June 4, 2016June 3, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Sand Chinos

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

The perfect pair of four-season chinos — just maybe?

Even though summer is well and truly here (being past Memorial Day and all), it seems like there’s still an adjustment period in terms of what works and what doesn’t in terms of all-season wear. On a personal level, that means it still feels weird to ditch even light wash denim in favor of shorts, for example. That’s why it’s a positive (and useful) thing to be able to incorporate simple seasonal style essentials into your #OOTD no matter the weather. And in this instance, a great pair of cotton chinos definitely qualifies as a four-season #menswear staple. So if you recognize the chinos at the top of this page, you’re in good company. Buck Mason has popped up from time to time on The Style Guide before (including the brand’s classic blue Oxford), and they’re back again today for very good reason. Finding investment pieces that work in multiple outfits is a tough thing if you don’t know where to look (or even if you do), and the brand’s Sand Chinos are just the ticket to solving those issues — and although they come in shades ranging from Olive to Iron, the Sand color is the way to go this week. Crafted from a 10oz. cotton twill in a color that’s a versatile take on khaki, they feature a tailored fit, a mid rise and the sort of look that works with everything from a slub pocket tee to a slim polo and classic navy sneakers. Really, that’s just the start.

Easily wearable with classic sneakers and a white shirt.

They’re American-made, so that’s another thing going for ’em. And although the price is higher than, say, the Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Chino, it’s just as worth it. Particularly in the summer, they’ll work just as well as your favorite pair of classic dark denim. Pair these with a slim white henley and brown leather sneakers for crisp weekend style, or toss these on with a cheeky graphic tee and chukka boots for a night out. And during the work week, they’re an especially solid style move — with a slim chambray shirt and brown suede wingtips, they’ll set you apart from other folks at the office — in a good way. And even for an outdoor wedding, they’ll do the trick. Sharp leather loafers and a white chambray shirt are the ideal complements for such a style scenario, and they’ll do you well in cold weather with a shawl cardigan and thermal henley. So that’s 12-month style for one price up front — not a bad deal, right? Let me know what you think over on Twitter, and thanks for reading!

Have you tried out Buck Mason chinos? How would you style this pair?

May 31, 2016May 31, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Summer Music Festival

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.

If you think you’re covered when it comes to the basics of #menswear, there’s a good chance that there are always scenarios out there that test your knowledge. We’re talking dressing for certain occasions, be it a summer wedding, a rainy weekend day or a very casual bar crawl. You can add to that the list the ever-tricky summer music festival. It’s a topic that’s been on my mind a lot lately, as I’m heading to the 2016 Governor’s Ball music festival this weekend in NYC. If you find yourself traveling to one of a multitude of festivals, be it Panorama or Lollapalooza or Outside Lands (as I did about two years ago), there’s a very good chance you’re still going to want to dress well — or at least, you should. Today’s #OOTD focuses on bringing all the right pieces together so you look casual, stylish and still ready to rock out (or at least, dreamily nod your head to the soulful sounds of Lana Del Rey). At any rate, take a look at the below ensemble and follow along via my Instagram and Twitter for personal style coverage of this weekend’s Governor’s Ball. And let me know your own festival style preferences via Facebook! Cheers.

Not a tank top or fluorescent sunglasses in site. Add in crisp white sneakers and a great leather watch to upgrade the whole thing.

The Shirt: Old Navy Slim-Fit Patterned Shirt, $18— Printed shirts like this one aren’t for everyone, but the collared shirt and fun pattern elevate your game from, say, a tie-dye tank top (of which you might see a few). The short sleeves keep you cool, too. If that’s not your look, grab a slim polo instead. If it gets chilly, bring along a stylish spring jacket.

The Shorts: Bridge & Burn Stringer Dune Shorts, $88 — When looking good and keeping comfortable go hand-in-hand, reach for cotton-linen shorts that fit slimmer than a standard pair while ditching the belt & looking sharp.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneakers, $78 — Sneakers are definitely the right play here, especially classic white sneakers that can get a bit beat up without costing a fortune (the GREATS Wilson could also be an option here).

The Socks: Pair of Thieves No-Show Catch-22 Socks, $10 — This brand is quickly becoming a Style Guide favorite for their mix of affordability, comfort and style — these socks are made in part with breathable mesh, keeping your feet cool and dry when it gets hot.

The Sunglasses: Sunday Somewhere Maximus Sunglasses, $270 — This pair is certainly an investment, but they look a heck of a lot better than the fluorescent shades lots of other folks might be rocking, and you’ll be able to take the case with you (more on that below).

