on the footwear front, I stuck with stylish leather chukka boots from Beckett Simonon — much like the slim chambray shirt, they’re the rare pair of footwear that can go from the office to a concert in one move. Although the brand has dress shoes for sale right now, I’d keep an eye out for future releases — these chukkas are comfortable, super and unique, thanks to the three-eye laces and sleek silhouette. I accented those essentials with another reliable casual accessory — my Timex Weekender Fairfield ; it’s a crisp, classic and subtle timepiece that moved from office to concert just as easily thanks to the slate green NATO strap.  And what a show it was!

lucius-photo-2

An otherworldly performance from Lucius — and a privilege to be so close to the stage.

Lucius is certainly one of my favorite bands — the melodic five-piece always puts on a stellar show. I was fortunate enough to be able to travel upstate earlier this summer to see them in at the rustic Daryl’s House Club in Pawling, and this time around, the show was certainly just as thrilling. Having the chance to get very close to the stage certainly made it all the more poignant – Lucius excels when they connect with a crowd. Led by the lovely Jess Wolfe and Holly Laessig, nearly every song is a sight to behold — their voices just play that well off each other. It’s a show of their dedication that they work so well together — from the moment they kicked off the show with “Go Home,” the magic really never stopped. They’re a group with great variety in their setlist — you get the feeling that they could play either “Wildewoman,” their 2013 debut, or “Good Grief,” this year’s sophomore album, in its entirety and fans would enjoy it just as much. An encore even brought out the legendary Jackson Browne, who joined Holly and Jess on a version of “Willin’,” an unexpected and welcome surprise! The rest of the show was just as much of a treat for fans. From carefully composed tracks like the beautifully sung “Dusty Trails” and “How Loud Your Heart Gets,” to the jaunty “Almost Makes Me Wish for Rain” and brand-new track “Pulling Teeth,” (which brought Holly and Jess into the crowd), Lucius never missed a note.  The fact that they can transition from an upbeat sing-along like “Born Again Teen” to the lilting, haunting melody of “Gone Insane” within the same show is a testament to their versatility and skill — seriously, support this band if ever they tour near you! I can’t recommend them enough — and with a packed crowd on hand, I’m glad I had those durable Beckett Simonon chukkas to help my feet stay comfortable through the concert; all that jockeying for position (not a mosh pit, but still) lent itself to plenty of time on my feet.

Rugged essentials for a slight transition to fall. Flint Overshirt and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Kramer Sneakers by UGG for Men. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing Heritage collab. Brass bottle opener by Owen & Fred.

Rugged essentials for a slight transition to fall. Flint Overshirt and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Kramer Sneakers by UGG for Men. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing Heritage collab. Brass bottle opener by Owen & Fred.

Again, it was a truly thrilling show that kicked off a stellar weekend — despite a terrible home loss by my beloved Michigan State Spartans to Wisconsin. Admittedly, that put a damper on an otherwise beautiful Saturday that brought with it exciting freelance writing work — more details on that soon — and some exploration of Prospect Park, to boot. As the weather finally felt a  bit more fall-like (especially with a cool breeze), I was able to break out the rugged, well-crafted Flint Overshirt from Bridge and Burn. The overshirt is substantial but not too heavy, dyed with rich indigo and lined in soft plaid flannel. It’s just about everything you could ask for in a rugged fall overshirt, and with a slimmer fit than bulky, workwear-style overshirts of years past, it’s a decidedly modern style upgrade.

Huckberry
Although it would pair up nicely with a slim henley, I styled it with a lightweight Richer Poorer pocket tee – it’s a soft, slim-fitting basic that every guy should have in his wardrobe for transitional layering. That simple get-up was complemented with sturdy selvedge denim from Raleigh Denim Workshop. Featuring a tapered cut through the thigh and a slim-straight fit from the knee down, they fit the way sturdy denim should fit – and so far, they’ve broken in quite nicely. To cap off my Saturday look, I had to reach for my ever-present Frameri glasses, plus the versatile Kramer leather sneaker from UGG For Men. With the cut of a chukka boot plus a nice rich color, they broke up the deep blue hues of the outfit nicely – and they fit right in with the rugged Red Wing leather on my Waterbury Chrono (another essential that plays nicely off the more substantial textures of early fall).

Exploring Prospect Park on an ideal September weekend. Flint Overshirt and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Heather Grey Pocket Tee by Richer Poorer. Glasses by Frameri. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab.

Exploring Prospect Park on an ideal September weekend. Flint Overshirt and Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Heather Grey Pocket Tee by Richer Poorer. Glasses by Frameri. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab.

