Tag / spring style essentials

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket

A French workwear silhouette meets the kind of quality and style that only Taylor Stitch can provide.

There are certain spring style essentials that, until you see ’em, you didn’t know you needed ’em. What exactly am I talking about? I’m talking, my friends, about the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket, a stylish spring jacket that sits neatly in the middle of that tricky intersection between style and functionality (not to mention throwback looks and modern wearability). Yessir, the Ojai Jacket has tons going for it — would you expect anything less from Taylor Stitch? Surely not. Like most stellar, stylish Taylor Stitch menswear, the Ojai Jacket nods to the past yet works for the modern man (ahem, you!). How so? It’s an updated version of a French workwear jacket, with a deep indigo color and 100 percent cotton construction to match. They’ve even done it up in premium Japanese sateen that should age nicely over time — all the better, since you’re going to want to wear the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket as often as you can this season. Lower patch pockets give this jacket the look and feel of a casual patch-pocket blazer, making it wearable with everything from a classic blue Oxford and slim tan chinos to dark blue denim and a grey slub T-shirt. The Ojai Jacket really is that versatile. It practically solves nearly all of your spring outerwear problems — heck, you could even layer it under a classic rain jacket (see this option from Triple Aught Design) and still get to and from the office in sleek (and dry) style.

Natural Corozo buttons and beautiful Japanese fabric lend a premium air to this jacket.

As one would expect with nearly any item from the endless bevy of Taylor Stitch menswear, all the details are considered on the Ojai Jacket. Corozo ring-back buttons add durability and a dash of premium quality — the brass pin and ring on the back of each button are quite neat, not to mention handy for your everyday carry essentials. A single chest pocket even gives you space to carry your favorite pen — because every guy should have a favorite pen, right (For the record, mine is the Fisher Space Pen). At any rate, the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket is a spring jacket that’s just going to get the job done. The deep indigo color pairs well with faded light wash denim for some high-low contrast, it matches up with chinos in shades from olive to grey to light tan, and it looks at home alonside a crisp white tee, a classic light blue chambray shirt or a (slightly) more formal white Oxford. With just those building blocks along, you can make plenty of excellent spring outfits using the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket as a stylish starting point. Ya dig? Good.

Let me know on Twitter how you’d style the Taylor Stitch Ojai Jacket this season (and beyond!)

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Upgrade Your Sweatpants with Spring Style Essentials

Today’s #OOTD post gets right down to it when it comes to spring weekend style. It’s even a bit more dressed down than the seasonal Saturday (or Sunday) ensemble that we talked about earlier this month — we’re diving right into how to wear stylish sweatpants this spring. Yes, you read that right. Stylish sweatpants. The style world is growing more casual by the day, but that doesn’t mean you have to look sloppy when dressed down (and we mean, way down). Your basics, the kind of clothes you grab and throw on to get out the door, can feature just as many small, simple style details as your favorite work week ensemble or more slightly more polished pieces (like your new favorite pair of spring chinos). The trick comes with not treating the sweatpants quite as much like sweatpants — no athletic logo tees or sneakers here. Just a pair of well-fitting sweatpants, accented with a slim T-shirt, a pair of throwback-inspired kicks and a classically rugged chambray shirt. As long as you accent ’em with pieces that go anywhere, your tailored sweatpants won’t look out of place at a laidback brunch spot or a brewery … or just on your couch. The choice as to how you wear this #OOTD is all yours. Thoughts? Questions? Hit me up on Twitter.

A stylish pair of sweatpants can go a long way to helping you take on your weekend in comfort AND style.

The Sweatpants: Flint and Tinder Fieldhouse Sweatpants, $89  — There’s nothing fussy about the Flint and Tinder Fieldhouse Sweatpants. Just a classic pair of sport-inspired sweats made the right way.

The Chambray Shirt: WP Standard Chambray Work Shirt, $98  — A chambray shirt takes this casual ensemble into territory that’s slightly more sharp — but still cool and classic.

