Tag / j. crew sunglasses

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: The Best Gear to Bring to the Beach This Summer

It seems as if we were just talking about transitional spring style on this here blog, and yet now, we’re staring down the Fourth of July and we’re talking about what to wear to the beach. Or rather, what to wear to the beach and all the rest of the best men’s gear to bring with you. We’ll cover a bunch today on The Style Guide, from a great beach cooler to a stylish pair of swim trunks, a slim summer T-shirt, great sunglasses and plenty, plenty more.  After all, hitting the water needn’t mean you leave your favorite seasonal style essentials at home. You can — and indeed, should —  bring along durable accessories, a stylish dive watch, a classic pair of sunglasses … seriously, bring (and wear) as much of it as you can. Vacation time is no time at all to slack off, fellas. In the spirit of upgraded beach style, follow along with the below #menswear picks, follow along with my summer style on Instagram and if you dare … follow me on Twitter. Happy shopping!

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The Swim Suit: Onia Charles Trunks — $77.98 OR Penfield Seal Swim Shorts — $65

Two colorways, two different brands and two fairly agreeable prices — stylish summer swimwear is here.

Let’s start things off with what’s most important — shall we? Two options here, both stylish, functional and no-frills when it comes to the fit,  details and colors. These are trunks that don’t cry out for attention — I’m partial to the Onia Charles Trunks. Either one will work with a slim T-shirt and slip-on sneakers, and you can throw on a classic ballcap with ease, too. Either option is also fair in terms of price. When it comes to quality, the Onia Charles Trunks or the Penfield Seal Swim Shorts aren’t the sort of swim trunks that can be found in a bargain bin — and that’s quite the positive for you.

The Essential: Finisterre Beach Towel — $44.98
Finisterre Beach Towel

A good-looking beach towel? Who knew?

Before we get to the rest of the essential summer gear you need, how about we knock out one crucial item early on? It can be a bit of a search to find a quality, well-made and stylish beach towel. And if you hadn’t yet thought that a beach towel needed to look nice, well … consider yourself on notice. The Finisterre Beach Towel features a no-fuss pattern and a neutral color — both underrated qualities in a sea of bright, bright towels.

Greats

The Bag: W&P Design Cocktail Tote — $127.98

A grab-and-go bag finished with stylish details and enough durability to make it beach-ready.

So, you’ve got your remarkably stylish beach towel and swim trunks all set. Before we go any further, let’s sort out how you’ll be hauling your everyday carry — from your classic summer sneakers to your favorite sunglasses. You just might want to make the W&P Design Cocktail Tote your bag of choice. It’ll provide durability and stylish looks — and it won’t look out of place slung over your shoulder when grabbing a post-beach beer. Speaking of beer — if you’re looking for a durable beach cooler, stick around until the end of this post.
The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee — $38 OR Flint and Tinder Slub Henley in Pewter — $45 

Buy one, buy both … wear one, wear both. It’s up to you, but these stylish Flint and Tinder tees will have you all set for beach time.

We’re giving you two simple, subtly stylish and very well-made summer T-shirt options from the fine folks at Flint and Tinder. As it were, you could pick up both tees and be covered for two different style scenarios. Throw on the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Tee to head to the beach in the first part of the day, and then keep the breathable Flint and Tinder Slub Henley — a former Style Pick of the Week entry — in your bag if it gets breezy or chilly during that beach bonfire. Which brings us to our next point …

Timex

The Light Sweater: Finisterre Newlyn Crew — $99.98

Finisterre

When the temperature drops, this is the lightweight sweater to wear.

If indeed it gets too breezy or chilly on the beach or on a boat, you need to be adequately prepared. It’s all too easy to resort to tossing on a ratty old crewneck or a logo sweater. And yet, we should likely all aspire to look a little bit better in every situation. That’s where the indigo-dyed, French Terry cotton Finisterre Newlyn Crew finds its way into your bag. Functionally minded, made for anything and built with handy storage pockets, it’s a perfect go-to after a post-morning surf or …. a post-evening beer.

The Footwear: Hari Mari x Nokona Leather Flip-Flops — $110 OR SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard — $78

It’s your call as to whether you go for sandals or sneakers — either should perform reliably and stylishly.

We’re once again giving you two options that could both feasibly work for a stylish day at the beach.  If you’re looking for a supremely easy-to-wear pair of premium leather flip-flops, the Hari Mari x Nokona collaboration has you all squared away. These handsome flip-flops are crafted with baseball leather for a look that’s unlike any pair of sandals on the market. If you’re more of a sneakerhead, reach for the subtly stylish, classic SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard. They’re arguably a pair of summer sneakers you should already own — trust me.

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Syd Sunglasses, $118 OR Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $99.98

Summer sunglasses

Pick a pair, any pair. The Norton Point Charlie 014 is in a close race against the J. Crew Syd when it comes to great looks.

In sticking with our focus on affordable men’s style, I bring you two options for stylish summer sunglasses that won’t break the bank — and they won’t skimp on any style points, either. J. Crew as a retailer has certainly seen better days — the good old days of classic chambray shirts on every corner might be behind us. And yet… the Syd Sunglasses are an ideal pair of laidback sunglasses. The same can be said for the classic, casual Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, available for just under $100. Either will sort out your summer beach ensemble quite nicely.
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The Hat: Ebbets Field Flannels For J. Crew Ballcap — $49.50

A well-made, affordable and vintage-inspired hat for summer.

We’ve all got that trusty hat we always reach for when stepping out of the house on casual days, right?  This head-turning Ebbets Field Flannels for J. Crew cap channels vintage style with the sort of easygoing design that should make it a beach bag mainstay. In a neutral and versatile color, you’d do well to throw it in your bag for later — it’ll be the coolest hat at the beach.

The Watch: Aulta Acuatico Automatic — $235 OR Deep Blue Master 1000 Dive Watch — $219.98

Two rough-and-tumble watches geared for beach exploration.

When it comes to rugged watches, I sure hope you like options. Wearing a watch to the beach can be a losing cause — unless you’re wearing the right watch, that is. Leave your stylish leather watch at home and break out one of these bad boys if you want rugged functionality. In particular, the simply designed yet sporty and tough Aulta Acuatico is surf-inspired and yet sleek thanks to the black-on-black color combo. And the Deep Blue Master 1000 … don’t even get me started on how perfect this beastly timepiece is for summer, what with tough construction and rugged design.

Nautica

The Cooler: Bespoke Post Chill Box — $45

Two pint glasses and a durable cooler — what’s not to like? Bring it to the beach, without a doubt.

While we gave you plenty of options in the way of durable watches and stylish swim trunks, there’s really only one cooler you need to buy for the beach. That, my friends, would be the Bespoke Post Chill Box. It’s coming at ya courtesy of the great Bespoke Post team, and it’s packed with all the goods for a great beach day. The Chill Box includes a functional and effective cooler from Hudson Sutler — made in America — along with two pint glasses, ideal for knocking back a couple cold ones. Oh, and when you sign up for Bespoke Post? Well, my friends … you get a nice discount on the Chill Box. Save a brew for me, will ya?

Alright, you tell me — did I do enough of thorough job in the way of stylish summer gear for the beach? I hope this roundup was helpful for ya. If you start out your day right — by putting on some stylish swim trunks — it’s tough to go wrong from there. Grabbing handy everyday carry pieces like the W&P Design Cocktail Tote and the underrated Finisterre Beach Towel are also going to help your day get started on the right foot. Oh, and summer footwear for the beach should be easy with either the Hari Mari x Nokona collaboration or a pair of equally summer-friendly classic SeaVees sneakers. On the watch front, you should undoubtedly pack and wear a durable timepiece that can stand up to some surf and some sun.  Either the Aulta Acuatico or the Deep Blue Master 1000 you have you set up for summer beach adventures nicely. It certainly wouldn’t be a beach day without a vintage ballcap, a stylish Flint and Tinder T-shirt and — perhaps most critically — the Bespoke Post Chill Box. Do you have your shopping list all filled out? Good. Go get to it, and then hit the beach — I’ll see you out there!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style A Henley for Summer

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.