 

When it comes down to accessories, I also love a great hat – keep in mind, we’re not talking an athletic logo ballcap, but a subtle, simple wool cap (also from Bridge & Burn). If you’re into hats and want one that eschews the younger look of a logo ballcap, this one is the way to go. That ensemble made it easy to head to Prospect Park for some exploration and time spent in the sun. It’s one of my favorite areas in Brooklyn, with wooded pathways and access to neat areas nearby (like the excellent Midwood Flats, a craft beer haven with nice gourmet burgers and sandwiches). It’s also an area that’s quickly becoming more popular, with plenty of development nearby – yet, the park hasn’t lost its charm.

sunday-photo-1

Casual Sunday style for a trip to Milk & Honey in Brooklyn. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Slim short-sleeve henley by Old Navy. Slim Mercer Denim by Mott & Bow. Sunglasses & brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Leather chukka boots by Beckett Simonon. Blue weekender bag by Sword & Plough.

I took the opportunity on Sunday to enjoy some excellent weather around Brooklyn – no overshirt needed this time, although I did accessorize with a tough denim jacket. The pleasant weather meant it was the ideal chance to break out a slim short-sleeve Old Navy henley — while it’s still warm enough. If you want to upgrade your basics wardrobe with pieces that fit trim and won’t break the bank, definitely peruse the digital pages of Old Navy. Although we’re past Labor Day, I’ve found light tan or natural denim, like the trusty Mott & Bow Slim Mercer, nods toward white jeans without going too far down that path — the Mercer was a nice change of pace alongside crisp Beckett Simonon chukkas. The ensemble was complemented nicely by some patterned Richer Poorer socks — a pair or two from the brand is another purchase worth making if you need a sock upgrade. Easygoing accessories worked with this look, too. I’d definitely recommend taking a look at new sunglasses –like the Runaway Aviator – being produced by MVMT Watches. Of course, the excellent brown leather & rose gold watch seen here from the brand is also worth your time – pun intended. Each piece made for a laidback #menswear look fit in as I grabbed a delicious coffee at another perennial Brooklyn favorite, Milk and Honey. With a relaxed vibe, rustic wooden tables and a top-notch selection of pastries and brunch favorites, it’s worth a walk through the Ditmas Park neighborhood to get there.

It’s the small pleasures like a delicious coffee or a nice walk that can sometimes get lost in the bustle of New York City – so with that in mind, I was glad I took the opportunity to get out and explore this weekend in Brooklyn. It never hurts to start off your Friday night with a stellar show by Lucius, either! I’ll be counting the days until the band returns to my neck of the woods, and I’ll (hopefully) be dressing in style in the meantime.

If you have style questions of your own, hit me up on Twitter – or follow along on Instagram for daily #menswear inspiration. For now, it’s back to work — look for a special Style Q&A coming up on Wednesday, and circle back tomorrow for a look at a fall style #OOTD. Get it? Got it? Good.

Until next time,

-Beau

by Beau H.

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!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Everyday 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.

An extremely versatile, extremely wearable and extremely well-made chambray shirt from Taylor Stitch.

An extremely versatile, extremely wearable and extremely well-made chambray shirt from Taylor Stitch.

What’s one shirt you find yourself reaching for (or at least wanting to reach for) every day? If you’re like me, it very well could be an essential chambray shirt, like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — known as the California — pictured above. Rain or shine, cold weather or warm weather, I find myself drawn to a few chambray shirts in particular (because you assuredly need more than one). In fact, I’ve written about a few different chambray shirts here on The Style Guide, from the Todd Shelton Chambray Shirt to a classic GAP Chambray Shirt.  There’s a very good reason for that, and it likely ties into the fact that a chambray shirt is such an easily wearable piece – whether you’re just getting started out in the style realm, or whether you consider yourself a seasoned pro looking to expand on his wardrobe.  A chambray shirt is the more visually interesting answer to the classic blue Oxford, in that chambray as a fabric has great texture and often incorporates workwear design details — the crisp white color of the piece you see here is an added bonus. We’re talking small touches like front button patch pockets or a tab collar (like the famous J. Crew chambray shirt we all know and love). Lucky for us #menswear fans, the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt is more refined than its mass-market brethren, and has just the type of details you should look for in a great chambray shirt, plus a few extra.

Unbreakable Japanese urea buttons and a stellar fabric make this shirt a workhorse.

Unbreakable Japanese urea buttons and a stellar fabric make this shirt a workhorse.

