See Now, Buy Now: Get the Color of the Season with the Raleigh Denim Alexander Stretch Jeans

A twist on traditional winter denim, featuring comfortable fabric and a seasonally friendly color.

We’ve all been there: The time comes around in the morning to pick out a reliable work week outfit, maybe something with a bit of tailored winter style … and you tend to reach for the same dependable pair of dark blue cords, denim or chinos. Not that that’s a bad thing! But every now and again — especially as we approach the doldrums of winter — a guy’s gotta switch up. And that’s where the Raleigh Denim Alexander Stretch Jeans  are going to be your saving grace. Whether you add the stylish Alexander Stretch Jeans to your own holiday style wish list (Christmas is VERY soon!), or whether you pick them up for the menswear fan in your life, everyone’s going to be more than happy to unwrap and wear the Alexander Stretch Jeans from Raleigh Denim. Why is that, Beau? It’s that crucial combination of style and comfort, plus a rich Walnut color that’s decidedly different from the varying hues of dark blue and charcoal a lot of us wear — and that’s a great thing.

The  Raleigh Denim Alexander Stretch Jeans  might feature a fabric blend that’s more lightweight than what you’d typically wear in winter, but that just gives you more freedom to layer up on your top half, from a stylish shawl collar cardigan to a classic indigo overshirt. They’re also washed for a broken-in feel, just what you need to feel comfortable and cozy curled up around the fire, heading to a Christmas Eve party — buy ’em now! — or hopping on a crosscountry flight (in style, naturally). The Alexander Stretch Jeans are a unique take on a traditional winter trouser, and that’s why your Style Guide author digs ’em so much. The  Raleigh Denim Alexander Stretch Jeans  are tapered slightly, but a bit roomier than they are skintight — that’s good when you want to channel polished, but relaxed, holiday style this season. And when the new year hits? You should certainly feel free to wear the  Raleigh Denim Alexander Stretch Jeans   with your favorite denim shirt and perhaps a classic field jacket for versatile style on the go. What do you say? Who’s ready for Christmas now? You are, my friend.

Are you a fan of the  Raleigh Denim Alexander Stretch Jeans   for gift giving or … wearing? Let me know in the comments! 

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear a Striped Shirt This Summer

As the summer starts to heat up, there are suitably laidback and versatile ways you can take on the heat — yes, even when it’s sweltering. And it starts with something as simple as your shirt — indeed, the best way to wear a striped shirt is what we’re talking about in today’s #OOTD. Now, “best” is certainly subjective — but your Style Guide fashion department of one absolutely loves the look featured below. Make no mistake — a bold striped shirt was once seen as the ultimate power shirt by business executives, but in 2017, it takes on a decidedly laidback vibe when done up by GANT Rugger (today’s featured shirt, as it were!).

The GANT Rugger Indigo Stripe Oxford Shirt is a casual, cool and smart update, featuring lightweight herringbone cotton, a bold and summer-friendly indigo stripe and easygoing wearability — that’s the case whether you wear it to a weekend barbecue or a day at the office. Ditch the jacket with this look  — it’s OK, trust me.  Chime in with any #menswear thoughts on Twitter, or give me a follow on Instagram for more warm weather style inspiration than you can possibly consume.
Sutro Shoes Inc.

GANT Rugger

A new take on the striped shirt, featuring classic kicks, a sharp watch and essential grooming accessories.

The Shirt: GANT Rugger Indigo Stripe Oxford Shirt, $95 — As mentioned before, this isn’t your dad’s striped shirt. It’s modern, lightweight and head-turning thanks to those bold (yet remarkably wearable) indigo stripes.

The Jeans: Raleigh Denim Jones Denim in Natural Rinse, $185 — One way to instantly shake off any nagging associations of this shirt with stuffy, tailored style? Add in natural denim in pleasing, summer-friendly rinse.

Greats

The Sneakers: SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard in Slate Navy, $78 — Yet another way to style your striped shirt in a modern manner? Laidback, easygoing plimsoll sneakers from SeaVees are a fine addition — perfect for kicking your feet up and knocking back a cold one.

The Belt: Bonobos Braided Leather Belt in Cognac, $85 — Leave it to Bonobos — makers of excellent chinos aplenty — to make a handsome, casual belt in a striking shade of cognac.

Florsheim

The Watch: Armogan Le Mans Chronograph, $220 — Some watches are so well-designed and sharp that they can work with dressed-down outfits just as easily as dressed-up outfits. The speedy, fast Armogan Le Mans Chronograph is one such watch.

Oxfords under $50 CAD_728x90
The Sunglasses: Component Sunglasses C-0201 Sunglasses, $265 — A breezy striped shirt, slim natural denim and vintage-inspired sunglasses? What could be better? Component is a new brand making distinctive shades straight outta Miami, and you’d do well to keep them on your radar.

The Everyday Essential: BYRD Hairdo Products Lightweight Pomade (Two-pack), $28.98 — Want to add some texture to your hair without looking too overdone? The Lightweight Pomade from BYRD Hairdo Products is an easy choice.

 

 

 

The Everyday Essential, Part 2: Triumph & Disaster Gameface Moisturizer, $49.98 —  Even in the summer heat, don’t skip out on a functional men’s moisturizer like the one seen here. It’s another way to keep your skin looking fresh, and that goes for whether you wear this outfit to evening cocktails or a laidback half-day at the office.

Well … that’s it. That’s the best way to wear a striped shirt. OK, I kid — again, it’s not the only way. But teaming a summer-friendly indigo striped shirt with something along the lines of the Jones Denim, what with a breezy natural rinse, is a great way to kick things off right. Sneakers that channel California cool — in this case, the SeaVees Hermosa Plimsoll Standard in Slate Navy  — are another summer style essential. Bear in mind, your accessories game shouldn’t slip, either — slap the Armogan Le Mans Chronograph on your wrist for tailored, crisp and versatile style. Oh, and grooming? Yessir, we’ve got grooming covered — both the Lightweight Pomade and Triumph & Disaster Gameface Moisturizer will keep your face and hair in the best shape possible this summer.

If ever you have any questions on this look, join the like-minded menswear fans over at The Style Guide Facebook page — and stay stylish in the meantime!

–Beau

#OOTD: How to Style Casual Spring Basics

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.

Sometimes, you reach a point in your quest to build great style where it’s refreshing to turn back to the basics. After all, style doesn’t always have to be complicated or overly formal, as we’ve talked about in past #OOTD posts here on The Style Guide. Taking well-crafted, well-fitting and versatile pieces is a skill that’s underrated in a #menswear world where $10,000 suits are floated out in the digital style space on the regular. Now while there’s a time and a place for that, today’s #OOTD goes back to basics in a bit of an unexpected way — namely, lots of upgraded products with a premium feel. That approach will pay off no matter the season — and just keep in mind that great style is an evolving process. Know your fundamentals, know ’em well and don’t be afraid to stick to ’em. Shop on, and thanks for reading!

Pieces that you know and love, with some premium upgrades thrown in the mix.

Pieces that you know and love, with some premium upgrades thrown in the mix.

The Oxford: Taylor Stitch The Jack in White Everyday Oxford, $98: The backbone of many an outfit, including this one. Crafted exceptionally well in America, you’d be wise to grab this number while it’s still in stock. (A heads-up that you can also snag it at Spring now, and shipping is free).

The Sweater: JACHS NY Heather French Terry Crewneck, $79: So you’ve got your white Oxford, but what if it gets a bit cold out there? This crewneck sweater combines soft French terry fabric with a rich indigo wash. High-low style at its best.

The Jeans: Raleigh Denim Workshop Jones Original Selvage Raw Denim, $285: So, nearly $300 is a heck of a lot for a pair of denim (it’s still no $10,000 suit, though!). But this could be the first and last pair of selvedge denim you buy.
The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt, $100: Again, this is quite the price for a belt. But it’s a classic piece that’ll age well over time, and look great with casual or formal outfits.
The Sneakers: GREATS Royale Chukka in Oxblood, $169: While oxblood as a color definitely leans more toward colder weather, the suede keeps things texturally in line with spring, and the chukka cut is versatile and stylish.
The Socks: American Trench Rugby Stripe Boot Socks, $18: In keeping with the theme of super-luxe upgrades to style staples, American Trench crafts these solid boot socks in an eye-catching color combo using Italian-spun wool and silk.
The Watch: Daniel Wellington Dapper Reading Watch, $299: Rocking such a crisp, sharp watch with a laidback outfit? Certainly. The black leather combo between the belt and the watch is unexpected (in a good way). Give it a try sometime.
If some of the above prices gave you sticker shock, know that reaching for less, but reaching for better pieces, certainly pays off down the line — and it can add a premium feel to more laidback outfits, too! It’s always refreshing to realize the difference between a great pair of denim, say, and an average pair, for example. So the above #OOTD aims to nail that delicate balance in style.  Do you agree? Disagree? Any picks you’d substitute in instead? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page!