January 16, 2016January 15, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Frye Prison Boot

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 rich color and Goodyear welt construction create a super-tough (and prison-ready) overall package from Frye. Photo courtesy of Frye.

As the calendar moves into January and winter (finally) gets started in earnest, I find myself turning time and again to style staples that I can wear over and over again — things like great sweaters, a nice jacket and solid winter accessories. Sometimes when it gets cold or the weather turns on you, you just need something sturdy to carry you from point A to point B. Of course, form and function should go hand-in-hand — and it’s definitely achievable when you browse through the stunning E-commerce pages of a site like Huckberry. Their selection of gear is really second-to-none if you appreciate quality, craftsmanship and timeless style (believe me, I’ve spent hours looking). And one piece in particular really caught my eye this week– those boots you see at the top of the page: the Frye Prison Boot. The name sounds intimidating, to be sure, but the styling potential and quality are actually quite relatable — even if they are the same style of boots made for … wait for it … the Arkansas prison system.

Leather laces and a stone-tumbled finish also add unique character to these boots.

The Frye Prison Boot comes in a rich Cognac colorway, and the boots themselves are, quite incredulously, tumbled with stones for a beat-up, broken-in look. Crucial details like a Goodyear welt construction ensure supremely sturdy quality, and the thick leather laces are also a nice touch. Make no mistake, these are not a pair of boots to be trifled with. The price certainly reflects that — it outstrips nearly every entry on this site’s recent list of best men’s winter boots. On that note, there are definitely brands (like Thursday Boots) who can offer cheaper winter boots and in more sizes (these guys only run up to size 12 via Huckberry). Even with that hefty price tag, the Frye Prison Boot is the type of boot you can take out and use again and again with a ton of outfits — season after season. Think slim corduroys plus a navy crewneck and a chambray shirt (as in this week’s #OOTD entry), for starters. And as long as you reach for something like a chambray dress shirt, they could even add character to something as refined as a slim charcoal suit. The point is this: the color is rich and versatile, the quality is self-evident, and the design touches (like the prison number stamped on the heel) add a little something extra — enough to the point where you just might wish you had a pair the next time you step out in the snow.

Tell me — would you consider buying these boots? How would you style them?

January 12, 2016January 12, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Corduroy Pants

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 these features regularly.

Here at The Style Guide, there are a good number of recurring features, from the Style Pick of the Week series to Online Shopping Picks entries and product reviews. You can add to that mix #OOTD features (which might or might not feature your humble author from time to time). Playing off everyone’s favorite Instagram hashtag (Outfit Of The Day), this series will take a slightly more visual, quick-hit approach to styling when compared to, say, the Style Suggestion scenarios (which will still be around, fear not). And today’s post is covering off on corduroy pants.

They’re a cold-weather style staple, fit for wearing in situations both casual and dressy (look here for some great men’s corduroys if you still need a pair). Let’s say you’re new to this whole thing, and want one basic outfit that can work … at work and elsewhere. Corduroys have the benefit of being a bit more versatile than jeans (that’s because of the rich color in the pair you’ll see below), and they also add some solid visual interest to an outfit. So they’re a natural fit for a high-low combination like we have here. Any questions or further notes on what you’d like to see? Give me a shout on Twitter or Instagram.

One outfit that’ll cover you for a variety of situations.

The Corduroys: Bonobos French Corders in Dark Khaki, $78 — Slim, stylish and nearly like your favorite khaki chinos — a solid outfit base without a doubt.

The Shirt: GAP Clean Chambray Shirt, $59.95 — An old standby (as first seen here), the color plays nicely off the cords and the sweater.

The Sweater: Reigning Champ Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt, $88.52 — Previously featured as the Style Pick of the Week, this isn’t your dad’s crewneck (of note: it’s slim, well-crafted and versatile).

The Boots: Thursday Boot Company Brown Captain Boot, $199 — An agreeable price, great styling potential and solid durability; get the lowdown on other stylish winter boots if you’d like.

The Socks: J. Crew Camp Socks, $14.50 — A neutral color, some nice stripe action and a thicker knit than normal dress socks — all big positives in winter.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Heritage Belt, $110 — Heck yes, this belt’s expensive. And heck yes, it’ll last you for years and years and years (but here’s a more budget-friendly option).

