Tag / #menswear

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Upgrade Your Corduroys in Style for Fall

If the thought of corduroy trousers makes you think of your stuffy college professor or hideously dated, baggy pairs of pants, think again. In fact, today’s Style Suggestion here on the blog is going to tell you all about how to upgrade your corduroys in a big, big way this season. Perhaps you’ve already got a pair of slim corduroy pants in your closet, which is all well and good. And if you don’t, allow me to point you toward your new favorite pair of corduroys — seriously. The key, as with most #menswear challenges we dive into at The Style Guide, revolves around reaching for a pair with a more modern cut and a sharp color. Think a pair that’s more like black jeans than old-school corduroys. That way, you can wear them to the office and to happy hour afterward without missing a beat (or feeling out of place). Whic is to say, the Citizens of Humanity Bowery Standard Jeans are the way to go, what with a tailored fit and a dark shale color. We’ll show you how to wear ’em below. Don’t let the name fool you — these feature the cut of denim and the traditional texture of a stylish pair of corduroy pants. And y’know what’s even better? They match up handsomely with all kinds of men’s fall style essentials, from a slim cotton sweater to rugged suede boots.  Have questions? Get in touch with me on Twitter. Happy fall!

The Corduroys: Citizens of Humanity Bowery Standard Jeans in Shale — $198

Citizens of Humanity

Cut like a jean and packed with the serious style of a great pair of corduroys.

Are the Citizens of Humanity Bowery Standard Jeans pricey? For sure. Are they a somewhat rare pair of corduroys that look like a jean and harness just a bit of edgy style? They are. That makes the Bowery Standard Jeans a great pick-up if you want a stylish pair of corduroys. Again, don’t let the name fool you — the Bowery Standard will work as smoothly with a herringbone blazer as they will with a rugged henley and a selvedge denim jacket.

The Sweater:  BANKS River Knit Sweater in Desert Mist — $70

BANKS

A fall-ready sweater with neat layering potential from BANKS.

Your top layer here is really what’s going to set this outfit apart. A stylish striped cotton sweater such as the BANKS River Knit Sweater has plenty going for it, from the fall-ready color and rich red stripes to the classic crewneck silhouette. At least to your Style Guide author, that means you can layer it under a navy blazer at the office or throw it on underneath a tough, classic denim jacket. As luck would have it, we’ve got an option for you coming up.

The Shirt:  Line of Trade Oxford in Light Blue — $70

An easy-to-style option for any situation — especially with slim corduroys this fall.

With a pair of slim corduroys and a classic crewneck sweater, your shirting options are plentiful. You could reach for a slim chambray shirt for more rugged appeal, or throw on the Line of Trade Oxford Shirt for style that’s just a bit more office-ready. And if you follow this site, you know that we previously recommended Line of Trade in our guide on how to wear an Oxford shirt  — so the styling options for this classic Oxford are certainly abundant this season.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in ’68 Cone Mills Selvage — $188

Taylor Stitch

The perfect fall jacket — rugged, easy to layer and ready to break in with slim corduroys.

Promised you we’d get to a rugged denim jacket in this style suggestion, right? Again, outerwear makes a big difference when styling corduoy pants. A tough denim jacket from the master menswear purveyors at Taylor Stitch adds a touch of rugged appeal to this ensemble — it’s suitable to wear to the office on a casual Friday, or to head out to grab brews at your favorite bar. And the thing with the Long Haul Jacket is that it only gets better the more it’s worn.

The Boots: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots in Roughout Suede — $299.98

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots

A knockout pair of boots from Wolverine.

Folks, these might just be your new go-to fall boots. Whether you wear these rugged fall boots with your Citizens of Humanity corduroys as mentioned above or wear ’em with anything else in your closet, the Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots are going to stand out quite stylishly. Particularly with this outfit, the 1000 Mile Boots add fall-ready texture and a nice contrast to the dark corduroy pants; they’ll work at the office on a laidback fall day, and they’re surely ready for your next tailgate.

The Watch: Farer Kingsley Watch — $357.50

Best men's casual watches

A sleek watch that offsets the rugged nature of this ensemble.

Ahh, yes — just what the doctor ordered. A refined, versatile and supremely stylish leather watch from Farer.  Your watch is yet another area that can make or break an outfit — given the rugged denim jacket and tough Wolverine suede boots, this outfit definitely leans more casual. And yet, the handsome Farer Kingsley Watch adds a touch of minimal, sleek style. The 39.5mm case diameter also means the Farer Kingsley Watch  leans dressier  while standing out quietly– all the better if you’re looking to wear this ensemble to the office.

The Socks: Necessary Anywhere Four Sock in Navy — $18
Stylish men's socks

A distinctive pattern and a sharp color will help these socks pop nicely underneath your corduroys.

In the way of style upgrades, stylish socks surely need to be on your mind — right? And that’s certainly the case when stepping out in slim corduroys this fall. These Necessary Anywhere socks are just that: Necessary anywhere. Get it!? At any rate, the neat pattern is subtly stylish, while the blue color plays nicely off the darker color of the corduroys and the blue indigo Taylor Stitch denim jacket. Ya feel me on that?
The Belt: Line of Trade Veg-Tanned Leather Belt — $40 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

The perfect leather belt to stand up to tough suede boots and textured corduroys.

