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

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

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


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

Cheers!

-Beau

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Talking Style: What are Your 2018 Menswear Resolutions?

Sitting down to write this post, checking the calendar and then realizing that, yes, 2018 was just days away was … quite wild, to say the least. And it’s fitting that we’re kicking off the year with a brand-new post on January 1st, no less! If you’re still a little, uhh, groggy, I’d recommend you check out this post on casual weekend style before rolling out of bed to check out some college football. In years past, we’ve sat down to talk about my menswear resolutions for the year ahead, but now … I want to hear yours! Style is definitely an ongoing journey, one with ups and downs — sometimes, you might lean toward something as specific as a certain cut of shirt or a certain type of jacket, and other times … you might find yourself gravitating toward style staples like sharp Chelsea boots or a rugged chambray shirt, sometimes worn in the same outfit. Again, it’s all a process, and it can be even more fun to find what you love to wear … and then build a whole wardrobe around it! I hope this blog can help you continue to do that, even just a bit.

The point is, I’m looking forward to an even better 2018 here on The Style Guide, packed with more entries in our #OOTD series, more features on the best men’s gear via our ongoing The List series, and plenty more chances to travel and share my menswear adventures along the way. What’s on the docket in the way of 2018 trips? Well, we’ve got a family trip to Europe planned for this coming March, and more music & menswear trips planned on a personal note (yes, I fully intend on seeing The National play again very soon). So, again … what are your menswear resolutions this year? Personal resolutions? Let me know in the comments below, or say “Hi” on Twitter or Facebook

Thanks for reading — let’s make 2018 count!

-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: The Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan Is Your New Fall Sweater

Life/After/Denim

A cardigan that blends throwback style with an easily wearable fabric and cool styling details.

Does it feel like fall yet where you are? Maybe just a bit? I hope so, at least. Fall is an excellent season for fans of both rugged and refined #menswear, and that means that the Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan could be your new favorite fall sweater — trust me on that. Crucially, the Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan comes into play just in time for the season and just in time for another See Now, Buy Now entry. Life/After/Denim specializes in premium, easygoing menswear, with a focus on taking classics and updating them with excellent fabrics, distinct washes and cool styling details. If you read our piece on what to wear when working remotely, you might recognize the Awash Hoodie from the brand — and I’d put the Varsity Cardigan in a similarly versatile, stylish category. It’s the type of layering piece you can wear nearly anywhere, for one. You can take the Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan to the office atop a classic Oxford shirt or wear it over a slim striped henley to the bar or to catch a ballgame at a friend’s house (don’t let anyone give you crap about wearing a cardigan, either).

It’s essentially the ideal fall layering piece, what with its 100 percent textured cotton construction. That means it’ll breath nicely atop something like a slim denim shirt while still offering some protection from chilly fall breezes. You could even team the Varsity Cardigan with a slim chambray shirt and a scarf if you wanted to ditch a jacket one day. Yes indeed, the Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan  even channels a little retro, sport-inspired style thanks to the striped detailing. Oh, and the neutral heather grey color of the Varsity Cardigan makes it a fine complement to olive or khaki chinos, slim faded denim or classic slim black denim. Heck, you can even team it with a crisp dress shirt for a dressy first date. There’s not much the Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan can’t do — that makes it a seasonal essential, agreed?

Are you a fan of the Life/After/Denim Varsity Cardigan? Let me know in the comments below or catch me over on Twitter. 

Online Shopping Picks: These Are the Best Men’s Jackets for Fall

These are heady times we live in — busy times, too. If you’ve followed along with our Online Shopping Picks series on The Style Guide, you know that we’re all about getting you prepped for rugged fall style. And that continues today, in a big way. Putting together a rugged fall #menswear look is about the details — the big categories and the small ones, too. And in the way of essential men’s style for fall,  outerwear is a pretty big category. So, we’ll get you shopping and thinking today. The best men’s jackets for fall feature durable construction, essential warmth and pleasingly rugged-yet-versatile style — that combination is going to take you a lot of places.

Some of the below picks, like the tough Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket seen below, can work in both casual and tailored situations (try it with an American-made Oxford and a knit tie). And others — like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — fit right in with the rugged climes of fall. Regardless, this list of rugged fall jackets should have you set for the season. For more #menswear than you can shake a stick at, follow me on Twitter or Instagram. Enjoy fall — soon enough, anyways!

#1. Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket — $265 

A rugged and versatile piece that’s ideal for layering.

Yes indeed, ladies and gentlemen … the Taylor Stitch Albion Jacket tops our list, and with good reason. It’s the perfect transitional jacket to wear during early fall and on through November. Made from a custom-developed two-way stretch windshell nylon fabric, the Albion Jacket is a positively versatile layering piece. It’s even lined in fleece and is water-resistant — it’s a stylish fall jacket for layering over a rugged striped henley and teaming with classic dark denim.

#2. Abercrombie and Fitch Shera-Lined Corduroy Jacket — $160

A cozy jacket that evokes classic, timeless fall style.

Abercrombie and Fitch — a Style Guide favorite — continues to come roaring back season after season, and the Sherpa-Lined Curdory Jacket is a prime example of that. It evokes the kind of classic fall jacket that your dad or grandpa might have worn to do yard work, except this number features a slimmed-down fit and just as much warmth — plus added style points. Again, a slim striped henley and suede chukka boots are ideal companions.

#2. Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket — $158

Flint and Tinder

This piece could very well be your new favorite denim jacket — agreed? Agreed.

Originally part of our See Now, Buy Now series, the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket should be welcomed to this list with open arms. At least, I think so. Everyone needs a stylish denim jacket in their layering arsenal — the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker features a crisp indigo color and the type of easygoing wearability that looks great with slim tan chinos and a white chambray shirt or a slim striped henley.

#3. Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket — $238

A fall-ready color and durable cotton construction set this jacket apart.

If you’ve read our Style Guide Q+A with Portland lifestyle brand Bridge and Burn, you know they’re dedicated to making classic, straightforward pieces with a touch of Northwest style influence. And in this case, the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket channels the kind of rugged durability you need this fall, and tosses in a healthy dose of style, too. The hard-wearing cotton outer and quilted liner of the Thielsen Jacket provide protection from the elements, while the rich Acorn color is a fall-ready shade. Who’s ready to hit the pumpkin patch, people?

#4.  BANKS Tombstone Jacket — $130

BANKS Tombstone Jacket

Another warm, classic and durablly made piece of outerwear for the season.

The rugged fall style just keeps coming in spades with the BANKS Tombstone Jacket. A unique brand available via the great folks at Bespoke Post, the Tombstone Jacket channels classic style with a modern edge. Which is to say, the faded blue cotton exterior plays nicely off the golden sherpa collar, while the lined warmer pockets ensure you stay warm even at long, chilly tailgates. So, throw on the Tombstone Jacket and pass me a beer, will ya?

#6. Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket in Cone Mills Selvage — $188

Taylor Stitch

A handsome denim jacket that’ll only get better with age.

Another jacket from Taylor Stitch on our list of the best men’s fall jackets? Yes indeed, you bet. The Long Haul Jacket is a much-loved silhouette from the brand, harnessing a slick, slim design with the power of Cone Mills denim. That’s right — Taylor Stitch teamed up with the country’s foremost denim mill on a rugged denim jacket that you can wear now over a chambray shirt and wear later over a stylish crewneck sweater. And that’s just the beginning, I’d wager.

#7. Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket — $148

A faded shirt jacket that layers with darn near anything in your closet — a job well-done by Taylor Stitch.

Hey, might as well round out this list with more rugged menswear from Taylor Stitch, yeah? The Maritime Shirt Jacket made an appearance in our #OOTD series earlier this year — specifically when it comes to how to wear a rugged overshirt — and it’s guaranteed to impress. The Maritime Shirt Jacket features a cool sun-bleached finish, sturdy construction and the type of fit that works with slim chinos and wingtip boots or black denim in equal measure.

#8.  Finisterre Petrichor Overshirt — $76.98

A durable, rugged silhouette with the strong fabrication to match.

