Tag / #ootd

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How To Dress for a Breezy Spring Day Right Now

To me, it feels like we were just lacing up our rugged leather boots and gearing up for fall & winter, and yet, just as with the shifting tides of the ocean, the menswear world rolls on … and so here we are, talking new spring style essentials. The world is going pretty haywire right now, so all of these picks might not work right now as originally intended — but who said you don’t need great style at home? And who said you don’t need to gear up to get things done outside, too? More specifically, today’s look still provides a timely answer to that age-old question: “What do I wear this spring?” — and to be even more specific, what do I wear on a breezy spring day? The type of day that might unexpectedly bring rain & wind, yet you’ve still got to get out there? Today’s #OOTD steps right up and answers that question decisively, from the stylish rain jacket (via J. Crew) to the classic Blundstone boots that’ll help you navigate slick city streets and wet country roads in equal measure. The fact that the outfit ties in reliable standby pieces like a classic overshirt is a big positive, but rest assured, this is an outfit that’s still got some office-ready polish — that’s all owing to touches like versatile everyday pants from Western Rise, plus a classic everyday watch. We’re not abandoning layering in favor of full-on summer style just yet though, so a luxurious T-shirt is your critical base layer here (more on that in a moment). The key when it comes to dealing with spring weather? Being ready for anything, from unexpected rain to high winds to a late night FaceTime happy hour with friends, and so on. Today’s #OOTD will get you there, mark my words. If you like what you see, be sure to hit me up on Twitter to let me know. Thanks for reading!

Layers to help you fight spring rain, plus stylish accessories.

  • The Rain Jacket: J. Crew Brunswick Rain Jacket, $148 — J. Crew continues to expand its repetoire in new and pleasing ways, such as this ultra-stylish and functional rain jacket — quite possibly the perfect piece of spring outerwear.
  • The Rugged Overshirt: Flint and Tinder Chamois Overshirt, $138 — There’s a chance that breezy spring weather could get ever-so-slightly chillier than expected, and that’s where one of the best men’s overshirts from Flint and Tinder comes into play.
  • The Refined Tee: General Issue Short-Sleeve Tee, $85 — General Issue launched last year with a focus on making refined men’s basics, such as this expertly cut T-shirt — it’s ready to be layered with ease on a breezy spring day under your rugged overshirt, and it also looks great the rest of the time on its own.
  • The Pants: Western Rise Diversion Pants, $138 — For getting around in style this spring, reach for these new, versatile everyday pants from Western Rise — they’re abrasion-resistant and feature four-way stretch, so in short, they’re the perfect pants for your next spring adventure.
  • The Boots: Blundstone Original 550 Boots, $195 — Rain-ready, rugged and durable, the Blundstone Original 550 Boots are some of the best boots for spring (and well beyond) — regardless of how much it actually rains.
  • The Watch: Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68, $1,395 — The demands of spring weather call for a tough everyday watch — and yes, the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68, while quite pricey (to say the least) is one of the best new watches to buy right now.
  • The Everyday Carry: Billykirk x Flint and Tinder Standard Issue Tote, $165 — No matter where you’re heading this spring, a rugged tote bag is the perfect everyday carry addition — and it helps that this stylish tote is from Billykirk & Flint and Tinder.
  • The Grooming Essential: Doji Natural Deodrant Spray, $10 — Keep your grooming on-point this season with a handy natural deodorant spray that just so happens to be very affordably priced.

Dealing with spring rain and breezy weather comes down to more than just throwing on a rain jacket and calling it a day — in the case of this ensemble, layers are ever-more critical with each passing day (and each passing storm, for that matter). Kicking things off with the excellent, highly functional J. Crew Brunswick Jacket is assuredly a smart move, as is adding one of the best men’s overshirts from Flint and Tinder — and to top it off, a premium T-shirt from General Issue adds both visual interest and comfort on a chilly spring day. When spring weather starts up though, anything can happen, so you assuredly need some of the best boots for spring — Blundstone has you taken care of. Those boots, while a bit bulky, are still able to readily pair with your versatile everyday pants from Western Rise — that combination should offer ease of movement and plenty of style (heck, I’ve tried out the Western Rise Diversion Pants and am a big fan of them). Now, it wouldn’t be a complete outfit with a durable, classic watch like the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 68, would it? You’re investing in that timepiece, to be sure, but you’ll have it for years and years to come. And no matter what you’ve got to haul around — be it gear for work or your favorite book — a rugged tote bag will keep your everyday carry in fine form. And last but not least, stay fresh with a natural deodorant spray that’s quite easy to use. Does that about cover everything when it comes to versatile spring style? Why yes, yes I think it does.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress in Versatile Style for Early Spring

Early spring is a time to break out all those spring style essentials you kept stored away during the chilly winter months, from lightweight, stylish everyday pants to other classics that play well with steadily warming (but occasionally rainy or breezy weather) — and that’s where today’s #OOTD rises to the top. If you’ve checked your calendar, you know it’s St. Patrick’s Day, and although you might be spending it at home given all that’s going on out there these days, the goal with today’s look is the ultimate in versatility. It all starts with the new Western Rise Diversion Pants, which blend comfort and style easily. They work for a day at the office (you’ll note the Taylor Stitch short-sleeve shirt below) to a day of kicking back, cold beer in hand (hence, the comfortable Proof Elements Jacket and classic spring sneakers). Of course, if you’ve got to get out and about on a rainy day, then this look also works just fine — check out the tough rubber-strap watch and some of the the toughest EDC gear, for starters. If things warm up unexpectedly, you can ditch the jacket and rock the band-collar shirt on its own (more on that in a second). We’re all about easygoing-yet-polished seasonal style, and this look checks all the right boxes — plus, it’s hard to knock the fact that the weather finally allows you to wear your favorite sneakers again, ehh? To let me know what you think of these gear picks, find me on Twitter.

Durable, versatile pants and comfortable classics pave the way for your next spring #OOTD.

The proper blend of comfort and flexibility starts from the ground up here with the Western Rise Diversion Pants, namely. With a DWR finish and plenty of pockets for your everyday carry (like the Bellroy Minimalist EDC Set), they’re perfectly ready for spring style and plenty of adventures. The polished-yet-cool nature of this outfit is taken up a notch with a stylish short-sleeve shirt, one that you can even wear to the office. And for your commute to the office, you’ll find no better, tougher jacket than the Proof Elements Jacket — it’s dependable, it’s easy to wear for travel (when we’re able to travel again, that is to say), and it pairs quite nicely with the North 89 No-1 Sneakers for crisp-yet-casual seasonal style. It’s the blend of a unique band-collar shirt, combined with travel-ready pants from Western Rise, that gives this look a sense of day-to-night style (when you can get back outside, that is). Be sure to pair up those trousers with a stylish leather belt, too. Of course, accessories also elevate this look, and a tough rubber-strap watch keeps things from getting too stuffy. Taking care of your mug doesn’t stop now that it’s spring, either, so make sure one of the best face cleansers for men is part of your daily routine. All of your bases are covered when it comes to versatile spring style, that much is true. To see how I’m dressing for the season, be sure to head to my Instagram.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Refresh Your Spring Wardrobe with the Best Men’s Chinos

As spring weather starts to roll into town — slowly but surely — it’s time to turn your attention toward the menswear classics that are going to work for you this season. To wit: Today’s #OOTD dives into the classic chinos you can wear all season, paired up with both rugged and refined style picks. Chinos started as a military staple, then transitioned into off-duty wear … and they’ve remained a constant ever since. Think of the Flint and Tinder Selvage Chinos as shown below (spoiler!) as a true workhorse pair of pants, able to be worn at the office and at happy hour — and on the weekend with your favorite T-shirt — in equal measure. The use of tough, cool selvage fabric gives them that old-school feel, too. They’re more polished than sweatpants or even a classic pair of dark denim, especially when you wear them the way today’s post is guiding you to do — with a rugged Western shirt from Taylor Stitch, not to mention equally rugged leather chukka boots from HELM Boots. All told, these are just a few of the pieces you can use in a spring-friendly #OOTD — comfort, style and versatility take center stage here. Naturally, it helps if you finish the entire ensemble off with one of the best men’s spring jackets — but I won’t spoil the exact pick just yet. If you have questions on how to wear your new favorite chinos, hit me up on Twitter.

You can wear these classic chinos just about anywhere — along with other menswear staples.

The thing about some of the best men’s chinos is, again, that mix of versatility, rugged appeal & classic style. The trappings of spring are, of course, in full swing (say that five times fast) when you change up the pace and swap in a Taylor Stitch shirt in place of your more classic Oxford shirt — and that entire combination stands out quite nicely when your outer layer is a  classic waxed jacket from Belstaff — for pairing up with iconic chinos, you should reach for an iconic men’s jacket (investment-level, yes, but worth it). The right footwear makes all the difference when it comes to all-day style and dependability, so you might as well reach for classic leather chukka boots, the kind that’ll break in over time and get better as they go. The right accessories help classic pieces stand out stylishly, so a vintage-style leather timepiece is the right move on the accessories front. Similarly, who can argue with one of the best men’s leather belts — and from the same brand that’s crafting your chinos? To switch things up in a way that’s unique and fun, reach for the Duke Cannon and Budweiser solid cologne shown above — it’s a nice grooming essential for spring to add to your arsenal. Last but not least, you need a tough bag to carry your EDC picks on the daily, and Billykirk x Flint and Tinder have delivered exactly what’s required this season. Again, if you have any further questions, you know where to find me — on Twitter! Cheers!

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This Gear To Your Weekend Coffee Date

Navigating the 21st-century dating world — especially in 2020 — can be a taxing and tricky prospect, and that goes for established relationships, budding relationships and heck, marriage in equal measure. Are coffee dates still the norm in all three of these situations? In my estimation, yes — we’ll leave the rest of the questions to smarter folks, but today, we’re going to talk about what to wear on a weekend coffee date. A standby of enjoyable, relaxing time together, often pairing great coffee with (hopefully) great conversation — pick the right coffee shop, plan activities before and after … and yes, figure out what to wear on a weekend coffee date in the meantime. No matter how long (or short!) you’ve been with your partner, dressing for the occasion with your favorite men’s style essentials — much less style essentials for early spring — is always the right way to approach the situation (even if you’ve previously viewed your weekend coffee run as a necessity rather than event). So, from a new Faherty Brand Chore Coat to a classic crewneck sweatshirt  and of course, a garment-dyed Oxford shirt for classic, laidback style, I think you’ll like what we’re brewing up today. The goal is to approach the situation (in matters of dress as well as mentally) with an air of casual cool — so, be yourself, dress the part, then enjoy the day. If you’ve got questions on what to wear for a weekend, let me know on Twitter. OK, order up!

Keeping things casual and cool for a weekend coffee date.

  • The Jacket: Faherty Brand Chore Coat, $328 — Statement-making outerwear, the kind that’s eye-catching without going crazy, is tough to find these days — except the Faherty Brand Chore Coat, the ideal way to make a first (or second, or third) impression.
  • The Sweatshirt: Taylor Stitch Crewneck in Natural Donegal Terry, $128 — Depending on the weather, maybe you won’t need this classic crewneck sweatshirt from Taylor Stitch. But if you do, it’s a classic layer that quietly nods toward timeless cool.
  • The Oxford Shirt: Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Oxford Shirt, $118 — In keeping with the vibe we’re going for (calm, cool and collected), a garment-dyed Oxford shirt in a flattering color and soft fabric is your best friend (and possibly … your new favorite shirt?).
  • The Denim: Flint and Tinder 1-Year Wash Jeans, $128 — Again, since it’s the weekend, we’re keeping things casual but not over-the-top — perfectly faded denim, especially from Flint and Tinder, is your go-to move.
  • The Classic Boots: Astorflex Dukeflex Boots, $155 — When you want to look put-together without overdoing it, reach for classic chukka boots that are visually interesting and easy to wear with your favorite jeans.
  • The Watch: Form-Function-Form Horween Leather Chronograph, $128 — Leave the heirloom-worthy watch or that rugged dive watch at home — a classic casual watch, particularly a Horween leather strap watch, is your move here.
  • The Grooming Essential: Duke Cannon Solid Cologne, $25 — Again, making a great impression (regardless of how long you’ve been dating!) is a solid move any day of the week, and Duke Cannon Solid Cologne is subtle & high-quality — certainly, some of the best men’s solid cologne on the market.
  • The Wallet: Red Wing Heritage Classic Bifold, $129.99 — Picking up coffee on this date is the right thing to do (in my book), and Red Wing Heritage is helping you meet that aim with one of the best men’s leather wallets — a classic wallet you’ll have for many dates to come, no doubt.

The key here, as with so many entries in our #OOTD series, comes with making the pieces you know and love — for instance, a garment-dyed Oxford shirt — work in harmony together in a way that’s polished and cool, yet memorable. That’s why we’re pairing your new favorite shirt with the right complementary pieces, including a classic crewneck sweatshirt and the Faherty Brand Chore Coat as shown above. This outfit has the makings of care and personal style without being too wild — sounds pretty great, right? In keeping with the laidback nature of a weekend outing, perfectly faded denim is a natural move (although rugged camp pants could also work if you wanted to go a bit more, well, rugged). Rather than wear a pair of lovingly worn-in sneakers — save those for the summer — go with classic chukka boots to add some polish to this look (keep those same boots handy to wear to the office on Monday, too). You’re going to be tying it all together with essential accessories, including a classic casual watch for noteworthy style (everyone loves a cool watch, no?). Haul your cash and cards with one of the best men’s leather wallets, and be sure to freshen up with one of the best men’s solid cologne for that extra finishing touch. Are you feeling ready for your coffee date? I hope so — to get more daily style inspiration, head to my Instagram.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s How to Wear Your Oxford Shirt Right Now

The best winter style ensembles are filled with versatility and dependability (at least, in my humble opinion). So, whether you want to know how to dress for a winter weekend or how to dress for the office right now, there’s a good chance you’ll actually find some overlap between each of those looks — that’s where pieces like the classic Oxford shirt (the subject of today’s #OOTD) come into play. We aren’t just talking about any bargain-bin shirt, however — we’re talking about one of the best Oxford shirts, featuring stretch and a subtle pattern from Faherty Brand (more on that shortly, though). The humble Oxford shirt, with its sporting roots across the pond, is now a menswear staple that  you can dress up or down, at the office or at home … and yes, out on the town, too. It’s fitting that the rest of today’s gear picks act in a similarly versatile manner, from the rugged field jacket as an outer layer, right through to one of the best men’s wool blazers. As it were, this is the ideal kind of look to take you through the rest of winter, seeing as it’s unique and fresh, but not too wild (we’re leaving the printed outerwear and bold shirting at home this time, folks). You can also, of course, mix-and-match this outfit as you please, seeing as your Faherty Brand Oxford shirt can reliably be worn on its own or underneath your favorite shawl cardigan. Before you go anywhere though, you need the right gear — here’s the look to shop now.

The best Oxford shirt + a winter blazer and chinos? That’s a huge winner in my book.

  • The Oxford Shirt: Faherty Brand Stretch Oxford Shirt, $128 — Invest in one of the best Oxford shirts with this fine number from Faherty Brand, featuring a tailored fit and welcome stretch fabric. It’s polished enough for the office or off-duty pursuits.
  • The Blazer: Flint and Tinder Wayfarer Wool Blazer, $298 — Often, wearing your Oxford shirt the right way comes down to what you pair it with — and be it date night or a day on the grind at the office, one of the best men’s wool blazers (featuring a tailored cut from Flint and Tinder) is the perfect move.
  • The Jacket: Billy Reid Quilted Field Jacket, $495 — Think we’ve made it through the worst of winter? Think again. You need a rugged field jacket ASAP, and you need the Billy Reid Quilted Field Jacket, more importantly.
  • The Chinos: Mott and Bow Charles Slim Twill Chinos, $125 — As we so often say, it shouldn’t surprise you now that the makers of your favorite denim are now branching out into categories like your new favorite chinos — these slim twill chinos are business casual-approved and off-duty ready.
  • The Boots: Rhodes Footwear Dean Boots, $228 — Yes, you can wear rugged leather boots to the office or  out on a date — especially when they’re the sleek, Huckberry-approved Rhodes Dean Boots (available for an agreeabl price and offering plenty of functionality).
  • The Watch: Carpenter Watches G-4 Brooklyn Gent Watch, $795.98 — Whether heading to a big meeting or heading out with your significant other, I’d say one of the best leather watches is a must-have. In terms of style, confidence and “cool” factor, Carpenter Watches hits the nail on the head.
  • The Grooming Essentials: Duke Cannon Cold-Weather Defense Kit, $30 — Dry skin and dry hands are the scourge of many a winter outing — not so with these winter grooming essentials from Duke Cannon, guaranteed to hydrate your face and hands in no time.
  • The Everyday Carry: Bellroy Tokyo Tote Bag, $179 — The Bellroy Tokyo Tote Bag isn’t so much a tote bag or a backpack as it is one of the best everyday carry essentials for all that gear you need to have on hand. It’s also unassuming and subtly stylish — perfect for getting around efficiently.

If it wasn’t abundantly clear already, Faherty Brand sure can deliver when it comes to crafting a standout Oxford shirt — again, one that you can wear to the office or out for a refined, polished evening on the town. The key here comes from your supporting cast, including one of the best men’s wool blazers to really drive home that sharp, tailored finish. Naturally, for exploring a new city in blustery weather, the Billy Reid Quilted Field Jacket is going to do some serious damage in terms of durability and style, and it’s all going to come together even more nicely with your new favorite chinos — delivered by Mott and Bow, they’ll provide a reliable fit, quality fabric and standout style. It surely wouldn’t be an #OOTD without rugged leather boots that actually offer some crisp, dressy appeal, and such is the case with the Rhodes Dean Boots. Accessorizing the right way is also something you shouldn’t overlook, and for a watch that’s going to stand out at the office and on a date night, invest in a timepiece from Carpenter Watches for maximum style points. Your skin stays fresh and hyrdated with winter grooming essentials from Duke Cannon  as we get to the end of this ensemble, and you’re carrying around your EDC with the Bellroy Tokyo Tote Bag to top it all off. Have other questions as to what to wear one of the best Oxford shirts with? Let me know on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear Your Crewneck Sweater to the Office (Or Anywhere) This Winter

In recent years, the classic crewneck sweatshirt, the traditionally gym-centric style, has undergone a mdern resurgence — and I’m here to tell you that yes, you can wear your new favorite crewneck sweatshirt just about anywhere this winter, and you can do so with the rest of your winter style essentials. Can you wear it to the office? Yes, definitely. Out for drinks on the weekend? Assuredly. To get coffee and stroll through the park? Most definitely. So that’s where we’ll start today’s #OOTD, and we’re going to specifically focus on the new Mott and Bow Hooper French Terry Crewneck (which also happens to be a wise pairing with slim Mott and Bow denim, while we’re at it). But back to the matter at hand — what exactly makes the crewneck sweatshirt so versatile for wearing beyond the gym? In this case, it starts with the tailored fit, the minimal color (navy is shown here), and the material & construction from Mott and Bow — French Terry cotton is high-quality but casual, which makes it an excellent complement to a timeless Oxford shirt and classic twill trousers as shown below. So that initial combo (alongside the Taylor Stitch Vertical Jacket) means you can take this look to the office then out to drinks afterward, just as easily as you can start from scratch on the weekends when you’ve got a full day out and about. As you’ll see, touches like rugged Chelsea boots give this look more than a touch of winter-ready functionality, and an equally rugged leather watch stands up to the heartier style demands of winter. So again, where you can take the Mott and Bow Hooper French Terry Crewneck? Just about anywhere you like, naturally. Read on for the full look.

 

Yes, your Mott and Bow crewneck sweatshirt is as versatile as can be.

OK, so that’s how to wear your new favorite crewneck sweatshirt .Now, does this look work when you wear your trusty athletic logo crewneck? While those are all well and good to keep on hand for game days, the real key here is the Mott and Bow Hooper French Terry Crewneck  — it’s slim, minimal and versatile enough to wear lounging on your couch or at home. Of course, this look gets an office-ready lift from the classic Oxford shirt from Huckberry (unbutton those buttons for a bit of devil-may-care style). Yet, the option as to where you’re heading wearing this outfit is entirely yours, seeing as the classic twill trousers shown here from Faherty Brand have the styling potential of jeans and the look of slim chinos. Naturally, that makes them the perfect pair of pants to match up with the winter-minded Taylor Stitch Ranch Boots — slip them on, then get out the door and get where you’re going (be it the office or a new distillery). What’s on your wrist is also important here, and the Bertucci A-2TR Vintage GMT is sharp enough to wear to the office, yet casually rugged enough to throw on during your off-duty pursuits. As ever with our #OOTD series, the little details matter, and using one of the best men’s face washes before you step out the door in the morning is vital, too — Duke Cannon knows how to make some of the best men’s grooming essentials out there. Naturally, the finishing touch is the Tanner Goods Utility Bifold — a critical part of your everyday carry, without a doubt. So, this look should work just as hard as you do. To see how I’m stying my own winter #menswear, head to my Instagram. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Layer Up with a Trucker Jacket for Winter

‘Tis still the season to … layer up with winter style essentials, is it not? And so we begin another #OOTD, taking on a tricky question that can spring up during the doldrums of winter: “Do I really have to wear that jacket again?” Maybe it’s the coat you always wear. Maybe it’s got you feeling like you need a change of pace. Fear not, my friends — I’m here to present the humbler trucker jacket as one of the best new pieces of outerwear you can layer up with. Particularly if it’s not snowing like crazy, and temperatures aren’t in the single digits, it pays to have a whole host of go-to winter style picks that are just different enough from the everyday — in this case, we’re talking about an American-made fleece trucker jacket that’ll keep you warm and toasty when paired with, say a classic long-sleeve shirt from Buck Mason and a rugged denim shirt. It’s a solid change of pace from the ordinary, and it can always be fun to switch things up. The rest of this look is as classic as can be, perfect for a laidback weekend outing, an afternoon at your favorite burger bar, a quick weekend getaway, and perhaps, just maybe … super-casual Friday at work. After all, we’ve got classic chinos and stylish leather boots in the mix, too. You’re going for a look that’s not too over-the-top, but one that just works when it comes to the right style essentials for the season. To get the full picture, keep scrolling, reading and shopping. Like what you see? Let me know all about it on Twitter.

All of the rugged gear picks you need to stay warm in style this winter.

OK, do you have a better idea of how to dress for winter — and how to wear a trucker jacket for winter? It’s something that at first glance might not make a ton of sense, but when done the right way (especially with a warm fleece trucker jacket from American Giant), it can provide plenty of benefits. The best layers for winter are really critical here, too — so, a classic long-sleeve shirt from Buck Mason is going to keep you nice and warm without being overly stuffy. The same goes for your classic denim shirt, also from Buck Mason — talk about a one-two punches that delivers perfectly casual-yet-versatile style potential. Things get amped up ever-so-slightly without going over the top via classic chinos from Flint and Tinder, which also offer up office-friendly (or brewery-ready) style when teamed up with stylish leather boots from HELM Boots — those boots in particularly will age wonderfully over time. They’ll also work in tandem with a rugged, stylish leather watch for a dash of adventure-minded functionality. And thankfully, one of the best men’s deodorants is going to keep you smelling and feeling great — just as a rugged tote bag from Tanner Goods is going to get your gear essentials from point A to point B in style. That’ll about wrap up this #OOTD — where is it going to take you this winter? Great places, I hope. Thanks for reading — cheers!

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Hooded Sweatshirt This Winter — The Best Way

If it seems like we’ve tried to cover a lot of ground in our #OOTD series this winter, well, that’s because … we have. From a guide on how to wear your new favorite sweater to today’s versatile-yet-rugged (and largely casual) set of winter style essentials, the stage is set for you to add another arrow to your quiver of menswear looks (yes, I went there). The best new men’s gear is here for you today, including an unexpected centerpiece: That of the surprisingly stylish hooded sweatshirt, and in fact … one of the best men’s hooded sweatshirts. No longer is the hooded sweatshirt to be relegated to wearing on those winter days when you can’t muster up the energy to leave the house — no sir, we’re wearing the perfectly rugged Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover just about anywhere you want. Heck, if you work in a casual, startup-type office environment, we’re wearing this look there, too (it looks a heck of a lot cooler than Zuckerberg’s hoodies, trust me). But mostly, we’re wearing the best hooded sweatshirt and other critical men’s gear picks anywhere you might wear a normal crewneck or V-neck sweatshirt — to brunch, to run errands, to grab coffee, to watch the ballgame … you name it, the Flint and Tinder 10-Year Pullover can probably take it on without missing a beat (aside from situations that definitely require a tie, that is). At any rate, your complete guide on wearing a hooded sweatshirt in style starts right here. Taking notes? Good, good.

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The best way to wear a hooded sweatshirt comes down to the right essentials.

No matter how casual this #OOTD might seem at first, it’s all about making the right choices in terms of your gear — hence, when it comes time to discuss how to wear a hooded sweatshirt, we’re starting with nothing but one of the best hooded sweatshirts around. Starting with a Flint and Tinder hoodie makes it all the easier to throw on the rest of your rugged gear picks, including (of course) a classic trucker jacket, also from Flint and Tinder. That one-two combo is accented quite nicely by both a pair of the best men’s chinos from Western Rise (for that casual office sort of versatility), plus one of the best men’s henleys (for when you need a stylish base layer). The overall effect is one that’s casual enough to hang with the guys, yet not sloppy enough that you’re confined to your couch — and only your couch. That’s where a pair of rugged chukka boots comes into play, helped along on the accessories front by a tough casual watch — the Luminox Modern Mariner, to be more specific. You’ve also got the right idea in mind in terms of hauling your EDC essentials with the Tanner Goods Simple Tote — it blends style and tough functionality with ease. To top it all off, the best men’s grooming essentials (by way of standout soap from Duke Cannon) are yet a final, fitting way to cap off this winter-ready ensemble. Where will it take you this season? Let me know on Twitter — until then, stay warm in style, and thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Casual Winter Weekend

Alright folks, here we go with another take on the #OOTD. There comes a time in your life when duty calls — when you want to get out of the house to head to brunch, or grab a cocktail, or pick up some more coffee, or reload for that home proejct — and it’s just got to be done in spite of the weather. That’s why we’re here: To tell you how to dress for a casual winter weekend, helped along by plenty of seasonal style essentials. The right winter weekend #OOTD ties everything together with functionality and style in mind — so, for fighting windy weather and snowstorms, you’ll find a rugged waxed jacket to take on the elements. Other layers come in handy once you’ve bellied up to the bar and taken off said jacket — take, for instance, one of the best new flannel shirts (more on that one in a moment). And classics like slim dark blue jeans never fail — inside or outside, coffee date or a quick trip into town. All these picks are more crucial than you think, including Red Wing Heritage boots for dependability and durability on slippery streets. The goal here should be gear picks that look great and don’t miss a beat from day-to-night, so you’ll also find crucial layers like one of the best men’s henleys. Check out the full look below, and let me know in the comments if you think we (and by we, I mean me) hit our goal. Cheers!

You’ll be able to go just about anywhere this winter with these rugged gear picks.

Ready to brave the elements? As taxing as that might sound at the moment, I know I am — it all comes down to starting with the right layers, and then building from there. In this case, the right layers just so happen to include a rugged waxed jacket that’ll fight off winter’s worst pretty handily. Layering a Faherty Brand flannel shirt is the right way to go for both warmth and style, plus a bit of versatility — that’s the sort of shirt you can wear to a casual lunch or a trip to your favorite bar in equal measure. You could also argue that if you’re not wearing a Taylor Stitch henley as your base layer, you’re not doing it right this season — that’s debateable, but there’s an argument to be made for making a rugged henley part of your menswear rotation. Naturally, Mott and Bow denim never fails in terms of style points or dependability — the same could be said for those go-anywhere Red Wing Heritage boots, all the better to beat out winter snow. Your accessories are also going to seal the deal here, from one of the best winter hats to a tough everyday bag that’ll keep your gear safe and sound. Of course, no look is complete without a rugged casual watch — that’s the right way to finish off this look. Where will this ensemble take you? Let me know on Twitter.

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Layer Up with a Shawl Cardigan This Season

So, another cold winter day dawns, and there you stand, looking at your closet inquisitively. It’d be nice to have a sweater that  mixes things up from the routine, something that stands out quitely and stylishly for its versatility and toughness … my friends, I’ve found that classic sweater for you. But what to wear it with? That’s why we’re here today to talk how to wear a shawl collar cardigan, and specifically, the excellent Faherty Brand sweater shown below — it’s refined enough for the office (more on that in a second), yet equally at home when out and about this winter. The best shawl collar cardigan on the market? Well, it’s certainly up there. The rugged shawl cardigan is a layering favorite of menswear luminaries like Daniel Craig (we’re big fans of his here), and we’re drawing a bit of inspiration from him as to how we style your new favorite sweater this winter. So, you’re going to find handy cold-weather essentials like a rugged waxed quilted parka, plus must-haves like the best men’s pants for winter weather (but they’re far from snow pants, rest assured). Other winter-friendly pieces, like the remarkably tough Nicks Boots Falcon Boots, are going to carry you through the season handily and in style. But as we’ve said before, you’ve got to kick it off the right way — with perhaps the best shawl collar cardigan around. From there, the possibilities are endless. OK, let’s dive in.

A cozy cardigan goes very well with other rugged, winter-ready menswear picks.

 

From the small accessories that make a big difference (like the best winter gloves for men) to the small details that actually come in quite handy (witness one of the more durable everyday bags out there), I’d say this #OOTD is primed to take on the season in style. From the office — thanks to the Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt — to the speakeasy and your favorite coffee shop, wearing one of the best shawl cardigans really can take you  just about anywhere. The key here is ensuring you’re looking sharp both in and out of the elements, so a tough winter jacket like the Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Field Jacket is going to be your best friend when it comes to winter layering. Naturally, winter-ready boots are going to keep you safe and dry, no matter how snowy it gets out there. Of course, the seemingly insignificant details shouldn’t be overlooked — that’s why you’re wearing one of the toughest casual watches, after all. And when you mix it all up with some of the best men’s pants for winter weather, your entire look is complete in a way that’s both office-friendly and yet rugged & adventure-ready. But going back to what we’ve said before, the right shawl cardigan makes it all go round. Check it out for yourself, then let me know how you feel on Twitter. Thanks for reading!