Tag / spring style essentials

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Red Wing Merchant Boots

Right off the bat, just know that rugged leather boots — like the Red Wing Merchant Boots as seen above — aren’t going anywhere just ‘cuz we’ve now moved into March. No, there’s hardly a wrong time for a pair of stylish leather boots, as we so often say here at The Style Guide. In last week’s Style Pick, we dove into why you needed to pre-order some classic dress shoes from Taylor Stitch, but let’s return once more to durable leather boots — perfect even in March. Red Wing has gone to great lengths to up its style game over the years, and pieces like the handsome Merchant Boots exemplify that approach nicely (along with the brand’s coveted 1000 Mile line). The Mohave leather in a rich and unique color helps set the Red Wing Merchant Boots apart from the rest of the pack, as do touches like a steel shank and Goodyear welt construction for absurd durability. Brass eyelets also provide the type of durability you’d expect from a pair of classically styled boots like the Red Wing Merchant Boots. And speaking of classic style … a simply designed pair of plain toe leather boots can work with a heck of a lot of spring style essentials, to say the least.

Indeed, the Red Wing Merchant Boots can be styled in straightforward, classic fashion — think faded blue denim and a crisp Oxford shirt — or in ways a little more office-ready (an unlined navy cotton blazer, charcoal chinos and a light blue chambray shirt ought to do the trick). Therein lies the magic of a timeless pair of leather boots like the Red Wing Merchant Boots — they’ll go with plenty of gear you already love to wear (for instance: Slim tan chinos, a short-sleeve henley and a denim jacket, for one). That easy-to-wear styling potential makes the price tag of $320 a little more bearable, and when you consider their versatility and durability (especially when dealing with spring rain), that’s all the more applause-worthy. When rainy spring weather hits, you can throw on these boots in place of your typical suede chukkas, and be ready for just about anything. And the Red Wing Merchant Boots are only going to get better with age, another key benefit to investing for the long-term. So, to recap: Just because it’s spring doesn’t mean you need to shelve your boots entirely. Far from it, in fact. If I were you, the Red Wing Merchant Boots would have a permanent place in my footwear rotation in the months ahead.

How about you? Do you like the look of the Red Wing Merchant Boots?

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: A Family Trip Abroad, The Shinola Canfield Watch and Spring Essentials

TGIF, yeah? All things considered, it’s certainly a different Friday for The Style Guide — namely, I’m writing this post from sunny London this morning, on the final leg of a Hayhoe family trip across the United Kingdom! Leg one took us from Dublin (and the Guinness Storehouse!) to Edinburgh (and spots like the Edinburgh Castle), and today finds me enjoying an English breakfast and coffee before citywide exploration. Needless to say, I could get used to this — no doubt about it. If you missed leg one of the trip, you can catch up with Wednesday’s trip post before you dive into today’s Friday Read. We’ve got tips and tricks about keeping your watch in the best possible shape, and today’s post also features a look at the next watch in which you should invest — maybe? Or, save your dollars and join me at the pub for a pint later! Again, I could get used to hanging out in the U.K. for a while. For now, follow along with my adventures on Instagram if you so please, and enjoy the day!

  • A relevant read at any time of year, my pals at The Manual came up with this excellent guide on how to keep your luxury watch in pristine condition — even the biggest watch fans among us might need a reminder every now and then, ehh?
  • Speaking of fine timepieces, who can argue with the need for a slim, sleek watch from the likes of Shinola? My latest feature over at GearMoose covers the exceptionally refined Shinola Canfield Watch — read up and stay on time, my friends!
  • Lastly, I think the time is now ripe to revisit a recent edition of The List, whereby we looked at the best men’s gear to buy to get ready for spring. And, well, that about says it all. Who’s pumped to really get into the season, ehh?

Coming to you live from London, we’re wrapping up today’s Friday Read. Join us for the Style Pick of the Week tomorrow, as always.

Cheers, my friends!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Across the Pond, Part 1: A Family Trip to Ireland, Scotland and England

Layered up in an Abercrombie & Fitch coat to down quite a few pints at the historic Guinness Storehouse!

Greetings, Style Guide readers! Welcome to the first of two posts covering a pretty momentous occasion — a Hayhoe family trip all the way across the pond to Dublin, Edinburgh and London! It’s something of a family tradition to take a big trip every year, from a 2015 cruise to Greece to more recent trips to Disney World and Universal Studios, and the first leg of this trip has once again brought the opportunity to travel in versatile fashion, complete with spring style essentials galore.  It kicked off with a Friday evening flight out of NYC (leg one brought the rest of the Hayhoe family up north from Florida), and I had to dress in comfort for the long flight across the Atlantic. So, I aimed to pack light in a stylish weekender bag — again, versatility is key when hitting the road.

With cold weather on tap, some of my picks for the first leg of this trip (starting with a Saturday morning arrival in Dublin) centered around grab-and-go style. My WP Standard Leather Messenger Bag proved a nice carry-on, and among other outerwear picks, the Abercrombie & Fitch 2-in-1 Lightweight Jacket (as seen above) helped me go from the office to the airport easily. I also packed my waterproof Thursday Boots Wingtip Boots in Cognac Suede, complete with functionality and sleek, refined style (ideal for packing light in that regard). I’d recommend other easygoing essentials for travel and post-travel transitions, too. For instance, I layered up with a classic Todd Snyder x Champion Crewneck  andSweatshirt, my exceedingly comfortable, mobile Proof Nomad Pants (shop those here), the durable Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Ground Hi-Tops and my excellent Timex for J. Crew Field Watch. I topped it off with my trusty Huckberry Explorer’s Cap that I frequently bring with me on my travels. It was an early start to the morning in Dublin, but we made it a point to tour this excellent city via bus (complete with requisite enjoyment of Dublin’s food and drink scene). Of course, a trip to the famed Guinness Storehouse was very much in order — it’s been a dream of mine to visit this hallowed brewery, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Our late afternoon took us everywhere from Trinity College to the famed Temple Bar, complete with dinner at rollicking rock bar Darkey Kelly’s (get the bangers-and-mash for the full experience!).

A waxed cotton jacket from Grayers proved the perfect outer layer for a day at the blustery Cliffs of Mohe, as did a trusty cap from Goorin Brothers.

Sunday once again dawned early, taking us out to the famed Cliffs of Moher for a lovely, breathtaking day trip (complete with cold, blustery winds off the sea). I wrapped up in my Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket atop a classic shawl-collar cardigan from Original Penguin, along with the Grayers Arrowcrest Thermal Stitch Crew — these picks were warm and classic for a day in the rugged countryside. On my bottom half, a pair of JackThreads Donegal Trousers nodded to Ireland in a subtle and stylish way, while my Thursday Boots Wingtip Boots in Cognac Suede offered up durable, all-day comfort and style. My Timex for J. Crew Field Watch was tough, sharp and field-ready — nothing better that you might need in a timepiece. The combination proved ideal for venturing around the cliffs and taking in the Gaelic sport of “‘hurling” (via an afternoon in a Galway pub, accompanied by a good number of pints of Guinness, of course).

A cotton mac coat and easy-to-style Chelsea boots were critical for getting around Edinburgh.

Monday brought our stint in Dublin to an end, but it also brought with it the next stop on this grand Hayhoe family adventure — Edinburgh! To hit the road, I grabbed my Abercrombie & Fitch 2-in-1 Lightweight Jacket and paired it accordingly with a pair of crisp five-pocket trousers from Original Penguin. For a dash of refined travel style, I stepped into the sleek Allen Edmonds Liverpool Suede Chelsea Boots, a perfect pair of footwear for slipping on and off to get through security. To mix things up on the accessories front, my sporty-yet-classic Timex x Todd Snyder MS1 Maritime Watch was a versatile move.  Exploring Edinburgh on foot proved to be quite the adventure, from stops at Edinburgh Castle and a stroll down the Royal Mile to an underground ghost tour. Yes, the vaults under the South Street Bridge are quite haunted … if you ask me. The haunted tour called for a few much-needed and revitalizing stouts at the famed BrewDog Edinburgh, a great brewery and quickly growing brand that champions beer for the people with a no-frills attitude. With rock music on the speakers and industrial furnishings throughout, it was my kind of place. We capped off the day with dinner at No. 1 High Street, a traditional Scottish pub that served up an excellent steak and ale pie and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

For a chilly Tuesday and a small group day trip to St. Andrews (home to the famed Old Course and many legendary British Open moments), tough style proved to once again be quite helpful. We stopped along the way in the village of Fife and the Falkland Palace, then capped it off with an afternoon in St. Andrews (helped along by fish and chips, plus Guinness — yes, even in Scotland). Stops at both the famed golf course and the stunning St. Andrews Cathedral were definitely in order on a chilly but sunny day. My Grayers Edgeware Coated Cotton Moto Jacket was the perfect outerwear move, especially when layered atop the Fitted Merino Turtleneck from Knit Project. I complemented the ensemble with a stretch-filled pair of the Abercrombie & Fitch Langdon Slim Denim, alongside my reliable (and still kicking!) Thursday Boots Wingtip Boots in Cognac. Both my Timex for J. Crew Field Watch and an excellent, warm Goorin Brothers cap complemented my outfit — packing with  versatility in mind is helpful even when it comes to your accessories.

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So, that wraps up parts one (and OK, two) of this trip! How about that? It’s admittedly been a challenge so far dressing with a lighter packing list than normal — tough outerwear has been the name of the game, as have versatile trousers and ultra-dependable, weather-ready footwear. Oh, and as to the sights, sounds, food and beverage we’ve enjoyed? Nothing short of world-class. We’ve still got plenty more in front of us — as we speak, we’re en route to London for the final leg of this European adventure. You can expect our regular Friday Read coming up on Friday (of course), followed by the good ol’ Style Pick of the Week and then, a full trip recap of our third leg on Monday. Get excited!

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Spring Jacket

Does it feel odd that we’re throwing around phrases like “new favorite spring jacket” already? It does to me — I feel as if a surge of New York winter could return at any moment, and yet … here we are, talking all about styling a classic bomber jacket for the month of March. Upgrading your outerwear game is as crucial in March (and April) as it is during the more extreme cold of winter — the Baro Dean Jacket, as seen below, is a terrific first step when it comes to dressing in casual style and protecting yourself from rainy weahter this season. Hopefully, you’re going to like the rest of today’s #OOTD on The Style Guide, too. It’s packed with pieces that are critical to crossing over from winter. Y’know, pieces like a rugged Taylor Stitch henley, a standout pair of slim light wash jeans, and some investment-level leather boots (remember, don’t shelve those boots just because winter’s done!). Yes indeed, spring style essentials are the name of game today. Most importantly, crossing over from one season to another doesn’t have to mean you immediately replace the gear you know and love — it’s all about finding new ways to wear those picks (like the classic henley that helps hold down today’s outfit). Have questions, comments or feedback? Hit me up after the post, or follow along with my incoherent ramblings on Twitter.

A durable bomber jacket and tough leather boots, mashed up with light wash jeans in the spirit of spring.

The Bomber Jacket: Baro The Dean Jacket, $120.98 — With a simple silhouette, an easy-to-style color and the durability to stand up to spring showers, the Dean Jacket is your spring style centerpiece.

The Henley: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Henley, $68 –Made from upcycled cotton in that tailored fit you know and love from Taylor Stitch, the Heavy Bag Henley is a new, stone-cold classic.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans, $128 — Can’t give up denim? Lighten things up for spring with the suitably slim, suitably light Pacific Wash Jeans from our buds at Flint and Tinder.

The Boots: Red Wing Merchant Boots, $320 — Just as you might find it hard to shelve your denim, putting away your rugged leather boots is no easy task. The sharp Red Wing Merchant Boots are here to ease your pain.

The Belt: Filson Leather Belt, $85 — The Filson Leather Belt — simply named but remarkably well-crafted — could be the last brown leather belt you buy for a good long while.

The Socks: Arvin Goods Casual Socks, $12 — With a focus on sustainable production and clean, retro-inspired styles, Arvin Goods makes comfortable socks to complement any #OOTD — especially this one.

The Watch: Shinola Runwell Watch, $550 — Complement this straightforward outfit with a rugged, casual timepiece from the hitmakers at Shinola — the Runwell is a certified classic (in the modern sense, at least).

 The Cap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $40 — Before I leave the house most weekends, I throw on my Huckberry Explorer’s Cap. You should do the same, yes?

And that’s the capper on this #OOTD — who’s all geared up for spring? Keeping it casual and classic doesn’t mean you have to sacrific style or functionality — the Dean Jacket is a prime example of a cool way to take on a blustery spring day. Plus, it fits in with other pieces you assuredly already have (like a rugged henley from Taylor Stitch and slim Flint and Tinder jeans in a pleasingly spring-friendly light wash). What would this #OOTD be without some ever-present boots, though? The Red Wing Merchant Boots will get better with each and every wear this season (and well beyond), as will the Filson Leather Belt — seriously, that’s the way the brand made it. And the coveted Shinola Runwell Watch is another stunner, adding rugged edge to a perfectly weekend-ready ensemble. I also think you can’t go wrong with the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap; who agrees with me there? Most importantly, in what style situations would you rock this outfit? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading,
-Beau
by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots Are the Best Way to Step into Spring

Now available via Huckberry for a heck of a price, these sleek and simple Chelsea boots are primed for spring.

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Yes, we really do love ourselves some Astorflex boots here at The Style Guide. They make a heck of a pair of classic chukka boots, for starters. What’s more, this sustainably made, stylish brand keeps churning out essential men’s footwear, season after season, from lace-up boots to sneakers to today’s offering — more than worthy of including ’em in our latest See Now, Buy Now feature (Editor’s note: Click through to read all about why I love Astorflex). And lest you think we’re repeating ourselves here, the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots on display today are an all-new pair, exclusive to our pals at Huckberry. Can you say “spring style essentials,” anyone? The Cuoio Bitflex Chelsea Boots blend a striking new color with a sleek and easily wearable silhouette, and they do so just in time for prime “Chelsea boots season.” Is there such a thing? Perhaps not … until now.


How do you get into this monumental (and all-new!) season the right way? Well, it’s relatively simple. Pick a pair of the best light wash denim for men, throw on the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots in a handsome shade of dark tan, then accessorize with simple staples like a rugged short-sleeve henley (when it’s warm out) or a classic crewneck sweater or waxed trucker jacket (when it’s still a little chilly this March). The natural rubber soles provide comfort from the ground up, while the leather on the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots is treated with all-natural ingredients for a purchase you can certainly feel good about. The easy-to-wear nature of the Cuoio Bitflex Chelsea Boots means you can match them up with other neutral style staples for early spring, including navy chinos and a charcoal Oxford — that’s a look that’ll work wonders for you at the office and at happy hour. You justt need to snag your pair, well … now.

Who’s going to be picking up the Cuoio Bitflex Chelsea Boots from Astorflex? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below! 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: What to Wear to a Weekend Barbecue

You just got word that there’s a barbecue this weekend. Craft beer? Check. Burgers? You got it. But what #menswear to wear to man the grill or just hang out while sipping brews? We’ve got you covered today on The Style Guide — from A-to-Z, this is the place to be. It’s a little bit different than, say, dressing for a spring bar crawl — it’s more casual and requires gear that’s as stylish as it is suited to wear to play a little pick-up football. And you’ll want an extra layer in case the party runs late or it gets chilly out there. So, we’re keeping it cool and laidback with today’s #OOTD. You’ll recognize upgraded basics — from a classic bomber jacket to a sturdy striped tee — and you’ll recognize tried-and-true favorites like stylish brown leather sneakers and slim light wash jeans.  See? Comfortable, casual and classic style at its finest. But, I won’t spoil all the fun now. Check out the full set of #menswear picks below, chime in on Twitter and see how I style my daily ensembles over on Instagram (lotsa clothes on the ‘Gram, trust me). Enjoy, cheers and be sure to man the grill!

Outerknown

Start with a supremely high-quality tee and go from there with casual spring layers.

The T-Shirt: Outerknown Shonan Stripe Pocket T-Shirt, $62.98 —  Let’s start things off the right way — with a sustainably made and uniquely stylish striped pocket T-shirt. Yes indeed, the Outerknown Shonan Stripe Pocket T-Shirt is pricey, yes …. but ultimately worth it. Just don’t spill any mustard on it.

The Jacket: Outlier Supermarine Soft Core Bomber Jacket, $595 — First off, this jacket surely is pricey. But why go for a paper-thin bomber jacket from a fast-fashion retailer when you can get a comfortable, stylish and very performance-ready piece fit for spring breezes and beyond?

Florsheim
The Jacket: Flint and Tinder All-American Washed Jeans in Slim Tapered, $98  — I’m all for investing in quality — and that’s exactly what Flint and Tinder brings to the table. These slim-fit light wash jeans have a pleasing light wash that’s perfect for spring.
The Sneakers: Pikolinos Vic Trainers, $200 — While you might be tempted to break out the flip-flops, leave those in the closet this time. These beautifully crafted leather sneakers feature everything from a rich brown colorway to cool and eye-catching stitching.

Oxfords under $50 CAD_728x90

The Watch: Nautica SYD Leather Watch, $125 — Nothing screams barbecue-ready style than a tough, rugged and stylish watch. This Nautica timepiece looks unique and crisp — it can definitely stand up to a game of backyard football, too.

The Bottle Opener: Billykirk Bottle Opener, $17.98 — Here’s the piece de resistance, perhaps the most crucial item in your everyday carry for this barbecue — the Billykirk Bottle Opener should be the hit of the party, ehh?

The Beer: Founders Brewing All Day IPA, Price Varies — It might be the Michigan native in me coming through, but there might not be a better summer BBQ beer than Founder’s All Day IPA. I absolutely love visiting the brewery when I trek back to Grand Rapids, and that won’t change soon!

The Bag: Nisolo Lori Tote, $134.98 — OK, so you’ve got your six-pack of craft beer, you’ve got your slim bomber jacket, you’re wearing your stylish striped tee — how are you going to carry everything you need to carry? In the durable and handsome Nisolo Lori Tote, I should say.

Greats

And, there it is. All set for your first summer barbecue? With classic, easy-to-wear pieces like a slim bomber jacket and the Outerknown Shonan Stripe Pocket T-Shirt, I’d say you should be all set for anything that comes your way. And a pair of denim like the Flint and Tinder All-American Washed Jeans in Slim Tapered are about as versatile and stylish as it gets when it comes to a casual pair of jeans for the weekend. Add in essential everyday carry pieces like a tough Nautica watch, well-made leather sneakers and the strong Nisolo Lori Tote and you can get from the barbecue and back in style. Oh, and don’t forget an absolute must-have — that’d be the Billykirk Bottle Opener, folks. Alright, I’ll see you at the grill!

Thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

Sutro Shoes Inc.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt

What’s better to wear on a breezy spring day than a slim, stylish polo? Truly, there’s not much. And that’s even moreso the case with the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt, a piece that could quickly become your new favorite spring and summer polo.  It’s this week’s Style Pick of the Week for great reason — plenty of #menswear-centric design details set it apart from your average polo, and that means it’s to be applauded, praised …. and purchased. In fact, you might recognize the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt from a recent #OOTD entry, and it’s back today thanks to its versatility and sharp style.  It’s available in a wide plethora of colors, including the crisp Heavy Metal colorway seen in these photos.  Other options include the Midnight Cowboy Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt and the Mr. White Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt, so you certainly can’t go wrong in that regard.

It’s a newer take on the brand’s classic Player’s Shirt, and it’s a welcome addition to the brand’s line. Now, just why is it so tough to misstep when picking up a slim polo (or other stylish gear) from Criquet Shirts? Let me tell you, my good man.  Criquet Shirts started with the simple idea that today’s polo shirts featured sloppy collars and poor construction — using the idea of their favorite prep-school shirts as well as classic polos worn by the guys in their family, Criquet Shirts set out to upgrade the polo. And after checking out the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt (in multiple colorways) these past few weeks, I can definitely concur that it’s a style upgrade worth picking up for your closet this season. It’s comfortable enough to wear on a spring road trip, it’s stylish enough to layer under a lightweight navy blazer, and it’s well-made enough to work as hard as you do all day long — trust me.

Greats

 

A classic polo paired with crisp chinos and white sneakers — definitely the way to go. Renshaw Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Standard Issue Utility Chinos by Brooks Heritage. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Notebook by Field Notes Brand. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather Supply.

It features the sort of welcome design touches that other polo shirts lack — for starters, the sturdy collar sits nicely throughout the day, and doesn’t curl over (collar stays similar to your favorite dress shirt help out with that). And the 100 percent organic cotton jersey fabric is soft, comfortable and breathable — you’ll be comfortable in the heat with any color option of the  Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt. I’ve found mine to be handy and versatile enough to wear with everything from slim Apolis chinos and classic SeaVees sneakers to stylish light wash denim and a classic bomber jacket. And although some are firmly in the anti-logo camp, the small Criquet logo stitched on the left chest pocket is understated enough that the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt works well on its own sans jacket. That’s great news if you’re in need of a polo — or several — to wear to work and then out to happy hour (without any of the bad connotations that bright polo shirts seem to conjure up). Feel free to wear it with tailored swim shorts and slip-on sneakers to the beach or boardwalk, too. And another thing — if you’ve found yourself wearing fewer and fewer polos over the years, it’s definitely time to start again. Make no mistake — the comfortable fabric, refined colors and tailored fit of the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt are all features that could be enough to make you a believer in the power of the polo once again.

