Tag / made in the usa

by Beau H.

#OOTD: What to Wear with Your Favorite Classic Sneakers

OK, so you’ve got a new pair of classic sneakers — wondering what to wear ’em with? That’s what today’s #OOTD is all about, and I think you’ll like the results. Much like wearing a classic henley or upgrading your casual shirt, the difference comes in the pieces you accessorize with alongside your sneakers; in this instance, that means a slim Criquet polo and classic Flint and Tinder chinos are the way to go.  Of course, it wouldn’t be possible without those classic, affordably priced and great-looking summer sneakers. So, the brand-new Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn collaboration — celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Tretorn Nylite Sneaker and the 125th anniversary of A&F — are the way to go. They’re sleek, they’re simple and they’re easy to buy right now — let’s show ya how to wear ’em, yes? For more daily #menswear inspiration, follow yours truly on Instagram.

Clean sneakers that are easy to wear with other essentials.

The Sneakers: Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn Nylite Sneakers, $70 — Designed in-house by Abercrombie & Fitch, this collaboration updates the classic Tretorn Nylite silhouette with a garment-dyed upper, easily wearable all summer long.

The Polo: Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt, $79  — Featuring the crisp collar and excellent fabric for which Criquet is known, the Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt is a great upgrade to your summer polo game.

Sutro Footwear

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Light Khaki, $98 — The good folks of Flint and Tinder & Huckberry excel at making excellent gear for every season and nearly every occasion — the 365 Pant in Light Khaki is a prime example of that approach.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — When you slip on classic, high-quality sneakers, you need nice no-show socks to protect both your feet and the sneakers themselves. That’s where the Darn Tough no-show socks come into play.

The Belt: La Matera Corbina Belt, $145 — When is it worth it to spend $145 on a belt? When said belt is made by La Matera and adds a welcome shot of color and pattern into an outfit.

The Accessory: Tres Cuervos Flint Leather Bracelet (Available via Upstate Stock), $40 — Want to add some visual interest to your look? Reach for a well-made leather bracelet from the excellent menswear purveyors at Upstate Stock.
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The Watch: Orient USA Ray II Watch, $229.98 — In classic “McQueen” fashion, we’re pairing stellar sneakers with chinos, a polo and  a tough dive watch. In this instance, the Orient USA Ray II Watch is a stellar pick.
The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses, $135 — Leave it to Huckberry to stock and sell an excellent mix of classic accessories — such as the handsome-looking Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses. Done deal!
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It’s a testament to the fun of changing seasons that it can be enjoyable to get dressed in the spring and summer without piling on a bunch of layers. And there might not be anything better than grabbing a classic pair of sneakers such as the  Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn pair seen here. When paired up with versatile essentials like the  Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt from Criquet, you’ve got a winning combination. And slim trousers like the 365 Pant in Light Khaki help get the job done, too. Lest we forget accessories, I’m confident you’ll be pleased with a neat-looking leather bracelet from Upstate Stock, plus the Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses (a classic silhouette) and the tough Orient USA Ray II Watch. OK, folks — that’s all we’ve got today. Enjoy and stay stylish!

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Cross Pens, Javier Bardem and Stylish Bar Crawl Gear

Welcome to another weekly #menswear recap, whereby we’re looking back at some choice reads you should tick through this weekend. How was your week? It was a busy one in the Brooklyn “office” of The Style Guide, what with a PR client event via my day job on Wednesday night at the luxurious Beekman Hotel and a plethora of blogging in between. It’s a tough, sometimes sleep-deprived gig, but someone’s gotta do it! And in that regard, I sure am glad it’s the weekend.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

