March 7, 2017March 7, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Everyday Spring Style

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Thanks for joining us again today on The Style Guide — let’s get to it! Alright, who’s excited that it’s March? I sure am. Namely, that means we’re transitioning into a great season for menswear, and that also gives you plenty of chances to break out everyday spring style looks. We’re talking versatile, comfortable pieces built for layering — yet these are also pieces that work on their own, and can be added or subtracted depending on the weather. Whether that means dressing for spring rain or heading out on a weekend coffee date, we’ve got pieces you’ll recognize, want to buy and want to wear. That includes classic pieces (cough, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, cough) and slightly edgier staples. OK, all good? Keep up with other #menswear inspiration on the daily via Instagram or Twitter — and weigh in on this look via the comments, as always.

Working in the versatile, the classic and the new into one outfit.

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, $98 — Recognize this sweater? Of course you do — right? Todd Snyder is an American menswear luminary precisely for pieces like the lauded Pocket Sweatshirt, and it’s a nice, easy-to-wear spring layering option.

The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt, $39 — There’s really never a bad time to wear a classic chambray shirt, is there? This one is laidback, casual and versatile.

The Pants: Life/After/Denim Classic 5-Pocket Pant in White, $148 — White pants — even in a straightforward five-pocket silhouette — can be a bit of a leap stylistically. Don’t worry here, though — the tailored fit and use of other classic staples (like the Pocket Sweatshirt) helps dial these in.

The Boots: Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki, $169.98 — A recent release from Astorflex by way of Huckberry, these lace-up boots are high-quality and no-frills — exactly what you need for stomping through inclement spring weather (just be sure to waterproof ’em).

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt, $44 — We’re dialing in casual style right down to the last detail with this #OOTD — a woven leather belt provides some nice texture & casual style to complement the Astorflex Bootflex in particular.

The Watch: Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch, $138 — What better way to complement the Pocket Sweatshirt than with another stylish, sharp and durable Todd Snyder piece? The Military Watch could be your new favorite casual watch — trust me.

The Hat: Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, $39.98 — Told you we were keeping things laidback, didn’t I? Now, you can’t wear a ballcap every day, but if you’re checking out of the office early on a Friday (for example) … toss on the Explorer’s Cap as you head to a patio lunch.

The Bag: Nisolo Lori Tote, $134.98 — When you want a durable yet easy-to-carry bag, reach for the handsome Nisolo Lori Tote. It’s handmade with minimal construction and beautiful leather that should develop a nice patina.

So, with that — let’s wrap up this #OOTD, shall we? Comfortable layering pieces like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt are easy to wear no matter the season, and a slim chambray shirt perfectly complements the more fashion-forward white 5-pocket pants. Given the company’s reputation for quality, sustainability and durability, the Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki should also be an extremely reliable spring footwear pick, finished off handsomely by the excellent Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch. Of course, keeping your accessories in line is crucial, and the textured Abercrombie & Fitch Woven Leather Belt is a nice way to do that — as is the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap. Got that all together? Shopping cart full? Join us tomorrow for a helpful Spring Style Wish List — and we’ll see you out there this spring!

-Beau

March 4, 2017March 5, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt

Available in a plethora of colors and made with durability, style and toughness in mind — the Explorer’s Shirt from Huckberry and Taylor Stitch.

Although we’re eagerly looking toward spring here at The Style Guide, we aren’t quite there yet — and that’s why you’ll need the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt these next few weeks. While it’s tempting to stow away your tough winter accessories in favor of lighter fare, transitional spring style still calls for gear that’s a little heartier than normal. There’s certainly a chance of rain, and heck …. a few snow flurries? Sorry, folks … had to go there. With that being said, the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt has a lot of great things going for it — namely, it’s made in tandem by Huckberry and a near-weekly Style Guide favorite, Taylor Stitch. That the two companies share office space is fitting, because they both do an admirable job carrying the flag for high-quality, rugged and timeless #menswear. And as you’ve seen from this site’s Style Pick of the Week series, there’s a lot that Taylor Stitch does well — including stellar shirting options like the Crater Shirt. In this instance, the Explorer’s Shirt kicks things up a notch, starting with the durable and tough stone-washed duck canvas exterior — that makes it one of the best men’s overshirts you can buy, and simultaneously, one of the best men’s workshirts to buy, too. Ya dig? Of course, with all great gear from Taylor Stitch and Huckberry, there are plenty of extra touches that make it worth buying (especially in the versatile and unique Natural colorway seen here). Keep in mind that the Explorer’s Shirt is also available in a plethora of colors, from a handsome Rust Gold to a faded Dusty Blue. Regardless of shirt color, you get tremendous quality any way you slice it.

Tough brass buttons, a clean fit and sturdy fabric make this shirt a winner.

Heck, even the buttons on the Explorer’s Shirt are sturdy — made with brass, they’re a vintage-inspired touch that lends this piece more of a shirt-jacket feel than something like a classic chambray shirt. In that case, you could absolutely layer the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt with just about any combo you can dream up, be it over a timeless Oxford shirt or your favorite long-sleeve henley (particularly a henley — talk about a one-two combo ideal for weekend style). And because both brands build their gear with paramount functionality in mind, the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt features an inner chest pocket with a neat, screen-printed map design and enough space for your everyday carry. Heck, Huckberry even notes that you can treat the shirt with Otterwax to make it weatherproof — learn more here. When you can get a shirt that doubles as a jacket, fights off the rain, layers up easily and stands out stylishly with everything from slim dark denim to classic chinos, you should absolutely buy it. From there, wear the Explorer’s Shirt plenty — ideally with other Taylor Stitch gear, yes?

Would you buy the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt? How would you style it?

March 1, 2017March 3, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How to Wear Your New Favorite Polo

We try to keep things moving forward when it comes to our Style Suggestion series on the blog. That is, mixing up situations — including things like how to dress for winter travel — and certain occasions, like dressing for the polar vortex. Now that we’ve reached the start of March (pretty wild in and of itself), it’s time to turn our eyes toward spring style. We’re not necessarily all the way out of chilly weather yet, and rain likely beckons ahead in the forecast. But when you want to lighten things up, how do you do so in a way that’s crisp and yet easily wearable through the season? Easy. A long-sleeve polo. It’s got some “geezer style” connotations, but the long-sleeve polo is also a classic menswear piece worn with casual cool (and James Bond in “Casino Royale” even dons a navy long-sleeve rugby shirt). Luckily for us, we’re taking a great long-sleeve polo from Paul Fredrick and styling it accordingly today for spring weather. Read on, shop away and join us on Instagram and Twitter for plenty o’ daily #menswear inspiration.

The Long-Sleeve Polo: Paul Fredrick Silk, Cotton and Cashmere Polo Pullover — $79.50 [Get 20 percent off and free shipping on any order with code ‘IMSCBH’].

A refined layering option made from luxurious fabric.

Part polo, part pullover and made with quite the luxurious blend of silk, cotton and cashmere, this Paul Fredrick long-sleeve polo is the way to go if you want breathability, comfort and style fit for spring weather. The navy colorway calls to mind what Bond himself wore, and it’s the right pick here in that it’s not too bright or loud — perfect for all types of style scenarios, including dressing for Sunday brunch. Plus, you can pick up it up for 20 percent off using the code above.

The Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch Box Quilted Jacket — $130

A neat new addition to your spring outerwear rotation.

Just as critical as your base or mid-layer — perhaps moreso — is a stylish spring jacket. As with its fall and winter offerings (like the rugged, essential Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt), the brand continues to build on its reputation as an essential company for today’s well-dressed guy. With unique takes on outerwear like the Box Quilted Jacket

you get a different look combined with comfort (the fleece lining helps with that). What’s more, the neat olive color is a nice way to transition from the darker hues of winter into the lighter shades of spring and summer.

The Undershirt: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey V-Neck Undershirt — $32

Nothing fancy or overpriced about a comfortable undershirt.

While you could use the pullover in a fashion similar to a V-neck sweater and layer up with a classic chambray shirt, it’s visually interesting enough on its own to merit the use of a simple (yet well-made) Mack Weldon undershirt. Call your Style Guide author crazy, but from the brand’s merino long-sleeve tees to the neat Mack Weldon Vesper Polo, these guys are a brand to know — and wear any time you need a comfortable base layer.

The Chinos: Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Straight Chino Pants — $68

Yet another item to pick up from a brand that’s getting better and better.

If you’re more likely to think of baggy cargo shorts — or pants — when you think of A&F than slim chinos, think again. The brand’s revamped focus centers around all manner of menswear staples, including what could be your new favorite pair of chinos (seriously — you just haven’t bought ’em yet). They feature what looks to be a straight, yet relatively tailored, cut. And the use of cotton and elastane should give them some comfortable stretch. Yes indeed, grab a stylish leather weekender bag and wear these bad boys when you hit the road this spring.

The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots — $180

An ethically made, great-looking Chelsea boot for a casual style situation.

If these boots ring any bells, that’s great — crucially, they were the footwear pick of choice in a feature on how to layer up in style this winter. Casual leather chukka boots would also be a fine style move here — particularly if it’s rainy and you want to keep that suede safe — but these Bitflex Chelsea Boots offer up both spring-appropriate texture and a bit of rich color. Don’t forget that Chelsea boots add a decidedly modern vibe to the more classic parts of this outfit (including khaki chinos and a long-sleeve polo).

The Watch:Tanner Goods Martenero Ace Automatic Watch — $549.98

A revamp of the pilot’s watch, with a tough leather strap for good measure.

What do you get when the heritage leather goods makers at Tanner Goods decide to update a stunning pilot’s watch? Well, you get the Martenero Ace Automatic Watch, another recent #OOTD accessory pick. It’s definitely got a lot going for it — and for that investment-worthy price, you can be darn sure I’m recommending you wear it as much as you can. Featuring a natural shell Cordovan strap that’ll age wonderfully each time you wear it, the Desert Tan face on the Ace Automatic Watch is also bold and unique. In short, the perfect timepiece for this outfit.

The Socks: CHUP Prairie Socks — $35 [Check out the full run of CHUP socks while we’re here].

Not your everyday socks — and not your everyday price for a pair, either.

We never let stylish socks slide here at the blog — especially if they’re a pricey, yet well-made, pair like these CHUP Prairie Socks. The design offers a shot of unique color and pattern, and you get handmade quality via a wearable cotton blend. As always, your socks shouldn’t be an area you overlook.

The Sunglasses: Sunski Dipseas Sunglasses — $44.98

Different than your everyday aviators, but just as necessary in your rotation.

Hey, recognize that accessory? Stylish men’s sunglasses? Sure you do. We certainly haven’t hit full-on beach weather as of yet, but we’ll get there soon (hopefully). And you know what else is great? Well, the Dipseas Sunglasses from our friends at Sunski are unique, effective and affordably priced. They’re just the type of piece to offset a more casual look in a cool fashion — and that’s how every outfit should be finished off, right?

If you’re now amped and fully ready to step out in classic spring style, you’re not alone. From a sharp, revamped piece of spring outerwear to your new favorite long-sleeve polo and classic Mack Weldon basics, this outfit has something for everyone. Essential chinos provide classic contrast alongside the more modern Bitflex Chelsea Boots, and before you know it, you’ll be breaking out a neat pair of Dipseas Sunglasses (trust me on that). And as I said before, a durable and tough watch like the Martenero Ace Automatic Watch ties everything together very nicely indeed. Good luck getting ready for spring, and let me know what you think of today’s outfit in the comments.

See you around and stay stylish,

-Beau

May 10, 2016May 10, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear a Polo This Spring

With the recent rise to prominence of athleisure in the #menswear world — that is, wearing athletic-style clothes outside the gym — the lines have blurred in terms of what items work together in certain outfits. Take a great pair of black sneakers, for instance. Once confined to being worn at the gym or only very casually, they now work in a variety of situations — even with garment-dyed jeans and a polo (spoiler alert!). The key is to approach the rest of your outfit in the same way — so, keeping the principles of style and proper fit in mind, and looking toward colors that work together. Of course, looking for a sport-inspired polo to finish off your outfit doesn’t hurt, either. And a crisp black stainless watch works very nearly everywhere regardless of the situation. Got that all down? On to the #OOTD below!

Mixing great outerwear with a retro polo and sneakers.

The Jacket: Bridge and Burn Harden Herringbone Jacket, $128 — A herringbone jacket in the spring? When it’s made from a poly/cotton blend in a versatile color, it definitely works. It’s a step away from a more traditional spring jacket, and definitely would be handy to have when the weather turns south.

The Polo: BOAST USA Striped Pocket Polo, $72 — While you could certainly grab one from this site’s list of the best polos for spring, there’s something refreshing about reaching for a sporty offering from an unexpected brand.

The Denim: JackThreads Natural Garment-Dyed Slim Denim, $59 — Again, any of the options in The Style Guide’s list of the best lightwash denim would also work, but the Natural color is a nice change of pace — and it’s a tremendous price, too. Plus, these can be ordered as part of the brand’s free #JTTryouts program.

The Sneakers: Brooks Heritage Chariot Sneakers, $51.99 — These sneakers combine retro styling and modern performance in a silhouette that’s just sporty enough without looking like a traditional running sneaker.

The Belt: Perry Ellis Webbed Leather Trim Belt, $22.99 — Sometimes, less is better. That is, this belt combines some nice texture and a casual look with a low profile (unlike some of the belts in this feature).

The Socks: Pair of Thieves No-Show Spelurking Socks, $10 — Finding a pair of no-show socks that can be worn reliably through the spring and summer should be on your to-do list — they’ll keep your feet comfortable and help your shoes last much longer, too.

The Watch: Larsson and Jennings Chain-Metal Watch in Silver, $380 — Unlike other stylish casual watches featured on this here site, this timepiece definitely gets up there in price — but, you get reliable performance and minimal style in one package.

The Trunks: Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Trunks, $22 — These trunks are remarkably comfortable and well-made, definitely worthy of the higher price tag.

The Hat: Ebbets Field Flannels Sacramento Solons Ballcap, $45 — When looking for areas in which to make style upgrades, a ballcap sans an athletic brand logo is a great place to start. Plus, it finishes off the ensemble with even more sporty, retro style inspiration.

Sometimes, great style can center around taking a few key pieces in the same theme — say, sport-inspired classics — and making them work together. A striped polo and jeans is nothing new, but when paired up with comfortable, retro sneakers and a vintage ballcap, you’ve got the makings of a solid casual outfit. A stylish spring jacket from a brand that knows how to make ’em is always a reliable bet, too. And a versatile watch with some interesting visual details (like a chain-metal strap) works well with the rest of the ensemble. Have an idea for a look you want to see in the #OOTD series? Let me know on Facebook!

Thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

April 23, 2016April 23, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: JackThreads 3-in-1 Field Jacket

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

A British Khaki color, plus functional style details, that are anything but ordinary.

Hello there Style Guide reader, and Happy Saturday! This week’s Style Pick of the Week turns things back to something that’s been missing in other recent Style Pick entries — a terrific piece of spring (and fall and heck, winter) outerwear. If you read this blog regularly, you’re probably hip to JackThreads; that is, the E-commerce site that launched its own menswear line last fall to some great press (and much love from this here blog). They’ve concentrated on creating an edited collection of essentials sure to please any #menswear aficionado, from simple style staples like its Daily Tee to very spring-ready chino shorts and a classic lineup of pieces ranging from striped polos to Oxfords and chambray shirts (oh, and one heck of a shawl cardigan). Add to that collection a growing lineup of excellent outerwear — particularly its Collegiate Bomber (a favorite of this writer) and of course, the stellar 3-in-1 Field Jacket you see here. It certainly doesn’t command the price tag of certain other field jackets from bigger retailers, so some might be skeptical of the quality — but if you still haven’t pulled the trigger on a piece from JackThreads as of yet, rest assured that the quality really is remarkably on-point. And even though it’s warming up a bit, it’s still not too late to jump on this one– you’ll get plenty of use out of a durable, sturdy and sharp-looking field jacket on breezy spring and summer days (and nights). Heck, layer it up with the brand’s Indigo Sweatshirt when that snow hits (yikes, thinking ahead!), and you’ll be set.

Think you only get one jacket for the price? Think again. This liner is definitely fit for use on its own.

In fact, a rugged field jacket is exactly the type of piece that would serve you quite well for occasions equally formal and laidback — like a spring bar crawl on the one hand, and atop a blue Oxford and navy knit tie the next. With its roots in, y’know, the actual military, it’s the perfect way to add some masculine style to already-masculine pieces like a cream henley or slim, dark denim. And the British Khaki color of this particular field jacket switches the palette up a bit from the typical navy or olive green field jacket you might see. It would definitely complement some slim light wash denim well, too. And lest you think it’s too rugged for wearing with anything but sturdy boots, it would probably do just fine when matched with navy chinos and brown leather sneakers for stepping out on the weekends. The detachable hood is perfect for when spring showers hit, and it packs in even more function on top of that. The navy inner shell would actually work as a fine jacket in its own right, what with hip pockets, a slim fit and a look that’s just a bit more ready to stand on its own than other jacket liners. And yes, you get all this for under $150. Unbelievable, right?

Have a suggestion for a standout item you think would work as a Style Pick of the Week? Let me know via Twitter!

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / spring style for men

#OOTD: Everyday Spring Style

Style Pick of the Week: Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt

Style Suggestion: How to Wear Your New Favorite Polo

#OOTD: How to Wear a Polo This Spring

Style Pick of the Week: JackThreads 3-in-1 Field Jacket