Tag / #ootd

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Linen Pants This Summer

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.

With the weather heating up by the day here, we’re really digging into the doldrums of summer (not that summer isn’t great, it’s just … hot). How to fight the heat? Look no further than how to style linen pants this summer. It’s a style move that gets overlooked from time to time, what with plenty of warm-weather #OOTD options out there, be they stylish shorts or slim light wash denim. Yet, dressier looks are still in order for most us throughout the week. Although lightweight summer suiting options are far more common and wearable now than in years past, there’s an even cooler — and just as sharp — option that you can throw on. If the intro wasn’t a dead giveaway, the below #OOTD is all about styling an essential pair of linen trousers for your work day (or a slightly dressed up weekend outing.  We’re ditching the jacket, rolling up those sleeves and getting to work. To see warm-weather style in action, head to my Instagram. And jump on over to Twitter if you have thoughts on this #OOTD, ehh? Stay cool!

Easygoing, simple and yet still dressy & stylish.

Easygoing, simple and yet still dressy & stylish.

The Linen Pants: Bridge & Burn Roark Linen Dune Pants, $128 — Although more than $100 is a tad pricey, the extra cost comes from solid construction and a classic fit that’s not overly tailored or loose. Plus, the Khaki color works with plenty of #menswear ensembles.

The Shirt: Twillory White Oxford, $99 — A classic white Oxford balances the easygoing linen pants quite nicely; the quality and customizable fit of this shirt justifies the price, too.

The Tie: Ties.com Phoenix Skinny Tie, $20 — Brands like The Tie Bar continue to get plenty of hype (and rightfully so), but the quality, selection and looks of ties like these — in a lightweight cotton, to boot — are just as on-point.

The Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph, $225 — So you want a distinctive, stylish and slightly retro-leaning watch? Look no further than this crisp, refined chronograph sold via Huckberry.

The Shoes: Jack Erwin Archie Penny Loafer, $195 — A slim pair of cognac leather loafers adds just the right, summer-friendly touch to this ensemble — read here for more on the Jack Erwin Archie Penny Loafer in the meantime.

The Belt: Anderson’s Stretch Woven Leather Belt, $195 — Ponying up nearly $200 for a belt? When it’s made with heritage-level attention to detail and features some nice texture appropriate to summer, it’s the way to go.

The Socks: Pair of Thieves Catch-22 No-show Socks, $10 — No-show socks for summer are something you absolutely have to have, and that’s particularly true when rocking leather loafers; this pair will keep your feet feeling great while helping your shoes last longer.

The Daily Must-have: This Is Ground Leatherback Writer 3, $100 — For all those loose odds and ends that pop up during the day, you need a piece that’s reliable and ready to go; in fact, it’s got room for everything from your iPhone to a notebook and wallet.

When you reach for pieces that are well-made, classic and versatile, you can meet virtually any situation. That goes for hot summer days where you just have to wear a tie, and it’s particularly true even when you rock a slim denim shirt and suede Oxfords (as in this ensemble). The right pieces — like a tailored linen pant — can work well as the start of an outfit, and you can build around them with other pieces that are great to have (like a classic Oxford, leather loafers and a crisp dress watch). You could replicate a similar combo with classic khaki chinos, but linen pants are the way to go when it gets unbearably hot out. And that’s about all there is to it. Have ideas for what you might like to see as part of the #OOTD series? Leave it in the comments below!

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear Shorts this Summer

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.

We’ve covered lots of ground here in past #OOTD posts on The Style Guide, but it seems we’ve skipped over a crucial style tip — the best way to wear shorts when it’s hot out. If you’re anything like me, it can sometimes be tricky to put away your denim, be it a slim pair of light wash jeans or something darker in color. They’re an easy style to wear across any season, to be sure — but from time to time, the weather really just calls for shorts. However, we’re not talking baggy cargo shorts. The best shorts for summer are more tailored in cut, lighter in terms of weight and fabric, and able to be worn with everything from a slim pocket T-shirt to a crisp polo and most styles in between. The same goes for the footwear you can match ’em with (and the pick you see below is a bit of a style swerve). The versatility of a slim pair of shorts is great news for all of us, particularly if you like your #menswear a bit more eye-catching.  And if you’re hesitant to ditch your denim or chinos because shorts feel too casual, know that you can take some risks when wearing tailored shorts (click that there link for tips). The below outfit starts things off slow, though. It’s one of the best ways to wear shorts this summer — at least in the opinion of your humble author.

Step 1: Buy shorts for summer. Step 2: Rock shorts for summer using this #OOTD.

Step 1: Buy shorts for summer. Step 2: Rock shorts for summer using this #OOTD.

The Shorts: JackThreads Chino Shorts, $39 — If you haven’t yet snagged a pair of chino shorts, these should be your go-to. Trying them on is free through the brand’s TryOuts program, and the fit and fabric should be reliable and stylish.

The Shirt: JACHS NY Cream-and-Blue Horizontal Striped Short-Sleeve Shirt, $89 — Upgrade from a casual T-shirt with an easygoing short-sleeve number that fits slim and broadens your chest thanks to the stylish stripes.

The Shoes: Jack Erwin Parker Driving Loafer in Navy Suede, $115 — We all love our stylish sneakers, but give some suede driving loafers a try. This particular pair is cut long and lean, and the navy color is especially sleek.

The Socks: Ministry of Supply Atlas No-show Socks, $11.98 — As crucial as it is to get your footwear choice right, it’s even more essential to grab some no-show socks to complement those kicks (especially driving loafers). Note that although the Grey color is shown in that photo, Black is what’s in stock now.
 The Belt: Arcade Belt Co. The Hudson Belt, $31.98 — So, you’ve got the shorts all set; don’t forget about a belt, particularly an upscale accessory that incorporates a neutral color and summer-appropriate texture.
The Watch: Invicta 8926 Pro Diver, $84.14 — Tough, reliable and stylish is the way to go; this is a casual watch that still looks crisp and plays off the rest of the outfit perfectly.
The Sunglasses: Randolph Engineering Aviator Sunglasses in Gunmetal, $209.98 — To top off an outfit that’s got a bit of flourish (particularly those driving loafers), grab some classic men’s sunglasses.
The Necessary Accessory: Manda Organic Sun Paste, $28.98 — When it comes to getting out this summer, taking care of your skin is a must. Doing so in an organic fashion is even better.
The Everyday Carry: Appointed Mini-Jotter, $9.98 — Not everyone is partial to writing things down, what with technology everywhere, but when out on a casual weekend, it can be great to have a notebook handy to jot down your passing thoughts.

 Making the leap to wearing shorts more frequently than denim or chinos can be a work in progress, even when it’s warm out. But grabbing a slim, stylish pair in a neutral color allows you to pair them easily with essentials you’d also rock with classic denim — like a short-sleeve shirt, a casual watch and loafers, for example. And when you take the approach that khaki shorts can work with everything from a T-shirt to a classic Oxford shirt, that opens another world of possibilities (heading to the office for a half-day? Try out shorts with a blazer — perhaps).  Plus, keeping things affordable and simple helps when finding out the pair that’s best for you can help  a great deal. Are you on board yet? Good. For more tips on how to style shorts this summer, head on over to my Instagram, or jump on over to Twitter if you’ve got other summer shorts picks.

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear A Chambray 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.

When the heat waves start to roll in, it can be a tricky time to try and dress well. There’s that ever-difficult balance between keeping your cool and looking cool that requires you mix things up a bit. In the case of today’s post, that means we’re talking how to wear a chambray blazer. It’s the lightweight alternative to the classic navy blazer, what with a rougher, more visually interesting texture and (usually) less internal construction. That means it looks more natural when paired with other casual menswear pieces, such as a simple T-shirt and twill pants. It’s a get-up that nods toward a trend (that would be the menswear world getting more and more casual by the day), yet you still look crisp and put-together. As you’ll see with the below #OOTD, it’s a look you could even pull off as you dress for summer travel.  So with that being said, get to reading below. For more #menswear inspiration, check out yours truly on Instagram, or swing on through Facebook for a daily briefing.
Ben Sherman

An effortless mix of casual and cool -- a chambray blazer plus a simple striped tee.

An effortless mix of casual and cool — a chambray blazer plus a simple striped tee.

 

The Blazer: JackThreads Chambray Blazer, $79: A chambray blazer for just $79? Believe it. Slim, stylish and well-made, from a brand that just gets things done.

The T-shirt: Bourbon and Blue Surfcomber Heathered Red Stripe Tee, $55: If you’re going to rock a tee under a blazer, it’s best to pick up one that’s comfortable, well-made and trim-fitting; warm weather stripes don’t hurt, either.

The Pants: Old Navy Ultimate Slim-Fit Khakis, $29: While the color of the chinos in that particular picture is lighter than the pair on Old Navy’s site, the principle remains the same — slim khakis fall in line with that trim blazer and tee, and can be easily rolled to show off those sneakers.

The Sneakers: GREATS Pronto in Cadet, $199: GREATS does, well, a great job at producing versatile, comfortable sneakers that are easy to wear with high-low style combos  like a blazer and tee (Italian manufacturing just does that).

The Socks: J. Crew Anchor No-show Socks, $10: Stylish no-show socks are an absolute summer must, and these add another subtle, nautical touch to the outfit while keeping your feet cool.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-striped Webbing Belt, $14.50: As much as it’s popped up in a few recent #OOTD posts (including this post on how to wear a short-sleeve shirt), it’s a highly versatile casual belt that adds some nice color to this ensemble.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Fairfield, $75: Timex watches are as solid as they get, and this particular timepiece is suitably refined enough to heighten that blazer-and-tee combo just a bit.

The Accessory: Cambridge Satchel Oxblood iPhone Case, $32: So not everyone still has an iPhone (just me?), but regardless of what phone you’ve got, it’d be a neat touch to finish off your everyday with a rich leather phone case.

Does that check all the boxes of dressing sharply in warm weather? Well, mostly. If you feel a tee is too casual, you could always swap in an essential chambray shirt or a classic blue Oxford. But the best part about pairing a tee with a chambray blazer is the combination of effortless style and comfort it gives you. It’s an on-the-go style move that meets the warm weather while looking cool and sharp. Plus, it works well when paired with a classic set of navy sneakers — a more comfortable answer to brown leather wingtips, for starters. And crisp accessories, like a lux leather phone case and a dependable watch, are going to be by your side (and on your wrist) for plenty of outfits in the future. Even starting gradually (swapping out denim for twill pants and upgrading to a lighter chambray blazer) can be a step in the right direction. Still unsure? Give it a try –it might become a go-to style combo.

Are you sold on the idea of pairing a blazer with a striped tee? What about sneakers? Let me know in the comments!

Frank & Oak

 

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for Summer Travel

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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

One of the biggest steps in improving your style — whether you’re new to this whole #menswear game or digging in deeper — is making that extra effort to look great even when you’re off the clock. That could mean one of many possible situations, like dressing for Sunday brunch or prepping for a spring bar crawl, but given where we are on the calendar, it likely means you’re wondering how to dress for summer travel. It’s a curious task that can be a tall order — looking your best while on the road means dressing sharply, staying comfortable and finishing off your kit with excellent accessories, like one of the best dopp kits for men (written by yours truly, as it were). The below #OOTD incorporates a bit of everything, including chinos fit for travel — an upgrade over the sweats that some might be wearing — and a navy blue blazer that can go anywhere and do anything. Add in accessories fit for your everyday carry as well as a long day on the road, and you should be set. Got questions or comments? Hit me up on The Style Guide Facebook page. To see what I’m taking as I travel, follow me on Instagram — and we’ll see you on the open road!

Taking a traditional travel outfit and upgrading it with slim fits and go-anywhere essentials.

Taking a traditional travel outfit and upgrading it with slim fits and go-anywhere essentials.

The Chinos: Apolis Civilian Travel Chino, $138: A staple of any great outfit, these cotton chinos should be comfortable for flying and look a heck of a lot better than what your seatmate might be wearing (it’s all in the name, right?). Plus, they can go from the plane to a meeting to dinner — or just from the plane to a bar, your call.

The Shirt: Bourbon and Blue Beachcomber Shirt in Blue Chambray, $89: Here’s an easy style hack — stay cool yet look sharp by ditching the sleeves of your classic chambray shirt in favor of something cut slimmer and sharper. The Shoreline Check fabric from this upstart brand should add nice visual interest, too.

The Jacket: Grayers Cayman Blazer in Navy, $175: A knit blazer that ditches the traditional trappings of a jacket — AKA, no construction here to speak of — should fit sharply and stylishly over that crisp chambray shirt.

The Shoes: Soul36 The Grant Derby in Brown Nubuck, $195: A new take on the derby shoe, these brown nubuck shoes are made with a clean look in mind; the red-brick sole should offer a refined bit of contrast beneath the grey chinos.

The Socks: American Trench Summer Footies, $13.50: Because you’re going to want a nice, clean finishing touch beneath those rolled chinos, reach for durable, comfortable, American-made socks.

The Belt: J. Crew Classic Buckle Belt, $45: Sometimes, you don’t need an overly fancy belt — just a reliable classic that goes with your best business-casual or your best summer wedding look.

The Watch: Timex The Waterbury, $95: Part of Timex’s revamped line of heritage-inspired classics, the Waterbury is a reliable watch that’ll pair just fine with this outfit — or with a polo and chinos later on.

The Travel Companion: Jack + Mulligan Passport Wallet in Brown, $74.99: If you’re jetting overseas, this piece could be especially useful and stylish. But even if you’re only hopping on a train an hour or two away, this piece could still work reliably well when it comes to carrying a notebook.

As with many style upgrades, dressing for travel comes down to assessing what you’ve got, then pairing it up in ways customized to the situation. So a short-sleeve chambray shirt and a knit blazer are going to be lightweight, comfortable and reliably stylish options whether traveling for business or pleasure. And some eye-catching brown nubuck shoes cap off the outfit o in a way that works for multiple situations. Plus, a dependable Timex watch can go just about anywhere, as can comfortable no-show socks. If it gets hot out, ditch the blazer — and if you still need it as the trip goes on, be sure to store it in a stylish weekender bag. If you’ve got questions on how to dress for summer travel, hit me up on Twitter. Check back tomorrow for a neat reader giveaway opportunity that might just help you when you hit the road next time.

Stay stylish!

-Beau
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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Short-Sleeve Shirt for Summer

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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

If you’ve been keeping up with the #OOTD series here on The Style Guide, you’ll notice we’ve covered a heck of a lot of ground. But with warm weather heating up, we haven’t quite covered how to wear a short-sleeve shirt for summer. Now if you scroll ahead, you might notice this look is a bit layered up for summer. But if it goes get too hot, the jacket can always be ditched. Back to the matter at hand. A crisp short-sleeve shirt — not one that calls to mind Dwight Schrute, mind you — can be styled exactly like you might style a polo or a classic blue Oxford. So you’ll need to look for one that’s cut slim and modern, in a summer-appropriate color and/or pattern (this Bonobos Riviera Oxford is an ideal example of what we’re looking for). And given hot summer temps for most of us, short sleeves are going to be a nice substitute for, well, longer sleeves. A slim short-sleeve shirt can even be called into action under a blazer — it’s a secret warm-weather style move designed to keep you cool. But the below look aims for versatile style that looks a bit rugged, a bit polished and a whole lot of good. If you’re down with that, read on. For tips on how to style short-sleeve shirts for summer, hit me up on Instagram in the meantime.

Pairing a surefire short-sleeve shirt with a mix of style essentials.

Pairing a surefire short-sleeve shirt with a mix of style essentials.

The Shirt: JACHS NY Cream and Blue Horizontal Striped Short-sleeve Shirt, $89: JACHS NY produces style staples that are at once a bit prep-inspired and continental in nature, and this shirt is a fine example. It’s the perfect length untucked, and would look great with denim or shorts in other ensembles.

The Jacket: JackThreads Trucker Jacket in Seeded Natural, $79: Why, you might ask, does a denim jacket feature in this photo if it’s hot out? Well, it’s there to transition from day to night, and the excellent Natural color provides a great style swerve from a classic denim jacket.

The Pants: Buck Mason Iron Chinos, $135: Just like the Buck Mason Sand Chinos featured on this site earlier this spring, these Iron Chinos feature a modern cut, nice color and made-in-America construction.

The Loafers: Sebago Norwich Bison Penny Loafers, $165: These aren’t your average loafers, made with rich Horween Bison leather and designed to break in over time. Not quite too dressy, not quite too casual.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-Striped Webbing Belt, $14.50: Worried about pairing two sets of stripes together? The scale of the belt, plus the nice off-white color, helps the belt stand out from the shirt itself.

The Socks: Mack Weldon No-show Socks, $16.50: For just over $16, you get not one, but two pairs of reliable, comfortable socks — crucial with loafers and rolled chinos.

The Wallet: Issara Minimalist Wallet, $69: Nearly $70 certainly is a lot for a card case, but when it’s crafted from rich navy leather and fits in the front pocket of your chinos (or slim blue denim, or a tailored suit), it’s worth the price.

If you don’t yet have a short-sleeve shirt or two in your closet, it’s a wise bet to pick up one that goes with quite a few ensembles — the striped blue-and-cream number above works with dark denim, slim light wash jeans, tan chinos or a stylish pair of chino shorts, along with all kinds of summer footwear picks. When you add in the fact that it looks great over top a pair of four-season chinos and some rugged loafers, it’s certainly a winning style move. Crisp, minimal accessories like a handmade lanyard and a reliable wallet certainly work well in nearly every style situation, too. If you’re hestitant to try one out, think of it like a slim summer polo, or even a classic chambray shirt, and go from there. Give me a shout on Twitter with style questions — come one, come all!

What’s your take on the above #OOTD? Would you change any pieces?
Florsheim

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style A Henley for Summer

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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

To me, there isn’t a style of shirt (without a collar, that is), that’s more versatile or rugged than a great short-sleeve henley. Although expressions of style and masculinity are changing all the time, there’s no doubt that a stylish henley is a still a reliable go-to if you want to upgrade your game and look a little tougher and stronger — or simply better in general — and that’s certainly true for the below tips on how to style a henley for summer. That goes for long-sleeve henleys with a vintage look, and it goes for fashionable short-sleeve henleys fit for fighting the warm weather. The button placket on well-made henleys adds some nice visual interest to looks both casual and a bit crisper, and in the right fit and color (like the slim-fitting indigo henley) below, you can wear the piece on its own with slim chino shorts or layered up under an unconstructed blazer for unique high-low style that can go to the office on a casual day and out on a date thereafter (I bet you’ll look  better than the fella in the ill-fitting suit — trust me). It can be a bit of a process to switch from a plain white tee to a knit with more texture, color and visual details (even if it is just a simple button placket). But those added small details make it a worthy style upgrade — especially when you ditch the long sleeves in favor of a piece that’s just as trim-fitting, yet a heck of a lot more ready for the warm weather. Invest in one that’s well-crafted and you can rock it under a spring jacket, beneath a fall blazer or as a complement to a warm shawl cardigan in winter. For now though, focus on great chinos, solid suede boots and other accessories just begging to be worn on a warm summer’s day. Chime in on the #OOTD discussion at our very own Style Guide Facebook page, and we’ll see you out shopping.

Pair a short-sleeve henley with staples you might already have in your closet, like stone chinos and suede chukka boots.

Pair a short-sleeve henley with staples you might already have in your closet, like stone chinos and suede chukka boots.

The Henley: Jason Scott Banks Short-Sleeve Henley in Indigo — $96: Nearly $100 is a certainly a steep price to pay, but that price gets you exceptional quality, terrific Peruvian fabric and finishing touches like antique metal buttons on the placket.

The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Light Stone — $98: Taylor Stitch chinos have been a Style Guide favorite for some time now, and the reliably ideal fit and excellent fabric quality and color make these a fine match for that indigo henley.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Boot — $149: Just as with those Taylor Stitch chinos, the Scout Boot from Team Thursday has received positive reviews in this neck of the woods, for comfort and quality as much as looks. This rich Honey Suede pair really does have it all.

The Socks: American Trench Edo Collection Socks — $19.50: Nearly $20 for a pair of socks? You’re darn right, and they’re some of the best (if not the best) ones you can rock that are made in America at family mills. Plus, the color pops just the right amount against the faded indigo henley.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-Striped Webbing Belt — $14.50: Again, it’s a little counterintuitive that a belt would cost less than socks, but this piece is a bargain number that can be styled into several looks (see my Instagram for more examples, will ya?)

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Jack Sunglasses in Silver Navy — $98: As first seen on this site’s roundup of the best men’s sunglasses for summer, this pair of aviators is simple yet sleek and stylish (not to mention pretty cost-effective).

The Trunks: Tommy John Second Skin Titanium Trunk — $32: More than $30 sure is a heck of a lot to pay for underwear, but with what Tommy John can deliver in terms of quality, it’s worth it. The Dark Titanium color  shown here has sold fast, but check out their other colorways here.

The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chronograph — $158: Timex and Red Wing really have thrown everything they’ve got at this standout watch, with a  strap crafted from rugged Red Wing boot leather and a sturdy, classic-looking dial that’s super-functional and ready for just about anything (including NYC style adventures).

Sure, chinos and a henley might seem like a simple outfit combination at first glance, but it’s the upgraded, slimmer fits, richer colors and better quality that make this look acceptable for everything from grabbing beers at the bar to leaving early on a casual Friday (perhaps with a light grey blazer, if I do say so myself). And the other pieces in this ensemble, from a warm-weather friendly cotton belt to suede chukkas, can work in multiple seasons. Finally, there’s truly no bad time for a durable leather watch or a subtle-yet-stylish socks or crisp sunglasses. Making these pieces work in your favor by adding a lightweight sweater or swapping in a stainless steel dive watch is definitely going to pay style dvidends. Do we read each other loud and clear? Yes? Excellent.

‘Til next time!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

Frank & Oak

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: Styling an Essential Chambray 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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

The best part about spring style — other than the fact that it’s, well, finally warm out — is the way in which you can take pieces you’d wear the rest of the year and still combine them into a weather-friendly outfit (that is, not too hot and not too cold). In this instance, we’re talking casual-yet-crisp basics like the essential chambray shirt and an always-classic pair of slim khaki chinos, brought together in this instance by a pair of sharp-as-heck suede wingtips. Yes, this outfit has something for everyone — whether you’re on the hunt for a pair of stylish men’s dress shoes like the below, or simply searching for another way to wear gear you’ve already got, it’s about time you brought it all together. That’s what we’ll focus on below — for other #menswear-centric outfit inspirations, check out what we’ve got going on over at Pinterest or via The Style Guide on Facebook; I’m always up for more #OOTD suggestions, too. So, let’s roll up those (chambray) shirt sleeves and get to work!
Florsheim

A few items -- like a four-season chambray shirt and classic (yet slim) chinos -- are pulled together by crisp wingtips and a great jacket.

A few items — like a four-season chambray shirt and classic (yet slim) chinos — are pulled together by crisp wingtips and a great jacket.

The Shirt: JackThreads Chambray Shirt, $39 — As essential and easy of a pick to make as it gets, JackThreads really knows what’s up when it comes to well-done basics that are crazy-affordable. Start with your favorite chambray shirt, and go from there.

The Jacket: Grayers Exmouth Nylon Blazer, $135 — Part blazer, part jacket and very spring-ready, this piece doubles as a rain coat should you need to bike, walk or run to work through a downpour (or if, y’know, you just fancy picking up a hybrid piece of outerwear).

The Chinos: Buck Mason Sand Chinos, $135 — An investment-worthy pair of chinos from a brand that excels at crafting stellar pieces in the U.S.A., you should be able to wear these for years on end.

The Shoes: M.Gemi Forte Wingtips in Dune, $248 — An average pair of wingtips, these are not. Superbly crafted, rich in color and somehow still featuring a sporty white sole, say hello to your favorite pair of summer dress shoes.

The Socks: Pair of Thieves Catch-22 No-Show Socks, $10 — Reliable no-show socks that don’t stick out from underneath those rolled chinos are going to push this outfit into warm-weather territory.

The Watch: Invicta 8926 Pro Diver, $68.75 — This watch has long been a Style Guide favorite, and with plenty good reason: Standout looks, a tremendous price and great durability. It’s the right mix of rugged and casual here.

The Belt: J. Crew Braided Cotton Belt, $29.50 — Swap out a brown leather dress belt for something lighter in color and made with spring in mind.

The Bag: Wood & Faulk Field Bag, $150 — For an outfit that’s made with a commute in mind, grab a bag that’s commute-friendly — just big enough to handle your everyday carry should you need to hop on that bike (or on the train).

Oftentimes, putting together an outfit to meet changing weather or changing plans is just about recognizing that certain pieces can be customized for year-round wear when updated the right way — so, taking those chinos and showing off some ankle, or adapting your traditional navy blue blazer to one that can handle spring breezes. Throw in some sporty wingtips, and you’ve got a look that should be comfortable and eye-catching, in the best possible way. ‘Til next time!

-Beau

Where might you rock this outfit? Any pieces that you would add or subtract?

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Leather Chukka Boots

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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

As I’ve so often written about on The Style Guide, style doesn’t have to be too taxing or complicated. It’s not about chasing too many trends (things like athleisure and ridiculously distressed clothing come to mind), but I find that it’s about taking basic pieces and making them work for you by nailing the fit, texture and color. And if you stock a wardrobe full of versatile, casual pieces, that’s a job that can be taken care of quite easily. Take the below #OOTD. It’s perhaps endlessly versatile, from a first (or second, or heck, third) date to a day at the office to weekend brunch or shopping. That’s what you get when you focus on pieces that are relatively classic and dial in the fit and proportions to make them work for you. So in the case of the chambray shirt you’ll see below (spoiler!), that means looking for a piece that fits trim and flatters your frame. The same goes for the chinos on display. When you check those boxes off, it then gets easier to focus on other crucial areas – like pattern and color (or, grabbing a great pair of essential chukka boots). With all that being said, let’s not waste another moment! Onto the #OOTD below.  Hit me up on Twitter or Facebook if you like what you see!

Taking a classic pair of brown leather chukka boots and pairing them with style staples -- simple, effective and sharp!

Taking a classic pair of brown leather chukka boots and pairing them with style staples — simple, effective and sharp!

The Boots: Thursday Boots Brown Scout Boot, $149 — While plenty of brands make a solid leather chukka boot (see here for one option), it’s tough to find a brand that’s nailing a solid price point for even higher quality.

The Shirt: Old Navy Slim-Fit Chambray Shirt, $25 — Because we’re starting with the boots and building from there, a solid, reliable and remarkably affordable chambray shirt is for sure the way to go.

The Chinos: Bonobos Jet Blue Washed Chinos, $88 — Again, navy chinos are classic, reliable (saying that a lot, aren’t we?) and well-fitting — particularly with your pick of three fits. The navy blue plays nicely off the chambray, too.

The Socks: Pair of Thieves Splelurking Socks, $10 — You might recognize this brand from a past Style Guide #OOTD, and this pair is a nice way to break up the shades of blue between the chinos and chambray shirt.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Braided Leather Belt, $27.50 — Playing off the adage that simple is better, this relatively affordable and durable belt breaks up the outfit with solid texture and keeps things casual yet crisp.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Fairfield Watch, $75 — A new introduction from a brand that’s really upped their design as of late — the casual nature of this outfit means you needn’t worry about matching the leather to the chukkas all that much.

The Money Clip: Owen & Fred Brass Money Clip, $19 — If you live by the principle that style is in the details, this money clip streamlines your everyday carry and looks great in the process.

The Bag: Owen & Fred Flight Brief, $245 — If you prefer a larger bag, this might be a bit small for you. However, if you prefer to keep things simple, sharp and stylish, picking up this flight brief is a great investment.

And with all of that, we’re set. This outfit isn’t tremendously groundbreaking, and it’s not build to turn all that many heads in terms of street style. But it’s sharp, effective and versatile — be it going from the office to a weekend trip, or out and about on the weekends. Pairing shades of blue is a personal favorite of this menswear writer (although I’m trying to mix up those colors!), so it’s a tried-and-true combination. And crucially, starting with a remarkably handsome pair of shoes — chukka boots in this case — is always a solid bet no matter what occasion you might be dressing for. Be sure to take care of them with brown leather shoe cream or polish, and they’ll stand up to everything from tailored wear to a casual weekend outing.

Are you a fan of this week’s #OOTD? How would you style brown leather chukka boots?

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Florsheim

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Polo This Spring

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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

With the recent rise to prominence of athleisure in the #menswear world — that is, wearing athletic-style clothes outside the gym — the lines have blurred in terms of what items work together in certain outfits. Take a great pair of black sneakers, for instance. Once confined to being worn at the gym or only very casually, they now work in a variety of situations — even with garment-dyed jeans and a polo (spoiler alert!). The key is to approach the rest of your outfit in the same way — so, keeping the principles of style and proper fit in mind, and looking toward colors that work together. Of course, looking for a sport-inspired polo to finish off your outfit doesn’t hurt, either. And a crisp black stainless watch works very nearly everywhere regardless of the situation. Got that all down? On to the #OOTD below!
Florsheim

Mixing great outerwear with a retro polo and sneakers.

Mixing great outerwear with a retro polo and sneakers.

The Jacket: Bridge and Burn Harden Herringbone Jacket, $128 — A herringbone jacket in the spring? When it’s made from a poly/cotton blend in a  versatile color, it definitely works. It’s a step away from a more traditional spring jacket, and definitely would be handy to have when the weather turns south.

The Polo: BOAST USA Striped Pocket Polo, $72 — While you could certainly grab one from this site’s list of the best polos for spring, there’s something refreshing about reaching for a sporty offering from an unexpected brand.

The Denim: JackThreads Natural Garment-Dyed Slim Denim, $59 — Again, any of the options in The Style Guide’s list of the best lightwash denim would also work, but the Natural color is a nice change of pace — and it’s a tremendous price, too. Plus, these can be ordered as part of the brand’s free #JTTryouts program.

The Sneakers: Brooks Heritage Chariot Sneakers, $51.99 — These sneakers combine retro styling and modern performance in a silhouette that’s just sporty enough without looking like a traditional running sneaker.

The Belt: Perry Ellis Webbed Leather Trim Belt, $22.99 — Sometimes, less is better. That is, this belt combines some nice texture and a casual look with a low profile (unlike some of the belts in this feature).

The Socks: Pair of Thieves No-Show Spelurking Socks, $10 — Finding a pair of no-show socks that can be worn reliably through the spring and summer should be on your to-do list — they’ll keep your feet comfortable and help your shoes last much longer, too.

The Watch: Larsson and Jennings Chain-Metal Watch in Silver, $380 — Unlike other stylish casual watches featured on this here site, this timepiece definitely gets up there in price — but, you get reliable performance and minimal style in one package.

The Trunks: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Trunks, $22 — These trunks are remarkably comfortable and well-made, definitely worthy of the higher price tag.

The Hat: Ebbets Field Flannels Sacramento Solons Ballcap, $45 — When looking for areas in which to make style upgrades, a ballcap sans an athletic brand logo is a great place to start. Plus, it finishes off the ensemble with even more sporty, retro style inspiration.

Sometimes, great style can center around taking a few key pieces in the same theme — say, sport-inspired classics — and making them work together. A striped polo and jeans is nothing new, but when paired up with comfortable, retro sneakers and a vintage ballcap, you’ve got the makings of a solid casual outfit.  A stylish spring jacket from a brand that knows how to make ’em is always a reliable bet, too. And a versatile watch with some interesting visual details (like a chain-metal strap) works well with the rest of the ensemble. Have an idea for a look you want to see in the #OOTD series? Let me know on Facebook!

Thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Suit This Spring

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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

For every situation that calls for more casual, rugged wear — like how to dress for a spring bar crawl, for instance — there are situations that call for a bit something more: Say, a big presentation at the office, or a (very) fancy dinner date. That’s what we’re tackling today on The Style Guide, with an eye specifically toward how to do it right — after all, rocking a shirt and tie sans jacket just isn’t something that’s going to leave most of us looking our best. The thing with investing in a suit — even a budget-friendly option like the below — is that you can get a lot of wear out of it (yes, even casually).  But today’s post goes for a full-on, suited look. Shop away! And if you have suggestions for an #OOTD scenario you’d like covered, let me know on Facebook!
Shop the latest in Men's styles Under $50 + get FREE Shipping on orders over $100 at Frank & Oak!

Taking a few classics -- like the worsted wool suit -- and flipping them by incorporating unique texture and color.

Taking a few classics — like the worsted wool suit — and flipping them by incorporating unique texture and color.

The Suit: J. Crew Ludlow Harbor Blue Suit Jacket in Italian Worsted Wool, $425 — J. Crew just absolutely knows what works in terms of classic, affordable suiting — and the Harbor Blue color of this jacket is a terrific change of pace if you’ve already got a navy suit in your closet. As always, don’t forget the Ludlow suit pants (which should fit relatively slim and modern).

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch White Royal Oxford, $98 — Who knew that Taylor Stitch made dress shirts? This guy sure didn’t. You’re getting exceptional quality for an exceptionally classic piece that can go anywhere. If you want something more price-conscious, head this way.

The Pocket Square: SprezzaBox White & Tan Pocket Square, $16 — In addition to a neat monthly subscription service, SprezzaBox also makes its own line of essential ties & accessories — slightly more expensive than The Tie Bar, but with great styling potential.

The Tie: SprezzaBox Knit Charcoal Shifting Tie, $25 — A charcoal knit tie is virtually foolproof when it comes to rocking with all manner of suits across all seasons — that holds true for spring, as well.

The Shoes: Thursday Boots Brown Scout Boot, $149 –A pair of leather chukka boots with a suit? Heck yes. The heightened blue color of this suit, along with the more textured charcoal knit tie, pushes this look into more casual territory, so the boots just work.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Reversible Brown Leather Belt, $27.50 — A tried-and-true leather belt that serves a double function is the way to go here — you get J. Crew quality for less, too.

The Socks: Mack Weldon Total Eclipse Blue Socks, $12.50 — For a brand that does basics like its slim merino long-sleeve tee so well, they sure do know how to make comfortable socks that are still slightly cheaper than what you’d find  at other retailers.

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Classic Bristol Silver Watch, $229 — A timeless watch from a brand that just gets how to do things right; it’s slim, minimal and tremendously stylish!

That brings us, once again, to the end of another #OOTD — taking pieces that you should probably already have in your wardrobe (the classic, four-season worsted wool suit, for one) and injecting some new color and texture helps shake things up nicely. The color combination of the tan tipped pocket square and the charcoal knit tie is another variation on the traditional silk tie, and the brown leather chukka boots are a heck of a deal for the quality. Other hardworking pieces, like breathable socks and a slim dress watch, just work regardless of the season. This ensemble will hopefully work for all kinds of dressy scenarios — be it a dressy summer wedding or a dressy day at the office. And on a more casual front: Coming up tomorrow, we’ll be tackling the best short-sleeve shirts to rock this summer.

Thanks for reading, and stay stylish!

Florsheim