Style Pick of the Week: Rancourt & Co. Shearling-Lined Dresden Boots

Beastly boots for all of your winter adventures, folks.

There are average boots, and THEN, there are the Rancourt & Co. Shearling-Lined Dresden Boots. I’ll tell ya what, folks … Rancourt & Co. certainly knows how to get the job done, and they’ve knocked it out of the park with the Dresden Boots. They’re an absolute beast of a pair, and they just so happen to be today’s Style Pick of the Week for good reason. In fact, you might recognize ’em already — they were featured ever so recently in our roundup of the best men’s winter boots, and they’re back today … with a stylish, winter-ready vengeance. The specs and style potential of the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots are simply top-notch, which is absolutely what you’d expect from a brand that makes its gear with the utmost care in Maine.

In fact, the brand still largely follows the same methods they have for years, and the resulting Dresden Boots have plenty going for ’em, from the beautiful Horween leather to the rugged moc toe construction and a natural leather midsole for comfort and a touch of craftsmanship. They’re the kind of classic winter boots that evoke throwback style, with just the right amount of rugged polish.

A warm shearling lining separates these boots from the pack.

Heck, we haven’t even mentioned the shearling lining in the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots — that’s what really puts this pair of rugged leather boots over the top. They also feature a padded collar for perfect comfort throughout; when you need to bundle up in a snowstorm, step into these boots. The Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots hit the nail on the head when it comes to casual weekend style, too. These are the type of boots to wear with faded denim, a classic gray crewneck sweatshirt and a stylish casual watch to grab a weekend coffee or explore your city. They’ll also pair reasonably well with business casual looks (think dark slim jeans, a navy herringbone blazer and a classic chambray shirt). And if you want to go a bit more preppy? Then style the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots with your new favorite vest. See? The possibilities are endless (nearly). The Reltex Lactae Hevea Rallye sole on the Dresden Boots isn’t clunky like other winter boots, yet it still provides crucial grip and a smooth ride, as the brand says. To stay on your feet on slippery roads, that functionality is key. Other finishing touches are on point, too — take the natural leather laces and the classic, handsewn moccasin construction. In short, the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots are everything you need in a timeless pair of winter boots — they’re wearable with everything from burgundy corduroys and a navy blazer to broken-in blue denim and a rugged henley, they look great AND they perform even better. What’s not to like?

Will the Rancourt & Co. Dresden Boots be joining your winter footwear rotation? Let me know in the comments or on The Style Guide Facebook page!

#OOTD: An Updated Way to Wear Your New Oxford Shirt

If there’s one shirting style that tends to come up time after time here at The Style Guide, it might be the classic Oxford shirt. From a made-in-America Oxford shirt to the handsome Line of Trade navy Oxford shirt you’re going to read about today, there’s not a garment that more consistently works in so many style situations for today’s modern man (that’d be you!). Hopefully, you’ve already got one of the best Oxford shirts for men in your close. And although we talked about how to wear an Oxford shirt for summer, we’re shaking it up a little bit today. The below #OOTD is one that harnesses the best of end-of-summer style and yet uses rugged accessories like a heritage-quality leather belt and a tough stainless steel dive watch to nod toward the fact that fall is slowly but surely approaching.  Are you ready? I’m getting there.

Truly, I think you’ll find that the classic Oxford shirt seen below can work in all kinds of scenarios, from a casual weekend coffee run to a farmer’s market trip to a day at the office. That’s what we’re going for here, at least. And the great thing about your new favorite Oxford shirt is that it’ll work with plenty of pieces you’ve already got in your closet, from American-made denim to tailored sweatpants and crisp leather sneakers for a very laidback Sunday brunch. What do you say? Shall we get after it? Chime in on the below in the comments or on Twitter once you’ve checked out the #OOTD below. Shop on!

Line of Trade

Take that navy Oxford and pair it with slim chinos and classic kicks to step into September (and beyond).

The Oxford Shirt: Line of Trade Navy Oxford, $70 – Let’s kick it off with a modern-fitting, garment-washed Oxford shirt in a slightly different deep navy color. Ready to wear with anything — slim chinos included.

The Chinos: Banana Republic Aiden Slim Rapid Movement Chino, $98 — A recent addition to the BR line, these stretch chinos combine a tailored fit with a range of color options — although the shade seen here is perhaps most versatile.

The Sneakers:  Rancourt and Co. Carson Low in Natural Canvas, $175 — Made in America to exacting standards, these Rancourt and Co. sneakers are a more durable answer to classic white canvas sneakers — and all the better for it.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks, $30 (Three-pack) — Because it’s not quite fall yet, we’re still rolling up our chinos to show off those USA-made sneakers — and Arvin Goods no-show socks are critical in that regard.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — Tired of buying cheap accessories? This handsome, extremely well-made Sturdy Brothers belt is the upgrade you need for fall.

The Watch:  Timex Stainless Steel Waterbury Watch, $119 — Told you we’d be breaking out durable everyday accessories, right? This rugged stainless steel dive watch from Timex is a steal in terms of price and looks.

The Sunglasses: Classic Specs Lowerree Aviators, $88 — Perhaps you’re not familiar with Classic Specs  — I know I wasn’t — but pieces like these stylish Aviator sunglasses should change that in a hurry.

The Everyday Carry: Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, $134.98 — Wary of carrying a rugged leather tote when you normally haul around a stylish messenger bag? This handsome leather tote bag  is a new way to switch up your everyday carry.

Alright, then. Have a better idea of how to wear your new favorite Oxford shirt? When you start with a piece as classic and simply constructed as the Line of Trade navy Oxford shirt shown above, the possibilities are nearly endless. However, your Style Guide author thinks that keeping things straightforward is the best way to go. That is to say, slim chinos and natural canvas sneakers from Rancourt and Co. are standout building blocks for any outfit.  Add in fall-ready accessories like a rugged stainless steel dive watch from Timex  and a durable leather belt from Sturdy Brothers, and you’re set for this #OOTD — and plenty more outfits in the season ahead.  No outfit — especially one featuring a classic navy Oxford shirt — is complete without finishing touches like stylish Aviator sunglasses and a handsome leather tote bag, though. So, just as with many of your other favorite #menswear pieces, the little details matter, and starting things off with easily wearable essentials is the best way to say goodbye to one season and look toward the next.

Hope you enjoyed today’s post — and thanks for reading!

-Beau