April 26, 2017April 20, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for Your Next Sunday Brunch

From dressing for a spring road trip to prepping for today’s style suggestion — gearing up for Sunday brunch — there are plenty of #menswear matters that require your full attention this season. So, listen up! Just kidding. We’ll keep it light and casual today –just as you should when putting together an ensemble for a casual late morning or early afternoon meal. Certainly, not everyone is a brunch fan — but count me in the pro-brunch camp, through and through. We talked last year about how to dress for your next Sunday brunch, but seeing as there are plenty of brunches in your future, it’s high time we updated the look — right? Given that knocking back a Bloody Mary or two comes at a cost — Saturday night festivities — it’s crucial to still look put-together while remaining comfortable and casual. With that being said, we’re mixing stylish Apolis slim chinos and a classic denim shirt with other versatile daily style staples — like an investment-worthy leather watch — that you should already have in your closet. Ultimately, keep it simple and keep it fun. Oh, and put a Bloody Mary on my tab — will ya? For style inspiration on the go you can hang with me on Twitter or Instagram, if you please.

The Shirt: JACHS Light Denim Western Shirt — $75

A nice way to switch up your rotation of Oxford shirts.

If you want to switch things up from a classic Oxford, there’s perhaps no better way to do it than a just-different-enough Western shirt. JACHS does excellent work when it comes to quality fabrics (all sourced by the brand), and the faded wash on this rugged denim shirt makes it an A-plus style move. Unique design details like the snap buttons and Western stitching round things out nicely for your next brunch outing.

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Long-Sleeve Tee –$58

A neat base layer that provides a dose of comfort and style.

Flint and Tinder calls its Supima Air Knit Long-Sleeve Tee the “cashmere of cotton” that should be lightweight, breathable and nice for layering. While you could also layer a rugged henley under your denim shirt, a knit long-sleeve tee in a color like burgundy adds visual interest and provides another layer in case it gets breezy. And as with all Flint and Tinder gear, you’re getting quality style and great looks for your money.

The Chinos: Apolis Standard Issue Chino in Hunter Khaki — $98

A classic pair of chinos fit for a long Sunday brunch.

Way back in 2015, this site sang the praises of Apolis slim chinos, and we’re back for round two today. The brand works its magic using a mix of classic style, sustainability and ethical practices. For starters, the modern cut should be more than agreeable for bunch. Throw in the fact that these chinos are made responsibly in Peru, and the company’s Certified B Corporation status only adds to the brand’s significant style chops. Yessir, buy these and pair them with spring style essentials aplenty.

The Chukkas: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Chestnut — $129.98

A comfortable, easy-to-wear and well-made suede chukka.

Want to casually and comfortable offset those slim chinos? Pick up some suede chukka boots from yet another brand that makes its gear with sustainability and serious style in mind — that would be Astoflex, folks. The brand’s suede chukkas are ridiculously comfortable and made with top-quality suede that ages well, for one. And the casual open lacing of these chukkas is a nice way to look put-together without having to break out stylish dress shoes (although you could do that, too). So kick back and order another one, maybe?

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks — $29.50

Lighter fabric and a distinctive pattern make these socks suitable for spring brunch.

If you thought houndstooth as a pattern only worked in the colder climes of fall and winter, think again. Our pals over at American Trench have taken the distinctive pattern and applied it to a nice range of versatile, spring and summer-friendly socks. They’re pricey, that much is true, but from personal experience … they could just be the most comfortable pair of socks you own.

The Watch: Farer Stark Watch — $475

A watch that blends vintage style details with a dressy design? Perfect for brunch.

Stark is perhaps the wrong name for this Farer watch — because it’s handsome and slightly rugged, yet refined … all at once. Sold via the good folks of Huckberry— as most great gear tends to be — it combines the utility of a chronograph with the distinctive look of a vintage watch your grandpa might have worn. Named after legendary British travel writer and adventurer Dame Freya Stark, it does indeed blend vintage styling details, such as the curved hands, with a dressy 39.5mm diameter. In short, the Farer Stark Watch absolutely belongs in your casual watch collection.

The Belt: La Matera Corbina Belt — $145

Add some fabric and color to your belt game with La Matera — it’ll upgrade your accessories game significantly.

Because you should leave no stone unturned in the way of style upgrades, a nicely designed belt with cool detailing is the way to go. It’s not every day that a belt blends both full-grain cognac leather and fabric from Argentina woven on vintage looms, but then again, not every belt is the La Matera Corbina Belt. With that unique fabric and its beautiful design, it’s an easy way to add some subtle flash to this Sunday brunch ensemble.

The Wallet: Andar Wallets The Scout Wallet — $25

An essential upgrade for any guy — especially when it comes time for brunch.,

It might seem counterintuitive to spend a little money on something designed to … hold onto your money. But then again — no one wants a Costanza wallet situation, right? Speaking from personal experience, the slim Andar Scout Wallet goes with me everywhere and slides right into my front pocket, my back pocket, my blazer pocket — you name it. The leather will age nicely and look great, too. After all, you’re picking up the check at brunch — yeah?

Dressing for Sunday brunch and adventures thereafter doesn’t have to involve anything too complicated — veering ever-so-slightly away from the basics (like swapping a denim shirt for a classic Oxford) is a good place to start. Adding in stylish complements helps even things out, too– enter the Flint and Tinder Supima Air Knit Long-Sleeve Tee.

And offsetting that visually interesting combo is made easy thanks to classic, easygoing Apolis slim chinos and accessories like the vintage-inspired Farer Stark Watch. Don’t forget those finishing touches — the La Matera Corbina Belt is a good one to pick up, to say the least. With all that in your closet, the hardest part now is just picking out somewhere to go — Brunch Village, anyone?

Good luck and don’t eat the Pop-Tarts.

-Beau

October 24, 2016October 24, 2016 by Beau H.

Sunlit Youth: A fall weekend in Providence

Editor’s note: Click on through to check out more fall menswear posts.

Looking through the rain to Friday night’s Local Natives show in Providence. 1936 Skyliner Jacket from the Eddie Bauer x Pendleton collab. Light Wash Denim Shirt by JACHS NY. 505C Denim by Levi’s. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing Heritage collab. Glasses by Frameri.

There are certain trips — and certain moments within those trips — where time seems to slow down just a little bit. Living and working in New York City, it doesn’t happen all that often within the confines of Manhattan or Brooklyn (home of the revered Style Guide HQ, of course). But, when on those rare occasions when things do seem to slow down a bit, it happens for me at a live show — there’s nothing like seeing songs you love unfold before your eyes. If you’re here for the menswear — but skim through the music portions of some posts — you definitely know the live music scene pops up pretty frequently on the blog. Luckily for me, a weekend trip to Providence brought with it some menswear and some great moments at a stunning show by one of my favorite bands, Silver Lake-based Local Natives. Sometimes, getting out of the city for a while — and seeing a heck of a live show — is all you need to feel rejuvenated. This weekend brought that for me, and then some. Oh, and what #menswear did I pack? Oh, just you wait — ehh? Ehh?

The weekend jaunt north was made all the more enjoyable by a day off Friday, which gave me plenty of time to explore Providence in style. Providence has been widely touted as of late as one of the best “small cities” in America, and it was with that spirit of adventure in mind that I packed up. It all started (and will likely start on future trips) with my Sword & Plough Weekender Bag, a tough-yet-elegant piece made with heavy navy cotton canvas and American leather for a durable bag that was still easy to carry around town — all the while living up to the brand’s mission of repurposing military materials and supporting veterans in the production process. So, the Weekender Bag was definitely up to the task of my weekend adventures. Meanwhile, the pleasant-yet-breezy temps in Providence meant my JACHS NY Light Wash Denim Shirt was a comfortable Friday travel piece and still layered up nicely under the tough, heritage-inspired Eddie Bauer x Pendleton 1936 Skyliner, a two-in-one jacket that features a Pendleton wool pattern inspired by the national parks — in this case, the Badlands National Park. I did leave the jacket behind for the show at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel (great name, yeah?), but throughout the day, my retro-inspired Levi’s 505C Denim proved stylish and more than fitting in terms of rock concert style. I got around with the Johnston & Murphy Greer Wingtip Boot, which mixed in a durable rubber lug sole and an elegant shade of burnished brown leather. Once again, a great blend of comfort and style fit for exploring a seriously neat town — especially with my always-reliable Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono.