The T-Shirt: Taylor Stitch Heavy Bag Tee in Green, $45 — A deep, dark green Taylor Stitch T-shirt adds just a bit of color to this outfit, along with visual interest. Wear the chambray shirt buttoned up or open to show it off.

The Sneakers: Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid, $185 — If you want a pair of sneakers that are a big-time upgrade from your average pair with an athletic logo, the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid are exactly it.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Boucle Mix Socks in Navy, $11 — Well-made socks with no crazy patterns or wild colors are an underrated style accessory. The Anonymous-ism Boucle Mix Socks get the job done.

The Watch: Szanto Vintage Dive Watch 5201, $275 — Your stylish casual watch should be as similarly no frills as your socks and your classic sneakers — the tough Szanto Vintage Dive Watch is your best bet.

The Bag: Filson Grab n’Go Tote, $125 — How are you going to carry all those weekend essentials? You know, your growler and sunglasses and blanket for that park picnic? The Filson Grab n’Go Tote.

The Ballcap: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $40 — The reliable ballcap that every guy needs in his arsenal just might be the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, and that’s all there is to it.
See, wearing stylish sweatpants doesn’t have to be sloppy or overly complicated. Just do it up the right way with standout basics — which will, of course, work in a ton of other seasonal outfits. Again, let me know in the comments below what you think of our picks for styling the Flint and Tinder Fieldhouse Sweatpants.
Cheers!
-Beau

 

 

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Pabst Blue Ribbon, Affordable Watches and Spring Weekend Style

The only thing standing between you and the weekend is today’s edition of the Friday Read. Well, not quite. Perhaps you’ve got a day on the old job ahead of you as power right on through into mid-April. If you missed the happenings this week at everyone’s favorite menswear blog (The Style Guide, of course), then we’re here to fill you in. We talked the best way to wear chukka boots this spring, and we also talked about one of the best pairs of spring chinos to buy now. So, there was certainly a lot going on in terms of style this week. Elsewhere in Brooklyn and beyond, I’m way excited to welcome my amazing girlfriend Laura to the borough and to the Big Apple for the very first time! While we’re here, she’s a marvelous photographer (and a wonderful human!), and you’d do well to check out her photography work. We’ve got lots on the docket, including exploring Prospect Park and Central Park, plus grabbing a classic NYC brunch and record shopping at the legendary Rough Trade in Brooklyn. And of course, it’ll be business as usual here on the blog, complete with tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. For now, I’ll leave you to start your weekend with these choice reads. Thanks for supporting The Style Guide, and we’ll catch you on the flip!

  • I’m all about experiential vacations that go beyond the ordinary. Such is the case with a new chance to stay in the old, famed Pabst Blue Ribbon brewery in the beer-friendly town of Milwaukee. That sounds like a trip I can get behind — my pals at The Manual have the full scoop.
  • Who can resist an affordable, stylish watch? The great folks at Esquire.com have done their best to round up the best affordable watches for men, so give that a read before you make your next timepiece purchase. For my money, I think this affordable Timex watch as covered here on the blog might  be your best bet for casual weekend style this season.
  • Looking for an easy way to give your spring weekend style a shot in the arm? Just add a simple, easygoing and yet versatile layer like the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew (last week’s Style Pick of the Week entry). It really gets no better, folks. Wear it with light wash denim, white canvas sneakers and a slub T-shirt for off-duty style that just gets a lot of things right.
  • Lastly, let’s talk one more dose of shopping today. Are you in need of new high-top sneakers for spring? Of course you are. My latest post for The Manual covers that topic precisely. Not a bad read, if I do say so myself!


That’s going to do it for today’s Friday Read. Enjoy the weekend and follow along with my adventures on Instagram and Twitter.

Cheers!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Shop All of the Best Spring Menswear Right Now

How’s your list of spring style essentials coming along? Nicely? Not so nicely? Either way, we’ve got more great men’s style gear to help you out with your seasonal shopping in today’s edition of The List. We’re talking a little bit of everything today, from the Oxford shirt you need now to an essential travel tee — yes, the perfect travel tee exists (and it’s the first pick in today’s post!). At any rate, read on below, chime in on these picks at The Style Guide Facebook page, and good lookin’ out!