Why exactly are we included an overshirt on this list of fall’s best jackets? Well, my friends — anything goes when it comes to stylish fall layering, and the construction and style of the Petrichor Overshirt is such that it can serve as both if needed. It’s an affordable stylish chore jacket that doubles as overshirt, and the densely woven cotton and cool khaki color make for a heck of a durable piece — so, sold on the Petrichor Overshirt yet?

Alright, friends — what’s your favorite pick of the above? Will it be the rugged versatility of the sturdy cotton Petrichor Overshirt or the sun-bleached cool of the Maritime Shirt Jacket? Is it perhaps the classically styled BANKS Tombstone Jacket or the rough-and-rugged  Long Haul Jacket? Yes indeed, from sherpa-collar corduroy jackets from Abercrombie and Fitch to a durable cotton number like the Bridge and Burn Thielsen Jacket, I hope you found this list helpful. It’s about finding the right fabrication and the silhouette that works for — because believe it or not, I’m sure once you try one of these rugged fall jackets, you’ll want to wear it as much as you can.

How’d we do with today’s post? What do you think of the above picks? Feel free to drop a note in the comments below, or hit me up on Twitter! 

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Boots to Buy This Fall

My friends, it’s that time of the season again — time to talk about the best men’s boots to buy for fall. The season is, as I’ve said in past weeks, perhaps the best for us #menswear fans — particularly if you’re a fan of rugged fall style essentials. We get to break out our favorite layers, from a slim denim trucker jacket to a rugged striped henley, and better yet … we get to break out stylish leather boots aplenty all along the way. A great pair of leather boots can complement nearly any outfit, and I think you’ll find that the picks below do just that. A herringbone blazer and slim dark denim? Throw on a pair of classic leather chukkas. A casual striped henley and grey selvedge denim? Stylish suede boots ought to do the trick. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the below picks.  Again, the right pair of leather boots  — affordably priced, well-made and supremely stylish — can take you from football tailgate to bar crawl and back, with a week of work in between, of course. So, start checking a few items off your men’s style wish list this season; I know I’ve got a few more picks to add to mine. Follow along on Instagram for real-time style updates, and let me know how we’re doing over at The Style Guide Facebook page.

#1. Original Chippewa 6-Inch Service Boot in Crazyhorse — $270
Original Chippewa

A not-too-bulky pair of rugged fall boots featuring durable construction and great looks.

Believe you me, it’s tough to play favorites when it comes to rugged leather boots for the fall season — but Original Chippewa just might take the cake when it comes to the  brand’s 6-Inch Service Boot. With a rugged silhouette that’s not too bulky — plus premium construction and a quality price — the 6-Inch Service Boot is darn near the whole package. Wear it with your favorite pairr of dark denim and a black moto jacket for edgy weekend fall style.

#2.  Hudson Shoes Elmore Boot in Black — $270

A sleeker, modern combat boot with plenty of style to burn.

Fancy something a little more sleek and less rugged? Hudson Shoes has what you’re looking for when it comes to the Elmore Boot. With the look of a classic combat boot, the Elmore Boot should lend itself well to rock n’roll-ready outfits — think slim, faded grey denim and a stylish graphic tee. The slick black color also lends itself to dressier pairings — if you’ve got a tan or grey herringbone suit in your rotation, the Hudson Shoes Elmore Boots are the boots with which to wear it.

#3.  Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki — $190
Astorflex Bootflex

A rugged-yet-comfortable pair of lace-up boots.

Long a favorite around these parts for blending sustainability and great looks, Astorflex has been making — in recent months, anyways — what could just be your new favorite pair of boots — the Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki.  Finished with a natural rubber sole for comfort and done up in a versatile shade of deep tan, the Astorflex Bootflex should work quite stylishly for plenty of casual fall outings — from the pumpkin patch to your next football tailgate.
#4. Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot in Harness — $300

As good as it gets — the legendary Iron Ranger Boot from Red Wing. Bravo, folks!

As legendary a pair of fall boots as it gets, Red Wing absolutely delivers the goods when it comes to its lauded Red Wing Iron Ranger Boot. Blame it on the Americana craze of the mid-aughts, but the Iron Ranger Boot has taken on a life of its own — and with good reason. It’s a ridiculously rugged, stylish and wearable boot that’ll break in beautifully over time. What’s not to love about that? A job well-done to Red Wing on this one.

#5.  Hudson Shoes Leiwston Chukka — $110

A sleek pair of chukka boots, made with versatile style in mind.

We’ll throw some classic leather chukka boots in the mix this time, just for fun (wink, wink). As first seen in our Style Pick of the Week series, the Hudson Shoes Lewiston Chukka blends a truly excellent price with quality craftsmanship and versatile style. These stylish leather chukka boots — this pair is an admittedly popular seller — can team with nearly anything in your wardrobe, from a worsted wool navy suit, a pair of slim grey denim or a faded pair of blue jeans.

Honorable Mention: Astorflex Greenflex Rough in Sand — $150

An updated take on the Astorflex Greenflex — the durable, treaded sole is a key point of differentiation.

As previously seen in this site’s See Now, Buy Now series, the Astorflex Greenflex Rough is a recent addition to the brand’s line of stylish and sustainably made boots (but you know all about those already). And the Greenflex Rough updates the classic suede chukka in a few crucial ways, starting with the durable sole featuring a treaded grip. It’s a neat tweak on a pair of boots that’ll work with broken-in denim, olive chinos or burgundy corduroys this season.

That wraps up our take on the season’s best boots, folks. What did you think? Any particular favorites on this list? Again, the versatility and rugged appeal of a pair of boots like the Astorflex Greenflex Rough can’t be emphasized enough — and a classic pair of tough leather boots like the Red Wing Iron Ranger certainly deserves its place on this list, too. Don’t forget the casual, versatile look of the Astorflex Bootflex, too — that’s one pair that you can put a lot of miles on this fall. And if it’s sleek fall style you prefer, the Hudson Shoes Elmore Boots are the ones to buy. Let me know in the comments below or on Twitter as to your favorite style — see you out there this fall!

-Beau

The List: Here’s All the New, Rugged Menswear to Rock This Fall

It’s time for another edition of The List, everyone’s favorite bimonthly roundup of, quite simply, the best men’s gear out there.  And today, we’re covering rugged gear for early fall — seeing as we’re nearing October, it seems fitting … right? By now, maybe you’ve stored away your classic summer sneakers and are reaching for heavier layers, pieces with some texture and heft to them. That’s all GREAT in the opinion of this #menswear writer — I can’t wait to break out even more fall style essentials across the weeks ahead. With that in mind, let’s check out this edition of The List — feel free to shoot me a note on Twitter with any questions, comments, feedback … you know the drill. Here we go!

Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Roughout Boot in Amber Suede — $299.98
Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots

An incredibly great-looking boot from Wolverine. Man!

My, oh my. Wolverine has done it again with a new take on the 1000 Mile Boot. The 1000 Mile Roughout Boot in Amber Suede looks absolutely gorgeous, well-made and rugged. Nice work by Wolverine back in Michigan, ehh?
Zodiac Super Sea Wolf 53 Compression Watch — $1,074.98

A truly expensive watch that truly backs up the price tag.

Have we jumped the shark  a bit by recommending a $1,000-plus watch? Well, Zodiac certainly knows its way around a timepiece — the Super Sea Wolf is durable, rugged and truly badass. Wear the Zodiac Super Sea Wolf with a rugged henley and classic leather boots, beer in hand.
Taylor Stitch Crewneck Pocket Tee — $58
Taylor Stitch

A classic pocket tee perfect for fall layering.

If it’s so close to fall, why are we recommending a stylish pocket tee as a top today? There’s never a bad time for a classic pocket tee, and the Taylor Stitch Crewneck Pocket Tee will work to layer handsomely under a rugged cardigan or a moleskin shirt.
Astorflex Greenflex Rough Boots — $134.98

A perfectly made, tough pair of classic chukka boots for early fall and beyond.

