Tag / men’s tees

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear on the 4th of July

Editor’s note: Check out the following link to catch last year’s Fourth of July style suggestion.

It seems as if just yesterday we were talking about what to wear on Memorial Day — and here we are, now talking about what to wear on the 4th of July. Time flies, right?? The 4th of July is often a sort of “style perfect storm” of sorts — it’s likely pretty hot out, there’s the potential to be moving from one activity to the next (swimming at the beach followed by patio drinks, anyone?) and  you very well might have to travel just to do all that. So, first things first — cover off on that stylish weekender bag to get you where you’re going. Maybe fill it with some nice men’s grooming products, too? Now that that’s taken care of, we’ll head onto the below outfit suggestion — it’s all about staying cool and stylish, versatile and ready for anything. If you have any other summer style questions or thoughts, let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page. Enjoy the day, and thanks for reading!

The Shirt: American Trench x Good Life Clothing Indigo Dyed Tee — $72

A collab between two brands that emphasize American manufacturing results in one heck of an indigo tee.

A collab between two brands that emphasize American manufacturing results in one heck of an indigo tee.

So, $72 isn’t exactly the cheapest T-shirt on the market. But when you’re going to be rocking a T-shirt in place of a slim polo, you’d better grab one that’s eye-catching, slim-fitting and very well-made. It’s definitely an aspirational sort of purchase, but if you’re able to get your hands one, your wardrobe would be all the better. The indigo dye (a nod to the U.S.A!) is rich and very unique, for one. Plus, it’s actually made in America — something that’s still to be applauded in the menswear manufacturing game. Toss on a lightweight jacket if it gets breezy, but know that this tee has you set in style in the meantime.

The Pants: JackThreads Slim Chino in Khaki — $49

A classic pair of chinos at a tremendous price.

A classic pair of chinos at a tremendous price.

We’re going with the ever-versatile JackThreads Slim Chino here, because it always pays to have a crisp pair of khaki chinos on hand, no matter the style situation. These chinos would work for travel style (whether it’s across the country or just across town), and with a little care, you could probably wear them again in the same weekend — again, watch out as you man the grill. The price is stellar, the fit should be flattering for lots of guys out there, and you can rock that color for months at a time.

The Sneakers: Brooks Heritage Chariot Sneakers — $79.99

Timeless sneakers that work well in terms of color and styling potential.

Timeless sneakers that work well in terms of color and styling potential.

What’s more American than khaki chinos and an indigo tee? A great pair of lifestyle sneakers from an American original, that’s what. Pairing multiple shades of blue might seem like a risky style move at first, but it’s one that pays off when you consider the rich navy’s contrast against the lighter indigo dye. The blue-and-white color is a nice, subtle style nod to the holiday, and having checked out a pair of Brooks Heritage Chariot Sneakers myself, I can tell you they’re every bit as comfortable as the brand’s first-class running shoes — with more style points, too. They work well with the casual chinos, yet you could still class up this combo with a crisp chambray shirt if need be.
Florsheim
The Socks: Pair of Thieves No-show Spelurking Socks — $10

Red-and-blue socks make for a touch of patriotism paired with functionality.

Red-and-blue socks make for a touch of patriotism paired with functionality.

Although these no-show socks are designed to, well, not show, it’s still wise to grab a pair that incorporates seasonal colors and a good deal of comfort. You can read more about these guys in my post on classic no-show socks for summer, but rest assured that Pair of Thieves makes socks that are comfortable, well-fitting and stylish with a bit of an attitude. Even if not many people see your socks, that’s definitely something they’ve got going for them; and at that price, you can pick up a few pairs without straining your bank account too much.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-Striped Webbing Belt — $14.50

Just the right weight, color and texture for spring and summer.

Just the right weight, color and texture for spring and summer.

When packing for travel (or dressing everyday), it can be a bit of a practice to take care of things right down to the last detail. In this instance, that means not forgoing a  belt. But we’re not just using any ole’ number to hold up those slim khaki chinos — this J. Crew Factory belt combines some nautical vibes (the D-ring loop and double-striping) with a textured white cotton that looks all kinds of right up against the lighter blue shirt and navy sneakers. It’s simple style touches that make a big difference, and if you’re into that, here’s a spring and summer belt for you.
G-Star Raw 468 x 90

The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Timex Chronograph — $129

Premium Horween leather meets a tough, dependable watch.

Premium Horween leather meets a tough, dependable watch.

This superb and stylish watch-and-leather strap combo, sold via the great folks at Huckberry, definitely gets a lot of things right on the dual style-and-functionality front. For one, the watch plays off the classic Timex Weekender by adding in a few more bells and whistles (not a ton, though). For another, the combination of a black dial with a rich brown leather Horween strap is a handsome combination that stands out stylishly with a plain pocket tee and dark blue denim during the rest of the summer. That means in this outfit, it’s a downright stunning accessory.

The Sunglasses: Knockaround Fort Knox Polarized Sunglasses — $29.98

Downright cheap, simple and stylish -- not bad for under $30.

Downright cheap, simple and stylish — not bad for under $30.

If you couldn’t just by looking at ’em, the Knockaround Fort Knox Polarized Sunglasses pack a heck of a lot of style into one exceptionally well-priced package. It’s perhaps one of the accessories for which Huckberry is so well-known; they’re definitely not your average pair of shades, that’s for sure. The lenses are polarized, and the frames are injection-molded for extra durability — that’s exactly why they’re worth quite a lot more than roughly $30. While they didn’t make this site’s list of the best men’s sunglasses to buy for summer, they’re a very worthy honorable mention, and quite the pair to bring with you for the 4th of July.

Meeting such a patriotic holiday in style is a lot like dressing for any other holiday, be it St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas. That means nodding to the time of year — in this instance, mixing some red and blue — while working in both some more forward moves (like rolled chinos) and timeless classics (like a stylish leather watch). Crisp sneakers and durable shades work to finish it all off, too. Of course, this time of year is about more than what you wear — it’s also about taking time with family and friends and being thankful for this great country we live in. However you do that, I salute you and wish you the best in style.

Join the style discussion over on Twitter, or follow along via Instagram.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear A Chambray 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 will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

When the heat waves start to roll in, it can be a tricky time to try and dress well. There’s that ever-difficult balance between keeping your cool and looking cool that requires you mix things up a bit. In the case of today’s post, that means we’re talking how to wear a chambray blazer. It’s the lightweight alternative to the classic navy blazer, what with a rougher, more visually interesting texture and (usually) less internal construction. That means it looks more natural when paired with other casual menswear pieces, such as a simple T-shirt and twill pants. It’s a get-up that nods toward a trend (that would be the menswear world getting more and more casual by the day), yet you still look crisp and put-together. As you’ll see with the below #OOTD, it’s a look you could even pull off as you dress for summer travel.  So with that being said, get to reading below. For more #menswear inspiration, check out yours truly on Instagram, or swing on through Facebook for a daily briefing.
Ben Sherman

An effortless mix of casual and cool -- a chambray blazer plus a simple striped tee.

An effortless mix of casual and cool — a chambray blazer plus a simple striped tee.

 

The Blazer: JackThreads Chambray Blazer, $79: A chambray blazer for just $79? Believe it. Slim, stylish and well-made, from a brand that just gets things done.

The T-shirt: Bourbon and Blue Surfcomber Heathered Red Stripe Tee, $55: If you’re going to rock a tee under a blazer, it’s best to pick up one that’s comfortable, well-made and trim-fitting; warm weather stripes don’t hurt, either.

The Pants: Old Navy Ultimate Slim-Fit Khakis, $29: While the color of the chinos in that particular picture is lighter than the pair on Old Navy’s site, the principle remains the same — slim khakis fall in line with that trim blazer and tee, and can be easily rolled to show off those sneakers.

The Sneakers: GREATS Pronto in Cadet, $199: GREATS does, well, a great job at producing versatile, comfortable sneakers that are easy to wear with high-low style combos  like a blazer and tee (Italian manufacturing just does that).

The Socks: J. Crew Anchor No-show Socks, $10: Stylish no-show socks are an absolute summer must, and these add another subtle, nautical touch to the outfit while keeping your feet cool.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-striped Webbing Belt, $14.50: As much as it’s popped up in a few recent #OOTD posts (including this post on how to wear a short-sleeve shirt), it’s a highly versatile casual belt that adds some nice color to this ensemble.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Fairfield, $75: Timex watches are as solid as they get, and this particular timepiece is suitably refined enough to heighten that blazer-and-tee combo just a bit.

The Accessory: Cambridge Satchel Oxblood iPhone Case, $32: So not everyone still has an iPhone (just me?), but regardless of what phone you’ve got, it’d be a neat touch to finish off your everyday with a rich leather phone case.

Does that check all the boxes of dressing sharply in warm weather? Well, mostly. If you feel a tee is too casual, you could always swap in an essential chambray shirt or a classic blue Oxford. But the best part about pairing a tee with a chambray blazer is the combination of effortless style and comfort it gives you. It’s an on-the-go style move that meets the warm weather while looking cool and sharp. Plus, it works well when paired with a classic set of navy sneakers — a more comfortable answer to brown leather wingtips, for starters. And crisp accessories, like a lux leather phone case and a dependable watch, are going to be by your side (and on your wrist) for plenty of outfits in the future. Even starting gradually (swapping out denim for twill pants and upgrading to a lighter chambray blazer) can be a step in the right direction. Still unsure? Give it a try –it might become a go-to style combo.

Are you sold on the idea of pairing a blazer with a striped tee? What about sneakers? Let me know in the comments!

Frank & Oak

 

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Stock Mfg. Co. Pocket 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.

An update to the standard T-shirt, crafted from durable cotton and dyed with indigo for a unique color.

An update to the standard T-shirt, crafted from durable cotton and dyed with indigo for a unique color.

When the weather warms up, there’s probably no style I love to rock more consistently than a slim pocket tee made from durable fabric.  Of course, I always appreciate a rugged short-sleeve henley, too. But a pocket tee is a great visual go-between for when you don’t just want to throw on a plain T-shirt. Is it the fanciest item of clothing in the world? Certainly not. But hey, who said T-shirts weren’t essential items of clothing for the weekend — or under a slim navy blazer? No one, that’s who (had to put my foot down there). What’s more, looking great in a T-shirt is another plus of warmer weather. So with all that  being said, allow me to introduce this week’s Style Pick of the Week: The Indigo Vintage Wash Pocket Tee from Stock Mfg. Co. The brand, like so many other Style Guide favorites, is all about refining  (and re-defining) American classics, like the humble T-shirt, with great fabrics, modern fits and a dash of heritage quality. In fact, the brand’s Sage Linen Buttondown was a summer style favorite of this writer. The fact that the brand produces its garments in a family-owned factory that also makes non-combat military garments is applause-worthy in and of itself, and this T-shirt is no exception.

The Indigo Vintage Wash Pocket Tee is made from a durable 6.6oz. cotton that should hold up quite well over time thanks to the heavier weight (a flimsy tee from a fast-fashion retailer, this is not). The pigment dye and enzyme wash should give it an exceptionally soft fabric feel, too. That means it’ll feel just as well-worn (in a good way) as your favorite broken-in tee. That quality gives it the styling potential to be paired with everything from white sneakers and lightwash denim to an unconstructed blazer and slim tan chinos (a favorite combination of your humble author, in fact). Plus, the lighter blue allows it to play nicely off a tough denim jacket for a nice way to mix up your blues. You’re paying quite a bit more than you would for a standard white tee, but you also get all kinds of styling potential through spring and summer (feel free to throw it on under a grey shawl cardigan in winter, too). Just a T-shirt? Anything but.

Happy shopping and thanks so much for reading!

-Beau