The Friday Read: AC/DC in Cleveland & The Best Summer Workwear From Huckberry

AC/DC Cleveland 2025.

Well, my friends: It’s official. For the second time this month, I’ve managed to squeeze in a properly iconic, truly rocking show by Australian icons and personal heroes AC/DC. If you’ve been reading this Brooklyn style blog for years, you know I tend to dabble in music writing — among my many other freelance writing pursuits, of course — and that I’ve got a true love for guitar-driven rock music.

It all started with AC/DC years ago, as I wrote on this very blog when I saw AC/DC in Tampa Bay just a few weeks ago, and if you’ve kept up with me on Instagram, you’ll see I haven’t slowed down one bit (and neither has my first favorite band!).

This week saw a trek to Cleveland for a mix of business and pleasure: In the midst of writing about the best leather chukka boots for men, I made time to trek back to the Midwest once more in pursuit of the best craft beer, the best summer menswear from Huckberry and certainly, the pursuit of the all-encompassing power of genre-defining, game-changing rock music.

I’ve also covered a lot of ground when it comes to all things music on this very blog, including how to dress for a rock concert and how to dress in rock n’roll style: For me, that meant a combination of rugged Taylor Stitch denim and a classic T-shirt purchased earlier in the day at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame — what a pairing, ehh?

For visiting the likes of Great Lakes Brewing, stopping by iconic Cleveland dive bar ABC The Tavern and then turning things up in high-voltage fashion for a blistering, hard-rocking show, they were the right pick indeed — you can (and should!) check out my other Taylor Stitch reviews for a road map to the best seasonal menswear, and for a look at how those denim jeans are working for me, please do see my Instagram below. Cheers!

I’ve stayed plenty busy even on the road, covering the likes of the Huckberry x Ford capsule collection at Maxim.com — rugged workwear aplenty is the name of the game — and carving out time to taste the best Cleveland craft beer. It goes without saying, but the fun continues back in Brooklyn this weekend with two summer style blog posts for your reading and shopping pleasure.

For now, I’m going to reflect fondly on my time in Cleveland, and my time seeing one of the greatest rock bands on the planet, over a cold beer or two. Join me, won’t you? Cheers to the weekend, cheers to summer style essentials and as always, long live rock n’roll!

The Tuesday Steal: This Lightweight Huckberry Blazer is On Sale, and It’s Perfect for the Summer Months

Best lightweight blazers for men.

It’s not the first time we’ll talk about it on this Brooklyn style blog, nor is it the last, but looking your best in the heat can be a fine line to walk. The right gear for the job takes a lighter course of action than the same men’s style essentials you’d rock in the fall and winter, and that holds especially true as far as the tailoring you wear is concerned.

Take one of the best lightweight blazers for men — a true must-have as the thermostat climbs and your social calendar fills up. And as a matter of fact, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer fits the bill mighty nicely in terms of fabrication, design and style points.

As we always say here at this Brooklyn men’s style blog, well, if you can find a deal on one as the season itself heats up — a deal on something like the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer shown above — then that’s all the better. It’s part of a selection of the best men’s blazers sold by Huckberry, and to be quite frank, it doesn’t get much better than that.

According to famed retailer Huckberry, the blazer is “your secret to easywearing warm-weather style,” with the ability to put in work at the boardroom, at a summer wedding, at a rooftop happy hour and beyond. Right now, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer is marked down about 20 percent, and forgoes the typical padding and structure of a blazer in favor of a cotton-elastane blend and a soft-shouldered, natural finish.

That makes the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer an easy choice for casual yet effortlessly cool style — wear your new favorite blazer over a lightweight T-shirt, an Oxford shirt or even a more traditional stretch dress shirt for polished looks and cool comfort.

Available in Navy, the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer also boasts casual, classic patch pockets and a two-button build, plus a center rear vent — yet another classic sportcoat touch from the style masters at Huckberry.

And given the fact that it’s available in sizes ranging from S-XXL at the moment, I’d say there’s no reason not to scoop up the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer at a standout deal in time for warm-weather style.

Pair it with Huckberry stretch chinos, pair it with light wash jeans, pair the Wills Garment-Dyed Blazer with just about anything you please (other than shorts — leave that to Angus Young). Cheers to the season at hand and the best lightweight men’s blazers, folks.