Outside Bolt Coffee at the excellent Dean Hotel — a neat Providence stop!

Where exactly did my Providence explorations take me? Well, first things first — a morning train ride definitely had me in need of a caffeine jolt (always a must when in a new city). That meant a stop at the tasty and eclectic White Electric Coffee , a neat spot dedicated to delicious organic coffee and filled with the shop’s themed white-and-red lighting bolts throughout the space, plus vintage signage, exposed brick and delicious treats. From there, a stroll through the rain — more of a brisk walk — led me to a fantastic lunch at The Grange, purveyors of everything from delicious craft beer to standout poutine (my lunch of choice, made with seasoned fries and rich gravy). The great thing about staying near downtown Providence — as I did, AirBNB and all — means that you get the best of the best in a walkable city. Of course, a busy afternoon shooting photos and walking along the riverfront called for a coffee stop at Bolt Coffee Co., the in-house coffee shop at the well-designed, modern and sharp Dean Hotel — it was a tranquil, relaxing environment for getting a bit of work done. Oh, and it was an unexpectedly awesome spot for running into and meeting bassist Nik Ewing! That certainly doesn’t happen every day, but being able to tell someone in your favorite band how much you love their new album is pretty neat — to say the least. It was definitely a highlight of the city, if only to enjoy a quick coffee!

A day that brought with it some great exploration of an awesome Northeast city led into an incredible evening — it always seems nights fly by so fast in the run-up to a concert. From seeing Lucius in Central Park to rocking out to ,The National at Panorama, there’s not much that can top the shows I’ve had the great fortune to see even in this past year — except one. It was a warm September 2013 night in Royal Oak, Mich., the first time I saw Local Natives, and the band’s powerful live performance has still stuck with me. It was engaging, energetic and beyond fun. It was that in mind that I lined up outside Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel for a buzzing Friday night show — again, what a name. As I’ve written about before on The Style Guide, the band’s third album, “Sunlit Youth,” is a stellar step forward for a quintet that’s always drawn on a variety of influences — this time around, they mix R&B touches on “Coins,” channel pop energy on “Past Lives” and call back to the darker tomes of their sophomore album, “Hummingbird,” with songs like “Mother Emanuel.” Of course, it all comes together in one fluid package that made for an amazing live show, as always.

From the blissful opener “Past Lives” through to stellar new takes on tracks like “Psycho Lovers” and the lilting “Dark Days,” they were a band in motion and on the rise. They brought incredible energy to a crowd that loved everything from their jaunty take on “Coins” to a true (personal) favorite, “Who Knows Who Cares.” Plus, more eclectic tracks like “Jellyfish” were part of a great live effort. Slightly deeper cuts like “Ceilings” also drew loud cheers from a near sellout at Lupo’s — and it’s not at every show you see a marriage proposal! Talk about a wild night. And, it nearly goes without saying that “Breakers,” the lead single off their sophomore album, also went over flawlessly. They really did bring incredible confidence and energy to the stage — this is a band that’s on the up-and-up, and sure to tour near you soon! Truly. It’s almost tough to sum up such an incredible show in only a few sentences, but t was absolutely worth the wait, worth the buzz and worth the build-up. It’s also worth another show — this coming Wednesday in NYC, in fact! Undeniably excited.

Just reminiscing on the amazing Local Natives show. Long Haul Jacket and Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Glasses by Frameri.