If you’re setting out on a spring adventure, here’s the weekender bag you need to buy now. And if you could use some help organizing the rest of your gear, feast your eyes upon stylish dopp kits for spring travel. Oh, and if your weekend per chance calls for an early spring wedding? Wear any one of my picks for stylish men’s dress shoes to shop now. In the meantime, we’ve got a few more items for your perusal below — it’s quite tough to believe we’re nearly into May and staring down summer. I, for one, cannot wait for music festival season and a bit of summer travel. But for now, I think I’ll look toward Friday happy hour, some light reading and enjoyable spring weather. Join me, won’t ya? See you tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week, and you can catch some of my style pursuits in the meantime on Instagram. Lastly — thanks for reading!
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  • I know I’ve been struck by the talent and deep, brooding and well, terrifying nature of some of Javier Bardem’s on-screen characters. Esquire continues to prove why they’re the best around when it comes to engaging and insightful profiles, and I’d urge you to check out their profile on Javier Bardem  from this month’s print issue. Better yet, get out there and buy a copy.
  • Want a light spring jacket or a pair of breezy trousers made with substantial, yet pliable, cotton fabric? Want them done up in one of a few beautiful shades of blue? That’s where the men’s and women’s style purveyors at 13 Bonaparte come into play. The French brand makes carefully crafted, refreshingly easygoing pieces fit for spring layering, from workwear shirt-jackets to band-collar shirts and unique, lightweight cotton trousers. The pieces are interchangeable via the brand’s numbered collection system (so, numbers 1-9, for example). The brand also releases two core collections a year, but it was the cool-looking denim shirt-jackets that caught my eye during a recent tour of the collection with Founder and Artistic Director David Sarfati. In all, it’s a continental take on pieces you already know  — and only through this weekend, you can find them in NYC! Venture on down to 2 Rivington Street through Sunday to get a look at the brand yourself, and shop the 13 Bonaparte site for more.
  • A lightweight spring henley is both specific and yet oddly tough to find, from time to time. I recently wrote about the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley and why you should buy it — and I’m here to tell you again: Buy it, layer it, wear it on its own… when those breezy spring and summer beach nights come along, you won’t regret it. And if you need an idea of just how to style it, take a look at our recent feature on how to upgrade your henley this season.

  • Looking for a new addition to your everyday carry? It would behoove you to check out the excellent, tech-minded Cross Pens Peerless TrackR Pen. This ballpoint pen blends a pleasing weight and nice writing ability with the sort of technology more common to a Bond film. It syncs up with an app that tracks its location at all times — not too shabby. And it’d be a great Father’s Day gift — if you’re shopping around early, that is.

Last but certainly not least ….

  • It seems to me that patio drinking season is in full force — at least, judging by the crowds around Brooklyn. Given that, I’d wager you’ll need some stylish bar crawl. And so I give you two guides: my 2016 guide to how to dress for a spring bar crawl, and my most recent bar crawl style guide for The Manual. Have a good one out there!

That’s it for today, folks.

Stay stylish for now,

-Beau

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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.

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The Shirt: JACHS Light Denim Western Shirt — $75

JACHS

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.
Flint and Tinder

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.

Greats

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

Apolis

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

Astorflex

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.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Watch: Farer Stark Watch — $475

Farer Stark Watch

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.
Florsheim

The Belt: La Matera Corbina Belt — $145
La Matera

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?

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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

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by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: The Most Stylish Gear for Spring Rain

If you’ve had the good fortune of avoiding rainy spring weather so far, good for you. If not, well … join the club. Today, we’ll get you all geared up for the gear to wear on a rainy spring day (and really, any time you need to look polished, casual and cool this season). It can be a struggle to dress technically and practically, yet still look good — that much is true. Those colorful, thin ponchos might do the trick at an amusement park, but your Style Guide author thinks we can (and should) strive to do better when it comes to dressing for the rain. Certainly, you need a stylish spring jacket — and then a heck of a lot more great pieces. So today, we’ll take you through a handy, down-to-the-details guide — as we do on every style suggestion — and hopefully, you’ll be better off for it. We’ve got picks from site favorites like Huckberry, we’ve got gear from brands like Grayers, and we’re gonna have some fun while we’re at it. Now, there’s no silver bullet when it comes to taking on the rain in style, but I’d wager you’ll like what we’ve got in store. Without any more bluster … here’s today’s style suggestion. Enjoy — and if you must, give me some grief about the below #menswear ensemble on Twitter.
Frank & Oak

The Jacket: Penfield Barnes Jacket — $124.98

A neutral, functional and well-made jacket that’s also affordably priced.

