Tag / men’s fashion

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Black Friday 2016 Shopping Edition

Ahh, so it’s here again — Black Friday. If you still haven’t recovered from a healthy dose of turkey and football, we’re here to help you at The Style Guide. It’s a bountiful time for shopping — namely, right here from your laptop. And as great as the weekend is, it’s also important to take some time to kick back, enjoy the holiday with loved ones. But make no mistake, there are deals to be had wherever you look. With plenty of retailers opening their doors and starting online sales well in advance of Black Friday, some of the below deals have been going on for a while. But fear not, you’ve got plenty of time to catch up on all of your #menswear shopping needs. Yes, make no mistake, there are some excellent sales out there — with a slew of promotions from Huckberry, Shinola, JackThreads and plenty more favorites, it’s the ideal time to knock a few items off your style wish list. Without further ado — bring on the Black Friday deals!

Huckberry: The lauded online retailer is offering tons of deals through Sunday, namely featuring the following brands:

Sword & Plough: The men’s and women’s accessories company — as featured in this stylish fall travel ensemble — is running a Thanksgiving week sale giving you 20 percent off all the way through Tuesday! They support veterans every step of the production process, so the brand is certainly worth a look.

Mott & Bow: Everyone’s favorite denim brand has a nice Black Friday deal going on today. Use the code ‘BLACKFRIDAY’ to get 10 percent off orders of $150 or more, 20 percent off $250 or more, or 30 percent off $350 or more of Mott & Bow gear.

Johnston & Murphy: The heritage footwear maker is offering select shoes and boots for up to 30 percent off.

JackThreads: Another Style Guide favorite has been running a Price Drop & Lock Guarantee  for the past few weeks, meaning low prices. well, drop and stay there; oh, and they’re giving everyone 25-30 percent off site-wide for Black Friday! And on Cyber Monday, they’re offering 30 percent off site-wide, all day.

FOURLAPS: The neat athletic brand upstart is providing some nice deals on stylish workout gear — you can snag the Dash Tank, Bolt Short and Smash Tee $30 through Monday, November 28th. And once Cyber Monday hits,  you can shop the Silver Charge Tee for $20

CHASE54: The performance and style-focused golf brand is serving up a nice deal through Cyber Monday —take 30 percent off any two-piece bundle and 40 percent off any three-piece bundle.

Batch Men’s: Batch is serving up a rare sale deal — makers of rugged-refined staples like the Tactician Utility Shirt, they’re offering 40 percent off a wide selection of shirts; get the deal using the code ‘THANKS’!

johnnie-O: The preppy, sport-inspired clothiers are offering a nice Black Friday deal — use the code ‘Tweener’ to buy one button-down, get another button-down free.

 

GREATS: In addition to launching two new sneakers (the third iteration of its Beast Mode collab with retired NFL star Marshawn Lynch, plus a special “Black Friday” edition of its low-cut Royale sneaker), the Style Guide favorite and is giving y’all 20 percent off and free shipping sitewide for Black Friday. That goes along with a series of tiered deals on Cyber Monday: namely, you’re looking at 20 percent off and free shipping sitewide from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m., then 25 percent off and free shipping from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., capped off by 25 percent off and free shipping on all shoes under $100 from 6 p.m. to midnight on Saturday. Hop to it!

Old Navy: The noted casual retailer — who seems to churn out better and better men’s apparel by the season — is offering 50 percent off through Black Friday. That’s a heck of a deal, y’all.

Shinola: The brand is launching its Special Edition All Black Collection, an assortment of signature all-black Shinola products, debuting today.  It includes the brand-new Shinola Runwell Wall Clock and Shinola Power Supply Cords made in partnership with General Electric, plus an all-black Shinola Runwell Turntable, a 47mm Runwell watch with a PVD black sandblasted case and black dial, a one-of-a-kind black tandem bicycle and the Shinola + Benchmade Titanium 765 Pocket Knife. That’s a heck of a lot of gear! Read more about Shinola on Effortless Gent.

Sunday Somewhere: The eclectic sunglasses brand with an international following is giving you stylish guys up to 50% off storewide through Monday, excluding regular eyeglasses & accessories. No discount code needed!

Links of London: Need a special gift for that special someone? Refined British jewelry makers Links of London are offering 25 percent off for Black Friday, both in stores and online, until the 27th, with that same deal running online only through Cyber Monday. And if you spend $495, you’ll receive the brand’s Limited Edition Timeless Diamond Bracelet, a promo that runs in-store from the 28th, and online from the 29th, until December 11th.

Baxter of California:  These fine purveyors of high-quality men’s grooming products are offering 25 percent off the entire site now through November 28th.

Dr. Scholl’s Shoes: Until the 27th, you can get  20 percent off sitewide, plus free shipping, with the promo code DRS20FS. Then, on Cyber Monday, you can take 25 percent off sitewide, with free shipping also included, using the code DRSCYBER.

Reef: The surfwear and basics brand is serving up free 2-Day Shipping on all orders until the 28th using the code REE2DAY.

Richer Poorer: The standout basics brand is offering 40 percent off sitewide for Black Friday.

Steven Alan Optical: Until November 29th (that’s next Tuesday), you can receive 25 percent off all Steven Alan Optical eyeglasses and sunglasses with code BFWKNDSALE16.

Well, folks — that’s just a selection of some of the best #menswear deals out there on the market. From places where you can knock out all your shopping at once — like Huckberry — to e-tailers like JackThreads and Shinola who serve up stylish outerwear and accessories, this weekend is one of the best of the year (if not the best). And if you’re a fan of shopping and scoring deals? You’d do well to hop to some shopping. Wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving weekend — and we’ll be back tomorrow as scheduled with our Style Pick of the Week.

Stay stylish, my friends!

-Beau
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by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: East Dane ‘GO BIG’ Fall Sale

Editor’s note: Continue reading The Style Guide for more menswear style suggestions.

Here at The Style Guide,  we’re all about helping people out — right? From the weekly #OOTD feature to the Friday recap of the best of the week in #menswear , it all comes down to keeping y’all informed — and keeping myself informed, come to think of it. So, that’s why we’re here today. It’s Thanksgiving Eve — AKA the biggest bar night of the year — but that means we’re in the thick of a busy shopping season. If you haven’t gotten a jump on your Christmas shopping as of yet, you best start — and it’s a great thing we’re giving you the tools to do that via the great folks at East Dane . We shared with you details about the epic East Dane Event of the Season last month, and the excellent menswear and men’s lifestyle retailer is back at it again. So, without further ado: Now through 11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, November 28th, you can get some stellar online shopping deals! Using the code GOBIG16, you can get 15 percent off orders of $200 or more, 20 percent off orders of $500 or more, & 25 percent off orders of $800 or more. So, that’s a heck of a great deal, and it goes for a wide selection of both full-price and sale items. Now, because those are big barriers to reach, we’re focusing on hard-hitting, higher-priced goods in key categories — we’re talking footwear, shirting, sweaters, outerwear … you get the drill. Particularly if you’ve got a lot of shopping to do all at once — or if you just love the fine mix of rugged-refined and luxurious goods sold at East Dane — it’s certainly worth shopping quite a bit. Now, note that a few choice Style Guide favorites — like Shinola & Wolverine — are either entirely or partially excluded from this sale. Even still, there are plenty of great goods out there. So, that begs the question — what exactly should you buy to get the most bang for your buck? That’s what we’re here for today. Shoot me a tweet on Twitter if you think I missed any deals — and a Happy (early) Thanksgiving, folks!

Outerwear: Billy Reid Bond Peacoat — $695 (Available via East Dane)

The best peacoat money can buy? It just might be.

The best peacoat money can buy? It just might be.

Now, the Bond Peacoat is the stuff of legend — at least according to this menswear blogger. It’s the perfect season for a stylish peacoat, and this is the one to buy. Originally named for Bond Street in New York City and the brand’s store there, it was made famous by none other than James Bond in “Skyfall.” The good news for you? This beautiful, refined wool-blend peacoat in a striking grey can be had for 20 percent off — that sort of deal doesn’t come around too often, I tell ya what.

Shirting: Todd Snyder Woven Camel Shirt Jacket — $199.50 (Available via East Dane)

A unique fabric, yet this shirt-jacket still has nicely versatile styling potential.

A unique fabric, yet this shirt-jacket still has nicely versatile styling potential.

Don’t own any shirts made with a luxurious camel hair weave? That’s alright — neither do I. Although if I were you and I needed a unique, tailored shirt to layer over rugged basics like a favorite fall henley, this is the shirt I’d snag. Todd Snyder makes a mix of luxe and tailored pieces that play off heritage style — a woven camel shirt-jacket gives you the styling potential of (you guessed it), a shirt jacket …. and yet you get the texture and refinement of a finely tailored camel topcoat. It’s also just a shade shy of the $200 barrier for that 15 percent off deal.

Sweaters: Club Monaco Marled Mockneck Sweater — $129.50 (Available via East Dane)

A unique alternative to more casual fall and winter sweater options.

A unique alternative to more casual fall and winter sweater options.

So, let’s say you’ve got a slim cardigan and a stylish crewneck sweater in your cold-weather layering arsenal … but you want something that captures a dressier, slightly rakish vibe? This Club Monaco mockneck sweater is just the ticket. In a refined navy color, it calls to mind the sort of layers worn by James Bond in “Spectre” — that is, layers that were minimal, refined and ready for action. As for you? This mockneck sweater can be layered under a wool blazer or worn with a durable leather jacket for high-low style that’s fit for winter.

Pants: Carhartt WIP Club Pants — $138 (Available via East Dane)

A unique pair of tapered tweed pants that can be worn casually or with tailored gear.

A unique pair of tapered tweed pants that can be worn casually or with tailored gear.

Now, the traditionally workwear-oriented folks at Carhartt have branched off in recent years with the more style-forward Carhartt WIP line. What’s more, these nicely tailored wool-blend tweed pants are a nice example of that new focus. If you’re looking for an alternative to cotton chinos or even durable selvedge denim, a pair of tweed pants in a comfortable, slightly stretch blend is the way to go. These pants can be worn with leather wingtips and a casual crewneck sweater for a blend of high-low style, and they’ll team up more than admirably with a winter blazer for a day at the office.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

Footwear: Danner Mountain Light Overton Boots — $380 (Available via East Dane)

A durable, tough pair of hikers with a bit of style injected in the mix.