The breathtaking performance was next-level, a sign of a band that’s come into their own. Oh, and as energetic as it was, it had me exhausted — yet still looking forward to some stylish jaunts around Providence. It was the ideal weather to trek around the city and hang out at The Shop, an amazing coffee shop with rustic-yet-modern vibes, excellent music and delicious coffee. With a bit of rain in the forecast, Saturday was prime weather to break out my durable, tough and hard-wearing Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket — which you’ve previously seen in the Style Pick of the Week series. It’s a beautiful piece that mixes a pleasantly lightweight and flexible 7oz. Martexin waxed canvas with classic countryside outerwear detailing in the corduroy collar and interior cuffs. It fit perfectly over another Taylor Stitch favorite, the Jack in Indigo Star. It’s the ideal shirt for a casual Saturday — slim-fitting, able to be worn untucked and featuring subtle style touches (like the star pattern, for starters). That duo up top fit right in alongside my Dickies X-Series Slim-Fit Tapered Leg Jean; if you’re thinking that Dickies couldn’t possibly make a slim-fit jean, think again. The workwear brand is stepping up its game in a big way, and these slim-fitting jeans feature a pleasing dark wash and comfortable fabric. They were ideal for exploring more of the city with my Johnston & Murphy Karnes Captoe Boot, another durable dress boot with a rubber lug sole and, in this case, a padded wool collar — all complemented again by my classic Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono.

Yet more coffee shop vibes at The Shop in Providence. Long Haul Jacket & Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Denim by Dickies. Karnes Captoe Boots by Johnston & Murphy. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Glasses by Frameri.

Those pieces helped me get around the city in style, and it was the perfect day to explore Providence (even if it was Parents Weekend at Brown University). The trip drew to a close too quickly, and led into a train ride back to NYC and some birthday celebrations with my great friend (and Daily News Automotive Reporter) Kyle. As luck would have it, the same gear I wore through the day Saturday transitioned in a few choice brews at Lower East Side craft beer and cocktail institution Jimmy’s No. 43. To close out the weekend, yesterday brought with it more menswear — and more writing, to boot. As part of my work at The Manual, I swung through what should practically be a bucket-list stop for watch aficionados — the Worn & Wound Watch Fair, a global gathering of more than 30 independent watchmakers put on by the team behind the watch resource guide and online shop Worn & Wound. It featured a plethora of inspiring and dedicated watch makers, including Style Guide favorite Lum-Tec. I learned a thing or two about watches, and it was a fine display of what should become a destination for lovers of durable, stylish and well-made timepieces.

The right gear for getting around in comfort and style. Navy Peacoat by JACHS NY. Marled Long-Sleeve Henley by Flint and Tinder. Slim olive cargos courtesy of Forever21 Men. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Brown leather watch & sunglasses by MVMT Watches.

Oh, and my gear for the occasion? Easily wearable pieces that should be looking to pick up for yourself this fall — including the Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley, made from a mid-weight marled jersey fabric. It was perfectly complemented by the JACHS NY Navy Double-Breasted Peacoat (an ideal transitional piece) topped off with a pair of Slim-Fit Cargo Pants courtesy of Forever21 Men. Don’t think you can make cargos work for you? They might be tricky at the office, but a slim pair teamed up with neutral staples — like a navy peacoat — were suited to exploring Manhattan’s High Line Park just fine. Of course, my sneakers were key in that regard and the brand-new Brooks Academia Chariot was the perfect finishing touch. It features a sporty canvas silhouette designed to resemble the tweedy textures reminiscent of professorial garb. The combo is perfect for fall, and certainly different than your average retro runner sneaker. They were lightweight, comfortable and fit in well with some of my favorite accessories, including The 40 in Rose Gold/Brown Leather from MVMT Watches, and a sharp pair of Runaway Aviators (also from MVMT Watches — surprise!).

While my #menswear picks helped me get around in comfort and style, it certainly was a full and exhausting weekend. There’s something to be said for the opportunity to travel, see a live show, explore a new city and make some great connections with menswear aficionados — all in one weekend. Heck, the standout Local Natives show alone might have made it, but the chance to bring along some great style gear and explore a cool city was icing on the cake. I know some spots worth visiting in Providence again, I got to bring along some of my favorite picks and I got to take in a live show — can’t every weekend be that great? Until the next time I hit the road, you can follow along for menswear tips and inspiration — as always — via Instagram and the ever-expanding Twitter universe.