Leave it to Penfield to deliver a high-quality, functional and durable jacket that looks more stylish than your average rain slicker. It’s weatherproof and constructed from treated nylon taslan, which should hold its shape through the rain and any spring travels you’ve got planned. The stowaway hood on the Barnes Jacket adds another level of hidden functionality, and the mesh lining should provide nice breathability. Did I mention the Olive color is neutral and ideal for spring?

The Shirt: Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt — $98

A new take on the Oxford-style shirt, made with two layers of lightweight fabric woven together.

As first seen in this site’s #OOTD on how to wear your new favorite chinos for spring, the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt is worth incorporating into this outfit for several reasons. Grayers uses exceptionally high-quality fabric, in this instance two lightweight layers woven together. And that gives you a seriously wearable, updated take on the Oxford style — the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt certainly adds some polish to the more technical raincoat.
The Henley: Flint and Tinder Slub Henley in Vintage Pewter — $58
Flint and Tinder

American-grown cotton and a slubby texture make this henley ideal for spring layering.

Because life’s too short to not wear quality goods, we’re recommending you layer up with an all-new essential — the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley. A well-made henley is a four-season style essential at this point, and it’s a nice layering move here for a few reasons. Namely, it adds some visual interest underneath the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt, and it provides some added protection from chilly spring rain and wind. And if the Pewter color shown above isn’t your thing, know that it’s available in two different shades.

Beckett Simonon

The Denim: Abercombie and Fitch Super Skinny Denim in Light Wash — $59

Abercrombie and Fitch

Slim denim in a refreshingly light shade, made with a hint of stretch.

Just as I recommended you mix khaki and olive in an earlier spring style ensemble, I’m recommending mixing a light blue Grayers shirt with an even lighter shade of essential spring denim.  Abercrombie and Fitch should be a brand you add to your shopping list, if only because they make fine goods at great prices — the denim shown here is no exception, crafted with a hint of stretch and a wash that absolutely needs to be worn on a summer road trip … or a rainy day.
Florsheim

The Sneakers: SeaVees Mariner Boot — $178

SeaVees

Tough, supremely stylish and rain-ready — that’s what you’re getting here, folks.

I’ve sung the praises of the SeaVees Mariner Boot in weeks past on The Style Guide, from a Style Pick of the Week entry to a feature on the best transitional footwear for spring — and I’m not about to stop singing now. Made with sturdy British Ventile waterproof duck cotton crafted into a cool high-top sneaker upper, these boots are sturdy, durable and crisp enough to wear to the office with a lightweight navy blazer and perhaps the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt.
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The Socks: CHUP Prairie Socks — $35

CHUP socks

A unique pattern and quality construction help these socks inject some life into this ensemble.

In a rainy day style ensemble filled with crisp neutrals like tan, olive and navy blue, it’s perfectly OK to work in a little bit of pattern — especially if that means you get to wear some well-made CHUP socks. They’re certainly pricey — that’s why I’m only recommending you buy one pair — but that means they’ll provide nice breathability and comfort beneath your SeaVees Mariner Boots.

The Belt: Abercrombie and Fitch Braided Twill Belt — $28

Abercrombie and Fitch

Nothing fancy about this belt — just much-needed texture and casual style.

Because spring is as good a time as any to go for lighter textures and fabrics, that means it’s as good a time as any to pick up a braided belt for a nice value. And folks, that means we’re once again recommending you turn to Abercrombie and Fitch. It’s the little details that make for nice style upgrades, and even in the rain, it can be a solid move to work in some texture and visual interest via a highly wearable belt.

The Watch: Aulta Acuatico Automatic — $240

Aulta Watches

Plenty of water resistance and a handy rubber strap to combat the rain.

As much as it pains me to say it, sadly, the rain is no time to break out your favorite leather watch. No, precipitation and strong winds call for something sturdier and tougher — but still just as stylish.  Enter the Aulta Acuatico Automatic, a premium, rugged and crisp-yet-casual timepiece built to handle a little rain. Yes indeed, from the nicely sized 41mm case diameter to the accurate Miyota movement and 200 meters worth of water resistance, the Aulta Acuatico Automatic should be a go-to watch when the rain starts coming down.
Sutro Footwear

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

Huckberry Explorer's Cap

Stylish, well-made and easygoing — everything you could ask for in a nice ballcap.

