men’s flannel shirts | The Style Guide

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 will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

It’s been a few weeks since we had a proper #OOTD here on The Style Guide, so we’re getting back to business today. As fall weather rolls into your neck of the woods, perhaps you’ve been breaking out some of your favorite style essentials for the season. It’s a time much-loved around Style Guide HQ for that very reason — and your list of seasonal essentials should definitely include a flannel shirt. Now, cotton flannel fabric in a plaid pattern carries with it a bit of a negative stigma — it was such a trendy staple for years that it might seem played out. But there are a few key ways you can break out a flannel shirt without looking as if you’re heading off to chop wood. The key starts, as always, with the fit of your shirt. Take that classic flannel fabric, slim it down (or size down) and pair it with a decidedly modern bomber jacket. Oh, that’s right — that’s what the below #OOTD is doing. Take a look below, follow your author on Instagram and follow The Style Guide on Facebook for your daily prescribed dose of #menswear.

Not too trendy, not too boring — just right. A modern flannel shirt paired with other modern staples.

The Flannel Shirt: Eddie Bauer Favorite Flannel Shirt, $49.99 — There are some brands you don’t mess with when it comes to flannel. Eddie Bauer’s been making these for years, and they’re comfortable, easily wearable and — here’s the key — slightly visually different in an engaging Baltic plaid pattern. Size down for a slightly trimmer fit, and wear it a ton.

The Bomber Jacket: Beckett Simonon Cole Bomber Jacket, $295 — The biggest key to making this look more modern than lumberjack? A beautiful calfskin suede bomber jacket in a trim fit. Treat this piece with care (I.e. Avoid the rain) and it should last through many seasons to come.

The Denim: Cheap Monday Sonic Denim (Available via East Dane), $90 — Learn more about a denim brand that could be a new favorite — we’re talking classic washes, nice fits and agreeable price points for the quality.

The Boots: Chippewa Original 6-Inch Service Boot in Cordovan, $269.98 — Does it get any better than ridiculously durable Chippewa boots, especially in Cordovan? Hardly. These boots are the rugged complement to the slick bomber jacket — you’re wearing a flannel shirt, after all.

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $18.98 — Textured socks in this particular color should play nicely off the deeper blue of the plaid flannel shirt — the American-made quality doesn’t hurt, either.

The Watch: Timex for J. Crew Andros Watch, $118 — J. Crew does many things quite well, and a few things very well — its collaborations with third-party partners rank high on that list.

The Belt: Rag & Bone Rugged Brass Belt. $150 (Available via East Dane) — Is $150 a lot for a belt? It certainly is. But Rag & Bone does essential basics without fuss — this durable belt falls within that category neatly.

The Everyday Carry: Taylor Stitch Raw Brass Keyhook, $32 — Goods from Taylor Stitch — from the brand’s Everyday Chambray Shirt to this keyhook — are as well-made as can be. Carry this thing everywhere, and never lose your keys again, yeah?

Again, the key with breaking out a flannel shirt revolves around picking a more unique color than the tried-and-true red-and-black combination, along with a slimmer fit. Of course, a sharp suede bomber jacket helps matters out, as do simple, clean accessories like a NATO strap watch and premium socks (yes, the socks do make a difference). Some of the picks are definitely pricey, but as we always say, they can serve as a nice reward, and a reminder of the quality you get when you pay a bit (or a lot) extra for everyday goods. Got any questions on this #OOTD? Or would you swap in a few different brands? Hit me up on Twitter.

Check back tomorrow for another fall-centric style suggestion — and until then…

Stay stylish,

-Beau

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.

Rustic yet refined at the same time — the Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt from Todd Snyder.

During my Christmas trip to Florida last week, I was pretty lucky to get some terrific gifts (mostly #menswear-inclined) from Santa. And among those gifts was none other than the standout Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt you see at the top of the page from lauded American menswear designer Todd Snyder. The Midwest-born designer has been delivering on modern updates to heritage classics these past few years, and this soft cotton shirt with sturdy suede elbow patches definitely checks off some key boxes in that regard. Even better for you, my fellow menswear fan — it’s on-sale right now (marked down to $129 from $185). That price is still enough to scare people away, but given the brand’s history of quality and style, it might not be a bad way to spend your bonus. It’s great in another regard, too: As the weather gets colder, I’m all about incorporating texture into my wardrobe, from a wool bomber to a thick shawl cardigan and tough denim.The inclination toward richer textures goes for shirting as well, and it’s a move that you should consider making yourself — a cotton flannel shirt can serve a two-fold role; if it’s cut slim enough, you can wear it under a V-neck sweater, and if it proves to be hardy enough, you can definitely layer it over a henley (as I did on a trip to Grand Rapids this past fall).

Cold-weather style essentials with which to pair this shirt -- the Buffalo Bobber Glove from Iron & Resin, and a Merino Watch Cap from American Trench.

A closer look at the elbow patches and texture that make this piece special. Pictured with cold-weather style essentials ideal for the season — the Buffalo Bobber Glove from Iron & Resin, and a Merino Watch Cap from American Trench.

The grey plaid of this shirt is understated, and the spread (not buttondown) collar means this shirt leans a bit dressier than most flannels — especially when worn under something like a slim navy blazer. Crucially, the elbow patches add a nice bit of visual interest and a vintage look when the shirt is worn on its own. In fact, it could be a neat style swerve to ditch the jacket and throw on a slim herringbone tie and some tan chinos for an office-ready take. Throw in some brown leather sneakers and that look could be complete. Of course, this shirt is probably going to work best alongside rugged denim and sturdy winter boots, maybe even underneath a vest if you’re feeling particularly rugged. The slim collar and muted colors make it dressy, but those elbow patches and the rustic pattern make it rugged — that’s exactly what you need in a shirt this winter.

Do you own any Todd Snyder shirts? How would you style this piece, elbow patches and all?

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Tag / men’s flannel shirts

#OOTD: How to Wear a Flannel Shirt for Fall

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt