Tag / retro style

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Young the Giant, Star Wars and Cole Haan

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

Where did the time go since last Friday? It was a beautiful three-day weekend here in NYC, so that certainly contributed to it. And with spring-like temperatures Saturday through Monday, it definitely got me planning ahead — I tried to enjoy the Brooklyn weather (plus delicious coffee and great menswear at Williamsburg’s Upstate Stock) as much as I could, but I couldn’t help but plan for this site’s Spring Style Wish List. Don’t worry — it’s on the way.  In the meantime, hopefully the team of one here at The Style Guide has given you plenty to read. If you didn’t catch this week’s brand profile on the inimitable Todd Snyder, do so now — and maybe pick up a great piece like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt in the process.
Frank & Oak
Know that we’ve also got a new way to wear a cardigan via this week’s #OOTD series, and of course, another entry in the Style Pick of the Week series. As for me, I’m taking a (slight) break from menswear writing for a quick road trip to the famed town of New Haven, home of Yale University and, perhaps more importantly, this weekend’s Young the Giant show at College Street Music Hall! I kid, I kid — Yale is quite the big deal, but I’m excited for the show nonetheless. Of course, I’ll be dressed in travel style, too. It’s definitely been pretty neat to go on East Coast adventures, explore new cities and see great shows in the process — from seeing Local Natives in Providence to catching The Head and the Heart in Baltimore, I’ve been quite lucky to be able to hit the road this past fall and winter! Of course, you can follow along with my travels via Instagram and Twitter. For now, let’s kick of the weekend with some #menswear fun, shall we? Read on and see you for tomorrow’s Style Pick.

Beckett Simonon

  • Speaking of Young the Giant, this next bit of news caused me to yell out loud in excitement at my desk at work this week — Cold War Kids are touring with  Young the Giant later this summer! Who’s pumped? And the tour includes an NYC stop in September — crucial for all of us city slickers. But seriously … how exciting is that??
  • If you’re a Star Wars fan — and a fan of the many planned offshoot movies — then you’re likely aware of this already, and yet … the new, as-yet-untitled Han Solo film started shooting this past week, and that’s reason for fans of the character and the Star Wars universe to get excited. See, we’re about more than just menswear (wink, wink).
  • Esquire tells us all about how the ’90s are back in style — in a big way — and how you can dress like the era without going too far back in time.

Want to really get a jump on your spring style?

With that, we’ll close the curtain on another Friday Read — see you in the front row!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Guide Summer: A Labor Day weekend out East

Editor’s note: Click here to follow along with more travel style posts.

Searching high and low for cool sights in Asbury Park. Denim Shirt by JACHS NY. Stringer Dune Shorts by Bridge & Burn. Daily Classic Nylon Sneakers by Reebox x JackThreads. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Sunglasses by Nautica. Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn.

Searching high and low for cool sights in Asbury Park. Denim Shirt by JACHS NY. Stringer Dune Shorts by Bridge & Burn. Daily Classic Nylon Sneakers by Reebox x JackThreads. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Sunglasses by Nautica. Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn.

It’s no surprise that given how much I’ve been on the road in the past month, the summer came to quite the quick end. But that didn’t stop me from squeezing in one last long weekend of fun before summer (technically) drew to a close. Just a few days after I returned from a summer vacation in Florida, I set my sights on having some fun over the long holiday weekend — as I did for a Memorial Day weekend road trip to kick off the summer. Perhaps you also hit the road, if only for a day or two. That was the case for me, as I took full advantage of a day off on Monday and used the rest of the weekend to hit up everything from my favorite #menswear shops in NYC to the stylish, up-and-coming locale of Asbury Park (all the way down in New Jersey) on a fine September Saturday. And lest we forget, it was a boisterous opening weekend in college football — and that brought with it the chance to cheer on my Michigan State Spartans in style (as you can see below). So, follow along as I recap a weekend that brought with it a little of everything. If you should happen to get bored, check out more menswear musings on Twitter.

A vintage-inspired tee and a tough team watch help add a touch of style to an athletics-inspired outfit.

A vintage-inspired Tailgate Clothing tee and a tough team watch  from Jack Mason help add a touch of style to an athletics-inspired outfit. Army Issue Sneakers by SeaVees. Slim Mercer Light Denim by Mott & Bow. Brass bottle opener by Owen & Fred.

The weekend started slightly earlier than normal thanks to my day job’s advantageous Summer Friday policy — gotta love a few extra hours off. That meant I had plenty of time to rest up for a night of cheering on my alma mater, Michigan State, as they kicked off what should be an excellent college football season with a solid (not stellar) win against Furman. I had some help from my friends at Tailgate Clothing and Jack Mason, who were kind enough to hook me up with team-appropriate gear for the occasion. Both available for great deals, I’d seriously recommend the excellent Michigan State Spartans T-shirt and the Blackout Silicone Strap Watch seen above if you happen to be a Spartan fan — and if not, either brand stocks a bevy of stylish college gear made with everyday good looks in mind. I complemented those new favorites with another style staple, my reliable-as-ever Mott & Bow Slim Mercer Light Denim; it’s a perfect change of pace from trusty dark denim. On the footwear front, the SeaVees Army Issue Sneaker (sold out in White but available in a similarly neutral Olive) was comfortable, effective and appropriate in terms of color (Go White, am I right?). Although I’ll have to add a few layers as the weather gets colder, I can tell my team watch and vintage-inspired tee will provide ample school spirit — and style — all throughout the season.

An outstanding Spartan victory on Friday night paved the way for an outstanding start to the long weekend. For me, that meant a Saturday morning train ride out to the bustling, up-and-coming locale of Asbury Park, an oceanfront New Jersey haven a little over an hour from New York City.  Known for a burgeoning arts scene and prime beach vistas mixed with modern touches — like the newly opened Asbury Hotel — the city has done a nice job mixing the eclectic and the modern. That goes for a classic-yet-refined boardwalk, plus establishments like Dark City Brewing Company and more established locales like one-of-a-kind bar Johnny Mac (spoiler alert — those were two of my stops on the trip). As the day called for casual style, I met the trip accordingly with pieces built for comfort, movement and good looks.

Mixing retro-inspired kicks with lightweight summer classics. Denim Shirt by JACHS NY. Stringer Dune Shorts by Bridge & Burn. Daily Classic Nylon Sneakers from the Reebok x JackThreads collab. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Scout Wallet by Andar Wallets. Sunglasses by Nautica.

Mixing retro-inspired kicks with lightweight summer classics. Denim Shirt by JACHS NY. Stringer Dune Shorts by Bridge & Burn. Daily Classic Nylon Sneakers from the Reebok x JackThreads collab. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Scout Wallet by Andar Wallets. Sunglasses by Nautica.

It was a prime chance to break out a new favorite piece from JACHS NY, a vintage-inspired light wash denim shirt that offered a bit of stylish contrast to my laidback Bridge & Burn Stringer Dune Shorts. Note that the JACHS denim shirt is sold-out, but you can grab a reliable back-up via JackThreads. To combat the chance of rain and some cloudy skies, I threw on a stylish hooded parka from the Masafumi Watanabe for Reef collaboration. I also always appreciate the chance to rock some standout sneakers on trips long and short — my Reebok x JackThreads Daily Classic Nylon Sneakers have proven tremendously comfortable and stylish, and they were the perfect Saturday style pick. Although the day started out cloudy, skies eventually opened up as I explored a quickly developing downtown area (not far from the boardwalk, as it were). From stop to stop, I found that the Scout Wallet from Andar Wallets combined a slim profile with functionality, crucial for traveling light. And my Nautica sunglasses brought bit of retro edge — the navy Wayfarer style seen at the very top of the page is cool, unique and casual — but not too laidback. If you read this blog, you know I love me a great watch, and I certainly didn’t pass up a chance to wear my Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch, either.

All the gear fit for grabbing a quick pint. Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Glasses by Frameri. Bond Street Brownie by Dark City Brewing Company.

All the gear fit for grabbing a quick pint. Flat Wool Cap by Bridge & Burn. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Glasses by Frameri. Bond Street Brownie by Dark City Brewing Company.

Those pieces definitely helped me get around Asbury Park in style, including stops at the aforementioned Dark City Brewing — you can’t go wrong with grabbing a tasty flight, but I’d certainly recommend the Bond Street Brownie, a rich, roasted brown ale. I followed up that stop with a lengthy stroll along the boardwalk and a quick pop-in to check out the stylish and sustainable Asbury Park outpost of United By Blue. The shop itself — and the brand — have definitely done a nice job mixing eco-friendly pieces with durable style .  If you find yourself in need of a quick bite or an iced coffee, you can’t go wrong with a quick trip to High Voltage Coffee, located conveniently down the boardwalk from United By Blue. Although the weather was just a tad cloudy for parts of the day, I still had a heck of a time exploring what’s quickly becoming a haven for arts and culture — refurbished boardwalk buildings adorned with large murals are just one example of those efforts. And for those who like a cold brew with a side of outdoor relaxation, the unique Wonder Bar not too far from the boardwalk offered up a nice chance to soak in some rays, while Johnny Mac featured everything from vintage instruments to old records plastered on its packed walls (in addition to a solid selection of craft beer).

Sunday Option 1 BK

No Sunday in Brooklyn is complete without a stop at Rucola. White Oxford by Todd Shelton. Premium Garment-Dyed Khakis by Dockers. Duvall Wingtips by Johnston & Murphy. Sunglasses by Nautica. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason Brand. Tote bag by JackThreads.

I’ll definitely be back to Asbury Park, but yesterday brought a return to NYC and a relaxing Sunday featuring a little bit of everything. I’m a big fan of my Sunday brunch, as any reader of this blog knows, so I always relish the chance to fight the Brunch Village crowds — especially when it means a stop at one of my favorite Brooklyn spots, Rucola. It’s surrounded by quiet, tree-lined streets and lovely brownstones.  On this particular Sunday, I went for sharp-yet-simple style (if you’ve got to head somewhere special right after brunch — say, to a matinee show — a similar combo might be the way to go). In this instance, that meant my Todd Shelton White Oxford was a crisp base for my ensemble, accented by a slim, stylish and comfortable pair of Dockers Premium Clean Garment-Dyed Khakis. Finding pieces that work in that transitional time between summer and fall is tough, but slim chinos in a rich, fall-ready color (like the Tobacco version seen here) are as good a pick as any. The chinos played nicely off the rich brown Johnston & Murphy Duvall Wingtip, and the entire combo would work well with a few minor adjustments throughout the rest of fall (namely, beneath a shawl cardigan when it’s chilly). Two reliable finishing touches helped me complete a look fit for brunch and Sunday adventures — my Wayfarer-inspired Nautica sunglasses and another Jack Mason timepiece (the Nautical 3-Hand Watch). They provided the perfect mix of refined, laidback style — for Sunday brunch, that combination is the way to go.
Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.
With a delicious brunch as fuel for the day, I had more than enough time to take care of some writing for GearMoose and hit up a few of my favorite menswear establishments in Brooklyn, including the terrific lifestyle outpost that is Modern Anthology.  They carry a well-curated assortment of home goods, crisp-and-rugged furniture and essential menswear, plus other odds and ends you didn’t know you needed — give the Web store a look, will you? It’s definitely a favorite haunt in the city, and it made my Sunday all the more enjoyable, as did a stop for a refreshing iced coffee at Absolute Coffee in Boerum Hill — I love me a pit stop for a jolt of caffeine, and I love a rich cold brew even more.

Mixing the old with the new for a casual Monday. Premium Wrinkle Twill Slim-Fit Shirt by Dockers. Grey Bowie Fit Stretch Cotton Chinos by JACHS. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder + P.F. Flyers. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason. Scout Wallet by Andar Wallets. Leather lanyard by Tanner Goods. Hudson Belt by Arcade Belt Co.

Mixing the old with the new for a casual Monday. Premium Wrinkle Twill Slim-Fit Shirt by Dockers. Grey Bowie Fit Stretch Cotton Chinos by JACHS. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder + P.F. Flyers. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason. Scout Wallet by Andar Wallets. Sunglasses by Nautica. Leather lanyard by Tanner Goods. Hudson Belt by Arcade Belt Co

Even after all that weekend activity, my time off is still going — and I certainly planned ahead to enjoy Labor Day in style, starting with my Dockers Premium Wrinkle Slim-Fit Twill Shirt (as featured in this site’s Labor Day style suggestion). In this humble writer’s opinion, that comfortable, casual style carried right on through to my JACHS NY Bowie Fit Stretch Cotton Chino in a four-season shade of grey, plus the terrific, durable and unique Todd Snyder + P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top sneakers.  That particular collaboration is certainly one worth admiring — and buying — for its blend of heritage and modern styling, plus all-around great looks. I complemented the look with the Nautical 3-Hand Watch from Jack Mason — the rich blue dial and Perlon strap create a one-of-a-kind pop of blue that’s still nicely versatile with neutral staples (like grey chinos and a navy shirt, for instance). As to my plans for the day? Well, I’m looking forward to another delicious coffee at Milk & Honey — because old habits die hard. A trip to Prospect Park is likely in order as well — and of course, I’ll be busy reflecting on an outstanding Labor Day weekend in and around New York City, and looking forward to a busy fall season. Need more daily style inspiration? Hit me up on Instagram, and peruse the Search bar here for more stylish menswear.

For now — stay stylish,

-Beau

P.S. Check back here tomorrow for our weekly #OOTD post, and be on the lookout for a Fall Style Wish List coming soon.

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Five Best Polos to Buy for Spring and Summer

Editor’s note: To fill up your digital shopping cart with  more spring shopping picks, start over here.

When it does warm up, you'll be glad you grabbed a sharp polo. Pictured is one from last year's Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration. Linen shorts by Frank & Oak. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Brown leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Glasses by Warby Parker.

When it does warm up, you’ll be glad you grabbed a sharp polo. Pictured is one from last year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration. Linen shorts by Frank & Oak. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Brown leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Glasses by Warby Parker. Shot outside the Los Angeles Shinola store.

The polo — underrated style move, or a once-cool style move that’s been co-opted by fellas rocking one too many with popped collars? We’ll consider those important questions and more here today on The Style Guide, where we’re into full-on spring shopping mode. A trusty spring jacket is going to be an essential layering piece, as will a slim, lightweight sweater, but eventually, things will warm up. And when they do, don’t count out the polo. The key to differentiate it from polos of years past (likely florescent in color — see Exhibit A) is to pick out one that’s cut slim and modern, with some unique texture or pattern to boot.  The great thing is that designers have certainly stepped up their game in recent years — get a load of the retro, high fashion-inspired polos produced as part of the Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration in recent years. And as with the style you see at the top of the page, you should be looking for similar inspiration and a trimmer fit. Yes, the polo has gotten its own upgrade (thankfully). And hopefully, the picks below are going to be upgrades for yourself, too. Read on, and get to shopping — those polos won’t buy themselves now.

#1. J. Crew Textured Cotton Tipped Polo Shirt — $49.50

Retro style, meet a very competitive price point from J. Crew.

Retro style, meet a very competitive price point from J. Crew.

J. Crew’s take on the textured cotton polo shirt looks to be a nice return to form from a retailer that’s had its struggles as of late. But when it comes to easygoing seasonal staples, it’s still tough to beat them. This polo combines some retro style inspiration (check out the tipped collar and sleeves) with what should be soft fabric and a trim fit. Any of the three colors would be remarkably solid to rock at the office with slim tan chinos and a retro pair of sneakers, but this writer’s a fan of the navy-and-white colorway in particular.

#2. Uniqlo Dry Shirt Collar Polo — $19.90

The dressier answer to the casual polo, courtesy of Uniqlo.

The dressier answer to the casual polo, courtesy of Uniqlo.

While this Uniqlo polo loses the fancy stripes of the J. Crew option in slot #1, it manages to look surprisingly dressy and crisp thanks to the button-down collar. Plus, the built-in DRY technology will keep you cool. Notably, Uniqlo’s polos are a remarkably good value for the price. The range of color options here again means any of the brand’s picks would be suitable to rock under a lightweight blazer in a heightened shade of blue. While plenty of us just can’t seem to stop wearing blue (myself included), the light shade shown here is perfect for spring Sunday brunch — and beyond.

#3. Grayers Slub Nep Jersey Polo in Denim Blue — $59.50

Spring and summer-ready fabric at a reasonable price.

Spring and summer-ready fabric at a reasonable price.

When it comes to prep style staples, Grayers is definitely a brand to which you want to turn. Its Slub Nep Jersey Polo is crafted from soft jersey fabric that manages to be surprisingly breathable. Having checked out one of these myself, the fit is slim and the styling potential is perfect for spring — for a styling suggestion, check out a recent #OOTD from this site. The heather blue fabric is a nice change of pace when you want to add some texture to a denim jacket, and the price is solid for a polo that can be worn with everything from lightwash denim to grey chinos.

#4. Bonobos Classic Pique Polo in Heather Brick — $58

Don't let the blues get you down -- grab this heather brick polo instead, ehh?

Don’t let the blues get you down — grab this heather brick polo instead, ehh?

Designers and brands have definitely been changing up their approach to polos, opting for softer fabrics than pique — but Bonobos knows its knitwear, so this pick still stands (or is it pique?). The Classic Pique Polo in this case takes a shade of burgundy more commonly seen in fall & winter and updates with some nice heather texture. It’d be a great piece to work into your rotation if you’ve already got polos in other colors, and the price isn’t too bad for being Bonobos (home of tuxedos that push $1,000). Feel free to rock this with slim stone chinos and brown suede chukkas on weekends galore.

#5. Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt in Navy — $125

As worn by Bond himself, a heritage style updated for modern times.

As worn by Bond himself, a heritage style updated for modern times.

Last but CERTAINLY not least, I give to you — the polo worn by James Bond. Yes. Yes, indeed. Sunspel sure did strike it big when Daniel Craig wore its Riviera Polo in Casino Royale, simultaneously putting that particular style on the map and encouraging a bunch of guys to hit the gym.  At any rate, if there’s such a thing as investment-quality polo, this is it. It’s about the furthest thing from the bad connotations given to the polo — this shirt is all class, with breathable cotton mesh fabric and styling potential worthy of James Bond.

As I sought out the perfect polo (or polos, in this case), I looked several places — perhaps you should, too. Brands like Banana Republic offer their own, slightly dressier takes on the polo, while a more classically focused retailer like Old Navy offers very reasonably priced, sport-inspired options. As with any picks here on the ole Style Guide, focusing on fit, quality and price are going to put you in the right position to pick up the perfect polo (say that five times fast!). Did I miss any key picks? Drop me a line on Twitter, and check out The Style Guide on Facebook either way.

What’s your favorite polo on this list? Do you have yours picked out yet?