PROOF The Passage Tee — $42

A versatile-as-heck tee in a versatile fabric.

Made from anti-odor, stretch-filled cotton in three versatile colors, the Passage Tee from PROOF is as close as it gets to a 24-hour T-shirt. And yes, I might have just coined that phrase.

Abercrombie & Fitch Athletic Slim Officer’s Chinos — $72

Classic chinos made from classic fabric — it doesn’t get any better.

Leave it to the revamped Abercrombie & Fitch to make chinos using fabric that first originated during production of military uniforms. These are the real deal, in a classic-yet-modern fit.

Taylor Stitch The Jack in Blue Everyday Oxford — $98

An exceptional Oxford in a terrific cut.

Here’s that classic Oxford shirt we mentioned earlier — of course, it’s made by Taylor Stitch in a perfect fit using high-quality fabric. Wear this shirt with slim tan chinos and white sneakers.
CIVIC Frank Chinos — $128

Neutral chinos that combine sustainability and style with ease? Sign me up.

What are you going to wear on your bottom half if you’re wearing a Taylor Stitch Oxford shirt on top? Why, these sustainable, stylish CIVIC Frank Chinos (from the partner brand of the TS folks). Nicely done, right?
SeaVees Huntington Middie in Elmwood — $108

Part sneaker, part chukka boot, and all ready for spring.

Because spring isn’t just about going with bright colors, this perfectly in-between Elmwood shade as found on the SeaVees Huntington Middie is a good happy medium. Wear ’em with an off-white short-sleeve tee and slim light wash jeans.
Beltology Radius Woven Belt in Olive — $60

A durable, casual belt that adds texture to spring outfits aplenty.

Stylish chinos are no good without a stylish, unique belt like the Beltology Radius Woven Belt, agreed? Agreed.
Abercrombie & Fitch Cable V-Neck Sweater — $68

A throwback-style V-neck sweater that looks at home on the boardwalk, at the beach or aronud a bonfire.

With a mix of preppy style and retro sporting vibes, this V-neck sweater isn’t your average spring layering piece. Wear it over that versatile Taylor Stitch Oxford shirt alongside easygoing chinos for an upscale weekend brunch.
Taylor Stitch The Westport Shirt in Indigo Hemp — $198

Another stellar piece from TS that’ll pull double duty when it arrives on your doorstep.

We’re again talking durable, classic layers with the Westport Shirt from Taylor Stitch — part shirt, part jacket and available now for pre-order. Get ready to wear this over a slub white tee on chillier-than-expected summer nights.
AVI-8 Exclusive Hawker Watch — $98

The right watch to transition into spring — trust me.

Is there such a thing as an ideal watch for spring and summer? There sure is. It’s a versatile NATO strap watch like the AVI-8 Hawker Watch. Bingo.
Relwen Sailcloth Tanker — $298

A durable jacket in a timeless silhouette.

You could mix and match a full outfit from the picks in this edition of The List — at least, I think so. The throwback-inspired Relwen Sailcloth Tanker is the badass jacket you didn’t know you needed for spring.
So, that’ll wrap up our latest list of spring style essentials for you to shop and buy now. As in, right now. What was your favorite? I personally love the Westport Shirt from Taylor Stitch — it’ll be worth the wait once you pre-order it, believe me.
As always, thanks for reading!
-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Dalton Terry Crew

A morning coffee plus this sweater? Looks great to me.