The Sunday Sale: These Stylish Leather Chukka Boots from Astorflex & Huckberry Are On Sale

Best men's leather chukka boots.

In any rotation of the best footwear for men, multi-season versatility is often crucial. So while your winter boots are long stowed away in favor of crisp canvas sneakers, for instance, there are stylish men’s shoes that stand the test of time and prove handy in both warmer weather and colder climes.

If you ask me, a pair of the best leather chukka boots for men can prove quite handy in the spring and summer — just as in the fall and winter. And the good folks at Astorflex (as sold by Huckberry, of course) rise to the occasion quite handily with multiple styles — one of which just so happens to be on sale today, my friends.

We’ve talked recently about how Astorflex boat shoes are a distinctive style upgrade, and if you’ve been reading the pages of this Brooklyn style blog, you’ll also have come across other Astorflex reviews over the years (it seems the company has been a staple at Huckberry for a decade now).

And now, the Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots are getting a nice markdown (about 20 percent) to add some character to your office wardrobe, and even a touch of variety to your off-duty wardrobe with dark blue jeans and a pocket tee, for instance.

The Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots boast a sleek but not overly dressy profile — they can pair with olive chinos seamlessly, for instance, but they’ll work just as well with black jeans or linen trousers. The Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots also happen to be developed exclusively for Huckberry, which is never a bad thing to have close at hand in your rotation of the best boots for men.

The Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots feature a classic two-eye chukka boot build, and the leather-lined upper is set atop a stacked rubber heel and a custom last. The leather lining in particular should prove especially supple, molding to your foot over time. Two sets of laces provide a touch of variety, although you can also swap in your own laces (I myself prefer waxed cotton laces for a slightly dressy finish).

Contrast stitching along the upper sets the Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots apart in subtle fashion, while the profile of these shoes works for wearing with a more casual summer suit or business casual ensembles. Plus, the fact that the Astorflex Brownflex Chukka Boots are marked down to $180 right now isn’t half-bad, either. When you want to make a subtle switch-up from the everyday this spring and summer, opt for handsome leather chukka boots, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Oris Divers Date Watch – A Seriously Rugged Watch for Outdoor Adventures This Summer

In my book, the best gear for men from head to toe exudes rugged toughness, style and versatility, from your choice of chambray shirt to your selection of dark blue denim, brown leather boots and of course, the watch you wear on your wrist.

In the smartphone age, wearing one of the best men’s watches is a more deliberate style move, an investment in something that can elevate any look — and provide critical functionality in places your smartphone can’t. The Oris Divers Date Watch shown above, as sold by my good friends at Huckberry, certainly delivers in that regard.

And while I love, say, Shinola men’s watches — as you might have seen in Shinola reviews on this very blog — the very best everyday carry gear for men also requires a deeper look, another point of view:

There are options aplenty out there when it comes to the best dive watches for men, like the handsome Oris Divers Date Watch shown above. Yessir, it’s a certified winner in matters of both looks and performance, with the specs to prove it.

For the unfamiliar, Oris is a somewhat overlooked heritage watch brand deeply rooted in the art and science of the best dive watches for men. The Oris Divers Date Watch speaks to that legacy quite handily, and stylishly, at that. In fact, Oris released its first-ever dive watch back in 1965, and this durable and subtly fashionable diver nods to those roots in the best way possible.

Best dive watches for men.

You see, the Oris Divers Date Watch gets distinctly 1960s touches like compressed bezel numerals and a monochromatic color scheme not unlike much more expensive dive watches (looking at you, Rolex).

Sized in relatively throwback fashion at 39mm in terms of dial size, a Swiss-made 733-1 automatic mechanical movement powers this watch with a 41-hour power reserve (designed to keep the watch ticking and on track even if you don’t wear it for a period of time).

Its rugged yet slightly dressy stainless steel build is accented by 200 meters of real-world water resistance, meaning you can easily wear this watch into the water and its depths without missing a beat. Of course, the timepiece also comes with a sporty black rubber strap for even more variety and versatility.

Yet, the classic profile of the tough-as-nails Oris Divers Date Watch also lends itself to styling in luxurious fashion with a knit polo, stretch chinos and brown leather loafers. Take my word from it: If Huckberry approves of its performance, then a timepiece like the sturdy Oris Divers Date Watch belongs in your wrist game rotation ASAP this summer.

See Now, Buy Now: Huckberry and Danner Just Debuted the Perfect Hiking Sneakers for Spring & Summer

When the time comes to gear up for your next summer adventure — a camping trip, a boating excursion, a cabin weekend where the biggest ‘to-do’ is hauling the cooler down to the river — you need the right gear, no? In fact, one might say the best spring and summer men’s gear should be a cut above the rest: Built not merely to meet a challenge, but to go above and beyond.

That’s certainly true when it comes to the footwear you lace up to hit the trail (or go far afield), and Huckberry x Danner is here just in time to power every excursion on your to-do list this season.

After all, it seems excursions far afield, away from the city and into the country, are often made all the better if you’re packing and wearing the right sturdy boots (or some of the best hiking sneakers) for the terrain on the horizon.

The latest Huckberry x Danner collection — another drop in a long-running series of collaborations on rugged footwear dating back years — is powered by the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker, a pair of hybrid footwear designed to blend in the durability of a hiking boot with the lightweight mobility of a sneaker.

The spirit of adventure, of course, is built right into what Huckberry rightfully calls “one of the lightest and toughest performance hiking sneakers we’ve ever tested,” and that’s certainly saying something, given the fact that the Americana retailer has a penchant for truly tough-as-nails gear.

In addition to an exclusive, suitably dusty and rugged Coyote colorway, the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker is built with a highly durable, abrasion-resistant and lightweight Perspair® upper, which rests atop Danner’s customary Ortholite insole for supreme comfort and rebound.

Huckberry x Danner review.

The Perspair® upper also means these are breathable and yet quick-drying, bolstered by a flexible Ariaprene® gusset for more freedom of movement crossing rocky streams and navigating hilly trails. The Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker is overbuilt in the best way, assuredly able to compete with pairs of the best hiking boots for men.

Vibram’s N45 Outsole gives the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker a ton of grip without overdoing it in terms of lug width, and these stylish-yet-functional hiking sneakers also rest atop another highly flexible touch, a TPU rock plate for more control (I’d call this a touch akin to four-way wheel drive on rocky roads, at least in my experience testing the best hiking sneakers from comparable brands like KEEN).

Huckberry x Danner Hiking Sneakers review.

I also appreciate the fact that these dependable hiking sneakers lace up with easily flexible speed lacing for plenty of wearability and a customizable fit. It’s like I always say, especially when it comes to Huckberry gear launches like the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker: If it seems like these two tried-and-true adventure brands thought of everything, well, that’s because… they did. Don’t pack for your next outdoor summer trip without the Huckberry x Danner N45 Low Hiking Sneaker in your bag.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts – Your New Favorite Summer Shorts

Best summer shorts for men.

The intersection of comfort and style can be a tricky balance to strike, but I’ve found that, in my experience, the good folks at Huckberry do quite a bit that goes a long way, especially when it comes to the famed Americana retailer’s Flint and Tinder lineup of menswear.

And comfort plus style is certainly the name of the game when it comes to the best men’s shorts to wear all spring and summer long — take the Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts as shown above, in fact. The Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts carry on the legacy of the 365 lineup of versatile-as-can-be, comfortable-as-can-be men’s style essentials from the in-house brand — its 365 fabric is ultra-soft, smooth and made to move, using 98 percent cotton and just a hint of stretch.

Throw in the fact that the Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts feature a true drawstring waist for stretch and movement, and you just might have found the most comfortable shorts on the market this spring summer.

Like other pairs of the best shorts men, they feature an agreeable 7-inch inseam that should work nicely on most builds, and classic side-slant pockets give the Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts a touch of dressy appeal — dressy enough to wear with leather loafers and your favorite polo or patterned buttondown shirt, that is.

In my experience, the build of the Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts should prove effortlessly cool and comfortable, from BBQs to weekend brunch, rooftop happy hours and coastal getaways aplenty — that’s how shorts should be worn after all, isn’t it? The Flint and Tinder 365 Drawstring Shorts also come in a selection of neutral, easy-to-style colors, not unlike the endlessly wearable Flint and Tinder 365 Pants.