We’ll see you in the front row — and thanks for reading!

-Beau

August 8, 2016August 3, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear to the Beach This August

Editor’s note: Click here for another look at a casual menswear outfit.

We’re still rolling right on through the hot days of summer here at The Style Guide (and elsewhere) — hopefully by this point, you’ve made it out from the office to a refreshing lake, pool, sprinkler … you name it. If you haven’t and are worried you’re running out of time, fear not! There’s still plenty of time before Labor Day to hit the water in style. Just as with other situations — from Sunday brunch to a first date — there’s a lot to be said for keeping your casual style on-point (especially for that first date). That means paying attention to proper fit and fabric, plus other details — right on down to the gear you bring along in your everyday carry. Even if the pool or beach happens to be a short stroll away from your humble abode, you should still take the time to smarten up — it’s not Jersey Shore out here, right? Grab the gear below, and consider this a full primer on what to wear to the beach this August. To offer up your own suggestions, check out The Style Guide on Facebook, and see what I’m bringing in my beach bag on Instagram.

The Swim Trunks: JACHS NY Circle Print Hampton Swim Trunk — $59.40

A continental-inspired pair of swim trunks for the rest of summer.

Let’s start with what you most need for hitting the water — great swim trunks. While your style-obsessed author is all about sticking with neutral basics, it’s fun to mix it up sometimes. And if we’re talking heading to the beach or pool for the last few weeks of summer, you’ve got an opportune chance to switch up your swim trunks. JACHS NY produces elevated takes on casual sportswear, and these trunks are a refined addition to that assortment. The side fasteners add a bit of a tailored feel, and the trimmer fit should be more flattering than baggier trunks.

The T-shirt: JackThreads The Daily Vee — $15

A slim fit and comfortable fabric = a steal of a deal.

We’re sticking with just a V-neck T-shirt here, with the idea that you’ll be catching some rays in the meantime. Don’t think of this as just any tee, though — approach it like a style upgrade. On the other hand, it would also be agreeable to rock a slim striped shirt in case after-beach drinks at a nice restaurant are in the mix (that’s also where refined swim trunks will serve you well). JackThreads does just about every #menswear item you could ask for at low prices, and this T-shirt is no different. The fabric quality should be surprisingly high for just $15, and the agreeable price point will leave plenty of room for a few extra brews at the beach.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-on Standard — $78

A boardwalk-ready classic that’ll serve you well away from the water, too.

Why stick with stylish slip-on sneakers here as opposed to flip-flops? Well, style should be all about versatility whenever possible. These particular sneakers give you styling potential ranging from a slim summer polo to your favorite pair of chino shorts — as well as the printed swim trunks seen here. You can slip them off easily when you get to the beach or pool, and then slip ’em back on just as easily (don’t forget no-show socks once your feet dry off). Plus, the price is quite agreeable as far as classic sneakers go, and the folks at Huckberry offer speedy shipping.

The Watch: Seiko 5 SNZH55 Stainless Steel Watch — $175

A refined dive watch that’s ready for action nonetheless.

The first key when heading to the beach or pool — aside from grabbing a watch that looks reliably stylish — is picking up a timepiece that can stand up to the rigors of the day. In this case, that means the Seiko 5 SNZH55 Stainless Steel Watch is the way to go. It’s water-resistant to 100 meters, which should be more than enough depth. And it features a slightly beefier 43mm case diameter, perfect for getting beat up a bit. It’s a classic diver style with a sporty face that eschews numerals in favor of clean lines, so it’s as style-ready as it is durable.

The Sunglasses: Knockaround Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses — $29.98

An affordable pair of sunglasses that’s nearly unmatched in terms of durability.

