Tag / spring style for men

by Beau H.

The List: These are the 10 Best Spring Style Essentials to Shop This May

Kicking things off today with a breezy-yet-functional, seasonal layer.

Is getting ready for a new season difficult or fun? Is it more enjoyable to wear your favorite style essentials, or pursue them? Well, seeing as it’s May, perhaps you’ve long been in pursuit of some seasonal wardrobe upgrades, and now … you’re ready to make it happen. We’re serving up the 10 best spring style essentials to make your wardrobe that much more fashionable this season. As I always say, there’s something for everyone in this edition of The List. Get acquainted now.

La Paz Baptista Shirt Jacket — $200

Pleasingly rugged and made to layer, this shirt jacket is a surefire spring style move.

There’s still the odd day where it can get a little breezy — this indigo shirt jacket is a natural go-between layer, and would wear perfectly with a white slub tee and slim tan chinos.Plus, it’s an able travel companion with enough room for your everyday carry essentials.

Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee — $68

The exceedingly comfortable, performance-friendly tee for all your spring pursuits.

To nicely complement your indigo shirt jacket, reach for the Proof 72-Hour Merino Tee, made to wick away sweat and perform all day long. The range of colors is more than agreeable, too. All in all, it could just be your new favorite T-shirt.

VANS Classic Slip-ons in True White — $50

A tried-and-true classic when it comes to your sneaker rotation.

If you’re looking for a classic pair of summer slip-ons, the kind you can wear for days on end without missing a beat, you could do worse than these VANS slip-ons in a white canvas that almost looks better scuffed up.
A.P.C. Washed New Standard Jeans — $220

A happy medium between inky blue denim and too-light jeans.

Searching for the right balance between full-on “Dad Jeans” and a heavy indigo pair of denim for allow? These A.P.C. Standard Jeans are a reliable classic, and assuredly one of the best pairs of light wash denim out there.

Billy Reid Marine Plaid Shirt — $148

The throwback-inspired short-sleeve shirt to wear as often as you can this spring.

Never underestimate the utility of a stylish short-sleeve shirt — especially the Billy Reid Marine Plaid Shirt. Wear this retro-inspired short-sleeve shirt under a blazer for a bit of “devil-may-care” work week style, then wear it out to your favorite patio bar on the weekend.

Bespoke Post Cantina Box — $45 (When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

The essentials to make some of the best fajitas you’ve ever had — guaranteed.

A traditional menswear staple? Not quite. Still necessary? Yes. In honor of the quickly approaching Cinco de Mayo holiday, serve up some sizzle of your own with the Bespoke Post Cantina Box, a perfect way to upgrade your skills in the kitchen.

Faherty Brand Ventura Shirt — $148

A seriously cool shirt you can wear to all your spring and summer happy hour festivities.

Want the perfect shirt for spring and summer? Something that’s laidback and casually cool, featuring some of the best fabric  (a lightweight twill) that I’ve seen? That’s the Faherty Brand Ventura Shirt.

Filson Tablet Briefcase — $275

The tough briefcase you just might use every single day.

Getting around efficiently and in style is critical no matter the season — for work trips and weekend getaways alike, the Filson Tablet Briefcase keeps this crucial piece of tech in fine form. The rest of the time, use it to carry your other travel essentials.

New Balance M998 Sneakers — $180

A classic pair of sneakers that just so happen to be made in America.

Retro sneakers really are all the rage these days, but here’s the thing: New Balance has been making sneakers like the M998 for years now. Maybe it’s time you got a pair and rocked ’em with rolled chinos and a navy tee?

UNIMATIC U3-A Watch — $615

The hard-wearing watch to upgrade your spring style instantly.

Spring and summer adventures call for a ridiculously dependable dive watch that stands up whatever you throw at it. The UNIMATIC U3-A Watch is that watch, complete with 300 meters of waterproof functionality.

 

So, now that we’re through with today’s rundown of the best new gear for spring, which entry did you like the best? Maybe, with Cinco de Mayo on the way, you’ll be picking up the Bespoke Post Cantina Box? Or perhaps, you’ll be looking to snag a pair of the A.P.C. Standard Jeans? Whatever you do, do it in style. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

The List: Upgrade Your Spring Style Right Now with the Best New Gear of the Week

Adidas

Get up and get going with lightweight spring sneakers like these from Adidas — read more below, of course.

What do you think of when you think of spring style essentials? Perhaps a return to lightweight, stylish sneakers is what you’ve got in mind? Well, we’re on the same page then — the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker is but one of the many new spring gear picks we’re featuring today, all with an eye toward helping you stay fashion-forward while on the go this season. Have any brands you’d like to see included in future editions of The List? Catch up with me on Twitter to let me know. Cheers.

Adidas Terrex Free Hiker — $200

Comfortable, stylish hiking sneakers you can wear all day.

The name of the game this spring has got to be stylish, functional sneakers — like the Adidas Terrex Free Hiker, a pair of performance-ready sneaker boots that you can wear on a day hike and a coffee date thereafter.

Flint and TInder 365 Pants in Slim or Straight — $98

One pant, two fits, plenty of color options — possibly the perfect spring pants.

Make no mistake, we sure do love the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants here on the blog (and by we, I mean … just me). The real kicker when it comes to these stylish spring pants? The versatility you get through two fits — the Slim Fit works for guys who prefer a lean silhouette, while the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants in Straight Fit are made for the fella who needs more room to move. The fabric is quality and the color choices are on-point, too.

Wills Cashmere Quarter Zip Mock — $218

A supremely luxurious cashmere zip for cool spring nights.

While we love a rugged crewneck sweatshirt as much as the next guy, a style like that won’t quite work every day. For when a breezy day turns into a breezy evening of rooftop cocktails (like an Old Fashioned?), the Wills Cashmere Quarter Zip works just fine.

Bespoke Post Downpour Box — $45 (When Signing up for Bespoke Post)

The seriously affordable rain jacket you’ll wear all spring.

Is there anywhere you can get an affordable rain jacket for way, way less than you’d expect? The short answer is: Yes! That place is Bespoke Post, and that affordable rain jacket comes courtesy of the Bespoke Post Downpour Box.

MWC Watches U.S. Infantry Watch — $210.98 (When On-Sale via Huckberry)

The hard-wearing field watch you can take anywhere this spring.

As the weather takes a turn for the better, reach for a durable, lightweight field watch that’s got a healthy dose of military inspiration baked right in. One of the best men’s field watches? Assuredly.

Onitsuka Tiger Basketball Sneakers — $90

High-top kicks that draw inspiration from a classic Onitsuka pair.

Onitsuka Tiger is a brand with strong heritage dating back decades — if you look at a pair of Onitsuka Tiger shoes, you know what you’re getting. But who knew they make subtly stylish, retro-inspired basketball sneakers in addition to colorful, cool runners? These are sure to be a spring favorite with light wash denim and a white Oxford shirt, and they’re made to celebrate the company’s 70th anniversary. Oh, and if you happen to be in NYC? Swing by the brand’s new store in SoHo.
Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley — $98

A casual-yet-tough henley in a spring-ready color.

We’ve featured the Faherty Brand Slub Cotton Henley in the past on this site, namely as we move from summer into fall. So, moving from winter into spring merits a return to this rugged cotton henley — in a spring-ready color — from Faherty Brand for easygoing layering.
Roark Revival Highway 133 Denim — $75

Pleasingly light, but not full-on “dad jeans.”

There’s a right way to shop for the best men’s denim this spring — you should be looking for a pair that’s got a lighter construction and a lighter wash.  That means you want a pair like the Roark Revival Highway 133 Denim, some of the best light wash jeans for men.
Birdwell Aloha Field Jacket — $299

The classic field jacket you can wear all spring and summer.

Just when you thought your rotation of the best men’s spring jackets was complete, along comes the absolutely stunning, essential Birdwell Aloha Field Jacket.  You surely recognize the Birdwell name from the brand’s excellent swimwear, but I’m here to tell you that you need to give the Aloha Field Jacket a shot. It’s made with ripstop poplin and finished off with a Hawaiian print from Hoffman Fabrics, the original importer of Hawiian prints.

Pendulux Nautilus Table Clock — $339.98

You don’t have a clock like this on your desk right now — do you?

I’m all for upgrading your living space in accordance with your personal style — on that note, the seriously cool Pendulux Nautilus Table Clock is but one way to give your office and home accents a shot in the arm for spring.

Helm Boots Muller Boots — $385

Tough leather boots you can wear all spring — yes, even with a khaki cotton suit.

You might recognize these stylish leather boots from my post last fall on the best boots to buy now — and they’re back again, because you could always use another pair of rugged cap toe boots to stomp through spring.
Herschel Supply Co.  Buckingham Backpack — $120

Turn to Herschel for a functional, mobile backpack.

Now, I’m not normally a big backpack guy — to say the very least. That being said, there are situations (like an early spring outdoor adventure!) where you need a functional, stylish backpack. This Herschel Supply Co. backpack gets it done for you.

 

So, to wrap up today’s post … are we feeling ready for spring yet? And which of the above picks will you be adding to your menswear wish list? For me, it’s got to be a pair of stylish leather boots from Helm Boots — that’s an easy pick, in my mind. Thanks for reading!

 

 

by Beau H.

See Now, Buy Now: The ZDA Handball Trainers are the Most Unique Pair of Spring Sneakers on the Market

Sharp sneakers made using real retro design inspiration and construction.

On the hunt for a new pair of spring sneakers? Well then, the ZDA Handball Trainers are the way to go — and I’d wager they’re unlike anything else you’ve got in your spring sneaker rotation, no doubt about it. If you peruse the pages of The Style Guide on the regular, you’ll recognize that we love a good pair of vintage-inspired sneakers — throwback takes on the classic sneaker are all the rage right now, but some brands are doing it better than others. Case in point: The ZDA Handball Trainers, modeled after a real pair of Czechoslovakian sneakers (that spelling is a doozy) are some of the best sneakers to buy for spring and summer, what with their investment-level good looks and high-qualiity construction. The ZDA brand lay dormant for a number of years, but in 2016, a Japanese designer brought ’em back to life to make these stylish vintage sneakers — and we should all be glad the brand is back. It gets better, though: The ZDA Handball Trainers are made in Slovakia on the same last and in the same factory that first produced them … how wild is that!?

SHOP: The ZDA Handball Trainers

Yet another color option of these stylish, classic vintage sneakers.

Now, what’s the argument for picking up a pair of sneakers like the ZDA Handball Trainers, given that they could feasibly be worn for, well, actual handball? They’re a classic sneaker option, as ready to wear with slim light wash denim and a short-sleeve henley as they are with a garment-dyed Oxford shirt and classic tan chinos. The low profile also means you could feasibly wear the ZDA Handball Trainers to your laidback office with a navy cotton blazer, those same slim tan chinos, and perhaps a classic white polo. That’s the thing about a pair of vintage sneakers — they go with anything and everything, just like they were originally made to be worn. Make no mistake, the ZDA Handball Trainers look like nothing else in your closet, and that’s the perfect way to go about it.

SHOP: The ZDA Handball Trainers

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Your New Favorite Way to Dress for a Breezy Spring Day

You might have a picture-perfect idea of the type of day for which today’s #OOTD might fit. It’s a little bit brisk, but not too much so … it’s sunny … but it might rain later … and you’re looking forward to indulging in some early spring sunshine and perhaps, a classic spring beer. So, what are you wearing?  Well, let’s start things out with a stylish rain jacket that just so happens to be weather-ready, then let’s add a slim cashmere sweater, a classic Taylor Stitch shirt, and travel-friendly pants. How does that sound? Not bad, right? The key with dressing for a breezy spring day involves recognizing that you’ll need to be prepared for anything — brunch could lead to a farmer’s market trip, which could lead to patio beers. Or, heck, you might just be wondering what to wear to the office this spring. At any rate, I feel confident the below gear picks will suffice. That goes for the durable waterproof boots we’re recommending, along with the classic field watch on your wrist. I think you’ll be that much more ready for the season when you read all about the rest of today’s men’s style essentials below. Now, who’s ready for a Founders Solid Gold?

What do you get when you blend a lightweight, durable jacket with spring style essentials? This #OOTD, of course.

It’s not every day you get to put together an ensemble full of men’s style essentials to take you through plenty of different style situations — just like the picks shown above. It all comes together thanks to the functional rain jacket from Proof, perfect for taking on spring showers or simply serving as another layer when the temperature dips unexpectedly. From there, it only gets better: A slim cashmere crewneck is a lightweight, comfortable layer atop the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, and if it gets too hot out? Simply ditch the sweater. The Proof Rover Pants are also a winning essential, made to move with you no matter where your day takes you. The same can certainly be said for the dependable, rugged leather boots from Tricker’s shown here — pair them up with a set of Topo Designs socks for all-day comfort. When it comes to your everyday carry, you can never go wrong with a tough field watch — ideal for the office or your favorite brewpub. And what to bring along to keep all your gear safe? That’s easy. Simply reach for what could be the the perfect spring travel bag from WP Standard. There we go! What’s your take on this early spring #menswear ensemble? Let me know via Twitter. Cheers!

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.
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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.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Chinos This Spring

Am I the only one, or does it still feel odd to be talking about dressing for spring? Maybe it’s because of the frigid weather that swept through NYC a few weeks ago … and yet, here we with another spring style #OOTD on your favorite #menswear blog. It is your favorite, right? Good answer. At any rate, today’s look is taking a year-round staple — that would be the versatile, stylish slim chino — and bringing it out of the depths of winter and into slightly more temperate spring conditions. The great thing about a go-anywhere pair of chinos is that you can wear them just as easily here in early spring as you can through the summer, fall and winter. It’s a matter of layering up the right way — and subtracting layers as it gets warmer — but today’s outfit should give you the building blocks for transitional spring style. As you’ll see, we’re starting with everyday classics like your go-to Oxford shirt and a tough utility jacket, and we’re finishing the look off with a refined leather watch and … well, I don’t want to give too much away. You can view the full outfit below, and I’d suggest you follow me on Twitter for more random (but useful!) style content each and every day.

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Finisterre

Pairing slim chinos with a military-inspired jacket and other excellent everyday staples.

The Chinos: Finisterre Coverack Chinos, $74.98 — At first glance, these chinos might look a bit different than pairs you’re used to — that’s because they’re coming from a brand that makes gear both nautical-inspired and ready for transitional weather. With a classic-yet-tailored straight leg and peached fabric, the Coverack Chino  is sharp and easygoing.

The Jacket: Bridge and Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket, $198 — So, we’re pairing dark khaki chinos with an olive jacket. That puts this look in the same color family, but don’t be afraid to try it out every now and again — especially if it involves the durable, sharp Woodland Jacket seen here.

The Shirt: Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt, $98 — Need I say more here? A classic Oxford, especially one like the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt, nicely offsets the dark khaki and olive tones of this outfit.

The Boots: Beckett Simonon Laval Suede Chukka Boots in Chestnut,$199 — In terms of underrated footwear brands, Beckett Simonon has gotta be up there. Good news is, you can pre-order these handsome, water-resistant suede chukka boots and wear them whenever it gets wet outside.

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $44 — From highlights like the Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt to small — but well-made — accessories, this is a brand getting things right for guys like you and me … so, buy this casual belt!

The Watch: Jack Mason Aviator Chronograph, $275 — If there’s one watch brand you might not know — but need to know — it’s Jack Mason.  The brand is making well-designed, tough-yet-refined watches, and the Aviator Chronograph is among them.

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Leatherback Writer 3, $84.98 — Just when you thought you had your everyday carry all sorted out, along comes the crisply designed Leatherback Writer 3, with plenty of space for your daily essentials.

The Umbrella: Blunt Umbrellas Classic Umbrella, $64.98 — Spring rain is certainly in the forecast, and it’ll definitely pay off to have a functional, subtly stylish umbrella with you when it rolls through.

Frank & Oak

If even the above #OOTD didn’t quite get you in the spring spirit, rest assured … we’ll get there. And with easy-to-wear, versatile pants like the Finisterre Coverack Chinos in your rotation, things are only going to get better (and more stylish) in the season ahead. It’s crucial to realize you can wear the Coverack Chinos with ease alongside other four-season essentials, like the Grayers Jaspe Double Cloth Shirt. And when you layer up with a rugged, durable piece of outerwear like the Bridge and Burn utility jacket shown above, your goal of meeting transitional weather in style is, well, accomplished. However, figuring out the main part of your outfit leaves little room to slack off, lest we forget. Grab a tough-yet-stylish watch like the Aviator Chronograph and round out that everyday carry with a handy piece like the Leatherback Writer 3 — all good suggestions, agreed? Sure hope so.

If you’ve got any questions or suggestions on this ensemble, drop me a line on Facebook or chime in via the comments — good luck getting ready for spring!

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Spring Jackets to Buy This Season

Now that we’re flying through March and closing quickly on April, it’s high time to talk about the best spring jackets to buy this season — are ya with me? It’s always a relevant topic as all of us battle showers and blustery winds, plus the occasional spring road trip. So, what type of jacket to buy for those various pursuits? Well, the good news is there are plenty of excellent styles to pick up for all of us #menswear lovers — from a stylish denim jacket to an investment-worthy moto jacket, we’ve got ’em all covered. The key here is looking for a piece that exudes casual-but-crisp and versatile style — so, it’s kind of like shopping for a stylish, slim topcoat. After all, the best spring jackets can be layered up with everything from a marled henley to a slim Oxford, a knit tie and your favorite chinos. I’d wager you’re going to want to pick up more than a few of the below jackets — with that in mind, we’ve looked for a combination of affordability, quality and great looks. So, check out the latest Online Shopping Picks entry, fill up your shopping cart and join me on Twitter to keep the discussion going.

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#1. Levi’s Trucker Jacket — $70

It’s tough to find a spring jacket more classic — and perhaps iconic — than this one.

We’re kicking off this men’s style roundup with a look at perhaps the most essential piece of outerwear in your closet this spring – the trusty denim jacket. Particularly when made by an iconic brand like Levi’s, the denim jacket combines casual cool with functionality. Layer it up over your favorite cotton plaid shirt with slim chinos in place of a blazer, use it as a casual jacket for weekend road trips, and give it a shot over a printed shirt and olive cargo pants. Don’t be afraid to try a lighter-to-medium wash like the one shown – team that bad boy with slim grey denim for rock-inspired style, too.

#2. Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket — $1,075

Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket

Quite possibly the best leather jacket on the market right now — hands-down.

Jacket No. 2 comes to us via the fine folks at Taylor Stitch … boy, it is something else. Now, before you send me a bewildered email calling out the investment-level price tag, bear with me. There might not be a better, more versatile or more durable leather jacket on the market. Based off a classic café racer design, you might recognize the same silhouette (the Taylor Stitch Whiskey Moto Jacket) from a past entry on this site – however, we’re sticking with the slick Black Moto Jacket for spring style that’s at once sharp and effective. The weight and construction mean you can wear it with everything from a crewneck tee to a short-sleeve chambray shirt and even an Oxford and knit tie. Pick up the Black Moto Jacket ASAP and let me know what you think.

NOV CAMPAIGN: Photo of black boots with logo (no border)

#3. Bridge and Burn Northfork Woodland Jacket — $198

A combination of utilitarian function, toughness and great looks.

While a stylish leather jacket or a rugged denim jacket are always effective #menswear moves, there’s something to be said for reaching for a spring jacket with functionality top of mind. That’s what you get with the Northfork Woodland Jacket in a classic shade of olive green. The lightweight cotton makes it ideal for layering on chilly spring nights, and the plethora of pockets — say that five times fast — gives you plenty of space for your everyday carry on spring weekend adventures. Match this guy up with suede Chelsea boots and perhaps a pair of the best light wash denim for spring the next time you head to your local watering hole – trust me.

#4. Abercrombie & Fitch Bonded Mac Jacket — $99

A versatile overcoat that’s at once functional and stylish.

As we’ve written about often here at The Style Guide, Abercrombie & Fitch consistently continues to up it men’s style game. From surprisingly hard-wearing outerwear like this Bonded Mac Jacket to vintage-inspired layering pieces like the Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt, each piece is injected with DNA from the brand’s illustrious past – yet it all feels very modern. This waterproof jacket gives you both a tailored, slim silhouette – ideal for wearing over a navy suit on weekdays – and go-anywhere versatility (equally perfect for matching up with slim sweatpants and sharp leather sneakers on weekend coffee runs).

#5. Iron and Resin Academy Bomber — $149.98

Iron & Resin

A sturdy bomber jacket — just the style you need this season.

If there’s one silhouette that’s stuck around the menswear world with no signs of stopping, it’s the bomber jacket. And if there’s one brand this spring that’s taking a rather unique approach to the style staple, it’s Iron and Resin. Known for its road-ready moto gear, the brand is offering the crisply designed Academy Bomber in a versatile colorway just in time for spring – bingo. Rock this one with navy chinos and brown leather loafers atop a classic chambray shirt for a mix of high-low style, and match it up with a marled short-sleeve henley and rugged dark blue denim for a little bit o’ Saturday night cool.

Frank & Oak

Honorable Mention: K-Way Claude Laminated Solid Jacket — $59.98

Nothing too fancy — just a basic, functional and subtly stylish windbreaker.

For all this talk of the benefits of owning a stylish moto jacket or a versatile bomber jacket, there are just some times when you need to stay dry in the rain and get from point A to point B. That’s where the K-Way Claude Laminated Solid Jacket enters the equation. It plays off the brand’s original mission – outfitting Frenchmen in the rain – and it does so at a great price. The Claude Jacket is effective and head-turning in its own way – it’s perfect for tossing on for a bike ride or an outdoor hike, then packing into, say, a heritage-quality leather weekender on spring road trips.

Now, am I encouraging you to go out and buy each and every one of these jackets? Maybe. Budget permitting. But in all seriousness, finding the right spring jacket boils down to your lifestyle – if you suit up frequently and need to fight the rain, a bonded mac jacket is going to be the way to go. If casual, crisp style is your thing, snag the Iron and Resin Academy Bomber. If you move quickly from place to place and want something simple and stylish, pick up the K-Way Claude Laminated Solid Jacket. And if you want a piece of outerwear that really can do it all, I’d highly recommend grabbing the Levi’s Trucker Jacket or the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket – especially the Moto Jacket. I guarantee you certainly won’t be disappointed once you get past the price. Let’s not forget the benefits of owning a stylish utility jacket such as the one shown from our friends at Bridge and Burn. With all that being said, I hope you’re as excited to dress for spring in style as I am – let’s get out there and get to it!

Thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear Your New Favorite Leather Jacket This Spring

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves — welcome back to another entry in our weekly #OOTD series. Before we dive in — perhaps you might be set on spring outerwear so far? If so, good for you — there’s no question we all need pieces like a tough waxed trucker jacket to wear  this spring.  However, there are absolutely other layering tools you should consider this season.  Lucky for you, we’ve covered a lot of ground on layering in recent weeks, including the best way to wear a cardigan. Well now, we’re taking things a bit of a different direction — a slightly edgier direction, notably. Specifically, we’re dialing in the best way to wear a stylish leather jacket this spring. OK, OK … there are  admittedly several great ways to wear an investment-level leather jacket for spring. But your Style Guide author sure digs the below combination — and it’s quite easy to love, what with the fact that it features the inimitable, one-of-a-kind Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket.  How cool is this jacket? Well … the Moto Jacket could very well be the last leather jacket you ever buy. Enough with the theatrics, though — let’s get to the #OOTD. Scroll down below to see the full look, and catch my daily looks on Instagram if you need more inspiration. Oh, and you should follow me on Twitter if you want to keep up with my stream-of-conscious thoughts on men’s style. OK, away we go!

Beckett Simononootd-leather-jacket-grid

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket, $1,075 — Recognize this bad boy? Of course you do — the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket is known across the World Wide Web for its insane combination of quality, toughness and style. In short, it’s the perfect stylish leather jacket to buy right now — and wear a ton this season.

The Henley: Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Henley in White, $25 — When a brand like Abercrombie & Fitch keeps churning out seasonal staples at great prices, it’s tough not to love ’em. Such is the case with your new favorite short-sleeve henley.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Dude Dan Jean, $208 — Now, we’ll have a rundown of the best men’s light wash denim for spring coming up in the next few weeks. But for now, I’d urge you to pick up the slim, high-quality Nudie Jeans Dude Dan Jean from our great pals at Huckberry.

Frank & Oak

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $44 — For all the talk of gaudy accessories being all the rage, sometimes, it pays off to keep things understated and casual. A textured leather belt is one way to do that.

The Chukka Boots: Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki, $145 — If you’re not yet acquainted with the sustainable, stylish and unique work being done by Astorflex, I’d urge you to catch up. Maybe start by picking up the Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki? Good job.

The Socks: Mack Weldon Performance Dress Socks, $24 — Did ya catch this site’s Mack Weldon review? Maybe not? Either way, Mack Weldon dress socks are just as worthy of your hard-earned dollars as the brand’s other gear.

The Watch: Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch, $150 — When you’ve got leather jacket like the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket, it’s best to let it do the talking. In this case, we’re sticking with a tough casual watch — enter the Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch.

The Sunglasses: Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses, $30 — For a mix of retro style and plain old cool looks, you can’t beat the Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses. Plus, how outstanding is that price?

And that’s a wrap for this week’s #OOTD — have any new ideas on how to wear your new favorite leather jacket? I sure hope so. I know I’ll be coveting the Taylor Stitch Moto Jacket for a long, long time — maybe you’re in the same boat? But the point is, there’s really no wrong way to wear an outstanding leather jacket like the Moto Jacket — particularly if you pair it with a rugged short-sleeve henley and crisp spring style essentials like the slim, slightly edgy Nudie Jeans Dude Dan Jean and a sustainable pair of chukkas like the Astorflex Greenflex in Dark Khaki. And it always helps to finish off a look with durable accessories in mind — that’s where the Marathon General Purpose Quartz Watch and the Fort Knocks Polarized Sunglasses enter the equation.  Alright, all ready to go? Enjoy the day and check back tomorrow for more great men’s style content on the blog.

Shop on and stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: SeaVees Mariner Boot

A stylish collaboration between SeaVees and Taylor Stitch resulting in a standout pair of spring footwear.

A stylish collaboration between SeaVees and Taylor Stitch resulting in a standout pair of spring footwear.

Just when you thought you couldn’t be more ready for spring and summer the weather shifts gears — right? Maybe the forecast calls for breezy rain, or colder-than-expected seasonal temperatures — in any case, consider the SeaVees Mariner Boot your new transitional footwear go-to. In that tricky in-between time where you’ve stowed away your rugged winter boots but have yet to break out classic white sneakers, you need footwear that blends functionality and versatile. Again, that means you need the  SeaVees Mariner Boot. It’s the latest in a slew of excellent seasonal gear released by Style Guide favorites Taylor Stitch . From the winter-ready Maritime Submariner’s Jacket to the always-essential Everyday Chambray Shirt, the brand is a powerhouse when it comes to crafting tough, stylish, durable and timeless men’s style essentials. We can’t get enough of ’em here on The Style Guide (and by we, I mean myself). At any rate, it helps that Taylor Stitch  teamed up with another Style Guide-approved brand on the Mariner Boot. Yessir, they’ve enlisted the help of SeaVees, another brand that embodies California cool and classic style. The result is a pair of footwear that looks great and performs admirably — that goes for whether you pick up the Navy Mariner’Boot or the Olive Mariner Boot shown here. Just why exactly do you need the Mariner Boot so badly? That’s easy, folks.
Beckett Simonon

Olive and black makes a sharp combo for all sorts of spring style situations.

Olive and black makes a sharp combo for all sorts of spring style situations.

We’ve already talked about transitional spring style, and these high-top sneakers embody that spirit perfectly in terms of durability and great looks.  Starting with the use of British Ventile waterproof duck canvas in the upper, the SeaVees Mariner Boot might be one of the tougher pairs of spring kicks on the market — they can certainly handle dressing for a rainy spring day, and then some. Plus, the natural gum rubber sole on the SeaVees Mariner Boot features a SeaVees signature touch — a herringbone grip outsole for extra (wait for it)… grip. Inside of the shoe, the two brands added a cotton canvas lining for extra comfort and even greater durability; the toughness of these shoes is only reinforced by the brass eyelets and nylon lacing. Seriously, there’s no stopping these kicks. Wear the SeaVees Mariner Boot with a your favorite pair of dark denim and a slim crewneck sweatshirt on the weekend, pair ’em up with a classic navy blazer and slim khaki chinos at the office, and definitely bring them on your next road trip — just don’t forget a timeless leather weekender, ehh? You could even pair them up with an upgraded pair of stylish slim sweatpants for quick weekend outings — they’re that versatile. And there’s no question that you get an agreeable price and great value when it comes to the Mariner Boot, too: Under $180 is a heck of a deal when you consider that the Mariner Boot is part boot, part sneaker and supremely stylish and tough all the way around.  Alright, are you sold yet? Don’t take my word for it — pick them up ASAP via our good friends at Huckberry.

Alright then — that’s another Style Pick of the Week in the bag! Good luck out there and fight the good fight.

-Beau

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch

An eye-catching watch with durable, tough specs and made-in-America construction.

An eye-catching watch with durable, tough specs and made-in-America construction.

Who needs a new casual watch for spring? You, my friend? Perhaps. If so, the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch just might be the timepiece you’re going to want to pick up — and wear as much as you can. You might recognize it from this site’s feature on what to wear for the polar vortex, but you should absolutely consider this timepiece for the warmer spring months. That goes for all sorts of style situations, too — from dressing for a rainy spring weekend  to wearing your new favorite polo in style, there’s little that this watch can’t do. And as we often talk about here on The Style Guide,  it’s worth paying attention to the small things — say, the type of watch you’ve got on your wrist. Finding the right casual timepiece can be somewhat tricky, especially if you’re just building a watch collection. If you go too far down the road in terms of a rugged, functional timepiece, you might end up with a runner’s watch — to be worn only when, y’know, running. And on the other hand, it’s easy to throw a lot of money out the window in a hurry if you’re after, say, a reliable dive watch like the one worn by James Bond. So, the Combat B33 GMT  hits all the right marks. For starters, it’s produced exclusively by Lum-Tec for our pals at Huckberry  — in that regard, it’s a partnership that merges the best of high-quality production with impeccable casual style. The Combat B33 GMT  is field-tested  extensively, designed in San Francisco, and packed with reliable specs that you’re going to love — I hope?

Between the NATO strap and the stainless steel case, this watch can handle quite a bit.

Between the NATO strap and the stainless steel case, this watch can handle quite a bit.

Clocking in at 43mm, the case diameter is beefy and substantial, yet not overly large. The stainless steel construction is what you want in a watch that’s going to take a beating — I’d wear this timepiece to summer music festivals, with stylish beach gear and certainly when dressing for a spring bar crawl. With water resistance functionality up to 650 feet, you can even take it for a swim. The crisply designed face is built for more than just regular excursions, though — the GMT hand allows you to set a second time zone, and the Super-Luminova material on the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT ensures you never lose sight of that dial. But again, why this particular watch if you already own a casual NATO strap watch like the Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch?
Beckett Simonon
Well, it definitely pays to have a well-rounded watch collection. And I’d wager that there’s not a timepiece in your arsenal that’s designed, assembled and tested in the good old U.S. of A. Plus, you’re really getting two watches for the price of one — the Combat B33 GMT comes with both a durable black slip-through nylon NATO strap and a brown leather slip-through strap. The leather strap makes the Combat B33 GMT the type of watch you could wear to the office with a slim light blue polo and classic khaki chinos for a seriously stylish Casual Friday look. Then, when it’s time to hit up happy hour, there’s no need to worry about taking off your watch as you handle a few pitchers of craft beer — ehh? If all of that sounds good to you, pick up the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch and wear it with warm-weather staples like a  stylish short-sleeve chambray shirt and khaki shorts just as soon as you can.

Enjoy the transition to spring and have a great weekend,

-Beau

Get the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT Watch now via Huckberry.

Frank & Oak