Last but not least — even with a protective layer like the Penfield Barnes Jacket, a handy ballcap such as the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap can actually go a long way in protecting you from a blustery storm. Delivered by the good folks at Huckberry  (who’d thunk that?), the Explorer’s Cap finishes off this outfit in a bit of throwback fashion. Complete with a cool design and stylish retro looks, it’s a subtly stylish ballcap that’s a definite style upgrade from an athletic logo cap.

Nautica

If you’re not ready to take on spring rains after perusing that blog post … I don’t know what to tell ya, folks! If you start with a durable and well-made jacket — like the Penfield Barnes Jacket — you’re putting yourself in position to take on inclement weather in style, for sure. And when you start with a breathable, rugged base layer like the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley, your ensemble is only going to get better. Adding on everyday essentials — from the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt to a slim pair of Abercrombie and Fitch stretch denim — helps keep this outfit fresh, crisp and classic. And no outfit is complete with premium transitional footwear; namely, the SeaVees Mariner Boot  is going to help you put in a lot of miles despite the rain.  Lest you had any doubts on the feasibility of your watch game in a thunderstorm, the Aulta Acuatico Automatic is the way to go. As always, I hope these tips were helpful  — let me know via the Style Guide Facebook page how you’re suiting up to take on spring rain. We’ll see you tomorrow for our next #OOTD!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Slub Henley

First off: Happy Saturday, folks! And welcome to this week’s Style Pick of the Week.  With spring style transitions fully underway, it’s high time we layered up accordingly — right? And if you follow this blog on the regular, you’ll recognize that the right way to layer up in style this spring likely starts with gear from Flint and Tinder — true, yes? That’s definitely the case with today’s Style Pick, the essential, rugged and brand-new Flint and Tinder Slub Henley. Here at The Style Guide, we (and by we, I mean myself) love the brand for its blend of American-made quality, rugged style and classic looks. From the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt to more casual pieces like the brand’s Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, they’re tough to beat in terms of wearability and great looks across the board.  And that’s why we’re going to bat today for the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley. This piece gets quite a lot right in terms of essential spring style, from the unique Pewter color — ideal for a monochromatic pairing with slim stone chinos — to the textured slub fabric that would nicely offset stylish suede Chelsea boots and light wash denim. Yes, it certainly is a nice addition to the Flint and Tinder marled henley collection — trust me on that one.  Maybe if you’ve got a closet full of rugged men’s henleys — as I do — you might question the merit of adding another one. And yet … I’d say you should give it a closer look.

Beckett Simonon

Flint and Tinder

Lightweight, garment-dyed cotton and a vintage-style collar — just what you need in a spring henley!

The Flint and Tinder Slub Henley has some unique styling details going for it in addition to the garment-dyed fabric and spring-friendly colorway. The three-button collar on the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley calls to mind a band-collar shirt — and of course, a band-collar shirt might just be the one shirt to add to your closet this season. It’s a slightly vintage look that would fit right in with dark blue selvedge denim and your favorite pair of worn-in leather boots.  And the good news is, the lightweight American cotton construction of the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley should provide some leeway in terms of spring layering — for example, a lightwash denim jacket and perhaps the famous Flint and Tinder 365 Pant could make for a nice weekend ensemble.
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On the other hand, you could easily slide it under a stylish chambray shirt for a spring bar crawl,  or pair it with a tough spring jacket — say, a field coat — for on-the-go wearability. And like other Flint and Tinder gear, you’re getting an agreeable price for truly excellent quality — $58 isn’t the worst price in the world for a piece that can be mixed and matched with a  lightweight navy blazer or a slim leather moto jacket in equal measure. Again, it’s tough to top Flint and Tinder gear across the board — let me know via the comments if you’re picking one up, or drop me a line on Twitter if you’ve got questions on how to style it. All good? All good.

Cheers and thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants

Flint and Tinder

Your next purchase from Flint and Tinder? Maybe. Hopefully? Best make it a great one!

