Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos

Breezy, versatile chinos in a modern cut — can’t ask for much more than that for spring.

What pair of essential men’s pants belongs on your legs and in your closet this spring? That’s quite easy — the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos, naturally. After all, every guy needs a stylish pair of chinos in his wardrobe to kick off a breezy, warm new season, and the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos check all the right boxes. Classic style? Check. A slim-but-not-too-slim fit? Check. The dependability that comes with gear made and sold by Huckberry? Triple-check on that one. And luckily, Flint and Tinder has made the choice easy this spring when it comes time to decide on the best men’s chinos to buy this very instant. It all starts with the use of high-twist cotton, a weave that gives these slim chinos breathability and mobility — these aren’t the thick cotton twill chinos that, while classic, can prove quite hard to get around in. No sir, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos get the job done quite nicely, and they clock in at under $100, too. Throw in the fact that they’re made in America, and you’re looking at your new favorite pair of chinos. But what else makes ’em so great?

The Olive color of the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos is particularly sharp, right? Right.

As we said before, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos just check all the right boxes, right on down to the customary Flint and Tinder shotgun shell button and zip fly. Those design touches are in keeping in line with what Flint and Tinder does so well — modern classics, done in a way that menswear lovers (new and old) can appreciate. Again, the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos live up to that promise admirably, with the type of style that works just as well with a blue chambray shirt and classic chukka boots as it does with crisp white tee and your favorite vintage sneakers (preferably from Huckberry, too). And it goes without saying that you’ve got your pick of versatile color options when it comes to the Flint and Tinder Cool Chinos, all designed to give you plenty of styling potential.  Try out the slim tan chinos with an indigo denim jacket and a white short-sleeve henley, or pair the classic olive chinos with a heather grey tee and stylish brown leather brogues. After that, you’re off to the races. Or at least, you’re off to wherever it is you need to go, dressed in sharp, classic style.

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by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Native North Technical Base Jacket

A clean, minimal rain jacket that just plain works for spring.

Welcome to another Style Pick of the Week, my friends (from a brand you might recognize from an earlier Style Pick entry this month!).  To be clear, we don’t often get too technical here on the blog. That is to say, I’d rather tell you about the best trucker jacket to buy now, versus digging into gear that’s made for, say, camping or hardcore hiking or whatnot. But what if I told you the Native North Technical Base Jacket (it even says “technical” in the title!) bridges the gap between both worlds, marrying form and function for early spring? Too good to be true, right? Not quite. In fact, this number here might be the best spring rain jacket. Yes indeed, Native North has pulled off a difficult feat with the Native North Technical Base Jacket, a minimal, stylish rain jacket that’s ideal for chilly, blustery weather. The kicker is this: Thanks to the brand’s Danish style inspiration, it doesn’t look half-bad, either.

You get just the right mix of utility and style with the Native North Technical Base Jacket, from the surface-treated, lightweight nylon-spandex exterior to the windproof coating — and the surprisingly sleek dark  Brown color. Throw in two chest button-snap pockets & two hand-warmer pockets, then consider the fact that the Native North Technical Base Jacket is also triple-layered … pretty impressive, right?

A trusty hood adds another utilitarian point to this jacket.

The point is this: The Native North Technical Base Jacket packs in everything you could want from a spring rain jacket, right down to the cinch-adjustable hood. That means you can wear this functional rain jacket with your favorite menswear essentials, pieces like a classic Oxford shirt or a thermal henley and slim light wash denim, without missing a beat. Isn’t that what spring outerwear is for, at any rate? The Native North Technical Base Jacket also happens to be versatile enough to dress up ever so slightly. You could layer it over a cashmere sweater and pair that look up with slim tan chinos, plus stylish leather brogues, to head to the office — breezy spring weather be damned. And lest you’re worried that this jacket has the potential to turn you into a sweltering mess (like other spring jackets), well, it’s made all the way through with lightweight, breathable material. Check, check and check. The point is, the Native North Technical Base Jacket has the potential to be a go-to jacket every time the weather takes a turn — and even on days when you just need a lightweight, casual spring layer.

 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Levi’s Made & Crafted Type II Trucker Jacket

A newly iconic silhouette from an iconic brand.

Does it get much better when it comes to classic spring style than an equally classic denim jacket from Levi’s? Not really, folks. The rugged, timeless denim jacket is a surefire way to take your spring style from good to great, especially when that jacket happens to be the Levi’s Made & Crafted Type II Trucker Jacket — in short, it’s the one piece of spring outerwear you need now. And what can it do that other jackets can’t? Plenty. It’s got a unique silhouette designed with the open road in mind — Levi’s pioneered the trucker jacket, with its multitude of pockets, for West Coast explorers and Gold Rush diggers, and that same heritage and history can be found in the Levi’s Made & Crafted Type II Trucker Jacket today. In fact, it’s all the more helpful that the Made & Crafted line itself plays off that heritage in a way that’s even more authentic than the regular Levi’s main line. Designs happen to be based on archival styles from the brand, so it’s no surprise that they’ve crushed it with the Levi’s Made & Crafted Type II Trucker Jacket.

