Tag / spring style essentials

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Dress for Cinco de Mayo

Sidle up to the bar, folks! It’s time for a little Cinco de Mayo celebration — and the requisite #menswear to go with it, of course. Yes, the holiday to commemorate the Mexican Army’s victory in the Battle of Puebla has turned into quite the occasion here in the U.S. (for better or worse). Seeing as it’s as great a time as any to hit up your first spring bar crawl, you might as well look stylish while doing it — right? We’re offering up picks today that harness the best of spring style — essential chino shorts, a versatile short-sleeve shirt and SeaVees slip-on sneakers that can go just about anywhere.  Just as with dressing for spring break or dressing for a road trip, the winning formula lies in upgrading your basic pieces and nailing the fit just right. Oh, and enjoying yourself along the way — that’s what it’s all about. Kick back, enjoy a Corona or a Tecate for me, and scroll through the below #menswear picks. Got any feedback for me? Hit me up over on Twitter. Bottoms up!

The Shirt: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt — $68

United By Blue

Style that goes toward a good cause and looks excellent for Cinco de Mayo and beyond.

For style that’s at once more put-together than a T-shirt and yet more casual than your standard classic Oxford or dress shirt, reach for a slim chambray shirt — preferably the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt. Made with sustainability in mind — your purchase helps the brand remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways — the mini-plus sign print is visually interesting, while the unique lighter blue color is a spring-appropriate style move. Yes indeed, this shirt is made for a few patio brews.

The  Shorts: Katin Patio Shorts — $49.98

Katin

Your go-to shorts for having a few spring brews — especially on Cinco de Mayo.

The prime function of the Katin Patio Shorts is … practically in the product title itself. They’re made for spring and summer patio evenings galore. And they’re a heck of a steal for under $50 — just the shorts you need to wear for spring and summer, what with a versatile khaki color and a clean fit. Add in the drawstring waist and you’ve got a bit of hidden comfort — ideal for moving from bar to bar or manning the grill. Again, it’s tough to top that combination of price and solid looks.
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The Sneakers: SeaVees Huntington Middie — $84.98

SeaVees

A sneaker that blends the ease of a slip-on with the style of a canvas lace-up.

See, told ya we’d be recommending some SeaVees slip-on sneakers for the occasion, did I not? The  SeaVees Huntington Middie is a unique option that’s A) Ideal for spring and B) Pleasingly versatile thanks to its slip-on construction and chukka-like cut. In short, it’s both perfect for beach trips and boardwalk strolls, along with a little Cinco de Mayo party action. The SeaVees Huntington Middie is definitely an upgrade over flip-flops, and you can wear ’em all summer long.

The Socks: Darn Tough No Show Ultra-Light Cushion Socks –$29.98

Darn Tough No-Show Socks

Simple no-show socks that blend comfort with practicality.

Slip-on sneakers still call for no-show socks that provide comfort for your feet and extend the life of your footwear — agreed? And Darn Tough makes some of the best out there; sure, it’s just a hair under $30 for a two-pack, but these are a weather-appropriate way to upgrade your sock game — no white tube socks and sneakers now, ya hear?

The Watch: Szanto Military Field Watch — $150

Szanto Military Field Watch

A watch that can stand up to a little sun and maybe even a spilled drink.

A military field watch for Cinco de Mayo? Absolutely. When the name of the game is hopping from party to party or bar to bar, whether you imbibe or not, it’s still a good idea to step out in casual style that channels rugged vibes. That is to say: Leave the heirloom watch at home this go-round. Luckily for you, the Szanto Military Field Watch is clean and simple, with understated, casual style to match. The price ain’t half-bad, either — pick up my tab, will ya?
Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses — $135

Raen Optics

Sunglasses that blend retro style and casual vibes — just what the doctor ordered for your next bar crawl.

If you’ve got the basics of this outfit handled, it’s OK to go a little more retro-inspired, or head-turning, with your accessories. The Wiley Sunglasses from Raen Optics are but one way to do this — they call to mind the sort of shades McQueen might have worn, with a more affordable price tag. And they’re a nice way to fit in with a casual chambray shirt and laidback shorts — these aren’t your average athletic sunglasses, nor are they a cheaper grocery store version. Just right.
Florsheim

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

Huckberry Explorer's Cap

Vintage style that’s easily wearable and functional at the same time.