As previously discussed in our See Now, Buy Now series, Astorflex gets it right with the Greenflex Rough Boots. These classic men’s chukka boots featured an updated tread sole and the type of color & texture to pair well with plenty of other fall style essentials.

Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut — $80
Sturdy Brothers

A handsome leather belt that’ll look even better the more you wear it this fall.

If you’ve got rugged leather chukka boots included in your outfit, you need a durable, classic leather belt that’ll fit right in with the heavier fabrics and textures of fall. Sturdy Brothers gets it right with the brand’s Everyday Belt.

Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt — $148

A uniquely textured, uniquely built shirt fit for fall layering.

More Taylor Stitch menswear in this edition of The List? Certainly. With a unique Army Green color, textured herringbone fabric and functional build, the Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt is practically made to be worn for weekend adventures — preferably layered over the Taylor Stitch Crewneck Pocket Tee.

Spiegelau IPA Glasses (Set of Four) — $32
Spiegelau

The best way to enjoy your favorite IPA — right? Right.

While we’ve talked to this point solely about rugged menswear for fall, the season is also an excellent time to break out a rich, finely crafted IPA on a cool night — ehh? The Spiegelau IPA Glasses are the perfect accessory for it.

Flint and Tinder Texas-Made Oxford in White — $89
Flint and Tinder

A well-made, well-fitting white Oxford shirt never goes out of style — agreed?

Another entry in our See Now, Buy Now series in past weeks, this American-made Oxford from Flint and Tinder is crisp, thoughtfully constructed and wearable with everything from dark denim to olive chinos and a grey cardigan.

DSTLD Slim Jeans in Light Wash — $95

DSTLD Jeans

Slim jeans in a light wash are a unique change of pace from your typical dark blue or black denim.

So, you’ve got your American-made Oxford  or your rugged Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt — what denim are you wearing?  With their cool light wash and slim fit, these DSTLD jeans are a unique change of pace from dark denim.

Ventus Black Kite B-01 Carbon Fiber Watch — $500

A sleek, strong watch that’ll work perfectly with plenty of fall style ensembles.

Want a tough, dependable and stylish men’s watch that pairs well with everything from an army green field coat and black denim to a herringbone blazer and black wingtip boots? The Venus Black Kite Carbon Fiber Watch is the one.

Outset Leather Grill Gloves — $20

Effective leather grilling gloves for all your outdoor cooking pursuits this fall.

Believe you me, fall is as good a time as any to fire up the grill at a tailgate or a bonfire — and these durable Outset Leather Grill Gloves are a go-to accessory.

Line of Trade Machined Steel Bottle Opener — $23.20

A sleek and tailgate-ready bottle opener — just add your favorite beer.

Just as badly as you need durable grilling gloves for your next tailgate, so too do you need a handy, durable bottle opener. Is it one of the best bottle openers to buy this season? Well, it’s durable and it doesn’t look half-bad, so … yes.
Titanium EDC Essentials — $89

A crisply designed everyday essential that’ll keep everything you need in one place.

The next time you head out on a weekend trip or a day hike, bring along this handy everyday carry essential — you might be surprised how often you find a use for the simply designed Titanium EDC Essentials.
Thursday Boots Grizzly Wheat President Boot — $199
Thursday Boots

Handsome, durable boots that’ll break in quite well over time this fall.

Last but not least — these rugged leather boots from Thursday Boots are the ideal complement to fall outfits aplenty — particularly if you layer up with something like the  Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt.

OK, Style Guide readers — that’ll do it today for this rendition of The List! What was your favorite? Personally, I love the  Taylor Stitch Utility Shirt. At any rate, thanks for reading — stay stylish!
-Beau

See Now, Buy Now: Pick Up the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket in Time for Fall

Your new favorite fall shirt? Your new favorite fall jacket? A little bit of both? Sure thing.