So, what makes the timeless denim jacket a worthwhile addition to your spring outerwear rotation, particularly when you might be more inclined to reach for a weather-ready waxed canvas jacket or a water-resistant parka? Well, those styles are all well and good … but none of them can match the rugged versatility of the Levi’s Made & Crafted Type II Trucker Jacket, and that’s just … the way it is.

Levi's Made & Crafted

Authentic detailing lifts this jacket a cut above the rest.

The Levi’s Made & Crafted Type II Trucker Jacket also features the sort of stylish details and easygoing appeal you’d expect from a spring denim jacket, including the use of 100 percent cotton. That makes it an easy choice to wear with laidback spring essentials, from a crisp white tee and tan chinos to suede chukka boots, black denim and a white Oxford shirt (a suitably edgy mix of high-low style).

The Levi’s Made & Crafted Type II Trucker Jacket also features the perfect amount of room for your everyday carry essentials, what with front hip patch pockets. Again, this underrated denim jacket is unique, eye-catching and absolutely ready for whatever you throw at it, from patio happy hours to farmer’s market visits to a weekend brewery tour (and then some). It’s assuredly what you would expect when on the hunt for a classic denim jacket from Levi’s — what are you waiting for?

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Native North Utility Jacket

A functional-yet-versatile jacket to help you get ready for early spring.

Not so fast, my friend — it’s not time to hang up all of your winter style essentials quite yet. In fact, some of those pieces, like the Native North Utilty Jacket shown above, can reliably help you make the transition into early spring. That’s right, the Native North Utility Jacket is one of the best men’s jackets for early spring, and that’s just a fact. The Native North Utility Jacket certainly has a lot going for it, from the classic workwear cut to the handy pockets (perfect for lugging your everyday carry essentials through less-than-optimal spring weather). And it’s a bonus that the Native North Utility Jacket doesn’t quite look like anything you’ve got in your closet when it comes to style — that’s because its roots come from Denmark, that uniquely minimal, quickly growing menswear outpost. Heck, there’s even a Copenhagen Fashion Week now, and you wouldn’t look out of place if you decided to wear the Native North Utility Jacket across the pond. But enough about the runways — what makes this stylish spring jacket right for you? Bear with me.

SHOP: The Native North Utility Jacket

Native North

The three-way collar lends itself to fighting chilly early spring days in style.

For one, it’s not the bulky winter jacket you’ve grown used to wearing over the past several months — this slim wool jacket is linted with cotton (versus an all-wool lining), giving it a bit more breathability and mobility. Point being, you should feel free to layer this rugged workwear jacket over everything from a classic henley and slim faded jeans (don’t forget some Astorflex chukka boots) to a crisp white Oxford shirt and tan chinos. Think of the Native North Utility Jacket like a more stylish, functional blazer replacement (complete with two interior pockets and three exterior pockets). In short, this jacket could also double as the perfect travel jacket, able to be worn on a chilly plane or train, and then out to your destination once you arrive. Again, it’s a uniquely stylish spring jacket that looks quite a bit different from the technical pieces we normally associate with early spring style. That’s only a positive — just because we’re getting away from winter doesn’t mean you don’t need an arsenal full of the best men’s jackets, and again … that’s just a fact! Are you adding the Native North Utility Jacket to your rotation this season? How are you wearing it? Let me know via The Style Guide Facebook. Thanks for reading!

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Tanner Goods Standard Belt

A handsome, stylish leather belt — yes, a leather belt can be both of those things.

Call me crazy — go right ahead — but we’re dedicating today’s Style Pick of the Week to the Tanner Goods Standard Belt … yes, just a leather belt. But when is a leather belt more than just a leather belt? When it’s made by Tanner Goods, naturally — in fact, the Tanner Goods Standard Belt is one of the best men’s belts your money can buy, and that’s the truth. It bears repeating that again, like we always say here at The Style Guide, the small accessories can make a big difference, pulling your outfit together … or causing it to fall apart. That might sound like a lot of hyperbole, but the Tanner Goods Standard Belt bucks the trend of your belt being just an afterthought. Whether you decide to wear this stylish leather belt with your favorite pair of denim, a set of classic slim chinos, or some durable work pants, you surely won’t be disappointed.

Available in five seriously cool types of leather, the Tanner Goods Standard Belt offers up something for everything — again, the rich leather and handsome hardware means you can wear the Tanner Goods Standard Belt with everything from inky indio denim, a slub henley and brown leather boots to a tailored four-season suit. Certainly, this rugged-yet-versatile belt makes the case that a leather belt can be … you guessed it, so much more than a leather belt.

The details make this leather belt all the better.