Alright, let’s kick this off the right way here — yes indeed, you need some of the best men’s sweatpants for comfortable lounging through summer or any time of year at all. And that’s why we’re back with another Flint and Tinder Style Pick (yes yes, another one). But the reason we here at The Style Guide keep coming back to the brand is quite simple: We’re talking high-quality, versatile and durable #menswear that guys can wear any day of the week, any season. And shouldn’t that be the goal of your wardrobe?  With that being said, if you’ve been following along with the blog, you’re hopefully acquainted with what makes Flint and Tinder  so essential. I’ve gone to bat for the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, in addition to the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt, so it’s only fitting that  we’re rounding out your apparel wardrobe with the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants. As sold by Style Guide favorite Huckberry, they’re a steal of a deal when on-sale — considering they could be the last pair of sweats you need to buy for awhile, these Garment-Dyed Sweatpants are worth buying and wearing a ton. Seriously, they’re more versatile than you might think, and they’re made in and around L.A., to boot.  And considering that every aspect of your wardrobe is worth examining for upgrades — from men’s home goods to grooming gear — your off-duty, casual style should go under the microscope, too.

Flint and Tinder

Tailored sweats made in America from premium, ringspun cotton. Doesn’t get any better!

Now, I’m not necessarily recommending that you mash these sweatpants up with a navy blazer at the office. But I am indeed recommending that you take these ringspun cotton, garment-dyed sweatpants and use them to amp up your weekend menswear game. Lest you think we’re drifting into athleisure territory, rest assured … we’re not! The key is pairing them with equally well-fitting essentials — take something like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, for starters. You can even dress up the sweatshirt-sweatpants combo — take a classic, rugged-yet-casual chambray shirt and pair the whole thing with stylish leather sneakers for a crisp ensemble that’s fit for grabbing a quick coffee, picking up some groceries or … wait for it… nabbing some lunch with your buddies. Yes, a proper meal. Truly, it’s not as if these are baggy athletic sweats — crucially, the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants are a tailored pair of sweats that’ll still have looking more put-together than your buddies as you recover from last night over a Bloody Mary (or is that just me?). Heck, the combo could look even more better if you add a stylish leather watch and a slim topcoat. That’s right — a topcoat. If that veers a bit too much into “GQ territory” for you, all well and good. These sweatpants are still a worthy gym gear upgrade — and hey, wearing them at home works just fine, too.

Are you on-board with upgrading your sweatpant game with Flint and Tinder? Or will you pass on these?

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Accessories To Buy Now

Editor’s note: Click through this link to see more men’s style shopping picks.

Just a couple of weeks ago on The Style Guide, we talked about the best men’s gloves to buy for winter  — a pretty specific category that can nonetheless make a big difference in how you tackle cold weather on the daily.  You might not think much of getting the right winter gloves, but again, the devil is in the details. Such is also the case with other stylish winter accessories — we covered the topic last year on the blog, but we’re updating it for 2017 today. There are certainly multiple ways to go as you gear up for winter — that is to say, you can snap up pieces that are either rugged and built for work & adventure, or more refined and made to dress up (a la some of James Bond’s accessories in “Skyfall”). With that versatile approach in mind, we — and by we, I mean me — compiled choice picks for the chilly weather ahead. So, prepare to dress for the polar vortex and get shopping while there’s still time. Happy shopping!

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — $198 OR Outerknown Nomadic Parka — $195

Either a parka with technical flair, or a rugged-yet-casual wool jacket. Your call.

Either a parka with technical flair, or a rugged-yet-casual wool jacket. Your call.

In an ideal world, we’d all be able to stock our closets chock full of coats for every type of situation — sadly, there’s not enough time or money to go around for that. With a versatile approach and comfort — plus warmth — in mind, either the Maritime Submariner Jacket  or the reliable, hard-wearing and easy-to-layer Outerknown Nomadic Parka  are really solid winter outerwear picks. The Submariner Jacket  is made from beastly boiled wool, and the Nomadic Parka is a great piece to layer up with when wearing everything from a casual crewneck sweater to a tailored winter outfit.

The Gloves: J. Crew Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves — $98 OR Hestra Granvik Gloves — $180

Again, the choice between casual style and dressy appeal is up to you.

Again, the choice between casual style and dressy appeal is up to you.

So, here we are again with an underrated style accessory — critical, yet underrated. There’s that tricky balance between dressy and casual here — if you find yourself suiting up on the regular, a pair of refined, cashmered-lined leather gloves is the perfect pick (the smartphone-capable fingers are a nice touch, too). And for all kinds of rugged winter style adventures, there might not be a better pick than the Hestra Granvik Gloves — truly, these guys know what they’re doing when it comes to crafting great winter gloves.

The Hat: Columbiaknit Watch Cap — $17

columbiaknit-watch-cap

As sold by Style Guide favorites Huckberry , there’s something refreshingly no-frills about a well-made, simple and affordable winter hat like the Columbiaknit Watch Cap. Again, winter accessories are an underrated way to complement your overall look — just look at how well our man David Beckham dresses for winter with a simple puffer jacket and yes, a neutral beanie cap. Your ears will definitely thank you when the polar vortex hits.

The Scarf: S.N.S Herning Torso Scarf — $96.60

A scarf that's easily wearable, comfortable and worth the price.

A scarf that’s easily wearable, comfortable and worth the price.

Am I encouraging you to spend nearly $100 on a scarf? Well, yes. If you can only pick up one scarf, you might as well make it a well-made, neutral and versatile piece you can match with anything in your closet. Whether you team it with a slim topcoat or a more rugged piece like the Nomadic Parka, you truly can’t go wrong with this ribbed black scarf. In fact, you could even steal some winter style from Daniel Craig and team it with a thick-knit shawl-collar cardigan.

Frank & Oak

The Socks: Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker Socks — $12.98 OR American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere — $28.98

Your call -- simple, well-made socks or a pair with winter-friendly pattern.

Your call — simple, well-made socks or a pair with winter-friendly pattern.

We’ve once again reached that tricky balance between a casual winter accessory and a piece that’s slightly more dressed up. For simple functionality and comfort, there might not be a better value on the market than the Merino Lite Hiker Socks. And if you want a pair with a bit more visual interest — yet the same quality and versatility, the Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere is about as good as it gets.  Heck, you could snag two pairs of the Merino Lite Hikers, and throw in a pair from American Trench for good measure. Not a bad deal, ehh?

Huckberry

OK, is your closet fully stocked yet? If you still need to upgrade your winter accessories, I hope the above picks give you a place to start. It always pays to reach for quality and versatility — particularly in terms of outerwear like the Submariner Jacket or the essential Nomadic Parka. And with the rest of your accessories, you should hunt for similar quality — so, a thick-knit ribbed scarf and tough winter gloves from the likes of Hestra are wise additions to your ensemble.  And although you might not think too much of it, a comfortable winter hat like the Columbiaknit Watch Cap is going to provide you with long-lasting comfort and warmth (as are functional socks from Wigwam or American Trench). Did you take notes? Open up a few browser tabs? Either way, happy shopping and stay warm out there!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Frank and Oak, Stylish Men’s Home Goods and The xx

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

If you’ve had to check your calendar to confirm that it really is Friday again, you’re not alone. Between attending some excellent menswear trade shows — including Capsule Show and Liberty Fashion & Lifestyle Fairs — holding down the day job and working on this here blog, it’s positively flown by. It’s always refreshing to get out “in the field,” meet new brands and make new connections — good things in store ahead, I assure you. With those shows in the books, I’m truly looking forward to the weekend because, well, it’s my birthday! OK, that’s out of the way. But with any luck, I’ll get a few great #menswear gifts to feature on The Style Guide (‘cuz men’s style never sleeps). In classic fashion, I certainly intend on kicking back with a few craft brews — oh, and brunch. Absolutely, brunch. I’m particularly excited to partner with Frank and Oak on some content on behalf of the brand this weekend, too. You’ll be able to look for a full personal style post in that regard on Monday, of course! In the meantime, sit back and tuck in– this week, we talked the best men’s home goods to buy now, and we also filled you in on potentially your new favorite leather weekender bag. A lot happened in the men’s style world, too — read on below, join me on Instagram  and see what’s cooking over on Twitter. Cheers!

  • Regardless of how you feel about President Trump, it’s clear that some of his economic and trade, err, policies could directly impact the fashion industry. Specifically, American-made menswear. Esquire takes a deep dive into the issue this week; for what’s it worth, we here at The Style Guide — by we, I mean myself — will continue to cover and support brands that do high-quality work, anywhere and everywhere, but especially in the U.S.A.
  • We’re switching off of #menswear for the time being and diving into an album that’s been in my headphones — and perhaps yours, too — since it came out earlier this month. Esquire (those guys again) put together a beautifully composed feature on The xx and the band’s beautifully composed new album, “I See You.” I’d urge a listen if you want to lift your mood and your day, folks.
  • If stylish, technical and functional outerwear is your thing, read up on my latest GearMoose feature covering the sleek Sentinel Field Jacket — and maybe complement that purchase with a pair of the best men’s gloves for winter?
  • Last but not least — if you, like myself, will be fumbling around this weekend for your wallet, grab the Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet and solve that problem handsomely (it’s a bit of a throwback post, but useful in its own right).

As always — thank you for reading, and join us tomorrow for what I think you’ll find is a very winter-centric Style Pick of the Week. Fist bumps all around, and you can keep my tab open (wink, wink).

-Beau

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear a Turtleneck This Winter

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.

As we’ve moved through the #OOTD series, we’ve covered a whole host of content — everything from how to suit up this winter to wearing a classic Oxford. We’re continuing down that path with something a bit more adventurous — in one regard — than past #menswear features on this site. Whether you’re a Steve McQueen devotee or have only started noticing the ubiquity of this classic-turned-trend-turned … nearly classic, you’ve surely seen a stylish fella or two rocking a turtleneck.  It’s a style move that can feel a little bit advanced, particularly if you’re just refreshing your style for the new year. So, today’s #OOTD  will ease into wearing a turtleneck in a way that’s accessible and sharp for just about anybody Now, if you fancy yourself a bit more advanced in the style department, check out some next-level tips on how to wear a turtleneck from Articles of Style. And on a more basic front, since style is an evolving process, I’d say stick to buying classics like a slim crewneck sweater or a sharp V-neck sweater before buying a turtleneck. But if you do want to dip your toes into this bolder move, the option featured today shouldn’t hurt your wallet too much. Curiosity piqued? OK, great. Read on below, and let’s catch up on Twitter and Instagram while we’re here.
Huckberry

Sharp, simple and easier to pull off than you think -- truly.

Sharp, simple and easier to pull off than you think — truly.

The Turtleneck: JackThreads Franklin Turtleneck, $39 — Kicking things off with a rich winter shade that’s not too ostentatious — yes, this burgundy turtleneck is affordably priced and made from an easy-to-layer cotton.

The Peacoat: J. Crew Dock Peacoat with Thinsulate, $298 — What’s the key to making it all work? A classic winter outer layer like this J. Crew peacoat — it works even better if you’ve got an original U.S. Navy Peacoat on-hand.

The Pants: Bonobos Jetsetter Wool Pants in Light Grey, $198 — The idea of taking grey trousers and mashing them up with black boots and a dark peacoat feels a little something like James Bond would wear, ehh? That’s why it’s the way to go here. Yes, they’re pricey — but Bonobos makes trousers as good as they get.

The Boots: Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boot, $149.98 — Because it’s chilly and slushy out there, slick black boots with a rather unique construction and a slim profile are a smart move — get the Emilio Chukka Boot ASAP.

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $16.98 — Dress socks that break away from a solid light grey or charcoal are a welcome touch in winter, and American Trench knows how to craft them.

The Belt: Bonobos Black Leather Dress Belt, $98 — If you’re grabbing some slim Bonobos trousers, might as well grab a slick, investment-level black dress belt to accent them, right?

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch in Black Leather, $229 — A slim, refined black leather dress watch is underrated in the men’s style world (brown leather seems to dominate). So, this is a smart pick-up.

The Wallet: Tanner Goods Limited Edition Quad Wallet, $54.98 — Because this is the type of outfit that’s ideal to wear to a refined dinner or (dare I say) a nice night at the theater, you need a slim, refined and well-made wallet. Lucky that Tanner Goods has you set with the Quad Wallet, yes?
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Hopefully, we’re all on-board with the turtleneck trend by now — or at least, on the road to considering how to wear it in a refined, accessible manner. When you start with a rich, winter-friendly color like burgundy and ground it with a  classic peacoat and slim grey trousers, you’re stepping out in something that’s crisp and classic — nothing too crazy here. Crisp black leather chukka boots are perfect in terms of functionality and sharp style, as is a refined black leather dress watch. And a slim leather wallet  leaves nothing to chance in terms of a well-composed everyday carry. Have more questions on other ways to wear a turtleneck or stylish winter accessories to buy to go with this look? Drop me a line via email — or leave a question in the comments!

Thanks very much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Classic Winter Style

Welcome to another edition of the #OOTD series here on The Style Guide.  At this point in the winter season, hopefully, you’ve got a closet stocked chock-full of style essentials — you know, things you can wear (and enjoy wearing) every day, like a slim topcoat , a great pair of dark denim, a sharp casual watch … you get the picture. If you don’t yet have those pieces, that’s what today’s #OOTD will solve. We’re talking a classic-yet-modern ensemble that fits in at the office on a casual day, out at the bar or stepping out on a weekend coffee date.  It’s focused on taking easy-to-wear pieces — some of which you might recognize from past posts — and putting it all together in one sharp combination. After all, that’s what great style is all about — and if you’re hard at work on your 2017 menswear resolutions, versatility should be top of mind.  So, it’s all on the table; let’s get to it, shall we? Leave any feedback on Twitter or in the comments below — let’s get shopping!

Some classic pieces, some new pieces and a combination that's ready for nearly anything.

Some classic pieces, some new pieces and a combination that’s ready for nearly anything.

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt, $89 — So, let’s start off this ensemble with a unique take on the traditional Oxford — this American-made moleskin shirt should be warm, slim-fitting and versatile (add a grey wool tie if you need to sharpen it up a bit).

The Cardigan: JackThreads Cable Knit Cardigan, $59 — Here’s yet another layering piece that switches things up from the typical shawl-collar cardigan — note the cable knit and unique silhouette.

The Topcoat: JackThreads Tieman Topcoat, $149 — Is there ever really a bad time to throw on a camel topcoat? Not really — and this sharp, double-breasted number adds a bit of tailored flair to this casual #OOTD.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder All-American Jeans in Straight Tapered, $98 — While you could also reach for a pair of classic slim chinos, American-made denim in a slim-straight cut is the slightly more rugged, casual option if you’re putting together a weekend brunch ensemble, for instance.

The Boots: G.H. Bass Camp Moc Toe Ranger Boots, $160 — For a combination of prep style and rugged good looks, it’s tough to beat these handsome moc toe boots.

The Socks: American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino and Cashmere, $28.98 — When a brand like American Trench consistently delivers superbly high-quality socks, you make it a point to buy ’em in bunches — right?

The Belt: Anderson’s Stretch Woven Leather Belt, $114.98 — How do you offset a mix of casual and dressy pieces? With a textured leather belt that’s incredibly well-made, that’s how.

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph, $158 — Last but not least — if you want a watch that’s rugged, functional and handsome, this is the one to buy. It’s the perfect complement to this versatile ensemble — in my humble opinion, that is.
Frank & Oak

And with that, we’ve reached the end of this week’s #OOTD — what did you think? It’s tough to be a slim-fitting, classic American-made moleskin shirt, particularly when you offset that with unique layers like a navy cable-knit cardigan and a classic camel topcoat. Throw on a classic, durable pair of essential dark blue denim and pair the look up with rough-and-tumble (yet versatile) moc toe boots for style that’ll work throughout the work week and on into a weekend happy hour. And if you needed an excuse to buy a stylish leather watch, that Red Wing Leather Chronograph is just what the doctor ordered. OK, do you have all those notes down? Somewhat? Good, good. Let me know what you think in the comments — and thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

Huckberry