So, are you back on-board with a polo for spring and summer? What about the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt?

Let me know in the comments — and we’ll see you out there!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Abercrombie & Fitch x Tretorn, Oars + Alps and LCD Soundsystem

Is it tough to believe we’re kicking off another edition of The Friday Read here at The Style Guide? If your answer is “Yes,” then we’re in the same boat. We’ve had a lot going on here in Brooklyn, from exploring the borough in style to getting you prepped to dress for your next Sunday brunch (we really do love our brunch here, tell ya what), plus busy times at my day job in fashion PR. It’s all fun and games though, and the fun is set to continue this weekend — I’ll be dressed in spring road trip style to head to Indiana to visit my best friend from college, Mr. Stephen Brook. Check out his work covering Notre Dame football and area sports, if you’re a fan of the Fighting Irish. And if you want to keep up with all the action, follow yours truly on Instagram or check in with The Style Guide on Facebook. Know that in other #menswear matters, I just finished a rather extensive — and I mean, extensive — feature for GearMoose covering the best men’s backpacks; keep your eyes peeled for that one.  For now though, let’s start the weekend nice and early with a few choice men’s style (and music!) reads. Enjoy!

  • Upgrade your grooming game in a big way with Oars + Alps and the brand’s handy, easy-to-use and nearly essential Athlete’s Grooming Kit. I’ve had the chance to test it out over these past few weeks, and I’ve been quite pleased with the results — check out my recent feature on the Oars + Alps Athlete’s Grooming Kit for yourself!
  • We love talking all about spring style essentials here at The Style Guide — and when it comes to your new favorite sneakers for spring and summer, Abercrombie and Fitch x Tretorn might just take the cake. It was excellent to learn about the new collaboration’s updated take on the classic Tretorn Nylite Sneakers for The Manual, and I’d urge you to pick up a pair while they’re around.
  • If you haven’t gotten around to listening to two (two!) new LCD Soundsystem songs, please take this chance to do so. The eclectic NYC indie rockers helped define a new era in the resurgent NYC rock scene thoughout the 2000s, and they’ve returned to the fold with festival appearances in recent years, plus an April residency at new venue Brooklyn Steel to boot! So, it’s nice that new music is here — with more to come, if our luck holds up!

One last thing before you go:

  • In need of a new favorite everyday carry piece? Namely, an essential and slim wallet? The TGT Army All Over Deluxe Wallet could be just the wallet to buy for you — and it’s with that durability and versatility in mind that I wrote about it for GearMoose. Enjoy, and let me know in the comments if you end up picking it up!

We’re all finished up for this week, folks. Time for the weekend! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, and check back on Monday for more #menswear.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Star Wars Day, Spring Menswear and The Best Suede Boots for Spring

From yet another #menswear-related work event to plenty of oher action on the men’s style front, it was a busy week — to say the least — here at The Style Guide. How was your week? Happy Cinco de Mayo, by the way — put one on my tab, will ya? In other matters: If spring style is what you seek, we’ve got plenty going on that front for you. Prepare to dress for Sunday brunch with our latest style suggestion, layer up for spring showers with the best gear for the rain and of course, stick around for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.  Outside of menswear, it’s been great to take in all that Brooklyn has to offer in terms of exploring the borough recently. These past few weeks, that’s meant checking out some excellent live shows at the newly opened Brooklyn Steel, now the largest venue in BK! This week in particular, I danced my way through a high-energy show from Irish indie rockers Two Door Cinema Club — that’s a bucket-list band that was worth the wait to see! Of course, I stayed busy on the writing front aside from just having fun at live shows — and you’ll get a look at a few of those articles below. Follow along on Instagram, keep up with my escapades via Twitter and join the conversation over at The Style Guide Facebook page. See you out there!

  • In keeping with the idea of spring style essentials, the fine folks at REEF have teamed up once again with menswear designer Masafumi Watanabe on a surf-inspired collection of lightweight, easygoing pieces that draw on the brand’s California roots. Yes indeed, the REEF x MW line has everything from ringer tees to utility shorts to cool sneakers that would work perfectly for your next spring road trip — and nothing in the collection tops $110. That’s affordable, unique style that can’t be beat.

  • As you might or might not have seen, May 4th was what we call #StarWarsDay — as in, “May the Fourth be with you.” Get it? And fittingly enough, you can mark the occasion — if belatedly — in style with eye-catching, retro-inspired runners from Brooks Heritage as part of the Brooks Heritage Galactic Collection. For more sneaker talk, check out my Style Guide Q+A with Brooks Heritage, too.

  • It might seem counterintuitive to keep wearing boots when it warms up, but I certainly have a tough time shelving my favorite leather boots — and to that end, I recently took my Viberg Service Boots throughout a bit of Brooklyn weekend exploration. What’s more, Esquire.com tells you all about the best suede boots to wear for spring — seriously, folks. Hop to it!

One last thing …

  • If a new swim suit is what you seek, check out my roundup of 25 — yep, 25 — of the best board shorts to buy now over at GearMoose. You really can’t go wrong with any of those picks — trust me.

OK, y’all — that’s it for this week. Enjoy the weekend, and don’t forget your stylish Sunday brunch gear.

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Light Wash Jeans This Spring

So, you’ve picked up your new favorite pair of light wash denim — or at least, you’ve thought about it. Now, how do you wear those jeans? Well, there are a few moves that’ll help you take on spring in style — unlike pairing dark selvedge denim with sturdy leather boots and a thick shawl cardigan for winter, the focus today is on keeping things light, breezy and fun. That means we’re grabbing an essential spring polo and a classic cotton bomber jacket, all the while focused on dialing in the fit of your light wash denim. In the warm, breezy days of spring and summer, light wash denim just fits in with the weather and the atmosphere. Trust me on this: You’re going to want to wear light wash jeans as much as you can this summer — particularly when those jeans are made in a unique wash and feature a slim fit. That means that from spring road trips to summer music festivals, slim light wash jeans should be a go-to move — and it doesn’t get better than the Abercrombie light wash denim seen here. You know Abercrombie and Fitch for the brand’s stylish, durable winter gear, and that same attitude carries over to its spring line. If you have other questions on how to wear your light wash denim, or if you just want to get in touch, hit me up on Twitter or join me over on the ‘Gram for style inspiration on the daily.

Sutro Footwear

Mixing the sporty and the classic for essential spring style.

The Denim: Abercrombie and Fitch Super Skinny Jeans, $39 — If it’s slim, of-the-moment style that you seek, look no further than this vibrant pair of washed denim, made with a hint of stretch for comfort. For options that feature a more forgiving cut, look toward Straight or Slim options via Mott and Bow.

The Jacket: La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond, $275 — We first brought this jacket to your attention in our post on how to dress for a spring road trip — and well, it’s back again thanks to its unique color and lightweight construction.
Greats

The Polo: Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy, $79 — For easily wearable style that looks sharp underneath a bomber jacket or on its own, it’s tough to top a classic navy polo like the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt  — especially one made with organic cotton jersey fabric.

The Sneakers: House of Future Original Sneaker in White, $76.98 — Who doesn’t love a pair of classic leather sneakers? Especially the House of Future Original Sneaker — these are sharp and feature a crisp, slim profile for an agreeable price.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks, $29.98 — No-show socks can be a surprisingly tricky item for which to shop — you want comfort and quality, and you get that with the Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks.

The Belt: La Matera Bariloche Belt, $145 — If you want to step up your #menswear accessories game in a big way, reach for a casual belt — say, the La Matera Bariloche Belt — that blends vintage fabric, a neat pattern and cool color.

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph, $275 — For handsome, smart and casual style that still looks extremely sharp and put-together, the Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph is the watch you need now.

The Sunglasses: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $145 — For seriously cool style, reach for retro-inspired sunglasses that add some sporty appeal to the La Paz Ortigao Bomber.

Florsheim

Feeling comfortable with how to wear light wash denim now? At least a little bit more comfortable? If you haven’t quite come around to the idea of light wash denim yet, the key here involves taking pieces that you’d already wear in warm weather — like the Criquet Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt — and mashing them up with sporty-yet-casual pieces (such as the La Paz Ortigao Bomber in Almond. Add in supremely classic and clean white leather sneakers like the House of Future Original Sneaker , and then accent that casual combo with the beautiful and just plain badass Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph. Oh, and don’t leave your shades at home — there’s no doubt that you won’t forget the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, what with a retro-inspired design and cool looks. In short, all of these pieces work on their own — and they particularly work well together for all manner of spring style pursuits, from a ballgame to a weekend coffee date to a spring road trip. Especially that light wash denim. Ya feel me on that? Good.

Let’s go to it!

-Beau