How do you meet the dual forces of sand and sun in style? Easy — with sunglasses that are built to take a beating, yet retail for a dirt-cheap price. The Knockaround Fort Knocks gets that balance exactly right, with a model that features injection-molded frames for extra durability, along with a sharp and versatile Tortoise/Amber blend. The frame shape isn’t too sporty or too dressy — it’s right in the sweet spot, making this one pair of frames you can wear at a summer wedding or as a complement to a slim pocket T-shirt and lightwash denim.

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

A combination of vintage style and functionality.

If you’re going to invest in a hat, you might as well reach for one you can wear the rest of the year. The Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is precisely that hat, featuring a versatile navy color and neat touches like a customized compass embroidery on the back. The color plays nicely off the blue print on the swimsuit (and the red of the tee), and it’ll work much more stylishly to shield the sun from your face than a regular athletic logo ballcap might. It’s made in the U.S.A., and the cotton sweatband should ensure your head doesn’t get too hot in the sun.

The Accessories: Onia Tilden Towel — $78.98 AND Tread for Men Traveler Sunscreen — $6

Don’t overlook the benefits of a great beach towel — or much-needed sunscreen.

A high-quality beach towel and sunscreen are the two things that should be in every beachgoer’s bag from the get-go, so it stands to reason that you should reach for quality when on the hunt. The Onia Tilden Towel blends the brand’s signature swim print & fabric with absorbent French terry fabric for a towel that’s at once functional and stylish. The fact that it’s close in color to the swim trunks is another bonus. And an easy-to-carry sunscreen provides the same benefit as a bulkier bottle, but it won’t weigh your bag down. On that note, you would do well to grab a middle-of-the-road option to haul your gear — take the JackThreads Denim Tote, for instance. It looks like your favorite pair of denim but hauls a heck of a lot more than your pockets ever could.

Stylish, smart accessories should be top of mind wherever you’re headed, but doubly so in a situation where others might let their style slip a bit. Slim swim trunks with an eye-catching print — not one that’s too wild — are a great place to start, especially when matched up with classic slip-on sneakers and a simple-yet-stylish V-neck tee. Understated accessories, like a classic ballcap and versatile sunglasses, help complement the rest of the look. And you should never forget tough essentials like a great dive watch when hitting the water — or a nearby bar thereafter. If you’ve got other suggestions to finish off this #menswear ensemble, head over to Twitter to continue the debate.

November 9, 2015November 9, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Fall and Winter Corduroys

Editor’s note: For more great online shopping suggestions, swing through here.

Certain textures and fabrics just fit right in with the crisp climes of fall, just as certain fabrics fall right in line with the lightweight looks lots of us go for in the spring and summer. When even a great pair of denim can get slightly too monotonous, there are some excellent alternatives to grab out of your closet. And like we (or rather, just I) talk a lot about on The Style Guide, versatility is still going to be top of mind with that ultimate fall-centric pair of pants, an excellent pair of corduroys. They’ve gotten a much-needed 21^st-century update from brands big and small in recent years, and even pairs cut with a straight fit are more tailored than the ones you may have worn as a young kid. That’s great news for wearing cords throughout fall and through winter – so basically, across the next four or five months. And in the shades that some brands are making them in, a pair of cords can definitely wear more like chinos or denim. Again, great news for all you shoppers out there just looking into some cords. With that being said, please do read on for the best picks outta the best pair of pants you can buy this fall.

#1. JackThreads Slim Corduroy Pant — $59.50

A great new release from the brand’s first menswear offering.

Yes, that’s not a typo above there. The E-commerce site that stocks a plethora of other brands recently released its first menswear collection, and its chock-full of well-done basics. That includes a line of knitwear, some denim and one stunning camel topcoat – and lest one forget about the cords, those hit a nice price-value ratio, too. The two colors offered are somewhat basic, but as mentioned above, the khaki color can wear quite a lot like chinos in terms of color combos – so bring on shades of navy and perhaps a nice chambray shirt. The hint of stretch built in is an added bonus. And it’ll be equally exciting to get a look at what the brand does in the future as far as its own product line — here’s to hoping those cords stick around.

#2. Bonobos French Corders — $128

A cool shade of grey ideal for fall and winter, plus that famous Bonobos fit.

This pair of cords might look familiar to those of you who frequently shop Bonobos – the brand’s corduroys have seemingly grown as much in popularity as its much-loved Washed Chinos or its Travel Jeans, and with three fit options and a multitude of colorways, you’d be hard-pressed to find something you wouldn’t like – or love – from the brand. Keep in mind that they also craft a dressier corduroy as well, but the classic French Corders are a little less cleaned-up and thus more versatile. The sleek shade of grey could help these wear a bit more like grey denim than your standard pair of cords. Note that the Tailored fit can definitely get a bit slim (like a Levi’s 511) but the rest of the cuts across the board keep that same Bonobos sizing and quality fabric – a good thing considering the bucks you might shell out to grab these.

#3. JACHS NY Navy Bowie Fit Stretch Corduroy Pant — $89

A slim-straight cut adds to the versatility of this neutral color.

JACHS is one of those rare menswear brands who operates a small namesake shop and yet also has the guns of its own clothing brand name to back it up, much like heavyweights such as Saturdays Surf NYC. The JACHS name — and the cords in particular — have caught the eye of some stylish menswear bloggers, and they offer contemporary updates to classic style. That’s where this pair of corduroys in the brand’s Bowie fit comes in. Like the Bonobos brethren above, you’ll pay a bit of price for these — but the neutral colorway offers a good amount of variety for pairing with fall staples like a nice henley. Note that if the cords fit anything like the brand’s chinos (as featured in a recent L.A. trip post), the fit is more of a tapered straight cut through the knee and ankle.

#4. Grayers Caldwell 5-Pocket in Olive — $88

While not a true corduroy, the washed fabric and nice olive color make for a great pair of Bedford cords.

OK, so these aren’t technically a true corduroy pant at all — the Bedford cord fabric doesn’t have those distinctive wales that make corduroy …. well, corduroy. But these still make the list because that washed fabric, nice texture and great fall color would make them ideal for pairing with a merino wool cardigan or another classic transitional layer. Grayers hits things right down the fairway, much like JACHS NY, when it comes to pumping out prep staples at decent prices. But, the key when picking out a piece from a preppier brand is to stick with a darker color – reliable options like this olive will likely fit in better than, say, an eyepopping shade of orange. Like many of Grayers’ pieces, these pants fall in that nice in-between spectrum — they’ll pair with a navy blazer and leather chukka boots, but they’ll also look right at home with a great shawl cardigan or even a sportier crewneck sweater.

#5. J. Crew Vintage Cord in 484 Fit — $75 ($70 On-Sale)

Excellent fall color plus an excellent tailored fit.

J. Crew always seems to excel at the types of menswear staples you’d want in your closet, and this pair of cords is no exception. The deep “Belgian chocolate” color is practically begging to be worn with some black Chelsea boots and a great fall sweater for your next weekend brunch, although the other color options are equally nice. The handsanded detailing and sulphur dying process should give them a real lived-in feel, a welcome change of pace from the sturdy denim to which you might be accustomed. J. Crew’s 484 fit definitely leans quite slim but if that’s up your alley, then go for it. Based on some in-store observations, the quality is definitely consistent with what most of us expect from J. Crew. Note that the brand also offers a slim-straight fit (the 1040) and an even more accommodating 770 fit.

While many brands are getting fall-centric trousers right, it was still tough to narrow down the list. Classic brands like Save Khaki , and contemporary outlets like Saturdays Surf NYC are offering their own takes on five-pocket pants that can compete with cords for your closet space. The bottom line is this: whichever brand or pair you pick up this fall, there’s no question that a great set of cords can complete many looks, from a henley and leather sneakers to a wool blazer and a chambray shirt.

Let me know — which pick on this list has caught your eye? What’s your go-to corduroy brand?

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Tag / jachs

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for Your Next Sunday Brunch

Sunlit Youth: A fall weekend in Providence

Style Suggestion: What to Wear to the Beach This August

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Fall and Winter Corduroys