Although subtle and laidback on the surface, the versatility of these handsome chino shorts is nearly unmatched — try a pair on for size (at least one pair, that is!), and let me know in the comments if you’ve found your new favorite shorts this season. Cheers to style, comfort and the season ahead, my friends.

The Sunday Sale: This Lightweight Relwen Blazer from Huckberry Is On Sale Right Now

There’s something to be said for being prepared for plenty of style situations, particularly as breezy spring and summer weather offers up the chance to get out there: Rooftop happy hours, dinners on the water, refined social occasions aplenty. Those style scenarios, of course, can be elevated and made all the better by one of the best blazers for men, especially the famed Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer as sold by our friends at Huckberry.

And as I so often say here on this Brooklyn style blog, when something as essential for spring and summer as one of the best men’s lightweight blazers goes on sale, well, striking while the iron is hot is certainly crucial (particularly in this economy, am I right or am I right, folks?).

There’s much to love about the Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer, at least according to plenty of Relwen reviews, be it the soft yet durable garment-washed cotton and spandex blend or the build inspired by classic sportcoats (note the throat latch and the five-button front in particular).

The Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer is also bolstered by cotton sateen trim to give it some shape and structure, while the lack of interior lining offers a handsome natural silhouette — the kind of blazer that can be worn as easily over a T-shirt as it pairs with a rugged chambray shirt or a timeless Oxford shirt. Patch pockets also give the Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer a more laidback, yet classic feel, while the unique structure means you can turn the collar up and button the throat latch in breezy weather if need be.

The Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer functions as a go-between when it comes to the perfect travel jacket, and the ideal blazer to wear to drinks at your next destination. Available in three eye-catching colors (including Dark Army, my personal favorite), this hybrid blazer is an on-sale seasonal steal for your next elevated #OOTD.

The Friday Read: A Weekend Getaway to Knoxville, New Spring Gear & “Grassland”

Best things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee.

My friends, welcome back to another edition of the Friday Read, where we look back at the week that was and look forward to another stylish weekend — in Brooklyn, across the pond and this time, in Knoxville, Tennessee. I’ll be trekking south with my love Mary for a family wedding, outfitted this time in a new Alan David Custom suit in a pleasing seasonal shade — you can (and should) head to my Instagram to see how I’m styling my new duds!

And along with some southern BBQ, bourbon (a favorite sipper among my family) and quality time, I’m also expecting to spend some time exploring Knoxville breweries — a must-do part of any trek to a new city.

Knoxville is also home to the world’s largest Negroni menu (at least, as part of Negroni Week 2022, as I covered at Maxim), and I know myself and my love Mary are looking forward to checking out Brother Wolf for some utterly tasty sips — perhaps including the Oaxacan Negroni as shown above.

I’ll also be bringing along some casually cool spring style favorites from top brands including Huckberry, of course — all of the fun can be found if you head to my Instagram, folks. Onward!

A quick note for all you film buffs and culture aficionados out there: You’d do well to check out Grassland, a social justice thriller set amidst the 2008 presidential election and covering the fallout from marijuana-related arrests (no spoilers here!). The film was executive-produced by none other than Common, and perhaps you’ll recognize a fitting tie-in — the watch shown above.

Actor and Michigan native Quincy Isaiah worked with Michigan watchmaker Shinola on the now-sold-out Shinola Grassland Watch last year (which I covered at Maxim), a further nod to inequities in marijuana-related criminal justice (and a great timepiece to scout out on the secondary market). For now, you can watch Grassland on streaming, and you can shop stylish men’s watches at Shinola in the meantime this weekend.

Here’s another quick read to shape your spring and summer style before another weekend getaway begins in earnest: I covered the classic, utterly iconic Vans Old Skool Premium Sneakers here yesterday on the blog, and suffice to say, they deliver a prime footwear upgrade for casually cool, laidback style and effortless good looks. To step into the weekend stylishly, check out the Vans Premium Old Skool at Huckberry, my friends.

And of course, to keep up with all the fun in NYC, Knoxville and beyond, head to my Instagram and hit that follow button — great Southern BBQ and craft beer await, along with a hearty dose of fun with the family and classic, suitably semi-formal wedding style. Our regular slate of two weekend style posts also happens to be on the docket tomorrow and Sunday, naturally. Cheers, folks!