A durable, tough pair of hikers with a bit of style injected in the mix.

So, you’ve got a closet full of tough fall footwear essentials, like leather chukka boots, but you don’t have something quite sturdy enough for slick terrain? Enter the Danner Mountain Light Overton Boot — the brand’s quality and durability precedes itself. With a cowhide leather upper,  a GORE-TEX liner and a Vibram wedge sole, they’re a silhouette that’s sporty, functional and yet ready to pair with slim dark denim and a navy bomber for a weekend bar crawl. Ya dig?

So, there you go — sorting through a large sale can sometimes be a tricky endeavor — hopefully, those picks helped you out at least a little bit. And the great thing is, you’ve got more than enough time to shop away for key seasonal purchases. If you stick to reputable, stylish and long-lasting brands — like Billy Reid and Todd Snyder — and look to make investment-worthy purchases, you’ll set yourself up for success (as cheesy as that might sound). And with that being said, shop away and enjoy the holiday!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt

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.

af-wool-shirt-edited

Didn’t think Abercrombie & Fitch could do shirts with serious, heritage-inspired style? Think again. Glasses by Frameri. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

First things first — Happy Saturday! What’s on your weekend agenda? Hopefully, some menswear shopping — and of course, a little reading at The Style Guide. Second of all — we’re back at it in the ongoing Style Pick of the Week feature, and fittingly enough, Abercrombie & Fitch is back in the fold. From seasonally appropriate outerwear — like this beautiful Leather Bomber Jacket — to a new-and-improved focus on quality basics like denim, the A&F brand seems to be coming back in a big way. That’s due in large part to the efforts of the brand to focus once again on quality heritage-inspired basics, driven by Sir Aaron Levine (Editor’s not: He’s not actually a knight). But his approach to redefining modern basics with quality materials helped propel Club Monaco ahead, and in short, pieces like the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt represent his new take on the brand very nicely. A wool shirt, you might ask? What’s wrong with a classic chambray shirt? Well, nothing. But there’s something refreshing about switching up your fall shirting rotation, particularly when it involves reaching for a soft, slim-fitting and easily wearable shirt in a unique wool-cotton blend fabric.  Those details make it a keeper — and the styling potential will have you reaching for it time and again.
Huckberry

What’s not to love about a shirt that evokes the rugged outdoors and classic camp shirts? It features a shirt-jacket design with thicker corozo buttons and a pleasing Heather Oatmeal color — it’s just different enough from your classic white Oxford. Although the shirt is thicker than most, the cotton blend makes it easy to wear this shirt on its own with slim light wash denim for a more casual fall look. Even with the slightly heavier weight, it would also pair up nicely atop a rugged fall henley and your favorite pair of leather boots. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised with its ability to slide nicely underneath a quilted field coat — it’s a foolproof fall layering method. Of course, you can’t go wrong layering it underneath a classic grey crewneck sweater, either. Lest we forget, the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt  is the type of piece that would also work very nicely underneath an indigo chore coat — although if you’ve been reading this blog regularly, you already know that (Wink, wink). Another bonus to buying this shirt now? It’s quite the steal — you get J. Crew-level quality and a price that’s competitive, but not otherworldly.  Yes indeed, there are many positives to picking up this shirt — from the versatile styling potential to the solid price, it’s a heck of a deal. So, what are you waiting for? Dash off to pick up the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt , ASAP.

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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Rugged Fall Style, Oliver Cabell and Hard Graft Gym Bags

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.

So if you’re joining us here today on The Style Guide, that must mean it’s Friday. And if it’s Friday, it’s time for another round of The Friday Read, where we tackle the best of the week in #menswear — with a dash of music and fine spirits joining us in today’s post. First things first — thanks to everyone who participated in this week’s Dickies X-Series Denim giveaway this week. We’ve had the pleasure of some crisp, brisk fall weather this week in NYC — if that happens to be the case for you as well, I’d urge you follow the behind-the-scenes action on Instagram and check out how to dress for fall. We’re talking indigo chore coats, slim garment-dyed pants and a tough Horween leather watch. Oh, and an essential crewneck sweater for your fall wardrobe — that’s a thing, too. It’s been fun to break out some tougher layering pieces for the chilly weather, and rest assured that we’ve got plenty more fall style-centric content in the weeks ahead. Namely, we’re diving into the archives with tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week — and then jumping right back to the present day with our very own Thanksgiving Style Suggestion. It’s tough to believe it’s that time of year already! But, not to worry — we’ll be offering up all manner of holiday style picks, from what to wear to your holiday party to what to buy for your significant other. In the meantime though, I’ve got a weekend of travel ahead — I’m heading on a quick trip upstate to the lovely town of Hudson for a bit of rest, relaxation and menswear-themed exploration. Follow along via Twitter, look for a full recap blog post coming on Monday, and check out everything you need to know from the week in men’s style news.