It’s made in America using the care and attention to detail for which the brand is known – and that’s something that’s made your trusty #menswear author a big, big fan. From the brand’s stunning Moto Jacket to its Long Haul Jacket and especially its famous Standard Issue Chinos, Taylor Stitch gets it right, from head to toe. Particularly if you want to take a step up in terms of price, but don’t want to completely deplete your bank account, they’re a brand to watch – and shop on repeat. They’ve also done a great job introducing more technical fabrics and designs as part of their recent collaboration with Mission Workshop, but this good ol’ chambray shirt is the piece to buy today. It features a 7 oz. Japanese chambray and genuine unbreakable Japanese urea buttons, for starters. Plus, the lack of pleats make it super-clean and easily wearable with dark raw denim, slim tan chinos or heck, stylish chino shorts. The double needle construction is something you won’t find on hardly any other shirts (if at all), and the soft California collar looks great unbuttoned, but could easily smarten up when buttoned with a navy knit tie. So if you’re lucky enough to get this shirt in your closet, there’s a very good chance you’ll soon start reaching for it every day – rain or shine, cold weather or warm weather.
Frank & Oak
Do you own any shirts from Taylor Stitch? How would you style this classic chambray shirt?

Florsheim

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Styling an Essential Chambray Shirt

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.

The best part about spring style — other than the fact that it’s, well, finally warm out — is the way in which you can take pieces you’d wear the rest of the year and still combine them into a weather-friendly outfit (that is, not too hot and not too cold). In this instance, we’re talking casual-yet-crisp basics like the essential chambray shirt and an always-classic pair of slim khaki chinos, brought together in this instance by a pair of sharp-as-heck suede wingtips. Yes, this outfit has something for everyone — whether you’re on the hunt for a pair of stylish men’s dress shoes like the below, or simply searching for another way to wear gear you’ve already got, it’s about time you brought it all together. That’s what we’ll focus on below — for other #menswear-centric outfit inspirations, check out what we’ve got going on over at Pinterest or via The Style Guide on Facebook; I’m always up for more #OOTD suggestions, too. So, let’s roll up those (chambray) shirt sleeves and get to work!
Florsheim

A few items -- like a four-season chambray shirt and classic (yet slim) chinos -- are pulled together by crisp wingtips and a great jacket.

A few items — like a four-season chambray shirt and classic (yet slim) chinos — are pulled together by crisp wingtips and a great jacket.

The Shirt: JackThreads Chambray Shirt, $39 — As essential and easy of a pick to make as it gets, JackThreads really knows what’s up when it comes to well-done basics that are crazy-affordable. Start with your favorite chambray shirt, and go from there.

The Jacket: Grayers Exmouth Nylon Blazer, $135 — Part blazer, part jacket and very spring-ready, this piece doubles as a rain coat should you need to bike, walk or run to work through a downpour (or if, y’know, you just fancy picking up a hybrid piece of outerwear).

The Chinos: Buck Mason Sand Chinos, $135 — An investment-worthy pair of chinos from a brand that excels at crafting stellar pieces in the U.S.A., you should be able to wear these for years on end.

The Shoes: M.Gemi Forte Wingtips in Dune, $248 — An average pair of wingtips, these are not. Superbly crafted, rich in color and somehow still featuring a sporty white sole, say hello to your favorite pair of summer dress shoes.

The Socks: Pair of Thieves Catch-22 No-Show Socks, $10 — Reliable no-show socks that don’t stick out from underneath those rolled chinos are going to push this outfit into warm-weather territory.

The Watch: Invicta 8926 Pro Diver, $68.75 — This watch has long been a Style Guide favorite, and with plenty good reason: Standout looks, a tremendous price and great durability. It’s the right mix of rugged and casual here.

The Belt: J. Crew Braided Cotton Belt, $29.50 — Swap out a brown leather dress belt for something lighter in color and made with spring in mind.

The Bag: Wood & Faulk Field Bag, $150 — For an outfit that’s made with a commute in mind, grab a bag that’s commute-friendly — just big enough to handle your everyday carry should you need to hop on that bike (or on the train).

Oftentimes, putting together an outfit to meet changing weather or changing plans is just about recognizing that certain pieces can be customized for year-round wear when updated the right way — so, taking those chinos and showing off some ankle, or adapting your traditional navy blue blazer to one that can handle spring breezes. Throw in some sporty wingtips, and you’ve got a look that should be comfortable and eye-catching, in the best possible way. ‘Til next time!

-Beau

Where might you rock this outfit? Any pieces that you would add or subtract?

Frank & Oak