No one said it’d be all fun and games on Cinco de Mayo, right? There’s also the chance to catch a nasty sunburn after hours in the heat. So, the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is going to keep the sun off your face, and do so in style. There’s no athletic logo in sight here — just a vintage-inspired ballcap that’s easily wearable with the basics, including a stylish chambray shirt. Wear it now, wear it on your next road trip and don’t forget to pack it with your stylish beach gear this summer.

The Bag: Billykirk Simple Tote — $184.98

Billykirk

A smart move that should prove quite useful and durable through this bar crawl and beyond.

If you’re questioning the necessity of lugging a bag to a bar crawl or party, well … where are you going to put your phone charger, and your bottle opener, and that six-pack? Answer: The Billykirk Simple Tote . Handsome, built to age well and last through plenty of seasonal adventures, and a heck of a casual bag to complement this ensemble. It avoids the cumbersome straps of a backpack, and yet it’s smaller and easier to carry when compared to a piece like the Bradley Mountain Utility Bag.
NORDSTROM.com

 OK, y’all — who’s ready for Cinco de Mayo? This guy is. Casual, off-duty style can be simple and quite fun, particularly if you start with a shirt that’s at once polished and laidback — enter the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt. And you’d do well to complement said shirt with equally laidback, wearable shorts; in this instance, the Katin Patio Shorts should have you all set for the day ahead. And crisp slip-on sneakers in a clean shade of white are an essential style move — enter the SeaVees Huntington Middie into your rotation. Practical touches, from stylish sunglasses to a vintage-inspired ballcap and a durable Billykirk tote are also must-have, especially if you’re hopping around town for hours at a time. And again, the key here comes down to nailing the fit and colors — and enjoying the day responsibly, of course. What are your Cinco de Mayo plans? Hopefully, they involve a few Coronas and a lot of fun.
Thanks so much for reading — enjoy!
-Beau
by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt

First things first: Make no mistake, the United By Blue Wenlock Chambray Shirt could be your new favorite spring and summer shirt. That’s why it gets top billing as today’s Style Pick of the Week — despite a closely contested race, it came down to one vote …. yours truly. And if you’ve read this blog, you know that United By Blue is a company that gets a lot of things right, from stylish essentials to sustainability. At any rate,  it’s pretty essential to have a closet stocked full of stylish short-sleeve  shirts regardless. And again, the Wenlock Chambray Shirt could just be that shirt. Think of a short-sleeve shirt as a slightly upgraded, more visually interesting version of your favorite summer polo — and for all those times when you want to throw on something nicer than a T-shirt, yet still casual, a piece like the Wenlock Chambray Shirt. It combines great looks, a unique lighter blue chambray fabric and a visually pleasing mini-plus sign pattern with the sustainable style for which United By Blue is known — and given that we just passed Earth Day, it’s perhaps more important now than ever to pay attention to where your clothes come from. So, know that with your purchase of the Wenlock Chambray Shirt, the brand will commit to remove one pound of trash from our oceans and waterways — not a bad pay-off for doing a little shopping, ehh? You get style points and sustainability — but lest we forget, the Wenlock Chambray Shirt still has plenty going for it in the looks department.
Greats

United By Blue

A neat pattern, modern fit and sustainable style rolled into one package.

For one, the mini-plus sign pattern on the Wenlock Chambray Shirt is a nice departure from plain chambray shirts (as stylish as those are). And the light blue color makes this one easily wearable with slim chino shorts and classic white sneakers — especially classic white sneakers. It’s also modern enough to wear to this office under a lightweight blazer for deceptively cool and casual style (thank the short sleeves for that). And when the work day is done? Slip off that blazer and step up to the bar, ehh? The great thing about the Wenlock Chambray Shirt  is that it’s a reliable upgrade in plenty of situations — it looks just a little more put-together for a spring bar crawl or a day out and about around town than a T-shirt. Plus, you could feasibly wear it with a stylish, upgraded baseball cap to a ballgame, too. Oh, and the price — yes indeed, the price is a plus. Keep in mind that you get all this — versatile style, great looks and sustainability — for $68. Considering that you can wear it nearly everywhere — from a spring road trip to a day at the beach — that really is an agreeable going rate. So, whaddya say? Will you be picking up the Wenlock Chambray Shirt? Let me know in the comments or over at The Style Guide Facebook page. Cheers!

-Beau

Sutro Shoes Inc.

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Cross Pens, Javier Bardem and Stylish Bar Crawl Gear

Welcome to another weekly #menswear recap, whereby we’re looking back at some choice reads you should tick through this weekend. How was your week? It was a busy one in the Brooklyn “office” of The Style Guide, what with a PR client event via my day job on Wednesday night at the luxurious Beekman Hotel and a plethora of blogging in between. It’s a tough, sometimes sleep-deprived gig, but someone’s gotta do it! And in that regard, I sure am glad it’s the weekend.

Sutro Shoes Inc.

If you’re setting out on a spring adventure, here’s the weekender bag you need to buy now. And if you could use some help organizing the rest of your gear, feast your eyes upon stylish dopp kits for spring travel. Oh, and if your weekend per chance calls for an early spring wedding? Wear any one of my picks for stylish men’s dress shoes to shop now. In the meantime, we’ve got a few more items for your perusal below — it’s quite tough to believe we’re nearly into May and staring down summer. I, for one, cannot wait for music festival season and a bit of summer travel. But for now, I think I’ll look toward Friday happy hour, some light reading and enjoyable spring weather. Join me, won’t ya? See you tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week, and you can catch some of my style pursuits in the meantime on Instagram. Lastly — thanks for reading!
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  • I know I’ve been struck by the talent and deep, brooding and well, terrifying nature of some of Javier Bardem’s on-screen characters. Esquire continues to prove why they’re the best around when it comes to engaging and insightful profiles, and I’d urge you to check out their profile on Javier Bardem  from this month’s print issue. Better yet, get out there and buy a copy.
  • Want a light spring jacket or a pair of breezy trousers made with substantial, yet pliable, cotton fabric? Want them done up in one of a few beautiful shades of blue? That’s where the men’s and women’s style purveyors at 13 Bonaparte come into play. The French brand makes carefully crafted, refreshingly easygoing pieces fit for spring layering, from workwear shirt-jackets to band-collar shirts and unique, lightweight cotton trousers. The pieces are interchangeable via the brand’s numbered collection system (so, numbers 1-9, for example). The brand also releases two core collections a year, but it was the cool-looking denim shirt-jackets that caught my eye during a recent tour of the collection with Founder and Artistic Director David Sarfati. In all, it’s a continental take on pieces you already know  — and only through this weekend, you can find them in NYC! Venture on down to 2 Rivington Street through Sunday to get a look at the brand yourself, and shop the 13 Bonaparte site for more.
  • A lightweight spring henley is both specific and yet oddly tough to find, from time to time. I recently wrote about the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley and why you should buy it — and I’m here to tell you again: Buy it, layer it, wear it on its own… when those breezy spring and summer beach nights come along, you won’t regret it. And if you need an idea of just how to style it, take a look at our recent feature on how to upgrade your henley this season.

  • Looking for a new addition to your everyday carry? It would behoove you to check out the excellent, tech-minded Cross Pens Peerless TrackR Pen. This ballpoint pen blends a pleasing weight and nice writing ability with the sort of technology more common to a Bond film. It syncs up with an app that tracks its location at all times — not too shabby. And it’d be a great Father’s Day gift — if you’re shopping around early, that is.

Last but certainly not least ….

  • It seems to me that patio drinking season is in full force — at least, judging by the crowds around Brooklyn. Given that, I’d wager you’ll need some stylish bar crawl. And so I give you two guides: my 2016 guide to how to dress for a spring bar crawl, and my most recent bar crawl style guide for The Manual. Have a good one out there!

That’s it for today, folks.

Stay stylish for now,

-Beau

Greats

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Nylon Deck Jacket

Todd Snyder

Potentially your new favorite spring jacket? Oh, yes.

OK, everyone — now that we’re past tax season and you’ve just locked in that refund, why not turn around and spend it on the Todd Snyder Nylon Deck Jacket? Who’s with me? Even if you  go the responsible route and sock that money away, a stylish spring jacket is absolutely something you need in your closet — to say the least. And what better place to go for one than an excellent, lauded American menswear designer like Todd Snyder? He’s a designer who does so many things well — at least in the eyes of your Style Guide writer — and excellent, functional and plain great-looking outerwear like the Nylon Deck Jacket fits the bill quite nicely. It’s the sort of piece that feels at once vintage and current — it’s the ideal blend of clean looks (no logo, a neutral navy color) and heritage style that the designer nails perfectly in other pieces like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt.  And if you’re in the market for a functional, well-designed and versatile spring jacket, the Nylon Deck Jacket is exactly what you should look for. It starts with the double-faced nylon, which adds durability while keeping the silhouette lightweight. Add in the fact that it’s got a quilted wool shell liner — also  removable — and it’s really two layering pieces within one. Given its naval inspiration, it’s even fitting that the front buttons are made from melanine — the strongest type of material for buttons used by the military. Not bad, ehh? So, the Nylon Deck Jacket has the specs to stand up to spring rain and look great in the process — but how exactly should you style this piece, you ask? Simple, my friends.