Folks, it’s time to layer up for spring with the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew. It’s as simple as that, and this stylish spring sweater is where we begin today’s Style Pick of the Week. It’s high time you started thinking about lightening up the textures and colors in your seasonal wardrobe. It can certainly be tough to store away chunky cardigans and cable-knit sweaters when it seems like winter has the tendency to stick around so long, but the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew is the right sweater to help you make that transition. We sure do love the Grayers brand here at The Style Guide — they harness that crucial mix of everyday style, easygoing sensibility and a knack for making the right essentials at the right time (I.E. The start of spring). The Grayers Dalton Terry Crew is Exhibit A in that regard, made with visually interesting stripes in a fit that’s easy to throw on over a classic blue chambray shirt or a charcoal Oxford. It’s also made from French terry fabric for comfort and breathability — think the same fabric as your favorite hooded sweatshirt, yet in a silhouette that’s slightly more polished and ready to wear with chinos and classic white sneakers.

And in terms of other design details, the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew more than gets the job done. The raglan sleeve stitching can make your shoulders look broader — something that can help those of us who don’t hit the gym regularly. The crewneck collar also allows you to layer it over regular old T-shirts or a Oxford cloth buttondown, too. To your humble neighborhood menswear writer, the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew would look best when worn casually — atop a white Oxford shirt, with slim tan chinos and suede desert boots. Roll the cuffs of your chinos, rock the collar of the Oxford unbuttoned and roll up those sleeves to your show off your favorite casual leather watch, too. It’s a weekend-ready look that all comes together because of the easygoing nature of the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew — lest you think you’re going to shelve your sweaters for spring, it’s best to keep this one handy for cool spring nights and morning coffee runs. It’ll even layer nicely with an indigo denim jacket — when it comes to dependable off-duty style, there isn’t much that the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew can’t do.  At least, I think so.

What’s your take on the Grayers Dalton Terry Crew? How would you style this classic and affordably priced spring sweater?

As always, thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Stylish Light Wash Denim, Cheap Cologne and Stephen Malkmus

We’re closing out another whirlwind week at The Style Guide — where does this Friday find you? Maybe you’re closing out the work week and doing some shoppping for spring style essentials on the side? (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there). Maybe you’re hitting the road and dressed in vacation travel style? At any rate, I hope what we’ve covered on the blog as of late has been helpful, stylish and easy to wear.

It’s wild to think we’re already moving through April and looking ahead toward summer — we’ll be turning our attention to critical spring shopping picks in the weeks ahead, from high-top sneakers to buy (and wear) now to more entries in our See Now, Buy Now series. If there are topics or brands you’d like to see covered here, just hit me up on Twitter, follow along via The Style Guide Facebook page, or take a second to check out yours truly on Instagram. I’m all style, all the time! Unless there’s music or craft beer involved. And then, well, all bets are off. For now, check out a few quick, fun and stylish reads to get your weekend going.

  • Who needs new cologne on the cheap? Not just any cologne, though — cologne worthy of a stylish man like yourself. Read Esquire’s picks for the best cheap cologne for men before you step out this weekend.
  • They’re as essential as a clean white tee or a crisp pair of high-top sneakers — we’re talking about stylish light wash denim for spring, of course. My latest post for The Manual covers some of my favorite picks this season. Read up and get to shopping in style!
  • I’d wager you’ve still got some spring style picks to, well, pick up, right? That’s where this week’s edition of The List is going to help you out quite nicely. It’s loaded with home goods, watches, footwear and apparel for the season — there’s something for everybody.
  • Indie rock icon Stephen Malkmus — a source of inspiration years ago for my favorite band (yep, The National!) has some interesting and insightful things to say in this interview with Pitchfork. A nice weekend read, I’d wager.

That’s going to close out this week’s Friday Read — until tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week, cheers!

 

-Beau

by Beau H.

The List: Upgrade Your Spring Wardrobe with these Picks for the Best New Men’s Gear

We’ve taken a bit of time away from The List, our ever-crucial #menswear series that covers the best gear to buy now … as in, right this very instant. Yours truly had gotten used to recommending durable leather boots and tough winter outerwear, but if you hadn’t yet looked into it yet … it’s spring! And it’s time to amp up your search for spring style essentials in earnest. Which leads me to … well, today’s post. Happy shopping, and join me on Twitter to talk all men’s style, all the time.

Line of Trade Cream Striped Throw Pillow — $40

A cool striped throw pillow to spruce up your couch.

