Tag / see now buy now

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The CIVIC Lloyd Shorts Are the New Pair of Shorts You Need this Summer

Not just any old pair of shorts … a stylish and sustainable pair.

For some guys, wearing shorts actually feels like … a chore. Yes, yes it’s true. Shorts are less polished than classic chinos or stylish light wash jeans, and if you grew up (as I did) wearing cargo shorts from mall brands, it can be tough to leave those associations behind. Seriously, quite tough. Thankfully, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts are here to change your perception when it comes to stylish shorts to wear this summer. And the even better news? They’ve arrived not a moment too soon. We’re on the verge of Memorial Day weekend, we’re on the verge of summer festival season, and I’d wager you’re going to want to be wearing shorts like the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts on the regular for many a weekend ahead. But why this particular pair? Helpfully, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts come from the partner brand of Taylor Stitch, a perennial Style Guide favorite. CIVIC focuses on sustainable, classic clothing that blends versatile wearability with durable, eco-friendly fabric. It’s a wholesome, stylish mission — one that includes the Lloyd Shorts, at that.

Available in both Navy and Olive options for maximum versatility, the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts feature the brand’s Merino 4S fabric, all the better when it comes to mobility, comfort and durability. They also score when it comes to style points, too. You’ve surely got a pair of khaki or light khaki shorts in your wardrobe, so the deep navy color of the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts lends this pair a bit more of a dressy feel (ever so slightly). That means the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts work with classic leather loafers and a crisp white polo for preppy style on the weekend, and they also team up reliably with a crisp white henley and timeless leather sneakers for a round (or two) of your favorite craft beer. To me, it sounds like the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts are going to offer easygoing summer style for days on end — even if you’re not normally a “shorts guy.”

What say you about the CIVIC Llloyd Shorts? Let me know in the comments below! 

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Here’s Why You Need the Outerknown Journey Jacket For Your Next Trip

Available in two colors, the Outerknown Journey Jacket is a winner when it comes to versatile, travel-friendly style.

Wait, hold on a second — don’t hang up or put away your collection of stylish men’s outerwear just because we’re rolling through May right now. No no, there’s still plenty of reason to keep a versatile transitional jacket handy — especially if you’re planing a spring or summer trip (or five). Chilly nights, cold plane A/C, unexpected rain … it all demands a jacket that can do it all. As luck would have it, the exceedingly versatile, casual-but-not-too-casual Outerknown Journey Jacket is the one you need for your next trip. In the evermore laidback times we live in, a transitional jacket like the Outerknown Journey Jacket is going to be your best friend when it comes to freeing up space in your bag. Think of this classic jacket, inspired by the old military M-65 coat, as a sort of blazer replacement, a do-it-all jacket that offers added storage space, lightweight protection from the elements, and sharp, sleek style. The Navy Outerknown Journey Jacket is the top pick here according to your neighborhood Style Guide editor, but you really can’t go wrong with either option. It’s also somewhat similar to the equally versatile and durable Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket — both are handy and nearly required for cool spring and summer nights.

The 4oz. twill fabric used to craft the durable Outerknown Journey Jacket is made from organic cotton and hemp, a bonus if you’re into responsible sourcing and production (which you certainly should be). A handy hood even packs into a collar zipper, offering crucial protection from the elements — again, an underrated design feature that’ll prove quite useful if your next trek takes you somewhere particularly rainy.  The Outerknown Journey Jacket really nails that essential blend of functionality and style — the snap closure hip pockets offer space for everyday carry essentials, like a streamlined wallet or a stylish leather passport holder. And the overall aesthetic is one that just screams 2018. A stylish field jacket  is the functional, dressed-down blazer replacement you’ve been looking for. The Outerknown Journey Jacket works with a crisp white tee, faded blue denim and classic suede boots as well as it does with olive chinos, a white Oxford and leather brogue dress shoes. Taken all together, the Outerknown Journey Jacket belongs on your packing list for your next trip, certainly.

Who’s going to go right out and buy the Outerknown Journey Jacket? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page. 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boot Is Perfect for Versatile Spring Style

A durable pair of boots that channel both classic hikers and high-top sneakers.

Even as we reach the end of April, there’s still a pair of shoes every guy — including you — needs in his wardrobe (and on his feet). And in the case of today’s See Now, Buy Now series entry, that pair of shoes happens to be a dependable-as-heck pair of hybrid sneaker-boots … specifically, the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boot. The ideal shoe for fighting through spring rain and eventually transitioning toward sunny days, outdoor drinking and music festivals aplenty, the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots are a dependable and stylish pair of spring boots that are worth a second look if you want to switch up your footwear rotation this spring. Your humble Style Guide author always advocates for sticking to tried-and-true classics in the footwear department, from classic high-top sneakers to a timeless pair of chukka boots, but there’s something to be said for giving the more unique Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots a try. That process starts from the ground up with a waterproof lining, so you know the guts of these boots are on point. But they come in mighty handy in matters of style, too.

That is to say, if you want to swap out your white canvas sneakers or suede chukka boots for a hearty park walk or a long, grueling day checking out multiple breweries (a tough job!), the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots are the ones to wear. They’ve got the comfort and cut of a pair of high-tops, with the durable touches of a rich leather pair of boots. Features like speed lacing and four cool color options (I like the Java color the best) make the Heritage Boots a reliable standby with casual outfits — like a classic chambray shirt and dark denim, or a slub pocket tee and faded light wash jeans. The price point on the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots is almost too agreeable, as well — currently under $130. That’s a must-buy at any time of year, but especially right now.

Can you dig the affordable style and versatility of the Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage Boots? Let me know on Twitter. 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Washed Poplin Shirt is Your Daily Style Move

A crisp navy shirt in a tailored fit … from a standout menswear brand, no less? That sounds like an essential spring style move to me.

Every guy needs a perfect everyday shirt they can reach for in any situation — I mean, any situation. Situations ranging from, “I woke up late for work but still need to look great,” or, “I can’t pick out what to wear on this date,” or “What the heck should I wear to travel nowadays, anyway?” Seriously — any situation. And folks, that shirt is here. That shirt is … *drumroll please* … the Taylor Stitch Washed Poplin Shirt, in the brand’s famous Jack fit. The Washed Poplin Shirt is the latest and greatest from perhaps my favorite brand. The great folks at Taylor Stitch focus on excellent fabrics, timeless silhouettes and a classic sensibility that you can take anywhere, and the Washed Poplin Shirt is a prime example of that. What sets apart this shirt from the rest of the pack? Plenty.

For one, it’s got that great navy color — a deep navy shirt is flattering on nearly any guy, but it’s still more visually interesting than a plain black shirt. Darker colors are slimming, for one, and the standout Taylor Stitch fit broadens your shoulders. The cotton poplin fabric used in the Taylor Stitch Washed Poplin Shirt is also a mighty fine fabric choice for spring and summer. It’s able to be layered with ease under pieces like a faded denim jacket (monochromatic style for the win!) or a crisp khaki blazer (preferably from the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Collection). And the versatility of the Taylor Stitch Washed Poplin Shirt doesn’t stop there. Navy goes with more traditional staples like olive or tan chinos, and it’s also a top pick for wearing with more unconventional pieces. For instance, a dark shirt and dark jeans work mighty fine together (see The National’s Matt Berninger for how this look is best pulled off — casually and at a rock show). So, am I saying you should wear the Taylor Stitch Washed Poplin Shirt with black jeans to a music festival? Or really, any place else you need an essential spring or summer shirt? That’s exactly what I’m saying.

Rock on!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: This Corridor NYC Shirt is a New Seasonal Favorite

Cool stripes, cool fabric and a cool color — what more do you need for spring?

Finding the right shirt for spring and summer can take some time and patience. It’s all about nailing the proper fabric, the proper fit, the proper construction and … y’know what. Hold the phone. Because there’s one shirt that nails that checks all of those boxes quite nicely, and it’s the Corridor NYC Raindrop Stripe Shirt. Made from seriously cool 100 percent cotton, the Raindrop Stripe Shirt is pricey, yet essential, if you’ve yet to find a shirt you can wear consistently this spring and summer. Which brings me to my next point. The right short-sleeve shirt for spring and summer should be easy to wear on its own, particularly with seasonal essentials like slim tan chinos and leather loafers. However, it should also be easy to layer — leave the bulky flannel at home in this instance, because the Corridor NYC Raindrop Stripe Shirt is going to layer up quite nicely underneath a cotton denim jacket or a slim rain jacket in equal measure.

And it’s got plenty going for it in terms of looks, too. The raindrop stripe pattern is unique and eyecatching, all the better to stand out against neutral spring style staples like light khaki chinos and white sneakers. And the construction is all business, too. Corridor NYC builds its pieces carefully and in small quantities, which means the $185 price tag is perfectly agreeable when you consider the work that’s gone into the Corridor NYC Raindrop Stripe Shirt. Helpfully, the Corridor NYC Raindrop Stripe Shirt is far from a novely short-sleeve shirt, too. That is to say, the cool striped pattern stands out in a way that’s stylish and understated, all the better when it comes to wearing it to a music festival, a backyard BBQ or a bar crawl. Yes my friends, the Corridor NYC Raindrop Stripe Shirt is the spring shirt you really, truly didn’t know you needed.