When a brand like Taylor Stitch consistently churns out excellent outerwear and men’s style essentials season after season, you start to sit up and take notice when cool products drop — that’s why we’re coming at you with another entry in our See Now, Buy Now series. And one of those attention-grabbing releases as of late? Well, my friends — that’d be the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket. You’ve seen it before as a layering option when it comes to how to wear a rugged overshirt this season — if you read this site on the regular, that is. Simply named, carefully constructed, durable and uniquely stylish, it’s certainly got the potential to be a favorite layering piece this season. and it’s surely one of the best men’s fall jackets — even if it’s technically part shirt, part jacket. What’s the secret that makes the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket such a winner? It’s definitely got plenty going for it. For one, this Taylor Stitch shirt jacket is am affordable steal when it comes to rugged fall layering.

A handsome sun-bleached indigo finish makes it ready to pair with dark blue or black denim alike, and the Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket can also layer easily over other essential fall pieces (dare I say it — a Taylor Stitch striped henley). In short, it’s the perfect casual jacket for fall when it comes time to grab and go, whether your weekend takes you to a football tailgate, a day hike, a bar crawl or a bonfire. Taylor Stitch developed and crafted this bad boy from garment-washed indigo cotton in California — so if it can stand up to breezy, chilly San Francisco days on the water, it can stand up to your own fall pursuits. I’d recommend you wear the Maritime Shirt Jacket with everything from a rugged striped henley and your favorite pair of dark denim to a classic Oxford and tan chinos on a casual Friday. And when the time comes to head to the pub on the weekend? The Taylor Stitch Maritime Shirt Jacket is going to work quite nicely for understated, well-designed style. Who’s ready for that first chilly day of fall? I sure am — and you know Taylor Stitch will have you prepared.

Style Pick of the Week: Criquet Shirts Striped Player’s Shirt

A clean, classic polo with eye-catching stripes and a quality fit. That’s what Criquet Shirts does so well.

Now, I know we’ve been talking about rugged early fall style here on the blog for a few weeks now, but … well, what if it’s not quite cold enough to layer up yet in your neck of the woods? Or, what if you deal with the heat year-round and want a wardrobe refresh? That’s what today’s Style Pick of the Week dives into — the Criquet Shirts Striped Player’s Shirt is your answer to both questions above, to say the least.  It’s gotta be among the best men’s polo shirts, for a few good reasons. Here at The Style Guide, we love the all-American style and crisp design brought to the table by Criquet Shirts— and if you want to squeeze every last drop out of what’s left of the warm weather, a  stylish striped polo is certainly a great way to do that. Crucially, the Striped Player’s Shirt retains all the key style details that you appreciate from Criquet Shirts (see this entry in our Style Pick of the Week series for more).  So, we’re talking a substantial, crisp collar and organic cotton jersey fabric. Plus, the bright white base on the Striped Player’s Shirt is a nice nod to breezy style in warm weather. And the fit on the Striped Player’s Shirt? It’s classic through and through — not too slim, not too baggy. So, once you’ve added the Striped Player’s Shirt to your shopping cart … perhaps you’re wondering how to wear a polo shirt to maximize the last of the warm weather?

In short, I’d break out the Striped Player’s Shirt just as often as I could before chilly weather starts to roll in. It’s a stylish, classic complement to your favorite pair of tan chinos, ideally teamed up with classic white sneakers for a bit of preppy style. The good news is, the Criquet Shirts Striped Player’s Shirt works quite well with more rugged pieces. Trust me — with its sharp four-button placket, you can throw the Criquet Shirts Striped Player’s Shirt on underneath an indigo denim jacket, finished off with stylish leather high-top sneakers. That sort of outfit is great for grabbing a beer with buddies or kicking back at your favorite Sunday brunch spot. And if you want to dial in a  business casual look, the Striped Player’s Shirt can get the job done there, too. Simply add a classic navy blazer, grey chinos and perhaps leather loafers — that combo is going to work for the rest of the month. And if you live in a warm climate? You can take the Striped Player’s Shirt with you nearly everywhere — a patio dinner, a rooftop bar, the beach … seriously the Striped Player’s Shirt can go anywhere. Criquet Shirts has again done a standout job crafting a sharp, tailored polo that toes the line between dressy and casual — pick it up now and wear it as long as you can.

Are you a fan of the Striped Player’s Shirt from Criquet Shirts? How would you style this shirt in warm weather?