The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, $158 — Sticking in the vein of rugged style upgrades, this smart chronograph watch is tough, durable and ready for anything. The Red Wing leather strap is sturdy, and the thick case diameter stands up perfectly to this casual outfit. If rain threatens, simply grab a casual rubber or NATO strap watch instead.

The Money Clip: Owen & Fred Brass Money Clip, $19 — Because you want to travel relatively light, grab this slim, durable money clip — you can slip some cash and a few credit cards in there, too, and slip it right in your pocket.

The Tote Bag: JackThreads The Daily Tote, $19 — At festivals, we tend to accumulate a lot of stuff — maybe it’s a tee from your favorite band, a souvenir mug, that brass money clip, you name it. This tote is a stylish, understated way to lug everything around, and you can always stash it in a locker if needed. Ya dig?

Now with all of that gear on and in tow, it’s time to plug in and rock out. Stay safe, remember your sunscreen and double-check that festival schedule, ehh? The biggest key here is, as always, looking for small ways to upgrade your style game — it can even be fun to rock something a bit more eye-catching than your everyday look (like that printed shirt above). And casual, cool style staples — like khaki shorts and white sneakers — always get the job done. Sing along to a few of your favorites for me, will ya? See you in the front row.

-Beau

May 11, 2016May 2, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Shorts to Buy For Summer

Editor’s note: For more spring and summer shorts picks, click that link. Shop on!

It sure seems like it’s taken us some time to get to this point — gearing up for shorts weather, that is. As someone who loves a great pair of denim — be it classic raw denim or even a pair of lightwash jeans for spring — it can be tricky to shelve those pants in favor of shorts. The same thing goes for classic slim chinos, of which I find myself wearing a ton all year-round … and even when it gets crazy hot out. But, stylish shorts can be surprisingly versatile, including in looks both classic and more tailored (see this Effortless Gent piece on how to wear tailored shorts for more ideas). The below picks lean a bit higher end, and certainly, they keep a modern fit in mind — that is, they might be a bit shorter than you’re used to, and a little slimmer. They don’t necessarily cover casual picks like sweatshorts, but that should make ’em a little more versatile. And as to the slimmer fit — it’s definitely a good thing, trust me! Got your wallet handy? Get ready to shop away, and let me know if I missed any picks in the comments. Stay stylish!

#1. Bonobos Summer Weight Shorts — $78

A somewhat unexpected color from a brand that definitely provides expected quality.

Nearly $80 for a pair of shorts? A bit more than most of us are used to paying, true — but, these summer weight shorts are coming from the same folks who know just how to make a great pair of chinos (and of course, their famous Travel Jeans). The fabric in these things is lighter, the cut is more tailored and the option of a 7-inch, 9-inch or 11-inch inseam hits the sweet spot for most of us. Plus, that Wisteria color is a change of pace from khaki or even navy — and we’ll get to those color options (or similar ones, anyways), soon enough.

#2. JackThreads 7″ Chino Short — $39

Oil Blue? There’s a new color name. Stylish and well-priced!

If you prefer to go with a 7-inch inseam right off the bat, JackThreads has you covered with its reliable, stylish and versatile Chino Shorts. They offer a slightly more unique shot of color than the Bonobos shorts above, and they do it for a price that would allow you to snag two-for-one. Other color options (including a nice-looking Stone pair) are up for grabs, but if you’re of the opinion that shorts should be about throwing in some color and fun, these are the pick to reach for. Keep the rest of your outfit simple — say, maybe a white pocket tee and brown leather loafers — and get ready for stylish weekends galore.

#3. Bridge and Burn Stringer Dune Short — $88

One pair of shorts with twice the cool, thanks to the comfy drawstring waist and the cotton-linen blend.

Just as with the Bonobos shorts above, $88 is definitely nothing to sneeze at in terms of price. But, the Stringer Dune Short from Bridge & Burn provides you with a ton of value and a neat look for the cost. For one, there’s the linen-cotton blend, which just works a bit better to get airflow going if it’s hot out. For another, they should be super-comfortable — just check out that drawstring waistband. These are your go-to shorts for a spring or summer bar crawl, without a doubt. And the khaki color is just what most of us look for when buying new shorts.

#4. Johnnie-O Cotner Shorts — $79

Malibu Red? Malibu Red for summer.

For as much as this #menswear writer loves the color blue (A LOT), it’s sometimes nice to inject a different shade of color into a summer outfit — like the Cotner Short from Johnnie-O. For those times when you want to make a bit more of a statement (or just rotate in some new shorts), red is the way to go. Now, it’s a decidedly preppy look, but it works for some of us — and it can certainly work if you tone down the rest of your outfit (perhaps snag a slub jersey polo and simple white sneakers?). The 8-inch inseam is a bit more forgiving than the 7-inch inseam of some of these picks, too.

#5. Apolis Transition Scout Short — $108

Equal parts effective and stylish, with details like adjustable waistband tabs to match.

While a slim pair of chino shorts works for all sorts of situations, there are a few times where you need to combine form and function in a rather literal sense. Maybe it’s a quick day hike that turns into drinks on a patio, or a summer BBQ with some vigorous yard games (or touch football). In that case, Apolis’ Transition Scout Short is your best bet. With nylon fabric, a tailored fit and styling details like adjustable waistband tabs for comfort, they’re very much ready for all sorts of activity — note that the Navy color is going fast, but the Olive or Khaki options would be just as versatile when paired with a white polo or a simple crewneck.

Putting together this post, as seems to be the case with our Online Shopping Picks entries, revealed a lot of brands doing shorts well. Mainstays like J. Crew are always worth a look, and even premium brands like Todd Snyder are getting into the game with tailored chambray shorts you could wear with a blazer. Of course, sporty-yet-crisp short options are out there, too — look no further than this warm-weather style suggestion from last fall. And if you find it exceptionally tough to trade in your denim for shorts, know that you’re not alone — it’s a process! But, reaching for a pair you can feel good about wearing — one made with quality materials and fabric — makes it easier to invest, and a lot more fun to wear ’em all through the summer.

Which of the above picks are your favorite? Would you add any options to this list?

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May 3, 2016May 3, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Suit This Spring

For every situation that calls for more casual, rugged wear — like how to dress for a spring bar crawl, for instance — there are situations that call for a bit something more: Say, a big presentation at the office, or a (very) fancy dinner date. That’s what we’re tackling today on The Style Guide, with an eye specifically toward how to do it right — after all, rocking a shirt and tie sans jacket just isn’t something that’s going to leave most of us looking our best. The thing with investing in a suit — even a budget-friendly option like the below — is that you can get a lot of wear out of it (yes, even casually). But today’s post goes for a full-on, suited look. Shop away! And if you have suggestions for an #OOTD scenario you’d like covered, let me know on Facebook!

Taking a few classics — like the worsted wool suit — and flipping them by incorporating unique texture and color.

The Suit: J. Crew Ludlow Harbor Blue Suit Jacket in Italian Worsted Wool, $425 — J. Crew just absolutely knows what works in terms of classic, affordable suiting — and the Harbor Blue color of this jacket is a terrific change of pace if you’ve already got a navy suit in your closet. As always, don’t forget the Ludlow suit pants (which should fit relatively slim and modern).

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch White Royal Oxford, $98 — Who knew that Taylor Stitch made dress shirts? This guy sure didn’t. You’re getting exceptional quality for an exceptionally classic piece that can go anywhere. If you want something more price-conscious, head this way.

The Pocket Square: SprezzaBox White & Tan Pocket Square, $16 — In addition to a neat monthly subscription service, SprezzaBox also makes its own line of essential ties & accessories — slightly more expensive than The Tie Bar, but with great styling potential.

The Tie: SprezzaBox Knit Charcoal Shifting Tie, $25 — A charcoal knit tie is virtually foolproof when it comes to rocking with all manner of suits across all seasons — that holds true for spring, as well.

The Shoes: Thursday Boots Brown Scout Boot, $149 –A pair of leather chukka boots with a suit? Heck yes. The heightened blue color of this suit, along with the more textured charcoal knit tie, pushes this look into more casual territory, so the boots just work.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Reversible Brown Leather Belt, $27.50 — A tried-and-true leather belt that serves a double function is the way to go here — you get J. Crew quality for less, too.

The Socks: Mack Weldon Total Eclipse Blue Socks, $12.50 — For a brand that does basics like its slim merino long-sleeve tee so well, they sure do know how to make comfortable socks that are still slightly cheaper than what you’d find at other retailers.

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol Silver Watch, $229 — A timeless watch from a brand that just gets how to do things right; it’s slim, minimal and tremendously stylish!

That brings us, once again, to the end of another #OOTD — taking pieces that you should probably already have in your wardrobe (the classic, four-season worsted wool suit, for one) and injecting some new color and texture helps shake things up nicely. The color combination of the tan tipped pocket square and the charcoal knit tie is another variation on the traditional silk tie, and the brown leather chukka boots are a heck of a deal for the quality. Other hardworking pieces, like breathable socks and a slim dress watch, just work regardless of the season. This ensemble will hopefully work for all kinds of dressy scenarios — be it a dressy summer wedding or a dressy day at the office. And on a more casual front: Coming up tomorrow, we’ll be tackling the best short-sleeve shirts to rock this summer.