With a versatile, clean silhouette, the Nylon Deck Jacket is wearable with just about anything in your rotation — particularly a rugged chambray shirt and slim khaki chinos (both everyday essentials that work for a business casual office or a weekend coffee date. And the great thing is that you can also layer it over even more laidback pieces — try a slim  Todd Snyder pocket tee and slim light wash denim, to start. But the essential nature of the Nylon Deck Jacket doesn’t stop with its clean, simple looks. Handy design touches like an interior cell phone pocket help your essential everyday carry pieces stay dry in the rain, too. The fit should also be slim and reliable — perfect for layering up with the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt and hitting up your favorite bar or grabbing Sunday brunch. That versatility — combined with its stylish silhouette — is crucial. As we always say here at The Style Guide, it’s an investment worth making — preferably as soon as you can. And don’t forget other ways you can wear it — say, with a marled long-sleeve henley and chino shorts for a grab-and-go outfit after hitting up the beach. Of course, it’s the type of functional jacket that also works as you dress for spring break — again, grab and go. Alright, ready to spend that refund? Of course you are (wink, wink). If you want more spring style inspiration, follow yours truly on Instagram or Twitter.

See you out there, and stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: The Most Stylish Gear for Spring Rain

If you’ve had the good fortune of avoiding rainy spring weather so far, good for you. If not, well … join the club. Today, we’ll get you all geared up for the gear to wear on a rainy spring day (and really, any time you need to look polished, casual and cool this season). It can be a struggle to dress technically and practically, yet still look good — that much is true. Those colorful, thin ponchos might do the trick at an amusement park, but your Style Guide author thinks we can (and should) strive to do better when it comes to dressing for the rain. Certainly, you need a stylish spring jacket — and then a heck of a lot more great pieces. So today, we’ll take you through a handy, down-to-the-details guide — as we do on every style suggestion — and hopefully, you’ll be better off for it. We’ve got picks from site favorites like Huckberry, we’ve got gear from brands like Grayers, and we’re gonna have some fun while we’re at it. Now, there’s no silver bullet when it comes to taking on the rain in style, but I’d wager you’ll like what we’ve got in store. Without any more bluster … here’s today’s style suggestion. Enjoy — and if you must, give me some grief about the below #menswear ensemble on Twitter.
Frank & Oak

The Jacket: Penfield Barnes Jacket — $124.98

A neutral, functional and well-made jacket that’s also affordably priced.

Leave it to Penfield to deliver a high-quality, functional and durable jacket that looks more stylish than your average rain slicker. It’s weatherproof and constructed from treated nylon taslan, which should hold its shape through the rain and any spring travels you’ve got planned. The stowaway hood on the Barnes Jacket adds another level of hidden functionality, and the mesh lining should provide nice breathability. Did I mention the Olive color is neutral and ideal for spring?

The Shirt: Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt — $98

A new take on the Oxford-style shirt, made with two layers of lightweight fabric woven together.

As first seen in this site’s #OOTD on how to wear your new favorite chinos for spring, the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt is worth incorporating into this outfit for several reasons. Grayers uses exceptionally high-quality fabric, in this instance two lightweight layers woven together. And that gives you a seriously wearable, updated take on the Oxford style — the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt certainly adds some polish to the more technical raincoat.
The Henley: Flint and Tinder Slub Henley in Vintage Pewter — $58
Flint and Tinder

American-grown cotton and a slubby texture make this henley ideal for spring layering.

Because life’s too short to not wear quality goods, we’re recommending you layer up with an all-new essential — the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley. A well-made henley is a four-season style essential at this point, and it’s a nice layering move here for a few reasons. Namely, it adds some visual interest underneath the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt, and it provides some added protection from chilly spring rain and wind. And if the Pewter color shown above isn’t your thing, know that it’s available in two different shades.

Beckett Simonon

The Denim: Abercombie and Fitch Super Skinny Denim in Light Wash — $59

Abercrombie and Fitch

Slim denim in a refreshingly light shade, made with a hint of stretch.

Just as I recommended you mix khaki and olive in an earlier spring style ensemble, I’m recommending mixing a light blue Grayers shirt with an even lighter shade of essential spring denim.  Abercrombie and Fitch should be a brand you add to your shopping list, if only because they make fine goods at great prices — the denim shown here is no exception, crafted with a hint of stretch and a wash that absolutely needs to be worn on a summer road trip … or a rainy day.
Florsheim

The Sneakers: SeaVees Mariner Boot — $178

SeaVees

Tough, supremely stylish and rain-ready — that’s what you’re getting here, folks.

I’ve sung the praises of the SeaVees Mariner Boot in weeks past on The Style Guide, from a Style Pick of the Week entry to a feature on the best transitional footwear for spring — and I’m not about to stop singing now. Made with sturdy British Ventile waterproof duck cotton crafted into a cool high-top sneaker upper, these boots are sturdy, durable and crisp enough to wear to the office with a lightweight navy blazer and perhaps the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt.
Greats
The Socks: CHUP Prairie Socks — $35

CHUP socks

A unique pattern and quality construction help these socks inject some life into this ensemble.

In a rainy day style ensemble filled with crisp neutrals like tan, olive and navy blue, it’s perfectly OK to work in a little bit of pattern — especially if that means you get to wear some well-made CHUP socks. They’re certainly pricey — that’s why I’m only recommending you buy one pair — but that means they’ll provide nice breathability and comfort beneath your SeaVees Mariner Boots.

The Belt: Abercrombie and Fitch Braided Twill Belt — $28

Abercrombie and Fitch

Nothing fancy about this belt — just much-needed texture and casual style.

Because spring is as good a time as any to go for lighter textures and fabrics, that means it’s as good a time as any to pick up a braided belt for a nice value. And folks, that means we’re once again recommending you turn to Abercrombie and Fitch. It’s the little details that make for nice style upgrades, and even in the rain, it can be a solid move to work in some texture and visual interest via a highly wearable belt.

The Watch: Aulta Acuatico Automatic — $240

Aulta Watches

Plenty of water resistance and a handy rubber strap to combat the rain.

As much as it pains me to say it, sadly, the rain is no time to break out your favorite leather watch. No, precipitation and strong winds call for something sturdier and tougher — but still just as stylish.  Enter the Aulta Acuatico Automatic, a premium, rugged and crisp-yet-casual timepiece built to handle a little rain. Yes indeed, from the nicely sized 41mm case diameter to the accurate Miyota movement and 200 meters worth of water resistance, the Aulta Acuatico Automatic should be a go-to watch when the rain starts coming down.
Sutro Footwear

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap — $39.98

Huckberry Explorer's Cap

Stylish, well-made and easygoing — everything you could ask for in a nice ballcap.

Last but not least — even with a protective layer like the Penfield Barnes Jacket, a handy ballcap such as the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap can actually go a long way in protecting you from a blustery storm. Delivered by the good folks at Huckberry  (who’d thunk that?), the Explorer’s Cap finishes off this outfit in a bit of throwback fashion. Complete with a cool design and stylish retro looks, it’s a subtly stylish ballcap that’s a definite style upgrade from an athletic logo cap.

Nautica

If you’re not ready to take on spring rains after perusing that blog post … I don’t know what to tell ya, folks! If you start with a durable and well-made jacket — like the Penfield Barnes Jacket — you’re putting yourself in position to take on inclement weather in style, for sure. And when you start with a breathable, rugged base layer like the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley, your ensemble is only going to get better. Adding on everyday essentials — from the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt to a slim pair of Abercrombie and Fitch stretch denim — helps keep this outfit fresh, crisp and classic. And no outfit is complete with premium transitional footwear; namely, the SeaVees Mariner Boot  is going to help you put in a lot of miles despite the rain.  Lest you had any doubts on the feasibility of your watch game in a thunderstorm, the Aulta Acuatico Automatic is the way to go. As always, I hope these tips were helpful  — let me know via the Style Guide Facebook page how you’re suiting up to take on spring rain. We’ll see you tomorrow for our next #OOTD!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

NORDSTROM.com

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Slub Henley

First off: Happy Saturday, folks! And welcome to this week’s Style Pick of the Week.  With spring style transitions fully underway, it’s high time we layered up accordingly — right? And if you follow this blog on the regular, you’ll recognize that the right way to layer up in style this spring likely starts with gear from Flint and Tinder — true, yes? That’s definitely the case with today’s Style Pick, the essential, rugged and brand-new Flint and Tinder Slub Henley. Here at The Style Guide, we (and by we, I mean myself) love the brand for its blend of American-made quality, rugged style and classic looks. From the Flint and Tinder Texas Moleskin Shirt to more casual pieces like the brand’s Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, they’re tough to beat in terms of wearability and great looks across the board.  And that’s why we’re going to bat today for the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley. This piece gets quite a lot right in terms of essential spring style, from the unique Pewter color — ideal for a monochromatic pairing with slim stone chinos — to the textured slub fabric that would nicely offset stylish suede Chelsea boots and light wash denim. Yes, it certainly is a nice addition to the Flint and Tinder marled henley collection — trust me on that one.  Maybe if you’ve got a closet full of rugged men’s henleys — as I do — you might question the merit of adding another one. And yet … I’d say you should give it a closer look.

Beckett Simonon

Flint and Tinder

Lightweight, garment-dyed cotton and a vintage-style collar — just what you need in a spring henley!

The Flint and Tinder Slub Henley has some unique styling details going for it in addition to the garment-dyed fabric and spring-friendly colorway. The three-button collar on the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley calls to mind a band-collar shirt — and of course, a band-collar shirt might just be the one shirt to add to your closet this season. It’s a slightly vintage look that would fit right in with dark blue selvedge denim and your favorite pair of worn-in leather boots.  And the good news is, the lightweight American cotton construction of the Flint and Tinder Slub Henley should provide some leeway in terms of spring layering — for example, a lightwash denim jacket and perhaps the famous Flint and Tinder 365 Pant could make for a nice weekend ensemble.
Greats
On the other hand, you could easily slide it under a stylish chambray shirt for a spring bar crawl,  or pair it with a tough spring jacket — say, a field coat — for on-the-go wearability. And like other Flint and Tinder gear, you’re getting an agreeable price for truly excellent quality — $58 isn’t the worst price in the world for a piece that can be mixed and matched with a  lightweight navy blazer or a slim leather moto jacket in equal measure. Again, it’s tough to top Flint and Tinder gear across the board — let me know via the comments if you’re picking one up, or drop me a line on Twitter if you’ve got questions on how to style it. All good? All good.

Cheers and thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Glenn O’Brien, The Best V-Neck T-Shirts and Scottish Style

It’s under slightly different circumstances that we start today’s Friday Read. No mention of menswear news this week would be complete without discussing the unfortunate, sad and too-early passing last Friday of style luminary and New York City icon Glenn O’Brien. Known for everything from his long-running Style Guy column to his legendary social circle (his friends included Andy Warhol, Debbie Harry and Jean-Michael Basquiat, among others) and his time as an art and fashion critic, he really did inspire a generation of men to dress — and be — better. And his prominent role in the New York City and global fashion scenes is likely in some small part the reason this blog exists —  I vividly remember poring over his Style Guy column during late-night shifts as a journalism intern in a quite newsroom. There wasn’t quite anyone like him — even his time as an editor-at-large at Maxim these past few years proved consequential. I never did get the chance to meet him, but to see such an outpouring of amazing memories from across the entire fashion industry is quite neat — and fitting — indeed. So, with that, we’ll transition into our regularly scheduled programming with a great Esquire.com piece remembering Glenn O’Brien. Have a great weekend and be sure to catch tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week.

Beckett Simonon

  • So, spring weather is finally kicking up a notch — that’s why it’s imperative you buy one of the best V-neck T-shirts for men, as I covered for GearMoose. Ya dig? And if you need tips on how it should fit, check out my guide to casual T-shirts.
  • Speaking of casual spring style, every guy needs a stylish denim jacket this season — that’s why I’m a big fan of the classic Levi’s Trucker Jacket. Shop away, folks!
  • It might seem odd to be pivoting back to discuss rugged winter style, but the folks at Triple F.A.T. Goose are about more than just outfitting you for the weather — I caught up with the brand to discuss how to store your winter coat for The Manual.

OK, I’ll leave you to it — I hope you get the chance to kick back, relax and maybe read a few Style Guy columns. Thank you for reading, as always!

-Beau

Sutro Footwear

Greats

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Levi’s Trucker Jacket

Pairing the Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Spire with seasonal essentials. Short-sleeve Henley by Abercrombie & Fitch. 505C Denim by Levi’s. Expedition Watch by Timex. Buxton Boots by G.H. Bass. Glasses by Frameri.

Welcome to Saturday, folks! We’ll tell you all about the classic Levi’s Trucker Jacket today — kick back, relax and enjoy. After all, there’s no question that it’s among the best denim jackets for guys (at least in my humble opinion). Yes indeed, as the weather continues to warm up — with the occasional burst of breezy rain — I’d say there’s no more essential piece of stylish spring outerwear  you need more in your life than a rugged denim jacket. Why’s that? Well, bear with me here. We talked a few weeks ago about the need for hard-wearing transitional outerwear for spring — be it an edgy leather jacket or a on-trend bomber jacket — and the denim jacket just might be the new style you need to try. Especially when you pick one up from a well-respected brand like Levi’s, you’re getting a relatively affordable price, great fit and terrific quality. And with its use of lightweight cotton denim, the Trucker Jacket at once comfortable and yet substantial enough to keep you warm on a breezy spring night or on a spring road trip. As seen here, it works on a cloudy day with an Abercrombie & Fitch henley, slim Levi’s denim and tough G.H. Bass leather boots — that’s just for starters. And the great thing about a classic silhouette is the plethora of options you get from a brand like Levi’s.

Not into a faded denim jacket? Pick up an inky blue trucker jacket and break it in yourself. Want to channel a bit of a rock n’roll edge? A light wash denim jacket (like the “Spire” wash seen here) could be the way to go. And like other classic spring style essentials – a short-sleeve chambray shirt, a marled henley or leather loafers   — it can be mixed and matched almost effortlessly (yes, even with jeans).

Beckett Simonon

Yet another way to wear a denim jacket for spring. Trucker Jacket by Levi’s. Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Henley by Pistol Lake. Roma Messenger by Brothers Leather Supply. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Glasses by Frameri

The trick when it comes to dipping your toes into the denim jacket pool? Focusing first on fit – you should be looking for a trim fit through the shoulders and arms, with a fit that hits right above or at your belt line. It’s a different silhouette for those of us who might be more used to wearing something like a slim field jacket through the spring months, but that’s all the more reason to pick up – and wear – a stylish denim jacket this season. And when it comes to pairing it with other types of denim, focus on differentiating those washes – for example, a light wash denim jacket works with everything from slim black denim to dark denim. Huckberry

A word to the wise: Only fellas like the legendary Julian Casablancas can reliably pull off wearing two shades of light wash denim. But, hey … maybe someday. Someday … (see what I did there?). At any rate, a denim jacket in either a light or dark wash also works with seasonal essentials like slim stone chinos and suede Chelsea boots, and can even serve as a reliable blazer replacement. Oh, and another handy tip – in the right fit, you can layer up your denim jacket under a piece like an olive green field jacket for style that’s designed to beat the weather and look great. So, if you don’t yet have a denim jacket … hopefully, this is a helpful starting point. If you need inspiration on how to wear a denim jacket, follow yours truly on Instagram and check out The Style Guide in the coming weeks for a new #OOTD entry. Cheers!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: The Masters, Coachella and Stylish Dress Watches

If you can believe it, we’re back at it with another Friday Read here on the ole Style Guide. What have you been up to this week? It’s been a busy one that promises plenty of excitement around these parts to end the week — namely, we’re talking the official release of some excellent albums and a lovely spring weekend in Brooklyn. Yes indeed, I’m very much looking forward to listening to the full-length debut of infectious New York pop-punk rockers Diet Cig, along with what promises to be a very fun record release show tonight at fun Brooklyn rock club Baby’s All Right! And of course, who else is pumped about the new Cold War Kids record!? How great will that be? Very great. In other menswear matters, we’re fully into transitional spring style now — if you’re curious about how to dress for spring break, we have some helpful tips for you. And if you want to know about the investment-worthy leather jacket you need in your closet now, well, we’ve got you covered there. Oh, and it’s Masters weekend for all you golf fans out there — with that in mind, this week’s Friday Read covers a fun style move to make for the occasion.

A fun way to inject a little golf-inspired style into a warm-weather look.

  • OK, so as I said — it’s Masters weekend. And particularly if you’re a golf fan, you should be looking to dress in style and stay hydrated (cheers!). And what better way to do it than with some unique, head-turning flip-flops? Flip-flops aren’t for everyone, but if you’re hanging out at a beachfront patio bar or a pool — perhaps sipping on a Corona and watching the tournament — you should strongly consider picking up the Reef Mulligan II golf sandals. Your purchase gets you a neat pair of flip-flops, plus a Reef tee and tee holder. The upper mimics a textured golf ball, while the footbed plays off putting green grass — oh, and did I mention there’s a bottle opener in the sole? Bottoms up indeed!