To me, there isn’t a style of shirt (without a collar, that is), that’s more versatile or rugged than a great short-sleeve henley. Although expressions of style and masculinity are changing all the time, there’s no doubt that a stylish henley is a still a reliable go-to if you want to upgrade your game and look a little tougher and stronger — or simply better in general — and that’s certainly true for the below tips on how to style a henley for summer. That goes for long-sleeve henleys with a vintage look, and it goes for fashionable short-sleeve henleys fit for fighting the warm weather. The button placket on well-made henleys adds some nice visual interest to looks both casual and a bit crisper, and in the right fit and color (like the slim-fitting indigo henley) below, you can wear the piece on its own with slim chino shorts or layered up under an unconstructed blazer for unique high-low style that can go to the office on a casual day and out on a date thereafter (I bet you’ll look  better than the fella in the ill-fitting suit — trust me). It can be a bit of a process to switch from a plain white tee to a knit with more texture, color and visual details (even if it is just a simple button placket). But those added small details make it a worthy style upgrade — especially when you ditch the long sleeves in favor of a piece that’s just as trim-fitting, yet a heck of a lot more ready for the warm weather. Invest in one that’s well-crafted and you can rock it under a spring jacket, beneath a fall blazer or as a complement to a warm shawl cardigan in winter. For now though, focus on great chinos, solid suede boots and other accessories just begging to be worn on a warm summer’s day. Chime in on the #OOTD discussion at our very own Style Guide Facebook page, and we’ll see you out shopping.

Pair a short-sleeve henley with staples you might already have in your closet, like stone chinos and suede chukka boots.

Pair a short-sleeve henley with staples you might already have in your closet, like stone chinos and suede chukka boots.

The Henley: Jason Scott Banks Short-Sleeve Henley in Indigo — $96: Nearly $100 is a certainly a steep price to pay, but that price gets you exceptional quality, terrific Peruvian fabric and finishing touches like antique metal buttons on the placket.

The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Light Stone — $98: Taylor Stitch chinos have been a Style Guide favorite for some time now, and the reliably ideal fit and excellent fabric quality and color make these a fine match for that indigo henley.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Boot — $149: Just as with those Taylor Stitch chinos, the Scout Boot from Team Thursday has received positive reviews in this neck of the woods, for comfort and quality as much as looks. This rich Honey Suede pair really does have it all.

The Socks: American Trench Edo Collection Socks — $19.50: Nearly $20 for a pair of socks? You’re darn right, and they’re some of the best (if not the best) ones you can rock that are made in America at family mills. Plus, the color pops just the right amount against the faded indigo henley.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-Striped Webbing Belt — $14.50: Again, it’s a little counterintuitive that a belt would cost less than socks, but this piece is a bargain number that can be styled into several looks (see my Instagram for more examples, will ya?)

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Jack Sunglasses in Silver Navy — $98: As first seen on this site’s roundup of the best men’s sunglasses for summer, this pair of aviators is simple yet sleek and stylish (not to mention pretty cost-effective).

The Trunks: Tommy John Second Skin Titanium Trunk — $32: More than $30 sure is a heck of a lot to pay for underwear, but with what Tommy John can deliver in terms of quality, it’s worth it. The Dark Titanium color  shown here has sold fast, but check out their other colorways here.

The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chronograph — $158: Timex and Red Wing really have thrown everything they’ve got at this standout watch, with a  strap crafted from rugged Red Wing boot leather and a sturdy, classic-looking dial that’s super-functional and ready for just about anything (including NYC style adventures).

Sure, chinos and a henley might seem like a simple outfit combination at first glance, but it’s the upgraded, slimmer fits, richer colors and better quality that make this look acceptable for everything from grabbing beers at the bar to leaving early on a casual Friday (perhaps with a light grey blazer, if I do say so myself). And the other pieces in this ensemble, from a warm-weather friendly cotton belt to suede chukkas, can work in multiple seasons. Finally, there’s truly no bad time for a durable leather watch or a subtle-yet-stylish socks or crisp sunglasses. Making these pieces work in your favor by adding a lightweight sweater or swapping in a stainless steel dive watch is definitely going to pay style dvidends. Do we read each other loud and clear? Yes? Excellent.

‘Til next time!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

Frank & Oak

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by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Sunglasses for Summer

Editor’s note: For a full suite of stylish shopping picks, click here.

Stylish sunglasses are a must for the summer months. This particular Tom Ford pair was a Christmas gift from Santa. Pima Crewneck by Mack Weldon. Light Khaki Ludlow Denim by Mott & Bow. Brown Scout Boots by Thursday Boots. Customized Fairfield Weekender by Timex.

Stylish sunglasses are a must for the summer months. This particular Tom Ford pair was a Christmas gift from Santa. Pima Crewneck by Mack Weldon. Slim Light Mercer Denim by Mott & Bow. Brown Scout Boots by Thursday Boots. Customized Fairfield Weekender by Timex.

Spring has, to this point, presented all kinds of online shopping to be done, from picking up stylish suede chukkas to lusting after the best spring sneakers and short-sleeve shirts. But what about those other finishing touches? Particularly one that just might be the  most important part of your everyday carry, whether you’re traveling abroad or zipping down the street. I’ll give you a hint — you sure as heck won’t need ’em when it rains! Indeed, we’re talking effective, stylish sunglasses for the rest of spring and all summer. It’s virtually never too late to buy a pair — heck, grab the right frame (classic in shape and with lenses that aren’t too crazy) and you’ll want to wear them even with it’s cloudy. They’re a nice thing to have when the snow gets too reflective for those of us in colder climes, as well. So, for matters of style, there’s a lot at stake. Grab one of the pairs listed below — just try not to lose ’em at the gas station.
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#1. J. Crew Jack Sunglasses in Silver Navy, $98

A new (yet already-classic) option from a brand that nails all kinds of style staples.

A new (yet already-classic) option from a brand that nails all kinds of style staples.

The brand’s quest to take over the wardrobes of discerning #menswear fans everywhere continues at a pretty rapid clip, and J. Crew’s new sunglasses definitely make it easy to become a fan. The Jack is a classic aviator style with crisp blue lenses, a stainless steel frame and a 52mm lens diameter that should work for most face shapes. These could be reliably dressed up with a well-tailored suit, and they’d add a classic American feel to a short-sleeve henley.

#2. Warby Parker Batten Sunglasses in Jet Blue, $145

More than a passing resemblance to the sunglasses worn by James Bond in Skyfall.

More than a passing resemblance to the sunglasses worn by James Bond in Skyfall.

Do you sense a theme here as far as versatile sunglasses go? Warby Parker excels at producing modern designs that are still wearable for all sorts of face shapes, including this classic aviator style. It bears more than a passing resemblance to the sunglasses worn by James Bond in Skyfall, and that’s a very good (and very cool) thing. The crucial part about that is you get them without the Bond-esque price tag — and with the option to add in prescription lenses if you so choose.

#3. Steven Alan Optical Millbrook Sunglasses in Dark Stripe Tortoise — $165

Perfect for dressing up with a suit or rocking on their own with a tee and chinos.

Perfect for dressing up with a suit or rocking on their own with a tee and chinos.

If you don’t fancy yourself rocking a pair of aviator shades, perhaps reach for something that’s a bit more unique but still versatile in terms of style. That would be the Millbrook from Steven Alan Optical, the premium eyewear offshoot of American menswear brand Steven Alan. The great part about these shades is that they come without a premium price tag (as far as other, higher-end options are concerned). The Italian acetate used to make these is about as good as it gets, and the rose gold detailing is a slightly retro touch.

#4. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer — $150

A design that's endured for sixty years, at a decent price.

A design that’s endured for sixty years, at a decent price.

It practically wouldn’t be a sunglasses roundup if Ray-Ban wasn’t included (or at least considered) for this list — right?While some aren’t partial to the logo they place on one lens of seemingly all their models, the Ray-Ban Wayfarer has stood the test of time (and experienced a style resurgence) in recent years because it fits tons of different face shapes and just looks downright cool in the process. The price isn’t backbreaking, and the style works with a classic navy suit now or as a complement to a shawl cardigan (much) later on in the year.

#5. Sunday Somewhere Maximus Sunglasses — $250

A distinct, yet not too-far-off-kilter, approach to sunglasses that just works.

A distinct, yet not too-far-off-kilter, approach to sunglasses that just works.

While it’s well and good to consider classic styles like the aviator and the Wayfarer in your sunglass search, sometimes, you want a frame shape that’s a bit different. We’re not talking electric blue lenses or something out of the 70s, just a bit more distinctive. The Sunday Somewhere Maximus is a tough, strong frame with a slightly wider lens diameter. It’s a step up in price from the other options on this list, but it exudes effortless cool — these are sunglasses well-suited for, well, a suit.

Choosing sunglasses can definitely be a rather tricky process. Namely, it pays to try on styles in a store before picking the perfect pair. Try-on programs done by the likes of Warby Parker are really helpful in easing the stress of that process — and with a lot of sunny days hopefully ahead, being efficient with that cash is going to be key (and hopefully, leave some leftover funds for a few summer brews). If you want to reach for a classic American style, pick up a pair on the relative cheap from Randolph Engineering (a past Style Pick of the Week feature). Heck it’s even tougher to beat something from the American Optical line of sunglasses. But again, finding the right frame shape and the right price are paramount. Let me know what pairs you’re considering via Twitter!

Until next time — thanks for reading,

-Beau

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