  • Who can pass up the chance to combine refined spirits and great menswear? Not that many folks, that’s who. The fine spirits purveyors at Glenfiddich launched a fall capsule collection — titled Wardrobe XXI — with none other than menswear luminary Josh Peskowitz. The lauded fashion vet, who recently opened up Magasin, a menswear lifestyle boutique, curated four men’s style capsule collections on behalf of Glenfiddich. The brands run the gamut from contemporary — Camoshita United Arrows to slightly edgy (FEIT). And each capsule, which is sold at select retailers like NYC’s Gentry and Miami’s Alchemist, pays homage to Glenfiddich’s 21 Year Old Reserva Rum Cask Finish. Now, great whiskey and great menswear? That’s something we can all get behind.
  • If you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving next week, you need to know how to travel in style. That just got easier with the introduction of the Arcata Travel Kit from premium accessories brand Oliver Cabell. We rounded up the best dopp kits for men on this blog earlier this year, but this dopp kit is a worthy addition. Thanks to the brand’s transparency — right down to the material and labor costs displayed on its Web site — you know you’re getting a premium, road-ready piece.
  • We’ve covered the best men’s weekender bags, but you might want to add another to your list. The Hard Graft Gym Bag Volume Two is a beautifully crafted, superbly done bag that merges tremendous functionality with stellar looks. Give it a read via yours truly at GearMoose!


Looking for something to read — or listen to — this weekend?

  • If it’s a relaxing weekend listen you seek, might I suggest the eloquently produced “On Hold” from everyone’s favorite ethereal music trio, The xx? Give it a listen over at Pitchfork. You won’t regret it!

That’s all we’ve got from my neck of the woods — stick around and check out your new favorite fall jacket, or a rugged fall layering essential, before you take off for the weekend.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Dickies X-Series Denim

Editor’s note: Stick around The Style Guide for more seasonal menswear suggestions.  And read on for a special reader giveaway opportunity!

dickies-photo

Contemplating this great Dickies X-Series denim giveaway in Prospect Park. The X-Series 5-Pocket Pant is pictured here. Japanese flannel from the Dickies 1922 line. Waxed Cotton Field Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Color No. 8 Diplomat Boots by Thursday Boots. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Glasses by Frameri.

Maybe it’s because your Style Guide author lives and breathes menswear, but it can be pretty darn fun to discover new and unexpected things about brands you thought you knew. Take Dickies, for example. The classic workwear brand has nearly 100 years of history to its name, and a long lineage of outfitting workers for both everyday and more extreme situations. That includes military uniform production during World War II, and commercial production thereafter. Maybe you wore their overalls or hooded jackets — or still do — on the job. However, there’s more to the brand now than workwear — and that, of course, is why we’re here today. The brand has taken a nuanced, measured approach to lifestyle gear in the past few years, including its heritage-focused 1922 line. That approach extends through to its X-Series denim, a run of both slim and straight-cut jeans and five-pocket pants made with soft-yet-durable ringspun cotton and flexible fabric. The even better part? From the Slim Fit Tapered Leg variety to the Slim Fit Straight Leg option or the Skinny Fit iterations,  you’re looking at denim that’s priced at about $30 — seriously, $30.  Who would’ve thought? It was definitely refreshing to learn about the brand’s revamped approach at an NYC showcase event this past September, and after taking a pair of the Slim Fit Tapered Leg jeans with me on both a fall weekend trip to Providence and an October trip back to Michigan, I can vouch for the quality, comfort and fit, through and through. I also had the good fortune to check out a pair of the Slim Fit Tapered Leg 5-Pocket Pants, done up in a comfortable ringspun twill and pictured at the top of the page. They really are perfect for fall style, particularly when teamed with a soft Japanese Flannel Shirt from the brand’s 1922 line.

I’ve also found that the dark-wash pairs of X-series denim pair well with everything from my trusty Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket and a chambray shirt to a slim V-neck sweater and leather chukka boots — and I’m sure you will, too! Why’s that? Well, we’re giving one lucky winner — sorry, just one — the option to win their favorite pair of Dickies X-Series denim! Just follow the instructions via this link, and there you have it! Good luck, and thanks for reading!

To win one pair of Dickies X-Series denim of your choice, follow the instructions in this link.

Editor’s note: This contest ends at 12 a.m., Thursday, November 17th.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Dress for a Casual Fall Day

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.

Now, we might be rolling through November, but with this up-and-down weather, it’s not quite felt truly, really … like fall. Has it? Well, maybe we’ll call this one an #OOTD for a casual … November (or December?) day. Either way, we’ll continue to push forward here on The Style Guide.  Situational dressing, although at first daunting, can  be one of the best parts of getting into menswear — a weekend coffee date? No problem. Heading out on a fall hike? We’ve got you covered there, too. But what about those in-between times? Maybe you’re dashing to the barber or strolling down the street to grab a beer — nothing too fancy, right? And yet, all you loyal Style Guide readers (I think there are a few?) know that even a casual, brisk fall day is a chance to mix and match your favorite style essentials. Some of the pieces below are investment-worthy, but they’re all built to last — and each is versatile in its own right. This is the type of garb to toss on for a perfect fall (or winter) Sunday, and you can even swap in a tough chambray shirt if you need to dress it up a little bit.  So, read on and stick around for more menswear shopping picks for the season.
Huckberry

Reach for comfortable, premium basics and durable boots on a casual fall day.

Reach for comfortable, premium basics and durable boots on a casual fall day.

The Jacket: Apolis Indigo Wool Chore Coat, $278 — Of the investment-worthy pieces mentioned above, the Apolis wool chore coat belongs squarely on that list. It’s perfect for layering, it’s sharp without being too dressy, and it’ll break in beautifully.

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, $98 — A certified modern-day #menswear classic, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is a cozy, comfortable and stylish second layer — trust me.

The Base Layer: Mack Weldon Pima Long-Sleeve Crewneck, $38 — The Mack Weldon team knows a thing or two about stylish, comfortable basics, and that’s why this pima crewneck is an ideal, warm base layer.
Beckett Simonon

The Pants: Flint & Tinder 365 Khaki Pant, $98 — The makers of your new favorite henley have done it again with a pair of 5-pocket pants that blend casual comfort and crisp style — every day of the year. As to your belt? Pick up a textured braided leather belt on the cheap from J. Crew Factory.

The Boots: Lanona Shoe Co. Academic Boot, $298 — The Academic Boot is another piece that, much like the Apolis indigo wool chore coat, ain’t cheap. But seeing as it’s a Huckberry  exclusive, made in Maine and built with Horween Natural Chromexcel leather? Ehh, the price is more bearable.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Tribal Joint Crew Socks, $23 (Available via East Dane) — Anonymous-ism is known globally for its subtly stylish, well-made socks — if J. Crew and East Dane carry them, you know they’ve gotta be good.

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Chronograph, $119.98 — This casual outfit is filled with rugged style essentials, so why not reach for an affordably priced, durable Horween leather watch? Ehh?

The Hat: Carhartt WIP Key Ribbed Beanie, $35 (Available via East Dane)  — Sometimes, you don’t need to get too over-the-top with your fall and winter accessories — this navy cap is understated and high-quality.

Keep in mind that when dressing for a casual fall day, plenty of other pieces will work. Whether you layer up a rugged henley with a cotton chore coat or go with a slim chambray shirt and your favorite pair of dark denim, it’s important to keep versatile style and proper fit in mind — but hey, we all know that (wink, nudge). And in this instance, you can get a ton of mileage out of an indigo wool chore coat and classic khaki pants — that goes for casual weekend wear or versatile office style. Oh, and those Horween leather boots will break in beautifully over time while fitting in perfectly with this outfit’s rugged vibes (Editor’s note: If, however, you seek a more affordable pair of fall boots, this site has you covered in the meantime). Are there pieces on this list you would switch up? How do you dress for a casual fall day? Get style inspiration and join the #menswear discussion over on Twitter.
Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Chambray Shirts

Editor’s note: Connect with The Style Guide on Facebook for even more menswear.

It might come as a shock to you that this here blog hasn’t rounded up the best chambray shirts for men — ever, really. Now, we’ve talked about how to wear a chambray shirt for fall, and we’ve even reviewed an American-made chambray shirt from Todd Shelton — but a complete rundown of essential chambray shirts to buy now? Not so much.  With its textured cotton fabric and roots in American workwear, it’s a piece that — much like a rugged henley — has been turned into a four-season piece with the versatility to rival a classic blue Oxford.  You can thank brands like J. Crew for that, and you can thank Style Guide favorite Todd Snyder, too — his time at J. Crew helped cement, among other things, the popularity of the shirting style. Which brings us to the present day — hopefully in your neck of the woods, it’s truly and properly fall. If that’s the case, there might not be a better time to layer up a new chambray shirt. Hopefully, you’ve knocked a few pieces off your fall style wish list, but if you’re still searching for a few more staple items to fill your closet — *cough, cough* a new chambray shirt — today’s post has you covered. Chime in on the below picks, if you please, in the comments, and follow along on Instagram for more fall styling tips.

#1. Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — $98

Taylor Stitch

It just doesn’t get any better than the Everyday Chambray Shirt from Taylor Stitch.

As much as J. Crew has turned the chambray shirt into an essential casual (or dressy) piece for all guys, Taylor Stitch has done just as much in a short period of time. The Everyday Chambray Shirt is a stone-cold Style Guide favorite for a multitude of reasons. With a slim fit, premium Japanese chambray fabric and double needle construction, it’s a wonder that the fine folks at Huckberry can even keep this thing in stock. Wear it with slim chinos and high-top sneakers on the weekend, then pair it with brown wingtips and a navy blazer during the work week. As with most Taylor Stitch pieces, you won’t be able to stop wearing the Everyday Chambray Shirt — at least, I think so.

#2. J. Crew Slim Indigo Japanese Chambray Shirt — $88

The shirt that (arguably) started it all. Buy it now, wear it a bunch.

The shirt that (arguably) started it all. Buy it now, wear it a bunch.

Ahh yes, here we are. The shirt that spawned copycats and helped men the world over dress a bit better (if not more so). Just as with Taylor Stitch, J. Crew has perfected casual, easygoing basics  that are versatile, well-fitting and reliably able to be dressed up or down in a pinch. Made with premium Japanese chambray, this indigo chambray shirt might just be your new favorite chambray — other than the Everyday Chambray Shirt, that is. If you hang around, you can likely snag it for a steal using a J. Crew sale code. But in the meantime, it’s a nice deal for the price.

Beckett Simonon

#3. Todd Snyder Chambray Patch Pocket Shirt in Light Indigo — $168

A rich indigo color and the sort of details one would expect from a designer that specializes in rugged staples.

A rich indigo color and the sort of details one would expect from a designer that specializes in rugged staples.

It should come as no surprise that the designer who helped put J. Crew back on the map now makes a heck of a chambray shirt in his own right. The Chambray Patch Pocket Shirt is the sort of piece at which Todd Snyder excels — it mixes a dash of heritage style with rugged vibes and easy wearability. It’s the type of chambray shirt that you could reliably pair with everything from dark denim and the designer’s famed Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch to a classic fall blazer as you head to the office. For the price, you’ll certainly want to get a lot of wear out of it.

Frank & Oak

#4. Ben Sherman Chambray Shirt in Navy Blazer — $85 (Available via East Dane)

Simple, stylish and nicely done via Ben Sherman.

Simple, stylish and nicely done via Ben Sherman.

From the brand’s classic Harrington jackets to slim chinos, Ben Sherman specializes in classic pieces with a dash of mod, British edge.  This slim chambray shirt uses a nice medium blue color that would look right at home with slim, American-made chinos and brown chukka boots at the office, while also blending in nicely with, say, a first date ensemble.  It’s fairly priced considering the quality and history of the brand, and it’ll work just as well this coming winter under a slim cardigan as it will come spring time with your favorite pair of shorts.

#5. Gitman Vintage Chambray Oxford Shirt — $124.80 (Available via East Dane)

Gitman Vintage

Inspired by a chambray shirt and featuring classic Oxford detailing.

Are you familiar with Gitman Vintage? Maybe? Maybe not? Either way, this brand does the classics the right way — its premium shirts are infused with a dash of classic prep style and a slightly irreverent modern edge. And as it were, this chambray Oxford shirt gets a lot of things right, from the trim fit to the blue chambray color and the Oxford styling details. It’s a hybrid shirt that you can wear as you would a normal Oxford — say, with a wool tie and a herringbone blazer — or a regular ol’ chambray shirt (perhaps atop your favorite henley this season).

And, well … that’s it for the first-ever Style Guide rundown of the best men’s chambray shirts. It was admittedly pretty tough to narrow it down to just five — heck, in addition to the crisp blue Everyday Chambray Shirt, even Taylor Stitch makes a terrific grey chambray shirt. But the above picks represent quality, versatile style potential and the type of easygoing wearability that’ll work just as well this coming winter as it will when the weather warms up. There aren’t that many shirts you can layer under a slim cardigan in one season, and wear with your favorite swimsuit in the spring, but the chambray shirt is certainly one of’ ’em. Get to shopping for your new favorite chambray shirt and let me know how it goes, will ya?

Stay stylish — and thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

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.

A much-coveted, super-durable jacket that's ready for all sorts of fall conditions.

A much-coveted, super-durable jacket that’s ready for all sorts of fall conditions.

The time is now to stock up on one of the best men’s trucker jackets. After all, there’ll soon come a time where you’ll ask yourself: Can you feel it in the air? Maybe? A little bit? It might just be, dare I say it… the perfect time to break out the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket. Now, it’s newly restocked, but it won’t be around for long. It made this site’s Fall Style Wish List, and as we’ve said repeatedly at The Style Guide, fall might just be the perfect time for menswear. To beat the chilly k no further than the latest introduction from the great folks at Flint and Tinder and Huckberry . Part of the excellent Flint and Tinder fall collection, the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket very well might be your new fall )and winter?) go-to when it comes to outerwear. The season certainly did get off to a bit of a late start this year, but that’s not to say you won’t get plenty of use out of this stellar coat for several months to come. It layers up very nicely over a classic chambray shirt and it’s the ideal complement to a classic Flint and Tinder henley (wouldn’t you know it?). Oh, and you could even boldly layer it under a navy topcoat for just a dash of rugged-refined style. Why exactly should you drop nearly $200 on this waxed trucker jacket? Well, that’s easy.

Sturdy hardware and a modern fit also make this jacket a great investment.

Sturdy hardware and a modern fit also make this jacket a great investment.

Just as with all of Flint and Tinder’s stylish knitwear, the Waxed Trucker is made in America using high-quality materials and detailing that’s simply top-notch. That starts with silver hardware and rolls right on through to the modern fit and durable waxed 7oz. Martexin sailcloth. You can even customize the fit to your liking with slide buckles at the waist. Yessir, this thing is sturdy as heck. It’s cut to hit above the waist, just like your favorite spring denim jacket. But, there’s something a bit tougher about this jacket – namely, that tough waxed sailcloth exterior and flannel lining, both of which will more more than ably stand up to biting fall winds and chilly rain — or snow, if you layer it under a topcoat. It’s certainly the kind of jacket you should look to wear as much as possible (particularly given that price tag). Team it with a flannel shirt, wear it over a stylish cardigan and rock it time and again with a merino T-shirt and dark denim the next you dash out to grab coffee. Oh, and you might do well to layer it over Flint & Tinder’s ridiculously durable 10-Year Hoodie, too. It’s going to work in slightly dressier situations, too – truly. You can certainly swap this Flint and Tinder jacket out for a blazer at the office, but it’s a reliable layering piece. Give the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket a try sometime, ehh? It should be every bit as good as advertised – and then some.

Get the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket as soon as you can at Huckberry.

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Henleys to Buy Right Now

Editor’s note: Start your seasonal menswear shopping here.

So, we’re into November here on The Style Guide. There’s a chill in the air, the holidays are around the corner (crazy!) and maybe, just maybe, you’ve noticed a piece or two missing from your cold-weather wardrobe. Now, we talked tough denim shirts last week, and we’re talking another choice menswear essential today. You might have tough high-top sneakers and slim selvedge denim covered this season– maybe even a stylish fall cardigan — but what else are you going to layer it with? The answer’s pretty simple, and it’s one that comes up here often on this site. It’s rugged, it’s durable and it makes just about any guy look great – the essential long-sleeve henley, folks. While we’ve covered the best short-sleeve henleys and even took a stab at rounding up stylish henleys last fall, it’s high time for an update. The layering potential of a slim henley is such that you can pair it with a cotton peacoat, a V-neck sweater or underneath a chambray shirt without missing a beat. And if you get one that’s made with quality materials and attention to detail — like the picks below — you’ll have an easier and even more enjoyable time wearing it. Want to chime in on the conversation? Head over to The Style Guide Facebook page for a spell, or hit up Instagram for more.

#1. Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley — $62

One of the best henleys on the market, and sold by the great Huckberry team, to boot.

One of the best henleys on the market, and sold by the great Huckberry team, to boot.

Our top pick here is almost too easy of a choice. Sold by the folks at Huckberry, the Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley is as good as it gets. With a unique, visually interesting four-button placket, a  trim-yet-mobile fit and nicely marled mid-weight jersey fabric, it’s sure to become your  new fall go-to. Heck, you could pair this stylish henley with a pair of Flint & Tinder selvedge denim and a rich suede bomber jacket for excellent style nearly any day of the week.

#2. Reigning Champ Long Sleeve Henley — $85

Made in Canada with all the reliable style details you could ask for.

Made in Canada with all the reliable style details you could ask for.

Like Flint and Tinder, Reigning Champ knows a thing or two about reliable, well-crafted basics. Its Long Sleeve Henley is no exception, made from soft cotton in a seasonally appropriate olive color. It’s the type of henley to throw on underneath a chambray shirt, or on its own, with brown leather sneakers for a weekend coffee run. The raglan sleeves are a flattering touch that’ll broaden your shoulders, and a scalloped hem is another neat visual touch. It’ll also work nicely in the early days of spring — keep it around for the fall and beyond.

#3. Grayers Byron Double Cloth Henley — $59.98

Easygoing, essential and stylish. The Byron Double Cloth Henley definitely gets a lot right!

Easygoing, essential and stylish. The Byron Double Cloth Henley definitely gets a lot right!

It’s only fitting that Grayers — so named for the flannel trousers worn casually by young British men in the ’50s — makes a heck of a nice henley. It nods to the style’s real-life sportswear roots, yet does so with the modern fit and excellent fabric that’s become a hallmark of the Grayers brand. The Byron Double Cloth Henley is lined with soft cotton jersey and features a heather slub fabric that’s the right weight and feel to team up with a Grayers blazer., for example. The price on the Double Cloth Henley isn’t half-bad for a quality layering essential, either.

#4. Alex Mill Indigo French Terry Mock Henley (Available via East Dane) — $125

Part sweatshirt and part henley -- but there's really no wrong way to wear this Alex Mill piece.

Part sweatshirt and part henley — but there’s really no wrong way to wear this Alex Mill piece.

If you’re unfamiliar with Alex Mil, it’d be a wise bet to get acquainted. Particularly if you like ridiculously well-made basics that add a touch of continental flair, the French Terry Mock Henley is worth checking out. It’s made from, as the name would suggest, lightweight French terry fabric in a deep indigo wash — it’s part sweatshirt, part henley and stylish  no matter how you slice it. Layer it over a classic blue Oxford or a tough chambray shirt for rugged-refined office style.

#5. Todd Snyder Classic Chambray Henley (Available via East Dane) — $125

An excellent mix of the heritage-inspired and the modern from Todd Snyder.

An excellent mix of the heritage-inspired and the modern from Todd Snyder.

In the midst of his excellent work with collaborations like the Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, it’s easy to forget that Todd Snyder still makes excellent basics in his own right.  The Classic Chambray Henley is virtually a classic Snyder piece, right up there with the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt. Why’s that? Well, it mixes classic sportswear touches — like a elongated placket and a modern fit — with neat chambray detailing at the collar. It’s a premium piece that’s so well-made, you could even get away with wearing it under a wool blazer in the colder months ahead.

Although plenty of people think of the henley solely as a casual piece, the above selections are well-crafted and feature enough visual detailing that they’d work quite well underneath a fall and winter blazer or a slim cardigan on a casual day at the office. And for the investment you’re making, it’s worth it to get as much wear out of it as possible. Pieces like the Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley are top of the line, made in American out of premium materials. And a hybrid piece like the Long Sleeve Henley  from Reigning Champ mix in fall-appropriate color and texture. Those types of touches are exactly what you should be looking for in a stylish henley — and hopefully, the above picks are enough to get you started.

Until the next post — thanks for reading!

-Beau

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Denim Shirts to Buy Now

Editor’s note: Get more menswear shopping picks for the season at that link.

There are some staples that never really, truly go out of style. From a rugged chambray shirt to a classic blue Oxford, these are the sort of pieces that a well-dressed guy should feasibly have in his wardrobe. And although there are a few other items you should readily have in your closet, it’s tough to dispute the timeless, rugged style of a denim shirt — yes, that’s right. Like the chambray shirt, the denim shirt is a hearty take on men’s shirting, originally worn by rough-and-tumble cowboys, ranchers and guys who needed a shirt that could take a beating. Well, modern iterations are a bit different — cut slimmer and trimmer, with more style-forward washes and detailing, for one. Yet, it’s the type of shirt that can make any guy look good — if you know which one to buy, that is. Its rugged appeal and durability makes it timeless and … you guessed it … essential. Today, we talk five great denim shirts to buy RIGHT NOW. Get more menswear at The Style Guide Facebook page and via Twitter, folks.

#1. Levi’s Barstow Western Shirt — $69.50

Made the same way as it was decades ago -- and updated with a modern fit and neat style details.

Made the same way as it was decades ago — and updated with a modern fit and neat style details.

If there’s a brand that makes a better denim shirt — or has more longevity doing it — they’ve got a tough act to follow in Levi’s. The brand still abides by the rugged ethos and construction that made its denim the pants of choice for gold miners out West, and the Barstow Western Shirt carries on that same tradition through to the 21st century. Wear this one with the Levi’s 505C to your next concert, and hang onto it the next you want a shirt to wear to the bar with friends.

#2. Scotch and Soda Denim Shirt (Available via East Dane) — $125

A minimal take on the denim shirt -- just as essential for the season.

A minimal take on the denim shirt — just as essential for the season.

While a denim shirt with a bit of a faded wash  is a reliably safe bet, you can never go wrong with a deep, dark blue denim shirt. Scotch and Soda makes pieces that are eclectic and unique in their construction and design, but this denim shirt is a winner — as with the Levi’s option above, it’s the type of shirt to wear to a rock concert, perhaps with a rugged waxed trucker jacket. And for $125, you should give it a go with a grey wool knit tie and burgundy corduroys this coming winter, too.

#3. Buck Mason Bleached Indigo Pearl Snap Shirt — $145

Made in America with classic style details -- doesn't get any better!

Made in America with classic style details — doesn’t get any better!

$145 for a shirt? Oh, yes. And here’s why — the team at Buck Mason knows a thing or two about making premium menswear in America, and this bleached indigo shirt is a fine example. Made from an 8oz. chambray fabric, it features custom-built pearl snaps and a fit that should team nicely with your favorite rugged henley this fall  and winter. The color and construction mean it also works for  layering under a suede bomber jacket on breezy days.

#4.  J. Crew Slim Midweight Denim Shirt — $88

It's tough to go wrong with J. Crew -- this denim shirt is a surefire winner.

It’s tough to go wrong with J. Crew — this denim shirt is a surefire winner.

J. Crew was (and is?) quite possibly the reason behind the surge in popularity of the classic chambray shirt over this past half-decade in menswear, and it’s no surprise that they make a heck of a denim shirt, too. This piece is slim and features a dark wash that should look just right this fall and winter with grey denim — and just as great come springtime with slim stone chinos and classic navy sneakers.

#5. Bridge and Burn Flint Overshirt — $182

A deep indigo dye and sturdy construction make this a fall and winter layering favorite.

A deep indigo dye and sturdy construction make this a fall and winter layering favorite.

So, is this overshirt your typical denim shirt? Not quite. It’s thicker, lined with cotton flannel and done up in a deep indigo wash, for one. And it doesn’t feature the  typical pearl snaps seen on most denim shirts. However,  it gets the nod here because of its versatility, durability and quality construction. The great team at Bridge & Burn puts their own touches on classic staples  (including fall’s  must-have bomber), and the Flint Overshirt is yet another example of those efforts. It’s easy to layer over a slim pocket tee, and it’ll pair up quite nicely with a stylish henley and your favorite pair of selvedge denim.
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No matter how you wear it — atop a tee, under a slim cardigan or on its own with the sleeves rolled up — a tough denim shirt is your answer to rugged fall and winter style. In the right cut and with a bit of visual interest, a denim shirt can act as another casual shirting option — think of it as an alternative to your favorite chambray shirt. And it’ll work in the fall and winter, plus the spring — when worn with other seasonal style essentials, of course. Did I miss any picks? Shoot me a note on Twitter, or drop us a line in the comments below.

Happy shopping!

-Beau