Beckett Simonon

  • NYC cyclists or casual bikers, listen up — this weekend only, Timbuk2 (makers of stylish commuter gear) are offering a combo bag-and-bike deal at the brand’s NoHo shop (that’s at 325 Lafayette Street) with Pure Cycles. What does that mean exactly? The donation of any bag or bike via the “Break Up with Your Bag and Bike” event gets you 30 percent off the purchase of gear from both brands — and your donated gear goes toward Recycle-A-Bicycle, an organization focused on uplifting NYC through community engagement, youth development and healthy living. That’s a win all around!

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And one more thing before we start the weekend …

  • Last but certainly not least — we’re talking crisp, classic and stylish dress watches via my latest in-depth feature for GearMoose. I’d wager there are some picks that you’ll very much enjoy — and don’t forget to check out The Style Guide’s list of the best men’s leather watches in the meantime.

Greats

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Right Way to Wear A Patterned Shirt This Spring

If you’re anything like me, perhaps you’re anxious to shelve your neutral style essentials and inject more interesting, eye-catching color and pattern into your spring #OOTD — all in the name of warmer weather, of course. Well, you’re in luck today, because it’s time we got around to covering how to wear a patterned shirt this spring. Yes, there are some things you should do, and some things you definitely shouldn’t do. Although patterned shirts might call to mind lurid florals and baggy fits — perhaps most commonly found around the community pool — we’re dialing in the fit and the color palette considerably in the below #OOTD. We’re also teaming this stylish short-sleeve shirt with essentials you can wear all spring and summer — pieces like durable suede chukkas and an essential casual watch, for starters. But, we’ll figure out all the specifics below; for now, check out my upcoming #menswear picks and follow along for the topsy-turvy ride on Instagram and Twitter.

Swapping out gaudy florals for a cool patchwork pattern and other seasonal staples.

The Shirt: Life/After/Denim Patchwork Short-Sleeve Shirt, $110 — The piece de resistance of the entire outfit — a neat, very unique indigo patchwork shirt with a retro-style camp collar. Perfect for a or to wear when dressing for a summer festival or heading on a spring bar crawl.

The Jacket: Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Rinse, $89.50 — There might not be a better piece of spring outerwear than a trusty denim jacket from a reputable source like Levi’s — wear this thing as much as you can, and it’ll break in handsomely.

The Pants: Devereux Ford Five-Pocket Pants, $138 — If you find white denim a bit intimidating,  why not reach for an off-white pair of 5-pocket pants? These mimic the tailoring of a chino with a cotton-spandex blend that’s more familiar.

Beckett Simonon

The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki, $145 — With their classic silhouette and handsome shade of dark khaki suede, it’s easy to mistake the Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki for something a menswear icon like Steve McQueen might’ve worn — and that’s a very good part about this #OOTD.

The Socks: Teva Benny Gold Socks (Limited Edition), $12 — In an outfit packed with various shades of dark blue, it’s nice to inject a bit of lighter blue. Enter the limited edition, exceedingly comfortable Teva Benny Gold Socks.Sutro Shoes Inc.

The Belt: Arcade Belt Co.  Crawford Belt in Olive Green, $25 — For a mix of comfort and casual style, reach for a mixed-media Arcade Belt Co. belt with stretch — it’s an easy way to loosen up after a few bar crawl beers, ehh?

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch, $138 — If you don’t have this timepiece on your wrist yet, you’re missing out. I took mine on a spring road trip to Pittsburgh and found it highly versatile — I’d imagine you’ll feel the same!

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Mod 15″ Laptop Carrier, $499.98 — For all those times you find yourself fumbling with cords and cables, there’s gear from This Is Ground. A functional, minimal and effective piece like the Mod Laptop Carrier should save you a heck of a lot of trouble.

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For all of the pattern and color on the above Life/After/Denim patchwork shirt, it really is quite easily wearable (that’s thanks to the deep indigo base). When you pair it with easygoing spring staples like off-white pants and the Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki, it’s wearable for casual situations and perhaps even a laidback office Friday.  You can — and should — use your accessories to reinforce the laidback nature of this patterned shirt; that’s where an Arcade Belt Co. belt can come into play. Don’t leave behind your everyday carry — I’m a big fan of the Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch for its durability and versatility. Plus, the Mod Laptop Carrier is going to be a very effective way to travel efficiently and stylishly. So, there you have it. If you’ve got questions about styling a short-sleeve shirt or everyday menswear essentials, shoot me an email and I’ll get back to you — promise!

For now — stay stylish,

-Beau

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