Tag / spring style essentials

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? 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Traveling Abroad, How Your Denim Should Fit and Weekend Style Upgrades

Check your watch, check your calendar and step on up — it’s officially spring, Style Guide readers. If that doesn’t get you amped to load up your shopping cart with spring style essentials, then I’m not sure what will (maybe this classic track from CHVRCHES to which I’m currently listening? Ehh?). At any rate, you can expect plenty of transitional style content here on the blog in the coming weeks — starting with tomorrow’s timely Style Pick of the Week. And for today’s Friday Read, we’ll cover travel style, we’ll cover the right way to wear your denim in these trying times, and we’ll cover weekend style upgrades for the guy with a wish list and some cash to burn. But if you just can’t wait to dive into how to dress this spring, might I suggest this essential #OOTD focused on classic, everyday spring style? It’s a good one, folks. OK, enough idle chitchat — let’s get to this week’s links. Shall we? Cheers.

  • It’s been quite the month of March around these parts — or rather, around Ireland, Scotland and England! Read more about my adventures in the U.K. in my latest travel style post.
  • Do you have a favorite pair of classic denim? I’d wager that you do — right? Maybe you even found it perusing the pages of this blog. At any rate, Esquire.com is here to remind us all about how your denim should fit in 2018.
  • It’s perhaps no more relevant than it is right now — laidback weekend style, that is. GQ.com has 14 — yep, 14 — weekend style upgrades to shop right now. Get on it!
  • Last but certainly not least, I rounded up the 12 best men’s hiking socks — yes, we’re getting as specific as hiking socks — over at GearMoose. Shop away!

And without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to your weekend. That’s it! We’ll see you tomorrow to tell you all about a new spring menswear essential that I think you’re definitely going to like.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: Mollusk Surf Shop Is Making Your New Spring Chinos

A close-up look at a pair of chinos that are ready to wear with plenty of gear you already own.

While the classic, much-loved chino pant is nothing new in terms of early spring style, there are some new places you should consider looking if in fact you really, really want to step into this season the right way. What I mean to say is, Mollusk Surf Shop is but one unexpected brand that deserves a second look. Specifically, the Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants  — simply named, cleanly designed and more than ready for the season ahead. Let’s be clear: A classic pair of chino pants can work at any time of the year, but there’s something about early spring that feels especially well-suited to something like the Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants. The fit is tailored but not too tight, the cotton construction is amplified thanks to the made-in-the-USA quality, and the Mash Green color is a nice seasonal go-between.

There are no overly fancy bells and whistles at play when it comes to the Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants — this is just a solid pair of classic cotton chinos, all the better for pairing with similarly versatile spring style essentials. In the view of your Style Guide author, that means complementary pieces like durable leather chukkas, a rugged denim shirt  and a go-anywhere leather watch. And the good news, a pair of surprisingly tough chinos from Mollusk Surf Shop can add a bit of unexpectedly laidback style to many a spring ensemble. Army green chinos also work quite handsomely with even the most minimal of pieces — think a crisp white tee and white leather sneakers, perhaps capped off with your new favorite denim jacket. The Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants are a neat way to trade in your light wash denim or navy chinos for something just a bit more different and a bit more fresh; that’s where all the best seasonal style upgrades start, after all.

Can you get on board with the Mollusk Surf Shop Chino Pants for March weather (and beyond)? 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: A New Way to Dress in Casual, Everyday Spring Style

Gather ’round, step on up and ready your spring style essentials — the time is nigh to talk about easygoing, casual spring style. The sort of outfit that really covers all your bases, at least in a casual sense. The sort of outfit you’re going to look forward to wearing as often as you can. And the sort of #OOTD that just makes sense for a lot of us fans of classic, straightforward style. You’ll see pieces like a classic striped tee, a great pair of everyday men’s chinos and some minimal grey leather sneakers that add refined polish any day of the week. The rest of the ensemble also features pieces that can easily be broken out and worn on their own, particularly as temperatures continue to get hotter. Before then, I think you’ll like where we’re going (namely, check out the classic chambray workshirt being used as a necessary top layer). All the building blocks are there in terms of an outfit that screams spring. We’ve got pieces that can be worn all year in other outfits, brought together in one laidback, casual and cool #OOTD. Wear it on a breezy Friday, wear it for a bit of Saturday day-drinking and wear it for Sunday brunch — not all in the same wekeend, of course. Want to chime in on the conversation? Head to The Style Guide Facebook page. Chat then!

Ever wondered how to layer your chambray shirt and still look great this spring? Well, here you go!

The Chambray Shirt: WP Standard Chambray Work Shirt, $98 — A crisp, rugged chambray shirt that doubles as a bit of an outer layer when worn over a striped tee — perfect for a breezy spring night.

The Striped Tee: Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Tee, $55 — Taylor Stitch doesn’t mess around with fabric quality, even when it comes to a basic T-shirt. The use of mercerized merino makes this classic striped tee durable and ready for extra layers over top.

The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pants in Earth, $98 — We love the 365 Pants for their blend of jean-like durability and chino-like comfort — you get a pair of pants that can be dressed up or, in this case, dressed down.

The Sneakers: Oliver Cabell Low Top 1, $173 — What says spring more than a pair of minimal low-top sneakers, particularly in a unique shade of grey leather? This initial run of sneakers from Oliver Cabell is excellent.

The Socks: American Trench Merino Activity Socks with Silver, $16.98 — Let’s say it’s still just a bit breezy out there — leave the no-show socks at home, and throw on the Merino Activity Socks from American Trench instead. You get more ankle coverage (it’s a thing) and you get sporty, casual style, too.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Chrono Watch, $77 — Not to be forgotten, a NATO strap watch, especially an affordable casual watch from Timex, is the one to wear with this outfit. The color is spring-ready, too.

The Tote Bag: Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, $95.98 — If you hadn’t guessed it by now, this outfit was designed with more casual ventures in mind — I.E. Lounging on a patio crushing session IPAs. Carry the beer in the Nisolo Lori Leather Tote, my friend.

The Pomade: O’Doud’s Standard Pomade, $18 — While you could certainly accessorize with a stylish, vintage-inspired ballcap here, maybe you’ve freshened your ‘do for spring. The O’Doud’s Standard Pomade can help with a new look, sir.

If this #OOTD doesn’t get you excited to kick back outside with a beer or two, then I just don’t know what to tell ya. The WP Standard Chambray Work Shirt is as classic and stylish as it gets, with the potential to layer quite easily over the Taylor Stitch Mercerized Merino Tee. And those two pieces, combined with the equally essential  Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, are going to nicely complement crisp leather sneakers from Oliver Cabell for an easygoing springtime look. Don’t sleep on the value of comfortable socks, either — the Merino Activity Socks from American Trench are going to get the job done in terms of style, too. Of course, an affordable casual watch from Timex certainly helps to cement the nature of this outfit,  along with the grab-and-go Nisolo Lori Leather Tote. Want to top things off in a new way? Ditch the ballcap (for now) and style your hair with a bit of O’Doud’s Standard Pomade — all things considered, this ensemble has everything you need for a great spring day.

Cheers, my friends!

-Beau

 

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.