Tag / men’s style

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Ways to Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Editor’s note: Click here for more online shopping picks covering seasonal style trends.

We’re now about a week out from the holiday everyone loves to, eh, ‘over-celebrate’ — St. Patrick’s Day. In a bustling metropolis like NYC (and particularly at my alma mater, Michigan State University — Go Green!), things can get a little, er, rowdy. It’s fun to have a nice time, but everything in moderation — yes? Whether you’re taking the day off or heading into the office as per usual, there’s still the tendency to want to go full-on festive for an occasion like this, particularly one that involves so much color. We’ll have a full outfit suggestion coming at ya early next week, but if you’re looking to stand out subtly with one piece o’ green in your wardrobe, start with the below picks.

#1. GREATS Brand Pronto in Cargo — $199

A vintage runner-style silhouette updated with premium Italian materials.

A vintage runner-style silhouette updated with premium Italian materials.

GREATS consistently churns out excellent sneakers for more-than-fair prices given the quality and construction built into them, and the Pronto in Cargo is a silhouette that’s a prime example of this. It’s got classic retro vibes, yet the neutral dark green color keeps it subtle and modern — especially for this occasion. It’s understated enough to the point where it doesn’t scream “Hey, I’m wearing green!” Pair it with dark denim and a lightweight wool blazer for some high-low St. Paddy’s Day style.

#2. JackThreads The Daily Vee in Olive — $18

A trim fit and understated color make this tee a nice option for the holiday.

A trim fit and understated color make this tee a nice option for the holiday.

When subtly and simple style is the name of the game (and it truly should be on this holiday), JackThreads continually delivers. The value for its basics is excellent when compared to the price point — if you read this blog consistently, you know I’m a fan of the brand. This olive tee is a different take on green — it’s far from the green dye in the Chicago River. And in a slim fit, you can certainly rock this blazer under a charcoal cardigan or a denim jacket if your day leans more casual.

#3. The Tie Bar Checks & Balance Pocket Square — $10

A refined combination of green-and-white to counter those less-than-refined St. Patrick's Day situations.

A refined combination of green-and-white to counter those less-than-refined St. Patrick’s Day situations.

If you’re very into keeping things toned-down on St. Patrick’s Day, a pocket square is perhaps the best way to incorporate some subtle green into your outfit. And the Checks & Balance Pocket Square provides just enough visual interest, what with that white diamond pattern over a silk twill green body. Rock it with a slim khaki blazer, grey chinos and a white Oxford — it’s a stylish combo that’ll turn heads for the right reasons* (*Disclaimer: If you have a few too many at the bar after work, that’s on you).

#4. Richer Poorer London Socks — $12

Part blue, part green and all simple style.

Part blue, part green and all simple style.

Another inexpensive and simple way to take on green for the holiday, Richer Poorer socks provide nice value for the price. This green-and-teal combo swings a little further away from going full-on green but again, if you want some understated color in your outfit — here you go. Heck, you could even wear a work ensemble as you normally might, throw on the socks and call it good (these would sit well under some slim khaki chinos and brown suede chukka boots).

#5. Bonobos Waffle Crewneck in Vine, $78

Easy to wear thanks to the slim fit, textured cotton and subtle shoulder detailing.

Easy to wear thanks to the slim fit, textured cotton and subtle shoulder detailing.

Bonobos likes to mix things up when it comes to seasonal knitwear, and this waffle knit made from soft, textured cotton embodies that perfectly. The slim cut is a positive, as is a color that, yet again, doesn’t scream bright green. Interesting details like the left shoulder buttons give this more of a crewneck sweater vibe than a plain thermal might, so feel free to rock it over a blue chambray shirt for a change of pace. Be prepared for some anti-green backlash perhaps (“Someone dressed up for St. Paddy’s Day!”), but know that you’re doing so in style.

As you plan out outfits for St. Patrick’s Day, it’s best, like we talked about before, to exercise some moderation and restraint when others likely won’t. Of course, this is coming from a guy who loves Guinness the 364 other days of the year. But hopefully, the above suggestions get you thinking in the right direction — and stay tuned for a full outfit suggestion coming early next week. Until next time!

-Beau
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Florsheim

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Early Spring Style with Easygoing Layers

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.

So, it’s finally arrived. The month of March, that is. And with it, the first inklings of spring — at least, for most of us. If you’re just starting to thaw out, those first few days of brighter sunshine, slight breezes and good vibes can really work wonders for the soul. If you’ve got a vacation planned to such a locale in the coming days or weeks, that’s all the better (Editor’s note: Stay tuned for more from a Florida trip later this week!). But we’re not fully out of the woods and into summer shorts weather yet. There’s still the chance for a slight breeze and some spring rain ahead, and so that calls for  layers that stand up to transitional weather but can still be shed if necessary — without sacrificing any style points. The below outfit is definitely well-suited for casual spring walks or a nice patio meal — simply swap in a slim blue Oxford if need be. How does this stack up to other spring ensembles? Give us a shout on Facebook with your thoughts, and stay stylish!

Earth tones mixed with shots of blue and lighter textures are signs that point toward spring.

Earth tones mixed with shots of blue and lighter textures are signs that point toward spring.

The Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch True Indigo Dye Work Jacket, $150 — Before you roll your eyes at Abercrombie & Fitch, know that this brand is coming back in a big way — and stylish layering pieces like this (part shirt, part jacket) definitely prove it.

The T-Shirt: Richer Poorer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey, $54 per Two-Pack — The price is right for two slim, well-crafted, USA-made pocket tees that can be layered up all kinds of ways this spring. Swap in a chambray shirt if need be for less casual occasions.

The Chinos: Bonobos Washed Chinos in Cappu-chino, $88 — Spring & summer is nearly prime time for these tailored chinos that add some high-low style appeal to this outfit.

The Sneakers: CLAE Ellington Textile Sneakers in Navy Chambray, $80 — A nice change of pace from white sneakers, crafted from a unique chambray that pairs nicely with the indigo top layer.

The Belt: Target Merona Braided Brown Leather Belt, $13.98 – $21.99 — If you can catch this belt on sale, it’s a nice way to add texture and visual interest at a low price to an ensemble.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Fellow Socks, $12 — Go two-fer with Richer Poorer, as its socks are nearly as well-done as its slim pocket tees; the pattern is just different enough without clashing too much between black & brown.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Stripe, $40 — The olive-and-cream strap should play nicely off the earth brown chinos thanks to the neutral pocket tee and the indigo jacket, plus the price can’t be beat.

The Extras: Niche For Men Face & Body Deodorizing Wipes, $2.99 per Two-Pack — Before you know it, you’ll be traveling across town or across country; these small travel wipes are a cost-effective way to freshen up after a long day at work or a long day on the road.

The key with moving into early spring style is taking staple pieces you already have, like a pocket tee and dark brown chinos, and putting them to work in an outfit that’s more fit for the season. Lightweight sneakers, a casual canvas-strap watch and an indigo jacket are all small finishing touches that nod to spring’s key colors while changing up textures in your ensemble, so the above look should be good to go!

What are you most looking forward to when it comes to spring style?

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Florsheim

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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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Spotlight, The Foo Fighters and the $10,000 Suit

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. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get a serious case of spring fever. Last weekend’s weather in NYC was truly amazing (temperatures in the 50s — the 50s!) but this week has been a return to temperatures I’m more used to seeing in my home state of Michigan. So spring’s not fully upon us yet, but that didn’t stop me from planning out my spring style wish list and also looking toward some sharp spring business-casual style with this week’s #OOTD post. There’ve also been some even more exciting spring-centric writing ventures in the works, including an ongoing Style Essentials series I’ve been penning for GearMoose — in fact, this week I featured one of my favorite sets of sneakers, the GREATS Royale in White. Needless to say, I’m definitely in full-on spring mode. Are you in the same boat? Feel free to get a discussion going on over at The Style Guide’s Facebook page, if so. Know that next week, we’re coming in hot with suggestions for how to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day — plus, an exciting reader giveaway opportunity on Monday with the folks from Owen & Fred.  It’s all happening … well, most of it, anyways. Enjoy your weekend downtime and catch up below on the week that flew by. Thanks as always for reading!

  • Did you get around to seeing Spotlight? As a journalism grad and former reporter, the story was an intriguing one, without a doubt — Esquire.com uncovers the editor behind the real-life Boston Globe expose in light of its success at the Oscars?
  • We’ve got another coming at ya from Esquire.com this week — I’m admittedly only a passing fan (sorry I know, I know), but the Foo Fighters addressed break-up rumors with a hilarious comedy sketch video.
  • And lastly, why does a $10,00 suit cost … well, $10,000? GQ lets us know.
  • Style Notes of the Week: With new spring releases are dropping left and right, and GREATS is back with a  set of colorful, quirky spring sneakers with the refined folks at Orley. On that note — are you pining for spring and summer, long days at the beach and warmer temps? Surf and lifestyle brand Reef is tapping into that sentiment with the second entry in its “Just Passing Through” series.

Stay a bit longer with a few more choice reads.

    • If you need an extra reason to get excited for spring, know that denim jacket layering is in full-force. And in that regard, I rounded up the 15 best denim jackets for men over at GearMoose.
    • As it is the weekend and everything, I’d highly suggest you pour yourself a nice drink (if you’re into that sort of thing). You can now upgrade your whiskey drinking with cool gear from Time & Oak — get the scoop in my latest entry at VOUCH Mag.


Florsheim

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Everyday Style with a Classic Blue Oxford

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.

We’re back at it again with the #OOTD series here on The Style Guide, and today’s post keeps looking toward spring, ever so slightly. Colors are a bit brighter, textures are lighter and the weather is, well, a heck of a lot better than on any given winter day. Yes, it’s coming! And the sort of items you wear now — like a classic Oxford shirt or slim navy chinos — can pull just as much of their weight stylistically in the (slightly) warmer months as they can when it’s bitterly cold. The great part about using foundational building blocks in an everyday outfit is that you can afford to take some more risks, however small. As you’ll see in the below outfit, that means a slick pair of Chelsea boots where you might reach for some stylish dress shoes normally. That also means some nice color in the form of a patterned pocket square, and an attention-grabbing blue-dial watch. But enough of my rambling! The outfit’s here below.

OOTD OCBD Collage

A straightforward outfit with relatively simple tweaks — like those Chelsea boots and the patterned pocket square — made all the better by a classic blue Oxford.

The Shirt: JackThreads Slim Oxford, $39 — It truly is tough to find a brand producing a better-fitting, more versatile Oxford at such a nice combination of quality and price. This one’s a Style Guide favorite!

The Blazer: H&M Cotton Blazer, $49 — From David Beckham’s newest Modern Essentials collection with H&M, there’s no word on the quality of this blazer, and it’s likely not very high. But hey, think of it as a casual blazer alternative?

The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Midway Pane Pocket Square, $10 — When you ditch the tie (or maybe go air-tie?), you can afford to toss some pattern into your outfit. The green windowpane pattern stands out just enough on that dark navy cotton.

The Chinos: Bonobos Jet Blue Washed Chinos, $88 — Bonobos has often staked the fate of its reputation on these chinos, and in three fits and versatile colors like this dark navy shade, they’re a very, very solid pickup for the price.

The Boots: Jack Erwin Ellis Chelsea Boot, $220 — These represent the slight style swerve from the norm within this outfit, and they make the ensemble look all the more sharp.

The Belt: Land’s End Distressed Vintage Jean Belt, $39 — A bit less dressy than a standard belt, this piece also represents a style swerve from the norm.

The Socks: Tommy John Performance Dress Socks, $16 — A simply, if slightly pricey, dress sock that wicks moisture and looks pretty crisp up against slim navy trousers.

The Watch: MVMT Watches The 40 in Blue/Brown Leather, $120 — A remarkably crisp and easy-to-wear watch that plays nicely off the dark navy chinos thanks to that brighter blue dial. Full review here.

With the aforementioned outfit in mind, you’ve got yourself the jumping-off point for all sorts of spring layering — and beyond. With pieces like those slick Chelsea boots, you can navigate rainy streets now — and with pieces like navy chinos and a slim blue Oxford, you’re set for dozens of outfit combos in the coming weeks and months. 

What’s your favorite way to style a blue Oxford? What small changes would you add to this ensemble?


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!

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).

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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.

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 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?

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mack Weldon Merino Long-Sleeve Tee

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 plain ol' long-sleeve tee? Certainly not. A premium style upgrade? Definitely.

A plain ol’ long-sleeve tee? Certainly not. A premium style upgrade? Definitely.

There are definitely categories in the men’s style world that have been overlooked for years. That’s certainly true for things like underwear (yes, we’re going there), socks and crucially, base layers like long-sleeve tees. Athletic brands have generally dominated that market and focused more on functionality, but some companies have really honed in on a particular category and owned it — good news for you, my friend. So if you haven’t met ’em yet, say hello to Mack Weldon — and what just might be your new favorite T-shirt. The brand excels (and is primarily known for) its well-crafted and comfortable line of underwear, but it also puts out undershirts, T-shirts, sweatpants and even socks. So they’ve got a lot going on. But its Merino knits take the cake in terms of combining comfort and style. Crucially, I’ve had the chance courtesy of the brand to check one out over this past week, in fact. And while this Merino T-shirt might look like an ordinary long-sleeve tee, it’s anything but. So that’s a GREAT thing for the $78 price tag (bear with me!).

Just another one of four color options made with comfort, a tailored fit and style.

Just another one of four color options made with comfort, a tailored fit and style.

It’s built with antimicrobial technology, soft Merino wool and a Tencel blend that aids in that softness even more. The slim fit and raglan sleeves are modern design features that might seem small at first, but actually pay off in a big way. Raglan stitching (that’s the curved stitching at the chest) makes your chest and shoulders look broader, and the slim fit has a two-part function. Say you feel like going extra casual and rocking this tee with a blazer (something you can and should do) — the slim fit absolutely helps with that style maneuver, while the soft fabric and color options still make it different than a normal tee. And if you decide to wear it on its own with tapered sweats or even dark denim on the weekends? The modern fit is going to help you out immensely. My personal favorite of the bunch (four solid and versatile color options) is the Bluestone color — it echoes lighter shades for spring, yet it’s not so loud that it couldn’t be worn alongside darker colorways of blue, rust or even burgundy cords in the fall and winter. Unfortunately, the small size is sold out in that color at the moment; thankfully, there are other options!  At $78, it’s a premium investment for sure. However, you might not want to go back to your plain T-shirts after trying one of these on.

Do you own any Mack Weldon gear? How would you rock this long-sleeve tee?
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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: David Beckham, American Apparel and New Mott & Bow Denim

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. 

I’m closing out this week on The Style Guide (and heading into next week) thinking ever so slightly of the impending arrival of spring. Doesn’t it seem like we were just talking wool blazers and fall sweaters? It’s pretty wild how the style cycle turns — even now, spring arrivals are hitting shelves (to that end, look for a spring style wish list next week). What top picks do you have your eye on for the coming season? Those new purchases seem to go hand-in-hand will looking toward spring travel, too. Rest assured that future posts will definitely cover off on those types of topics. For now, it’s the close of NYC Beer Week here in the city — somewhat unsurprisingly, there’s almost been too many great events to choose from around New York! So that’s definitely something I’m looking forward to this weekend. And as you look ahead to (maybe) cracking open a cold one yourself,  I’d recommend you kick back and catch up on what you should be shopping and reading this weekend.

  • David Beckham’s work with British brand Kent & Curwen just took another turn — get to know the label’s new creative director here, and get excited for the forthcoming, likely excellent, product.
  • This is from last week, but still worth a share — the fine team at Get Kempt developed what it’s calling the Sartorial Bill of Rights.
  • This story seems to be everywhere (or it certainly has been everywhere) in different forms in the past few years — HighSnobiety looks at the rise and fall of American Apparel.
  • Long Read of the Week: I just came across this feature as I was writing this post, and was sufficiently sidetracked. It might be from last fall, but Valet took an excellent look into “Ralph Lauren University,” interviewing several of the top-notch designers and creative folks who also worked for Ralph Lauren before launching into successful careers in their own right. It’s fascinating and includes plenty of big names, from John Varvatos to Todd Snyder!
  • Lastly — looking to get away out West, and in need of some great gear?

Still on the hunt for what’s new in the men’s style world? Keep looking below.

Florsheim

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Down a Wool Blazer

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.

With winter weather still in full force for a lot of us, there can be a tendency to get into a bit of a style rut. That is, there are only so many ways you can style a shawl-collar cardigan or a crewneck sweater  before you want to change things up a bit. The good news is that, for so many of us, high-low dressing (that is, mixing and matching casual and formal pieces) is easier to do than ever before, regardless of what you might find yourself doing day-to-day. The below outfit makes use of some staples you likely already have in your closet (like dark denim, for starters) and puts ’em together in a slightly unexpected way. As a matter of fact, you might recognize the blazer from last week’s #OOTD post. Get the lowdown here, and then get those goods in your shopping cart.

