March 30, 2015May 20, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Men’s Weekender Bags

The Navali Stowaway Weekender bag in Carafe. What are you packing this spring and summer?

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine (and blog reader) asked me about recommendations for great weekender bags. It got me thinking – now that winter is finally thawing out, I’m sure lots of us have our eyes on spring or summer getaways. While hitting the road for a vacation is always fun, a big part of the process is how you’re getting there & what you’re packing. And if you’re kitted out in a stylish get-up for the road, you need a bag that’s equally as sharp. Backpacks and sports duffle bags, although functional, don’t provide nearly enough room or the looks needed for longer travel. And while formal briefcases or suitcases work for business trips, the weekender bag is all about providing enough room for the essentials — and doing so in an easygoing fashion. Here are 5 great bags for the road ahead.

#1. Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag — $159.99

The Navali Stowaway Weekender Bag comes with a lifetime warranty, and should last a good long while.

First seen on this blog back in August of last year, the Carafe color pictured here is now gone – but it’s been replaced with an equally stylish washed navy option or a spring-like “Sand” shade. The blue cotton canvas contrasts nicely with the brown leather fastenings, but it’s not all for show. Exterior pockets with strong buckle fastenings, tough zippers, a thick & comfortable shoulder strap and just enough for the essentials make this bag worth the price. Dimensions are 22″ width, 12″height, 8 1/2″ diameter.

#2. J. Crew Abingdon Weekender Bag — $198

Deep olive. Waxed cotton canvas. J. Crew’s Abingdon bag.

It’s tough to go anywhere on Siblings with Style without finding a J. Crew item in a shopping roundup — this is one company doing many things exceptionally. The Abingdon is slightly bigger than the Navali above in terms of height (17 1/2″), width (26″) and diameter (9 1/4″), so it can certainly carry more goods & take a bit of a beating. The waxed cotton canvas construction should age very nicely with increased usage too.

#3. Everlane Twill Weekender — $95

Everlane’s simple, clean take on the weekender.

Everlane delivers a much more minimal, modernist (and cheaper) take on the weekender bag. The brand keeps things simple with a grey cotton twill exterior and black leather fastenings — no aged waxed cotton here, folks. Everlane’s bags really put the brand on the map and continue to be quite popular. Having used an Everlane twill weekender pretty extensively across the past summer in New York, these bags can definitely take quite a lot for the price.

#4. Filson Large Duffel Bag — $358

True heritage quality — and an heirloom-worthy price.

Filson has something the other brands on this list don’t — real, true heritage when it comes to make hardy outdoor gear. Only in recent years has the brand become known more among the fashion community, but it’s got years of experience outfitting hunters, fishers and outdoorsmen. Its bags are crafted from the same durable mindset. This duffle is a true beast of a bag, guaranteed for life and by far the most substantial weekender listed. The olive & tan versions are backordered, but navy and brown are in stock.

#5. Shinola Signature Duffle — $1,250

Exceptionally expensive. But also exceptionally well-made.

So this post isn’t really advocating you go out and drop more than A GRAND on a single bag. But, it’s always worth it to scout out what options are out there – and maybe keep a goal in mind for a future investment. This particular bag looks beautiful and features outstanding Horween leather and is individually stamped and numbered — those are the kind of details that bring the price up. The hardware is solid brass, and despite being leather, this bag should not only hold up but also age exceptionally well (it better for that price!). Available in black & brown, with a cognac number coming soon.

NOTE: Other bags that just missed the cut here include J. Crew Factory’s somewhat smaller but very affordable Carson duffle bag, Navali’s Waxed Stowaway Weekender in Olive and Frank & Oak’s Genuine Italian Leather Weekender. JackThreads is also stocking quite a few weekender bags for low prices at the moment.

What’s your favorite from this list? Any idea what you’ll be buying for your travels?

March 18, 2015April 10, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: GREATS Brand Wilson Sneakers

In-person with some clean kicks from a “great” brand. T-shirt by American Apparel. Shorts by Banana Republic. Watch by Timex Ameritus and patterned watch strap by The Knottery.

Finding a great pair of sneakers for the spring is a move that can make it a lot easier to shop around for the rest of your gear. An awesome pair of well-made sneakers have tons of styling potential — jeans, chinos and shorts can all be worn with ease with some simple shoes. GREATS, out of Brooklyn, N.Y., is a brand that’s been featured a few times in recent weeks on this site (and elsewhere lately) for delivering innovative, modern sneakers at outstanding prices. They seem to be launching new models every couple of weeks, and they’ve also partnered with menswear luminaries like Nick Wooster on various designs.

But it was the brand’s simple Wilson silhouette that first caught my eye. This pair of sneakers made my spring style wish list a few weeks ago, and I was lucky enough to pick up a pair before jetting off to Florida recently for a weekend vacation (a few more photos of that trip can be seen on my Twitter and Instagram feeds). The Wilson is available in quite a few colorways — and in both canvas and suede options — but the all-white pair was my first pick, namely for versatility and crisp style potential.

A look at the Wilson sneakers in all-white, fresh from the box.

The sneakers arrived in what you might call the brand’s signature blue-and-white packaging. Notably, they didn’t have any scuffs or marks on first inspection — sometimes tricky to do with all-white items. Out of the box, they came with thinner ripcord laces, in addition to a handy backup pair of thicker white cotton laces — although I found the hint of stretch in the ripcord laces to be a nice bonus.

Hardly any logos on these sneakers other than the blue-and-white “G” on the heel here. Pull tab is a handy addition for slipping them on.

The Wilson features metal shoelace eyelets, a canvas upper, pull-tab heel and captoe construction, which adds a nice bit of durability in a mold similar to the Converse Jack Purcell — no need to worry about the toe giving out on these bad boys. The branding on these is thankfully minimal, with only a blue-and-white Greats “G” logo placed on the back heel and the middle sole.

Plenty of styling potential with these sneakers. Buttondown shirt by Saturdays Surf NYC. Lightwash jeans by J. Crew. Glasses by Warby Parker.

These sneakers feature sturdier construction and a thicker heel than other models of white sneakers I’ve had, which is a definite plus (no knock on those Tretorns, though). They felt comfortable with a pair of no-show socks when walking for several hours, and they broke in right away — no crazy stiffness or toughness to the canvas upper or heel. And as far as styling potential goes, these sneakers have definitely got it. On my Florida trip, I threw them on with both a charcoal pocket tee, khaki shorts and a white watch/patterned watch strap, as well as a patterned short-sleeve buttondown and lightwash jeans (as seen above). The clean white color would also work with dark denim or olive chinos, and I plan to try them out with a casual blazer & light grey chinos in the coming weeks, too. Standard khaki chinos would also work well.

Relatively minimal shape and a durable-looking captoe complete these kicks. Ripcord laces add some nice stretch, too.

As always, price was a big factor in my decision to pick these up; other minimal sneaker models are out there (and in more luxe materials like leather), but these are far and away the best bang for your buck at $49. For spring and summer style versatility, these are great to have on-hand — if you catch my drift.

Editor’s note: Get $10 off a pair of GREATS sneakers using the code ROOKIEX.

Do you have any experience with GREATS sneakers? What do you think? And how would you style them a pair like this?

March 12, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Uniqlo Printed Polo Shirt

Not that unusual from far away, but from close-up — that's what makes this worthy of a feature.

Not that unusual from far away, but close-up — that’s what makes this worthy of a feature.

This week’s Style Pick of the Week is coming at you a little earlier than normal thanks to a planned weekend trip to Florida. And it’s times like this one, with warm weather approaching, that really have me searching for a great polo shirt. Now, that’s not just any old white polo up top. Squint hard — or just gaze normally — at the small pindot pattern on this piece and be … amazed? While lots of us are fans of Uniqlo’s Michael Bastian polos and could be holding out for a spring release, options like the above one will have to suffice for now. At just under $25, the price is absolutely right. Unlike those of other brands, Uniqlo’s pique polos are nice and breathable with a good amount of stretch and a trim fit — all keys to keep in mind when browsing online and in-stores.

This Uniqlo polo shirt in particular switches things up with that small flurry of red and blue dots. It’s the type of item that looks cool from far away, but should really catch eyes (in a good way) up close. Some of the designs of Uniqlo’s polos (particularly the Michael Bastian collection) have been a bit out there, but this is a good example of turning the dial up just enough without overdoing it. The dots are small enough to wear this shirt with different shades of blue — even lightwash jeans or navy shorts if you’re going for a one color type-of look.

