Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Cashmere Elbow Patch Sweater

Wear this sweater any way you want — it’s that well-made.

Now that we’ve hit December — seriously, check your calendar! — you would do well to start adding some of the best men’s sweaters into your winter looks. In fact, a stylish winter sweater can serve as a centerpiece for all of your other men’s style essentials this season — in the right fit and fabric, the best men’s sweaters can be dressed up or down., worn with chinos or faded jeans in equal measure. Take the handsome Taylor Stitch Cashmere Elbow Patch Sweater, for instance. It’ll set you back a pretty penny, to be sure ($228 via Bespoke Post), but it’s an investment that pays dividends right away, from the refined profile to the rugged appeal of sheepskin leather elbow patches and the neutral Olive color. This is certainly the kind of sweater you can wear in more ways than one, and you should expect nothing less from the fine folks at Taylor Stitch. If it was possible to call a sweater “beautiful” — which it certainly is — mark my words, the Taylor Stitch Cashmere Elbow Patch Sweater would definitely qualify. Made from pure cashmere, hence the hefty price, this sweater should feel soft and cozy no matter if you throw it on over a classic white T-shirt or decide to pair it with a crisp white Oxford and a silver knit tie.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Cashmere Elbow Patch Sweater

This sweater checks all the boxes — casual, rugged, classic, versatile.

That’s another selling point of this sweater, particularly one cut in a classic crewneck style with old-school elbow patches — it works at the office (seriously, your co-workers might dig the elbow patches) and it works at home or on a winter weekend retreat. When you’re shelling out more than $200 for a sweater, it pays to have one you can wear often. That’s just part of the reasoning behind buying the Taylor Stitch Cashmere Elbow Patch Sweater.It’s also helpful that the TS team makes gear that everyone from your father to your grandfather to your brother can appreciate — these are pieces that don’t demand attention, yet still manage to stand out quietly. And since it’s the season of both holiday parties and holiday gifting, I’d urge you to consider splurging on the Taylor Stitch Cashmere Elbow Patch Sweater for yourself or someone else. We haven’t even covered the real Donegal flecks — that’s a unique a fabric as any out there. Are you convinced yet?

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Cashmere Elbow Patch Sweater

The Friday Read: A New York Fashion Week Giveaway, The Best Thermal Shirts, and Sapporo Beer

Cozy slippers made with elements of your favorite sneakers. Perfect for the weekend.

First of all — cross Friday off your calendar. It’s here. Second of all, grab a new pair of the first-ever slippers from SeaVees for the weekend. And next? Enter a great New York Fashion Week giveaway. Yes, that’s right. We’re coming at you today with an exclusive, super-fun offer: You could win a trip to New York this February. What for, you ask? Easy answer: Fashion week. But Beau, how’s that work? Again, easy answer. Story time: Although I love my glasses, I used to wear contacts all the time. Sadly, I never got to try Alcon Air Optix Colors, but if I did, I’d be pumped — ‘cuz they’re the brand giving you the chance to vist NYC. They’re hosting a NY Fashion Week sweepstakes now through December 11th. Simply go upload an IG photo of yourself wearing your Air Optix Colors lenses — or, go online and virtually try on one of their 12 new lens colors, then upload a photo of your look (tagging @AIROPTIXCOLORS and using the hashtags #Readytoplay and #Sweepstakes). Oh, this is important: You can find the official rules HEREThe winner will get a trip for two and a VIP experience (none other than backstage passes) at New York Fashion Week: The Shows in February 2019.  That’s all there is to it! Nice.

Again, all you need to do is that virtual try-on, then upload a photo … then you’ve got your chance. I find fashion week to be a fun whirlwind — you’re in the thick of it in NYC, seeing the latest and greatest from boundary-pushing fashion brands. I look forward to it every season, and I think you will, too! Again, you can (and should!) enter with Alcon Air Optix Colors. After you’ve done that, be sure to come back here and enjoy plenty of talk related to choice winter style essentials. Maybe crack open an Anchor Christmas Ale and turn on The National while you’re at it. Happy Friday!

  • In my mind, this post is worth sharing again, especially if you still find yourself searching for that go-anywhere winter jacket. I’m talking, of course, about the Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket, as seen in a post in our Style Pick of the Week series earlier this month.
  • The thermal shirt is the underrated winter layering essential you might not have known you needed. I wrote about the best men’s thermal shirts for The Manual, just in time to help you fight the chill. (Related: Grayers makes a stylish thermal henley you’d do well to buy as we head into winter).
  • My good friend Pat Evans — an accomplished beer writer and a pal from my days at The State News at Michigan State University — has written up a fascinating piece (also at The Manual!) on the German origins of Sapporo beer. A neat read as we get ready to raise a glass this weekend.

That’s bringing us to the end of today’s Friday Read.  Can’t get enough menswear? Read more about the best cold-weather gear to buy now. Or, check out this handy guide on how to wear a henley this year.  Lastly, just because … find a new and improved way to wear your denim shirt for the season.

See Now, Buy Now: The SeaVees Mariner Boots Are Ready for Anything This Winter

SeaVees

Boots that wear like sneakers … and perform like boots? Perfect.

So, these SeaVees Mariner Boots are … a sneaker, but also a boot. And they’re made from suede … but also waterproof. The point is, these stylish SeaVees sneakers are made for nearly anything as move through late fall and into winter, and that’s a fact. In fact, the navy waterproof suede Mariner Boots are only available via our good friends at Huckberry, and that’s something to be applauded in general. The  SeaVees Mariner Boots are inspired by old naval footwear, and it shows when it comes to their durability and functionality. We’ve covered the Mariner Boots here on the blog, but make no mistake, these are another beast entirely. And the great thing is, the  SeaVees Mariner Boots run counter to the argument that you need to put your sneakers away just because the weather gets dicey. A gusseted tongue provides extra water resistance, and the use of extra rubber around the bottom of the shoe also provides added grip and traction against chippy winter weather.SHOP: The  SeaVees Mariner Boots 

It also helps that the SeaVees Mariner Boots look pretty great on their own, regardless of their functionality and tough appeal. Antique brass eyelets pair nicely with technical nylon laces for a bit of crossover style potential — you can certainly wear these like regular high-top sneakers (think a rugged Western denim shirt and slim tan chinos), or you can style the SeaVees Mariner Boots more like, well … actual boots. To me, that means you’re wearing them with tough chore pants, a classic henley and a warm fleece jacket to tackle your list of weekend chores. It’s rare to find a pair of high-top sneakers that actually function like boots, and it’s even more rare to find a pair that’ll stand out stylishly at the bar or a holiday party … or even your office (try ’em with a navy cotton blazer, a white Oxford and the Flint and Tinder Stonewashed Jeans). Again, the point is this: The SeaVees Mariner Boots are nearly unbeatable when it comes to casual style, rugged functionality and business casual potential — that’s all there is to it.

SHOP: The  SeaVees Mariner Boots 

The List: Prep for Winter with the Best Cyber Monday Buys Out There

Pick a watch strap, any watch strap … and pair it accordingly with this stylish dive watch.

Now that we’re past Black Friday and into Cyber Monday (yes, today!), it’s high time we really started gearing up for winter with the best men’s style essentials for the chilly road ahead. We’re starting things off with a classic dive watch that you can wear to the office, on a day hike, or on that eventual beach vacation. Even better? You get free shipping sitewide today via Huckberry, and that continues through Thursday. We’ve got plenty of cozy and cool gear for Cyber Monday, from rugged leather boots to men’s grooming essentials — see the full set of picks below, then let’s bundle up and get to work!

Nodas Contrail Watch — $539.10

A rugged dive watch with appeal at the office and at home.

A striking dive watch that won’t cost you an arm and a leg — likely your new favorite dive watch, ya dig? Pick it up on Cyber Monday, and it’ll be on your wrist by the weekend.

Buckler’s Daily Defense Kit — $68

A simple-yet-essential daily grooming kit.

Taking care of your skin isn’t something to take lightly as colder temperatures approach us — the Daily Defense Kit is among a host of men’s grooming essentials you need for the season.

Mark Albert Boulevard Boots — $350

A durable pair of handcrafted boots, as stylish as it gets.

Striking in their design and their durability, the Boulevard Boots are the type of boots you can kick around a bit — pair them with stonewashed denim and a classic crewneck sweater. Again, they’re a Cyber Monday steal of sorts, and you get free shipping sitewide via Huckberry.

Faherty Brand Knit Dobby Workshirt — $188

The right kind of cozy, casual workshirt for winter.

Laidback, easy to wear over a crisp white tee or a thermal henley, and perfect for a chilly winter weekend. Gotta love Faherty Brand, especially on Cyber Monday.

Proof Heatseeker Flannel — $88

A flannel shirt with the potential to be a new seasonal go-to.

Proof blends functionality and mobility with versatility — like the Heatseeker Flannel, assuredly one of the best flannel shirts to buy now. Again, if you buy it today on Cyber Monday, you’ll have it by the weekend.

Bespoke Post Legacy Box — $45 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

An unexpected and pleasing addition to your home or office.

There’s something to be said for the little touches that can upgrade your home or office — the Bespoke Post Legacy Box is a great example of that approach. Talk about a nice Cyber Monday pick-up.

Grayers Grove Nylon Jacket — $170

A subtly stylish jacket ready for winter layering.

Grayers has turned their attention toward stylish fall and winter outerwear, and the Grove Nylon Jacket should pair up nicely with the brand’s classic chinos for a holiday party or an evening on the town.

Stetson Mojave Hat — $109

A super unique change of pace from your standard ballcap.

Ever considered picking up a wide brim hat like this one? Something you can wear in the field or on the mountain … or just into town when you feel like stepping up your game a bit? Stetson is the way to go. When was the last time you bought a hat on Cyber Monday, anyways?

Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket — $148 

A durable, rugged-yet-refined take on a classic winter jacket.

Taylor Stitch is a favorite brand of the site for a reason — they take the basics, like a chore coat, and amp them up a bit. In a new color for winter, the Ojai Jacket is one of the best coats to buy now.

Levi’s Barstow Corduroy Western Shirt — $69.50

A nice way to nod to Western heritage and the winter season, all at once.

And in the way of stylish fall shirting that could work quite nicely with an accessory as bold as a classic Stetson hat, well, I nominate the above classic Levi”s shirt in a cool corduroy fabric. A right steal on Cyber Monday.

OK, that’s all we’ve got today. Which of the above picks was your favorite? I’m a really big fan of the standout Mark Albert Boulevard Boots, personally. Feel free to let me know via The Style Guide Facebook! Thanks for reading. 

Style Pick of the Week: Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage

The toughest pair of jeans in your closet? Very nearly.

If there’s one thing I know to be true,it’s that you can always count on our Style Pick of the Week series to set you up with durable, classic gear fit for any occasion — at least, that’s the goal. And in a menswear universe where, it seems, trendiness is the enemy of good taste, it pays to find men’s style essentials that you love, and then wear the crap out of ’em. That’s particularly true if you can manage to find a stylish pair of men’s denim — and that’s where the Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage enter the equation. Now that we’ve truly hit the winter months for most of us, staying warm — and doing so with style and durability in mind — is a tall order. So, bear with me. Swapping out your slim faded denim for a hard-wearing pair of jeans like the Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage only pays dividends in the long run; trust me on that. Made from remarkably durable selvage duck canvas — a tightly woven plainweave fabric — the Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage Jeans are beastly and tough as heck. More like a pair of chore pants than your favorite pair of denim, yet with the same reliable fit and feel.

SHOP: The Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage

Naked & Famous Denim

Classic details like a nicely crafted leather patch help set these jeans apart.

And the fit is really what makes the Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage a wise purchase — we’re talking lean and tailored, yet with room to move. That means these jeans (made in Canada, by the way) are going to sit reliably atop everything from rugged leather lace-up boots to classic chukka boots without missing a beat. That tailored fit also means you can wear the Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage to the office with a navy cotton blazer and a blue chambray shirt — yet, these aren’t a pair of stretch denim that can’t withstand a little winter weather. I’m not saying you should wear the Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage out on a taxing day hike, but if you want to wear these classic jeans to the office, and then to happy hour? They’ll do just fine. They represent an easy way to switch up both your business casual and off-duty ensembles — I think they’d look best with a timeless crewneck sweater and moc toe boots for a weekend coffee date. But, it’s ultimately up to you.  Yessir, the Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage aren’t trendy in the slightest — and that’s a great thing.

SHOP: The Naked & Famous Slim Fit Duck Canvas Selvage

See Now, Buy Now: The Lisboa Francisco Flannel Works with Your Entire Winter Wardrobe

A unique flannel shirt that bucks the lumberjack-type trend.

Don’t have a warm, cozy and stylish flannel shirt in your winter wardrobe? Particularly as we approach the end of November (and Thanksgiving!), it’s pretty critical that you get that taken care of. And in that regard, the Lisboa Francisco Flannel Shirt is going to be the flannel shirt of your dreams. OK, that’s high praise … but it’s true, at least in some senses.  And if you’ve been keeping up with the blog — I sure hope you have! — you’ll know that we’ve been slowly but surely shifting our attention toward winter style essentials, the type of classic and timeless pieces that are going to keep your warm in style this season.  And hey, if you need a SUPER last-minute shirt to wear for Thanksgiving this year? Give the Lisboa Francisco Flannel Shirt  a shot. Rest assured, this isn’t your average flannel — the Navy Clay Plaid color and pattern is much more unique than a standard red-and-black flannel, for starters. The Lisboa Francisco Flannel Shirt also takes a bit of a different approach than your typical flannel workshirt, cut slim to wear on its own or beneath a navy herringbone blazer for more dressy style. The organic cotton of the Lisboa Francisco Flannel Shirt is also brushed for softness — no scratchy texture here, no sir.

And when you feel like switching things up from a classic Oxford shirt or a timeless chambray shirt, the Lisboa Francisco Flannel Shirt  is a unique option that pairs with slim tan chinos, your favorite pair of broken-in denim, or navy corduroys in equal measure. If there was such a thing as a “grab-and-go” shirt, the type of shirt you throw on and then forget about, it would be the Lisboa Francisco Flannel Shirt. It’s as suited to layer over a thermal henley as it is to wear with a textured knit tie, slim blue denim and classic chukka boots to the office. Don’t believe me? Well, then … you simply must try the Lisboa Francisco Flannel Shirt for yourself.

Are you going to add the Lisboa Francisco Flannel Shirt to your wardrobe this winter?

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Warm, Stylish Winter Weekend

We’ve talked in past weeks on the blog all about how to dress to really get out there and explore for fall and winter, from the best way to wear a henley to how to wear an Oxford shirt to the office (and beyond. Today though, we’re taking a different point of view — namely, we’re covering exactly what to wear on that first really chilly, really snowy fall or winter weekend, the kind of weekend where you don’t want to (or can’t!) leave the house … and it’ll be here before you know it, trust me. More specifically, we want you to be ready when it does … even if being ready involves bundling up in cozy essentials like the Faherty Brand Blanket-Lined CPO as you hunker down around the fire, book in hand. But as I always say, just because the day is spent inside with your significant other (or totally on your own), doesn’t mean you should dress like a slob. Far from it — this #OOTD is all about how to dress casually and cozily while keeping style in mind. Witness the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley, as stylish a layering piece as it gets, along with the pleasingly slim Grayers Athletic sweatpants. Heck, we’ve even got a stylish casual watch in the mix. Throw in warm house shoes, a trusted book and your favorite tunes via a stylish Bluetooth speaker, and you’ve got your fall and winter day or evening plans taken care of. Again, this look is a slight upgrade over your normal off-duty garb, and that’s something worth applauding. With the holidays coming up, I’d even say you should feel comfortable wearing this cozy ensemble around family at the cabin or after a day on the slopes. It’s that stylish — find it below, then feel free to connect with me on Twitter if you end up wearing any of these winter style essentials.

All the gear you need to stay cozy, warm & stylish this winter.

  • The Overshirt: Faherty Brand Blanket-Lined CPO, $168.98 — It helps fight the chill when your stylish winter shirt is also a jacket, and it helps even more when it’s done in rich indigo. a la this handsome Faherty Brand piece.
  • The Henley: Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley in Natural, $62 — Feel free to layer whatever you’d like underneath your stylish indigo overshirt … but for my money, the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley  is the way to go.
  • The Stylish Sweatpants: Grayers Athletic Palmer Fleece Joggers, $88 —  Hey, every guy needs a pair of easygoing pants that aren’t jeans or chinos … or pajama bottoms.  The slim, surprisingly stylish Grayers Athletic sweats seen here are a major sweatpants upgrade.
  • The Watch: Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch, $120  — Ever so slightly rugged and ever so slightly refined, the Timex Archive Waterbury could turn into your go-to everyday leather watch.
  • The Stylish Slippers: Giesswein Andau House Shoes, $98 — Available in men’s and women’s sizes, these house slippers channel a bit of menswear thanks to the charcoal boiled wool upper. A much more stylish pair of slippers than you might be used to — and fitting for padding around your house or cabin.
  • The Evening Cocktail: Naked Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky,  About $33  — I’ve had the chance to try this Naked Grouse whisky over these past few weeks, and it’s got a flavor and richness to it unlike any other spirit I’ve had. A nice way to unwind in front of a roaring fire.
  • The Audio Essential: Cavalier Portable Speaker, $254.98  — Life is about the simple pleasures, like listening to your favorite band (*cough* The National *cough*) on a chilly fall or winter evening, whiskey in hand. This stylish portable speaker upgrades the experience.
  • The Finishing Touch: Bespoke Post Dwell Box, $45 — Complete with a cozy blanket and some nice incense, the Bespoke Post Dwell Box is the right way to complement a day or night in.

I’m always an advocate for putting your best foot forward, even if you happen to be lounging around the house catching up on Netflix or diving into your favorite book. And when the situation also calls for staying warm and cozy, well, you’re not going to find a better blend of the two than with the rugged Faherty Brand Blanket-Lined CPO and the equally rugged, warm Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley. While you could easily swap in a pair of slim stonewashed jeans if you wanted to, the Grayers Athletic sweats are comfortable without being sloppy. The same can be said of the boiled wool house shoes as seen above — another upgrade from traditional fuzzy slippers. And when you’ve got the whole day in front of you at home, it helps to stay on time — that’s where the exceptional Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch is going to come into play. The rest of your accessories are as essential as can be when staying in for the day, from a stylish Bluetooth speaker to the warmth of the Bespoke Post Dwell Box. And if you happen to be looking for a cocktail to enjoy in the midst of this? Best go with a new, beautifully done whisky from Naked Grouse. Tell me: How do you dress for a day or night in? Do you agree with this #OOTD?

The List: Shop These Thanskgiving Menswear Deals to Get Ready for Winter

We’re getting you ready for Thanksgiving (and beyond!) with a cozy, weekend-ready sweater.

Looking for stylish gear to upgrade your Thanksgiving? Or your fall and winter wardrobe in general? It’s all taken care of in today’s edition of The List. Whether you find yourself prepping for a weekend of hosting or a weekend of holiday travel, you need to look good (and likely stay warm) while you’re at it. That’s where men’s style essentials like the Howlin Birth of the Cool Sweater come into play. Timeless, essential, perfect for Thanksgiving and perfect for Black Friday — and every other winter style scenario upcoming. Prepare accordingly, enjoy the week — oh, and happy shopping!
Howlin Birth of the Cool Sweater — $170

Classic, understated & ready for winter layering.

You know those cozy, stylish sweaters your grandpa always wore around the holiday season? Like at Thanksgiving? Well, this rugged winter sweater from Howlin is your own version of that.
Deus Ex Machina Smart Shirt — $114

Nothing wrong with an understated, subtly stylish shirt for the season.

Able to be worn with a tan herringbone blazer & classic corduroy pants for a more formal Thanksgiving, this stylish fall shirt also does well when worn with perfectly faded denim for an afternoon of football viewing & turkey sandwiches (yep!).
Quoddy Wabanaki Chukka — $270

These chukka boots have “Thanksgiving weekend”‘ written all over ’em.

Y’know the trusty, classic chukka boots you’ve likely got in your closet for long holiday weekends? These are that pair.
Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Wool Beach Cloth — $178

The Long Haul Jacket you know and love, done up in a beautiful cold-weather fabric.

The Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket is a personal favorite for the way it blends rugged style and innovative design — like the Wool Beach Cloth fabric here. Layer it with a classic sweater for winter (after it pre-funds, that is).
Timex Archive Waterbury United Watch — $120

A watch that nods to the past and yet looks decidedly stylish in the present.

In short, this Timex Archive watch is dependable, rugged and able to pair visually with more textured fall and winter layers for Thanksgiving & beyond (like your favorite flannel shirt and dark indigo jeans).
Cavalier Portable Speaker — $254.98

One of the best ways to take in the sounds of your favorite band — offered in a stylish package, too.

I’m all for upgrading your home or apartment in accordance with your aesthetic — and the Cavalier Portable Speaker is assuredly a stylish home audio upgrade for the holidays.
Naked Grouse Blended Scotch Whiskey — About $33

A truly excellent whiskey that I can guarantee is different than anything in your beverage cart right now.

This time of year calls for something a little more rich, distinctive and cold weather-friendly — and when you don’t fancy sipping on a porter, there’s Naked Grouse. The perfect companion to a great book, a roaring fire and some casual Thanksgiving weekend essentials.
Bespoke Post Ember Box — $45 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

The essentials to fuel an outdoor weekend adventure.

Does your Thanksgiving entail a rugged outdoor adventure or tradition of some sort? Grab the Bespoke Post Ember Box in advance.
Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Pullover — $114

Give the pullover another try with this laidback layering move.

The casual, cool and laidback fall and winter weekend piece that’s going to layer with ease over a classic chambray shirt or Oxford shirt.
Duck Camp Midweight Shirt — $79.98

The durable, adventure-ready shirt to wear this holiday weekend.

You surely need an array of rugged, tough shirts in your winter wardrobe — for layering over a cozy henley or a thermal shirt on a chilly holiday weekend, the Duck Camp Midweight Shirt is the one to buy.
 
Red Wing Heritage Pioneer Belt — $89

The right belt to pair with your Red Wing boots.

The makers of your favorite boots are now making a standout belt — the Pioneer Belt is likely the one leather belt you need rigt now.
BucknBear Knives Damascus Drop Point Utility Knife — $99

You won’t need a high-quality knife … until you need a high-quality knife.

Hey, the Damascus Drop Point Knife is the type of piece you won’t need until … you need it. As mentioned above. Perfect for fall and winter yard work, or Thanksgiving weekend chores.
OK, we’re all wrapped up and ready to keep this holiday week going. Any new additions to your shopping list? I love the Quoddy Wabanaki Chukka Boots and think they’re perfect for whatever this long weekend throws your way. Thanks for reading!

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket

A remarkable coat from a standout style purveyor in Billy Reid.

Do you ever pick a jacket out of a lineup and think to yourself … “Whoa. That jacket is AMAZING.” Such was the case for yours truly with the Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket, a truly stunning early winter coat that just might be one of the best men’s winter jackets — believe you me. It’s made with the kind of care and attention to detail that can only come from a designer who’s honed his chops getting all the small details right, from making the perfect American-made Oxford to developing a rugged pair of beautiful selvedge denim. Of course, the Bond Peacoat is a prime example of this approach, as is the new Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket, the kind of jacket you’re going to want to wear every single day of the week. True to form, it blends a rugged, old-school appeal with an edgy sort of style that wouldn’t look out of place at a cool speakeasy or a rock concert — seriously a piece like the Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket can very nearly do it all. Heck, the outer shell is water and wind-resistant, so it can take on highland hikes as readily as it can take on a gourmet dinner-and-drinks date.

Lined with faux fur and featuring a stand-up collar.

That’s relatively unique among weather-ready winter outerwear, but again, no one said the Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket  was trying to blend into the crowd. The stand-up collar adds a bit of an edge, similar to the classic Harrington jacket, while the rich Navy color is dressy and yet rugged all at once. To keep a long story short, the Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket is going to wear easily with beat-up moc toe leather boots, indigo denim and a thermal henley … and then you can turn right around and wear it in place of a blazer atop a classic Oxford shirt-knit tie combo at the office. For maximum adventure potential, the Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket even features water-resistant flap and button closures — make no mistake, this is a jacket for the modern man, done up in homage to classic field coat styles. What does that mean for you? It means it’s going to live up to the name, the billing and yes, the price tag (nearly $700). When you consider how far you can go when wearing the Billy Reid Dempsey Jacket though, I’ll think you’ll consider it a fine purchase. Who else is on board with that?

The Friday Read: Your New Favorite Winter Boots, How to Host a Party and the Best Fleece Jackets

Simply gorgeous boots that pack a punch when it comes to winter functionality.

Lately as we kick off every Friday Read — our weekly recap of the things to know in men’s style — we’ve been spotlighting a standout series of winter style essentials. That continues today with the beautiful, investment-worthy Yuketen Maine Guide Boots, exclusive to our pals at Huckberry. There’s really not a pair of rugged leather boots quite like these ones, what with their handmade construction, an eight-layer midsole and the use of Horween leather. Again, the Yuketen Maine Guide Boots belong on your list of fall weekend essentials. As it were, that’s why we’re here today. I’m coming off a weekend to remember back in my home state of Michigan, deep in the woods near Big Rapids, celebrating my best friend Mr. Chris Spyke’s bachelor party! A rustic log cabin and plenty of beer & chicken wings proved the perfect way to acknowledge the occasion (and if you follow me on Instagram, maybe you saw I broke out my Huckberry Duck Boots)! At any rate, it was an amazing and refreshing weekend deep in the Michigan wilderness, complete with a light snowfall — what could be more perfect? For now, I’ve turned my attention back here to Brooklyn.  This weekend, I hope to visit one of my favorite menswear shops, the well-appointed Modern Anthology, and I’m also looking forward to venturing out to UpNorth, a Canadian-themed bar in Bushwick (this cold weather is really getting into me). What’s on your weekend agenda? Besides checking out the below Friday Read, shopping for some men’s style essentials & reading our Style Pick of the Week? Get it all started here. Thanks for reading!

  • It’s official — the fleece jacket is back, and better than ever. When it comes to cozy, essential  casual style — especially for the holiday season — you’d do worse than to read my roundup of the best fleece jackets over at GearMoose.
  • Our friends at Esquire, ever focused on refinement for the modern man, tell you how to host a party this winter. Not a pregame, a real party. I hope to try out that pre-batched Manhattan recipe soon!
  • Is there any season in which a pair of casual blue jeans won’t work? Nope, there’s truly not. That’s why I’m sharing once again my take on a new favorite pair of jeans from my pals at Huckberry. They’re laidback, they’re comfortable, and they’ll work as readily at Thanksgiving dinner as they will on a weekend coffee date. Cheers!
  • I talk often about the best men’s style essentials, especially for transitional weather. In that same vein, you won’t misstep if you read my guide to the best men’s winter boots, as compiled for The Manual.

OK, that’s going to give you the go-ahead to get started on your weekend. Looking for one last thing to read before you go? Check out this go-to fall and winter layer from Buffalo Jackson.  Better yet, get yourself a new field watch to wear it with. Alright, I’ll leave you to it — have a great weekend!

-Beau