Am I recommending you buy this Line of Trade throw pillow? You bet I am. Consider it spring cleaning, or a spring home upgrade? Yep.

W&P Design Pour Over Press — $45.98

As the brand says, this is a complete home coffee kit — perfect for those of us (all of us?) who need a caffeinated jolt to start the day.

Another home upgrade to kick off spring? Yes, indeed. Your spring weekends are going to be busy, so you best fuel up accordingly with coffee. Ehh?

Szanto Military Field Watch — $195

Stylishly designed and durably built — Szanto does it again.

Equal parts rugged and yet office-ready, the Szanto Military Field Watch is exactly the stylish casual timepiece to wear with a chambray shirt and slim olive chinos.
Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid — $185
Rancourt & Co.

Cotton canvas high-tops made in America the right way. Can you dig it?

I personally can’t get enough classic high-top sneakers — the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers are the right mix of old-school construction and dependable spring style.

 

Jack Mason Field Camp Watch — $195

A field watch that can actually work in slightly more dressed-up situations — trust me.

We’re continuing to fill out this list with stylish timepieces — the Jack Mason Field Camp Watch is yet another timekeeper that merges the rugged and the slightly more refined.
Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans — $128

The right kind of jeans for spring — slim, lightweight and pleasingly faded.

You  can never have too many pairs of stylish light wash jeans for spring, can you? Nope — especially not the darn-near essential Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans.

Faherty Brand Marled Indigo Crewneck — $128

You’re going to be able to style this crewneck sweater many different ways this spring — believe me.

When you want a sweatshirt that’s quick to throw on and easy to look great in, you want the Marled Indigo Crewneck from Faherty Brand. It’s just a perfect shade for spring, my friends.
OluKai Kahu Lace Sneakers — $100

Add another pair of sneakers to your shopping cart, my friends.

Simple, easygoing sneakers with the ability to slip on and off are exactly what you need on your feet this spring. Wear ’em to the beach and kick ’em off once you hit the sand this summer, too. Consider them the low-top answer to the Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid Sneakers.
Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White — $25.98

As classic and simple to style as it gets — take it from Flint and Tinder, you’re going to love this tee.

What are you going to wear with your classic sneakers? Why, a classic white T-shirt from our good friends at Flint and Tinder.
Onsen Bath Bundle (Large) — $156

Because your towels should be as nice as the rest of your gear — right?

Another home upgrade? Oh yes, assuredly. Onsen makes some of the best bath sets around, featuring premium long-staple cotton.
That’ll wrap up this quick, efficient and yet assuredly stylish rendition of The List. Who’s all geared up for spring? I am, I know that much — but not before I pick up the Flint and Tinder Pacific Wash Jeans (my personal favorite pick from this list). What’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading,
-Beau

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for A Casual Spring Weekend

Style is all about dressing in a way that stays true to yourself — and in a way that’s true to the situation, right? Right. There’s no sense in wearing a suit to the ballpark, for instance. The best style moves — from the classic Oxford shirt to the perfect pair of everyday denim — nail that tricky balance of classic-yet-versatile style, while working in any situation. And so it is with today’s #OOTD — we’re talking a specific situation (in this case, an easygoing spring weekend) and we’re talking picks that should fit right in with your wardrobe if you’re the kind of guy who values casual, laidback style with just a bit of retro cool. That’s what I call staying true to yourself, ehh? Spring is a time to shed extra layers and take it easy, so we’re stepping out in retro-inspired high-top sneakers, a classic leather watch and — perhaps most crucially — an ultra-cool short-sleeve shirt for the season. All of it adds up to an outfit that’s appropriate for a park picnic, a zoo visit, a stroll through an outdoor art fair or a visit to your favorite brewery … maybe all in one day? If you’ve got thoughts on this outfit, let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page or Twitter. Cheers!

Layering a stylish short-sleeve shirt with an easygoing tee and high-tops — that’s all there is to it!

The Shirt: Portuguese Flannel El Dorado Shirt, $125 — The purveyors of your favorite flannel shirts for the cold weather turn their attention toward a retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt — get yours now.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White, $25.98 — Are we layering a short-sleeve shirt over a tee? Heck yes, we are. This Flint and Tinder Slub Tee has a bit of a similar feel to something Armie Hammer might have worn in “Call By Your Name,” I’d say.

The Denim: Todd Snyder Made in L.A. Natural Indigo Selvage, $248 — Is this a pricey pair of light wash denim? It sure is. But Todd Snyder makes some of the very best denim around, easily. Roll these atop your sneakers or wear them with just one cuff. Speaking of sneakers …

The Sneakers: Rancourt & Co. Carson Mid, $185 — Made-in-America high-tops like these spring-ready Rancourt & Co. sneakers are tough to come by — these should stand up with ease to bar crawls and park strolls alike.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Boucle Mix Socks, $12 — While you could go with no-show socks here, these Anonymous-ism socks feature a neutral color and fabric that’s not too heavy — both spring must-haves.

The Belt: Filson Leather Belt, $85 — We’ve featured this Filson leather belt in a past #OOTD entry, and with good reason — it’s a dependable, stylish addition to your accessories lineup.

The Watch: Jack Mason Field Camp Watch, $195 — The Jack Mason Field Camp Watch is the timepiece you need for a spring weekend — it’s got just enough sharp style and just enough rugged appeal to go anywhere.

The Essential: ManCan 128oz. Picnic Keg, $44.98 — Is the ManCan Picnic Keg an essential? Well, only if you fancy having a park picnic … which I’d wager you do!

This outfit can go anywhere you go on a casual spring weekend — it’s pieces like slim light wash denim and those durable, retro-inspired Rancourt & Co. sneakers that get the job done when it comes to laidback style for the season. Layering a  retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt underneath a Flint and Tinder Slub Tee is also a slightly unexpected style move that gives this outfit some versatility and visual interest — it’s the kind of look that’s going to look particularly at home lounging on a patio with a margarita (or your drink of choice, that is to say). To stay on time through it all, the rugged style of the Jack Mason Field Camp Watch should help out admirably, while the ManCan Picnic Keg — funny name and all — is the essential to bring with you to a park picnic or a backyard party.  And the great thing about this outfit is the freedom of choice — you can rock it with or without the Anonymous-ism socks, for instance. So, where will this #OOTD take you this spring? What picks would you add or subtract? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Szanto Military Pilot Watch

A rugged, classically inspired timepiece with both functionality and style in spades.

We’ve talked about a lot of standout essentials over the past few weeks when it comes to accessories — from a vintage-inspired ballcap to a pair of stylish casual sneakers, so let’s talk now about what’s on your wrist. The Szanto Military Pilot Watch should be your answer this time around, my friends. If you’re looking for a tough, rugged and yet perfectly versatile timepiece to carry you through into spring, look no further than this classic military watch. Don’t let the term “classic” fool you into thinking this timepiece is a relic from another era — no, it’s got modern styling potential in spades.  And spring really is a prime time to upgrade your watch game, as we shed layers and move toward wearing outerwear that allows you to show off some wrist action. Take the classic denim jacket, for instance. Throw on a short-sleeve henley, some timeless white leather sneakers and slim chinos, flip those jacket cuffs and rock the Szanto Military Pilot Watch to that first warm-weather patio bar outing. You needn’t worry about the specs or dependability of the Szanto Military Pilot Watch, either. At $250, it provides dependable value and sharp looks, plus added design features like a stainless steel case and two-chronograph functionality. That’s only the beginning, though.

It’s rare to find a watch with a hand-finished leather strap that costs what the Szanto Military Pilot Watch costs — you simply don’t see that around. And the aesthetic, from the handsome black-and-tan combo to the sharp white markings, goes great with casual style essentials aplenty. It’s the right watch to wear when you rock something more pared-down (like an off-white pocket tee, dark indigo denim and suede chukka boots). Believe me, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch stands out for all the right reasons. And when you fancy going a bit sharper, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch works with easygoing office picks like an unstructured cotton blazer, a grey pocket tee and slim tan chinos. That’s as good as it gets when it comes to Casual Friday in my book. If you fancy a watch with some added toughness and durability, the Szanto Military Pilot Watch offers a 46mm diameter — slightly large for some wrists, but at a decent middle ground for others. It’s likely that you don’t have a watch like this one in your collection, so the Szanto Military Pilot Watch offers nice variety and versatility. What’s more, that price tag is more than agreeable. Can you go a season without adding the Szanto Military Pilot Watch to your watch rotation? I’d wager not — and spring is as good a time as any to start with it.

What’s your favorite current watch? And will this one be joining your rotation? 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Stepping into Spring in Business Casual Style

We talked a few weeks ago in our #OOTD series about how to dress for the office in transitional style. That is to say, using textures and pieces that nod toward colder weather (even in March), but are still packed with some streamlined, tailored polish. We’re taking that approach one step further in today’s #OOTD on how to dress for the office this spring. From a casual three-button sportcoat to a classic American Oxford and dark indigo jeans, this ensemble works in offices where you can go a bit more laidback while still throwing on a jacket. However, I’d urge you to keep this #menswear look in mind if your own office has recently relaxed its dress code — the Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans you see below are quite the sharp pair (if I do say so myself). At any rate, we’re also sticking with plenty of style essentials you’re going to love — those include classic suede chukkas, an investment-level watch and of course, a stylish knit tie. And the best part has gotta be the fact these pieces are light, classic and easy to style for spring. Say it with me: Seasonal style transitions! Easy as that. Good luck out there!

A laidback sportcoat, a classic Oxford and a knit tie make this outfit sing this spring (see what I did there)?

The Sportcoat: Grayers Poindexter 3-Button Sportcoat, $165 — A three-button sportcoat in a bright spring color, fashioned with helpful, comfortable stretch? The Poindexter Sportcoat is excellent.

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Soft Washed Oxford, $98 — Leave the crisp dress shirt at home — this laidback, American-made Oxford nails the best of in-between office style.

The Tie: Todd Snyder Classic Knit Tie in Olive, $78 — Change things up from the ordinary with an elegant knit tie in a slightly unexpected color.

The Jeans: Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans in Slim, $118 — To seal the deal on the business casual end of the spectrum, throw on slim indigo jeans in a pleasingly dark wash.

The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex Rough in Sand, $155 — While they’re different than sleek Chelsea boots or even a pair of the best men’s dress shoes, these classic suede chukkas are a cool, timeless style move.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Dress Belt in Cognac, $150 — A slim dress belt keeps with the high-low themes of this outfit, and it might be the last brown leather dress belt you ever buy.

The Watch: Shinola Runwell Chronograph, $750 — Does it ever get old featuring a watch like the Shinola Runwell Chronograph? No, no it doesn’t. Plain and simple!

The Socks: Little River Sock Mill Herringbone Crewneck Socks, $20 — While you could easily roll up those indigo jeans and go with some no-show socks, the premium Little River Sock Mill Herringbone Socks add cool visual interest to this outfit.

 The key to business casual style that nods toward spring and helps you into a new season? It’s gotta be the basics, the building blocks, as we always say. For instance, the Poindexter Sportcoat takes care of your spring sportcoat game with ease, from the neat color to the comfortable cotton fabric. A knit tie in a cool color like Olive teams very nicely with an American-made Oxford, while that whole combo is bolstered by classic suede chukkas and of course, slim indigo jeans that certainly add a nice, dressy touch. The Shinola Runwell Chronograph is potentially the perfect watch to throw on with this outfit, equal parts slightly rugged and more refined. Accessories like the Little River Sock Mill Herringbone Socks and the Tanner Goods Dress Belt are also every bit as crucial to bringing home the versatile, office-ready nature of this outfit, too. So, what do you say? Ready to throw on that sportcoat and head into your next presentation? I bet you are.
Thanks for reading!
-Beau