What’s your take on this polo? Would you wear it? Let me know!

Editor’s note: Just because I’m jetting away for the weekend doesn’t mean the work stops! A post on wearing green for St. Patrick’s Day is coming up tomorrow!

March 10, 2015June 1, 2015 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: Best Spring Jackets

Just a few weeks ago on this very site, I wrote about great boots to get you through what was looking to be a long winter slog. Since then, things have taken a turn for the better weather-wise. But we’re not out of the woods yet — there’s a good chance rain and blustery winds are still on the way. And that’s where the below jackets should come in mighty handy. Although this is by no means a definitive list, the following picks feature lightweight materials and sharp, streamlined silhouettes for layering over casual or dressy outfits. Have a look and let me know your thoughts below!

#1. Grayers Russel Baseball Jacket — $155

The blue herringbone blends a cold-weather pattern with warm-weather construction.

Grayers is in a somewhat enviable spot as far as menswear brands go — they’ve gotten some great early press coverage and exposure, they’re sold in a major retailer nationwide (Nordstrom) and to boot, they make awesome staple pieces that blend the prep appeal of the Northeast with the continental vibe of England. This cotton knit bomber jacket features sporty striped cuffs and comes in an eyecatching blue herringbone pattern. It would be ideal for wearing over a white henley and lightwash jeans on the weekend.

#2. Wallace & Barnes A-2 Bomber Jacket — $198

Colorblocked and in a trimmer fit than Top Gun.

The second pick on this list is yet another bomber jacket, but for valid reasons. The silhouette is a classic one that’s been slimmed-down and given a slightly more fashion-forward slant thanks to the colorblocking. It’s also in a not-too-dark, not-too-light shade of medium blue (or abyss blue, as they call it) that’ll wear well even with dark denim and other shades of blue. It’s on the pricier side from J. Crew’s workwear-inspired Wallace & Barnes line, so the quality’s there, too. Note that GAP also has a dark navy bomber jacket for $100 less.

#3. Bonobos Crosstown Trench in Grey — $328

A belted trench coat that manages to be understated at the same time.

Before the bomber jacket became a ubiquitous style piece, there was the trench coat. The style never really left the scene and perhaps became even more iconic thanks to brands like Burberry, but this Bonobos trench coat has a more minimalist vibe in charcoal. It’s got a belted back and a no-frills front with a covered button placket and a collar that can be popped up for maximum rain protection. The price is a bit high, but if you throw it on every day in the rain, it should hopefully begin to pay for itself. And it should fit on the trimmer side knowing Bonobos. Finally, the neutral dark grey color gives off a city-ready, noir-ish vibe …. right?

#4. Ben Sherman Harrington Cotton Jacket — $27.99

A stunningly low price for an iconic style.

Yes, you read the above price right — Saks Off Fifth has this Harrington cotton jacket available in sizes running from small to 2XL (as of post time) for less than $30. While the light beige color isn’t for everyone, the price is probably favorable enough to make a few of us change our minds. And when you consider that these same jackets are going for more than $100 more over on the … well, this is one of those things you almost have to buy. It would work best with neutral colors in terms of pants and shirts — think black, navy and white — as opposed to earthy tones like olive.

#5. Forever21 Quilted Bomber Jacket — $24.90

Moody stare not included with jacket purchase.

While Forever21 isn’t known for the highest-quality pieces, let’s say you’ve already got one or two styles mentioned above and want something even more casual and easy-wearing. This would be that coat — the colorblocking and quilted details keep it on-trend without looking gaudy. It’s not water-resistant or waterproof so it loses some points there, but over a short-sleeve henley and some colorful shorts, it should work well enough. It’s also available in an olive-and-black color.

Honorable Mention:

Sometimes round-ups aren’t big enough to include every possible style of jacket — you’ll notice military jackets weren’t featured heavily, for example. Consider these listings below a best-of-the-rest.

Frank & Oak Kingston Bomber in Charcoal, $125 — A new addition to the site courtesy of this month’s Hunt Club that gets a lot of things right — including the price, the color and the lightweight nylon-poly blend.

Ben Sherman Harrington Jacket, $140 — The original and best. Also linked to above. A simple, go-anywhere silhouette, the iconic blue-and-red mini-check pattern lining, and plenty of colors.

Old Navy Lightweight Anorak, $40 — Perhaps the biggest combination of functionality and affordability on this list, it lost out on a spot because the best color option was blue — and sometimes, there is such a thing as too much blue.

What’s your take on the picks above? What jackets are in your arsenal for spring and any that were missed above?

March 7, 2015March 7, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: J. Crew Cotton Sweater

Editor’s note: Expect these posts with some regularity 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.

Affordable. Spring-ready. And perfect for fall layering. All in one sweater.

This week’s style pick of the week is on a decidedly more affordable tilt than the somewhat pricey (but no less alluring) Stadium Jacket from Welcome Stranger featured last week. Specifically, the sweater above comes from standout everyman retailer (and personal favorite) J. Crew. The brand does a lot of things great, from its Ludlow suiting collection to casual washed buttondown shirts, sweaters and even a relatively new line of luggage & accessories.

You could absolutely get dressed head-to-toe in J. Crew and go just about anywhere (and I often do just that!). And this sweater would be a great place to start. It also comes in navy or a light tan or “pumice” color, but it’s the rich caramel shade that really caught my eye. The use of cotton should make this sweater light enough to wear in the spring over crewneck T-shirts or a basic buttondown, but that deep color would also fit well layered in the fall under a waxed coat with dark jeans. At $70, it’s a bit of a reach — sales and discounts by the brand should eventually drop that down into the low $50’s, hopefully. With the looks and potential for this piece, it might be gone before then though!

How would you style this sweater? How much J. Crew do you have in your wardrobe?

Stay stylish and have a great weekend!

-Beau

March 6, 2015April 1, 2015 by Beau H.

The H&M + GQ Modern Essentials Collection Launch Event

A collection of spring staples curated by the former British soccer star.

Wednesday night, I had the chance to attend the launch of the H&M Modern Essentials Collection (as selected by David Beckham) — a party put on by GQ, as luck would have it. I don’t often get the chance to attend fashion-type events like these, but as a member of the GQ Insider program, this launch was too good to pass up. Inside the 48th Street H&M here in New York, a DJ spun remixes, free drinks were on tap and the entire basement floor of the store turned into a showcase of everything menswear-related that H&M had to offer — including a specific selection of goods curated by Mr. Beckham for the collection (seen below). It was a pretty packed event but there was still plenty of room to shop Becks’ picks and more .

Beckham's collection has the basics covered from striped shirts to a tan denim jacket.

Beckham’s collection has the basics covered from striped shirts, a plain white tee and a tan denim jacket.

Thankfully, this year’s David Beckham collaboration reaches outside loungewear for crisp essentials, including a nice line of five-pocket pants for spring, pastel crewneck sweaters, a now sold-out striped pique polo and a quick-selling linen mac coat (see the full line-up here). He also has evening wear covered for the warmer months with a sharp dark navy linen blazer (also sold out!). Beckham’s picks include staples like a white poplin shirt that could see lots of use if you follow some of these classic suggestions, too.

The pieces picked up by yours truly at the event. A light blue V-neck, checked navy trousers, a khaki cotton blazer, a grey twill shirt and a repp stripe tie.

Elsewhere outside the Modern Essentials collection, H&M is a brand that delivers fast-fashion pieces for those of us on a budget — and they certainly do some things well. A lot of that inspiration was on display during last night’s event, and thanks to a nice 25% discount, I brought home some spring styles for myself. As Beckham wears so nicely in promo shots for the collection, the above navy mini-plaid trousers would pair nicely with white sneakers (like these here) and a crisp white polo in the warmer months.

I also snagged a slim-fit khaki cotton blazer and a discounted grey twill shirt, both of which should complement the navy, brown and silver repp stripe tie I picked up. Events like these don’t come around that often, but it was nice to be able to get out, do some shopping and pick up a discount in the process — hopefully, more are in the works as part of the GQ Insider program. Stay tuned!

What are your favorite items from Beckham’s collection? Experience with H&M menswear? Let me know!

March 4, 2015March 8, 2015 by Beau H.

Spring Style Wish List

It might not feel much like spring yet around these parts (or elsewhere for that matter), but rest assured — it’s on its way. That probably has lots of us plotting and scheming how to get our hands on product geared toward spring weather. (Just picked up one of these in white earlier this week, in fact). Whereas fall and winter dressing centers around layering up, spring style is about using crisp, lighter-weight basics combined with transitional pieces to bridge the gap between seasons. That most likely means taking a few items and using them consistently for weeks on end. And that means reaching for quality essentials that gel with the rest of your wardrobe. Read on for my take on a few spring must-haves.

#1. GREATS Brand Wilson Sneakers — $49

Classic-looking sneakers from the Brooklyn brand GREATS.

There’s a reason these shoes made the top of this list — an awesome pair of white sneakers can be a great workhorse piece all through the spring and summer months, pairing with everything from dark denim and a colorful V-neck tee to more polished get-ups, like a slim blazer and khaki chinos. And these kicks from GREATS (based in Brooklyn) are redefining the standard for what a sneaker can be. They look tremendously well-made, they feature classic lines and relatively minimal branding (aside from the blue ‘G’ on the heel), and the price is enough to make you spit out your morning coffee. Heck, buy those and a pair in light grey (or maybe navy) and you very well might set for spring and summer sneakers. It’s also worth noting the brand has some stellar-looking new releases launching on the site soon. (Note: Use this link here and get $10 off when you buy a pair of GREATS sneakers!).

#2. Bonobos Striped Jersey Crewneck — $98

Yet another piece Bonobos is doing extremely well, from construction to fit.

Bonobos does an awful lot more than pants well these days — that much becomes apparent by the season. Here, they’ve taken a traditional nautical look — the Breton stripe — and slimmed down the fit, bulked up the neckline and cuffs and added some nice-looking shoulder detailing. The cotton fabric should be nice and soft, ideal for layering over a white OCBD or crewneck T-shirt. Combine this crewneck with another neutral staple (like an olive chino) and those GREATS sneakers above and you’ve got a casual outfit ready for a boat ride and drinks at the marina after (or just a regular day away from the water, your call).

#3. Combatant Gent Khaki Slim Fit Travel Jacket — $70

A warm-weather staple from a relatively new online retailer.

Compared to some of the other options on this list, this khaki blazer from Combatant Gent is a steal for your wallet. Combatant Gent has received what seems to be a positive reaction in terms of quality and fit from the digital menswear community, a bonus given that products with low, low prices can often be poorly made and even more poorly received. This khaki “travel jacket” features large patch pockets and is allegedly made with 100% cotton twill — no mention however, of whether the travel jacket name comes from the fact that it’s made with stretch fabric, a la J. Crew’s Traveler suiting line. Regardless of that, it’s time to take the plunge on Combatant Gent — for the price, this blazer should be a nice spring and summer change of pace over casual OCBD’s (and maybe even white sneakers).

#4. Welcome Stranger Stadium Jacket – $149

The Stadium Jacket from San Francisco’s Welcome Stranger.

This piece makes a triumphant return to the blog this week following its inclusion as a Style Pick of the Week last weekend. This lightweight jacket is made in the U.S. with lots of attention to detail by San Francisco boutique Welcome Stranger. The lightweight heather grey cotton-blend gets a lot of things right – bomber-inspired construction, a slim fit and the ability to be dressed up or dressed down. And because it’s a neutral color, it wouldn’t look out of place with pants in nearly every shade imaginable – practically anything besides light grey, unless you’re into the monochromatic look that seems so in vogue nowadays. So it has all that going for it — that price is another thing entirely, however.

#5. Michael Bastian x UNIQLO Polos

A washed cotton polo from the 2014 Michael Bastian x Uniqlo collection. Jeans by J. Crew (484 fit). Belt by Merona. Desert boots by Clarks. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

There hasn’t been any official word yet as to whether the famed American menswear designer will be back with a third iteration of his fast-selling collaboration with, appropriately enough, fast-fashion retailer Uniqlo. If last year’s success is any indication though, odds are definitely looking up for another run of well-designed, comfortable and ridiculously affordable polos. Last year’s offerings served up some unique, more fashion-forward designs that some liked and some didn’t, so we’ll see if this year’s collaboration yields a return to more classic styles (think bold, Americana-inspired rugby stripes and ’70’s vibes, perhaps). If they’re priced as last year’s styles were — roughly $29 on-sale — these pieces will likely fly off the shelves in good time.

What’s on your spring wish list? What picks do you like from the list above?

February 28, 2015March 27, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Welcome Stranger Stadium Jacket

The Stadium Jacket from San Francisco’s Welcome Stranger.

So there you have it — that’s what a $150 spring jacket looks like above, courtesy of the excellent San Francisco fashion and lifestyle boutique Welcome Stranger (spring will be here soon enough, mark my words!). The Welcome Stranger Web shop alone is worth drooling over, with a nice mix of heritage brands and trendier offerings like button-down shirts from Saturdays Surf NYC and of-the-moment grooming products. It’s worth a mention that none of these items are cheap or budget-friendly — so the jacket above definitely qualifies as aspirational thinking.

But it’s a piece worth aspiring to — a cotton-poly blend that combines a very springlike heather grey fabric with a silhouette that echoes the iconic MA-1 jacket (note the ribbed collar, cuffs and waist). It also looks to be a trimmer fit. Keep in mind that the higher price tag goes toward covering the cost of production right here in the States, too. This piece would work exceptionally on top of some dark denim, a navy polo, white sneakers and maybe a patterned watch strap on spring weekends. I also see it meshing well over a blue OCBD, navy chinos and some unique shoes (maybe some dark olive oxfords?) in a crisp Casual Friday setting. A guy can dream, right?

What’s one splurge purchase you’re aiming for right now? Would you snap up this jacket?

May 13, 2014June 2, 2015 by Beau H.

The Product Review: The Uniqlo x Michael Bastian Polo

A washed cotton polo from the Uniqlo x Michael Bastian collection. Jeans by J. Crew (484 fit). Belt by Merona. Desert boots by Clarks. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Editor’s note: For a review of the 2015 edition of this polo, click here. And for details on the breaking news launch of the line, check out this story.

As spring gets closer to summer (on the calendar, at least), certain style items should definitely move to the front of your closet — namely, the classic polo shirt. Short-sleeve shirts, as well as polos, are style essentials for the warmer months and as long as the fit is kept trim through the body and sleeves, the right short-sleeve shirt can go many different places. What’s so great about the modern polo is the variety of unique takes on the classic style —and that’s what the latest collaboration between Michael Bastian and Uniqlo does so well. This year’s edition of the collaboration has been out for some time now, but it’s definitely still worth looking into. Last year’s collection between the famed American designer and the fast-fashion outlet was an instant hit, selling out seemingly faster than the shelves could be stocked (at least in an online sense). In glancing through the site at various times last year, several styles were sold out completely for days at a time.

From inside the Broadway Avenue Uniqlo store.

Some of the buzz seems to have died down a bit judging from the amount of styles and sizes left in some varieties within this year’s collection, but all the hallmarks of good design remain. There’s a wide mix of colors, including some with thick rugby stripes and open collars (reminiscent of a soccer jersey), and other polos with small prints and plaids. On a recent trip to a Uniqlo store in NYC, the shelves were positively stocked with these polos, nearly all of them marked down to under $23. For the fit and quality, that’s an outstanding price. Perhaps the most eye-catching in this collection are the polos with miniature animal print designs on them. While some are against such a trendy look, they hit the personal sweet spot in terms of a shirt with just enough personality.

The two printed polos in the personal collection have a longer four-button placket and a fairly substantial collar that stands up well on its own for most of the day. A small, button-triangle opening at each of the sleeves near the bicep is a nice added detail. And of course, the prints themselves are quite entertaining. Grey with white raccoon print? Sure. White with navy blue elephants? You bet. They bring just enough interest without being overly distracting — something that’s helped in no small part by the largely neutral colors used in each design.

One of the printed polos from the collection. Black jeans by American Apparel. Desert boots by Clarks. Watch by Stuhrling. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Those neutral colors make them easy to pair with just about anything, from dark tan or brown chinos (or even black denim, as pictured) to a more colorful, complementary pair of shorts. Since the polo brings some pop with the print, it’s best to keep the shoes (and pants) minimal-looking. However, you can liven up your accessories a touch with a patterned watch strap in a complementary color without going too overboard.

Additionally, the fit of the shirts is spot-on; a medium is just trim enough without being too tight. And for being made out of pique material, the fabric is fairly breathable and stretchy — not too suffocating, like other pique-type materials (the materials listing puts it at 100% cotton). And on top of the other perks, the collection is extensive enough that if you’re in the market for a less flashy polo, there are plenty of more subdued options with just enough detailing (including this white option with two front-button pockets, as pictured at the top).

For now, the polos are on-sale through Uniqlo for at 2 for $29.90 — with a deal that great, a huge variety of options and styles, and a nice, modern fit, these polos are worth every penny.

April 18, 2014April 18, 2014 by Beau H.

Spring Style Essentials, Part 2: Shirts

A short-sleeve shirt (or a polo) can be the perfect style pick for spring and summer. Shirt by Express. Jeans by J. Crew. Sunglasses by Ralph Lauren.

When the weather warms up, some key style moves can make the transition from fall or winter to spring decidedly easier. In the shirting department, we’ve seen some critical trends pop up in recent months, especially the resurgence of the short-sleeved collared shirt. While that’s certainly a style move worth exploring, the first (and perhaps easiest) way to make the transition is with a simple polo shirt. That’s not to say that long-sleeve collared shirts should take a break permanently from your wardobe; rather, think of the polo as a worthy substitute on more days. It might bring to mind a bland uniform look, but even James Bond wears polos now. Although it’s an item most of us have had in our closet and worn for years, the biggest way to upgrade the look now revolves around some main keys, starting with fit and moving on to color.

With spring officially here, reach for a polo and matching shorts. Navy polo and shorts by J. Crew Stanton. Belt by Target Merona. Glasses by Burberry.

Think of the polo as a the warm-weather version of an Oxford cloth button-down.The polo is virtually fool-proof as a casual (or sharp) item when it comes to your top layer in terms of versatility — it can be worn to class, to work in a fairly casual environment, and out to dinner or drinks on a patio. But, what helps with versatility is fit. Retailers now are stocking slim-fit polo options at great prices by the dozen, and that’s exactly how the ideal polo should fit, even if you have some more bulk. The sleeves should hit about mid-bicep, and the fit through the torso should be clean — think minimal extra fabric bunching around the sides or waist.

Once you’ve nailed the fit, it’s a wise bet to experiment with color. The lighter, warmer weather of spring is the ideal time to work some more vibrant colors into your wardrobe — something like a crisp, clean white is a nice place to start, but unique shades of red and light blue are also fairly versatile additional colors to start with. And if the fit of the polo is right, experimenting with some pattern can be more easily done — take a look at the rest of the Michael Bastian X Uniqlo collaboration for some extremely competitively-priced patterned polos.

A slightly more unique take on light denim paired with the short-sleeve shirt. Canvas sneakers by Urban Outfitters.

Short-sleeved shirts also are another easy way to mix things up in your closet. The short-sleeved shirt has gained a bad reputation in recent years (think Dwight Schrute) but recent updates on the style are a far cry from that. Like the ideal polo, the short-sleeved collared shirt incorporates a slimmer fit through the sleeves and body. Picking a shirt with a bit of a pattern or stripe to it mixes up the bad stigma of the short-sleeve dress shirt even further (ASOS offers a wide variety of short sleeve shirts with patterns and prints at nice prices, to start). And with both the polo and the short-sleeve shirt, the possibilities for what you do with the rest of your outfit are pretty limitless also (as long as your bottom half matches nicely in terms of color with the top half). Dark denim is a nice anchor to any outfit, and in the spring and summer, lightwash denim (as pictured above) works well with various neutral shades. Shorts in neutral colors (think a dark or light khaki) downplay the loudness of a printed shirt or polo, too.

So the next time you reach for a long-sleeve shirt in the hot weather, turn instead to a short-sleeved variety, or a polo, with some color and pattern. In the right cut and style, it’ll keep you on trend and also sharp — just about all you can ask for from a piece of clothing.

The Style Guide

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

Tag / spring style