See Now, Buy Now: These Vans Old Skool Sneakers Update a Classic

It’s hard to argue with the classics when it comes to your spring and summer style rotation, especially as you look to lace up a pair of the best sneakers for men. And it’s a good thing you can find a plentiful selection of sneakers both iconic and modern over at Huckberry, is it not? The pair in question today has been making style waves long before Huckberry’s 2011 launch however.

Yes indeed, the Vans Old Skool has been a rightful style classic for decades, beloved by everyone from skaters to rock legends to stylish fellas like you and me.

And for 2025, the Vans Old Skool gets a Premium update (they’re called the Vans Premium Old Skool, after all). The premium update arrives in the form of a Gum Sepia combination that allows the Vans Old Skool stripe detailing to shine — just like you remember ’em from days gone by, but with a fresh, new twist. In fact, I’d consider the Vans Premium Old Skool a more grown-up version of your favorite skate shoes, one you still can wear with casual style at the forefront.

The biobased foam insole gives the Vans Premium Old Skool a springy, sustainable touch, while the company also upgraded these kicks with ’90s-era foxing tape for added durability. It’s the combination of Sepia tones with a gum rubber outsole that gives the Vans Premium Old Skool a point of distinction, though, along with a full-grain leather collar lining.

Suffice to say, the Vans Premium Old Skool should prove more durable, comfortable and dependable — and just as stylish — when compared to your favorite vintage pair of Vans men’s sneakers.

The throwback-inspired color combination is just one option as you shop for your fairly priced pair of Vans Premium Old Skool sneakers (you can score them right now at Huckberry for $90. of note). They deliver some serious bang for your buck, particularly when styled with light wash jeans and a classic pocket tee, or else with tailored chino shorts and a fresh navy polo.

For a stylish pair of sneakers that have stood the test of time, the Vans Premium Old Skool sneakers deliver the goods yet again this spring and summer.

See Now, Buy Now: This Lightweight Relwen Blazer From Huckberry is A Versatile Tailored Wardrobe Addition

Best spring and summer blazers for men.

As we roll into spring and summer, the last thing a stylish fella like yourself wants to worry about is dressing sharp in the heat — or rather, beating the heat in style without sacrificing comfort. It’s a tall order in a time of outdoor weddings and rooftop soirees, but there are ways to combat the heat of spring and summer in comfortable, crisp and stylish fashion: The Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer is a great place to start if you find your calendar packed with more formally inclined outdoor occasions.

It’s everything you could want in an elegant blazer that’s far from stuffy, starting with the fabrication and the classically inspired build.

As sold by our good friends at Huckberry, it’s the kind of blazer that shows you mean business, yet it’s more fresh and modern than a navy blazer with traditional gold buttons — while there’s a time and a place for utterly classic style, the Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer is all about good looks tailor-made for warmer weather.

The Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer carries on the Ohio-based brand’s penchant for nodding to the classics while giving them a fresh twist — for instance, this blazer takes some design cues from old-school sportcoats, the kind that were once worn hunting (note the throat latch and what’s technically a five-button front). And yet, the Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer also retains all the trappings of a traditional, casual sportcoat, using patch pockets and a lightweight stretch cotton exterior for plenty of comfort, at least in my experience.

I’ve worn the Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer to outdoor rooftop drinks and to meetings in the city (this is a Brooklyn style blog, after all), and I’ve found the garment-washed finish gives it lightweight comfort, while the stretch cotton design offers enough flexibility to wear it over a stretch dress shirt, an Oxford shirt or even a Huckberry T-shirt.

Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer review.

The Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer even features helpful touches like a hidden interior chest zip pocket for your valuables, while it’s also built out with a traditional welt chest pocket, like other favorite blazers in your rotation. Its lack of padding gives it a breezy, rather than stuffy, feel, while the Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer comes in shades ranging British Khaki to Olive and Charcoal (Charcoal is my personal favorite).

It feels durable without being overly heavy, and it wears as easily with chinos and a chambray shirt as it does with a tee and rolled light wash jeans. For all your outdoor tailored pursuits this summer, consider reaching for the seriously versatile, effortlessly cool Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer from Huckberry, folks.