April 19, 2016April 19, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Spring Weekend

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.

When the weather finally starts to warm up, bit by bit, it raises some interesting style questions — like “Where did I put those shorts?” or “Where are my sneakers?” (right?). We’re here today to answer some of those questions for you — whether it’s a spring bar crawl or just a casual weekend outing, keeping those crucial style principles of proper fit and functionality in mind is crucial. As this #menswear writer has mentioned before, casual doesn’t have to mean sloppy. That’s what the below #OOTD covers — be it a trip to a farmer’s market, a stroll in the park or a nice outdoor meal, it’ll be just as great to get outside in some warm weather as it will to look great doing it. If you have suggestions for additional #OOTD entries, let me know on Facebook! Stay stylish.

A lightweight jacket and a sharp popover take this outfit to another level — read on for more details!

The Jacket: Grayers Reston Quilted Jacket, $165: Because it might still be a bit breezy (or chilly, or rainy), this jacket is going to keep you dry, warm and stylish this spring. Previously featured on this site’s Spring Style Wish List.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch The Summer Popover in Navy Aloha, $98: A popover is a welcome swerve from a stylish polo or even a well-crafted pocket tee; this one is visually interesting thanks to the rich pattern and color — waiting for it might be the hardest part (you can snag a similar one from J. Crew in the meantime).

The Shorts: Johnnie-O Catalina Shorts in Navy, $79: While there can be a tendency to reach for khaki shorts (never a bad thing), navy shorts are going to offer a nice monochromatic look alongside the jacket, and bring out the blue in that popover. Plus the 9″ inseam is a good length for most of us.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneaker Standard, $78: A stylish pair of white sneakers is, as SeaVees might say, a standard (and essential) spring style pick. This silhouette is classic, crisp and affordably priced.

The Socks: J. Crew Factory No-Show Socks, $7: These socks have popped up in a few recent outfits here on this blog — get used to rocking no-show socks this spring and summer, folks.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Striped Belt, $14.50: With so much blue going on in this outfit, it only makes sense to reach for a belt that provides a nice bit of contrast thanks to that olive color.

The Watch: Shinola Rambler 44mm GMT, $750: Is this watch pricey? Heck yes. Is it the sort of extraordinary timepiece that we should all aspire to own? Well, yes. That as well. (For more on Shinola, check out my latest Effortless Gent feature!).

While it might still be a bit too breezy for shorts in some cases, the above outfit is definitely one to keep in mind as the weather heats up. Slim navy shorts are a bit of a change of pace from a standard pair of khaki shorts, and a crisp popover adds a great bit of visual interest, too. A hybrid jacket is going to get the job done when the sun goes down and things get chilly, and pieces like sharp white sneakers and an outstanding watch will never go out of style. After all, that’s the goal with these #OOTD pieces. Have any suggestions for gear you’d sub in? Let me know!

April 12, 2016April 13, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style Casual Spring Basics

Sometimes, you reach a point in your quest to build great style where it’s refreshing to turn back to the basics. After all, style doesn’t always have to be complicated or overly formal, as we’ve talked about in past #OOTD posts here on The Style Guide. Taking well-crafted, well-fitting and versatile pieces is a skill that’s underrated in a #menswear world where $10,000 suits are floated out in the digital style space on the regular. Now while there’s a time and a place for that, today’s #OOTD goes back to basics in a bit of an unexpected way — namely, lots of upgraded products with a premium feel. That approach will pay off no matter the season — and just keep in mind that great style is an evolving process. Know your fundamentals, know ’em well and don’t be afraid to stick to ’em. Shop on, and thanks for reading!

Pieces that you know and love, with some premium upgrades thrown in the mix.

The Oxford: Taylor Stitch The Jack in White Everyday Oxford, $98: The backbone of many an outfit, including this one. Crafted exceptionally well in America, you’d be wise to grab this number while it’s still in stock. (A heads-up that you can also snag it at Spring now, and shipping is free).

The Sweater: JACHS NY Heather French Terry Crewneck, $79: So you’ve got your white Oxford, but what if it gets a bit cold out there? This crewneck sweater combines soft French terry fabric with a rich indigo wash. High-low style at its best.

The Jeans: Raleigh Denim Workshop Jones Original Selvage Raw Denim, $285: So, nearly $300 is a heck of a lot for a pair of denim (it’s still no $10,000 suit, though!). But this could be the first and last pair of selvedge denim you buy.

The Belt: Tanner Goods Classic Belt, $100: Again, this is quite the price for a belt. But it’s a classic piece that’ll age well over time, and look great with casual or formal outfits.

The Sneakers: GREATS Royale Chukka in Oxblood, $169: While oxblood as a color definitely leans more toward colder weather, the suede keeps things texturally in line with spring, and the chukka cut is versatile and stylish.

The Socks: American Trench Rugby Stripe Boot Socks, $18: In keeping with the theme of super-luxe upgrades to style staples, American Trench crafts these solid boot socks in an eye-catching color combo using Italian-spun wool and silk.

The Watch: Daniel Wellington Dapper Reading Watch, $299: Rocking such a crisp, sharp watch with a laidback outfit? Certainly. The black leather combo between the belt and the watch is unexpected (in a good way). Give it a try sometime.

If some of the above prices gave you sticker shock, know that reaching for less, but reaching for better pieces, certainly pays off down the line — and it can add a premium feel to more laidback outfits, too! It’s always refreshing to realize the difference between a great pair of denim, say, and an average pair, for example. So the above #OOTD aims to nail that delicate balance in style. Do you agree? Disagree? Any picks you’d substitute in instead? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook page!

April 6, 2016April 7, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear for Sunday Brunch

Editor’s note: More interested in other style suggestions? Head here. And then come right back, please?

So, here’s the scenario. Maybe you’re not the type to “brunch” frequently, or go out dressed up on a Sunday (be it church or somewhere else). But let’s say you’ve got a nice meal out planned with friends or family on… Saturday instead? This outfit can definitely be customized to that situation as well. And as the weather really rolls into spring, there are going to be opportunities aplenty to get outside and enjoy a nice meal and a warm breeze. It’s a pretty enjoyable experience, honestly — even if fighting crowds isn’t your thing. Trust me, I love me some brunch. And whether you enjoy it in a more casual or formal setting, the below outfit should be able to take you either direction with a few tweaks. And hey, who doesn’t love buying a new spring sweater or a nice polo? I’d wager very few of us. Oh, and save some time to check out The Style Guide on Facebook while we’re here.

The Sweater: JackThreads Daily Cardigan in Navy — $39.99

A versatile cardigan great for spring and well beyond.

Why the cardigan, you ask? Well, as it is April and all, there could very well be a slight chill in the air (and if you need something sturdier on top of that, look here for great spring jackets). And this JackThreads cardigan in particular is the one to pick up if you’ve never given the style a shot — or conversely, if you’ve tried it and not been a fan. There’s a reason they call it the “Daily Cardigan,” and that might very well be because it combines a slim fit with excellent fabric and a really versatile color. Which brings us to the polo you see below…

The Polo: Bonobos Classic Pique Polo in Heather Brick — $58

As seen in this week’s guide to spring polos — it’s a nice, casual style upgrade.

This polo first appeared …well, just earlier this week in our guide to the best spring polos for men, but it’s back again precisely because this is the ideal situation in which to upgrade your polo game. Bonobos has updated the fabric and fit of this pique polo, and the color is also a welcome switch-up from blue or white polos (of which this past week’s post was filled with). But at any rate, the modern fit of both the cardigan and polo should avoid too many preppy vibes — and the prices are agreeable, too.

The Pants: Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Khaki — $98

A pair of chinos that’s both classic and modern? Pick ’em up before they’re gone.

The Taylor Stitch Standard Issue Chino is practically legendary for its combination of quality and styling potential, and that makes it an easy pick to pair with this outfit. This pair again takes another prep style staple and upgrades it significantly from its forebears by slimming down the fit, using a brushed Spanish twill and crucially, getting rid of those pesky pleats. The color works nicely off the burgundy polo and the navy cardigan, and a cuffed chino is always a solid bet with crisp white sneakers. On that note — drum roll, please….

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand Royale in Blanco — $159

The 21st century dress sneaker, fit for brunches galore.

Are you getting the vibe of this outfit yet? It’s all about taking casual, preppier style staples and classing them up significantly — that’s equally true in the case of the GREATS Royale in a remarkably crisp and premium white Italian leather. This is about as close to a dress pair of white sneakers as you can get, and they should look right at home as a casual-yet-polished capper to this outfit. If they’re too casual, you could definitely swap them out for a pair of refined wingtips. Conversely, the GREATS Wilson would definitely be suitable here.

The Belt: Land’s End Distressed Vintage Jean Belt — $39

Not too casual, not too dressy. Perfect for Sunday brunch.

As opposed to picking a full-on dress belt, we’ll reach here for a belt that combines a touch of rugged styling with a crisp lighter brown color. It’s a nice go-between that’ll also work well up against durable winter boots, so it’s worth the price tag. The brass buckle dresses things down, too. A more summer-friendly woven cotton belt (as featured here) could also do the trick — but keep in mind, versatility is the goal even when grabbing a belt.

The Watch: KOMONO Winston Blue in Cognac — $89.95

The cognac strap, blue dial and silver dial markings are a pretty pleasing combo that should work well in this outfit.

So we’ve got the navy cardigan, the burgundy polo and the tan chinos — what’s next on the color wheel? Call it unscientific, but a striking blue watch really complements those colors nicely. KOMONO crafts its watches with striking quality for the price point — for colder temperatures, the Winston Herringbone is a personal favorite. The Winston in Blue looks to be no different in terms of quality, with a pleasing design and a cognac strap that matches nicely with the belt. And the price? That should definitely leave a bit leftover for a Bloody Mary.

The Socks: American Trench Rugby Stripe Socks in Navy — $14.50

A subtle but stylish complement to a sharp Sunday style scenario (see what I did there?).

These are anything but a plain old dress sock. American Trench’s cotton rugby stripe socks are premium, breathable and comfortable, with a pattern that pairs really well with the other colors in this ensemble. The Navy Rugby Stripe Sock in particular is a new offering for spring that’ll definitely pair well with white sneakers or tan suede chukkas. No-show socks would definitely work in this instance if it’s a little warmer out.

In an ideal scenario, the above combo would you have covered for every brunch situation imaginable — yes, even Brunch Village. And the same styling principles still apply no matter where you go this spring — looking for quality style staples that fit well and coordinate color-wise (underrated, but important) is always a bonus. And pieces like slim chinos, a sharp polo and crisp white sneakers can definitely carry you into summer. The only question is where to make a reservation — right?

April 5, 2016March 29, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for a Spring Bar Crawl

Now that spring is here in earnest (at least a little bit), maybe those invitations to outdoor get-together (the best kind after a long winter) are starting to trickle in. If you’re like this #menswear writer, you might enjoy a cold beverage or two on a patio as things to start to warm up, and those sorts of things just go well with some nice barbecue or a burger. Even if Memorial Day and the true start of summer is a ways off, it never hurts to have gear on hand for these sorts of situations (that goes for beer, as well). We’re taking a scenario that’s more laidback and adding a bit of class through some key style details, like a sturdy jacket and some natural, garment-dyed jeans — both slight upgrades from the athletic windbreaker and baggy denim others might pick in a situation like this (to each their own, though!). Check out this casual, relaxed (but not sloppy!) take on a spring-ready outfit, and let me know how you like it over at The Style Guide Facebook page.

A casual, laidback mix of color and texture — with a few vintage style touches thrown in.

The Jacket: J. Crew Mechanic Field Jacket in Navy, $198 — While any of a number of spring jackets might also be acceptable here, there’s something rugged and classic about a tough field jacket for tossing back a beer or two (if that’s your thing).

The Shirt: Mack Weldon Pima V-neck in Deep Lichen Green, $32 — Mack Weldon’s tees are slim, soft and well-crafted; in this case, the olive color plays very well off the dark navy of the field coat.

The Jeans: JackThreads Slim Natural Garment-Dyed Denim, $59 — If ever you felt like stepping away from rugged dark denim for something lightweight and spring-inspired, this is the pair for you. The slim fit should be on point, as well.

The Sneakers: GREATS Royale in Graphite Suede, $159 — Just like natural-colored denim, suede is a material that’s particularly at home during spring (especially in crisp sneakers that can be dressed up or down).

The Socks: J. Crew Factory No-Show Socks, $7 — We’re sticking with no-show socks here to really get into the spirit of spring — plus, some slim denim practically begs to be cuffed or rolled to show off those sneakers.

The Belt: Perry Ellis Navy Webbed Belt, $17.99 — So in this instance, does the belt match the shoes? No, sir. But, this is a casual situation — and crucially, the navy color and webbed texture play nicely off the rugged jacket and garment-dyed denim.

The Watch: Stuhrling Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch, $49.99 — For the rugged quality of this watch, there might not be a better value on the market. Also featured in this site’s post on what to wear for the NCAA tourney.

The Cap: Ebbets Field Flannels Bustin’ Babes 1927 Ballcap, $39 — Nearly $40 is quite the splurge for a cap, but this piece is a great conversation starter and it complements the vintage look of the field jacket. Call it a decided upgrade over a plain athletic logo hat. And if you’re not into hats, this outfit should look just fine without it.

We’ve talked a lot (I mean, a lot) about style upgrades on this blog, and for good reason. When you approach a more casual situation like a barbecue or beer (I mean, bar) crawl with an eye toward style, it helps. And coming from a guy who loves menswear, it’s always nice to be able to combine some unexpected colors — navy, olive, charcoal and a natural garment dye — in an unexpected way. Plus, the combination of easygoing layers and durable casual essentials (like that rubber-strap watch or the vintage ballcap) should come in handy throughout tons of other spring style scenarios.

What’s your take? Is this outfit fit for tossing a few back?

April 4, 2016April 5, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Five Best Polos to Buy for Spring and Summer

Editor’s note: To fill up your digital shopping cart with more spring shopping picks, start over here.

When it does warm up, you’ll be glad you grabbed a sharp polo. Pictured is one from last year’s Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration. Linen shorts by Frank & Oak. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Brown leather watch by Daniel Wellington. Glasses by Warby Parker. Shot outside the Los Angeles Shinola store.

The polo — underrated style move, or a once-cool style move that’s been co-opted by fellas rocking one too many with popped collars? We’ll consider those important questions and more here today on The Style Guide, where we’re into full-on spring shopping mode. A trusty spring jacket is going to be an essential layering piece, as will a slim, lightweight sweater, but eventually, things will warm up. And when they do, don’t count out the polo. The key to differentiate it from polos of years past (likely florescent in color — see Exhibit A) is to pick out one that’s cut slim and modern, with some unique texture or pattern to boot. The great thing is that designers have certainly stepped up their game in recent years — get a load of the retro, high fashion-inspired polos produced as part of the Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collaboration in recent years. And as with the style you see at the top of the page, you should be looking for similar inspiration and a trimmer fit. Yes, the polo has gotten its own upgrade (thankfully). And hopefully, the picks below are going to be upgrades for yourself, too. Read on, and get to shopping — those polos won’t buy themselves now.

#1. J. Crew Textured Cotton Tipped Polo Shirt — $49.50

Retro style, meet a very competitive price point from J. Crew.

J. Crew’s take on the textured cotton polo shirt looks to be a nice return to form from a retailer that’s had its struggles as of late. But when it comes to easygoing seasonal staples, it’s still tough to beat them. This polo combines some retro style inspiration (check out the tipped collar and sleeves) with what should be soft fabric and a trim fit. Any of the three colors would be remarkably solid to rock at the office with slim tan chinos and a retro pair of sneakers, but this writer’s a fan of the navy-and-white colorway in particular.

#2. Uniqlo Dry Shirt Collar Polo — $19.90

The dressier answer to the casual polo, courtesy of Uniqlo.

While this Uniqlo polo loses the fancy stripes of the J. Crew option in slot #1, it manages to look surprisingly dressy and crisp thanks to the button-down collar. Plus, the built-in DRY technology will keep you cool. Notably, Uniqlo’s polos are a remarkably good value for the price. The range of color options here again means any of the brand’s picks would be suitable to rock under a lightweight blazer in a heightened shade of blue. While plenty of us just can’t seem to stop wearing blue (myself included), the light shade shown here is perfect for spring Sunday brunch — and beyond.

#3. Grayers Slub Nep Jersey Polo in Denim Blue — $59.50

Spring and summer-ready fabric at a reasonable price.

When it comes to prep style staples, Grayers is definitely a brand to which you want to turn. Its Slub Nep Jersey Polo is crafted from soft jersey fabric that manages to be surprisingly breathable. Having checked out one of these myself, the fit is slim and the styling potential is perfect for spring — for a styling suggestion, check out a recent #OOTD from this site. The heather blue fabric is a nice change of pace when you want to add some texture to a denim jacket, and the price is solid for a polo that can be worn with everything from lightwash denim to grey chinos.

#4. Bonobos Classic Pique Polo in Heather Brick — $58

Don’t let the blues get you down — grab this heather brick polo instead, ehh?

Designers and brands have definitely been changing up their approach to polos, opting for softer fabrics than pique — but Bonobos knows its knitwear, so this pick still stands (or is it pique?). The Classic Pique Polo in this case takes a shade of burgundy more commonly seen in fall & winter and updates with some nice heather texture. It’d be a great piece to work into your rotation if you’ve already got polos in other colors, and the price isn’t too bad for being Bonobos (home of tuxedos that push $1,000). Feel free to rock this with slim stone chinos and brown suede chukkas on weekends galore.

#5. Sunspel Riviera Polo Shirt in Navy — $125

As worn by Bond himself, a heritage style updated for modern times.

Last but CERTAINLY not least, I give to you — the polo worn by James Bond. Yes. Yes, indeed. Sunspel sure did strike it big when Daniel Craig wore its Riviera Polo in Casino Royale, simultaneously putting that particular style on the map and encouraging a bunch of guys to hit the gym. At any rate, if there’s such a thing as investment-quality polo, this is it. It’s about the furthest thing from the bad connotations given to the polo — this shirt is all class, with breathable cotton mesh fabric and styling potential worthy of James Bond.

As I sought out the perfect polo (or polos, in this case), I looked several places — perhaps you should, too. Brands like Banana Republic offer their own, slightly dressier takes on the polo, while a more classically focused retailer like Old Navy offers very reasonably priced, sport-inspired options. As with any picks here on the ole Style Guide, focusing on fit, quality and price are going to put you in the right position to pick up the perfect polo (say that five times fast!). Did I miss any key picks? Drop me a line on Twitter, and check out The Style Guide on Facebook either way.

What’s your favorite polo on this list? Do you have yours picked out yet?

March 21, 2016March 16, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Spring Jackets

Editor’s note: For a full host of seasonal shopping picks, click here.

Here’s a sneak peek for you at what’s coming this week on The Style Guide — shopping picks, and more shopping picks! With the long-awaited transition to spring currently ongoing all around (hopefully), there’s plenty of shopping to be done if you need to update your wardrobe. I know I’ve certainly been looking to cross some items off my spring style wish list. And while sometimes you can take a look at what you have in your wardrobe and easily assemble a sharp, #OOTD, sometimes you still need a little extra … something. In this case, that something is a great spring jacket, critical for navigating the sometimes quickly changing weather and temperatures of this time of year. After all, it’s not quite warm enough to go forth in a spring sweater — which we’ll cover Wednesday — yet that winter coat is long gone. The below picks aim to get y’all outfitted at a variety of price points and styles, although versatility and maximum usability is critical in terms of outerwear. Keep in mind that we’re not getting crazy technical here, so if that’s your game … maybe give it a read anyways? And if you have any picks you think I missed, head on over to The Style Guide’s Facebook page and let me know.

#1. Abercrombie & Fitch Genuine Suede Bomber — $600

Abercrombie & Fitch — not what you’d expected, right? A stunning new spring offering.

If you’re not hip to the scene yet, Abercrombie & Fitch is back in a big way this spring thanks to the already-hyped efforts of former Club Monaco head of menswear Aaron Levine. Its knitwear looks to be in great shape (particularly this indigo popover), and solid, rugged pieces like the above Genuine Suede Jacket are doing lots to sway perception of the brand. $600 might certainly seem like a lot of cash to throw down if you haven’t shopped at A&F in years, but know that this stunning jacket was crafted in partnership with the outerwear experts at Golden Bear. Worth a second look, huh?

#2. H&M Cotton Shirt Jacket — $34.99

The classic-yet-modern styling potential one expects from David Beckham’s H&M partnership — at a very low price.

On the opposite end of the spectrum sits H&M with this dark blue Cotton Shirt Jacket from its Modern Essentials collection (well-done, Mr. Beckham). Granted, the quality of the brand can sometimes be suspect, but collections done in partnership with the soccer legend do get quite a few things right in terms of nailing continental, modern style. This shirt jacket is completely different in style than the above suede bomber, but it would function as a nice weekend layering piece over a long-sleeve tee, and you could even rock it on its own for a casual Friday.

#3. Bridge & Burn Hayden Linen Jacket — $188

Lightweight and highly wearable in several situations.

There seems to be two ways one can go when selecting outerwear — either slightly less expensive and less versatile, or pricier and more versatile & durable. The Bridge & Burn Hayden Linen Jacket certainly echoes that last one — it’s a nice and lightweight cotton-linen blend in a neutral grey colorway, and it’s designed in the U.S. from a brand that knows how to craft sustainable apparel and outerwear. It should function perfectly over a lightweight cashmere sweater and a simple tee, and you could even sub this jacket in for your more typical khaki blazer.

#4. Todd Snyder Chelsea Varsity Bomber Jacket — $198

An offering that’s equal parts city and sport-inspired from Todd Snyder.

No matter the season, Todd Snyder always seems to deliver some excellent style staples — be it his take on classic white P.F. Flyers sneakers or athletic-inspired outerwear, like the Chelsea Varsity Bomber Jacket from this season’s collaboration with Champion. It certainly has a slightly edgy, noir-ish style compared to some of the other pieces on this list, but sometimes, sleek black outerwear isn’t a bad thing. The cotton body should be lightweight and comfortable for layering over a classic Oxford shirt, and the leather detailing at the shoulders adds a bit of visual interest. While this jacket is a tad pricey, it’s certainly not as expensive as some of the brand’s other Spring 2016 offerings.

#5. Grayers Reston Quilted Jacket — $165

A hybrid jacket that’s ideal for the shifting temps of spring.

This jacket was first seen on this blog’s Spring Style Wish List, and the Reston Quilted Jacket is popping back up here for good reason — it’s a versatile piece that takes a mixed approach to seasonal outerwear. That is to say, it combines the silhouette and stand-up collar of a field coat with a quilted exterior, plus the color and relatively slim fit of a navy blazer. That means you can wear it like both a jacket and …well, a blazer. If you’re looking for ways to style it, look toward simple staples like slim stone chinos (say all that five times fast) or lightwash jeans — the color contrast definitely works.

When shopping around (er, I mean researching) for this post, a few brands kept popping up — and if you’re looking to continue your search, I’d say you might do well to supplement the above picks by swinging through Bonobos, who stocks a variety of seasonally appropriate outerwear and unique styles. If your budget is substantially higher, keep in mind that classic, Americana-focused retailers like Billy Reid are also crafting lovely outerwear options. Whether you’ve got money to burn or not so much cash on-hand, scoping out a jacket that’s versatile and appropriate for your lifestyle is going to be goal numero uno — so, pretty important. If there are any brands you think got lost in the shuffle, hit me up on Twitter! In the meantime, happy shopping.

March 16, 2016June 20, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear for the NCAA Tournament

Editor’s note: For more style suggestions covering a boatload of scenarios, head here.

If the headline of this here post is slightly confusing to you, don’t be alarmed. You, regular reader of The Style Guide and avid #menswear lover, have nothing to fear — this isn’t turning into a sports blog (despite my past sports writing chops). Rather today, we’re taking some well-loved and much-discussed Style Guide principles and putting them to use in a very real and very imminent real-world situation — what to wear to cheer on your team during college basketball’s NCAA Tournament. Much of the county seems to obsess over how their bracket is holding up, but that same level of detail can definitely carry over to how you cheer on your team, too — it pays to look good nearly anywhere that you can, in the view of this writer. And heck, the same sort of style you adapt here can be tweaked from season to season if you attend or watch lots of games in person. But right now, it’s all basketball, all the time. Hopefully, you’ll have to refer to this style scenario more than once in the coming weeks.

The Shirt: Tailgate Clothing Team T-Shirt — $34

Just one of dozens of school T-shirts stocked by Tailgate Clothing.

If you’re like me and hadn’t really given second thought to Tailgate Clothing, the collegiate-focused sportswear brand operated by menswear designer Todd Snyder, definitely reconsider. While they won’t have T-shirts for each and every team competing in this year’s tourney, there’s a good chance your school is covered. In this case, I’m looking forward to rocking this excellent vintage Michigan State basketball T-shirt to rep my alma mater– it can easily be worn under something like a quilted field coat or even beneath a slim blue chambray shirt. If you’re worried a graphic tee is too casual, a slim V-neck tee in your team colors would work, too.

The Pants: J. Crew Factory Driggs Broken-in Chino, $41.50

Easy to wear with everything from a sports team to a navy blazer. Dressier than denim, too.

Easy to wear with everything from a sports team jersey to a navy blazer. Dressier than denim, too.

While sweatpants are going to be the pick for some of us at home watching games, if you’re heading out to a restaurant or bar, it always pays to try and go above and beyond just a bit (style upgrades, right?). Now, some slim dark denim would also do the trick here, but these caramel chinos can act as a nice contrast to nearly any team color, especially dark green. Plus, for just over $40, you’ll get a pair of slim tan chinos that are exceptionally versatile the other six days of the week.

The Sneakers: Dr. Martens Baynes Chukka Boot — $109.95

A definite — but welcome — change of pace from regular high-top sneakers (or Dr. Martens boots).

Before you’re taken aback here, know that Dr. Martens definitely does more than its classic combat boots. These easygoing high-top chukka sneakers are just one example of that. The price on the cheaper side when compared to other spring sneaker options (like the recent Todd Snyder x PF Flyers collab), and the neutral grey color should pair seamlessly with the slim tan chinos and your team’s chosen shirt. This is definitely one pair of sneakers that can take a beating when out and about.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Woven Cotton Belt — $29.50

A nontraditional belt that brings a dash of spring texture to the ensemble.

When you’re looking to pick up solid accessories that don’t cost a whole lot, don’t sleep on J. Crew Factory. And when you want a belt that’s more casual than a black or brown leather dress belt, yet slightly different than a brown leather braided belt, grab a woven cotton belt like this one. The color is spring-ready, as is the texture (and in this case, the belt color doesn’t have to match the color of your shoes). This is the kind of belt to throw on with ligthwash jeans and navy sneakers even if you’re not heading to a game watch party.

The Watch: Stuhrling Original Aquadiver Manta Ray Watch — $49.99

Tough and ready for anything — even watching the tourney.

Picking out a watch that strikes the right balance between being too formal and too casual can be tough sometimes, but this is one instance where it’s definitely OK to go more casual. A rugged rubber-strap watch can survive all sorts of spring and summer activities beyond just watching a ballgame, but in this particular instance, this Stuhrling watch fits with the tone of the outfit. It’s not too dressy or out-of-place, like a brown leather dress watch might be, and it doesn’t detract too much from the ensemble or the casual nature of watching a basketball game. Plus, take it from a guy who’s had this particular watch for more than two years — it’s tremendous quality for the price!

The Socks: Express Black Windowpane Socks — $10.90

A small touch of pattern and another neutral color option make these a safe choice in this casual outfit.

Lest you think we forgot about the final touch here at The Style Guide, rest assured that we’ve got it covered. While the belt is a cream color, the black watch and the grey sneakers mean it’s OK in this very casual scenario to grab some neutral black socks (the windowpane pattern is a nice touch, however). If you go with a more plain tee or jacket up top, you could use your socks to incorporate some subtle team color, or even reach for a vintage striped pair. It’s a win-win either way.

The crucial factor in this outfit is that it takes what you might normally wear to a game — say, a team T-shirt, jeans and sneakers — and upgrades it a notch with slimmer fits, richer colors and a few tweaks (like the woven belt and the rubber strap watch). The T-shirt could be a cool conversation starter, and the caramel chinos definitely add a bit more substance to the outfit (although again, dark denim would work quite well here). Those high-top sneakers even add some retro basketball flair. At any rate, the most important thing is going to be cheering on your team — hopefully for at least a few rounds … of the tournament, I mean. The beer you buy at the bar is in your court (and on your tab!).

Stay stylish and Go Green!

-Beau

March 8, 2016November 4, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Early Spring Style with Easygoing Layers

So, it’s finally arrived. The month of March, that is. And with it, the first inklings of spring — at least, for most of us. If you’re just starting to thaw out, those first few days of brighter sunshine, slight breezes and good vibes can really work wonders for the soul. If you’ve got a vacation planned to such a locale in the coming days or weeks, that’s all the better (Editor’s note: Stay tuned for more from a Florida trip later this week!). But we’re not fully out of the woods and into summer shorts weather yet. There’s still the chance for a slight breeze and some spring rain ahead, and so that calls for layers that stand up to transitional weather but can still be shed if necessary — without sacrificing any style points. The below outfit is definitely well-suited for casual spring walks or a nice patio meal — simply swap in a slim blue Oxford if need be. How does this stack up to other spring ensembles? Give us a shout on Facebook with your thoughts, and stay stylish!

Earth tones mixed with shots of blue and lighter textures are signs that point toward spring.

The Jacket: Abercrombie & Fitch True Indigo Dye Work Jacket, $150 — Before you roll your eyes at Abercrombie & Fitch, know that this brand is coming back in a big way — and stylish layering pieces like this (part shirt, part jacket) definitely prove it.

The T-Shirt: Richer Poorer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey, $54 per Two-Pack — The price is right for two slim, well-crafted, USA-made pocket tees that can be layered up all kinds of ways this spring. Swap in a chambray shirt if need be for less casual occasions.

The Chinos: Bonobos Washed Chinos in Cappu-chino, $88 — Spring & summer is nearly prime time for these tailored chinos that add some high-low style appeal to this outfit.

The Sneakers: CLAE Ellington Textile Sneakers in Navy Chambray, $80 — A nice change of pace from white sneakers, crafted from a unique chambray that pairs nicely with the indigo top layer.

The Belt: Target Merona Braided Brown Leather Belt, $13.98 – $21.99 — If you can catch this belt on sale, it’s a nice way to add texture and visual interest at a low price to an ensemble.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Fellow Socks, $12 — Go two-fer with Richer Poorer, as its socks are nearly as well-done as its slim pocket tees; the pattern is just different enough without clashing too much between black & brown.

The Watch: Timex Weekender Stripe, $40 — The olive-and-cream strap should play nicely off the earth brown chinos thanks to the neutral pocket tee and the indigo jacket, plus the price can’t be beat.

The Extras: Niche For Men Face & Body Deodorizing Wipes, $2.99 per Two-Pack — Before you know it, you’ll be traveling across town or across country; these small travel wipes are a cost-effective way to freshen up after a long day at work or a long day on the road.

The key with moving into early spring style is taking staple pieces you already have, like a pocket tee and dark brown chinos, and putting them to work in an outfit that’s more fit for the season. Lightweight sneakers, a casual canvas-strap watch and an indigo jacket are all small finishing touches that nod to spring’s key colors while changing up textures in your ensemble, so the above look should be good to go!

What are you most looking forward to when it comes to spring style?

March 5, 2016March 3, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Slim Chino in Light Stone

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.

The perfect way to step into spring and summer — with a crisp chino from Taylor Stitch.

With last week’s Style Pick of the Week, we covered a lightweight, casual layer — all in the name of moving a little toward spring. This week’s Style Pick continues to move things in that same direction, bit by bit. The fine folks at Taylor Stitch are a Style Guide favorite for an untold number of reasons. From its ridiculously high-quality and versatile Standard Issue Slim Chino to its drool-worthy Moto Jacket and quick-selling pieces like its Blackwatch Yosemite Shirt, the brand does things the right way. That means plenty of heritage styling inspiration (plus modern fits), and tough construction that just won’t quit. That also means that some of its pieces are rightfully a bit pricey. But as far as spring style at a nice pricepoint goes, you just can’t beat the Slim Chino in Light Stone. It’s up for pre-funding right now on the Taylor Stitch Web site, so they’re set to ship in mid-May. However, I’d highly suggest you get on ’em now — namely because they’re available for $78 versus the full price of $98. Toss in a 20 percent discount for first-time email subscribers, and you’re looking at just over $60 for a highly versatile pair of chinos. If you’re intimidated by that color? Fear not — it’s still plenty versatile.

This offering represents a brand-new color for Taylor Stitch — plenty wearable and warm weather-ready.

Made from a 9.5oz. brushed Spanish twill in Spain and cut slim (although the more forgiving Democratic fit is also available), you should approach these chinos as you might a darker shade of khaki. That is to say, they can be mixed in with brown suede chukkas, a denim jacket and a chambray shirt for easygoing, spring-centric casual style. And that lighter color is also going to work nicely with shades of blue — everything from a heather navy polo to a cashmere sweater for when it’s abit chillier. They can even ground a grey shawl-collar cardigan in the early fall, so they’re worth the investment. Don’t underestimate the power of pants this color to be worn in a more continental fashion, either — look to James Bond for an example. The smaller details are on-point, too — note the brand’s signature printed San Francisco map pocket liner on the interior of the pants. The inseam is cut long for some of us (36 inches, to be exact) so they might require some tailoring. But for the starter-level price of just under $80, they’re a great deal from a brand that knows how to deliver the goods, seemingly no matter the product. The most difficult part is going to be waiting until May for them to ship. Good things really do take time.

Would you pre-fund these Taylor Stitch chinos? How would you style them for spring and summer?

March 4, 2016March 3, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Spotlight, The Foo Fighters and the $10,000 Suit

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get a serious case of spring fever. Last weekend’s weather in NYC was truly amazing (temperatures in the 50s — the 50s!) but this week has been a return to temperatures I’m more used to seeing in my home state of Michigan. So spring’s not fully upon us yet, but that didn’t stop me from planning out my spring style wish list and also looking toward some sharp spring business-casual style with this week’s #OOTD post. There’ve also been some even more exciting spring-centric writing ventures in the works, including an ongoing Style Essentials series I’ve been penning for GearMoose — in fact, this week I featured one of my favorite sets of sneakers, the GREATS Royale in White. Needless to say, I’m definitely in full-on spring mode. Are you in the same boat? Feel free to get a discussion going on over at The Style Guide’s Facebook page, if so. Know that next week, we’re coming in hot with suggestions for how to wear green on St. Patrick’s Day — plus, an exciting reader giveaway opportunity on Monday with the folks from Owen & Fred. It’s all happening … well, most of it, anyways. Enjoy your weekend downtime and catch up below on the week that flew by. Thanks as always for reading!

Did you get around to seeing Spotlight? As a journalism grad and former reporter, the story was an intriguing one, without a doubt — Esquire.com uncovers the editor behind the real-life Boston Globe expose in light of its success at the Oscars?
We’ve got another coming at ya from Esquire.com this week — I’m admittedly only a passing fan (sorry I know, I know), but the Foo Fighters addressed break-up rumors with a hilarious comedy sketch video.
And lastly, why does a $10,00 suit cost … well, $10,000? GQ lets us know.
Style Notes of the Week: With new spring releases are dropping left and right, and GREATS is back with a set of colorful, quirky spring sneakers with the refined folks at Orley. On that note — are you pining for spring and summer, long days at the beach and warmer temps? Surf and lifestyle brand Reef is tapping into that sentiment with the second entry in its “Just Passing Through” series.

Stay a bit longer with a few more choice reads.

If you need an extra reason to get excited for spring, know that denim jacket layering is in full-force. And in that regard, I rounded up the 15 best denim jackets for men over at GearMoose.
As it is the weekend and everything, I’d highly suggest you pour yourself a nice drink (if you’re into that sort of thing). You can now upgrade your whiskey drinking with cool gear from Time & Oak — get the scoop in my latest entry at VOUCH Mag.

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Tag / spring style