The even better news? The Tanner Goods Standard Belt is the perfect leather belt to buy if you happen to tend toward brown leather watches and brown or suede chukka boots — in that regard, it could become a go-to everyday belt. Heck, we haven’t even mentioned that it’s made in America using vegetable-tanned Meridian English Bridle leather (some of the best in the country, assuredly). Even the buckle is hand-cast — this certainly isn’t a cheap, faux leather belt from a fast-fashion retailer, and that’s a great thing given the $70-plus price tag. Considering the Tanner Goods Standard Belt using the “Marie Kondo Method,” I’d say this thing is going to give you serious joy as you wear it every single day — no doubt about it. Upgrade your belt, and the rest of your everyday carry essentials just might follow. The little things make all the difference, and the Tanner Goods Standard Belt can help set you on the right path to better accessories, better style & a better … life? Don’t knock it ’til you try it! Thanks for reading.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

Here’s your new favorite jacket — there, I said it.

Put it this way: The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket could be the last jacket you need to buy for the rest of winter (and heck, next fall). Perhaps you thought your seasonal outerwear situation was all set? Not so fast. The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket is the right way to refresh your winter jacket collection as the season rolls along, what with its classic blend of workwear style and durability. It’s a step down in terms of dressy style from, say, the Billy Reid Bond Peacoat, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t wear the  Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket every other time you need a tough, dependable jacket. It’s made in the U.S.A, a signifier of that extra attention to detail and quality for which Flint and Tinder is known across the board.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

The quality behind the Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket starts with its construction and fabrication — for instance, it’s made with tough cotton canvas from North Carolina, a haven for excellent textiles. It’s there that the Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket really starts to take shape, from the cotton corduroy flip-up collar (a classic workwear touch) to the quilted interior lining.

Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

Also available in Grey, this jacket is complete with a functional quilted lining.

And as you can see above, it comes in both Grey and my personal favorite, a rich shade of Brown that wears well with all of your other favorite menswear essentials (think indigo denim and brown leather boots, for starters). The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket also wears nicely with slightly dressier pieces, like slim olive chinos and a white Oxford (topped off with classic leather chukka boots, of course). And that versatility means this tough workwear jacket is much more versatile than you might think — try it with a denim shirt and grey chinos to head to a weekend happy hour or a casual coffee date.

What’s more, the Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket is pretty darn affordable considering what you’re getting — a dependable, warm winter jacket that you can wear for both work and play. The cotton canvas exterior is going to take on chilly weather and snow with ease, while even the YKK coil zippers get the job done in terms of durability. There really isn’t any downside to picking up the Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket, that much is clear.  What’s your take on this soon-to-be winter style staple? Feel free to chime in on Twitter!

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Mill Jacket

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Outerknown Puffer Jacket

One jacket, two versatile color options, and plenty of standout style from Outerknown.

There are brands that quickly become an easy go-to in the way of winter style essentials — or essentials for any season, for that matter. Over the past few years, Outerknown has become one such brand for yours truly, renowned for blending sustainability and style in equal measure. And that’s where the Outerknown Puffer Jacket comes into play, with its unique mix of easy wearability and eco-conscious production. You might even recognize the brand from this post covering the best gear for winter, but we’re taking a bit of a deeper dive today.

It all starts with the design ethos behind the brand, coming specifically from the mind of surfer Kelly Slater and lauded designer John Moore — we’re talking men’s style gear with a unique spin. Gear that’s inspired by the water and able to be worn near it, and yet gear that at the same time harnesses rugged, perfectly classic style (take the Outerknown Blanket Shirt as seen in this post). The Outerknown Puffer Jacket channels that overall approach nicely — it’s casual & easygoing, yet functional, the type of jacket you very well might wear after a morning surf. But make no mistake, the Outerknown Puffer Jacket  has also got the capability to handle your commute, thanks to the use of ripstop fabric made from recycled polyester.

Outerknown

A clean, simple silhouette that belies its functionality and design chops.

Add to that an easy-to-style design — one that goes with a rugged thermal henley and slim faded denim as readily as it does a classic Oxford shirt and chinos — and you’ve got a winning piece of winter outerwear. But back to the brand’s larger mission: It’s on display here as well, as they’ve used responsibly sourced duck down in the Outerknown Puffer Jacket. That means this slim puffer jacket is a step above the other crop of down jackets out there.

The use of that duck down insulation also results in extreme warmth, a much-needed bonus given that we’re still working our way through a chilly winter. The hits just keep on coming, too — it packs within itself via the inside pocket, making the  Outerknown Puffer Jacket the perfect jacket for stylish winter travel (or heck, spring or fall travel for that matter). It’s the little things that really do end up becoming big things — like the sourcing of responsible down and the use of recycled polyester — so it’s refreshing to see things come together in style with the  Outerknown Puffer Jacket. What’s your take on this crisp-yet-easygoing winter must-have? Let me know on Twitter!