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol Watch, $229 — A step up in price from a Timex — but all the better for it.

So there we have it — is your shopping cart full yet? Take a look through your closet and see if you can make this one work for you. As always, we’ll be back — and until then…

Stay stylish,

-Beau

January 11, 2016January 11, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Topcoats for Winter

Bundle up with a great topcoat this winter. Jacket by Kenneth Cole. Scarf by J. Crew Factory. Slim denim by Bonobos. Tan suede Chelsea boots by ASOS. Black leather gloves by Target Merona. Glasses by Burberry.

Now that we’re over a week into January, it seems like winter’s finally kicked off in earnest — we’re talking freezing, freezing cold temperatures. That was bad news for your humble style blogger — I was scrambling to throw on extra layers after spending some time in Florida over Christmas break. Perhaps you found yourself in the same situation, and didn’t quite know where to turn. It can be a tricky balance to stay warm but also check the boxes in terms of functionality and style. For instance, if you’re wearing a solid blazer or suiting up, a peacoat won’t normally cut it (although here are some great peacoats for winter, regardless).

That’s when a topcoat will be your best bet. They can lean extremely refined — as in, able to be worn over a suit or a blazer and chinos — or they can be styled much more casually (a la Mr. David Beckham) when cut trimmer and in a neutral color. But the key point is, they’re cut longer and provide more coverage and warmth. The trick also comes in looking for one that fits nearly as well as your favorite blazer — with enough room to move around in and layer up, of course. (Just look at how well 007’s topcoat fits him for reference). Although double-breasted variations exist on the style, the picks here cover single-breasted options at a range of prices — note that many retailers, from J. Crew to Uniqlo, seem to have put their topcoat stock on sale early, so the picks have been a little scattered! Fear not, though — The Style Guide has sorted things out for you. Happy shopping!

#1. Bonobos Mainline Topcoat — $498

Versatile, trim and yes, pricey. A reliable investment pickup from Bonobos.

Ahh, yes — good ole, reliable Bonobos. The brand’s Bristol Peacoat made this site’s roundup of the best men’s peacoats for winter, and the outerwear game is certainly one area in which Bonobos seems to deliver. The quality and fit of the Mainline Topcoat looks to be on-point, as well. It should fit decently trim in a size Slim, and offer just enough room in the Standard fit. A solid range of sizes is available in that versatile Navy color, so scoop it up while you can.

#2. JackThreads The Topcoat — $229

A nice price, a slim fit and a great color — just what you want in a topcoat.

Like its Bonobos brethren above, a JackThreads option also made last week’s peacoats shopping list. And in a similar vein, it’s not hard to see why The Topcoat (they love their simple names, yeah?) makes this list as well. It’s priced quite reasonably compared to other options on this list (and topcoats in general), and it combines some pretty key #menswear checkpoints — a slim, modern fit, versatile styling potential and a terrific camel color. This is the type of coat that’s going to look especially good with slim dark denim and a navy crewneck sweater, and it’ll also sharpen up suiting from light grey to navy.

#3. Banana Republic Plaid Topcoat — $219

A super-sharp jacket with an eyecatching pattern.

It doesn’t seem like it’s very often that outerwear — especially a pretty straightforward item like this plaid topcoat — goes on sale at Banana Republic. And this piece, while slightly more unique-looking, could be every bit as reliable as the above two options when styled correctly. The covered placket and flap chest pocket are two different design features that stick out, but not in a bad way thanks to the toned-down grey-and-black plaid pattern. It’s fully lined, so it should be extra warm. To boot, it’ll look downright lethal with a navy or charcoal suit.

#4. Shades of Grey Overcoat — $189.99 (On-Sale)

A clean and minimal jacket for equally cleaned-up looks this winter.

As JackThreads is to the mainstream, on-trend overcoat option, this Shades of Grey Overcoat is to the minimal, more unique side of the equation. Shades of Grey By Micah Cohen certainly leans more toned-down and minimalistic as a brand, so it makes sense that this coat is pretty straightforward. The covered placket and slanted hip pockets change things up visually, but this overcoat looks to have a tailored fit and pretty solid styling potential (it is a variation on heathered charcoal, after all).