Thanks for reading, and stay stylish!

April 20, 2016April 21, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Q+A: Moore & Giles

Editor’s note: To catch up on other Style Q+A entries, click here.

Built for the road ahead — it was great to catch up with team at Moore & Giles (makers of the Benedict Weekend Bag) seen here. Photo courtesy of the brand.

Whenever I get the chance to stop by various #menswear events happening around NYC or around the country, I’m always intrigued and curious to see who I might meet, or what brands I might discover. At this past December’s Pop-Up Flea in New York City (a cornucopia of great lifestyle and men’s goods brands all in one spot), it was hard not to discover the stunning leather goods on display at Moore & Giles. I got to chatting with the brand’s Director of Marketing, Daryl Calfee, about some of the stellar product the brand had brought (seriously, it was museum-worthy). He just happens to be good friends with my pals over at Brothers & Craft, so we naturally hit it off talking all things men’s style. I also got to know the brand a bit more, and it’s a worthwhile one to know. In addition to a massive collection of fine leathers, they also produce their own line of jaw-dropping bags, renowned for their heritage quality and style (in fact, I covered the Benedict Weekend Bag for GearMoose). Throw in a well-curated, stellar assortment of home goods, and you’ve got enough gear to make your head spin (the 33 Chair in particular is Wish List-worthy).

Given the brand’s affinity for quality and nuanced design, it was great to be able to send over a few questions to Thomas Brennan, the brand’s Director of Design for Bags & Accessories. After you get a look into the Moore & Giles process, you very well might want a bag for yourself. Enjoy this one, folks!

(Editor’s note: In the meantime, got a brand or style personality you’d like to see answer some zingers?Let me know via Facebook or Twitter).

The Style Guide: Take me through the background of Moore & Giles and how you approach your work?

Moore and Giles: The brand was founded in 1933 as a materials supplier to local shoe manufacturers. Donald Graeme Moore traveled around the area sourcing and selling everything from shoelaces and eyelets to nails and leather. Eventually his offerings narrowed to strictly leather and his regional hunt gradually expanded into the global quest it is today to uncover hidden gems at tanneries in all corners of the world. The company develops, sources and sells millions of square feet of leather a year across a variety of industries including furniture manufacturers, private aviation companies, and high-end homes and hotels.

The bag division developed in 2007 when our president and vice president decided to take advantage of their access to such magnificent material and made a few travel and work bags to bring with them on their travels. The line has grown organically from that point into the extensive, well curated line of bags and accessories that exists today.

Our products are unapologetically traditional. Artisans have been tanning hides for millennia and hand-sewing the resulting leather into useful objects for just as long. Both the material history and the history of our own company add welcome layers of authority, grandeur, and natural beauty to our bags; my job is to simply accentuate the existing beauty of the material with understated designs that will age as well as the leather.

Just one of the exceptionally high-quality bags produced by the brand. Photo courtesy of Moore & Giles.

TSG:Where do you find your biggest sources of inspiration?

M&G: The leather itself is the primary inspiration. We are fortunate to have close relationships with a 150-year old tannery in Italy, which means that our “product development” begins with prototyping leather colors and experimenting with different finishes, various combinations of waxes and oils, milling times, and ironing treatments. These design decisions affect the finished product long before I ever sit down to sketch a specific silhouette. When I do sit down to design a bag, I tend towards clean exteriors, traditional shapes, discrete details——decisions that keep the natural beauty of the leather front and center.

Reading books, talking with creative peers, and sifting through vintage stores all provide great creative fodder but for the ultimate design inspiration, nothing beats close observation of day-to-day routines. Take going on a business trip, for instance. As I’m packing, I want to make the job easier, tidier, more secure and I want my shoes kept separate from my shirts; when I’m going through airport security I need a convenient, safe spot to tuck my wallet and cell phone; when I’m putting my bag in the overhead bin I want easy access to my notebook or a magazine but don’t want to rifle through the body of the bag; if I’m meeting with a new manufacturer I want to have my business cards close at hand. I aspire to be more organized than I am and more put together than I often feel. Our bags help me on both fronts.

TSG: What, in your mind, can a great leather accessory do for a guy who might not have given it much thought before?

M&G: In a lot of ways, having a great leather accessory is like be the owner of the easiest pet ever: It will never cease to amaze you how happy you get when you see it; you’re going to feel more fond of it the longer you have it; strangers will stop you and ask you about it. Added bonus: you don’t have to feed it and it arrives at your door already housebroken.

TSG: Are there new product categories that you want to expand into in the coming seasons?

M&G: What’s proving more interesting than expanding out across new categories is finding new ways to give the existing line more depth and texture. The sheer volume of colors and finishes of leather we have at our fingertips is dizzying. The collection of artisans who tan, stamp, hand-stain, carve, and etch, to whom we have access is incredibly deep. Eight years in, we’ve only scratched the surface of what the bags and accessories can look like. As an example: we introduced a bespoke program during the holiday season last year that has given our customers a chance to participate in the creative process by selecting from a more expansive palette of hides to use on a custom travel or work bag. Seeing the colors that customers gravitated towards——reds and purples and golden tans and cool grays——and the types of leathers they’ve responded to———leathers that are exceptionally rare, have more history, or age in unique ways——informed several recent releases (like our Modern Saddle collection featuring vegetable tanned leather) and inspired a roster of upcoming releases.

TSG: What’s one thing every guy should have in his closet in terms of style?

M&G: Wherever you sit along the style continuum between a tailored suit and leather lace-ups and raw denim and sneakers, our classic Benedict Weekend Bag is a worthy compliment. It’s simple, beautiful, and functional. Unlike some other sartorial decisions, I guarantee you’ll still be proud of yourself for owning one ten years from now.

To keep up with all things Moore & Giles, follow the brand on Instagram or via Twitter.

April 12, 2016April 13, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Casual Spring Basics

Sometimes, you reach a point in your quest to build great style where it’s refreshing to turn back to the basics. After all, style doesn’t always have to be complicated or overly formal, as we’ve talked about in past #OOTD posts here on The Style Guide. Taking well-crafted, well-fitting and versatile pieces is a skill that’s underrated in a #menswear world where $10,000 suits are floated out in the digital style space on the regular. Now while there’s a time and a place for that, today’s #OOTD goes back to basics in a bit of an unexpected way — namely, lots of upgraded products with a premium feel. That approach will pay off no matter the season — and just keep in mind that great style is an evolving process. Know your fundamentals, know ’em well and don’t be afraid to stick to ’em. Shop on, and thanks for reading!

Pieces that you know and love, with some premium upgrades thrown in the mix.

The Oxford: Taylor Stitch The Jack in White Everyday Oxford, $98: The backbone of many an outfit, including this one. Crafted exceptionally well in America, you’d be wise to grab this number while it’s still in stock. (A heads-up that you can also snag it at Spring now, and shipping is free).

The Sweater: JACHS NY Heather French Terry Crewneck, $79: So you’ve got your white Oxford, but what if it gets a bit cold out there? This crewneck sweater combines soft French terry fabric with a rich indigo wash. High-low style at its best.

The Jeans: Raleigh Denim Workshop Jones Original Selvage Raw Denim, $285: So, nearly $300 is a heck of a lot for a pair of denim (it’s still no $10,000 suit, though!). But this could be the first and last pair of selvedge denim you buy.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt, $100: Again, this is quite the price for a belt. But it’s a classic piece that’ll age well over time, and look great with casual or formal outfits.

The Sneakers: GREATS Royale Chukka in Oxblood, $169: While oxblood as a color definitely leans more toward colder weather, the suede keeps things texturally in line with spring, and the chukka cut is versatile and stylish.

The Socks: American Trench Rugby Stripe Boot Socks, $18: In keeping with the theme of super-luxe upgrades to style staples, American Trench crafts these solid boot socks in an eye-catching color combo using Italian-spun wool and silk.

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Dapper Reading Watch, $299: Rocking such a crisp, sharp watch with a laidback outfit? Certainly. The black leather combo between the belt and the watch is unexpected (in a good way). Give it a try sometime.

If some of the above prices gave you sticker shock, know that reaching for less, but reaching for better pieces, certainly pays off down the line — and it can add a premium feel to more laidback outfits, too! It’s always refreshing to realize the difference between a great pair of denim, say, and an average pair, for example. So the above #OOTD aims to nail that delicate balance in style. Do you agree? Disagree? Any picks you’d substitute in instead? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page!

April 2, 2016March 31, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Stock Mfg. Co. Pocket Tee

An update to the standard T-shirt, crafted from durable cotton and dyed with indigo for a unique color.

When the weather warms up, there’s probably no style I love to rock more consistently than a slim pocket tee made from durable fabric. Of course, I always appreciate a rugged short-sleeve henley, too. But a pocket tee is a great visual go-between for when you don’t just want to throw on a plain T-shirt. Is it the fanciest item of clothing in the world? Certainly not. But hey, who said T-shirts weren’t essential items of clothing for the weekend — or under a slim navy blazer? No one, that’s who (had to put my foot down there). What’s more, looking great in a T-shirt is another plus of warmer weather. So with all that being said, allow me to introduce this week’s Style Pick of the Week: The Indigo Vintage Wash Pocket Tee from Stock Mfg. Co. The brand, like so many other Style Guide favorites, is all about refining (and re-defining) American classics, like the humble T-shirt, with great fabrics, modern fits and a dash of heritage quality. In fact, the brand’s Sage Linen Buttondown was a summer style favorite of this writer. The fact that the brand produces its garments in a family-owned factory that also makes non-combat military garments is applause-worthy in and of itself, and this T-shirt is no exception.