Putting it all together -- combining style essentials you might already have in your closet.

Putting it all together — combining style essentials you might already have in your closet.

The Blazer: Frank & Oak Fairmount Deconstructed Blazer in Light Brown, $145 –A slim, soft sportcoat with a tailored fit and minimal padding — ideal for casual wear.

The Henley: JackThreads Daily Henley in Indigo, $34 — A great price for a superb piece that’ll age well over time; the “dressed-down” part of this outfit.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Skinny Mosco Denim, $96 — A classic pair of denim with great color and a nice bit of stretch (full review here). Note that Slim and Straight options are also available.

The Shoes: Frank & Oak Modern Leather Brogues in Dark Tan, $175 — Italian leather and European construction takes this pair to another level, plus  the color stands out remarkably well against the denim. Click here for a full Frank & Oak review.

The Socks: Anonymous Ism Wave Socks, $25 — Definitely a pricey splurge, but worth it for the quality and nice color they provide.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch, $80 — A new Style Guide favorite; very well-priced, clean and classic. The ideal blend of casual and classed-up style.

Oh, and seeing as it is winter and all, finish off your oufit with my picks for the best winter accessories.

So with the above outfit in mind, I’d say give it a try just as soon as you can — when you pick up style staples that fit well and can be mixed and matched with ease, you’ll give yourself plenty of #OOTD options.

Would you rock the above look? How do you dress down your blazer?

by Beau H.

#OOTD: High-Low Style with Black Denim

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.

So after you;ve nailed how to dress up dark blue denim, there comes a tendency to want to look elsewhere as far as styling goes. Sure, you can reliably rock slim blue denim five days of the week and into the weekend, but it’s also fun to take a stab at something a little more unique, something with some edge to it. That’s where slim black denim comes in. They can be styled much the same way as dark blue denim, yet the color and slim silhouette gives them a rocker edge (ideally, not in a Harry Styles-esque way, however). So taking pieces you already have in your wardrobe and changing them up to fit the season and weather is the best way to go about finding your inner rocker (or at least attempting to). Look for something that’s tailored but not too tight (like the pair you see below). Lastly, hit me up on Twitter if you have other suggestions for the #OOTD series — I’ll be listening!

Taking black denim and making it the centerpiece of a high-low style combo.

Taking black denim and making it the centerpiece of a high-low style combo.

The Denim: Levi’s 513 Slim-Straight Jeans in Nightshine, $69.50 — A classic pair from a classic brand in a reliable fit. The price could go even lower when on-sale.

The Henley: J. Crew Slim Broken-in Henley in Heather Chrome, $39.50 — Another tried-and-true classic from a brand that does the basics very well.

The Blazer: Frank & Oak Fairmont Deconstructed Blazer in Light Brown, $145 — A ridiculously soft, slim blazer with casual and formal style potential — use it to dress up this look in a unique way (don’t forget the pocket square — something classic oughta work well here).

The Scarf: J. Crew Factory Plaid Scarf, $15.99 In case it gets cold and you don’t feel like throwing on a slim topcoat, add a warm scarf to finish things off (don’t forget a merino watch cap, either).

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand Rosen in Oxblood, $49 — Just $49 for a comfortable, minimal sneaker in a rich color (click here to read a full GREATS Rosen review).

The Socks: The Tie Bar Navy Ombre Stripe Socks, $8 — Who knew The Tie Bar did socks? No word yet on the quality of these things, but the price can’t be beat, and the grey stripes play off the grey Henley.

The Belt: Perry Ellis Webbed Leather Trim Belt, $39 — Pricier than normal for a casual belt, but it’s a nice change of pace texturally from a fancier dress leather belt.

The Watch: Brathwait Slim Steel Wristwatch, $185 — A relatively recent addition to the E-commerce watch business; minimal looks and a pretty solid price. Does anyone have any experience with these guys?

So the above is but one way to style up black denim — it takes pieces you probably already have, like a slim henley, a wool blazer and reliable sneakers, and mashes them up for the winter time. If snow starts to pile up, swap out those sneakers for some tough winter boots and you’re all set. How would you style your black denim? Let me know in the comments below!

Florsheim