Tag / rugged style for guys

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This Rugged Gear to Get Ready for Early Fall

Just as quickly as we were recommending how to wear your favorite summer T-shirt, we’re now recommending the men’s style essentials to get you ready for early fall. Today’s #OOTD takes a decidedly casual turn, focused on versatile pieces that can tackle fall weekend travel, an outdoor farmer’s market, a beer festival … you name it, I’m sure the below menswear essentials are going to work for you in some way, shape or form. From a classic grey crewneck sweatshirt to an equally classic men’s denim shirt, the building blocks shown here are perfect if you want to up your game ever so slightly without veering too far into formal territory. And if you’re just looking for something relatively easy to throw on the morning after a few too many IPAs, fear not — we’ve got you covered with stretch blue denim and rugged leather boots from Red Wing Heritage.  Throw on a stylish field watch (and more choice accessories as seen below), and I’d say you’re pretty much set for early fall. Whaddya say now? Ready to welcome the new season? Let’s step into it in style — cheers.

Rugged-yet-classic shirting, a grey crewneck sweater and more #menswear favorites for your early fall pursuits.

  • The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Sun Bleached Denim, $98 — There’s something about a classic denim shirt like the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt that allows it to work season after season — that’s certainly the case here.
  • The Sweatshirt: Myles Apparel Elements Crew, $78  — Made with performance fabric, the Myles Apparel Elements Crew manages to nail the tricky balance between comfort and style — a classic men’s sweatshirt for early fall.
  • The Denim: Roark Revival 12.5oz. Stretch Travel Denim, $67.98 — Whether you wear the Stretch Travel Denim from Roark Revival for actuall fall travel or a lazy early fall weekend, you’ll look just great doing it.
  • The Stylish Leather Boots: Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots in Hawthorne, $315 — As durable and investment-ready a pair of timeless boots as you’re apt to find, the Red Wing Iron Ranger Boots are perhaps the perfect men’s boots for fall. It’s that simple.
  • The Belt: Levi’s Contrast Stitch Belt, $26.99 — Never, ever sleep on your accessories — take it from me! The Levi’s Contrast Stitch Belt fits in with the rugged vibe of this ensemble.
  • The Durable Field Watch: Hemel Tracker Watch, $340 — A outfit with some hearty, hard-wearing pieces deserves a stylish casual watch — with its blend of bold style and durability, the Hemel Tracker Watch works.
  • The Wallet: Wingback London Cash Wallet, $59 — Whether you’re opening up a tab at your favorite brewery or grabbing a casual dinner with your partner, you need a wallet that’s as stylish as you are — seriously.
  • The Stylish Socks: CHUP Niyol Socks, $35 — Add some pop — and comfort, and warmth — to your early fall outfit with the subtly stylish CHUP Niyol Socks.
  • The Weekened Essential: GrowlerWerks uPint, $28 — Hey, we said this outfit could work nearly anywhere — particularly if you’re sipping on a pint of your favorite craft beer. This pint glass looks great and keeps your beer cold.
  • The Grooming Essential: House99 Truly Brighter Eye Balm, $30 — Particularly if you enjoyed a pint or two too many, refreshing your tired eyes is critical — and it’s never been easier than with this essential eye balm from Mr. David Beckham’s new line.

Building an #OOTD for a casual situation can actually be surprisingly tricky — that’s why it’s best to start from the ground up with timeless, seasonally friendly picks that can go the distance, like rugged leather boots from Red Wing Heritage. Add in other easy-to-wear pieces — staples like the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt and the Myles Apparel Elements Crew — and you’re looking at the makings of an outfit that fits in at Saturday night happy hour or Sunday brunch easily. Comfortable early fall menswear moves such as the Stretch Travel Denim from Roark Revival make it easy to move around and get where you’re going (even if that happens to be your local coffee shop).