The Indigo Vintage Wash Pocket Tee is made from a durable 6.6oz. cotton that should hold up quite well over time thanks to the heavier weight (a flimsy tee from a fast-fashion retailer, this is not). The pigment dye and enzyme wash should give it an exceptionally soft fabric feel, too. That means it’ll feel just as well-worn (in a good way) as your favorite broken-in tee. That quality gives it the styling potential to be paired with everything from white sneakers and lightwash denim to an unconstructed blazer and slim tan chinos (a favorite combination of your humble author, in fact). Plus, the lighter blue allows it to play nicely off a tough denim jacket for a nice way to mix up your blues. You’re paying quite a bit more than you would for a standard white tee, but you also get all kinds of styling potential through spring and summer (feel free to throw it on under a grey shawl cardigan in winter, too). Just a T-shirt? Anything but.

Happy shopping and thanks so much for reading!

-Beau

March 28, 2016June 20, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Upgrade: The Casual T-Shirt

Editor’s note: This is the fifth in an ongoing series covering quick and easy upgrades to style dilemmas a guy might face once in a while. For more entries in the series, click here.

Upgrading the humble T-shirt today. Rust V-neck by Pistol Lake (more on the brand in a bit!). Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy Rosen Runners by GREATS Brand. Sunglasses by Randoiph Engineering. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

It seems we’ve been heralding the start of spring weather here on The Style Guide for a number of weeks (at least if my spring style wish list is any indication), so that means a couple key things. Namely, a solid spring jacket and a stylish spring sweater are going to go far for you in the coming weeks (and on into cooler summer nights). Beyond that, what else is there to know? Quite a bit, actually. For one, plenty of us are going to find ourselves rocking more T-shirts and polos in the coming months than during fall or winter — likely on their own, or else after shedding a jacket or sweateer. For another, there are some definite ways to upgrade that T-shirt from a standard number. Perhaps you know the kind I’m talking about? A bit baggy, maybe a bit dirty, featuring an old logo (think the Abercrombie & Fitch tees of years gone by?). If that’s what you had in mind, know that there are far more wearable, far more stylish casual T-shirt options out there — and not a lot of them break the bank.

A neutral color, a trim fit and a not-too-deep V — the hallmarks of a good V-neck.

By definition, you could consider a rugged short-sleeve henley part of the T-shirt category. But, we’re talking strictly tees here — things like a slim pocket tee, a heathered crewneck tee, or a reliable V-neck tee. You name a variation on a style within those three iterations, and it’s like that a great designer or brand has taken it upon themselves to perfect it. For you, my fellow T-shirt fan, that’s great news indeed. Take, for example, the surprisingly versatile V-neck tee. Pistol Lake crafts the particular tee you see at the top of the page, and its made-in-America ethos, slim fit and jersey fabric are all great qualities. The “V” itself in the right V-neck doesn’t dip too low (a la American Apparel), yet it still adds some nice visual interest as opposed to a plain crewneck. Mixing in some unexpected color here can be a good thing, too. I Keeping the fit slim is also positive. It’s definitely the most casual option of the bunch, but a good V-neck tee could even be rocked under a lightweight, unlined blazer on a hot (and not-too-dressy) workday. It would be wise to reach for an option that’s a bit more expensive — tees from retailers like H&M are often too flimsy (at least according to this menswear writer).

Just a white T-shirt? Think again. Slub cotton and a modern fit upgrade this Buck Mason number.

Designers and brands are also crafting variations on the crewneck, and packing in a ton of simple style points in the process. Take Richer Poorer’s new pocket tees. They feature a workwear-inspired pocket, plus your pick of either a versatile Heather Grey or a just-different-enough Natural color. When you’re rocking a tee on its own (or even under a blazer), subtle changes in fabric and style details go a long way. Buck Mason is also a brand that’s taken on the tall task of upgrading the standard pocket tee — and they’re doing a great job at its. The White Slub Pocket Tee is cut to fit slim and trim, with exceptional-looking fabric. Either pick is a great option that can easily be worn on its own with slim stone chinos, dark denim or tailored sweatshorts. Of course, a heather pocket tee pairs perfectly with a rugged denim jacket, lest we forget.

One retailer, two solid T-shirt upgrades from JackThreads.

But shelling out for the perfect tee doesn’t have to be expensive — even though some of the picks featured above lean a little pricey. JackThreads, as has seemed to be the case with its two seasonal collections, nails the price-quality equation in terms of knitwear. Namely, pieces like its Daily Vee in Heather Blue run for just $18 (or 2 for $30). Plus, the Daily Pocket Tee (pictured at left), offers the exact same deal and nice styling potential, to boot. If 30 bones strikes you as a lot for a T-shirt compared to a standard 3-pack of tees, know that the investment will pay off — this is a style upgrade we’re talking about, after all. In addition to reaching for deeper colors with some texture, mainstay brands like J. Crew turn out new T-shirt variations season after season. Take its textured pocket T-shirt, for example. Those bold stripes in an appropriately spring-like color make it a perfect tee to rock on its own.

An Affliction T-shirt, this is not. A sublte, stylish and sly effort from Todd Snyder.

An Affliction T-shirt, this is not. A subtle, stylish and sly effort from Todd Snyder.

Perhaps the most common stigma about the simple T-shirt is that, in this case, graphics should be thrown out entirely. While there’s a time and place for a loud graphic tee, this is …. not that time (sorry to disappoint). Luckily, classic (and classy) American menswear designers are turning instead to athletic inspiration to craft graphic tees that are decidedly more stylish than Ed Hardy tees. In particular, Style Guide favorite Todd Snyder is offering a cheeky take on the graphic tee as part of his collaboration with Champion, which mixes urban cool with vintage sportswear. Those are two very good things.

The biggest part about upgrading your T-shirt, however simple, might simply be checking out retailers (whether in-person or via online ordering) and trying on various styles. In particular, it’s worth a look into classic retailers like Old Navy, who can offer a huge (HUGE) range of options at really affordable prices with solid sizing. After all, you want a tee that fits modern (but not overly tight), and you want to pick up essential items that can be mixed in with other spring style classics. So, spending $170 on a T-shirt might not be the most economical or versatile for any of us. But, $30 for 2 stylish tees in versatile colors, for example? Now we’re talkin’. As we’re just into the start of spring, there’s plenty of time left for you to upgrade your T-shirt game. Let me know how your search goes over at The Style Guide’s Facebook page, or swing on through Twitter.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

March 7, 2016March 8, 2016 by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Owen & Fred

Editor’s note: Thanks to everyone who participated! And congrats to our winner, Joseph D. Thanks again for reading!

Read on below and enter to win personalized matte black luggage tag from Owen & Fred.

You know the name. Read on below and enter to win a personalized matte black luggage tag from Owen & Fred.

When you’re first starting out in the never-ending journey that is stylistic improvement, it’s the big-picture stuff that’s often the focus — a great pair of denim, a sharp pair of sneakers, a better crewneck sweater — those kinds of things. But as that starts to take shape, or as you look to simply revamp other parts of your life, you start to notice the little details, be it in the accessories arena or grooming or other lifestyle categories. Noticing those small details can actually lead to some nice style upgrades (as we so often talk about here), and it can even be a fun process to look at a seemingly ordinary household item — like a bottle opener — and envision one that actually acts as a decoration, a nice lifestyle addition.

Luckily, there are companies who are all about these nice, unsung design touches. Chief among them (in my book) is Brooklyn’s own Owen & Fred. You might recognize them from a September home accessories giveaway, in fact. I’ve gained a real affinity for the brand over the past year or so, what with their nuanced approach to designing crisp, well-crafted lifestyle essentials, from bags to leather coasters. They’re consistently introducing neat new products as well, and that’s what brings us here today. Namely, the brand’s travel accessories add a refined touch (and a bit of edge) when you hit the road — this writer is particularly a fan of this luggage tag. So that’s why we here at The Style Guide (AKA yours truly) are giving you the chance to win one of the brand’s new Personalized Black Matte Luggage Tags! These guys are sleek, sharp and built with hardened brass. They even come with a custom diamond-engraved message or address on there for ya. The even better news? You’ll have this bad boy in time to accessorize your bag for plenty of spring and summer trips.

But how to win, you say? Simply click on this link and follow the instructions!

Editor’s note: This contest ends at 12 a.m. on March 8.

Thanks as always for reading, and good luck to those entering!

-Beau
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February 29, 2016November 27, 2016 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Todd Shelton Natural Chambray Shirt

Editor’s note: For product review on watches, boots, bags and everything #menswear, click here.

It can sometimes be surprisingly tough to find durable style essentials. That is, the type of piece you can wear over and over again thanks to its quality, reliability and yes, style. While there are a plethora of options out there for these types of things, from endless varieties of dark denim to great leather sneakers, how do you know which style or size or cut is right for you? That’s where Todd Shelton comes in — to take care of that guesswork for you, at least on the shirting front. You might be familiar with the brand — and this very shirt — from its inclusion in our Style Pick of the Week series, but we’re here today to go just a bit more in-depth. Why should that matter to you, my discerning menswear fan? For starters, the brand is all about the kind of style essentials this site (AKA yours truly) writes about in droves. For another, they’re a company that knows where its allegiances are forged — like a good number of stand-up, standout brands these days, that’s right here in America. And they sure do know how to craft a heck of an essential chambray shirt.

The chambray shirt on its own — a slim fit and nice texture to the fabric make this shirt a keeper!

That’s definitely what makes the brand worth a look — the knowledge and intuition to stick to doing great basics very well. And if you’re wary of ordering a chambray shirt like this one online, fear not. In fact, that’s a highlight of this review process. When the brand initially reached out to me late last fall, I myself was a bit skeptical of ordering sight unseen. However, that’s where Todd Shelton’s ingenious Fit kit comes in remarkably handy. You can either choose from basic fit options (which include the rarely found Small/Medium, Medium/Large and so on), or register for the Fit Kit. Once you fill in some basic customer information, a kit is shipped out to you containing what you might call a test shirt. You try on said test shirt and follow their instructions to record your measurements, before sending the test shirt and the aforementioned measurements back to the brand using a free return label (again, another small key that makes a big difference).

The customizations even go so far as to include Stomach Taper, Sleeve Taper and options to add on a pocket. And after all those boxes are checked off, you get a shirt sent back to you within a matter of weeks, completely customized and, in my case, exceptionally well-fitting. It’s the little things like that — plus the big things, like made-in-America production — that warrant the higher price tag. And yes, $200 is a steep price tag for a shirt if you’re on a budget or want to spend less on clothes this year. But as always seems to come up, compare that price to what you might grab at some place like H&M — three or four or heck, five times over. That’s the silver lining, my friend.

Just one way to style this shirt. Charcoal blazer by UNIQLO. Floral pocket square and brown leather belt by J. Crew. Red knit tie by 15ties. Navy suede 1000 Mile Boots by Wolverine. Striped socks by American Trench.

Now as to the shirt itself. The Natural Chambray fabric has excellent texture to it, and the flecks of white in the fabric help differentiate it from a classic blue Oxford shirt. This makes it a little more rugged and unique-looking, but just because there’s some texture to the fabric doesn’t mean the shirt is scratchy or uncomfortable to wear. In fact, it’s soft and breathes fairly well for a chambray shirt. I went with a slimmer fit all-around, and it fits like a charm. The armholes are high and the sleeves and shoulders are trim but still comfortable. Be advised that if you do choose the Short length in terms of the shirt’s hem, it is indeed a tad on the short side (but again, that’s likely the result of human error from yours truly). In terms of other looks, the white buttons make it a bit dressier than the black buttons on my GAP chambray shirt, so it can be worn a bit more easily with a wool blazer.

The versatility of this shirt means it’s great for travel, too. Mt. Drew Duffle by United By Blue. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boot Company. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

The light blue color also makes it the ideal contrast to slim dark denim and a shawl-collar cardigan — perhaps one of my favorite ways to wear the shirt, as you can see at the top of the page. It can also be layered with ease over a white henley for a vintage-inspired look. And the color stands out well with some slim tan chinos, too. My guess is that it can also pair just fine with some great spring or summer shorts when warmer weather does roll around. So it really is a true four-season chambray shirt, as the texture and the nice roll of the buttondown collar help it stand up to beefier sweaters and dark denim during the fall and winter. When it finally does warm up, there’s plenty of potential to wear it with all kinds of outfits, as well. The bottom line is that if you’re initially on the fence about dropping a lot of cash on this shirt, think of it as a great investment (and it can be made even more versatile if you pick up the point-collar option). Plus, it’s not often you can team a made-in-America shirt with everything from khaki shorts to grey chinos and still stand out for the right reasons.

Get the Natural Chambray Shirt from Todd Shelton here.

Do you own anything from Todd Shelton? How would you wear and style this chambray shirt?

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / made in the usa

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#OOTD: How to Wear a Suit This Spring

Style Q+A: Moore & Giles

#OOTD: How to Style Casual Spring Basics

Style Pick of the Week: Stock Mfg. Co. Pocket Tee

Style Upgrade: The Casual T-Shirt

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Owen & Fred

The Product Review: Todd Shelton Natural Chambray Shirt