Tag / #ootd

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear a Field Jacket This Fall

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

First of all, is this the absolute best way to wear a field jacket? Ehh, debatable. But we can sure as heck try. Last week on everyone’s favorite menswear blog — uhh, that would be this one — we talked about how to wear a bomber jacket for fall. It’s a classic style that’s undergone a high-fashion resurgence — rest assured, it’s still easily adaptable for us regular fellas. In a similar fashion, we’re talking today about how to wear a field jacket. It’s another style with roots in real-life military action that’s seen a resurgence. All kinds of designers have been looking to the past for rugged inspiration, functionality and all-around good looks — and that’s not a bad thing at all. You really can’t go wrong with a tough field jacket  — the silhouette is classic and hard-wearing. In today’s menswear world, it’s also a suitable blazer replacement, as it’s lightweight enough to wear indoors. That versatility is nearly unmatched in the outerwear realm. And the field jacket you’ll see below certainly incorporates quite a bit of functionality — plus, a silhouette that’s just a tad more modern than field jackets of days gone by. The pieces that complement it are similarly modern … yet also heritage-inspired. Trust me, this will all make sense when you see the #OOTD below. For a daily look at more unbelievable #menswear (wink, wink), head on through to Instagram or Twitter.

A modern take on the field jacket, finished off with classic, rugged style essentials like wingtip boots and a Western shirt.

A modern take on the field jacket, finished off with classic, rugged style essentials like wingtip boots and a Western shirt.

The Field Jacket: Banana Republic Military Field Jacket, $129.99 — While you could stick with a rugged cotton-canvas field jacket, this cotton-nylon blend should move better and look a bit more modern thanks to the absence of front flap pockets at the hips. It’s a field jacket built more for the city and less for the … well, field.

The Shirt: Buck Mason Tan Cowboy Pearl Snap Shirt, $145 — Lest you worry that we lost all rugged appeal by ditching a more traditional field jacket silhouette, rest assured that this Cowboy Pearl Snap Shirt packs masculine style in spades. It’s the type of shirt your grandpa would’ve been proud to wear –and that’s a very good thing.

The Denim: Baldwin Denim The Henley Slim Selvedge Jeans, $220 (Get more Baldwin denim via East Dane) — What better way to complement a tough Western shirt and a navy field jacket than with essential selvedge denim? It’s a tough combo to top, but we’ll try our best with the rest of this ensemble.

The Boots: Johnston & Murphy Greer Wingtip Boot, $198 — It’s very nearly boot season, and if you haven’t developed a fall wish list yet, get these boots on there. I’ve tested out this particular pair of Johnston & Murphy boots over the past few weeks, and they’re worth every penny — rugged, refined and comfortable as can be.

The Socks: American Trench Superfine Merino Herringbone Socks, $27.98 — Need a reason to splurge on socks? American Trench has you covered — read more on the brand here, while you’re at it.

The Watch: Jack Mason JM-F103-001 Field Automatic Watch, $515 — That price is bound to make your eyes pop a little bit — however, know that you’re getting in on the ground floor (relatively speaking) of a watch company that’s producing essential, rugged styles with a strong American design influence.

The Belt: Maximum Henry Slim Standard Belt, $100 (Get more Maximum Henry belts via East Dane) — Does $100 seem like a lot for a belt? Sure does. But know that you’re supporting a one-man operation — on my menswear honor, I’ve met Henry(of Maximum Henry fame, of course) and seen the work he does; it’s a sight to behold!
The Everyday Carry: Bull & Stash The Stash Notebook (5.5″x 9″), $55 — Bull & Stash popped up in our recent #OOTD on how to wear a bomber jacket, and they’re back here because everyone can use a durable notebook built to last a lifetime.
Huckberry
When you step back and look at this #OOTD, what at first might have seemed a bit too rugged is tempered by the fact that it’s made of well-fitting, timeless gear. From the sturdy-as-heck Western shirt to the selvedge denim, we’re looking at pieces that have masculine, classic edge — a combination that’s toned down by the technical fabric and modern cut of the navy field jacket. In terms of what’s on your feet, it’s tough not to love a durable pair of leather boots and comfortable, American-made socks. And while the watch featured in this outfit is pricey, it’s the kind of timepiece that you could certainly dress up with a slim fall blazer — once you hang up your field jacket, that is. Do you have suggestions on how to improve or change this outfit at all? Leave a comment on The Style Guide Facebook page (it needs some love).
In the meantime — up your field jacket game and stay stylish,
-Beau

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Bomber Jacket This Season

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Ahh, yes. The classic bomber jacket. A men’s style staple that’s experienced a huge resurgence in recent years, in part thanks to certain, ahem, celebrities (Mr. Kanye West among them). But how do you take a style that’s seen on the runways and boil it down to an essential, easily wearable outfit? A solid menswear #OOTD, if you will? That’s why we’re here today at The Style Guide, and after you read the below, your questions will all be answered (hopefully). The key with looking at a major trend sometimes isn’t too follow it exactly — that is to say, you can buy that Alpha Industries bomber jacket, but maybe (no, definitely) switch it up from how Yeezy wears it. In this case, we’re working with a different bomber jacket entirely, and classic style staples like a slim chambray shirt and … well, we’ll leave that to the imagination for now. Have thoughts or suggestions on how you would style your bomber jacket? Leave a comment below or join the (very fun!) conversation on Twitter.

Slick, sharp and casual -- just the right way to wear a bomber this fall.

Slick, sharp and casual — just the right way to wear a bomber this fall.

The Bomber Jacket: Bridge & Burn Northrup Olive Jacket, $218 — See, I said we were using a different bomber jacket entirely — right? The olive color is neutral and yet still a change of pace from navy or that military green typically seen on bomber jackets, and the front snap hip pockets and stand-up collar are neat design touches, too.

The Chambray Shirt: JackThreads Chambray Workshirt, $49 — The great thing about starting an outfit with a neutral bomber jacket is that any classic chambray shirt in your arsenal would work — yet this neat patterned workshirt offers a heftier weight for fall, plus a pattern that’s just different enough.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Slim Morton Denim, $128 — You (probably) should recognize the Mott & Bow Slim Morton as a recent Style Pick of the Week entry, and it’s a good pick here because of the super-comfortable four-way stretch and dark black color in a no-fade rinse.

The Sneakers: UGG Kramer Sneakers, $120 — Your humble author discovered the comfort and style of UGG men’s sneakers during a summer trip to Michigan, and the Kramer falls right in line with those same qualities. Surprised? Don’t be — these are a reliable, stylish high-top sneaker pick for the season ahead.

The Socks: ICNY Half-Calf Gradient Socks, $13.98 — Sometimes, you just need simple, straightforward socks that offer neutral color, comfort and performance. You get all that with this pair for a pretty decent price, and the fact that the fine folks at Huckberry sell ’em is a positive.

The Watch: MVMT Watches The 40 in Rose Gold/Natural Leather, $120 — Since when can you get a crisp, versatile watch fit for both casual and dress situation? At a low price, to boot? Since MVMT Watches started making ’em, that’s when. The case diameter is just right, and the look is crisp and clean for just over $100.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt in Hickory, $99.98 — Looking for an investment-worthy belt that’ll break in beautifully and offer a rich accent to dressy and casual outfits? Here it is.

The Everyday Carry: Bull & Stash The Stash Notebook (5.5″ x 9″), $50 — $50? For a notebook? Bear with me. Bull & Stash Notebooks support American-made production and top-notch quality, and they’re refillable — just swap out the paper when you’re done (save those memories though).

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

If the below #OOTD feels a bit too casual for you with those sneakers, swap them out for a pair of stylish men’s dress shoes (casual wingtips are a nice way to go), or heck, keep the sneakers and add a navy knit tie to wear this to the office. This sort of casual yet put-together look might be best for a  weekend coffee run or, dare I say it … Sunday brunch. And since it’s a midweight approach to wearing a bomber jacket — note the lack of a heavy hoodie, a la Kanye — it should work in the early fall or spring in the right conditions. For a bomber jacket that’s certainly an investment, it’s a positive that it can be worn multiple ways. For a look at how yours truly styles spring and fall outerwear for similar situations, head over to Instagram — maybe? Please?

‘Til the next #OOTD,

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear A Henley This Fall

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

So it’s not exactly the middle of summer anymore, is it? That’s a strange sensation if you’ve been used to dressing for the heat or packing up stylish beach gear. But if  you’re anything like this #menswear writer, you relish the chance to dress for seasonal transitions and break out some of your favorite seasonal style staples. We’re talking pieces that are rugged and refined, ready for casual wear or able to be worn with a bit more tailored style in mind. And in the case of this week’s #OOTD, we’re looking at an outstanding piece for a seasonal transition — the ever-reliable slim long-sleeve henley.  With its athletic-minded origins and rugged good looks, a great henley certainly works in the summer as well as the in-between period between summer and fall. But particularly when it’s made with marled fabric and plenty of quality and comfort, it’s the ideal early (and middle, and late) fall style piece — think of the below #OOTD as a weekend workhorse look. To get your mind right when it comes to stylish henleys, check out last year’s picks for the best men’s henleys for fall — and know that we’ll have a similar feature coming on this site in the weeks ahead. Oh, and how exactly should you style this durable staple? We won’t drop any hints up here — scroll below to check out the #OOTD, join in on the men’s style conversation at The Sty le Guide’s Facebook page, and check out this guy’s Instagram for daily style tips.

Best men's henleys for fall

Just one way — but perhaps, the best way — to wear a henley this fall.

The Henley: Flint & Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley, $62  — So, the henley shown here is a bit more expensive than you might be used to paying for a basic layering piece. But the quality, fit and styling potential is top-notch, and given the fact that it’s part of a slew of new additions to the Flint & Tinder product line, you should definitely pick up this slim henley.

The Coat: Old Navy Canvas Coat, $69.94 — It might initially be too hot to wear a canvas coat atop that henley, but know that when it gets slightly chilly and you need a crisp top layer, this rugged canvas coat is the perfect finishing touch.

The Chinos: JACHS NY Grey Bowie Fit Stretch Cotton Chino, $89 — Why go with chinos here as opposed to slim, dark denim? They lend the look a bit of high-low style appeal, and the fabric and slim fit are nice positives.

The Boots: CAT Footwear Russell Boot, $150 — Boots that blend different fabrics and textures (like wool and leather) with a sturdy ankle boot, moc toe combination are the perfect way to nod toward the chillier temperatures of fall — not to mention the rugged-refined vibe of this outfit.

The Socks: Flint & Tinder Inventor Socks, $17.98 (Three-pack) — If we’re going with a Flint & Tinder henley, might as well go with crisp, stylish and comfortable Flint & Tinder socks, ehh?

The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono, $158 — The Timex x Red Wing Heritage collaboration is a certified Style Guide favorite, and it’s the perfect mixture of toughness and style to offset the other fall-appropriate pieces in this #OOTD.

The Belt: Anderson’s Stretch Woven Leather Belt, $195 — If you want a belt that’s going to work as hard as you do, last forever (truly) and add some subtle texture to this overall look, the Anderson Stretch Woven Leather Belt is the way to go.

The Everyday Carry: United By Blue Lakeland Laptop Bag, $119.98 — Looking for a durable, dependable bag to haul around your laptop? This United By Blue laptop bag merges function and fashion, and it does so while promoting a good cause (the brand removes one pound of trash from oceans & waterways for every item sold).

Are you ready for some fall weather yet? Hopefully so. Dressing for the transitional period between the heat of summer and the chill of winter can seem taxing if you’ve grown used to wearing that short-sleeve chambray shirt for months on end, yet reaching for the right pieces can make it an enjoyable task. A marled henley is an essential for the colder months, and when mixed with dependable boots and refined chinos, it can work in even more style situations. On top of that, sharp socks that add a pop of color play nicely off dressy touches like that textured leather belt and rugged leather watch. And if it gets truly cold in the weeks ahead, you can always add a crisp shawl cardigan to this same ensemble. Have questions or more suggestions for the #OOTD series? Shoot me a note on Twitter.

Make room in your closet for a great henley — and stay stylish in the meantime!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for A Rock Concert

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Chances are, we’ve all got certain style scenarios throughout the week we have to tackle — be it dressing for a laidback office or a laidback summer weekend, there’s a multitude of conundrums (and opportunities!) to navigate in any given week. If you enjoy live music — as I very much do — you might also find yourself attending a show or two … or three. Heck, from the 2016 Panorama music festival to Governors Ball to an upstate trip to see Lucius, I love it all, and I get out and about to shows quite a bit. If you read this blog, you certainly know that; maybe you’ve even tackled a similar scenario, such as how to dress for a summer music festival. However, non-festival settings are a different animal entirely. We’re usually talking an indoor venue, a more compact crowd, and possibly time spent waiting in line outside. So, what are you going to wear? And namely, what’s a combination that might hold up alright at the office and then heading to the show itself? This is one of the essential questions in life (wink, wink) and it’s the one we’re going to answer below. As yours truly likes to drive home, looking for ways to improve — and maintain — your style comes down to always seizing the chance to do a little bit extra when it comes to getting dressed. That’s where style upgrades come into play, even off the clock. The below outfit certainly has a few of those. If you want to keep up with what I’m wearing at my next show (obviously), head to Instagram. To check out my thoughts on music & other musings, check out my non-menswear Twitter — it exists! — right here.

Ready for the front row -- a chambray shirt, slim black denim and Chelsea boots are about as concert-ready as it gets.

Ready for the front row — a chambray shirt, slim black denim and Chelsea boots are about as concert-ready as it gets.

The Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch M-65 Military Jacket, $150 –The (somewhat) new and very improved Abercrombie & Fitch is keeping that roll going into the fall season with pieces like this timeless, sharp and versatile field jacket. It works just as well over a knit tie with a blue Oxford as it does with this outfit’s other pieces.

The Shirt: Buck Mason Short-Sleeve Chambray Shirt, $108 — If you’ve kept your eyes peeled, you’ve seen this Buck Mason short-sleeve chambray shirt as part of this site’s Style Pick of the Week series. It’s an essential done the right way, and the short sleeves will keep you cooler even underneath the jacket.

The Denim: Levi’s 505C Slim-Fit Jeans in DeeDee Wash, $98 — Is it cliché to wear black jeans to a rock concert? Not when that pair of denim is inspired by an actual archival style worn by rockers like the Ramones. (Read more by yours truly at The Manual).

The Boots: Soul36 Fairmont Chelsea Boots in Taupe, $249 — Because no trip to a concert is complete with rock-ready footwear, suede Chelsea boots that can handle a bit of a beating are the exact way to go.

The Socks: Pair of Thieves Okapi Socks, $10  — When your outfit relies on lots of shades of blue (plus some black and tan), a vibrant shot of red is never a bad thing. The price on these Pair of Thieves socks simply can’t be beat.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt in Hickory, $99.98 — An average belt just won’t do here — no, your belt should be one that works at the office and at a show, and a refined-yet-rugged Tanner Goods belt is neither too dressy or dressed-down.
Frank & Oak
The Watch: AVI-8 Hawker Hunter Watch, $270 — Seeing as we’re pushing for an outfit that’s equal parts rugged, tough and office-ready, this aviation-inspired timepiece — featuring a beefy 45mm case diameter and smart dial design — is ideal.

The Wallet: Andar Wallets Scout Wallet, $22 — Before we get into what makes this wallet so great, know that you can get 10 percent off your purchase with the code ‘STYLEGUIDE’ — now, why should do that? This wallet is slim enough to fit into the front pocket of that denim, functional enough to hold a small amount of cash and a few essential cards, and memorable enough in design that you won’t leave it behind at the bar.

As you can see in the #OOTD above, the small style details matter, from the cut of your shirt to the color of your socks — and they can be merged into one functional outfit that’s fit for something as unique as a rock concert. Those suede Chelsea boots that you might pair with a business-casual look will fit right in as you jockey for a front-row spot (or a spot at the bar). Pieces like a navy military jacket and a chambray shirt are multi-season essentials that work particularly well for transitioning from location to location — indoors or outdoors. The military jacket is rugged yet sharp when paired up with that crisp blue short-sleeve chambray shirt. And while black denim might feel a touch rebellious, a clean wash in a dark color is certainly as concert-ready  as durable pair of inky blue denim. Lastly, that durable watch and slim wallet are nice additions to your daily haul any day of the week. If you have suggestions or thoughts on what you’re wearing to your next show, write me a note on Twitter (my #menswear one, if you prefer).

Stay stylish and snap a concert video for me,

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Denim Dress Shirt

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here. Thanks to Paul Fredrick for partnering with The Style Guide on today’s post and shirt review.

There’s only one way to do business casual — right? Maybe a classic blue Oxford, tan chinos and stylish leather dress shoes? Well, that’s certainly one way to look at it. But the great thing about being into matters of style is that there’s not really one set uniform any more. Now, there are certainly preferred ways to dress (preferably not using Mr. Kanye West as an example) and you definitely need to keep fit and proportion in mind, but there’s room for experimentation. Such is the case with this week’s #OOTD here on The Style Guide. It starts out classically enough — using a button-down collar shirt and grey pants as the outfit’s base, but deviates from there. The denim dress shirt in particular is worth noting. Now that you’ve got that in line, how should you style this shirt? Well, we don’t want to give away all the good stuff — read on for more, and send me a tweet on Twitter if you have a style suggestion you’d like to see covered.

 

Part casual, part classic and all wearable -- taking a denim shirt and mixing things up.

Part casual, part classic and all wearable — taking a denim shirt and mixing things up.

The Shirt: Paul Fredrick Slim-Fit Non-Iron Solid Twill Shirt, $89.50 — Made from textured 100 percent cotton twill that looks just like your favorite pair of dark denim, this shirt is a welcome change of place from a white Oxford or even a lighter blue chambray shirt.

The Jacket: Rogue State Suede Bomber Jacket, $139.99 — How do you mix up a crisp business-casual look even further? With a bomber that’s slick and anything but straightforward. Even if it’s a bit warm now, this jacket should be a fall workhorse.

The Pants: Dockers Jean Cut Slim Fit Pants, $58 — While slim grey chinos would also work here, there’s just something about a denim shirt that calls for a  bit more texture, and these five-pocket pants, inspired by classic denim and cut slim, are just the ticket.

The Sneakers: Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top in Olive, $130 — The latest iteration of the Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers collaboration  is the perfect way to trade out brown leather chukka boots for footwear that’s sporty but still outfit-appropriate. Wear them now, wear them on the weekends and look forward to fall.

The Socks: American Trench Textured Herringbone Supima Cotton Socks, $15 — There’s certainly a lot of darker color going on in this outfit, but these rich navy socks complement the olive sneakers, blue twill shirt and brown bomber jacket nicely.
The Watch: Jack Mason Brand Nautical 3-Hand Watch, $157.98 — Jack Mason stylishly merges the sporty, casual and refined in one timepiece inspired by nautical instruments. It’s the ideal addition to an ensemble that’s clean and fast.

The Belt: Maximum Henry Standard 02 Belt, $74.98 — The most “business casual” part of this outfit might be this slim, refined belt. Sizes are limited right now, but you can also find Maximum Henry belts at his Web site.

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Leatherback Writer 3, $84.98 — Everyone needs that one everyday carry item that can do it all, and this is the way to go. It holds your smartphone, doubles as a wallet and features a notebook slot and room for all your other odds and ends.
If ever you feel like you might be in a wardrobe rut, take the time to dream up some new outfit combinations, ways that you can use what you’ve already got to your advantage (or heck, enter the Paul Fredrick giveaway as discussed earlier and win some new clothes!). Working high-top sneakers into an office or work outfit might not be  for everyone, but with clean and classic styling potential, it’s worth a shot. And a slim-fitting denim dress shirt is the thinking man’s change of pace in terms of texture and color on the shirting front. Lastly, who couldn’t use a handsome bomber jacket and a sporty-yet-refined watch? These are all items worth considering in terms of your next #OOTD or your next #menswear purchase. Got questions or final thoughts? Leave ’em in the comments below.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Dressing for a Laidback Office

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

If you haven’t noticed on the calendar, we’re still in the midst of a pretty hot August. And even if you’ve got other tactics for fighting the heat in style — like rocking lightweight linen pants or a chambray blazer — there are still times where you might feel you’ve run out of ideas. Or rather, where you just want to look sharp and put-together even in a work environment where things are decidedly more casual. That’s where today’s 9-to-5 look comes in. Although you can add a classic blazer if you’d like, we’re ditching the jacket in favor of a well-fitting, lightweight denim shirt. It’s a welcome style swerve from a slim blue Oxford, believe me. And when paired up with style essentials that are crisp but not overly stuffy (like suede chukkas), you’ve got a head-to-toe ensemble that looks just fine, even sans blazer. So get that credit card at the ready, open a few extra browser tabs (online shopping is the best, am I right??) and check out the below #OOTD. For a real-time look at what your author is wearing on the daily, head to Instagram or Twitter.
Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

Taking the standard business casual outfit & updating it with suede chukkas, a floral tie and a casual denim shirt.

Taking the standard business casual outfit & updating it with suede chukkas, a floral tie and a casual denim shirt.

The Pants: J. Crew Bowery Classic Pant in Cotton Twill, $79.50 — J. Crew excels at making style staples that work in multiple situations, and these cotton twill pants featuring a tailored-but-not-tight fit are no exception; you could also style them up with leather sneakers, but they work best in this biz-casual scenario.
Frank & Oak
The Shirt: JackThreads The Denim Shirt, $24.50 — Although this shirt featured prominently in a recent #OOTD on how to dress for a casual summer day, it can also be livened up with a lightweight tie; plus, that price is a fantastic value.

The Tie: Ties.com Blue Cotton Florence Tie, $20 — What’s the ideal complement to a light blue shirt? A navy floral cotton tie, of course. Pick up some no-show socks from Ties.com while you’re shopping, too.

The Shoes: Blu Kicks Tahoe Sand Chukka, $128 — While you could also rock some stylish leather loafers here, unlined suede chukkas are going to provide comfort, a shot of color and the ability to be worn underneath a rolled hem — they tie everything together even more casually — of course, that means you need comfortable no-show socks, too.

The Belt: Anderson’s Stretch Woven Leather Belt, $195 — A belt that’s nearly $200? Well, when you can wear it all four seasons and with outfits dressy or casual, you’ll get plenty of use out of it (see this #OOTD for another example).
The Watch: Jack Mason Nautical 3-Hand Watch, $157.98 — The great folks at Huckberry always curate stylish essentials for your everyday, and this unique watch that plays off nautical design inspiration is no exception. It’s dressy and sharp, yet water-resistant up to 100 meters.

The Briefs: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Briefs in Bossa Nova, $24 — When it comes to finishing touches, the Mack Weldon team has you all set. The brand’s boxer briefs might just be the most comfortable and high-performing on the market.
The Everyday Carry: Field Notes Brand Original Ruled Notebook (3-pack), $9.95 — If you’ve been looking for a low-profile addition to your desk, these notebooks are the way to go — they’re a design lover’s dream, measured and made with precision and accuracy in mind. Not a bad addition to your daily carry, right?
If you find yourself at a bit of a #menswear impasse when it comes to mixing up your summer style, it’s best to stick with what you know. That is, a shirt that’s well-fitting and casual, plus crisp dress pants, for starters. The touches that finish everything off — like suede chukkas, a unique watch and dependable accessories — go a long way in making this look one that’s refined and just a bit different from what you might normally wear on a daily basis. And shoes like those comfortable suede chukkas can rack up a lot of mileage in other situations both casual and refined, so they’re a wise pick-up now. Got questions or suggestions on this #OOTD? Leave it in the comments below, or drop me a note on Facebook.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for the 2016 Olympics

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

OK, so the title of this post isn’t 100 percent accurate — if you’re really competing in the Olympics, you’re probably not wearing the below ensemble. If you’re watching them, however — here we are. They only come up once every four years, so it’s likely that dressing to watch the 2016 Olympics might not have crossed your mind until now. But, like heading out to a warm-weather bar crawl or grabbing Sunday brunch, it’s a scenario that’s an opportunity to look your best when others might not be all that focused on doing so. It’s also a time that can be patriotic and pretty fun — who doesn’t love the Olympics, right? So that’s what this #OOTD is tackling — assuming you’re in a warm-weather area and possibly getting out and trying to recreate some athletic feats of your own in a game of backyard volleyball. With that in mind, this outfit is part sporty, part stylish and filled with a few atypical style upgrades. Those include an upgraded graphic tee and some crisp, classic sneakers — but you can see the full look below. For more daily style inspiration, check out yours truly on Instagram and follow along with my #menswear Twitter.

An ensemble that's sport-inspired yet not packed with athletic gear, finished off with classic footwear and shades.

An ensemble that’s sport-inspired yet not packed with athletic gear, finished off with classic footwear and shades.

The T-Shirt: Todd Snyder Miami Capsule T-shirt, $68 — While you can definitely go with a classic, Olympics-inspired graphic tee, this tee is premium, slim-fitting and still sporty while remaining wearable for other occasions.

The Shorts: Mack Weldon Ace Short, $65 — A pair of shorts that works for both sporty backyard activities and lounging around in style can be tough to find; however, this pair has a more tailored look than one would expect, and still performs well.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard, $78 — Highly affordable, highly wearable and able to stylishly offset the brighter blue shorts. An American classic.

The Socks: Sock Genius Villa Park Stripe No-show Sock, $10 — If you caught the recent Style Pick of the Week feature on Sock Genius, you know that these no-show socks are durable, breathable and comfortable — that makes ’em  a winner.

The Watch: Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch, $ — You need a durable casual watch in your arsenal for a variety of reasons (particularly if you’re playing some Olympic-inspired backyard games), and the Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray is a personal favorite that’s held up very well over time.

The Briefs: Flint & Tinder Heritage Boxer Briefs, $28 — Although they’re not pictured above, you can’t forget made-in-America boxer briefs that feature a custom woven waistband and comfortable fabric.

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98 —  Swapping out your athletic logo ballcap for a more subtle, refined hat is a solid style upgrade that makes a difference — this is the perfect cap to wear for the occasion (note the blue-and-white color) and it can even dress down a classic polo and chino shorts.

The Sunglasses: Randolph Engineering Crew Chief Sunglasses in Gunmetal, $158.98 — To root on America, there’s no better pick than sunglasses that are, well, made right in America. These are durable, premium and wearable with your best suit, too.

The Must-Have: Owen & Fred NFL Leather Coasters, $29.98 — Whether you’re enjoying a cold brew or a plain lemonade, some stylish leather coasters are a nice accessory to have, particularly if you’re hosting.

While you can always go full-on patriotic and rock an official USA jersey (soccer jerseys seem to be a popular and relatively refined pick), working with the pieces in this #OOTD provides you with versatility the rest of the summer and beyond. A subtle graphic tee is a more premium pick than a plan tee, and French terry shorts that fit trim and eschew an athletic logo are a great pick, too. Plus, an upgrade ballcap is a solid style move, and a durable rubber-strap watch should have you set for more outdoor activities beyond the Olympics. Have other #OOTD suggestions or style questions? Head over to The Style Guide Facebook page for more #menswear.

How are you planning on dressing for the Olympics? Leave it all in the comments below!
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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Casual Summer Day

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Past #OOTD features here at The Style Guide have tackled everything from dressing up linen pants to dressing down a chambray blazer, but what about those times when you just …. need something in-between to wear? The title of this #OOTD might be a dead giveaway, and it might be a bit “boring,” but maybe you’re grabbing coffee and groceries and then a beer or lunch, maybe you’re strolling through the park  — but it’s a casual scenario, it might be hot (but it could get a bit breezy later), and you want comfort, good looks and an easy-to-wear #menswear ensemble.  That’s the aim of today’s #OOTD — it’s taking somewhat expected pieces (like classic, slim denim and a V-neck tee) and matching them up in a way that’s cool, simple and effortless (and more on why we’re sticking with denim in a second). If you want more daily styling tips or appreciate a great outfit grid (as I do), check out my Instagram feed for more — and chime in on Twitter with suggestions on topics for the next #OOTD. Got it? Good!
Huckberry

Pairing up items you've already got -- like a V-neck tee -- with sharp sunglasses, lightweight sneakers and a trusty denim shirt.

Pairing up items you’ve already got — like a V-neck tee — with sharp sunglasses, lightweight sneakers and a trusty denim shirt.

The Denim: Mott & Bow Slim Mercer Light Denim, $108 — Mixing things up from typical dark or light wash denim is a must, and the light tan color of these jeans matches up pleasingly well with blue and grey — as you’ll see below. Plus, they’re a little more versatile than shorts — although if it gets too hot, those would work fine here.

The T-Shirt: Life/After/Denim Club V-neck Tee, $58 — Here’s the casual part of the outfit –a garment-dyed V-neck tee in a rich blue color that fits slim and looks better than a standard crewneck tee.

The Overshirt: JackThreads The Denim Shirt, $34.99 — A light wash denim shirt is an unexpected summer style move — lest you think it’s too heavy, know that this shirt is lightweight and should offset the deeper blue of the tee nicely; wear it slightly buttoned up for a layered look, or leave it open during a stroll by the lake.

The Watch: Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, $138 — Lest we get too far ahead of ourselves, know that this Timex x Todd Snyder watch is indeed on backorder — but it should ship soon, and you’ve got the perfect #OOTD ready when it does.

The Sneakers: UGG Freamon Sneakers, $110 — Am I the only one who didn’t know that UGG made men’s sneakers? Maybe so? Either way, this pair of chukka sneakers features water-resistant suede, lightweight traction & a nicely versatile color.

The Belt: Arcade Belt Co. Crawford Belt, $36 — Style comes down to the details, and this belt combines the look of a crisp tan leather belt with a high-tensile navy elastic for comfort.

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $22.98 — American Trench reliably makes excellent socks that breath well even in the heat, and these should be no exception. Again, if it’s too hot, trade the denim for shorts and swap in a pair of stylish no-show socks.

The Sunglasses: Randolph Engineering Aviator Sunglasses in Gunmetal, $209.98 — When you’re pairing up classic pieces like a denim shirt and a V-neck tee, there’s no need to go overboard with your shades; classic aviators are the way to go here.

The above outfit might not gain you major street style snaps, but it’s effective, solid and reliably stylish because the basic pieces are well-made and well-fitting. Plus, accessories like a  crisp NATO strap watch and classic aviator sunglasses can take you anywhere the rest of the season. And that denim shirt can also work in the fall when layered over your favorite long-sleeve henley. The more scenarios you can take on with one outfit, the better off you’ll be — and that’s the case with this #OOTD. Got any feedback? Give us a shout in the comments below! And be on the lookout for a great reader giveaway coming up tomorrow.

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Down a Summer Blazer

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

As we’ve talked about in past #OOTD entries here on The Style Guide, summer style — particularly at this point in the season — can be a bit tricky. Perhaps you feel you’ve exhausted all the ways to wear shorts in the summer that you can think of, or maybe you’ve even tired of styling linen pants in the heat. But, that’s where summer also works out well. Since it’s warm, you get a bit of leeway when dressing. And that means you can put together stylish combinations that are also unexpected. Those khaki suit trousers? Break them up from the rest of your suit. Throw in style staples that should already be in rotation — like a classic navy blazer — and you’re set with an #OOTD that works for traveling in warm weather or waltzing to Sunday brunch. Oh, and a great polo is also a must-have. But where to get all this great gear? Look no further than the below ensemble — and follow along on Instagram to get more daily styling tips (if you feel so inclined, that is).

Mashing up your favorite style essentials, from a crisp summer polo to a classic blazer and comfortable slip-on sneakers.

Mashing up your favorite style essentials, from a crisp summer polo to a classic blazer and comfortable slip-on sneakers.

The Polo: Mack Weldon Vesper Polo, $68 — Yes, it’s true: The brand that makes your favorite long-sleeve merino tee is here with a new polo that’s crisp, well-tailored and made from very breathable micro-mesh knit fabric.

The Blazer: Grayers Cayman Blazer, $104.98 — At just more than $100, this blazer is a heck of a deal, made from 100 percent cotton and featuring Bemberg-lined sleeves (that’s the good stuff, FYI).

The Pants: Canvas by Lands’ End Stretch Chino Suit Trousers, $89 — Just when you thought you could only wear suit pants with a suit, along come these versatile chino trousers cut with a hint of stretch.

The Pocket Square: Ties.com White Edged Linen Pocket Square, $10 — A sharp navy blazer deserves a crisp white pocket square cut in a summer-appropriate weight, and at $10, this thing’s a steal.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-on Standard in True Navy, $78 — A pair of classic white sneakers would also work here, but the navy plays nicely off the powder blue polo.

The Socks: Sock Genius Villa Park No-show Stripe Sock, $10 — The same spot you hit up to snag that pocket square can also hook you up with comfortable, stylish no-show socks for a nice deal.

The Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph, $225 — A sporty-yet-stylish polo calls for a  slick watch inspired by the world of aviation, and the navy blue strap plays handsomely off the crisp white dial.

The Sunglasses: Sunski Madronas Sunglasses, $39.98 — Simple is sometimes better when it comes to great style, and that’s the case with these durable and very affordably priced shades via Huckberry.
Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.
Putting together an outfit when you’ve been dressing for the warm weather for a few months needn’t be all that difficult, even if at first it sounds taxing — especially when you’ve got pieces that combine subtle style efficiently. The base of the outfit is the same thing you might wear on the weekend — stylish slip-on sneakers — yet the other pieces, like the sharp polo and the navy blazer, are more suited to the work week. Yet in tandem, the combination works because the colors play well off each other and the overall ensemble — slightly sporty yet stylish — is very well-suited to summer. It’s going to be hot, and a breathable polo and cotton blazer work well together. Chime in with an #OOTD suggestion of your own at The Style Guide Facebook page in the meantime.

Do you own a new Mack Weldon polo yet? Would you style it with a navy blazer, or ditch the jacket and keep it casual?

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Twill Pants with Savane

Editor’s note: The following post is brought to you by Savane. The Style Guide only works with and/or promotes brands and products used and enjoyed by its author.

Stepping out on a busy day with the Premium Flex Twill Pant from Savane. Trucker Jacket by JackThreads. Slim chambray shirt by Old Navy. Brown Scout Chukka Boots by Thursday Boots. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing Heritage collab.

Stepping out on a busy day with the Premium Flex Twill Pant from Savane. Trucker Jacket by JackThreads. Slim chambray shirt by Old Navy. Brown Scout Chukka Boots by Thursday Boots. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing Heritage collab.

Today’s #OOTD post is switching things up from the norm — and in this case, that’s a very good thing. Perhaps in your daily life, you find yourself on the go a lot — be it work, play or travel. That’s the case for myself as well, as  I’ve been traveling quite a bit this summer between busy days in NYC (we’re talking days at the office followed by trips around the country, including a Memorial Day weekend upstate ). So when Savane approached me as part of my writing for the Men’s Health MVP Network , I knew the brand’s twill pants were worth checking out as part of my active, everyday life . If you’re unfamiliar with Savane, they offer up everything from suit separates to dress shirts to the twill pants you see here (and you can find them everywhere from Amazon to JCPenney ). It’s around-the-clock wear that works particularly well to hit the office, have lunch in the park and head out to a networking event thereafter.

Take twill chinos from Savane, add American Trench striped socks, leather chukka boots from Thursday Boots, and a tough leather watch from the Timex x Red Wing collab.

Grab a sharp brown leather messenger bag then take twill chinos from Savane, add American Trench striped socks, leather chukka boots from Thursday Boots, and a tough leather watch from the Timex x Red Wing collab — you’re set for work &  play.

Given the need to dress in versatile style to transition from setting to setting, I rocked the brand’s Premium Flex Twill Pant in Ermine. They’re a reliably classic pair of pants that paired up nicely with my classic Old Navy blue chambray shirt and other personal favorites, like my durable Thursday Boots Brown Scout Chukka Boots and some stylish and continental Sunday Somewhere sunglasses. To finish the look off, I grabbed my durable leather watch from the Timex x Red Wing collab — all of the above are pieces that work seamlessly together for work or play. Of course, complementing those pieces with other sharp accessories, like a striped webbed J. Crew Factory belt, was essential, too.  However, the anchor of the whole outfit were the  comfortable and sharp Premium Flex Twill Pants. They’re tailored in a straight-tapered cut but offer room to move around in, a great thing for all you active fellas out there. And they worked seamlessly to take me from the office to a networking event later that night. They could even be styled in a manner similar to this #OOTD (that is, with a chambray blazer and sneakers). During both hot and cold days to come around NYC, I’m sure they’ll work just as well. For more on Savane, head here, and swing on through The Style Guide tomorrow for a look at the best men’s dive watches to buy right now.
Until then — stay stylish,
-Beau

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.