#5. Steven Alan Scuba Topcoat — $507

All sorts of weatherproof features found their way into this minimal navy topcoat. Worth the price?

Steven Alan’s offerings tend to skew a little pricier and sometimes lean a bit more high-fashion (just look at the price of this topcoat), but they seem to have thrown everything but the kitchen sink into this topcoat. That is to say, this jacket is wind and waterproof and crafted from Italian melton wool. On top of that, it features hygroscopic fabric (which is definitely worth a trip to Wikipedia). The point is, this is one heck of an investment, and yet it packs both function and style into one package. Whether it’s worth the sale price is up to you.

It was unexpectedly tricky to put together this list — as noted above, lots of brands seem to have put out sales on their topcoats. Scooping up a great top layer should certainly be top of mind for you as right now and as it gets colder and colder — there’s nothing that beats putting on a well-tailored topcoat. It can feel like a suit of armor, complement your sharpest suit and even dress up a pair of joggers (yes, I went there). Sticking to minimal branding, slim fits and neutral colors can provide excellent versatility in your topcoat, too — and for the money you’ll put up, that’s exactly what you want.

Have you bought a topcoat yet this winter? Which of the above would you pick up, or what do you already have in your closet?

January 9, 2016January 11, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Reigning Champ Crewneck Sweatshirt

Slim-cut, a classic color and plenty of styling options — the navy crewneck sweatshirt from Reigning Champ.

As with reaching for a pair of sturdy winter boots or a warm peacoat, there are some style moves that you just have to make in the winter time — mostly out of the increasingly cold weather, but also out of a desire to stay comfortable (and look good!). As far as style essentials go, the crewneck sweatshirt fits into that category. It’s a silhouette that’s really made a comeback into the style mainstream over the past few years going from a long-lost, poor-fitting piece (i.e. Jim Belushi’s crewneck sweater) to a silhouette that designers have turned to when seeking sportswear inspiration. Credit should go to a designer like Todd Snyder and his collaboration with Champion, and credit should also go to our brethren to the north, and the subject of this week’s Style Pick — Reigning Champ. The Canadian-based brand is focused on crafting timeless style staples — like basic tees and varsity jackets — alongside its impressive collection of sportswear-inspired pieces, like its Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt. You very well might recognize the brand from its partnerships with everyone from East Dane to Club Monaco, and the fact that they’re sold in those higher-end retailers is reflective enough of their quality and style — and that’s why you should consider picking one up, good sir.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan should stitching.

A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan shoulder stitching.

While it is just a crewneck sweatshirt after all, the timeless craftsmanship and neutral color give it lots of styling potential. A navy crewneck hits the sweet spot between dressed-down and business casual — it can be paired with slim tan chinos, captoe sneakers and a chambray shirt (as in this post), and you can even swap out those sneaks for chukka boots and a knit tie. David Beckham even pairs darker navy sweatshirts with blue denim. Of course, a simple navy crew meshes just as well with slim sweatpants and black sneakers on the weekends, too. And coming from Reigning Champ, you know you’ll get exactly what you pay for (from personal experience, the brand’s sweatshirts fit slim, and the fabric is soft & wears nicely). To boot, the Canadian exchange rate puts the Navy Crewneck Sweatshirt at a shade under $90, far less expensive than Todd Snyder’s more Wish List-worthy crewnecks — still pricey, but more agreeable. This Reigning Champ piece doesn’t have the collar or front raglan-sleeve stitching that one might expect from a typical crewneck, but that helps dress it up a bit, while the ribbed side panels, cuffs and hem add some visual interest. For one simple navy crewneck sweatshirt, there’s a lot of upside — and even more potential to wear it a few different ways.

Do you have a navy crewneck in your arsenal? Would you pick up this piece from Reigning Champ?

January 5, 2016January 5, 2016 by Beau H.

New year, new style: 2016 Men’s Style Resolutions

Just thinking on my 2016 style resolutions. Navy turtleneck by Uniqlo. Custom Glenplaid suit trousers by Combatant Gentleman. Charcoacl socks by American Trench. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boot Company. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Does it really seem like it’s January 5th already? Maybe it’s just me, but it feels like the first few days of the year flew by as fast as the last few days of 2015! I spent the weekend in Detroit checking out some great menswear spots, eating some tasty food and exploring the city — maybe that’s why time has gone so fast? (Of note if you get to Detroit — the Shinola shop is a must-visit!). At any rate, it’s high time to keep buckling down, or getting started on, those New Year’s resolutions — particularly from a style perspective. I’m curious to know — what are your style resolutions?

For some of us, maybe it entails slimming down your wardrobe — that is, focusing on only the style essentials you need to craft great outfits. My friend Barron at Effortless Gent has a great place to start — called The Lean Wardrobe, it’ll teach you everything you need to know about the in’s and out’s of using versatile, stylish pieces to your advantage. We’re talking taking a few items and mixing and matching them a ton of ways. If, on a similar note, you’re looking to add more mileage to your current wardrobe — but doing so with some fresh takes on old classics — I’d recommend you take a peek at an ongoing series written by yours truly for Effortless Gent: Five Ways to Wear One, showing you how to make the most of style staples like dark denim, a sturdy leather bomber or burgundy cords. It’s actually proven a fun exercise in writing and styling for me, as I’ve had to push myself to think of new outfit combinations, styles and products (the rest is a secret though, I swear).

And as I look toward 2016 myself, I’m looking back on 2015 and setting out a few goals for myself (in addition to continuing to discover and share new brands and products for The Style Guide, that is). To perhaps get you thinking — or keep you on the right track — here are a few of my style resolutions outlined below.

One of my goals in 2016 — dress up a bit more! Blue Double Windowpane Shirt, Floral & Dot Brown Tie and custom Glenplaid Suit all by Combatant Gentleman. Pocket square by Banana Republic.

#1. Suit up more — Yes, that’s right. Yours truly, dedicated menswear blogger, hasn’t worn a ton ties as of late. Perhaps it comes from seeing folks like Matthew Graber on Instagram put together consistently stunning outfit grids and photos featuring more ties, blazers and stellar shirts than you can shake a tie clip at, but it’s gotten me thinking of ways to maximize my rather large collection of ties — and some rugged style staples I wear quite a bit, like a great chambray shirt.

#2. Mix and match — This partly plays off number one (and probably looks a lot like the image you see at the top of the page), but I don’t often go full suit-and-tie — and that also means I don’t make nearly as much use out of what suit separates I do own outside of formal occasions. I have a classic navy worsted wool J. Crew Factory suit (similar to this one), plus a custom Glenplaid suit from Combatant Gentleman (seen at the photo at the top), but I’d love to experiment more with pairing the suit trousers with an odd blazer or turtleneck and dress boots — or even some sharp leather sneakers — if the occasion calls for it.

Plenty of blue to go around. Chambray shirt by Todd Shelton. Charcoal blazer by Uniqlo. Navy suede 1000 Mile boots by Wolverine. Norfolk Raw Denim by Mott & Bow. Red knit tie by 15ties. Leather belt & floral pocket square by J. Crew. Striped socks by American Trench.

#3. Wear … less blue — I’m a huge fan of the color blue, from dark denim to navy suede boots to chambray shirts — often in the same outfit, as you can see above. To me, it’s remarkably versatile and wearable in nearly any sort of situation — there’s a reason why Bond defaults to classics like navy suits, and there’s a reason why a slim pair of dark denim can go just about anywhere these days. As nice as it is to be able to wear something so consistently, I’d like to simply branch out into other colors in shirting and trousers particular — be it a red chambray shirt, or getting more use out of my burgundy cords (sans blue OCBD). It could prove tricky, but I’ll give it a shot!

Those are just a few — as I continue to find style inspiration lots of different places, I hope you’ll do the same, and keep me updated along the way! Drop me a line on Twitter or shoot me an email via the Contact page above — and perhaps leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Best of luck as we go forward in 2016! Let’s all keep it stylish.

January 2, 2016December 31, 2015 by Beau H.

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

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?

January 1, 2016January 1, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: CBGB, 2015’s Most Important Style and Lawrence Hunt Shirts

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.

Happy 2016, everyone! Thanks for being here to kick off the new year at The Style Guide. Did you see that the blog has a Facebook page now? Head that way to stay up-to-date on my latest posts and more news from the menswear world. We’ll be getting to some style resolutions next week, but in the meantime, I hope you had a great New Year’s Eve — I’ve enjoyed being in Detroit to celebrate the start of 2016 with old friends, and it’s proving to be an undoubtedly fun weekend so far in Michigan. It was also nice to be in Florida last weekend to celebrate Christmas with my family, but the temperature change is a rather rude awakening. There’s much more to come on the style front across this next year, and I’m excited to share it with you — but first, let’s pick up where we left off with a New Year’s Day edition of the Friday Read. Enjoy that Bloody Mary bar, folks.

Huckberry closed out 2015 with its first-ever Readers’ Choice Awards — part shop, part look back at the site’s best gear, it’s up and running now for your perusal (and potential purchasing).
News of the reopening of CBGB — in the Newark airport of all places — was first reported last week, but now word’s gotten out from Consequence of Sound that the same company responsible for that atrocity is planning to produce … wait for it… CBGB-branded onesies and T-shirts.
And not be forgotten as we start 2016, Esquire recaps the 15 most important men’s style moments of 2015.

What tops your list? It’s hard to beat SPECTRE (yes, the entire movie) in my mind, yet sadly — it didn’t make this list.
Style Note of the Week: If you’re aiming to dress more stylishly — and comfortably — in 2016, pick up a shirt from Michigan-based Lawrence Hunt. The shirtmaker combines moisture-wicking athleticwear underarm inserts with the trim body and construction of a dress shirt for a versatile piece — read more about at via VOUCH Mag!

Have a great start to 2016, and come back through on Monday for a recap of my trip to Detroit!

-Beau

December 30, 2015December 30, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Peacoats for Winter

Perhaps the most famous recent peacoat advocate — 007. Looking sharp in a wool number from Billy Reid.

Just as in yesterday’s New Year’s Eve Style Suggestion, we turn (seemingly as always) to everyone’s favorite secret agent for some great style inspiration — this time, centered around the essential peacoat. Now, the seasonal change this time of year has left lots of traditional winter gear on shelves without much use. But even in the past few days, temperatures have dropped slightly in NYC — not earth-shatteringly cold, but still chillier. Winter weather style calls for taking lots of different items and pairing them together in one stylish ensemble – and that definitely starts with great outerwear. We’re looking for something thicker and less casual than a fall and winter jacket, cut slightly longer and yet not as formal as the topcoat. In this case, we’re looking for that classic, military-inspired style staple – the peacoat. Traditional peacoats were worn on the decks of naval ships to combat the rough seas, but today’s versions see action in a different set of circumstances (particularly if you’re Mr. Bond). Some are too short to wear over a blazer, but they do just fine over an array of crewneck and V-neck sweaters, henleys and other layers, and they look great with some dark denim or chinos. So with those checkpoints in mind, I set out to find some great peacoat options – so you don’t have to, my fellow busy menswear fan. Read on, and stay stylish.

#1. JackThreads The Peacoat — $159.50

Slim, neutral and wearable with just about anything — exactly what you should look for in a sharp peacoat.

JackThreads, as with most of the offerings in its menswear line launched this past fall, rightly focuses on doing a basic style in an essential way with its simply named peacoat. It’s cut slimmer and features those handy chest pockets in addition to the flap hip pockets, so it should work pretty easily to slip your hands into those chest pockets. It’s a wool-polyester blend, but even items from JackThreads that do feature polyester (such as the Navy Geo Sweater) don’t feel cheap or move poorly — so consider this peacoat a definite step up in quality from cheaper options, at a greatly reduced price compared to what 007 wears. Charcoal or navy color options in addition to the crisp Heather Grey make this one a keeper.

#2. Frank & Oak Double-Breasted Plaid Peacoat — $78

The plaid pattern is a bit loud, but the slim fit and the quality of Frank & Oak should definitely deliver.

At first glance, the price on this Double-Breasted Plaid Peacoat is an eye-popper, considering it’s marked down from $225 as part of the brand’s End-of-Year Sale. That might be because of the slightly loud plaid pattern, but the navy-and-grey combo still grounds this jacket pretty nicely. It’s double-breasted and, like the JackThreads option above, features both chest pockets and hip flap pockets for warmth. This number is all-wool with a light padding, and it looks to be cut just a bit more like a blazer, so perhaps it could work atop a more casual jacket. Frank & Oak definitely delivers on quality for the price, so you can feel more confident about this $78 coat than even a more expensive H&M peacoat.

#3. J. Crew Factory Classic Peacoat in Charcoal — $135.50

A reliable budget pick-up from a reliable budget retailer.

While J. Crew is currently offering its Dock Coat on sale, J. Crew Factory again steps up with a reliable and classic budget option. The Classic Peacoat really is about as classic as it gets, with a true 10-button front and flannel-lined flap pockets. It looks downright sturdy and retails for a great price, and that charcoal color, while not nearly as versatile as navy, should still prove more wearable than a solid black peacoat. The fit should lean on the trim side, so that’s good news even if you do like to layer over multiple pieces.

#4. Bonobos The Bristol Peacoat — $398

A modern fit and neutral color make this very nearly worth the price tag.

Another maritime-inspired classic, the Bristol Peacoat features higher chest pockets (placed too high?) and customary hip pockets, with a few design extras (like a belted back) thrown in for good measure. It’s flannel-lined and also features lightweight quilting, so you’re looking at one jacket that’s extra warm and cut trim and modern, to boot. As with a lot of what Bonobos sells these days, it’s priced a bit above what most of us would be comfortable paying, but the versatile grey color and Italian wool construction should make it worth the asking price.

#5. Billy Reid Bond Peacoat — $795

A warm olive/brown color plus a trim fit and the same silhouette as worn by 007 — doesn’t get any better.

The Billy Reid Bond Peacoat is on here, admittedly, for posterity – just as with the enviable but expensive Shinola leather weekender that found its way onto my list of best weekender bags. Unfortunately however, the option pictured at the very top of this post is on backorder in all but Medium and Large. Billy Reid is famous for its quality and refinement, so it’s a logical choice that this same cut of coat saw heavy play in Skyfall (and as part of the real-life wardrobe of Daniel Craig). This coat in particular is warm, slim-cut and sharp-looking with a shirt and tie or a henley and denim. Plus, the brown color (which leans more toward olive), is just different enough, but still wearable with everything from navy to heather grey and shades of tan.

While only the very lucky few can hope to emulate 007 this winter, the above options should help keep you stylish and warm in chilly weather. Check back here next week for the best winter boots to pair with your peacoat, and look after that for features on stylish winter accessories and online shopping picks for the most formal coat you can rock this winter, the topcoat. Stay warm!

December 28, 2015December 28, 2015 by Beau H.

Sand & sun, Part 2: Celebrating Christmas in Florida

Editor’s note: Click this link for more posts on how to travel in style.

Exploring the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge near my parents’ home in Fort Myers, Fla.

In the midst of planning ahead for 2016 on both the work and blogging fronts, I was really grateful and glad to be able to get to Florida for a bright and sunny Christmas. It was a rather hectic travel day on Wednesday between wrapping up some work for my day job representing Timberland, and travel delays out of New York City didn’t help the situation — the chaos at the airport was pretty unimaginable! But that gave way to warm evenings and long, sunny (but all-too-brief!) days in Fort Myers with great family and friends — for that, I’m definitely thankful. And making the style transition from the in-between weather in NYC to the record-high temperatures in Florida proved more than doable with the gear I brought along for the trip.

Sturdy waxed canvas made this bag a great travel companion. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred

To get from Point A to Point B, I brought along my trusty Satchel & Page Slim Mailbag and my new but still-reliable United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle — I would definitely recommend picking up a trusty weekender bag crafted from a durable waxed canvas, particularly if you only find yourself on the road for a weekend or a few days at a time. It proved more than accommodating for the gear I brought with me, and the extra gifts I brought back! And it’s a good thing I packed relatively light, as temperatures throughout the Fort Myers area were in the 80s throughout the duration of the trip! That made it extra-refreshing to check out a sure-to-be-favorite spot — the nearby Point Ybel Brewing, a relatively recent addition to the burgeoning craft beer scene in southwest Florida. Myself and my family sampled some great brews, including the delicious Captiva Cream Ale seen below — if you can get your hands on it, I’d recommend you bring home some fresh-canned beer from the brewery itself. For that excursion and much of the rest of the trip, I found a comfortable tee (in this case, a rugged-yet-stylish Pistol Lake short-sleeve henley) and some tailored shorts worked just fine.

Sipping on a great brew at Point Ybel Brewing Company in Fort Myers. Olive short-sleeve henley by Pistol Lake. Classic Bristol leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Glasses by Warby Parker.

The laidback outfit also worked well to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens — and MAN, what a movie. We capped off Christmas Eve with some more family traditions, including watching “Love Actually“, playing a few games and enjoying a delicious meal before awaiting Santa… And my sister and I were certainly very lucky and blessed this year — Santa definitely fulfilled some of my #menswear wish list! I’m extremely excited and grateful for the incredible gifts I received, including the stellar Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt from Todd Snyder and an amazing pair of Tom Ford Snowdon sunglasses (as worn by James Bond — WOW.). Those will definitely be accompanying me on future trips!

A look at some of the gifts Santa left for me. Brooklyn Field Guide by Wildsam. Beard Balm by Brooklyn Grooming. Beard & Face Brick by Cliff Original. Notebook by Public Supply. Beer tasting book by 33 Books Co. Chocolate by (who else?) Toblerone.

It was an amazing Christmas Day, and I’ll now have even more new style gear to add to my wardrobe, including an eco-friendly watch from Sprout and a pair of lovely Americano Dress Cords from Bonobos. But perhaps the best part of the day was relaxing with my family and enjoying a traditional turkey dinner – it’s a good thing I went with casual style, as I was plenty stuffed with Christmas cookies. There’s perhaps no better way in my mind to cap off a great holiday than by spending it with the ones you love, so that made things even better.

Dressed casually for a hot Florida day. Organic cotton pocket tee by United By Blue. Olive sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Navy Rosen Runners by GREATS Brand. Eco-friendly watch by Sprout. Glasses by Warby Parker.

But there was no time to rest with a shortened visit – and we had to work off all that food! We made the most of the day after Christmas by heading to the famous J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge for a bit of exploring – – I tackled that part of the trip with a pair of comfortable (but not sloppy) Pistol Lake sweatshorts and my reliable GREATS Brand Rosen Runners. Both picks proved more than adequate for lots of walking – as you may know, I’m a huge fan of GREATS, so I’d recommend you toss a pair in your bag on your next excursion.

Exploring the beaches near Fort Myers. Setter Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Organic cotton pocket tee by United By Blue. Eco-friendly watch by Sprout. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford (thanks Santa!).

As to the refuge itself — it’s an incredibly tranquil setting that’s really second-to-none in terms of natural beauty in southwest Florida – if you’re a fan of bird-viewing or fishing, definitely consider exploring the refuge. We also stopped by a local beach for a bit of exploration, which I was more than able to tackle in my Orlebar Brown Setter Swim Trunks and an organic cotton United By Blue pocket tee (similar style here), plus the aforementioned Tom Ford sunglasses. When you hit the road yourself, consider picking up a pair of sunglasses that’ll look sharp with outfits both dressy and casual – some slim Randolph Engineering aviators would be a great start.

Before enjoying some brews at The Lodge, we saw some of the sights around Fort Myers. Vintage ‘drinks’ shirt. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy Rosen Runners by GREATS Brand. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

We finished up our day in Fort Myers by heading to The Lodge, a cavernous downtown bar replete with rustic wood furnishing, delicious barbeque and (my personal favorite), the ability to pour your own beers from their long list of taps (the Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter from Fort Myers Brewing is worth a few sips!). We were joined by some old family friends in town for a visit (Hi, O’Brien family!) — it was a wonderful evening filled with lots of laughter and reminiscing, plus new memories made.

Catching the last of the Florida rays. Ringer Pocket Tee by Tommy John. Khaki shorts by Banana Republic. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. White Wilson sneakers by GREATS Brand. Snowdon Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

But as with all great trips, the journey home has to start sometime. We had the chance to pick up some locally-famous donuts from Bennett’s Fresh Roast on Sunday morning– once again, this place is a must-visit if ever you find yourself in the Fort Myers area. We finished off that leg of the trip by taking in the last of the nearby ocean views. With walking in the itinerary, I grabbed a comfortable Tommy John Ringer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey, which fits slim and is crafted from remarkably soft fabric. I topped off the look with a vintage ballcap from Goorin Brothers – although the option you see here is sold-out, a stylish, minimal cap never goes wrong when traveling, nor do versatile captoe sneakers.

With all that activity (and new #menswear gear) in the bag, it was time to hit the road – for travel, I threw on my trusty Mott & Bow denim and some sturdy Thursday Boots suede chukkas. I’d certainly recommend you reach for comfortable, stylish pieces the next time you hop on a flight. Aside from some travel delays on the way down, the trip was about as amazing of a holiday as I could have hoped for, and I can’t wait to visit southwest Florida again. The natural beauty is second-to-none, the local attractions are unique, and the sunshine isn’t a bad way to spend Christmas – or any other time of year! I’ll be looking forward to my next trip, and I hope you’re able to travel & see loved ones as we head into 2016. For now, look for a New Year’s Eve Style Suggestion hitting right here tomorrow.

Until then – stay stylish!

-Beau

December 26, 2015December 23, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan

Thick-knit and ready for all kinds of cold weather — the JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan. Denim tote bag also by JackThreads. Roughout Captain Leather Boots by Thursday Boot Company.

So how was your Christmas? Did you get any snow in your neck of the woods? Things were quite warm here in Florida, and not a snowflake in sight. But that doesn’t mean I’m not prepped for a cold spell once I head back to NYC. As it gets deeper and deeper into winter, you can certainly expect more and more of these weekly Style Pick features to cover cold-weather essentials. That’s where something exceptionally sturdy and durable like the JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan is going to come in handy. It’s yet another item that the site’s new menswear vertical seems to do so well, and at a really solid pricepoint, too. If you’re not familiar, JT relaunched this past fall with a revamped Web site and its own collection of #menswear essentials, ranging from soft tees to affordably priced cashmere sweaters (those are going for an astounding $69 right now — keep an eye out for more later this winter). So given the mission they’ve set out to achieve — outfitting the discerning style aficionado at a great price — I’m a big fan. Throw in the fact that the Fisherman Cardigan is thick-knit, super-warm and way stylish, and you have a surefire winner in my book. Some might not like the fact that it’s 70 percent acrylic to 30 percent wool, but the blend doesn’t feel cheap or scratchy. Besides, what’s important is how it can be styled!

If Heather Grey isn’t your speed, the Fisherman Cardigan also comes in what the brand calls Medium Blue.

As I’ve written before and will no doubt write on more in the future, the shawl-collar cardigan strikes the right balance between a style curveball — you’re wearing a cardigan after all — and a rugged style essential. The shawl collar itself adds visual interest, while the thick knit is a great textural play. In the versatile Heather Grey seen here, it can be paired seamlessly with a tough long-sleeve henley, or over a chambray shirt and dark denim — and the Medium Blue as seen above would also be a solid choice. You could even layer it under a brown wool blazer if it gets especially cold. And at the price of this JackThreads cardigan (just a hair over $52), you can wear it again and again without treating it too preciously. I myself have worn this bad boy over a twill CPO shirt and indigo henley for a night exploring Brooklyn, and my only other layer was a scarf — it’s that warm. It’s the exact right kind of style to anchor a sturdy weekend outfit — captoe boots and raw denim definitely come to mind. With the neutral color, a slim fit (a Medium fits my frame just right) and that eyecatching texture, it’s a cardigan that’s more than ready to brave the cold no matter where your adventures take you this winter.

The Style Guide

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

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Style Pick of the Week: JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan