Tag / #menswear

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Upgrade Your Sweatpants with Spring Style Essentials

Today’s #OOTD post gets right down to it when it comes to spring weekend style. It’s even a bit more dressed down than the seasonal Saturday (or Sunday) ensemble that we talked about earlier this month — we’re diving right into how to wear stylish sweatpants this spring. Yes, you read that right. Stylish sweatpants. The style world is growing more casual by the day, but that doesn’t mean you have to look sloppy when dressed down (and we mean, way down). Your basics, the kind of clothes you grab and throw on to get out the door, can feature just as many small, simple style details as your favorite work week ensemble or more slightly more polished pieces (like your new favorite pair of spring chinos). The trick comes with not treating the sweatpants quite as much like sweatpants — no athletic logo tees or sneakers here. Just a pair of well-fitting sweatpants, accented with a slim T-shirt, a pair of throwback-inspired kicks and a classically rugged chambray shirt. As long as you accent ’em with pieces that go anywhere, your tailored sweatpants won’t look out of place at a laidback brunch spot or a brewery … or just on your couch. The choice as to how you wear this #OOTD is all yours. Thoughts? Questions? Hit me up on Twitter.

A stylish pair of sweatpants can go a long way to helping you take on your weekend in comfort AND style.

The Sweatpants: Flint and Tinder Fieldhouse Sweatpants, $89  — There’s nothing fussy about the Flint and Tinder Fieldhouse Sweatpants. Just a classic pair of sport-inspired sweats made the right way.

The Chambray Shirt: WP Standard Chambray Work Shirt, $98  — A chambray shirt takes this casual ensemble into territory that’s slightly more sharp — but still cool and classic.

The T-Shirt: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee in Green, $45 — A deep, dark green Taylor Stitch T-shirt adds just a bit of color to this outfit, along with visual interest. Wear the chambray shirt buttoned up or open to show it off.

The Sneakers: Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid, $185 — If you want a pair of sneakers that are a big-time upgrade from your average pair with an athletic logo, the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid are exactly it.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Boucle Mix Socks in Navy, $11 — Well-made socks with no crazy patterns or wild colors are an underrated style accessory. The Anonymous-ism Boucle Mix Socks get the job done.

The Watch: Szanto Vintage Dive Watch 5201, $275 — Your stylish casual watch should be as similarly no frills as your socks and your classic sneakers — the tough Szanto Vintage Dive Watch is your best bet.

The Bag: Filson Grab n’Go Tote, $125 — How are you going to carry all those weekend essentials? You know, your growler and sunglasses and blanket for that park picnic? The Filson Grab n’Go Tote.

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $40 — The reliable ballcap that every guy needs in his arsenal just might be the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, and that’s all there is to it.
See, wearing stylish sweatpants doesn’t have to be sloppy or overly complicated. Just do it up the right way with standout basics — which will, of course, work in a ton of other seasonal outfits. Again, let me know in the comments below what you think of our picks for styling the Flint and Tinder Fieldhouse Sweatpants.
Cheers!
-Beau

 

 

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Buy a Pair of the Best Men’s Sneakers for Spring Right Now

It’s time to take stock of your collection of stylish men’s sneakers. We’re well into spring here, so if you don’t yet have a pair of versatile kicks on your feet or in your wardrobe, it’s time to start shopping. Coming from a guy who absolutely loves rugged leather boots, it can be a bit of a weird transition to stow those away and reach instead for lightweight sneakers. Fear not, though — we’ve got plenty of picks in today’s shopping roundup to tickle your fancy. Whether you seek old-school high-top sneakers,  classic white canvas sneakers or a modern pair of trainers, the right pair of sneakers is out there just waiting for you. I’d wager you’re going to need more than just one pair, though. Classic spring sneakers can (and should) be swapped in for dress shoes or leather loafers in plenty of spring style situations, including ones that are a bit more out-of-the-box (like at the office with a blue Oxford, tan chinos and a navy cotton blazer). That’s just the tip of the iceberg, really. Your sneakers are going to see a lot of work on casual weekend outings and spring brewery trips, too. And with something as straightforward as a slim pair of dark denim and a grey pocket tee? That’s where any one of these pairs of sneakers are going to excel. Read on and see for yourself, my friends.

#1. Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid in Khaki — $185

Classic design and classic construction makes a great pair of sneakers.

Rancourt & Co. stays in the game when it comes to quality sneakers — seriously, they’ve been making theirs using time-tested methods for decades on end. That approach has led to a sneaker with modern styling potential — the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid — to go along with classic construction. Done up in a spring-friendly khaki color (the ideal complement to light wash denim and a white henley), these are an upgraded take on your standard music festival kicks. But really, you can wear the Carson Mid wherever you want.

#2. SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll — $62.98

Easygoing and easy to style — SeaVees nails it.

That classic pair of white sneakers that every guys needs in his closet? The SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll fit the bill perfectly. Crafted with the sort of laidback California cool that SeaVees has down pat after more than five decades in the sneaker business, these are the type of sneakers you can wear on your flight … and then right to the beach. And provided you keep them in good enough shape, they can pull double-duty at the office, too.

#3. Oliver Cabell Renes Trainer — $198

A slightly futuristic (yet classic?) pair of leather trainers.

For every pair of easygoing white sneakers, it seems you can find something a little sharper. If that’s what you seek, the Oliver Cabell Renes Trainer is the way to go, easily. A recent entry into the sneaker market, Oliver Cabell is all about quality materials and streamlined design, hence the Italian rubber sole and use of beautiful Italian full-grain leather. The Renes Trainers also boast a slim profile, perfect for matching up with olive chinos, a white Oxford and a navy blazer any day of the work week.

#4. Levi’s Woods Canvas Sneakers — $60

Your favorite denim brand is making a pair of sneakers that are remarkably easy to wear alongside said jeans.

There are times when a guy just needs to wear, well, sneakers. You know. Just plain, simple, stylish sneakers that aren’t too fussy or expensive. That’s where I’d argue the Woods Canvas Sneakers come into play, folks. Made by arguably the most classic denim brand out there, the Woods Canvas Sneakers are an ideal set of casual kicks. Think muted colors, a wearable silhouette and the ability to be paired up with beat-up Levi’s jeans, a crisp heather grey tee and a bomber jacket. I think I just found your new favorite bar crawl outfit.

#5. SeaVees Monterey Sneaker — $68

A seasonally appropriate shade of green that’ll pop just enough against spring neutrals.

If you tire of wearing black, white or navy sneakers consistently and want to add a little color into the mix, the eye-catching SeaVees Monterey Sneakers are the right way to go about it. Available in a shade of green that’s spring-friendly but not too bright, the Monterey Sneakers are another casual option done right by SeaVees. Wear these with chino shorts and a grey cotton polo (plus a stylish casual watch) for a few rounds of patio or rooftop beers. At least, that’s what I’d do.

#6. YORK Athletics Mfg. Featherweight Sneakers — $115

Sporty sneakers that bring a lot of athletic-inspired style to the table.

Rounding out this list, we’ve got a pair of sneakers for the more athletically minded fellas among us. While the YORK Athletics Mfg. Featherweight Sneakers aren’t fully made for working out, they’ve got more sporty style than the rest of this batch. That works out nicely if you want a pair of sneakers that work for quick weekend outings or comfortable travel in equal measure. And hey, the Featherweight Sneakers live up to their billing when it comes to kicks that are both comfortable and stylish.

So, do you have a favorite pair of sneakers from the above list? Are the athleisure-inspired YORK Athletics Mfg. Featherweight Sneakers your pick? Or perhaps you’d go with something like the SeaVees Monterey Sneakers are the ones to get — and wear with everything from a henley and light wash jeans to chino shorts and a slub polo. The streamlined Oliver Cabell Renes Trainer offers a bit more modern style alongside business casual combos like dark blue denim and a navy cotton blazer, while the Woods Canvas Sneakers from Levi’s are a unique offering from a lauded denim brand. If something even more classic tickles your fancy, the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll ought to get the job done nicely. However, my personal favorite might be the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid, a classically constructed pair of sneakers with the versatility you can only get from high-top kicks. Let me know your favorites in the comments below, or on Twitter.

Happy spring sneaker shopping!

-Beau

 

 

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket

The next addition to your spring wardrobe — check it out below.

The topic of today’s Style Pick of the Week is a brand you very well might recognize — Relwen. Makers of superb outerwear fit for nearly every situation, from casual weekends (see the Relwen Bonded Pile Jacket) to the more field-ready (enter the Relwen Quilted Patrol Jacket). If you’re a fan of those two unique silhouettes, then today’s stylish spring jacket is certainly going to work out nicely. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket — it’s quite possibly your new favorite spring jacket. The Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket isn’t just any lightweight spring jacket to throw on — it’s packed with that critical combo of styling potential and weather-ready durability that you need this season particularly. The CPO-style design is quite likely different than any other jacket you’ve got hanging in your closet currently, which is part of what makes the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket so cool and essential. Seriously. It’s got the styling chops to hang with your other favorite spring style essentials — take light wash denim, canvas high-top sneakers and a classic white T-shirt, for starters. Feel free to match the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket with other, slightly more office-ready looks; a blue Oxford shirt, slim tan chinos and clean white sneakers ought to do the trick. So, we know it’s got the looks you need. What about the performance? Believe — at least based on the specs — the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket can hang.

The waffle-knit lining in this jacket adds just the right amount of warmth when it comes to spring layering.

It starts with the perfectly spring-friendly cotton-nylon construction — easy enough to layer on a breezy day, sturdy enough to retain its shape and silhouette through lots of repeated wear. Believe me, I think you’re going to find that the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket is the right kind of jacket for the season; it looks great with classic picks, like a light blue chambray shirt, and it works well with laidback staples (like the classic white T-shirt we mentioned earlier). Add in a plethora of pockets, including two slanted hip zipper pockets and two front-button snap pockets at the chest, and you’ve even got enough room to handle all of your everyday carry essentials. Plus, the waffle knit lining at the shoulders provides some needed insulation for cooler spring (and even summer) nights. Pleated elbows and shaped cuffs are also design touches you don’t often find on other jackets — the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket has everything considered quite nicely, one could say. For me, that makes it a darn-near essential spring jacket — what say you?

Feel free to leave your feedback or comments on Twitter about this essential spring jacket, my friends. Thanks for reading! 

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Pabst Blue Ribbon, Affordable Watches and Spring Weekend Style

The only thing standing between you and the weekend is today’s edition of the Friday Read. Well, not quite. Perhaps you’ve got a day on the old job ahead of you as power right on through into mid-April. If you missed the happenings this week at everyone’s favorite menswear blog (The Style Guide, of course), then we’re here to fill you in. We talked the best way to wear chukka boots this spring, and we also talked about one of the best pairs of spring chinos to buy now. So, there was certainly a lot going on in terms of style this week. Elsewhere in Brooklyn and beyond, I’m way excited to welcome my amazing girlfriend Laura to the borough and to the Big Apple for the very first time! While we’re here, she’s a marvelous photographer (and a wonderful human!), and you’d do well to check out her photography work. We’ve got lots on the docket, including exploring Prospect Park and Central Park, plus grabbing a classic NYC brunch and record shopping at the legendary Rough Trade in Brooklyn. And of course, it’ll be business as usual here on the blog, complete with tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. For now, I’ll leave you to start your weekend with these choice reads. Thanks for supporting The Style Guide, and we’ll catch you on the flip!

  • I’m all about experiential vacations that go beyond the ordinary. Such is the case with a new chance to stay in the old, famed Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery in the beer-friendly town of Milwaukee. That sounds like a trip I can get behind — my pals at The Manual have the full scoop.
  • Who can resist an affordable, stylish watch? The great folks at Esquire.com have done their best to round up the best affordable watches for men, so give that a read before you make your next timepiece purchase. For my money, I think this affordable Timex watch as covered here on the blog might  be your best bet for casual weekend style this season.
  • Looking for an easy way to give your spring weekend style a shot in the arm? Just add a simple, easygoing and yet versatile layer like the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew (last week’s Style Pick of the Week entry). It really gets no better, folks. Wear it with light wash denim, white canvas sneakers and a slub T-shirt for off-duty style that just gets a lot of things right.
  • Lastly, let’s talk one more dose of shopping today. Are you in need of new high-top sneakers for spring? Of course you are. My latest post for The Manual covers that topic precisely. Not a bad read, if I do say so myself!


That’s going to do it for today’s Friday Read. Enjoy the weekend and follow along with my adventures on Instagram and Twitter.

Cheers!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Your Chukka Boots in Classic Fashion for Spring

There’s a lot that you can do with a pair of dependable, stylish and classic chukka boots — if you read The Style Guide, surely you know this. Or at least, I hope this here blog has been helpful enough. If you still feel like I’ve been slacking (which is entirely possible!), then today’s new #OOTD is here to, well, pick up the slack.  We’re talking how to style your new favorite pair of chukka boots. Perhaps though, these rugged chukka boots — and Astorflex, the brand that makes ’em — aren’t new to you at all. In any case, they’re recently restocked, they’re made from sustainable materials in a classic silhouette, and they’re more than ready to pair up with the gear we’ve got in store for you today. The below outfit is one that just … works. From a casual weekend day of coffee and museum-hopping or a productive day at the office, we’ve got building blocks that’ll stand the test of time, from slim navy chinos to a durable spring jacket to a classic Oxford shirt. Oh, and those chukka boots. Let’s dig into the specifics more, shall we? Read on below.

 

 

All your outfit needs is a versatile pair of chukka boots to start things off … yes?

The Boots: Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots in Sand, $155 —  You know Astorflex for their commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability — no better brand from which to buy essential chukka boots, ehh?
The Jacket: Relwen Sailcloth Tanker, $298 — Because no outfit is complete without an essential spring jacket, the Relwen Sailcloth Tanker is absolutely the one to buy.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch The Jack in Blue Everyday Oxford, $98 –Is there a shirt easier to style than a truly timeless Taylor Stitch Oxford shirt? I’d wager perhaps not.

The Chinos: CIVIC Frank Chinos, $128 — The partner brand of Taylor Stitch has set its focus squarely on sustainable fabric, tried-and-true designs and neutral, easy-to-style colors — you can find all of that in the CIVIC Frank Chinos.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Silk and Cotton Socks, $15 — You could certainly wear crew socks with this ensemble, but what say we roll up the CIVIC Frank Chinos and pair ’em with these well-made Anonymous-ism socks?
The Belt: Beltology Radius Woven Belt in Olive, $60 — Because the small details count, a textured casual belt is going to add just enough visual interest to this outfit.
The Boxer Briefs: CIVIC Merino Boxers in Heather Grey, $55 — CIVIC can even do merino boxers quite well — these are a recent offering from a brand that’s got everything taken care of for you.
The Watch: Nezumi Studios Bailene Watch, $500 — The handsome and crisply designed Nezumi Studios Bailene Watch toes the tricky line between dressy and casual — quite nicely, at that.
As we’ve mentioned before, it really doesn’t get better on the footwear front — at least in terms of transitional spring style — than a pair of essential chukka boots that work for situations in the office and on the weekend. Style these durable boots with the right picks, including the highly versatile CIVIC Frank Chinos and that unbeatable Taylor Stitch Oxford shirt, and you’ve got a look that’s hard to top. Seriously, even just those three pieces can take you to brunch, the bar, a business trip … you name it, they’ll do it. The small details are also going to aid you in terms of comfort and performance — take merino boxers from CIVIC, for instance. And on your wrist? The Nezumi Studios Bailene Watch is as sharp a new timepiece as you’re liable to find around these parts. You also really can’t go wrong with Anonymous-ism socks for a bit of spring-friendly style. To top it all off, you best throw on the durable, weather-ready Relwen Sailcloth Tanker — it doesn’t get better than that, it just doesn’t. So, where will this #OOTD take you? Are there any pieces you’d add or subtract? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading,
-Beau
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Dalton Terry Crew

A morning coffee plus this sweater? Looks great to me.

Folks, it’s time to layer up for spring with the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew. It’s as simple as that, and this stylish spring sweater is where we begin today’s Style Pick of the Week. It’s high time you started thinking about lightening up the textures and colors in your seasonal wardrobe. It can certainly be tough to store away chunky cardigans and cable-knit sweaters when it seems like winter has the tendency to stick around so long, but the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew is the right sweater to help you make that transition. We sure do love the Grayers brand here at The Style Guide — they harness that crucial mix of everyday style, easygoing sensibility and a knack for making the right essentials at the right time (I.E. The start of spring). The Grayers Dalton Terry Crew is Exhibit A in that regard, made with visually interesting stripes in a fit that’s easy to throw on over a classic blue chambray shirt or a charcoal Oxford. It’s also made from French terry fabric for comfort and breathability — think the same fabric as your favorite hooded sweatshirt, yet in a silhouette that’s slightly more polished and ready to wear with chinos and classic white sneakers.

And in terms of other design details, the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew more than gets the job done. The raglan sleeve stitching can make your shoulders look broader — something that can help those of us who don’t hit the gym regularly. The crewneck collar also allows you to layer it over regular old T-shirts or a Oxford cloth buttondown, too. To your humble neighborhood menswear writer, the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew would look best when worn casually — atop a white Oxford shirt, with slim tan chinos and suede desert boots. Roll the cuffs of your chinos, rock the collar of the Oxford unbuttoned and roll up those sleeves to your show off your favorite casual leather watch, too. It’s a weekend-ready look that all comes together because of the easygoing nature of the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew — lest you think you’re going to shelve your sweaters for spring, it’s best to keep this one handy for cool spring nights and morning coffee runs. It’ll even layer nicely with an indigo denim jacket — when it comes to dependable off-duty style, there isn’t much that the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew can’t do.  At least, I think so.

What’s your take on the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew? How would you style this classic and affordably priced spring sweater?

As always, thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Stylish Light Wash Denim, Cheap Cologne and Stephen Malkmus

We’re closing out another whirlwind week at The Style Guide — where does this Friday find you? Maybe you’re closing out the work week and doing some shoppping for spring style essentials on the side? (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there). Maybe you’re hitting the road and dressed in vacation travel style? At any rate, I hope what we’ve covered on the blog as of late has been helpful, stylish and easy to wear.

It’s wild to think we’re already moving through April and looking ahead toward summer — we’ll be turning our attention to critical spring shopping picks in the weeks ahead, from high-top sneakers to buy (and wear) now to more entries in our See Now, Buy Now series. If there are topics or brands you’d like to see covered here, just hit me up on Twitter, follow along via The Style Guide Facebook page, or take a second to check out yours truly on Instagram. I’m all style, all the time! Unless there’s music or craft beer involved. And then, well, all bets are off. For now, check out a few quick, fun and stylish reads to get your weekend going.

  • Who needs new cologne on the cheap? Not just any cologne, though — cologne worthy of a stylish man like yourself. Read Esquire’s picks for the best cheap cologne for men before you step out this weekend.
  • They’re as essential as a clean white tee or a crisp pair of high-top sneakers — we’re talking about stylish light wash denim for spring, of course. My latest post for The Manual covers some of my favorite picks this season. Read up and get to shopping in style!
  • I’d wager you’ve still got some spring style picks to, well, pick up, right? That’s where this week’s edition of The List is going to help you out quite nicely. It’s loaded with home goods, watches, footwear and apparel for the season — there’s something for everybody.
  • Indie rock icon Stephen Malkmus — a source of inspiration years ago for my favorite band (yep, The National!) has some interesting and insightful things to say in this interview with Pitchfork. A nice weekend read, I’d wager.

That’s going to close out this week’s Friday Read — until tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, cheers!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Upgrade Your Spring Wardrobe with these Picks for the Best New Men’s Gear

We’ve taken a bit of time away from The List, our ever-crucial #menswear series that covers the best gear to buy now … as in, right this very instant. Yours truly had gotten used to recommending durable leather boots and tough winter outerwear, but if you hadn’t yet looked into it yet … it’s spring! And it’s time to amp up your search for spring style essentials in earnest. Which leads me to … well, today’s post. Happy shopping, and join me on Twitter to talk all men’s style, all the time.

Line of Trade Cream Striped Throw Pillow — $40

A cool striped throw pillow to spruce up your couch.

Am I recommending you buy this Line of Trade throw pillow? You bet I am. Consider it spring cleaning, or a spring home upgrade? Yep.

W&P Design Pour Over Press — $45.98

As the brand says, this is a complete home coffee kit — perfect for those of us (all of us?) who need a caffeinated jolt to start the day.

Another home upgrade to kick off spring? Yes, indeed. Your spring weekends are going to be busy, so you best fuel up accordingly with coffee. Ehh?

Szanto Military Field Watch — $195

Stylishly designed and durably built — Szanto does it again.

Equal parts rugged and yet office-ready, the Szanto Military Field Watch is exactly the stylish casual timepiece to wear with a chambray shirt and slim olive chinos.
Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid — $185
Rancourt & Co.

Cotton canvas high-tops made in America the right way. Can you dig it?

I personally can’t get enough classic high-top sneakers — the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers are the right mix of old-school construction and dependable spring style.

 

Jack Mason Field Camp Watch — $195

A field watch that can actually work in slightly more dressed-up situations — trust me.

We’re continuing to fill out this list with stylish timepieces — the Jack Mason Field Camp Watch is yet another timekeeper that merges the rugged and the slightly more refined.
Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans — $128

The right kind of jeans for spring — slim, lightweight and pleasingly faded.

You  can never have too many pairs of stylish light wash jeans for spring, can you? Nope — especially not the darn-near essential Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans.

Faherty Brand Marled Indigo Crewneck — $128

You’re going to be able to style this crewneck sweater many different ways this spring — believe me.

When you want a sweatshirt that’s quick to throw on and easy to look great in, you want the Marled Indigo Crewneck from Faherty Brand. It’s just a perfect shade for spring, my friends.
OluKai Kahu Lace Sneakers — $100

Add another pair of sneakers to your shopping cart, my friends.

Simple, easygoing sneakers with the ability to slip on and off are exactly what you need on your feet this spring. Wear ’em to the beach and kick ’em off once you hit the sand this summer, too. Consider them the low-top answer to the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers.
Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White — $25.98

As classic and simple to style as it gets — take it from Flint and Tinder, you’re going to love this tee.

What are you going to wear with your classic sneakers? Why, a classic white T-shirt from our good friends at Flint and Tinder.
Onsen Bath Bundle (Large) — $156

Because your towels should be as nice as the rest of your gear — right?

Another home upgrade? Oh yes, assuredly. Onsen makes some of the best bath sets around, featuring premium long-staple cotton.
That’ll wrap up this quick, efficient and yet assuredly stylish rendition of The List. Who’s all geared up for spring? I am, I know that much — but not before I pick up the Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans (my personal favorite pick from this list). What’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading,
-Beau

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for A Casual Spring Weekend

Style is all about dressing in a way that stays true to yourself — and in a way that’s true to the situation, right? Right. There’s no sense in wearing a suit to the ballpark, for instance. The best style moves — from the classic Oxford shirt to the perfect pair of everyday denim — nail that tricky balance of classic-yet-versatile style, while working in any situation. And so it is with today’s #OOTD — we’re talking a specific situation (in this case, an easygoing spring weekend) and we’re talking picks that should fit right in with your wardrobe if you’re the kind of guy who values casual, laidback style with just a bit of retro cool. That’s what I call staying true to yourself, ehh? Spring is a time to shed extra layers and take it easy, so we’re stepping out in retro-inspired high-top sneakers, a classic leather watch and — perhaps most crucially — an ultra-cool short-sleeve shirt for the season. All of it adds up to an outfit that’s appropriate for a park picnic, a zoo visit, a stroll through an outdoor art fair or a visit to your favorite brewery … maybe all in one day? If you’ve got thoughts on this outfit, let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page or Twitter. Cheers!

Layering a stylish short-sleeve shirt with an easygoing tee and high-tops — that’s all there is to it!

The Shirt: Portuguese Flannel El Dorado Shirt, $125 — The purveyors of your favorite flannel shirts for the cold weather turn their attention toward a retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt — get yours now.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White, $25.98 — Are we layering a short-sleeve shirt over a tee? Heck yes, we are. This Flint and Tinder Slub Tee has a bit of a similar feel to something Armie Hammer might have worn in “Call By Your Name,” I’d say.

The Denim: Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Natural Indigo Selvage, $248 — Is this a pricey pair of light wash denim? It sure is. But Todd Snyder makes some of the very best denim around, easily. Roll these atop your sneakers or wear them with just one cuff. Speaking of sneakers …

The Sneakers: Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid, $185 — Made-in-America high-tops like these spring-ready Rancourt & Co. sneakers are tough to come by — these should stand up with ease to bar crawls and park strolls alike.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Boucle Mix Socks, $12 — While you could go with no-show socks here, these Anonymous-ism socks feature a neutral color and fabric that’s not too heavy — both spring must-haves.

The Belt: Filson Leather Belt, $85 — We’ve featured this Filson leather belt in a past #OOTD entry, and with good reason — it’s a dependable, stylish addition to your accessories lineup.

The Watch: Jack Mason Field Camp Watch, $195 — The Jack Mason Field Camp Watch is the timepiece you need for a spring weekend — it’s got just enough sharp style and just enough rugged appeal to go anywhere.

The Essential: ManCan 128oz. Picnic Keg, $44.98 — Is the ManCan Picnic Keg an essential? Well, only if you fancy having a park picnic … which I’d wager you do!

This outfit can go anywhere you go on a casual spring weekend — it’s pieces like slim light wash denim and those durable, retro-inspired Rancourt & Co. sneakers that get the job done when it comes to laidback style for the season. Layering a  retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt underneath a Flint and Tinder Slub Tee is also a slightly unexpected style move that gives this outfit some versatility and visual interest — it’s the kind of look that’s going to look particularly at home lounging on a patio with a margarita (or your drink of choice, that is to say). To stay on time through it all, the rugged style of the Jack Mason Field Camp Watch should help out admirably, while the ManCan Picnic Keg — funny name and all — is the essential to bring with you to a park picnic or a backyard party.  And the great thing about this outfit is the freedom of choice — you can rock it with or without the Anonymous-ism socks, for instance. So, where will this #OOTD take you this spring? What picks would you add or subtract? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers Can Help You Step into Spring

From the USA-made construction to the neat high-top silhouette, the Carson Mid checks a lot of boxes when it comes to spring style.

There’s a place in your wardrobe for the best men’s high-top sneakers, even outside of fall and winter (a time more traditonally associated with tougher footwear, yes?). That’s where the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers come into play, my friends. Spring is a season that calls for transitional footwear that still nods to the changing seasons — you need kicks that combine durability with substance and all-day versatility. That’s certainly essential when stepping through spring rains and transitioning from the office to happy hour (seriously, try wearing these kicks with slim tan chinos, a striped tee and an unconstructed cotton blazer this month). Again, the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers are a prime pick, without a doubt. The cotton duck canvas upper is unique and not frequently seen on sneakers — there’s really not much out there like the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers. What’s more, the Natural Canvas color nods toward the lighter shades of spring while also injecting these kicks with a bit of throwback style (classic white high-tops being that throwback style reference, of course).

And that’s not where the buck stops in terms of the quality and styling potential of these unique Rancourt & Co. kicks. The company puts in the same kind of approach that makes its other footwear so essential (for starters, see the  No sir, we’re talking excellent construction and that USA-made attention to detail that’s been in the Rancourt operation for decades. The canvas that we mentioned earlier is water and stain-resistant, and genuine leather laces add some neat visual interest to the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers — as if they couldn’t get any better. I’d say these handsome Rancourt & Co. sneakers will work with just about any combo you throw at them in the weeks and months ahead, from dark denim and an easygoing light blue chambray shirt to a striped tee and classic chinos. How will you style these essential transitional sneakers? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau