Tag / #menswear essentials

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The xx, Stitch Fix and Menswear Essentials to Own

As I write this edition of the Friday Read, I’m kicking off day two of a much-needed and long-awaited trip to Florida to see my family! I was previously here on a little Style Guide spring break of sorts back in March, but given the Memorial Day weekend holiday, it’s even better to be back. That also begs the question — what are you wearing this weekend? Hopefully, you’ve got a stylish pair of spring sneakers in tow for wherever your travels might take you.  Of course, you’d do well not to forget stylish accessories, like essential grooming accessories or a great pair of headphones. In that case, the Bespoke Post Vibes Box would probably be of interest — trust me.  As it were, I’ve got all of those essentials with me here on this trip (but if you follow me on Instagram, you know that already).  In any case, let’s look back on this past week. In addition to keeping up with all things menswear, I also had the stunning, nearly unheard-of chance to see British electro-pop rockers The xx play two incredible shows (back-to-back!) last weekend at the lovely, iconic Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. Touring behind one of the year’s best albums — the beautifully crafted “I See You,” they’ve come into their own more than any time before — the result is a poignant, moving and emotional show. In short, go see them on their expanded North American tour! It’s worth a listen as you kick back on Friday evening, absolutely. And with that, I’ll leave you to this week’s #menswear news.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

Stitch Fix

Via the Stitch Fix styling service, you can get pieces like the Cole Haan Grand Pro Sneaker delivered right to your door — as easy as it gets. Cotton jersey blazer and white chinos by Johnston and Murphy. Striped T-shirt by Bourbon and Blue. Watch by Nautica. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

  • Ever feel like your wardrobe could use a seasonal refresh? Same here.  Yet, there are other — even easier  — Stitch Fix ways to get expert style advice. Namely, the good folks at offer personalized styling services that result in a sharp selection of menswear for your enjoyment (like the sharp, easy-to-wear Cole Haan Grand Pro Sneakers seen above — my favorite from my own box!). Seriously, it’s all customized to your tastes after a series of simple questions. And what’s more, you only pay for what you keep. Yes indeed, it’s that great. I’d encourage you to sign up for Stitch Fix now — you won’t regret it!

  • Let’s talk more menswear, shall we? When Sunspel puts its stamp of approval on a collaboration, you can be sure it’s got the goods — the brand made James Bond’s polo shirt in Casino Royale, for goodness’ sakes. So that’s what makes the brand’s approach on its Sunspel x Iffey Road collaboration so neat. The heritage knitwear maker teamed up with the British running gear aficionados on pieces like the functional, breathable and technical Stanton Pique Polo, for instance. It features Iffey Road’s drirelease fabric merged with the same silhouette as the brand’s Riviera Polo. That’s a winning combination. And if you’re a track fan, you might recognize the name Iffey Road — it’s the site where Sir Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile mark in 1954. In short: That should be more than enough performance pedigree (and style!) to keep you cool all summer long.

Greats

  • Alright, let’s keep it moving here toward the weekend — shall we? I had a heck of a fun time pulling together an extensive — and I mean, extensive — list of the 25 menswear essentials you need to own for The Manual. You’ll recognize picks from Style Guide favorites like Abercrombie & Fitch, Todd Snyder, Apolis and plenty more. How many of those picks do you have? Let me know over on Twitter, if you please.

We’ll wrap things up early today — for now, I’ve got to hit the beach! I’ll catch you on the blog with our regular Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, followed by a full travel style recap incoming on Monday.

Thanks for reading — surf’s up!

-Beau

Florsheim

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt

First things first: Make no mistake, the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt could be your new favorite spring and summer shirt. That’s why it gets top billing as today’s Style Pick of the Week — despite a closely contested race, it came down to one vote …. yours truly. And if you’ve read this blog, you know that United By Blue is a company that gets a lot of things right, from stylish essentials to sustainability. At any rate,  it’s pretty essential to have a closet stocked full of stylish short-sleeve  shirts regardless. And again, the Wenlock Chambray Shirt could just be that shirt. Think of a short-sleeve shirt as a slightly upgraded, more visually interesting version of your favorite summer polo — and for all those times when you want to throw on something nicer than a T-shirt, yet still casual, a piece like the Wenlock Chambray Shirt. It combines great looks, a unique lighter blue chambray fabric and a visually pleasing mini-plus sign pattern with the sustainable style for which United By Blue is known — and given that we just passed Earth Day, it’s perhaps more important now than ever to pay attention to where your clothes come from. So, know that with your purchase of the Wenlock Chambray Shirt, the brand will commit to remove one pound of trash from our oceans and waterways — not a bad pay-off for doing a little shopping, ehh? You get style points and sustainability — but lest we forget, the Wenlock Chambray Shirt still has plenty going for it in the looks department.
Greats

United By Blue

A neat pattern, modern fit and sustainable style rolled into one package.

For one, the mini-plus sign pattern on the Wenlock Chambray Shirt is a nice departure from plain chambray shirts (as stylish as those are). And the light blue color makes this one easily wearable with slim chino shorts and classic white sneakers — especially classic white sneakers. It’s also modern enough to wear to this office under a lightweight blazer for deceptively cool and casual style (thank the short sleeves for that). And when the work day is done? Slip off that blazer and step up to the bar, ehh? The great thing about the Wenlock Chambray Shirt  is that it’s a reliable upgrade in plenty of situations — it looks just a little more put-together for a spring bar crawl or a day out and about around town than a T-shirt. Plus, you could feasibly wear it with a stylish, upgraded baseball cap to a ballgame, too. Oh, and the price — yes indeed, the price is a plus. Keep in mind that you get all this — versatile style, great looks and sustainability — for $68. Considering that you can wear it nearly everywhere — from a spring road trip to a day at the beach — that really is an agreeable going rate. So, whaddya say? Will you be picking up the Wenlock Chambray Shirt? Let me know in the comments or over at The Style Guide Facebook page. Cheers!

-Beau

Sutro Shoes Inc.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Kentucky Derby Cocktails, Men’s Sunglasses and Washington, D.C.

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.  

Hello there, Style Guide readers! Welcome to another edition of the Friday Read, where (if you’re not familiar), we’re recapping the week in #menswear. And if you’ve come through these parts before, welcome back. How was your week? It’s turning out to be a mighty packed one, what with Cinco de Mayo yesterday, the Kentucky Derby following on Saturday and of course, Mother’s Day on Sunday. If you’re scrambling to find a gift, check out this site’s rundown of the best gifts for Mother’s Day. Trust us, we’ll get you sorted. Hopefully, you’ll have the chance to rest, relax and spend some quality time with family this weekend — whether it’s watching the Derby or doing some traveling to see friends. On that note, check back here Monday for a full post covering a trip I’m taking to Washington, D.C. to see my good friend, former college roommate and current political journo Ian Kullgren. If you have any suggestions for fun things to do in the area, let me know on Twitter! And if you want to follow along with my travels, add me on Instagram  or… better yet, follow me on Snapchat @beau_hayhoe. I’m still getting the hang of that thing, but I think I’ve got a good handle on what’s going in this week’s Friday Read — enjoy the weekend and read on!

  • Enjoying a nice beverage during the Kentucky Derby? Here’s exactly how to make a mint julep, the official drink of the Derby. If you’re more partial to other cocktails, here’s a look at this site’s cocktail guide for the 2016 Masters.
  • Note that we’ll have our own Style Guide sunglasses picks coming up here shortly, but in the meantime, the Wall Street Journal recommends the following men’s sunglasses picks for summer.
  • Again, this piece isn’t directly style-related, but it ties into something this menswear writer knows and loves –a great beer! Men’s Journal covers the 25 best American IPAs (and boy, is the list something else!)
  • Style Note of the Week: This isn’t a full-on menswear story by any means, but rather a recommendation that’s given me some great visual inspiration — if you don’t follow the fantastic Christian Watson on Instagram, it’d be wise to start! He shares some inspiring shots of his travels, his daily adventures and his incredible eye for a great photo. Worth  a look to start your weekend, ehh?

Want some more great men’s style content? Here we are!

  • If you read this site, you know I’m a huge fan of the versatility and tough styling potential of a rugged henley — so of course, I wrote about the 10 best henleys for men over at GearMoose! I think you’ll recognize some Style Guide favorites in there.

Thanks as always, for reading!

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Lightwash Denim for Spring

Editor’s note: For online shopping picks primed to get you ready for spring, head here.

Lightwash denim is an ideal spring style move -- if you're feeling adventurous, it can even work with a dark denim jacket. 484 Jeans by J. Crew. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Loafers by G.H. Bass Patterned NATO strap by The Knottery and watch by Timex. Photo credit: Khoa Nguyen.

Lightwash denim is an ideal spring style move — if you’re feeling adventurous, it can even work with a dark denim jacket. 484 Jeans by J. Crew. White henley by Target Merona. Denim jacket by American Apparel. Loafers by G.H. Bass Patterned NATO strap by The Knottery and watch by Timex. Photo credit: Khoa Nguyen.

Guess what, folks? Just like that, it’s almost April! That means that if you haven’t already, it’s high time to incorporate some spring style trends into your wardrobe. Recent #menswear shopping picks on this site have covered broader categories like great spring outerwear and stylish spring sweaters, but today’s post goes a bit more specific. If you read this blog, follow me on Instagram or have checked out some of my other writing work (thanks, by the way!), then you’ll know all too well that I love the styling power of dark, sturdy denim. But lightening up colors, textures and washes is a great way to switch up your wardrobe and get really into spring and summer — all the while wearing denim (trust me, it’s crucial if you find it odd to wear shorts a lot, like this fella). So the below shopping picks are going more relaxed, casual and spring-ready — it’s certainly tougher to dress up lightwash denim, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be a solid pick-up for weekends or more casual work or class days. Got all that down? Good. Got a credit card handy? Even better.

#1. Mott & Bow Slim Baxter Jean in Medium Blue — $108

Roll 'em, cuff 'em, wear 'em about any way you please.

Roll ’em, cuff ’em, wear ’em about any way you please.

If you’re a bit wary of shelving your chinos or dark denim, ease into it with a comfortable pair of denim that still retains more than enough dark color to satisfy the selvedge fans among us. These aren’t a classic, super light color, but they’ll do. The Baxter from Mott & Bow makes use of the brand’s 5-month wash, incorporates some comfortable stretch, and comes at a price that’s pretty darn agreeable compared to your typical pair of raw denim. Throw in that home try-on program and that’s an A-plus pair of spring denim for you.

#2. JackThreads Slim Denim in Light Wash — $59

Decidedly lighter and constructed with a slim fit.

Decidedly lighter and constructed with a slim fit.

Whereas pick no. 1 on this list goes for a darker color (and retails at a higher price point), option no. 2 leans decidedly lighter in wash and, one might say, decidedly more retro. This pair of JackThreads denim  might be what you more commonly think of when reaching for a pair of lightwash jeans (see this post here, for example). But the way JT crafts its products, these should be an excellent value — perfect if you don’t feel like dropping $100-plus on a pair of jeans for your rotation.

#3. J. Crew 770 Jean in Leroy Wash — $125

Casual style potential and a more forgiving fit characterize the Leroy.

Casual style potential and a more forgiving fit characterize the Leroy.

For those of us that would prefer to stick with a slightly better-known mainstay, J. Crew’s back at it  this spring with the Leroy Jean in its 770 fit. That means, most importantly, that it’s cut with more room in the thigh and waist for those among us who don’t prefer (or can’t quite fit into) slimmer jeans. This writer’s a fan of the 484 fit from J. Crew, but the 770 has proven itself among the menswear contingent as a solid back-up option. As to the price, well… you could stick around for a sale, but know that the denim is coming from Japan.
Florsheim

#4. Bonobos The Jetsetter Jean — $168

A rough-and-tumble wash gives this denim a unique look.

A rough-and-tumble wash gives this denim a unique look.

Is it just me, or have Bonobos denim prices hopped up a bit in recent years? At any rate, this stretch denim features 2 percent elastane built in (like some pairs of Mott & Bow denim), and should fit as solidly as Bonobos’ famous chinos.  The Medium Blue wash leans decidedly darker than some of its counterparts on this list, so it could more easily be paired with, say, a navy blazer and a white Oxford (although that would be a solid combination with any pair on this list). Rock these guys just as they’re shown on the brand’s Web site — with brown suede chukkas — and you’ve got a casual style combo ready for date nights or days at the office.

#5. Ace Rivington Italian Comfort Denim in Medium Vintage Wash — $239

A more classic fit and medium vintage wash tie right into the quality one expects from an American-made brand.

A more classic fit and medium vintage wash tie right into the quality one expects from an American-made brand.

While this pair of denim isn’t as light in color as its counterparts here, it’s the way to go if you want an incredibly sturdy (and pricey) pair of washed denim. Ace Rivington takes the quality and construction of its garments as seriously as its unique backstory, and that’s resulted here in a quality pair of more classic-leaning denim. They feature a slim, tapered fit (it won’t be overly skinny) and a medium rise. Note that this pair comes with a 34-inch inseam — so these might need to be rolled, or they can simply be cuffed to your liking. Either way, you’re getting a middle-of-the-road that’s another nice way to ease into lightwash denim.

If you still find yourself scouring the far corners of the Internet for a great pair of lightwash denim, know that there were a few brands that didn’t make the cut here. Specifically, classic retailers like Old Navy are producing lightwash jeans with a hint of stretch, and you can even snap up slim-fit jeans in a lighter wash from Target’s Mossimo line for an excellent price.  When picking up your pair and styling them, pair them with the same style staples as you might a slim pair of dark denim — think rugged short-sleeve henleys, a printed short-sleeve shirt or a classic white Oxford to start. Don’t worry — there’s plenty of time to grab your pair and get on the lightwash denim (which is totally a thing, trust me).

Did I miss any picks? Let me know on Twitter!

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by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New Abercrombie & Fitch, Need Supply Co. and Spring Outerwear

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. 

While I’ve really been looking forward to warm-weather style for quite a while now (get a look at my spring style wish list, for starters), I’ve been lucky enough to get an even earlier dose of warm weather this weekend. Why is that, you ask? Well, I’m lucky enough to be back in Florida visiting my family this weekend and celebrating my dad’s birthday. Now, the fine print is that part of our weekend plans — seeing the legendary AC/DC — were derailed when the band announced they were rescheduling 10 tour dates. Definitely a big blow to this lifetime fan. At any rate, it really still is lovely to be here — we’ve got some excellent back-up plans lined up, including some much-needed beach time and a trip to the excellent Point Ybel Brewing Company.  You can look for a full trip recap post coming on Monday — for now though, let’s get on with our weekly Friday Read and all the #menswear news that’s fit to type.

  • Perhaps most importantly, we’ve been seeing more and more news hit about the new and improved Abercrombie & Fitch — the new line is definitely worth a look, and Maxim offered its take, too. (Editor’s note: There’s more from the folks at Abercrombie & Fitch coming in tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week).
  • Go shopping (now, if possible) through the well-curated digital shelves at Need Supply Co. with the team at Style Girlfriend — you won’t be disappointed.
  • Prep for the forthcoming rain with key spring outerwear picks from Get Kempt — it’ll be here before you know it.
  • Long Read of the Week: Is fashion weird? Should it be weird? Is it art? And lastly… why does it matter? This introspective piece from the Washington Post (centered around women’s fashion, admittedly) brings new meaning to thinking of runway shows as art, and attempts to answer those questions quite well.

Get ready for the weekend with a dash more men’s style:

Shop the latest in Men's styles Under $50 + get FREE Shipping on orders over $100 at Frank & Oak!

Florsheim

by Beau H.

Style Q+A: Jamal Jackson, StyleSocietyGuy

Editor’s note: To catch up on other Style Q+A entries, start here.

Jamal Jackson, of StyleSocietyGuy, is a recognizable face with a terrific sense of personal style.

Jamal Jackson, of StyleSocietyGuy, is a recognizable face with a terrific sense of personal style.

The great and exciting thing about living in a place like New York City — or really, finding a community filled with like-minded people anywhere — is how many different people you get the chance to cross paths with, through either personal or professional interaction, or both. I’ve been really lucky to learn a lot from so many great people since getting interested in the menswear world (most of whom have been profiled in Style Q+A pieces!), and that list grows by the day. Through attending events as part of the GQ Insider community, and through some work we’ve done together as part of my day job with Timberland Boots, I’ve had the chance to become close friends with Jamal Jackson, also known as StyleSocietyGuy. As we’re in the midst of New York Fashion Week: Men’s here, you might recognize him from his extremely well-curated Instagram or his Web site , where he offers up a bevy of menswear styling suggestions, new brands to watch and lifestyle content focused on things like home design and music. And of course, there’s the small business of Jamal topping Mr. Wooster (and other well-dressed dudes) on Esquire.com’s rundown of the best-dressed guys at New York Fashion Week: Men’s this past summer. Moreso than that, Jamal is a great guy, a heck of a friend and one of the best in the business at partnering with established and up-and-coming brands and telling cool stories.

And as with every day in the digital style universe, it’s great to be able to look at what someone else is wearing, or how they’ve styled a certain item, and draw inspiration from that — even if their personal style is a bit different than yours.  So with that in mind, I caught up with Jamal to find out about running his site and how he charts — literally — his very busy days. Enjoy!

The Style Guide: How did your personal interest in style and fashion get started?

Style Society Guy: My dad has always been into grooming and style. Mostly, he had grooming and excellent hygiene, so my interest in menswear grew from there. I’d say I really started getting into it in middle school .

 Your Web site and Instagram presence is impressive and seems to grow by the day – what’s that development been like? (Editor’s note: Find Jamal on Instagram here).

SSG: I noticed that I have spurts in my stats …but I’m noticing that it’s mostly organic — just how I wanted it to be. The downside of it is that I don’t know exactly who referred a visitor to my site until someone tells “Oh, (my friend) told me to check out your site.” I wish I could measure those stats more but it makes me want to strategize how I produce my content everyday.

TSG: On that note, what’s a typical day like for you? 

SSG: This might sound kind of crazy, but I work from one Excel sheet. I have several columns in that one sheet — every day of the week and what I should be doing hour by hour. It sounds kind of stressful but it really disciplines me. Although I don’t follow every single task at every hour, it’s a good guideline to … keep me on track.

Right now, I’m working at a work space called Projective in Freemans Restaurant in New York’s Lower East Side. I don’t have a specific office spot except for home at the time, but I’m good at documenting as I travel.

The day consists of meetings, video calls, press previews (whether it’s a market week or not), webinars, nightly events, and usually dinner with potential clients or digital friends.

Jamal also frequently works with top-flight brands during trade shows and manages his own growing social media platforms.

Jamal also frequently works with top-flight brands during trade shows and manages his own growing social media platforms.

TSG: On that note, what’s something that people might not know about running a Web site and digital presence like yours?

I think this is a common answer, but I’m going to say the amount of work it takes to produce one post. From the outside, it seems like what it takes to create a blog post is  to take the photos and write about what you’re wearing. However, it is far more than that. You need to plan to not wear other competitors in one post … speak on details of the clothing, amplify the brand’s voice and speak to the focal point of the product and the brand. Another aspect is how long it takes to shoot photos, gather your photographer and edit 350-450 photos 3 times a week.

Jamal as seen on the street during the first-ever New York Fashion Week: Men's this past summer.

Jamal as seen on the street during the first-ever New York Fashion Week: Men’s this past summer (Esquire.com ranked him #2 in its weekly rundown!).

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen over the past few years as far as the menswear community goes?

I’m seeing a lot of guys being comfortable with showing their personal style and grooming regimens. Its actually ‘a thing’ now. I love that menswear influencers can bring readers to share what they’re are wearing and interaction going, brands are also happy with this as readers give very honest feedback on products ..bascically for free. This is a good time for brands to actually listen up and pay attention to what audiences have to say.

TSG: What’s one item (or perhaps one outfit) every guy should have in his wardrobe?

SSG: A denim or chambray shirt, I swear it works with EVERYTHING.

TSG: What’s one style resolution that you have for 2016 looking toward the rest of the year?

SSG: As of now I don’t have one set in stone. But. I plan to actually start wearing more of what’s buried in my closet, the items that still have tags on them. I tend to wear my favorites because…they’re my favorites.

To see what Jamal’s up to on a daily basis, head to the StyleSocietyGuy Instagram or check out his Web site.

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by Beau H.

Onward: Packing for a Motor City New Year’s Eve and Recapping 2015

Editor’s note: To see more travel style posts, click here.

Rolling up the ol' (Gustin Spring Plaid) shirt sleeves to get to work on more content for 2016. Thanks for reading!

Rolling up the ol’ (Gustin Spring Plaid) shirt sleeves to get to work on more content for 2016. Thanks for reading!

As I think back on 2015 and the opportunities I received through my day job in fashion PR and through writing on this blog and elsewhere, I’m nothing but extremely grateful. I’m grateful for the amazing people I’ve met, from fellow bloggers to readers, and the excellent brands I’ve gotten to work with on reader giveaways and product reviews. — lots of great businesses run by even better people. I’m equally grateful for the cool ongoing features that have developed (however small) at The Style Guide — including the Style Pick of the Week and Friday Read series — and I’m especially grateful for those that have taken the time to read this blog.  Of course, I’m really grateful for the support of my family and friends above everything, who’ve read these posts, offered their feedback and snapped most of the photos of me you see here — and that’s on top of everything else!
I hope you like what you’ve read, and I hope you’ve enjoyed the journey along the way, whether you’ve stopped here for a new wardrobe on a budget or just sought out a great style upgrade or two to improve your closet. 2016 will definitely bring more menswear content, from product reviews and style suggestions to brand profiles, along with travel style posts. It’s become one of my favorite things to do, and I’ve immensely enjoyed seeing everywhere from Greece and Italy to Los Angeles and Grand Rapids in the past few months.

Packing a soon-to-be-reliable United By Blue duffle bag once again.

Packing a soon-to-be-reliable United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle bag once again. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

So it’s only fitting that, to cap off 2015, I’ll be in Detroit for the weekend to visit with college friends, watch my alma mater Michigan State play in the College Football Playoff and explore more of an up-and-coming city. That means I might not be as formal as James Bond in this New Year’s Eve Style Suggestion, but maybe one day? Of course, it wouldn’t a true road trip if I didn’t bring some of my favorite picks along with me (sans tuxedo and handgun). As on my Christmas trip to Florida, I’ll be packing great gear in my new favorite bag, the sturdy United By Blue duffle you see above.

Cozy gear for a cold weekender. French Terry Nomad Joggers by Bonobos. White henley by Pistol Lake. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads.

Cozy gear for a cold weekend. French Terry Nomad Joggers by Bonobos. White henley by Pistol Lake. Collegiate Bomber by JackThreads.

As the forecast in Michigan calls for lots of chilly weather, I’m definitely packing to stay as warm as possible, from my new Bonobos French Terry Nomad Joggers and a JackThreads Collegiate Bomber, to my ever-reliable Pistol Lake Henley — each should definitely prove suitable for weekend wear and a quick brunch run or two. Accompanying me on the trip will be a few reliable pairs of shoes — notably, my Reef Outhaul Lux Chukka Sneakers, which are quite comfortable and also right at home with the colder climes of the city thanks to the high-top cut. I’m also bringing along my Timberland West Haven Side Zip Boots, and (assuming my bag can fit ’em!) my trusty Thursday Boot Company Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas.

Tried-and-true trip essentials -- a chambray shirt and suede chukka boots. Shirt by Todd Shelton. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boot Company.

Tried-and-true trip essentials — a chambray shirt and suede chukka boots. Shirt by Todd Shelton. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boot Company. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.

To keep warm the rest of the time, I’m turning to some trusty style staples. Those will include my JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan, some tough Iron & Resin gloves and some comfortable American Trench socks. Throw in a merino watch cap (also from American Trench), and I should be all set. As to your own bag, a few sets of reliable socks– maybe ones with some premium fabric — are going to prove helpful and quite comfortable if you find yourself on the road a lot, too. I also plan to rock my Reef x H.D. Lee Workshirt — it’s a tough seasonal style essential, and I’d recommend you  look to layering pieces that can function as outerwear should you ever find yourself short on packing space. Of course, no trip to a cold-weather climate would be complete without tossing in a rugged shir; my Todd Shelton Chambray Shirt should do just the trick for layering over a henley (yes, I do love me some henleys!). I’m also happy to get to the chance to test out my beautifully crafted Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt from Todd Snyder, by way of Santa — check back here on Saturday for more on that shirt.

A crisp watch that strikes a dress-casual balance is crucial for weekend trips. Watch by MVMT Watches.

A crisp watch that strikes a dress-casual balance is crucial for weekend trips. Watch by MVMT Watches.

As is proving customary on these trips, I’m looking to round out my bag with some travel-ready denim from Mott & Bow, and I’ll also be bringing a new pair of skinny Fulton chinos from Banana Republic — the caramel color should prove versatile and ready for just about anything, including travel days. To top it off, I’m definitely bringing a dependable pair of watches, including The 40 – Blue/Brown Leather from MVMT and my Invicta Pro Diver. So all of that stellar #menswear should leave just enough room for some everyday carry supplies — namely a new Public Supply notebook and some sweet Woodbuds headphones, plus my reliable BYRD Hairdo x Richer Poorer Dopp Kit. When you next hit the road, I’d say don’t skimp on those small goods- – brands like Richer Poorer and Baxter of California offer terrific travel-friendly toiletries kits, and it never hurts to bring along a notebook and nice headphones.

Now that my bag’s ready to go, I’m just about set to jet off for another fun weekend — and an incredibly fun way to close out 2015! I can’t wait to see what 2016 has in store, and I’ll hope you’ll be back! For now, know that I’ll be here with a Detroit edition of the Friday Read to kick off the new year, followed by the first of 2016’s weekly Style Picks on Saturday. Thanks so very much for reading, and as always…

Stay stylish,

-Beau


by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Shelton Chambray Shirt

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 medium-blue color and natural chambray make this shirt comfortable and versatile.

A medium-blue color and natural chambray make this shirt comfortable and versatile.

With just enough time to spare before Christmas, Santa is here with a helpful — and highly versatile — Style Pick of the Week. I’ve written often on the power of having items you can dress up or down, and wear in just about any situation. Essential items like a well-tailored blazer or a great pair of dark denim can certainly carry you far in most circumstances, and you can add to that mix a trim chambray shirt — like the Todd Shelton chambray shirt you see up top. This blog covered off on a great chambray shirt from GAP earlier this year, but the style is so versatile that it’s never a bad thing to consider having another one in your rotation (this is coming from a guy with bunches of henleys in his closet, though). Make no mistaken, it’s unlike a standard blue Oxford cloth buttondown. Chambray finds its roots in workwear — rough, rugged styles worn by those actually out in the field. The style has seen a resurgence in the past five years or so as those silhouettes have come back, but as far as this #menswear blogger is concerned, it’s here to stay — a chambray shirt is nearly as firmly entrenched in the style lexicon as slim denim or a great pair of chukka boots.

Todd Shelton's chambray shirt pairs well with other style staples. Charcoal wool blazer by UNIQLO. Raw dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy suede 1000 Mile boots by Wolverine. Knit tie by 15ties. Striped socks by American Trench. Belt & floral pocket square by J. Crew.

Todd Shelton’s chambray shirt pairs well with other style staples. Charcoal wool blazer by UNIQLO. Raw dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy suede 1000 Mile boots by Wolverine. Knit tie by 15ties. Striped socks by American Trench. Belt & floral pocket square by J. Crew.

That’s why it pays to invest in one up front — especially when it can work seamlessly with other wardrobe staples you might already have (like those pieces in the above photo). If you’re familiar at all with Todd Shelton, you’ll know the New Jersey-based brand has a penchant for producing everything from its denim to knitwear with great care here in America. So the price you see on the site certainly pays off. You could definitely walk into J. Crew and pick up a chambray shirt for about $50 less — but I can guarantee the fit  won’t be as spot-on as  a Todd Shelton shirt, for starters.Todd Shelton offers standard Small through XXL sizes, but its Advanced Fit options dial down everything from Sleeve Width to Stomach Width. Crucially for all those in between sizes, it even offers Small/Medium hybrid options. The brand was kind enough to work with me on my own measurements, so you can expect a full product review in the coming weeks. What you should know in the meantime is that as an investment, a Todd Shelton chambray shirt delivers great value — as any chambray should. Wear it with dark denim, boots and a blazer right now, or rock it with a leather bomber in the weeks to come. You can’t go wrong with a crisp color and trim fit in a style essential like this.

What’s your go-to chambray shirt? Would you pick up this piece from Todd Shelton?
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