Tag / outfit of the day

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Rugged Overshirt This Fall

This week’s #OOTD fun on The Style Guide continues in fine fashion — or should I say, fall fashion? That’s right — we’re truly starting to get into rugged fall style on the blog, from the menswear to wear on a fall trip to today’s focus: How to wear a rugged overshirt this season.  The overshirt — particular a stylish Taylor Stitch overshirt as featured today — is as versatile a #menswear layering weapon as you’ve got in your fall style arsenal. Namely, it can function as both a shirt … and a jacket. For those days and nights when it’s not cold enough for a heavier top layer, an overshirt can pull double duty. Feel free to layer it over a slim striped henley or toss it on over another shirt — say, an American-made Oxford. Made with the right fabric (like the Japanese selvedge cotton found on the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket seen here), it’s going to provide warmth from the chill and earn you major style points at the same time. You’ll notice some other fall style touches, including stylish (yet tough!) Danner hiking boots and a classic field watch. This look is casual enough to fit in at an outdoor concert, it’s durable and rugged enough to wear to a fall tailgate … basically, a rugged overshirt is your ticket to versatile, casual style this season. Want more style tips? Follow me on Instagram. And let me know what you think of the below #OOTD in the comments below!

Rugged fall style

Classically rugged fall style — essential for a tailgate, a bonfire or a day trip. Gotta love the rugged Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket as seen here.

The Overshirt: Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket in Sea Washed Indigo, $118  (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post) — Ahh yes, the well-made, well-crafted and exceptionally stylish rugged overshirt we discussed earlier.  This Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket features selvedge detailing and a modern fit.

The Henley: Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley, $125 — What are you layering under your Taylor Stitch overshirt? A rugged Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Henley, of course. The stripes add visual interest, and the merino wool adds breathability and classic fall style.

The Denim: DSTLD Slim Jeans in Charcoal Overdye, $85 — You could certainly throw on a pair of classic dark denim for monochromatic style, but these slim charcoal jeans from direct-to-consumer Los Angeles brand DSTLD offer a neat contrast in terms of color and texture.

The Boots:  Danner Vertigo 917 Boots, $220 — Now, you could easily swap in a pair of stylish leather sneakers here, yet these hybrid hiking boots from Danner convey both rugged style and functionality — a wise bet if you end up on your feet for longer than expected (perhaps an Octoberfest bar crawl, ehh?).

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — We always say that the little details make the difference here at The Style Guide, and this tough leather belt from Sturdy Brothers gets those details right.

The Socks: Arvin Goods Crew Socks (Three-pack) — $24 — If you read this blog regularly, you recognize the name Arvin Goods — the brand makes functional, understated socks at a great price. These affordable crew socks should team nicely with your Danner hiking boots.
The Watch: Momentum Watches Flatline 42 Fabric Watch, $164.98 — When your outfit is filled with adventure-ready pieces, it makes sense to grab a classic field watch. The Flatine 42 Fabric Watch from Momentum Watches gives you the durability and style you need.
The Fall Essential: Knight Co. Complete Moisturizer, $24 — Don’t overlook the importance of keeping your grooming game tuned up through the fall months — especially as colder weather descends. The Knight Co. Complete Moisturizer should prove both premium and quite helpful with that goal.

As October approaches and crisp weather rolls into town, I’d say you surely need a rugged layering piece with plenty of potential — the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket is going to be your ticket to essential fall style. From craft beer festivals to weekend coffee trips and perhaps a stylish fall weekend trip, there’s little that the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket can’t do. Particularly when layered up with a rugged striped henley — also from Taylor Stitch — you’re going to be set for fall weekends aplenty. Charcoal denim from DSTLD is a nice way to mix things up visually, while the Danner Vertigo 917 Boots offer both comfort and durability for all-day style. And with its subtly fashionable design and tough construction, the Flatine 42 Fabric Watch is the ideal casual men’s watch to offset this ensemble. Of course, no outfit is complete without taking care of your men’s grooming essentials — who else needs that Knight Co. moisturizer in their medicine cabinet? At any rate, I hope this #OOTD gets you thinking when it comes to rugged fall style. Who’s ready for the season? I sure am!

Thanks for reading and cheers,

-Beau

A

Advertisement
by Beau H.

#OOTD: Layering Up in Style This Winter

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.

OK, so first of all — it’s Valentine’s Day! I hope you’re spending the day just as you’d like, and in style. To that end —  if you’re looking to shore up or switch up your casual winter style  after a few months of bone-chilling cold, this week’s #OOTD will sort that out nicely for you. We talked last month about how to wear a turtleneck this winter, but we’re going a bit more accessible and a bit more versatile today — as you’ll see below. It’s taking pieces that you might already have in your wardrobe, or pieces that you might be coveting — ahem, the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — and putting in all together in a look that you can wear any day of the week. So, Sunday brunch? Check. Heck, Saturday brunch? You got it. And a weekend coffee date or a business casual day at the office? Absolutely. For more daily style inspiration, follow your Style Guide author on Instagram. Join us later this week for our regularly scheduled #menswear programming, too. Happy shopping!

Taylor Stitch

Taking classic pieces and upgrading the fabrics and fits.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket, $248 — Ahh, yes. The warm, comfortable, slim-fitting and versatile Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket. How could you not love it? Right? Right.

The Sweater: Bonobos Merino V-Neck Sweater, $58 — If you’re going to wear something more simple in form — like a V-neck sweater — you might as well make yours a high-quality, well-fitting piece in a rich winter color. Wondering how it should fit?  Read my recent Effortless Gent piece on how to find the perfect sweater (nudge, nudge).

The Oxford: JackThreads The Oxford Shirt, $39 — Is there a more classic combination for versatile, casual style than a V-neck sweater and an Oxford? Not quite — especially when it’s a great deal from the folks at JackThreads.

The Denim: Buck Mason Lou Slim Fit Jean, $175 — If you haven’t checked out Buck Mason, I’d advise you do so — from the brand’s classic short-sleeve chambray shirts to slim denim like this pair (faded just right), it’s tough gear for the modern man.

The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots, $180 — As sold by everyone’s favorite E-commerce retailer — that’s Huckberry, y’all — Astorflex makes essential, sustainable and stylish footwear. Yes, the Bitflex Chelsea Boots are a winning footwear choice.

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Leather Belt, $44 — Sometimes, your accessories help define a casual ensemble. In this instance, a textured belt tones things down in comparison to a slim dress belt.

The Socks:  American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $16.98 — If you’re going to fill your sock drawer with only the best, might as well make your picks from American Trench — the brand makes beautiful, comfortable socks.

The Watch:  Tanner Goods Martenero Ace Automatic Watch, $549.98 — Just as a textured leather belt places this outfit in casual territory, so too does a rugged, handsome and eye-catching watch with tough Tanner Gods leather.  Truly, the Ace Automatic Watch is expertly designed and made to stand up to anything.

With versatility and great comfort & fit in mind, dressing in casual style can be easy and hey, fun. And if you’ve been looking for ways to switch up your style this winter, a great V-neck and Oxford is one way to go. These are pieces you might already have, but you can amp things up with something like the handsome, rugged Maritime Submariner Jacket and slick footwear like the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots. Oh, and if adding to your watch collection is a priority in terms of your 2017 style resolutions, there’s no better place to start than the very investment-worthy Ace Automatic Watch. If you have any questions or suggestions on this outfit, drop ’em in the comments or hit me up on Twitter. Talk to you soon, and thank you for reading!

-Beau

Frank & Oak

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Suit Up This Winter

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.

Maybe as we enter 2017, one of your New Year’s resolutions has been to suit up more  — but if you don’t quite have the right gear to do so in winter weather, that can be a difficult endeavor. So, if you need a sharp tailored suit and durable winter accessories for the season, today’s Style Guide post you all set. It’s a bit different than wearing a summer blazer  — the need for added layers, for one — but you’re also going to want to start out with a more textured shirt and tie, plus tougher shoes. Lest we forget, you’ll still need to stay warm with a  crisp topcoat, too. So there are certainly more variables at play than when dressing up in the spring, summer or fall. If some of the below pieces look familiar, well, that’s the point of a versatile wardrobe — right?? Bear with me as we step into winter with serious tailored style, and I’d love to get your thoughts via Twitter on this look. Happy shopping!

Winter textures and accessories make a fine cold-weather suiting combo.

Winter textures and accessories make a fine cold-weather suiting combo.

The Suit: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket and Trousers in Grey Wool, $456 — The ever-reliable, durable and winter-appropriate Telegraph Suit is just the right mix of crisp and casual when it comes to suiting — the grey wool fabric is classic, the patch pockets are casual and the fit is on-point throughout. Oh, and don’t forget a crisp dress belt.

The Topcoat: JackThreads Tieman Topcoat in Charcoal Houndstooth, $104.30 — Told you a sharp topcoat would be of particular importance, right? This charcoal houndstooth number is all old-school cool.

NOV CAMPAIGN: Horizontal banner with shoes and logo (border)

The Tie: The Tie Bar Scramble Knit Stripe Tie, $25 — Want to shake up your normal tie rotation? Try a textured knit with seasonally appropriate burgundy stripes.
 
The Pocket Square: Ties.com Galveston Pocket Square, $10 — Are we breaking out a cotton pocket square in the dead of winter? We sure are, because this pocket square breathes a bit of life into the blue, red and charcoal combo on your top half.
The Boots: Nisolo Emilio LE Chukka Boot, $149.98 — This limited-edition, five-eye chukka boot lends some hearty visual interest to the wool suit, and is fit for stepping through the occasional snowdrift (occasional being the operative word).

The Socks: American Trench Superfine Merino Herringbone Socks, $28.98 — Want a pair of sharp socks that’ll still keep you warm? American Trench is the way to go — this pair is dressy, sharp and comfortable.

The Watch: Orient Bambino 2nd Generation Watch, $198.98 — Is it possible to get a quality dress watch for under $200? It certainly is, particularly when you reach for something as sharp, simple and classic as the Orient Bambino.

 OK, are you all ready to suit up for winter? When you start with a spread-collar chambray shirt and build up with key accessories like a classic knit tie and textured pocket square, a suit as handsome as the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit  is really going to shine. Meanwhile, sturdy Nisolo leather chukka boots should be tough and durable, while American Trench socks won’t let you down in the comfort or looks department. And every man should own a simple, crisp black leather dress watch like the Orient Bambino 2nd Generation.  How will you be suiting up this winter? Let’s hear it in the comments below — thanks, as always, for reading!
-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for the First Snowfall

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.

Can you feel it? A real chill in the air? Temperatures (nearly) below or *gasp* at freezing? And maybe … the flutter of a snowflake or two? Yes, the more you look around these parts — that is, Brooklyn — on The Style Guide, the more you realize winter’s just about here. Of course, if you find yourself in a warm climate year-round, stop reading — we have plenty of beach-ready menswear for you. But if you need to bundle up for that first snowfall, the #menswear you need is just a few clicks away — and it looks sharp for situations casual and slightly less so.  Essential layering pieces like a shawl-collar cardigan and a slim henley can work all through fall, but when it comes time to combat the snow? You can certainly still reach for ’em with confidence. We’ll get to the full #OOTD below — and for style inspiration on the daily, check out the behind-the-scenes process on Instagram.

Layering up for snowy weather with a comfortable henley, a rugged cardigan and waterproof boots.

Layering up for snowy weather with a comfortable henley, a rugged cardigan and waterproof boots.

The Cardigan: JACHS NY Donegal Shawl Neck Cardigan, $129 — With its combination of hefty fabric yet a pleasingly modern fit, this cardigan is refined enough for the office but casual enough for the weekend.

The Topcoat: Old Navy Wool-Blend Topcoat in Crème Caramel, $124.94 — Add another brand to your list when it comes to stylish topcoat shopping this season. Old Navy knocks it out of the park with this functional, sharp number. Is it a heavy, technical parka? Not quite. But will it layer up nicely and look refined along the way? Yes, sir.

The Denim: Flint & Tinder All-American Jeans (Slim Tapered or Straight Tapered), $98 — If you caught this site’s post on the best men’s selvedge denim, then you know how essential Flint & Tinder jeans can be. Snag either the Straight or Slim Tapered cut and wear them all season. As to a belt? Choose a braided leather belt  for seasonally appropriate texture if you’ve got one.

The Henley: OLIVERS Apparel Convoy Henley, $98 — If you’re heading to the office & a henley won’t cut it, sub in a stylish chambray shirt & a wool tie. But in casual situations? Layer away with this soft, comfortable and slim henley.

The Boots: Cole Haan Lockridge Moc Toe Waterproof Boots, $350 — Perhaps more well-known for lightweight shoes like its ZeroGrand series, the Lockridge is a flexible, durable and completely waterproof boot ready for snow and slush, plus a business casual day at the office.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Fair Isle Grade Crew Socks, $25 (Available via East Dane) — With various shades of blue in this outfit — plus that rich camel topcoat — a shot of red via textured socks makes a nice addition.

The Watch: Lum-Tec M60 GMT Watch, $499.98 — If you stop by here often, you know that Lum-Tec makes a bevy of watches that are Style Guide favorites. Although brown boots are in play, the M60 GMT Watch features a black dial and a black leather strap– but it comes with a stainless steel bracelet or a black rubber strap (especially handy in the snow).

The Hat: Herschel Supply Co. Abbott Knit Beanie, $20 (Available via East Dane) — Other than stylish leather gloves, what’s the one accessory keeping you warm in the blustery snow? A functional, neutral winter cap. If you’re going to go investment-level with a durable casual watch, might as well keep your hat affordable and versatile.

Join Frank & Oak Elevate - Enjoy FREE Shipping, Cashback + more at Frank + Oak! Try it now for 90 days, risk free!

This snowfall-ready outfit favors fashion just a bit more than function — we’re not throwing on a blizzard-level parka and snow pants just yet. But in the event it does start to snow a little harder, versatile accessories like a warm shawl collar cardigan and a sharp topcoat should serve you well. And accessories like tough winter boots  and a rugged leather watch can certainly take a few punches. Regardless of whether you’re stepping through  a few flurries or the bitter chill, don’t leave home without a warm scarf and gloves (thank your mom for that reminder, too!). If you’ve got other questions on what to wear for the first snowfall, or just want to chat, shoot me an email or a Tweet.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Business Casual Fall Style

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.

So, we ran into a bit of a conundrum last week on The Style Guide when we talked about how to dress for a casual fall day. We’re nearly through November, and the weather’s been so up-and-down … how does one dress to meet those demands? And if you’ve got to switch from casual fall style to sharp fall style, just how do you do it? Particularly, how does one dress in business casual fall style? Maybe your office isn’t the type of place where a suit and tie is required (it seems few offices are nowadays) — heck, maybe it’s a place where a collared shirt isn’t needed all that often. But let’s say you want to up your game going into a prime cold-weather dressing season — or perhaps, you just need an excuse to refresh some business casual style staples. Now, we’ve talked about how to dress for a business casual office in the summer, but dressing for the fall is a bit different — for starters, you’ll be needing another layer or two depending on the weather. What other #OOTD tips do we have to share? Well my friends, you’ll just have to read on below. Oh, and if you’re scrambling for something to wear for Thanksgiving later this week? A few of the below pieces will come in just as handy for turkey time as they will for your next office meeting. Keep up with The Style Guide (AKA yours truly) on the daily via Twitter and Instagram, and leave any suggestions for this ensemble in the comments below. Deal? Deal.

Can you go wrong with a navy jacket & khaki five-pocket pants? Hardly.

Can you go wrong with a navy jacket & khaki five-pocket pants? Hardly.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket in Navy, $219.98 — Make no mistake, this jacket features a bit of a unique fabric blend, especially in chilly weather — textured wool & linen chambray aren’t exactly a regular fall combo. But for a four-season jacket with modern styling potential, it doesn’t get better.

The Topcoat: Old Navy Tweed Topcoat, $124.94 — If you were worried about staying warm on a chilly November or December day, don’t be. This Old Navy tweed topcoat is a heck of a bargain and features a nice fit.

The Shirt: Bonobos Jetsetter Dress Shirt in Solid Light Blue, $128 — With a range of customizable options — from the collar to your choice of pocket, plus a dialed-in Bonobos fit, this is a classic dress shirt — a tad pricey, but very solid. Note that we’re ditching the tie, but I’d say you should accessorize with a crisp textured pocket square.

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Khaki Pant, $98 — OK, so you’ve got a sharp jacket and a stylish dress shirt covered … but your office is too casual to go with a full-on suit. Reach for a tailored pair of crisp five-pocket pants — versatile, slim-fitting and equally at home in spring or fall.

The Shoes: Johnston & Murphy Duvall Wingtips, $99.99 — While you could also go with a pair of classic leather chukka boots here, sharp wingtips are just as appropriate and lend a bit of polish to this ensemble.

The Socks: American Trench Merino and Cashmere Fair Isle Socks, $19.98 — Merino AND cashmere, you say? It’s a heck of a luxurious combo for socks, and these ones from American Trench should feel comfortable while fitting great.

The Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph, $194.98 –Watches from Armogan work particularly well for business casual situations, what with their crisp designs and slightly larger (and thus more casual) case sizings. Case in point — the Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph.

The Gloves: Hestra Edward Sheepskin Wool Lined Gloves, $125 (Available via East Dane) — Hey, we said it’d be cold, right? What better way to fight the chill in style than with a pair of rich brown leather gloves?
Beckett Simonon

So, if you still feel like you’re not ready to dress for fall in business casual style, I’d suggest you snap up one or more of the above picks. Particularly when it comes to a crisp, sharp jacket like the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket,  you’re getting a piece that can work in multiple seasons with just a few extra layers. And that’s just as true with the ever-versatile Flint and Tinder 365 Khaki Pant — casual enough for a laidback office, and at home on a fall or spring weekend.  When you throw in accessories like beautiful merino-and-cashmere Fair Isle socks and a handsome chronograph watch, you’re looking at a complete fall outfit. Got questions? Send me an email or drop us a line in the comments — and let me know how it works for you!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for Fall 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 will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here. Portions of this post use affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned.

Can you believe we’re talking about fall travel — November travel, even — today on the blog? The year, and this fall season in particular, has really flown by. So, maybe you’re looking ahead toward *cue audible gasp* what to wear for Thanksgiving,  or perhaps you’re just looking ahead to what to wear when you travel next. For most of us, fall travel is a bit of a different animal than dressing for summer travel — while comfort and style are still top of mind, the temperatures are a bit colder (to say the least), and you need layers that move with you as you go. Let’s say you start in a chilly Northern city, but move through to a more temperate climate — the below bomber jacket in this #OOTD can go in your durable weekender bag as you travel. And the rest of the pieces are versatile, classic and easy to wear on the road. If that’s got you wondering what’s next, simply scroll down. If you’d like more menswear inspiration, check out The Style Guide on Facebook or check out yours truly on Twitter.

Mixing the classics - like a chambray shirt & denim -- with a comfortable bomber & travel accessories.

Mixing the classics – like a chambray shirt & denim — with a comfortable bomber & travel accessories.

The Jacket: Public Rec Crosstown Bomber Jacket, $128 — The makers of your favorite pair of everyday pants are back in a big way, namely with a heck of a wearable, comfortable and versatile bomber jacket. It’s the perfect travel layer to get you through a chilly morning and a warmer afternoon — at a very fair price, to boot.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt in Charcoal Chambray, $118 — If you’re surprised that Taylor Stitch is the pick here, don’t be.  The Everyday Chambray is a slim, well-made four-season essential — so, perfect for fall travel.

The Denim: Flint & Tinder All-American Slim Tapered Jeans, $98 — Why go with dark blue denim here? Well, it’s another four-season essential, and this pair from Flint & Tinder is made in America with a hint of stretch.

The Sneakers: Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers, $79.99 — From summer weekends to fall travel, the Brooks Chariot Heritage series gets it done — and the Academia is a fall-centric update with a pattern inspired by professorial fabrics.

Huckberry

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Fair Isle Crew Socks, $25 (Available via East Dane) — The Anonymous-ism brand is a sleeper hit for fans of subtly designed, well-made socks, and the neat pattern here is another fall-centric bonus.

The Watch: Timex for J. Crew Watch, $128 — J. Crew’s third-party efforts are a consistent hit, and this simple, effective and subtly stylish watch is one of ’em — it’s low-key enough to wear on the plane, then to drinks after you land.

The Weekender Bag: Sword and Plough Blue Weekender Bag, $359 — Behind every company is a great story, and behind every guy is a great weekender bag — right? The Sword and Plough team repurposes military material for its products, and does a fine job with this stylish weekender bag.

The Finishing Touch: Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit, $40 (Available via East Dane) — Instead of hauling your toiletries around in a plastic bag, reach for a durable dopp kit — this one has served me well on trips from upstate New York to Washington, D.C.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

So that closes the curtain on another #OOTD — what did ya think? In this author’s opinion, a breathable, slim-fitting bomber jacket that merges athletic inspiration and a versatile color is a can’t-miss win. And when mixed with some of your favorite pieces — we’re talking American-made denim and a slim chambray shirt — it’s a surefire travel success. The grey sneakers add both texture and comfort to the outfit, while those red patterned socks offset the outfit’s darker shades with a slight touch of color. And, you can’t really go wrong with a straightforward, stylish casual watch — that goes for your travel day, and that goes for a nice dinner afterwards. Wherever you’re headed this season and beyond, safe travels — and stay stylish!

-Beau

Banner

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Ready for Fall with US Authentic

Editor’s note: Thank you kindly to US Authentic for sponsoring this post. All opinions are 100% honest and completely my own.

The Baron -- a classic reimagined for modern times, and paired up here with an Old Navy henley, the Slim Mercer Denim from Mott & Bow, patterned Richer Poorer socks and Beckett Simonon chukka boots.

The Baron — a classic reimagined for modern times, and paired up here with an Old Navy henley, the Slim Mercer Denim from Mott & Bow, patterned Richer Poorer socks and Beckett Simonon chukka boots.

What’s one surefire to upgrade your style while sticking to tried-and-true classics? Add a killer piece of outerwear — particularly as we roll into fall. Essential, investment-worthy pieces are talked about a lot here at The Style Guide. Be it sturdy selvedge denim, stylish boots or a rugged Henley, each piece lends itself to timeless style. That sense of timelessness is also true with a beautiful, built-to-last leather jacket. So when US.Authentic reached out to help me prep for fall, I was more than ready to take on the change in seasons in style — as you might have seen in last week’s Style Pick of the Week post, also featuring the Baron, a fantastic A-1 bomber.  A rugged leather jacket can be a rather daunting purchase for which to shop — particularly if you don’t know where to start. It can be even more intimidating to style on the daily — however, a classic, handsome piece like the Baron helps you tackle that problem swiftly. Fashioned for modern times with authentic specs made to match those of World War II (when flight jackets really were built for the field), it’s a piece that’s easily wearable in 2016. Perhaps the best way to style it leans both rugged and classic. Make no mistake, The Baron is the type of jacket to wear whenever you can — yes, even over a navy knit tie and a white Oxford shirt. However, the Baron is at its best when matched with pieces like the ones seen in the photo at the top.

The Baron pictured alongside other stellar outerwear from US Authentic

The Baron — just as with other leather jackets — works particularly well for casual wear. In this case, a slim short-sleeve henley plays nicely off the rich leather of the Baron. And although slim selvedge denim would be a reliable styling choice, a pair of natural denim  offers a solid change of pace from the everyday. And as with the crisp wingtip boots featured in last week’s post, unconstructed brown leather chukkas (from Beckett Simonon) mix high-low style easily. While your first instinct might be to reach for sturdy lug-sole boots, chukkas offer a sleek contrast to the henley and the vintage vibes of the Baron. Of course, this is but one #OOTD in which a finely crafted leather jacket works. With any number of US Authentic jackets — particularly the Baron — you’re getting fine attention to detail, excellent styling potential and sturdy construction (trust me, this jacket is a beast — perfect for layering throughout the fall). Best of all, you can complement it with sharp, timeless accessories like aviator sunglasses and a beautiful brown leather watch. It’s worth stating again — a timeless jacket like this one will never go out of style. Shop this jacket now via US Authentic, and check out more #menswear looks on Instagram.

Get the Baron now, and check out US Authentic on Instagram for more.

 

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 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: 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?