I’m also a huge proponent of wearing durable accessories that you can readily mix and match, like the Hemel Tracker Watch and the tough Levi’s Contrast Stitch Belt — both everyday carry essentials that can be used with a host of other fall style ensembles. Focusing on comfort merged with style is also going to yield you some favorable returns, hence the use of the striking CHUP Niyol Socks here. For raising a glass in style (or offering a neat gift to a weekend host), something like the GrowlerWerks uPint is also going to make a lasting impression.  Top off your look with a handy grooming essential from House99, and you’re set to take on the new season in style — to say the very least!

That’s all I’ve got for ya today. Thanks for reading!

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Snow Peak Military Jacket

Snow Peak

A streamlined silhouette and a durable exterior merge seamlessly with a classic military silhouette.

The Style Guide is all about classic, rugged menswear — if you read the blog at all, you know that. But what if you prefer your fall gear with a bit more of a technical focus? Yet just as much versatility? That tricky-to-find middle ground is where the Snow Peak Military Jacket comes into play, and this unquestionably stylish fall jacket has something for everyone. Snow Peak pulls out all the stops when crafting menswear that’s technical enough for the trail, yet sleek enough to move around the city in style — add the Snow Peak Military Jacket to your fall style wish list ASAP. Military-inspired style never loses its edge or classic appeal, and that’s what makes the Snow Peak Military Jacket  a fall style essential.

Made from nylon coated with a DWR (durable water-repellent) finish for, yep, durability, the Snow Peak Military Jacket plays off real-life military functionality. With both oversized chest and hip pockets, it’s got ample room for your everyday carry, minus the bulk. Even better? The packable hood adds needed protection from the elements should you encounter nasty fall weather — it’s as if Snow Peak thought of everything, and then some. Worried that this jacket doesn’t fit the bill in terms of standout style? Fear not: Snow Peak took care of that quite nicely.

Design details like a packable hood and chest & hip pockets are much-needed for all your fall adventures.

The great thing about a jacket that blends both fashion and function is the versatility it gives you in terms of fall style ensembles. For example: With a military-inspired silhouette, the Snow Peak Military Jacket is going to look right at home layered over a striped henley. Add a pair of trusty black denim and finish the look with tough black combat boots that can take you to a bar crawl, a bonfire or a rock concert — all without worry when it comes to battling the elements. The durable Snow Peak Military Jacket is also simple and sleek enough to pair with slim tan herringbone trousers, durable brown leather boots and, believe it or not, a classic Oxford shirt at the office. Roll up those sleeves and get to work, yes? And when it comes to matters of fall exploration, from a day hike to a camping trip, the Snow Peak Military Jacket should come through in the clutch, too. Layer it over a rugged overshirt and add classic hiking boots — that’s a combination built for toughness, outdoor exploration and a dash of style. What do you think of the Snow Peak Military Jacket? Will it be making its way into your closet this fall?

Be sure to check back tomorrow for another See Now, Buy Now entry focused on standout fall style!

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Layer Up For Fall with the Rugged Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt

Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt

Just what rugged fall style calls for — great fabric, serious functionality and strong Taylor Stitch construction.

Let’s get one thing straight off the bat — the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt could be the new fall menswear essential you need now. Are we still slowly but surely transitioning into the chilly depths of fall? We sure are. But the beauty of #menswear lies in being able to plan ahead — and the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is a great place to start. San Francisco-based Taylor Stitch consistently brings great gear to the table, season after season and month after month. Whether we’re talking winter style picks like the ridiculously rugged  Rover Jacket or pieces that are fit for year-round wear, like the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, you know that you’re getting durability, quality and classic style.

Certainly, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt checks each of those boxes — and that’s why it’s worth considering for early fall layering and beyond. It’s the kind of shirt you could team up with a rugged henley and American-made denim on a chilly fall night, and you could also layer it reliably under a slim topcoat as the depths of winter descend upon us. Heck, you could even pack it in your bag for one last trip to the beach — should it get chilly during an evening bonfire, you’re all set. The Utility Shirt‘s versatility and rugged good looks start, as always, with excellent Taylor Stitch fabrication.

Rugged details, tough fabric and a classic Taylor Stitch fit make the Utility Shirt essential fall shopping.

The brand’s use of Merino wool featuring a newly developed Serona fiber offers everything from durability to a hint of stretch to stain resistance — that makes the Utility Shirt sound too good to be true, right? Well, just know that it’s available for a decent price (under $150!) — that’s yet another classic Taylor Stitch move to be applauded. And in the way of other design details, Taylor Stitch also gets it right, from the button chest pocket to the powder-coated aluminum buttons. Take the fall-friendly Moss Herringbone, too. It gives the Utility Shirt  an earthy tone that teams well with everything from slim black denim and classic suede chukkas to tan chinos and brown leather boots for a play on the same color family. And with the brand’s essential, tailored cut — able to be worn tucked or untucked — plus double-stitch buttons and buttonholes, you’re getting a shirt with every detail considered. Would you expect anything less from Taylor Stitch? Surely not.  Snag the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt now while it’s around, and you’re one step closer to essential fall style.

Thanks for reading — stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Mark Albert Classic Chelsea Boots Are Your New Fall Footwear Pick

Rugged, durable and uniquely stylish Chelsea boots that’ll help you get through fall in style.

If you don’t yet have a pair of stylish Chelsea boots in your early fall footwear rotation, it’s time to change that; in fact, today’s See Now, Buy Now entry is absolutely going to help you in that regard. Stylish leather Chelsea boots are widely accepted now in the menswear world for their combination of slick looks, classic style and easy wearability — it’s an on-trend style of footwear that manages to tie back decades. I certainly love breaking out a pair whenever I get the chance. And the Mark Albert Classic Chelsea Boot is the latest silhouette to join that lineage — and to join my wish list. In short, if you want a slick pair of men’s Chelsea boots that convey both rugged style and a bit of rock-ready edge, these are the boots to … well, see now AND buy now. Ya dig? The Mark Albert Classic Chelsea Boots  are unique in more ways than one — the Dakota Brown leather is certainly rich and visually interesting; throw in the fact that the Albert Chelsea Boot is built on a slim Western last, and you’ve got a pair of Chelsea boots that convey slim, sharp looks.

The rich brown leather and tough construction of these Chelsea boots makes them ready for the new season ahead — they’re about as rugged a pair of Chelsea boots as it gets. That means you can break them out in all sorts of situations — try them with slim black denim (yes, brown and black works!) with a rugged henley to grab a beer at your favorite brewery. Keep them at the ready for your work week, too — they’ll team stylishly with slim dark denim and a herringbone blazer if you happen to work in a slightly more casual office environment. And the rest of the time? The Mark Albert Classic Chelsea Boots fit right in with tailored wear — a navy worsted wool suit and light blue shirt are going to team up with these stylish Chelsea boots in very, very slick fashion. And as we always stress here on the blog, affordability and quality are paramount — and they should certainly go hand-in-hand when on you’re on the hunt for stylish Chelsea boots.Almost astonishingly, you can get a pair of the Mark Albert Classic Chelsea Boots for just $225 — and that includes the Pennsylvania-made construction. You’re saving quite a bit of money compared to more expensive Chelsea boots on the market — *cough Common Projects cough* — and you’re getting the rare Chelsea boot that looks better the more you wear it. Don’t worry about beating up these Mark Albert Classic Chelsea Boots this fall and winter — they can certainly handle all the style scenarios you can dream up.

Will you be picking up a pair of the Mark Albert Classic Chelsea Boots for fall and winter … and beyond? Let me know in the comments?

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Rancourt & Co. 4-Season Ranger Moc

The Natural Chromexcel take on the 4-Season Ranger Moc — exceedingly ready for early fall, ehh?

As we draw slightly, slightly closer to September in our See Now, Buy Now series here at The Style Guide, it’s time to turn our attention toward menswear staples that can help you step out of your classic summer sneakers and into gear that’s just a bit more transition-friendly. It’s a tall task, seeing as we’ve all grown accustomed to summer’s laidback, breezy style — yet, we’ll do our best to find some helpful #menswear to get the job done. So, we’re talking gear that’s a bit tougher and more regard, for starters.

Rancourt & Co.

The Carolina Brown 4-Season Ranger Moc, a shoe with vintage roots and durable construction.

And in that regard, I think there’s one casual, rugged shoe that you can reliably reach for from now and into … October. Yep, October. And that shoe would have to be the Rancourt & Co. 4-Season Ranger Moc, an exclusive Rancourt & Co. offering available for a short time only via my pals at Huckberry.  Available in two beautiful shades of leather — including Carolina Brown as seen above — the 4-Season Ranger Moc is a shoe that calls to mind both preppy waterfront style and the crunch of fall leaves underfoot further inland. That versatility comes from the Rancourt & Co. signature camp moc sole set beneath a beautiful Horween leather upper, along with the pleasingly familiar camp moc silhouette. Certainly, classic suede chukkas are also a reliable choice for your feet as we start to (slowly) get ready for fall, but the 4-Season Ranger Moc has plenty going for it. And when Rancourt & Co.  says four seasons … they mean, four seasons. Crucially, the  4-Season Ranger Moc looks like that trusty pair of shoes you slip on at your cabin or over the holidays … yet you can (and should!) buy the Ranger Moc right this instant.

For starters, break them out now with a classic Oxford shirt and slim chino shorts while it’s still warm. Then — at least if I were you — I’d nod toward the coming chillier temperatures accordingly — take a casual washed hoodie and a classic men’s T-shirt and match those two up with a pair of faded, American-made denim for your next bonfire or casual weekend coffee run. And when it starts to get just even chillier, pair the 4-Season Ranger Moc with a lightweight cardigan and a rugged striped henley for early fall style. Oh, and when it comes time to pack up a stylish weekender bag for a camping trip? Easy. Just make sure you’ve got the 4-Season Ranger Moc in tow — or on your feet, better yet. Getting ready for fall? Same here. Heck, it might be as easy as snagging the 4-Season Ranger Moc right now.

What do you think of the rugged, instantly classic 4-Season Ranger Moc? Worthy of your purchase? Let me know on Twitter! 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Layer Up for A Breezy Summer Night

Ready for today’s #OOTD? I hope you are — I sure am. Although we’re (sadly) getting down to the last few weeks of summer here, I assure you that today’s post is jammed with summer style essentials that still function well into the early fall.  Growing up in Michigan, I loved going to bonfires with family and friends, or spending nights on a river or lake enjoying a S’more and taking in the simpler things in life — it’s tough to find time to do that in NYC. Yet, if youre’ lucky enough to have another bonfire or backyard BBQ coming up, there’s a chance that once the sun sets, things will get a bit chilly. Not “polar vortex” cold, but breezier nonetheless. And when that time comes, you want #menswear that works with you — not against you. Men’s style staples that are crisp-yet-casual, easy to wear and easy to layer are going to be critical. You certainly want to dress for the occasion — think of it like dressing for a summer BBQ, where you’re there for a great time and ready for anything (don’t forget the beer). Keep these essentials around, and you’ll be glad you prepared accordingly — among my favorite picks from this #OOTD, I sure do love the Life/After/Denim Awash Hoodie, and I think you’ll find it’s a perfect casual menswear essential. What about the rest of these picks? Read on, shop away and catch up with me on Instagram to see how I’m spending these last few weeks of summer.

 

men's style essentials

Light, easygoing menswear staples for a breezy summer evening around a bonfire or at the beach.

The Hoodie: Life/After/Denim Awash Hoodie, $80 —  The breezy, casual Awash Hoodie features an absolutely perfect blend of laidback style and premium quality. It doesn’t look half-bad if your date needs to borrow it, either.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White, $38 — What’s more American and summer-friendly than a classic white T-shirt? Not a lot. Flint and Tinder makes its Slub Tee with just the right amount of comfort and rugged appeal.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Grim Tim, $140.98 — While you could easily reach for a pair of classic summer shorts, the light wash of the Nudie Jeans Grim Tim plays nicely off the dark blue Life/After/Denim sweater. Ya dig?

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Natural, $80 — That perfect, rugged yet wearable everyday belt (pun intended here) can be quite tough to find. This handsome Sturdy Brothers belt should certainly do the trick, yeah?

Timex

The Sneakers: SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot, $82.98 — What better classic sneakers to slip into than a pair of well-made, affordably priced and easygoing SeaVees sneakers?

The Socks: CHUP Labdien Socks, $16 — Cool, casual style calls for rolled light wash denim, classic white sneakers and stylish men’s socks with enough personality to speak for themselves after you’ve ditched your sneakers.

Florsheim

The Watch: Komrade Urban Diver Watch, $429 — There’s no better way to cap off an outfit filled with breezy, casual staples than by throwing on a tough-yet casual, rugged dive watch — right? Yes indeed — and Komrade surely makes an investment-worthy timepiece.

Save up to 25% each month by joining Style Plan at Frank + Oak! *Free Shipping & Returns. No code necessary. Monthly membership for men & women.

The Essential: Orange Vessel Co. Stoneware Growler, $68.99  — Craft beer delivered in a stylish, durable growler — definitely an essential for your next bonfire. This one from Orange Vessel Co. is pleasing, well-made and easy to transport.

When we talk layers and essential, casual men’s style, I’d say a piece like the Life/After/Denim Awash Hoodie makes perfect sense for a breezy summer night around a campfire or at a cabin on a lake.  It’s a reliable, easygoing piece to slip on over a well-made, classic white T-shirt  from Flint and Tinder  — you’ll get a lot of mileage out of that combo as long as you step into versatile, slim light wash jeans. And on the accessories front, don’t skimp when it comes time to put on a rugged dive watch or load up a durable growler full of your favorite beer. Sneaker-wise, I’d say that classic SeaVees sneakers are always in play — particularly for kicking back on a patio with good friends and family. What’s on your #menswear list when it comes time to dress for a shindig in late summer? Let me know on Twitter or in the comments below — thanks for reading!

-Beau

Greats

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s The Rugged Henley to Wear This Summer

If there’s one item I reach for more consistently than any other — no matter the season — it’s got to be a rugged men’s henley. Yes indeed, in the high heat of summer (the perfect time for a short-sleeve henley) and the chilling depths of winter (hello, slim long-sleeve henley), it’s simply an easy-to-wear, effective and stylish choice. But you knew that, right? After all, we talked this spring about how to upgrade your henley. There’s no question that it can easily layer under your favorite summer blazer or be worn on its own — crucially. And today’s all-new, hyper-stylish #OOTD here on The Style Guide covers perhaps the best short-sleeve henley to buy now — or at least, consider buying. And if you read the blog frequently — and shop the hallowed halls of Style Guide friend Huckberry — you should know the brand that makes it: The inimitable folks at Flint and Tinder.

As it were, the centerpiece of today’s outfit is the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley, done up in comfortable, breathable fabric with a modern fit. The rest of this ensemble has all the trappings of a rugged, tough outfit that someone like, say, noted henley wearer Mr. Daniel Craig might enjoy wearing.  At any rate, I hope you’re excited to check out some slim dark blue denim, classic men’s boots and a few other hard-wearing touches — including a rugged casual watch. If I were you, I’d wear this outfit out to your next brew pub crawl or even a quick day trip out to the country. And it’s even got a couple pieces — like a stylish everyday backpack — that might get you from point A to point B in many a situation. I don’t want to ruin all the fun, though. Read on below and let me know how you like these #menswear picks!

Rugged men's henley

Take your (new) favorite rugged henley and layer it with a crisp bomber jacket, dark denim and tough boots — wear it now sans jacket, and keep this look handy come fall.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley, $55 — First things first: Don’t be alarmed by the use of black here! This Flint and Tinder henley is crisp and slimming, and gents like Daniel Craig  make frequent use of black tees on their own.

The Bomber: Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket in Charcoal, $188 — If you know Taylor Stitch, you know that they excel at tough, rugged and yet wearable pieces — this Taylor Stitch bomber jacket works for cool summer evenings and chillier fall days in equal measure.

The Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch Langdon Slim Coolmax Jeans, $88 — A&F, a favorite of The Style Guide, is back with a revamped denim line featuring revamped fits — the Langdon is slim, classic and wearble in August thanks to Coolmax technology.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — Lest you think accessories don’t matter … think again. The folks at Sturdy Brothers make a heritage-quality belt that happens to mesh perfectly with this look.

The Boots: Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki, $190 — Quality lace-up boots made with sustainable style in mind for under $200? That’s what you get with the surprisingly lightweight Astorflex Bootflex.

(Not Pictured) The Socks: Teva Benny Gold Socks (Limited Edition), $12 — Space can be limited in our #OOTD series, but socks that offer up a pop of pleasingly bright blue should pair well with the A&F dark blue denim.

The Watch: Lum-Tec Combat B35 Automatic Watch, $799.98 — You might say this rugged Lum-Tec watch is the grandaddy of them all. Beastly looks, excellent styling potential, rugged vibes, a handsome leather strap … the  Lum-Tec Combat B35 belongs on any wish list of the best men’s gear.

The Backpack: Topo Designs Klettersack, $188 — Don’t get me wrong, I love a stylish messenger bag as much as the next guy. But if you want a grab-and-go bag for a day trip or a bar crawl — particularly when paired with a rugged menswear ensemble — the Topo Designs Klettersack could be your best bet.

The Sunscreen: Salt & Stone Sunscreen (SPF 30) , $17.99 — Sunscreen is one of those things that’s likely the last item tossed in any bag — with Salt & Stone‘s crisp design (and important functionality!), you won’t forget it again.

Have you given any thought as to where you might take this outfit? It can go just about anywhere — an upstate day trip, a trip to the farmer’s market and your local park, an afternoon at your favorite watering hole … and I’d wager it’s all because of the rugged versatility of the Flint and Tinder henley shown here. And because it can go anywhere, it’s important you grab a similarly tough bag. For instance: Take the Topo Designs Klettersack and fill it with essentials like the Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket and much-needed Salt & Stone sunscreen. And the best part is that you can easily complement your Flint and Tinder henley with other rugged basics, from dark denim to the crisp, stylish Astorflex Bootflex. What you’ve got on your wrist is equally important — my favorite part of this ensemble might be the Lum-Tec Combat B35. And if you read this blog, you know that the details make the difference — start with a heritage-quality belt and go from there.

Let me know: What do you think of this rugged #OOTD? Drop a line in the comments!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: form-function-form Horween Leather Timex Weekender

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.  Portions of this post use affiliate links, from which a small commission might be earned.

An eye-catching blue dial and a refined, rugged leather watch strap? That's a match made in heaven.

An eye-catching blue dial and a refined, rugged leather watch strap? That’s a match made in heaven.

If you’ve ever spent hours (days?) looking for a stylish, affordable casual watch, you know the struggle can be quite, as they say, real. That’s certainly the case for your Style Guide author, as I love building up my watch collection — but I had a bit of a tricky time starting out. That is, until I found out what the great folks at Timex we’re doing. Their approach to durable, crisp-yet-casual watches is second-to-none, and when you pair up a classic Timex Weekender with a Horween leather strap? Well, that’s a done deal. Yes, the form-function-form Horween Leather Timex Weekender checks all the boxes you might want to check in terms of a stylish casual watch — and if you’re familiar with the brand through great sites like Dappered, you likely knew that already. In the looks department, the blue-dial Timex Weekender — one of a handful of form-function-form watch options available via Huckberry — absolutely kills it. Know that the Timex Expedition and Weekender Fairfield iterations are stylish and durable, but it’s tough to top the classic Weeknder. There’s nothing too fancy about the classic Weekender case design, but its durability is on-point, and the hand-crafted Horween leather strap — the hallmark of the form-function-form line — is a sight to behold. From your everyday chambray shirt and a waxed trucker jacket to sturdy boots and a navy blazer, this watch combo can nearly do it all.