So, your belt. We leave no stone unturned here when it comes to essential men’s accessories, got that? Right on. A well-made, simply designed and stylish leather belt is a necessary finishing touch when stepping out in any season — and this rugged Line of Trade leather belt stands up to the visual heft and texture of those Citizens of Humanity corduroys and your tough Wolverine 1000 Mile boots.
The Bag: Whipping Post Large Leather Messenger Bag — $310
Whipping Post

The last messenger bag you’ll need to buy? Very likely. Very likely indeed.

Whether you wear your Citizens of Humanity corduroys to the office or for a day hopping from bar to bar, you’re going to need a way to haul your everyday carry. And the Whipping Post Large Leather Messenger Bag delivers the goods — and then some. This ridiculously well-made, handsome and durable leather bag has more than enough space for office essentials, and it’s certainly got plenty of space for off-duty essentials.

As we covered above, the Citizens of Humanity corduroys are a neat way to upgrade your trousers this fall. These slim corduroys are closer to rock-inspired slim black denim than stuffy corduroys of years past, and that’s great news if you’re looking to team them with rugged outerwear like a Taylor Stitch denim jacket or durable fall boots (you certainly can’t go wrong with the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, right?).  And the Citizens of Humanity corduroys  give you plenty of layering options on your top half, from a versatile chambray shirt to a classic Oxford shirt and a stylish striped cotton sweater (preferably from BANKS).  And if you want to offset all of those timeless pieces with a bit of a sleek edge, the remarkable Farer Kingsley Watch is the timepiece to throw on. Lastly, don’t forget patterned socks and a surprisingly stylish leather belt  — both picks are going to work well this fall no matter how many times you wear corduroys.

So, I think that about covers it — any questions or comments? Let me know on The Style Guide Facebook page!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear a Flannel Shirt This Fall

Gather ’round, Style Guide readers — today’s #OOTD tackles a favorite topic when it comes to rugged men’s fall style: How to wear a flannel shirt this season. If flannel shirts call to mind the mid-aughts boom of American workwear, well, they should — they were a key piece of #menswear then, and the right flannel shirt is just as relevant now. Today’s shirt of choice, the Filson Vintage Flannel Shirt, channels just the vibe you want when wearing a flannel shirt. It’s got all the trappings of a classic piece, but it’s just a bit more modern. With a cool black-and-cream color, it’s less outdoors-y and instead, just …  a cool shirt. And the way you wear your new favorite flannel shirt is going to make all the difference, too. Pair it with rugged style essentials like a premium slim henley and textured Bedford cord pants, and you’re going to shake off all those “urban lumberjack” connotations. Fear not, though — we’re still finishing off this #OOTD with rugged leather boots.  I know this much: You can make this outfit work for you at a football tailgate, at a bonfire or on a brewery tour — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let me know your thoughts over on Twitter when you get the chance, if you so please.

Best men's flannel shirts

Think again about how you wear your flannel shirt — this Filson shirt bucks the trend and looks great.

The Flannel Shirt: Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt in Black and Cream, $145 — The centerpiece of many a stylish and rugged fall outfit, Filson gets the color and classic fabrication just right with its Vintage Flannel Work Shirt.

The Henley: Billy Reid Speckled Henley, $155.98 —  Yet another critical fall layer, this made-in-Italy Billy Reid henley is a premium upgrade over a standard thermal henley — perfect for layering with a Filson flannel.

The Pants: BANKS Roll Bedford Cord Jean, $75 — Rather than reaching for dark blue denim, reach for the slim, fall-ready BANKS Bedford Cord Jean — textured, unique and slim-fitting.

The Boots: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots in Roughout, $299.98 (When On-Sale) — For fall, Wolverine has taken its 1000 Mile Boots and upgraded them in a rich, seasonally ready roughout leather. Perfect.
The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — To stand up to your sturdy leather boots and a rugged flannel shirt, a tough leather belt from Sturdy Brothers is just what the doctor ordered.
The Watch: Pantor Sea Lion Watch, $424.98— This outfit is packed with fall-ready neutrals, so shake up your wrist game with the striking, durable Pantor Sea Lion Watch. It’s the ideal, rugged watch to wear to a football game or a bar crawl.
The Bag: Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase, $119.98 — Whether you head to a house party or out on a day trip, the sturdy, well-made Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase is more casual (and durable) than the briefcase moniker implies.
The Beard Balm: Upstate Stock Willowemoc Beard Balm, $22 — Upstate Stock happens to be one of my favorite spots for menswear in Brooklyn — and they make a nice beard balm to tame your mane this season.
Are you sold yet on the versatile, rugged styling potential of the  Vintage Flannel Work Shirt from Filson? In a cool color scheme, it’ll work as a warm top layer over something as premium and understated as the Billy Reid Speckled Henley. And when you team up that combo with a crisp set of trousers like the BANKS Roll Bedford Cords, you’re set for casual fall excursions from the city to the country and back. Don’t step foot outside this fall without tough leather boots, either — I’d strongly urge you to invest in the stellar Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots — are you with me there? A durable, weather-ready watch like the Pantor Sea Lion Watch is going to fit right in with the tough nature of this outfit, and the Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase is standing at the ready if you need a new fall go-to to haul your everyday carry. So, I think we’re all set with today’s #OOTD. Thanks, as always, for reading!
-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: This Is All the Best Menswear to Shop for October

Alright, it’s fall now … isn’t it? While last month we talked about the best rugged gear to buy for early fall, we’re getting deeper into a season that’s simply an excellent time to be a fan of #menswear. If you read The Style Guide, you know that fall brings the potential for all kinds of fun, from layering with rugged overshirts to stepping out in stylish leather boots and simply enjoying all the season has to offer. And that’s quite a lot — tailgates, apple orchard trips, craft beer festivals … you name it. In today’s edition of The List, we’re covering the best gear to buy for fall, and there’s quite a lot to cover. Read on, shop away and let me know what you think over at The Style Guide Facebook page. Cheers.

 

SeaVees Legend Cordies Varsity Sneakers — $67.98

Corduroy in a pair of sneakers? Sure thing. SeaVees gets it right.

Your favorite classic sneaker brand — that’d be SeaVees — updates the Legend silhouette in fall-ready corduroy. Wear these with garment-dyed grey chinos and a light cotton sweater to head to class or the office.
BANKS River Knit Sweater in Desert Mist — $70

Cool stripes, a fall-ready color and an affordable price.

A stylish fall sweater for just $70? BANKS gets the balance of affordability and style just right with the casual, easygoing River Knit Sweater. Break this out to get coffee on a chilly fall morning, my friend.

Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Slate — $98

With the cut of a five-pocket pant and a versatile color, the 365 Pant could become a fall go-to.

Want a pair of stylish casual pants that are cut like denim but look like chinos? Perhaps in a rich, neutral color? Flint and Tinder is here to help with the mobile, comfortable 365 Pant in Slate. Perfect when paired with classic suede chukkas.
CLAE Gregory Mid Sneaker in Latte Leather — $150

Richly crafted sneakers in a cool monochromatic shade — ideal for fall.

As seen in my Style Guide weekend trip to Nashville, the CLAE Gregory Mid is a handsome, retro-inspired pair of high-top sneakers that practically scream fall. Best worn with broken-in denim and a slim crewneck sweater.
BANKS Tombstone Jacket — $130

A rugged silhouette meets plenty of warmth and neat layering potential. Throw this over a striped henley and you’re good to go.

What are you going to wear with the BANKS River Knit Sweater? Why, the just-as-affordable, just-as-rugged BANKS Tombstone Jacket ought to do the trick. You get a warm sherpa lining and a neat faded blue color with the Tombstone Jacket, too.
WP Standard Large Messenger Bag — $310

A beautiful messenger bag with more than enough room for your everyday essentials.

If you want to upgrade your everyday carry in style, the gorgeous, finely crafted and heritage-quality WP Standard Large Messenger Bag is the one to buy. I’ve tested out this bag around Brooklyn as of late, and it’s held up wonderfully (check out my Instagram for more).
Marshall Stanmore Bluetooth Speaker — $349

A new favorite home addition, without a doubt.

So, it’s a fall Friday night. You’re kicked back around the backyard fire pit, IPA in hand, stylish cotton sweater on … and you’re listening to the Marshall Stanmore Bluetooth Speaker. Handsomely appointed and of excellent quality.

Saddleback Leather Rounded Leather Duffel Bag — $595

Saddleback Leather

A leather duffel bag of exceptional quality, more than ready for your next fall trip.

There’s quite a lot to say about the investment-level quality and standout design of this durable, beastly Saddleback Leather bag — but let me just say this: It could be the last duffel bag you ever need to buy.
Pantor Sea Lion Watch — $424.98

The perfect watch to offset, say, a rugged overshirt and broken-in denim.

If you’ve got other fall style essentials taken care of — pieces like a rugged henley and stylish leather boots — then a durable, stylish casual watch is the final missing piece of the puzzle. The Pantor Sea Lion would look excellent with a chunky shawl collar cardigan and American-made denim.
Relwen Waxed Snap CPO — $318

Search no more for a casual-yet-durable fall jacket — the Relwen Waxed Snap CPO is perfect.

If you’ve been wanting a do-it-all, rugged fall jacket — something to layer over an Oxford, a slim henley or a pocket tee — the durable nylon-cotton twill blend  Relwen Waxed Snap CPO is here. If I didn’t know better, I’d say the Waxed Snap CPO is a perfectly rugged outer layer to wear to head to your favorite brewery.
Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie in Navy — $98

The perfect hoodie? Darn near. Flint and Tinder don’t disappoint when it comes to terrific basics.

While we’re talking rugged fall layering, let’s talk Flint and Tinder. Products like the well-made, classic Flint and Tinder 10-Year Hoodie certainly set the brand apart. Throw on the 10-Year Hoodie with a classic Oxford shirt and laidback denim to grab a weekend coffee or stroll through your favorite park.
Unmarked Rancher Derby Boot — $350

A handsome pair of boots finished with handmade toe embroidery.

While a pair of plain-toe, rugged leather boots are always welcome in matters of fall style, the Unmarked Rancher Derby Boot blends unique design touches with a classic silhouette for a nice change of pace.

With the Unmarked Rancher Derby Boot, we’re closing out this week’s edition of The List. Have any particular favorites from this round? The Relwen Waxed Snap CPO is my personal favorite, with plenty of rugged layering potential. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Astorflex Is Making Your New Pair of Fall Chukka Boots

Astorflex

Sleek leather chukka boots crafted for durability and style all season.

We talk a lot about stylish leather boots here on The Style Guide. Specifically, we’ve talked a lot about rugged, stylish Astorflex footwear this fall season. The Astorflex brand can do it all, from classic suede chukka boots to Chelsea boots and lace-up boots, and they craft products with quality and sustainability in mind. And now, Astorflex  has definitely done it again — meet your new favorite pair of leather chukka boots. That’s certainly high praise, but stick with me for a second. The all-new, Huckberry-exclusive  Astorflex Greenflex Leather Chukka Boots are where it’s at this season — to put it simply.  You might already be familiar with the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boot in its original iteration — finished with stylish and sustainable suede. But the Greenflex Leather Chukka Boots from Astorflex up the ante considerably, starting with durable tan leather that’ll pair up nicely with fall favorites ranging from slim blue denim to grey corduroys or olive chinos. Yes, that’s right — they can work with #menswear combinations aplenty (including charcoal trousers like the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant as seen above).

That wearability starts with the premium construction of these stylish men’s boots, because you can’t rock leather chukka boots for days on end without a sturdy build. And the leather sole and stacked leather heel guarantee tough durability. Using soft European leather and the sort of handmade construction you can only find in northern Italy also guarantees great quality.  Yes indeed, the Astorflex Greenflex Leather Chukka Boots check all the boxes when it comes to a go-anywhere pair of durable leather boots. Feel free to wear these now with broken-in blue denim and a striped henley on the weekends, then keep them handy as you dress for fall travel or even a day at the office. The slim profile and handsome tan leather of the Astorflex Greenflex Leather Chukka Boots will team nicely with navy or light grey wool trousers and a navy blazer — plus an American-made Oxford — for meetings, presentations and drinks after work. Given all of those possibilities, how are you ever going to take the Astorflex Greenflex Leather Chukka Boots off? I’m not quite sure , to be honest.

Will the Astorflex Greenflex Leather Chukka Boots be joining your ever-growing footwear collection this fall? 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Bespoke Post Wander Box

From a helpful guide book to a nifty iPhone camera lens, this is the gear you need to travel with this fall. Image courtesy of Bespoke Post.

We’re taking a slight departure from our usual #menswear focus on today’s Style Pick of the Week — just a slight (if literal) departure. Because, let’s be real — who among us doesn’t love the thrill of adventure and the excitement of exploring somewhere new? For travel lovers and explorers alike the Bespoke Post Wander Box is a prime choice as this week’s Style Pick– like other favorites on the blog, it’s an all-in-one offering in terms of versatility and dependability. And if you’re looking for a bit of fall travel style, I’d urge you to pick up the Wander Box. Without a doubt, the Wander Box from Bespoke Post has everything you need to explore a new locale — with a few handy extras thrown in. The utility of the Wander Box — available for just $45 when you sign up for Bespoke Post –– starts with the essential Wildsam Field Guide.


These mini-encyclopedias fit easily in a bag or a coat packet and are jam-packed with all kinds of helpful info on a wide range of cities. The guides cover everywhere from San Francisco to Brooklyn to Nashville and Austin –it’s your call. And when I say jam-packed, I mean jam-packed. From insights on gourmet eats and craft beverages to a full set of personal essays and reflections on specific cities, each Field Guide is entirely customized by city — and again, they’re packed full of essential info. Heck, I used my Wildsam Field Guide on a fall trip to Nashville and absolutely loved the cool spots it turned up, from coffee to menswear. So, that’s one major benefit of the Bespoke Post Wander Box  — and the rest of the goods? They’re just as stellar.

Bespoke Post Wander Box

Using my Wildsam Field Guide to get around Nashville in style — this could be you! Or not. But it could be!

It’s the little details in every Bespoke Post box that make the difference, and the Wander Box gets those right, too. Namely, you get your pick of ebony or bamboo headphones from LSTN Sound Co. — crystal-clear sound quality and understated style, to boot. What’s more,  these headphones feature no-rub functionality (no twisted cords here), and they also come with an in-line microphone to take calls. Not bad, ehh? And the Wander Box doesn’t stop there — no sir. It’s complete with a Universal Smartphone Fisheye Lens, a  wide-angle smartphone camera attachment that should up your photo quality significantly. That’s a heck of a deal for just $45 — can’t believe it? Neither could I when saw the price tag. So, to recap the Wander Box — you get a brand-new camera attachment to capture the perfect Instagram shot, plus an amazing field guide to help you explore cool cities like Nashville … plus an excellent set of stylish headphones. That’s all too good to be true, yes? Well, Bespoke Post makes it a reality. Just pick your city, pick up the Wander Box  and get planning.

Will you be picking up the Wander Box  from Bespoke Post before you hit the road this season?  Let me know on Twitter! 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Add to Your Fall Outerwear Rotation with the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

Flint and Tinder

Your new favorite fall jacket? It certainly could be — Flint and Tinder is back, and better than ever.

Here’s the thing: You need a rugged jacket for everyday wear ASAP, one of the best jackets for men. And if you read The Style Guide, you recognize Flint and Tinder — and the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket by default. The made-in-America brand from Huckberry knows how to make a prime rugged fall layering essential or two, and here’s the great news, The Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker is back this season. Even better? The Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker is here in a new, improved and very seasonally ready shade of Havana! Isn’t that great? I think so, at least. It’s got all the specs you know and love from Flint and Tinder, from the sturdy, durable, American-made construction to the use of tough Martexin waxed sailcloth. And the result is a versatile and stylish fall jacket.  The Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker also features the sort of silhouette that’s casual enough for fall weekend layering with a slim striped henley, yet equally ready to wear with an American-made Oxford and dark denim to the office on casual Friday (or casual … Thursday?).

And the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker  packs quite the punch in terms of functionality, too. In addition to the weather-resistant exterior, it’s lined with herringbone cotton flannel, a warm feature that doesn’t look half-bad if you happen to flip back the sleeve cuffs. And the hardware? Why, the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker  is finished with antique metal buttons featuring the F&T logo — a neat touch that’ll get better with age. You can also pick up the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker in a sleek shade of Coal and a fall-ready shade of Whiskey, but for my money’s worth, I can’t get enough of the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker in the unique shade of Havana. Wear it with slim black denim, wear it with faded American-made denim or olive chinos … and don’t forget the rugged leather boots.

Are you adding the Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker  from Flint and Tinder into your fall outerwear rotation? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter! 

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: These Are the Best Men’s Jackets for Fall

These are heady times we live in — busy times, too. If you’ve followed along with our Online Shopping Picks series on The Style Guide, you know that we’re all about getting you prepped for rugged fall style. And that continues today, in a big way. Putting together a rugged fall #menswear look is about the details — the big categories and the small ones, too. And in the way of essential men’s style for fall,  outerwear is a pretty big category. So, we’ll get you shopping and thinking today. The best men’s jackets for fall feature durable construction, essential warmth and pleasingly rugged-yet-versatile style — that combination is going to take you a lot of places.

Some of the below picks, like the tough Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket seen below, can work in both casual and tailored situations (try it with an American-made Oxford and a knit tie). And others — like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — fit right in with the rugged climes of fall. Regardless, this list of rugged fall jackets should have you set for the season. For more #menswear than you can shake a stick at, follow me on Twitter or Instagram. Enjoy fall — soon enough, anyways!

#1. Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket — $265 

A rugged and versatile piece that’s ideal for layering.

Yes indeed, ladies and gentlemen … the Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket tops our list, and with good reason. It’s the perfect transitional jacket to wear during early fall and on through November. Made from a custom-developed two-way stretch windshell nylon fabric, the Albion Jacket is a positively versatile layering piece. It’s even lined in fleece and is water-resistant — it’s a stylish fall jacket for layering over a rugged striped henley and teaming with classic dark denim.

#2. Abercrombie and Fitch Shera-Lined Corduroy Jacket — $160

A cozy jacket that evokes classic, timeless fall style.

Abercrombie and Fitch — a Style Guide favorite — continues to come roaring back season after season, and the Sherpa-Lined Curdory Jacket is a prime example of that. It evokes the kind of classic fall jacket that your dad or grandpa might have worn to do yard work, except this number features a slimmed-down fit and just as much warmth — plus added style points. Again, a slim striped henley and suede chukka boots are ideal companions.

#2. Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket — $158

Flint and Tinder

This piece could very well be your new favorite denim jacket — agreed? Agreed.

Originally part of our See Now, Buy Now series, the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket should be welcomed to this list with open arms. At least, I think so. Everyone needs a stylish denim jacket in their layering arsenal — the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker features a crisp indigo color and the type of easygoing wearability that looks great with slim tan chinos and a white chambray shirt or a slim striped henley.

#3. Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — $238

A fall-ready color and durable cotton construction set this jacket apart.

If you’ve read our Style Guide Q+A with Portland lifestyle brand Bridge and Burn, you know they’re dedicated to making classic, straightforward pieces with a touch of Northwest style influence. And in this case, the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket channels the kind of rugged durability you need this fall, and tosses in a healthy dose of style, too. The hard-wearing cotton outer and quilted liner of the Thielsen Jacket provide protection from the elements, while the rich Acorn color is a fall-ready shade. Who’s ready to hit the pumpkin patch, people?

#4.  BANKS Tombstone Jacket — $130

BANKS Tombstone Jacket

Another warm, classic and durablly made piece of outerwear for the season.

The rugged fall style just keeps coming in spades with the BANKS Tombstone Jacket. A unique brand available via the great folks at Bespoke Post, the Tombstone Jacket channels classic style with a modern edge. Which is to say, the faded blue cotton exterior plays nicely off the golden sherpa collar, while the lined warmer pockets ensure you stay warm even at long, chilly tailgates. So, throw on the Tombstone Jacket and pass me a beer, will ya?

#6. Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Cone Mills Selvage — $188

Taylor Stitch

A handsome denim jacket that’ll only get better with age.

Another jacket from Taylor Stitch on our list of the best men’s fall jackets? Yes indeed, you bet. The Long Haul Jacket is a much-loved silhouette from the brand, harnessing a slick, slim design with the power of Cone Mills denim. That’s right — Taylor Stitch teamed up with the country’s foremost denim mill on a rugged denim jacket that you can wear now over a chambray shirt and wear later over a stylish crewneck sweater. And that’s just the beginning, I’d wager.

#7. Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket — $148

A faded shirt jacket that layers with darn near anything in your closet — a job well-done by Taylor Stitch.

Hey, might as well round out this list with more rugged menswear from Taylor Stitch, yeah? The Maritime Shirt Jacket made an appearance in our #OOTD series earlier this year — specifically when it comes to how to wear a rugged overshirt — and it’s guaranteed to impress. The Maritime Shirt Jacket features a cool sun-bleached finish, sturdy construction and the type of fit that works with slim chinos and wingtip boots or black denim in equal measure.

#8.  Finisterre Petrichor Overshirt — $76.98

A durable, rugged silhouette with the strong fabrication to match.

Why exactly are we included an overshirt on this list of fall’s best jackets? Well, my friends — anything goes when it comes to stylish fall layering, and the construction and style of the Petrichor Overshirt is such that it can serve as both if needed. It’s an affordable stylish chore jacket that doubles as overshirt, and the densely woven cotton and cool khaki color make for a heck of a durable piece — so, sold on the Petrichor Overshirt yet?

Alright, friends — what’s your favorite pick of the above? Will it be the rugged versatility of the sturdy cotton Petrichor Overshirt or the sun-bleached cool of the Maritime Shirt Jacket? Is it perhaps the classically styled BANKS Tombstone Jacket or the rough-and-rugged  Long Haul Jacket? Yes indeed, from sherpa-collar corduroy jackets from Abercrombie and Fitch to a durable cotton number like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket, I hope you found this list helpful. It’s about finding the right fabrication and the silhouette that works for — because believe it or not, I’m sure once you try one of these rugged fall jackets, you’ll want to wear it as much as you can.

How’d we do with today’s post? What do you think of the above picks? Feel free to drop a note in the comments below, or hit me up on Twitter! 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s Your New Favorite Blazer for the Season Ahead

Need a new blazer for fall? Better yet, need to know how to wear it? We’re getting down to business in today’s #OOTD on The Style Guide — as I always say, you’re going to like the results of this #menswear ensemble. Wearing a blazer in early fall is much the same as you might wear a blazer in the spring or summer, with a few key points of differentiation. We’re still relying on classic men’s style staples, from an American-made Oxford to slim charcoal trousers, but the differences comes in color and texture throughout this look — for instance, a pair of rugged leather boots from Hudson Shoes are in the mix today. Talk about rugged fall style, yes? And even the stylish leather watch from Timex that you see below features a bit more fall-ready texture and style. It’s all about dialing in the fit and making classic style essentials work for you — to your Style Guide author, this is the type of ensemble that works any day of the work week in September and October (and beyond!). You know what’s even better? You can easily layer up with a stylish crewneck sweater later this season as it starts to get chilly. How about that? Chime in with your thoughts on the below #OOTD in the comments or on Twitter — feedback is always welcome! Thanks, as always, for reading.

A cotton blazer matched with charcoal trousers and rugged leather boots — your ideal fall #OOTD.

The Blazer: Abercrombie and Fitch Utility Blazer in Olive, $120 — Nod toward fall with a rugged cotton coat that’s part utility jacket-part blazer — the olive shade is a unique, seasonally appropriate color, too. Feel free to wear it with a rugged striped henley if you’re feeling more casual.

The Oxford: Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford, $64.98 — As versatile as ever, this classic white Oxford  from perennial Style Guide favorite Flint and Tinder adds crisp style to this work-ready ensemble.

The Trousers: Flint and Tinder 365 Pant in Slate, $98 — These versatile five-pocket trousers should work any time of the year — and the charcoal color of the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant makes them particularly ready for fall.

The Boots: Hudson Shoes Lennon Boot in Tan, $270 — As first seen in a See Now, Buy Now feature on this site, Hudson Shoes makes a perfect pair of rugged leather boots — the tan leather nicely offsets the Flint and Tinder 365 Pant.

The Belt: Whipping Post Officer’s Belt in Natural, $78 — The best way to get into the spirit of rugged fall style is with similarly rugged accessories – this richly crafted natural leather belt from Whipping Post gets it done.

The Socks: Anonymousism Slub Crew Sock in Navy, $18 — Stylish socks are an underrated, essential style accessory, and these textured navy Anonymousism socks fit right in with the rest of this stylish ensemble.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch in Red Wing Leather, $139— In keeping with the rugged fall vibes of this outfit, a stylish leather watch from Timex, featuring Red Wing boot leather, is a nice pick-up.

The Essential Accessory: Fellow Stagg x Pour-Over Set, $69 — To me, this outfit signifies work-ready, get-the-job-done style. So, you’re going to need to fuel up properly, ehh? This Fellow Stagg x Pour-Over Set should make just about the best pour-over coffee you can get at home.

So, I hope we’ve all got a better idea of how to wear a blazer for fall — I’ve got some ideas myself now! When you start with an easygoing cotton blazer with rugged styling details, the rest of the outfit falls into place. From slim charcoal trousers and an American-made Oxford to stylish leather boots from Hudson Shoes, these are the type of pieces you can wear again and again throughout the fall season. And when you consider the rugged style and affordability of the Timex Waterbury Watch, this outfit is that much better of a value. Even stylish socks from Anonymousism should provide both comfort and great looks, too. But there’s more! The rest of the season, you can also layer up the Abercrombie & Fitch Utility Blazer with plenty of other rugged style essentials. What’s your take on this #OOTD? If you want to see some real-time fall style tips, be sure to follow me on Instagram!

That’s all for now — thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Keep Portland Weird! A West Coast Weekend Adventure

Hanging out at TwentySix Cafe in versatile, rugged gear for exploring Portland. My Bridge & Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket, the Taylor Stitch Sashiko Shirt, All-American Washed Jeans from Flint and Tinder and my Grizzly Wheat President Boots from Thursday Boots worked out tremendously!

Before we kick things off in today’s latest travel style feature on The Style Guide, know that we’re not about to dive into a “Portlandia” parody (as outstanding as that show happens to be). No sir, this past weekend gave me the chance to head West — although I’d spent a weekend exploring Los Angeles and even made a trip out to Las Vegas for work last year, I’d never been to the City of Roses. I’ve been hearing great things about its balance of excellent #menswear, standout craft beer, a great culinary scene and of course, stellar live music — in my book, that’s more than enough reason to get out and adventure.


And the my long weekend brought with it the added value of an amazing concert — always a bonus! Yes indeed, seeing excellent synth pop band Future Islands play the renowned Crystal Ballroom was a heck of a treat on Friday night. Although it was quite the long trek to get out there following a long work week in New York, I did my best to pack in style (as you might have seen via my Instagram page). Come along for the journey!

Slim, faded denim, a durable Saddleback duffel bag, trusty James Dean Eyewear sunglasses … all that you need for a weekend out West.

Traveling in style and comfort can be a bit of a challenge — particularly on a long flight. That’s why I reached for my durable, pleasingly faded All-American Washed Jeans from Flint and Tinder. Made from premium cotton denim and finished with just a hint of stretch, my All-American Washed Jeans were a fine pair of denim to go from the airport to go to the hip, quiet and cozy TwentySix Cafe near my Irvington accommodations. And my uniquely detailed Taylor Stitch Sashiko Shirt worked just as well on the plane as it did trekking around Portland, particularly when teamed with the richly crafted Grizzly Wheat President Boot from Thursday Boots. To stay on time through it all, I reached for a brand-new, slim and refined Timex watch — the versatile leather strap proved easily wearable all day long. To shield my eyes from the sun in style, a new pair of James Dean Eyewear JDS100 Sunglasses looked great and proved up to the task. The next time your trip calls for exploring a new city on foot, reach for mobile denim, comfortable-yet-tough boots, a sharp watch and stylish, go-anywhere shirting. 

All the right details for exploring Portland, including a new Timex watch and my rugged Thursday Boots Grizzly Wheat President Boots.

And exploration was certainly the name of the game on Friday leading up to that night’s Future Islands show. Thankfully, my durable, rugged and extremely well-crafted Saddleback Rounded Leather Duffel Bag held up to the challenge of lugging around my favorite travel style essentials as I hopped from grabbing a crucial cold brew to the excellent Bunk Bar Wonder, one of a series of PDX locations offering gourmet sandwiches, excellent craft cocktails and a very solid beer selection. A hint — get the Molě Tator Tots, packed with delicious flavor. It was a great afternoon lead-in to a stop at the richly appointed Tanner Goods Flagship Store and the accompanying craft cocktail/beer bar & patio, The Wayback. This American-made brand has long been a favorite of mine for handsome leather goods, durable outerwear, stylish home decor and terrific attention to detail — it was a treat to finally stop by! So with coffee, menswear and craft beer on lock, that led to the night’s highlight: Future Islands bringing down a packed Crystal Ballroom with a stellar show! It helped that I dressed in comfort and style; I can simply never resist the chance to wear rugged leather boots to a concert, either.

The Baltimore-based synth pop band’s rise to fame has been a long one — they’ve played more than 1,000 shows across the country since 2006, often booking them on their own. And if you’re not familiar, I’d say you’ll recognize them from their 2014 appearance on Letterman playing hit single “Seasons (Waiting on You).” Believe me, frontman Sam Herring is every bit as energetic, passionate and enjoyable in person — I knew that from seeing the band play Panorama 2017 here in NYC! And their return to Portland was an anticipated one, coming as it did off the release of one of this year’s better albums, the emotionally packed “The Far Field.”

With an extensive discography spanning five albums and plenty of crowd favorites, a Future Islands show is full of highs and lows, joy and passion — it’s a sight to behold, from hits like 2017’s “Ran” and 2014’s “A Dream of You and Me” to fan favorites like “Seasons,” of course! And Crystal Ballroom, what with a historic interior and a tremendous craft beer selection — including choice selections brewed in Portland — is simply a quirky, cool, standout venue for a live show. Did it top my trip to Nashville to see Young the Giant and Cold War Kids? It’s tough to say – but Future Islands blew me away yet again. Even dealing with a bit of jet lag, it was still a heck of a way to cap off a big Portland day.

Durable Allen Edmonds boots, a finely crafted Abercrombie cotton shirt and a durable Timex x Red Wing watch — perfect Portland essentials.

So, with Friday night in the books, my Saturday kicked off in style — from the ground up, as it were. For getting around Portland with durability, rugged looks and sharp versatility in mind, my brand-new Allen Edmonds Caen Cap Toe Boots worked extremely well. Of course, I started my day right on time with my Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch, but stellar boots were just as critical. Coming from a brand mainly known for stylish men’s dress shoes, these rugged cap toe boots are a welcome addition to the Allen Edmonds line — and what’s more, they worked nicely in tandem with the crisp, easily wearable Flint and Tinder 365 Pants. Cut like a five-pocket pant and made from a blend of cotton and lyrca, my 365 Pants helped me grab a quick coffee at essential Portland stop Blue Star Donuts before kicking off afternoon shopping at Style Guide favorites Bridge & Burn. On the shirting front, I reached for a nice fall go-between — a new Abercrombie & Fitch Herringbone Shirt, courtesy of the brand. I can’t recommend the rugged versatility of Abercrombie & Fitch enough, and this soft-washed cotton shirt was able to withstand a full day out and about in Portland.

I packed a lot into an already busy day, including a stop at the excellent Kiriko Made shop — renowned for indigo textiles, excellent shirting and stunning attention to detail on items as small as pocket squares, Kiriko should certainly be on your shopping list if you get out to Portland.  And just as with my trip to Nashville, I had to hit up a renowned craft beer spot or two. The afternoon started with the Deschutes Brewery Portland location — a craft beer lover’s dream.  Lauded for rich, innovative and hard-to-find beers (at least back in NYC), I can’t recommend the nearly legendary Black Butte Porter or the Inversion IPA enough. It was a nice lead-in to another busy evening — centered, of course, around a trip to bustling sports bar The Independent to catch my beloved Michigan State Spartans take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish! And for a postgame brew, I headed to 10Barrel Brewing, another Oregon favorite that’s always a treat to sip.

Men's travel style

Heading back home in comfortable Standard Deviation denim, a classic Bridge and Burn tee and my trusty Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

To kick off my last and final day in style — and with a jolt – I stopped by the Ace Hotel Portland, a hip boutique hotel that’s also a favorite spot in NYC for post-work drinks and small bites. Oh, and the coffee from Stumptown Coffee Roasters? It’s excellent, too. I also made my final day count in terms of #menswear, from my Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki chukka boots to my slim, stylish and well-fitting Standard Deviation denim. Standard Deviation does it right when it comes to stylish denim — the brand’s Two-Part Solution allows you to try out two pairs for 15 days to nail down your perfect fit; when the time comes, you pay the discounted price of $78 per pair. Not bad, ehh? And certainly stylish for exploring Portland and heading to Ecliptic Brewing for a nice brew or two before a long flight back home.

I also dressed in laidback style with a new Bridge & Burn Basic Tee, a slim-fitting number made with a breezy cotton blend. The Heather Wine color  of the Basic Tee also played nicely off my Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki chukka boots. Luckily, my essential Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch ensured I stayed on time throughout the day.  For navigating a new city, reach for classic suede chukka boots and perhaps some favorite tunes, as I did when I plugged into stylish headphones from the Bespoke Post Vibes Box. With a busy, enjoyable and exciting weekend behind me, it was time all too soon to head hone. I appreciated Portland for its quiet atmosphere, its mix of amazing coffee, great menswear and live music, and the attention to detail in everything from food to craft beer. Is Portland “weird,” per se? It’s different than New York and Brooklyn, and that’s a great thing!

If you’ve got questions on the best things to do in Portland, drop me a note on Twitter. Follow along on Instagram for more men’s travel style tips, and check back tomorrow for a new #OOTD post.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Billy Reid Speckled Henley is an Essential Fall Layer

An ultra-premium henley that’s more than ready for fall layering. Did I mention it’s from Billy Reid?

We’ve been talking about men’s fall style essentials for a while now on the blog, and make no mistake, we want to get you prepped the right way. That’s why you need — NEED — the Billy Reid Speckled Henley for fall. Is that a bit extreme perhaps? Sure  — but if you argue that every needs a rugged henley in his fall layering rotation, then the Billy Reid Speckled Henley becomes that much easier to consider (and even buy!). And so it goes with another See Now, Buy Now entry – the Speckled Henley in particular is a welcome sight. It means that we’re that much closer to fall breezes, crisp morning walks through your favorite park, rich stouts on tap at your favorite brewery … you name it, and the Billy Reid Speckled Henley can take you there this season. It’s an accessible piece from a designer lauded for his runway shows and his richly crafted (and expensive) outerwear and tailoring — but rest assured, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is worth it.

Made in Italy from a 12-gauge knit heathered fabric, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley could be the most premium henley you own. That means you can wear it with a herringbone blazer and dark blue denim to the office on a casual Friday, and you can easily throw it on underneath a classic denim jacket or a black moto jacket and stylish Chelsea boots to head to a  rock concert. And with small details like a tubular neckline finish and high-quality horn buttons, this henley acts more like a dress shirt than a base layer. Crucially, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley is going to retain its shape and look great even with repeated wear. Are you ready for fall yet? Hopefully, the Billy Reid Speckled Henley  helps get you in the spirit soon enough.

How would you wear the Billy Reid Speckled Henley? Will you be picking it up this season?