Are you going to be picking up the Corridor NYC Raindrop Stripe Shirt? Let me know in the comments! 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee is the Perfect White T-shirt

A close-up look at your new favorite T-shirt.

It’s an elusive #menswear staple that’s often talked about and often imitated, but rarely perfected. We’re talking, Style Guide readers, about the perfect white T-shirt.  What’s more, we’re talking about a stylish white T-shirt made by one of our favorite brands, the always on-point folks at Taylor Stitch. Yes indeed, the Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee is going to be a spring and summer go-to with darn near any style combo you dream up — as we always talk about in our ongoing See Now, Buy Now series, that type of versatility is to be recognized and applauded.  And you can rest assured that as long as you start off your ensemble with the perfect white T-shirt, the rest of your wardrobe will follow in equal measure. But why the Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee, and why now? Allow me to explain.

The right T-shirt for spring and summer features an exceptional fit — not too tight, not too baggy, with shoulders and sleeves that hug your frame. Without a doubt, Taylor Stitch T-shirts (including the Triblend Tee!) do that quite nicely. And then there’s the crisp white color — wearable with everything from your favorite pair of light wash denim and some classic high-top sneakers to combos that call for a bit more layering. For instance, you can take the Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee and throw it on underneath a classic chambray shirt for easygoing weekend style — just add slim tan chinos and white sneakers. It goes without saying that the Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee is going to look quite crisp underneath an unconstructed navy blazer at the office, too. Add in the fact that the price via Taylor Stitch is quite agreeable (just $45 for the Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee!) and you’ve found a shirt that’s going to work handsomely in the months ahead. So, does that sound like the perfect white T-shirt to you? I think it does. Check out The Style Guide on Facebook for more #menswear insights. 

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Abercrombie & Fitch Is Making Some of the Best Spring Chinos

Is it a bold statement to say that a brand is making some of the best — or perhaps, the best — spring chinos out there? It sure is. But does it appear that Abercrombie & Fitch can deliver the goods when it comes to stylish spring chinos? Yes, yes it does. That’s where the Athletic Slim Officer’s Chinos in the brand’s reliable Rustin fit come into play. Abercrombie & Fitch revamped its denim line last year (to go along with its chinos), offering a range of fits for every taste. It’s part of the brand’s ongoing evolution — are you on board yet? I’m a big fan of the denim line, but had yet to check out the brand’s chinos; thus, the Athletic Slim Officer’s Chinos were the way to go (and a big thanks to the brand for sending them along!). Now, to business. The Athletic Slim Officer’s Chinos are as classic as it gets, right down to the inspiration, the fabrication and the small design details. They’re inspired by military officer chinos (as the name would imply) and built with timeless style in mind; certainly, you need a pair of chinos like that on your list of spring style essentials.

They even feature 100 percent cotton fabric from North Carolina’s Cramerton mill. Why does that matter? Well, it’s the very same mill that produced fabric for military uniforms during World War II — the fabric is the real deal, and it makes for a heck of a pair of classic men’s chinos. Unlike silhouettes of decades past, the fit here is more tapered toward the ankle, with some room in the thigh  … not too skinny, not too baggy … just right. In short, the Athletic Slim Officer’s Chinos are your answer as to what to wear with, well, darn near everything on your list this spring. A slub white tee and cotton canvas sneakers make perfect sense alongside the Athletic Slim Officer’s Chinos, as does an indigo denim jacket, a short-sleeve henley and classic suede desert boots.  And if you want to dress them up? Pair these stylish Abercrombie & Fitch chinos with a classic blue Oxford, brown leather wingtips and a navy cotton blazer for style that works any day of the week … in any year, for that matter. It’s rare to find a pair of chinos that harness that sense of classic construction with modern wearability, but A&F has knocked it out of the park.

Happy styling! And thanks for reading.

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers Can Help You Step into Spring

From the USA-made construction to the neat high-top silhouette, the Carson Mid checks a lot of boxes when it comes to spring style.

There’s a place in your wardrobe for the best men’s high-top sneakers, even outside of fall and winter (a time more traditonally associated with tougher footwear, yes?). That’s where the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers come into play, my friends. Spring is a season that calls for transitional footwear that still nods to the changing seasons — you need kicks that combine durability with substance and all-day versatility. That’s certainly essential when stepping through spring rains and transitioning from the office to happy hour (seriously, try wearing these kicks with slim tan chinos, a striped tee and an unconstructed cotton blazer this month). Again, the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers are a prime pick, without a doubt. The cotton duck canvas upper is unique and not frequently seen on sneakers — there’s really not much out there like the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers. What’s more, the Natural Canvas color nods toward the lighter shades of spring while also injecting these kicks with a bit of throwback style (classic white high-tops being that throwback style reference, of course).

And that’s not where the buck stops in terms of the quality and styling potential of these unique Rancourt & Co. kicks. The company puts in the same kind of approach that makes its other footwear so essential (for starters, see the  No sir, we’re talking excellent construction and that USA-made attention to detail that’s been in the Rancourt operation for decades. The canvas that we mentioned earlier is water and stain-resistant, and genuine leather laces add some neat visual interest to the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers — as if they couldn’t get any better. I’d say these handsome Rancourt & Co. sneakers will work with just about any combo you throw at them in the weeks and months ahead, from dark denim and an easygoing light blue chambray shirt to a striped tee and classic chinos. How will you style these essential transitional sneakers? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Timex Weekender Chrono Is Your Next Casual, Everyday Watch

A heck of a versatile, casual watch from our good friends at Timex.

Join us for the second entry this week (!) in our See Now, Buy Now series, my friends. To start: Last month, we talked on The Style Guide about a rugged casual timepiece to stand up to the bolder, heartier textures of winter. Seeing as we’re now cruising right through March, it’s now only fitting to talk about a stylish casual timepiece that can suitably blend in with textured, yet breezier outfits for spring months. That timepiece, my friends, would be the Timex Weekender Chrono, featuring a slightly oversized face, a textured NATO strap (crucial) and a spring-friendly color combo. Timex is certainly a consistent favorite on the blog, all thanks to that critical blend of affordability and style that hits right down the middle of the fairway. The design details are sharp when it comes to the Timex Weekender Chrono, too.  The date feature and a chronograph that tracks down to 1/20th of a second are handy extra features, as is the INDIGLO nightlight. And stylistically? The Timex Weekender Chrono has all the chops you need when it comes to dressing for laidback spring style scenarios.

A casual BBQ spent wearing one of the best pairs of men’s shorts for spring and summer? Throw the Timex Weekender Chrono on alongside some classic Aviators and a short-sleeve henley. A casual day at the office works for the Weekender Chrono, too. Think a navy blazer, chinos and white sneakers — it’s as simple as that. And when you want to throw on that standby weekend uniform (a classic chambray shirt, dark denim and rugged suede chukkas), the Timex Weekender Chrono is there for you, buddy. The olive green NATO strap nods toward spring without going full-on floral (although I myself have a neat patterned watch strap from The Knottery — throwback!). At any rate, an olive NATO strap has real-life military heritage roots, plus a bit of versatile color to pair up with dark denim, classic chinos or chambray shorts. I’d certainly take the chance to wear the Timex Weekender Chrono as often as possible.

Is the Timex Weekender Chrono set to join your collection of Timex watches? Let me know in the comments! 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Grayers Poindexter Sportcoat Is Your Go-Anywhere Spring Sportcoat

No crazy bells and whistles here, just a versatile sportcoat packed with classic design.

A brand like Grayers is one that comes up with plenty of frequency here on the blog. The Grayers Poindexter 3-Button Sportcoat is a perfect example of just exactly why that is. You want simple, easy-to-wear design? Yep. You want the kind of utility that transitions easily into spring? You got it. And you want an agreeable price for a sportcoat? The Poindexter Sportcoat has all your basics covered, and then some. It’s made with a rather unique blend of cotton and spandex, for one. If ever there was a jacket to grab and throw on as you head out the door in the morning, it’s surely the Poindexter Sportcoat. The three-button construction gives it a look and feel that’s a bit more casual — this is the type of jacket you could wear with jeans or chinos, and it’ll look equally at home. The Poindexter Sportcoat is also just a slightly different shade of blue from your average, dark navy sportcoat (although we here at The Style Guide are also big proponents of that style and versatility).

At any rate, it’s got plenty of benefits beyond just style. It’s also machine-washable, something you’re not getting from any other jacket in your closet (right?). Can you say “travel style”? Because that’s exactly what the Poindexter Sportcoat can provide — take this jacket, wear it with a white Oxford, dark blue denim and classic suede chukkas, and get ready to hit the road for a business trip or a weekend away. Seriously, it feels good (dare I say, cool?) to fly or travel via train when wearing a blazer — it’s the little details that make the difference. And when you want to look casual and cool, yet a bit more polished, in the late spring and early summer, the Poindexter Sportcoat can work equally well over your favorite T-shirt or polo. Add some chinos, some classic leather loafers and call it a day. Well, not exactly. Get out there and get work in style!

Are you a fan of the Grayers Poindexter 3-Button Sportcoat? Do you see it working for you this spring?