Subtly stylish and designed with durability in mind.

Subtly stylish and designed with durability in mind — this is the versatile watch you need now.

And really, what’s not to love about a watch like this one? The Horween leather strap, like other options from form-function-form, is handmade in the brand’s small Florida studio, and again, it might just be the perfect complement to the versatile Timex  Weekender dial. It’s a dedicated, nuanced approach to product design that mixes function and, well, form. And that extends to the brand’s other small leather goods, like lovely burnished leather wallets. Oh, and you’d do well to give brand founder Shawn a follow on Twitter, while we’re here.  Of course, it doesn’t get much better than knowing you’re getting a product that’s handmade with fine attention to detail — unless you consider the price. And in that case, things do indeed get better. Crucially, you can grab the form-function-form Horween Leather Timex Weekender for $88 via Huckberry, or for $98 via the brand’s site. And then, I’d say you should wear it all the time — especially with favorite staples like an indigo wool chore coat and slim, American-made chinos. Heck, it works for dressy situations with a winter blazer, too. Any way you look at it, it’s a stellar deal that’s simply not to be missed. And it’s a stellar watch that you’ll want to wear … heck, maybe all the time.

Get the form-function-form Horween Leather Timex Weekender now.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

af-wool-shirt-edited

Didn’t think Abercrombie & Fitch could do shirts with serious, heritage-inspired style? Think again. Glasses by Frameri. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

First things first — Happy Saturday! What’s on your weekend agenda? Hopefully, some menswear shopping — and of course, a little reading at The Style Guide. Second of all — we’re back at it in the ongoing Style Pick of the Week feature, and fittingly enough, Abercrombie & Fitch is back in the fold. From seasonally appropriate outerwear — like this beautiful Leather Bomber Jacket — to a new-and-improved focus on quality basics like denim, the A&F brand seems to be coming back in a big way. That’s due in large part to the efforts of the brand to focus once again on quality heritage-inspired basics, driven by Sir Aaron Levine (Editor’s not: He’s not actually a knight). But his approach to redefining modern basics with quality materials helped propel Club Monaco ahead, and in short, pieces like the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt represent his new take on the brand very nicely. A wool shirt, you might ask? What’s wrong with a classic chambray shirt? Well, nothing. But there’s something refreshing about switching up your fall shirting rotation, particularly when it involves reaching for a soft, slim-fitting and easily wearable shirt in a unique wool-cotton blend fabric.  Those details make it a keeper — and the styling potential will have you reaching for it time and again.
Huckberry

What’s not to love about a shirt that evokes the rugged outdoors and classic camp shirts? It features a shirt-jacket design with thicker corozo buttons and a pleasing Heather Oatmeal color — it’s just different enough from your classic white Oxford. Although the shirt is thicker than most, the cotton blend makes it easy to wear this shirt on its own with slim light wash denim for a more casual fall look. Even with the slightly heavier weight, it would also pair up nicely atop a rugged fall henley and your favorite pair of leather boots. I’ve also been pleasantly surprised with its ability to slide nicely underneath a quilted field coat — it’s a foolproof fall layering method. Of course, you can’t go wrong layering it underneath a classic grey crewneck sweater, either. Lest we forget, the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt  is the type of piece that would also work very nicely underneath an indigo chore coat — although if you’ve been reading this blog regularly, you already know that (Wink, wink). Another bonus to buying this shirt now? It’s quite the steal — you get J. Crew-level quality and a price that’s competitive, but not otherworldly.  Yes indeed, there are many positives to picking up this shirt — from the versatile styling potential to the solid price, it’s a heck of a deal. So, what are you waiting for? Dash off to pick up the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt , ASAP.

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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.