See Now, Buy Now: Throw On The Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket For Rugged Fall Style

The rugged good looks of a classic denim jacket, finished off with the stretch and comfort you need for all-day fall style.

There are certain items that instantly catch the eye of your Style Guide editor, writer and “creative director” — like the perfectly rugged Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket. Newly introduced by the folks at Huckberry, it’s yet another standout Flint and Tinder item you need to add to your fall wardrobe. Heck, that’s why we’re coming to you with a very rare Sunday See Now, Buy Now entry on the blog. Now, I know you’ve got other things on your Sunday to-do list, be it a stylish Sunday brunch, a day of yard work, a stroll through your favorite park or something in between. But simply put, the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket delivers the goods. Without a doubt, this is a rugged denim jacket provides that elusive combination of comfort, versatility and style that’s so prized.

The Stretch Denim Trucker is made from mid-weight, inky blue cotton denim featuring two percent stretch for mobility. The jacket’s going to break in over time, making it a stylish complement to olive chinos and classic suede chukkas at this point in the season — and once you’ve worn the Stretch Denim Trucker throughout the fall, you can keep it handy to wear with burgundy corduroys and your favorite pair of leather boots in early winter (preferably layered under a classic field jacket or topcoat). In terms of hardware, the custom metal buttons feature an antique finish for classic style, while the Stretch Denim Trucker is also built with a longer, slimmer fit. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even step out in a denim-on-denim look with Flint and Tinder’s All-American Washed Denim. Here’s the last word: The Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket is stylish and rugged enough to wear with a host of fall style essentials; heck, it’s even worth using a bit of your weekend downtime to pick this bad boy up right now.

Will you be adding the Flint and Tinder Stretch Denim Trucker Jacket to your fall wardrobe? How will you layer it?

Style Pick of the Week: Rancourt & Co. Carson Low Sneakers

A fall-ready sneaker that blends high-quality construction and striking looks.

If you’ve clicked through the pages of The Style Guide recently, then you surely recognize Rancourt & Co. — and particularly, perhaps you recognize the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low. It’s the perfect pair of sneakers to wear to transition into fall; I don’t know much, but I’d bet you’ll agree. First seen in our #OOTD post on how to wear an Oxford shirt this fall, these handsome, rugged sneakers nearly check all the boxes when it comes to classic fall footwear. That’s no joke. While it’s nice to step into tried-and-true staples like suede chukka boots or leather work boots when the weather gets chilly, durable leather sneakers can work just as well from early September to early November. It’s especially helpful that in the case of the Carson Low, the fine folks at Rancourt & Co. have applied the same approach that makes the brand’s other footwear so great (Exhibit A: The 4-Season Ranger Moc). The brand got into making USA-made sneakers back in 2015, and they’ve amped up their approach this time around.

That means the upper on the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low starts with exceptionally high-quality Horween leather, a claim not many pairs of sneakers can boast. The Vibram Strighton outsole is another point of durable differentiation (say that five times fast). That construction ensures grip, traction and a visually interesting contrast from the Horween leather upper on the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low. It’s that blend of quality and style that makes the Carson Low so appealing — and certainly, worthy of an investment this season.

Racnourt & Co.

Roll your jeans now with the Carson Low, and then keep these sneakers around once we get into fall.

So, with a pair of sneakers this well-made and stylish, it begs the question: How can’t the  Rancourt & Co. Carson Low work in a plethora of style situations? Classic dark denim and a slim grey crewneck sweater? Add these sneakers, plus a rugged leather watch. A slim herringbone blazer and grey corduroy trousers? The Rancourt & Co. Carson Low is a tremendous style move. A black denim jacket and grey jeans at a pub crawl? Sure thing, the Carson Low is up to the task. The rich brown leather, sturdy sole and handsome silhouette makes these sneakers timeless, versatile and durable. Finished off with leather laces, the Carson Low could just be your new favorite pair of sneakers this fall. Again, they’re an investment that’s worth it on the footwear front.

Will you be buying the Rancourt & Co. Carson Low  for the fall season? How would you style these stellar sneakers? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter