Tag / men’s hats

by Beau H.

Heading north: A weekend in Upstate New York

Editor’s note: To check out more northeast travel style, click here.

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The right gear for a rugged fall day. Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Wool Shirt by Abercrombie and Fitch. Slim-Fit Tapered Leg X-Series Denim by Dickies. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. North Fork Leather Fedora by Goorin Brothers. Glasses by Frameri.

If you’ve been following along with us at The Style Guide in this grand fall #menswear adventure, you know that I love to travel. It seems that theme has come up quite a bit, but there’s something about certain times of year — especially fall — that I associate with great vistas and great travel. Be it heading northeast to Providence to see an all-time favorite band (that would be Local Natives) to stopping through my home state of Michigan last month, this season has been a terrific time to hit the road with my favorite menswear gear in tow.  And in the case of this past weekend, that took me to the lovely upstate town of Hudson — it came highly recommended to me via my good friend & fellow blogger Alex Luckey, and seeing as I’m never one to pass up a chance to get out of the city and relax, I had to do it. How does one travel in style from NYC to a quiet town of about 7,000? I set out to do just that.

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More fall exploration around the rustic outskirts of Hudson. Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Wool Shirt by Abercrombie and Fitch. Slim-Fit Tapered Leg X-Series Denim by Dickies. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Tweed Ripley Cap by Kangol. Glasses by Frameri.

Now, I had traveled upstate on a Memorial Day trip earlier this summer, but Hudson presented its own set of challenges. It was a chilly Friday morning in New York City, and chillier upstate.  I knew my Johnston & Murphy Faux Shearling Aviator would more than stand up to a crisp fall breeze — and it did so while providing great value. The fit is relatively slim, but I had more than enough room to comfortably layer my rugged Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt and a trusty long-sleeve henley underneath. The multi-layered combo was perfect for the lovely autumn weather and the quaint, cultured small town of Hudson. For a denim option fit for both NYC and upstate, I grabbed my Dickies X-Series Slim-Fit Tapered Leg 5-Pocket Pant — it’s a comfortable, well-fitting and affordable pair of ringpsun cotton pants with a hint of stretch. I topped the look off with the seasonally appropriate Kangol Tweed Ripley Cap and a pair of seriously tough CAT Footwear Sutter Boots — talk about mixing function and fashion. Of course, I also couldn’t resist the urge to break out a sharp, vintage-inspired North Fork Leather Fedora from Goorin Brothers — it’s a beautiful hat that I picked it up at the brand’s terrific West Village shop at a neat event hosted with Courvoisier Cognac. Now, a wide-brimmed leather fedora might not be for everyone, but it might very well move into my rotation soon. In short, the combination was perfect for a day exploring Hudson. The next time you find yourself moving quickly from one spot to the other, an easy-to-wear leather jacket, layers to combat the cold and tough leather boots are key.

Now, what exactly is there to do in a small upstate town? Actually, a heck of a lot. Hudson has quickly developed a reputation as a burgeoning enclave for outstanding arts and culture — the small town plays host to well over a dozen art galleries that display a mix of modern, contemporary pieces and local works. On top of that, there’s a vibrant music and film scene, starting with the reclaimed industrial Basilica Hudson complex, as seen above — the space hosts both experimental music performances and weekly film screenings. Plus, there’s a treasure trove of vintage, vintage-inspired and reclaimed clothing — particularly at Artists and Revolutionaries, seen at the top of this post.  And as the city’s cultural scene has grown, a really excellent gourmet food scene has sprung up — that was evident on my first stop of the trip. A quick caffeine jolt was crucial at Rev Coffee, known for its well-curated approach to roasting and pastries. The town’s proximity to the gorgeous Hudson River waterfront is also prime — the scenery and fresh air was much needed coming from the hustle and bustle of New York City.

Make no mistake, once you amble away from the water, there are still plenty of places to explore. Part lodge, part bar, part shop and full of rustic, rugged vibes. W.M. Farmer & Sons was nearly worth the trip in and of itself. This stunning outpost serves up home goods, lifestyle wares and a heck of a meal — along with an accompanying hotel. Even in Brooklyn, there’s really nothing like it — and that’s mighty refreshing. With a coffee bar that’s open daily and a strong selection of craft beer and cocktails — including a tasty bourbon-and-cider concoction known as the Bear Trap — you could certainly kill a few hours hanging out in this beautiful space. Yes, with my aviator jacket, tweed cap and rugged Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, I felt like I fit right in with the location’s old-time charm. Oh, and I’d highly recommend the the Cast Iron Bar Burger if you’re feeling hungry. A delicious gourmet meal definitely called for a nightcap at the neat, eclectic and pleasingly minimal OR Gallery and Tavern, an Iceland-inspired, converted auto garage that serves as a bar, gallery and accessories shop. Their refreshing selection of craft beer was topped only by the night’s festivities — a neat, intimate performance from Nico Turner of long-running, eclectic rock outfit Cat Power. Again, the ambiance was entirely unique for an upstate trip — and my daytime gear took me right on through to a chilly night in style.

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Enjoying a coffee in the crisp fall air outside the OR Gallery and Tavern. Waxed Cotton Field Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Striker Sweater by Johnnie-O. White Oxford by Todd Snyder. Kinzie Denim by Mugsy Jeans. Plaid scarf by Ties.com Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Glasses by Frameri. Cognac Suede Wingtips by Thursday Boots.

Even with an active Friday in the books, Saturday called for more exploration yet. Even for a smaller town, Hudson is filled with neat sights around every corner — and when you start the day off with a stop at MOTO Coffee/Machine, you’re sure to fuel up the right way (trust me …. I love my coffee).  And luckily, my gear was more than up to the fall weather. I took on a chilly morning with my Johnston & Murphy Waxed Cotton Field Jacket, a heritage-inspired piece with plenty of durability. It layered easily over a slim, soft and comfortable Striker Sweater from the fine prep clothiers at Johnnie-O — don’t sleep on the quality of the brand’s knitwear, as it’s undoubtedly worth the investment. My Ties.com Syracuse Fringed Scarf helped me fight the afternoon breeze, too. And the mix of sporty and heritage gear was offset nicely by a versatile Todd Shelton White Oxford. I finished off the look with a pair of Kinzie Jeans from Mugsy Jeans — they’re cut with room to move,  perfect for exploring a hip town in style. They offered a casual contrast alongside my tough, durable Cognac Suede Wingtips from the fine folks at Thursday Boots — they’re a brand-new offering for the company, and they’re worth the purchase. The combination was nicely offset again by my reliable, handsome Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono.

Beckett Simonon

As the day presented with it plenty of exploration, I was more than happy to have trusty gear with me for the ride. From a rich coffee to gallery strolling and menswear shopping at the immensely well-curated Mutiny NY, I was more than happy to have the chance to visit such a neat, diverse and thoughtful town on a beautiful fall Saturday. Mutiny NY in particular represented some of the best menswear shopping on the Hudson — we’re talking brands from The Hill-Side to Universal Works. Topping the day off with an excellent mackerel dish at the rustic-yet-refined Fish & Game proved a neat capper to an overnight trip that felt longer, yet moved too quick — isn’t that always the way it goes?

Of course, there’s also nothing quite like heading right back into the city and zipping downtown to a buzzed-about concert, right? Mysterious, ethereal Brooklyn-based trio Wet  — past openers for personal favorite CHVRCHES — put on what one can only describe as a vibey, groovy show to rival Beach House. That they filled up the sometimes-cavernous Grand Ballroom at Webster Hall is to be applauded — and it was certainly worth the quick turnaround from train station to concert! Crucially, my tough waxed field jacket and durable suede wingtip boots more than fit in with the eclectic style found at a rock conert. Talk about a heck of an end to a great day, and a great trip!

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A casual-yet-premium Johnnie-O wool overshirt, sport-inspired CLAE x JackThreads sneakers and tapered FOURLAPS sweatpants — the perfect set of Sunday pieces, finished off with a Club Monaco cashmere hat and the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono.

As with any whirlwind trip, Sunday brought with it the need for some much-needed relaxation time. Luckily, I found my Sunday gear to be on-point all the way through. The team at FOURLAPS makes athletic basics that merge comfort with simple style, and its Rush Joggers are a prime example — perfect for a casual day around Brooklyn, in fact. I paired those up with more easygoing style, starting with the Johnnie-O Pines Shacket, a well-made, soft wool shirt-jacket made from an incredibly soft fabric blend. It matched easily with my Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley, the perfect seasonal layering piece. To complement a look that was equal parts sporty and stylish, I stuck with my CLAE x JackThreads Strayhorn Mid Sneakers — the grey wool provided a touch of fall-ready textured, and the neat chukka silhouette offered some nice contrast to my tapered sweats. Now, am I saying you should step out for Sunday brunch in sweatpants? Not necessarily. But when the occasion calls for some relaxation and delicious coffee at the likes of Willamsburg shop Homecoming, it’s probably OK.

As with plenty of recent weekend travels, this past weekend brought with it some of my favorite things — a bit of fall travel to an amazing upstate town, a ton of stylish menswear, some delicious gourmet food and a requisite helping of live music. To top it all off with a relaxing Sunday and some Williamsburg exploration was really great — with so many opportunities nearby and just down the road, I’m very thankful to live in New York City. Let’s not forget everyone who reads this blog — thank you! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. I think that’s as fitting a way as possible heading into Thanksgiving. Curious as to what you should wear? Stick around later this week for a Thanksgiving style suggestion.

Oh, and in the meantime? Stay stylish!

-Beau

Huckberry

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear to the Beach This August

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

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

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

Men's swim trunks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The first key when heading to the beach or pool — aside from grabbing a watch that looks reliably stylish — is picking up a timepiece that can stand up to the rigors of the day. In this case, that means the Seiko 5 SNZH55 Stainless Steel Watch is the way to go. It’s water-resistant to 100 meters, which should be more than enough depth. And it features a slightly beefier 43mm case diameter, perfect for getting beat up a bit. It’s a classic diver style with a sporty face that eschews numerals in favor of clean lines, so it’s as style-ready as it is durable.
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The Sunglasses: Knockaround Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses — $29.98

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

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

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

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

A combination of vintage style and functionality.

A combination of vintage style and functionality.

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

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

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

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

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

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

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

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Goorin Brothers Wool Flatcap

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 flatcap -- best worn when the weather's cold. Elbow-patch cardigan by JACHS NY. Chambray shirt by GAP. Wool flatcap by Goorin Brothers. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

A flatcap — best worn when the weather’s cold. Elbow-patch cardigan by JACHS NY. Chambray shirt by GAP. Wool flatcap by Goorin Brothers. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.

If you’re joining us today on The Style Guide, then you understand the value of a well-composed ensemble — and even moreso of a great accessory. Whether it’s a sharp leather dress watch or a nice pair of American-made socks, those little touches can go a long way in making an outfit. And that’s certainly the case with a nice hat. As we’ve talked about before on this blog, hats can definitely be divisive. Make the wrong pick and you might look a little more junior than you’d want. But make the right pick — and here you have it. So even though some aren’t partial to hats, its value as a finishing touch is still pretty solid. And that’s the case with this week’s Style Pick, from our friends at Goorin Brothers. The cold weather that whipped its way across the East coast did a pretty good number on all of us — and much of the rest of the country — so it’s high time to fix your hat conundrum and go for something that packs in seasonally appropriate texture and a dash of vintage style. That, my fellow #menswear fans, is where the Sammy Flat Cap comes into play.

A look at the inside of this wool flatcap --- made in America with a black suede underbill.

A look at the inside of this wool flatcap — made in America with a black suede underbill.

Goorin Brothers certainly knows what it’s doing in terms of crafting nice hats to suit every occasion, from standard knit hats to a dapper selection of top hats and bowlers for the adventurous among us. But there’s something a bit more level-headed, workman-like and versatile about a nice flatcap, especially one constructed from high-quality Woolrich wool, like this one. Heck, the newsboy cap style is one that’s long been associated with rough-and-tumble workers — and the lead singer of everyone’s favorite rock band — so you know it can stand up to new style combos you throw at it. The charcoal color of this flatcap is spot-on for wearing with a navy peacoat or even a charcoal topcoat (like this number here), and it even works when worn a bit more dressed-down — say, with a navy crewneck and tan corduroys. So it’s a piece that can at once finish off an outfit for some outdoor exploring, or add a bit of visual interest if you decide to rock it on a coffee date or, more likely, out drinking down by the docks (I kid, I kid).  Note that if you fancy trying one on in-person, Goorin Brothers has shops spread across the country, where they can easily fit you to your liking. And should you not find the one you want in your size, they’ve got a plethora of flatcap options. Plus, here’s the real kicker — they’re one of the few brands making hats like this in America, and this number right here is going for under $100. I’m not saying you should pick one up right now …. but I am saying your commute will be a whole lot more enjoyable wearing one.

Would you pick up a wool flatcap? Or are you in the no-hats camp?

by Beau H.

Reader Giveaway Opportunity: Goorin Brothers

Rocking an unexpected style from a heritage hat brand. Read on to win a gift from Goorin Brothers! Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Slim khaki chinos by Taylor Stitch. Chukka boots by Timberland. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Rocking an unexpected style from a heritage hat brand. Read on to win a gift from Goorin Brothers! Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Slim khaki chinos by Taylor Stitch. Chukka boots by Timberland. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Editor’s note: Thanks to all who participated! And congrats to the giveaway winner, Ali N.! Stay stylish, folks.

There are some brands that do one thing so well, you can’t help but stop and take notice. Goorin Brothers, heritage hatmakers for more than a century, absolutely fit the bill. After seeing some of the brand’s shops around Brooklyn and Manhattan across the past six months or so — four shops in total — my interest was piqued. I connected with the brand’s lovely PR team and have since been fortunate enough to learn lots more about Goorin — and it’s no exaggeration to say it’s been all good things (read a full brand profile here). A nice hat is a style accessory that not all will be interested in, granted, but if you do decide to go that route, there’s no better place to look than Goorin. It’s a company that’s rooted in quality and family principles, and they make just about every hat style you can imagine, from felt fedoras to flatcaps and perhaps my personal favorite as seen above, a line of vintage ballcaps. But, it’s perhaps the more classic fedora or flatcap styles that pair best with all kinds of outfit combinations in the fall — from a rugged henley and bomber jacket to some sharp tailored wear. That’s the best mark of a great hat, as with any style item — versatility! And Goorin sure does craft them well, as they’re fit for any adventures you might find yourself on this season. I’m personally looking forward to breaking mine out as it gets colder in NYC, although they make several varieties fit for warmer weather. I just need to get my hands on one of the brand’s felt fedoras and I’ll be all set — I’d advise you do the same!

While I could go on about the brand, there’s a bigger upside to this post (assuming you’ve made it this far) — the chance to pick one up for yourself!

So, here are the goods — 1 lucky winner will receive one $150 gift card good for purchase at any Goorin Brothers shop (36 of ’em nationwide) or the brand’s Web site  — that should cover most hats on the site!

More crucially, that winner could be you! Here’s how to enter (and hopefully win):

  • Head to Instagram and be sure to follow both my Instagram account and the Goorin Brothers account
  • Like Wednesday’s Goorin Brothers-themed photo, and in the comments, tag a friend who you think could use a Goorin Brothers gift card — and by extension, a hat! Be sure to use the hashtag #StyleAdventures, too (and lastly, be sure to do so before 9 p.m. THURSDAY — we’ve extended it by one day!).
  • As per usual, the winner will be notified via Instagram Wednesday evening following the conclusion of the contest.

So those are the nuts and bolts of this giveaway — good luck!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Brand Profile: Goorin Brothers

More than 100 years and still going strong -- excellent heritage hatmaker Goorin Brothers.

More than 100 years and still going strong — excellent heritage hatmaker Goorin Brothers.

Editor’s note: For more brand profiles covering the world of men’s grooming, accessories and apparel, click here.

Like lots of things in the men’s style world, hats can actually be pretty divisive. I mean, it’s just a hat, right? Wrong. Ballcaps strike some as too casual or college-esque, while traditional hat styles – like bowlers or wide-brimmed fedoras – also draw ire. So some folks simply won’t get on board. It seems on the one hand though that throwing on a statement hat is something lots of menswear bloggers have turned to in the past few years as part of the burgeoning street style trend. That’s had a slow trickle-down effect into the rest of the population, to the benefit of heritage brands who’ve produced traditional styles for decades. Heck, just look at any postgame sports press conference and you’re likely to find a hat or two – whether well-done or not.

More than a century's worth of experience in the biz -- Alfred and Ted Goorin took over the business from father Cassel, hence the name you see today. Photo courtesy of Goorin Brothers.

More than a century’s worth of experience in the biz — Alfred and Ted Goorin took over the business from father Cassel, hence the name you see today. Photo courtesy of Goorin Brothers.

For those looking to get into the hat game without too much pretention or fanfare, Goorin Brothers is an excellent option. They’ve harnessed their collective years of experience into producing of-the-moment hats that still nod to traditional styles and construction methods, much like their significantly younger and more casual contemporaries at Ebbets Field Flannels, among others. And they’ve done so in a way that’s rooted in quality and attention to detail. When you do one thing so well, that’s likely to draw attention – in a good way.  The business has been passed down through the family for more than a century, something that it seems happens less and less these days (to put it mildly). The styles and shapes have expanded across the years, but that same attention to quality remains — with a modern update. The brand is bringing back the idea of the neighborhood hat shop, too — they’ve got 36 shops across the country and counting (including four in NYC alone).

An crisp-casual way to wear a vintage ball cap. Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Slim khaki chinos by Taylor Stitch. Chukka boots by Timberland. Glasses by Warby Parker.

An crisp-casual way to wear a vintage ball cap. Unconstructed blazer by J. Crew. Heathered burgundy pocket tee by Steven Alan. Slim khaki chinos by Taylor Stitch. Chukka boots by Timberland. Glasses by Warby Parker. Classic Bristol leather watch by Daniel Wellington.

The brand’s expertise extends across nearly every style imaginable, from ball caps and flatcaps to those aforementioned bowlers and tophats. I had the chance to work with the brand to test-drive one of its vintage ballcaps — the No. 42 ball cap seen here — during a trip to Michigan in late July, followed by a jetsetting trek to Greece thereafter. If you’re going to give a ball cap another try, this is the sort of hat you should reach for. Unlike sports or performance logo-heavy ball caps, which look too sporty to wear with even crisp-casual apparel (like slim khaki shorts and a polo), a Goorin Brothers cap fits right in just fine. (Of course, if you’re an avid golfer or sports nut going to a game, might still be best to reach for one of those). But this vintage-style cap in particular is one you can test-drive with sporty-casual outfits or with a short-sleeve shirt and chinos.

A standout hat style with vintage details makes for a crisp complement to all kinds of outfits.

The No. 42 ball cap from Goorin Brothers. –a standout hat style with vintage details makes for a crisp complement to all kinds of outfits.

The lack of notable branding or logo placement on Goorin’s hats in general is a huge plus – the brand’s ball caps in particular have an old-school appeal that’s difficult to find in your average sporting goods store. That makes them look cool and complementary, rather than detracting from a polished look (i.e. the blazer-T-shirt-chinos ensemble seen in these photos). For those seeking a more standout cap, Goorin’s other retro hats, inspired by old military-branded hats, offer an alternative. Those might look more fitting at a fun barbeque or tailgate this fall.

A crisp hat like the one seen here from the brand is easily wearable in sportier situations, too. Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Pocket tee by American Apparel. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page. Sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering.

A crisp hat like the one seen here from the brand is easily wearable in sportier situations, too. Sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Pocket tee by American Apparel. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page. Sneakers by Athletic Propulsion Labs. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Partial photobomb by a fellow tourist in Greece.

And particularly when it gets chilly, an eyecatching hat in a cold-weather fabric certainly has its appeal, as does a warm-weather Panama hat. On that note, Dan from Articles of Style nails these sorts of looks. Now, a cold-weather hat does lack that crucial ear coverage in a snowstorm, to be sure. But, the combination of an old-school hat plus some tailored wear does look pretty darn sharp. Decades past certainly nailed that style, but it’s one that’s largely fallen out of favor or has been done mostly “wrong” in recent years (sorry, Johnny Depp). Now though, it’s poised to make a nice resurgence thanks to the lack of ostentation or “look-at-me” flair from Goorin Brothers – these are hats that are well-made and mesh with a variety of looks.

The lack of ostentatious details makes it easy to pair a vintage ball cap with classic Aviator shades -- like these ones from Randolph Engineering.

The lack of ostentatious details makes it easy to pair a vintage ball cap with classic Aviator shades — like these ones from Randolph Engineering.

Goorin’s pricing meets the needs of those looking to dip their toes into the world of hats, as well. Ball caps come in at under $40, namely. The brand’s “dressier” or more traditional hats do range in from price from about $70 to $200 though — making this the sort of splurge purchase that you’d have to wear a lot to justify. However, I’ve found my ballcap to be comfortable, breathable and wearable in the heat from Michigan to NYC to Greece – and it should work just as well in the fall and winter months.
Florsheim
Ultimately, a hat of any sort is going to be the type of accessory that might break an outfit – but it can also make an outfit if worn in the right setting, at the right time and with the right accessories. Again, this is all subjective though – so if the hat fits (and you like it)… wear it!

Are you on-board the ballcap bandwagon? Do you own or have you considered any of the aforementioned hat styles?
Greats

by Beau H.

What to Wear Today: Braving the Cold

Editor’s note: Occasionally, this site will cover what you should (or could) feasibly wear for specific situations, outside of holidays and other big events — consider this a combination style suggestion and a look into the author’s personal wardrobe.

Ready for the cold weather (hopefully). Scarf by J. Crew Factory. Overcoat by Kenneth Cole. Gloves by Target Merona.

Ready for the cold weather (hopefully). Scarf by J. Crew Factory. Overcoat by Kenneth Cole. Gloves by Target Merona.

Today (at least in New York City and across much of the rest of the country), it’s winter in full force. A huge winter storm hit a large swath of the country earlier this week, and while NYC was lucky to escape major snowfall, we’ve got some snow on the ground here now. Given that, it seemed as perfect a time as any to break out the below boots — a thick, sturdy, dependable pair of Wolverine 1000 Mile Austen boots in a utilitarian black (for a full review of the boots, head here). Combined with some other winter-centric touches as outlined in the above photo, I’m all set for today’s cold weather. Reaching for a similar combination, if you work in an office, should keep you warm from car to office, or subway to office, or from the bus to the office … you get the drill.

As reviewed: Wolverine 1000 Mile Austen boots in black. The perfect shade and style for a winter day like today.

As reviewed in 2013: Wolverine 1000 Mile Austen boots in black. The perfect shade and style for a winter day like today.

A thicker coat (potentially with an added zip-up implement, like this Kenneth Cole option pictured) could add some extra warmth while also maintaining a streamlined silhouette. There are other great ways to stay stylish and warm in the cold weather, too. Thicker textures like chambray stand up well to chilly temperatures, and layering with a shawl cardigan or v-neck sweater (I’m personally wearing a beige J. Crew Factory v-neck sweater today) could also do the trick. If you feel a hat is warranted, there are plenty of cheap options out there from, for example, H&M.

And when wearing sturdy boots like the thick ones above, some slightly heartier ribbed socks would also fulfill two functions — keeping your feet warm and fitting in stylishly with other portions of your outfit. Above all, do your best to stay warm — but keep some style ideas in mind for colder temperatures!

And in other slightly related business, keep your eyes open for an upcoming giveaway opportunity in partnership with East Dane. This post should be hitting on the site within the next two weeks!

What are you wearing in today’s chilly weather? Any further style tips or suggestions?