Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Nicks Boots Traveler Boots

The perfect boots to lace up the next time the weather turns dicey.

When the going gets tough, you need the best boots for men in your rotation. That’s especially true when winter weather keeps beating down your door, and that’s when you need a pair of the best winter boots. The type of uncompromising, rugged leather boots that’ll last for years — well beyond this winter, and well beyond the next winter storm, at that. That leads us to today’s Style Pick of the Week, the exceptional Nicks Boots Traveler Boots — they just so happen to be an investment-level pair of boots sold through Huckberry, and the good news only gets better (somehow) from there. Let’s start with the basics about Nicks Boots — perhaps you’re familiar with the brand (I profiled them here for The Manual back in 2019, after all), but it all starts with unwavering attention to detail, quality and craftsmanship. Based in Spokane, it’s fitting that Nicks Boots takes a truly ground-up approach to crafting the toughest men’s boots on the planet — conditions in the Pacific Northwest tend to demand it. With that being said, it makes sense that there’s a pair of leather boots from the brand out there for everyone, starting with the Nicks Boots Traveler Boots, of course. If ever you’ve ordered from the brand, you know they take meticulous custom orders for the brand’s full line of boots, but the beauty of today’s Style Pick of the Week is that you can snag a pair of the Traveler Boots right off Huckberry’s digital shelves without missing a beat. But why would you want to do that? Easy.

SHOP: The Nicks Boots Traveler Boots

The surprisingly versatile profile makes all the difference when it comes to these rugged leather boots.

The tough leather boots on display here start with USA-sourced and tanned leather that should age beautifully — the fact that said leather sits atop a Vibram Crepe 2021 sole is only an added bonus. These boots provide durability and performance in cold winter weather — there’s no denying that thick, rugged leather boots are just about the best antidote to snowstorms you’re apt to find these days. That kind of versatility and reliability means you should wear the Nicks Boots Traveler Boots anywhere and everywhere you can. Team them with your favorite corduroy pants and a shawl cardigan for a winter weekday, and be sure to keep these stylish leather boots on hand for teaming up with tough camp pants and your favorite henley as you make a dash for your favorite brewery. As with other handsome leather boots for the season, the more you wear ’em, the better they’ll get — and now you know this: There’s only one Nicks Boots.

SHOP: The Nicks Boots Traveler Boots

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Explorer Shirt

A rough-and-tumble shirt that packs a serious punch in terms of style and functionality.

Looking for one of the most rugged shirts you can buy for winter? If you read this site regularly — or if you’re new around these parts as we kick off a new year with winter style essentials — you’ll recognize quickly that we’re talking about one brand in particular that can deliver the goods: Folks, that would be Taylor Stitch. More specifically, check out the excellent Taylor Stitch Explorer’s Shirt as pictured above, one of the best winter shirts you can buy now (and a hot-seling option, at that). The Taylor Stitch Explorer’s Shirt  is both a shirt and a jacket, the kind of hard-wearing piece that seems to come in handy this time of year, what with blustery weather and snow drifts aplenty out there. It’s the sort of versatile piece you can feel good about wearing on the weekend (atop your favorite henley, preferably also from Taylor Stitch) or as an added layer over a classic fisherman’s sweater. This rugged overshirt features all sorts of design touches one would expect from Taylor Stitch, from the layering-friendly wool-poly blend to the handsome and stylish Burgundy color — what’s not to love about that?

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Explorer’s Shirt

Design details that really make a difference.

This classic overshirt is truly geared to go the distance, what with its brass donut hole buttons that signify that, yes, you can wear this just like a jacket atop a classic Taylor Stitch chambray shirt. And there’s just something about the Burgundy color that gives it some versatility, from pairing with slim chinos to your favorite pair of dark blue denim — that’s what a great overshirt should do, after all. One interior pocket and two front patch flap pockets provide space for your everyday carry essentials (which Taylor Stitch also sells in spades), while the California collar (another classic TS design touch) gives this thing the feel of an office-ready shirt as opposed to one that’s strictly meant for outdoor adventures. Get you a classic overshirt that can do both, as they say. Yes indeed, the Taylor Stitch Explorer’s Shirt  offers up all the versatility and craftsmanship you need this winter, and beyond that. As with any product from Taylor Stitch, you’re going to have it in your rotation for a long, long time. Explore away, my friends.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Explorer’s Shirt

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Duke Cannon Proper Cologne

Only the best men’s cologne you can buy now.

Quick, tell me: What cologne are you going to wear on New Year’s Eve? Yes, that’s right. This is an oddly specific men’s grooming question today on the blog, but the good news is, I’ve got the answer as to cologne for your New Year’s Eve, and well beyond that: The answer, my friends, comes from Duke Cannon and the Duke Cannon Proper Cologne. It’s a recent introduction to the storied Duke Cannon line of grooming essentials, and a type of cologne that you’re going to want to wear every single day — not just on New Year’s Eve (although you should wear it then, too). If you read the blog, you’re likely familiar with Duke Cannon, but here’s the scoop: The Minnesota-based brand makes no-fuss men’s grooming goods, like its “Big Ass Brick of Soap” and its standout beard oils and balms, that simply don’t mess around. It’s pretty great, as well, that Duke Cannon’s grooming goods are inspired by the military (the aforementioned soap bricks are inspired by ones issued to Korean War soldiers), with a portion of proceeds going to veteran’s organizations. So, that’s a nice bonus if you happen to also be shopping for the best new cologne on the market. And again, this cologne really does pass muster.

SHOP: Duke Cannon Proper Cologne 

Shown here is the Prescott, one of multiple essential scents you can get from Duke Cannon..

The thing about the truly excellent Duke Cannon Proper Cologne is that it combines all the properties that make Duke Cannon products so essential — the range of scents, from Randolph (with bergamot, lavender and leather) to Prescott (citrus, oakmoss and tonka) is highly versatile, for starters. Even the design of this cologne is well-considered, as the bottle is sleek and the graphic design on this cologne is refined yet rugged, and perfectly stylish. That is to say, this Duke Cannon cologne isn’t like the colognes clogging up valuable space at a big-box department store — it’s modern and refreshing, and again, it’s some of the best men’s cologne you can buy now. But let’s go back to why you should wear it on New Year’s Eve — any of these scents are refined, versatile and simply great-smelling. It’s that sort of finishing touch that’ll elevate any New Year’s ensemble you wear — and heck, any outfit you put together at any time of year, including this winter. If that all sounds like just what you need, then grab the Duke Cannon Proper Cologne now.

SHOP: Duke Cannon Proper Cologne 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt

A performance-minded flannel shirt for all your winter pursuits.

There are classic flannel shirts that call to mind cold winters, chilly mornings, the good old days, and perhaps … a certain lack of modern style. Now, make no mistake, I love — I mean, LOVE — a rugged flannel shirt as much as the next guy (check out this Filson flannel shirt, for starters), but what if you’re looking for a modern flannel shirt? That’s where Western Rise enters the equation today, and they do so with one of the best men’s flannel shirts you can buy right now. Yes indeed, the Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt delivers all the style points you’d expect from your standard flannel shirt, and it does so using fabrication and product specs that are as modern as can be. To wit: The TechWool Flannel Shirt is made with a blend of COOLMAX fibers and fine-gauge wool, plus elasterell polyester for stretch, comfort and breathability — it’s a downright revolutionary fabric blend that’s as comfortable as it is stylish. So, bonus points to Western Rise for that. Did I mention it’s also moisture-wicking and odor-resistant? Because it can do that, too.

SHOP: Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt 

One of the best flannel shirts — and one that blends performance and style.

All of that would certainly be enough to make it one of the best men’s shirts on the market — period — but it’s also got a few more things going for it (to say the least). Namely, this slim flannel shirt features a fit that’s, well, slim and tailored — not bad for a cold-weather staple. That means, in my mind, that you can pair the Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt with your favorite henley or all on its own underneath everything from a tough workwear jacket to a stylish denim jacket (add a scarf and classic beanie cap when things get chilly). The Cloud color is cool and contemporary, as well — it’s almost akin to your trusty classic Oxford shirt, so you can wear it with a navy cotton blazer or a shawl collar cardigan to head to the office (yes, yes you can). That go-anywhere potential also means you can wear this stylish flannel shirt each and every day of the week, and that means on the weekends (with a laidback crewneck sweatshirt and chinos), as well as  during the work week and out on the road. For a one-of-a-kind flannel shirt, the only option right now is the Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt.

Cheers!

SHOP: Western Rise TechWool Flannel Shirt 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Outerknown Ambassador Blazer

The rare blazer that’s suited for the office, holiday travel and everything in between.

 

If you’ve previously thought of your winter blazer as a “one-trick pony” of sorts, able to be worn only to the office or in more dressed-up situations, think again. Yes indeed, the Outerknown Ambassador Blazer, one of the best men’s blazers on the market, is here to make you rethink your blazer game (and not a moment too soon with the holidays quickly rolliing by). It’s the  perfect blazer to wear to a holiday party, but it can also pull that crucial double-duty at the office, and even as *gasp* a stylish travel blazer. Yes indeed, it delivers the goods. But why Outerknown? Allow me to enlighten you. The Outerknown brand is one born of a two-fold approach, that of the mind of legendary surfer Kelly Slater and menswear designer John Moore (as you’ve previously read about on the blog) — that means you’ve got both laidback cool and modern style covered in one fell swoop. In short, pieces like the Outerknown Blanket Shirt are as at home when worn after an early-morning surfing session as they are around a roaring fire this holiday season — and the rugged-yet-versatile Outerknown Ambassador Blazer toes that same line handsomely, too. Again, it’s one of the best blazers for men, but it’s also got plenty more going for it — starting with the fact that it carries on Outerknown‘s crucial approach to sustainable style.

SHOP: The Outerknown Ambassador Blazer

A tailored-yet-easygoing silhouette for perfect fall style.

In this case, the brand looks to make its products with less water and less waste than other fashion brands, and in an industry known for its pollution, that approach is critical. It also helps that pieces like the Outerknown Ambassador Blazer are highly stylish, too. Soft brushed wool and an unstructured design give this classic men’s blazer plenty of layering potential — the lack of rigid structure means you can wear this blazer with everything from a rugged henley and faded denim to a crisp Oxford shirt and grey chinos. It’s one-of-a-kind in terms of its rich Pine color, too — perfect for the holidays when worn with slim tan corduroys, as well. And back to what we said earlier about this being the ideal blazer for holiday travel. The patch pockets lend it a more casual feel (stow your everyday carry essentials in them), while the easygoing silhouette means you can slip it on and off with ease. It’s always the little details that make the difference, and Outerknown knows this. You do now, too — happy holiday dressing!

SHOP: The Outerknown Ambassador Blazer

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Wills Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan

The cozy, refined sweater you’ll wear all winter.

For mornings when it’s too cold to do anything but put on a pot of coffee and stoke the fire, for days when you need to look sharp yet stay warm, and for nearly every day in between (holiday weekends and parties included!), you need one of the best men’s cardigans. That’s a high bar to clear, to be sure, but the Wills Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan admirably ticks all the right boxes when it comes to your search for one of the best men’s sweaters. And again, that’s what makes it an admirable Style Pick of the Week for Thanksgiving weekend and well beyond. The Wills Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan is both rugged and yet refined, the kind of shawl cardigan James Bond himself might have worn in “Quantum of Solace” — and yet at a much more agreeable price than the cardigan worn by Daniel Craig. That being said, this classic shawl cardigan is quite the investment ($245 as sold by Huckberry), and yet I’m confident it’ll pay plenty of dividends in matters of style and comfort — to say the very least. How can just one sweater bring so much to the table (and your closet)? I’m glad you asked.

SHOP: The Wills Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan

Rugged, versatile, wildly easy to layer … a true keeper in every sense of the word!

Cashmere itself is an extremely luxurious and soft fabric, in this case taken from goats in Mongolia — talk about exotic origins for such a classically rugged silhouette, right? And the finished product here is one-of-a-kind, as at home layered over a crisp white Oxford shirt as with your favorite thermal henley — yes, the Wills Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan really can do it all. It’ll also wear readily with fall and winter style favorites (think burgundy cords or tan moleskin pants), and it can pair up with other tried-and-true style staples (enter your favorite pair of faded blue denim). Heck, wear it to your holiday party with slim charcoal chinos and a light blue dress shirt in place of your traditional blazer (just add stylish leather chukka boots). Think of this as a luxurious sweater that can really be lived in, from weekends at home to trips to your cabin to days at the office — and the Wills Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan is practically a natural fit when searching for a sweater to throw on during an icy winter morning, too. Are those considerations important? Well, when you’re dropping nearly $250 on a cardigan, every detail should be thought out — luckily, the Wills Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan does the thinking for you here. No stress, all  style. Well-done, Wills. Happy shopping!

SHOP: The Wills Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Barbour Classic Bedale Waxed Jacket

The ruggged, classic jacket that’s going to make it a heck of a lot easier to take on fall and winter.

There are certain classic men’s jackets for fall, spring and beyond that are so striking and iconic, they’ve carried over the years and resisted trends and the passing of time — take the Schott NYC Leather Moto Jacket, for starters (as covered here on the blog), and add the Barbour Classic Bedale Waxed Jacket to that list, no questions asked. Among the best men’s jackets your friendly neighborhood menswear writer has laid eyes on, the Barbour Bedale Jacket is a true favorite, made to be worn all through fall and winter — day after day, snowstorm after snowstorm. To kick things off, if you’re on the hunt for a jacket to wear to Thanksgiving as you roll over the river and through the woods, this rugged Barbour jacket is the one you’re going to want on your back. Barbour has a long tradition of making the toughest men’s jackets on the market, and they haven’t missed a beat (again, in spite of the passage of time). What is it precisely about the Barbour Bedale Jacket that delivers the goods? Let’s talk about how it’s a callback to the Barbour attention to detail, for starters. While there are companies that have been making jackets for ages, the Barbour Bedale Jacket dates back to 1980, when it was arguably one of the first short, lightweight jackets delivered for outdoor use. Made to be worn when riding horseback and then pioneered by hunters and explorers (and gentlemen like yourself!), it’s a stone-cold menswear classic you should be proud to own.

SHOP: The Barbour Classic Bedale Waxed Jacket 

The right details and construction set this jacket apart.

In fact, this rugged Barbour jacket is nearly recognizable almost in an instant, made with a tough waxed canvas outer shell that’s the perfect repellent to blustery, cold countryside days (especially in its home of Great Britain). The thick plaid flannel lining is another classic Barbour touch, geared to provide extra warmth — especially when worn over your favorite flannel shirt or a rugged henley. It’s the kind of jacket that’s only going to get better the more you wear it, as the waxed canvas ages and takes on more character through each adventure (or excursion to your local brewery, at that). Heck, we haven’t even talked about the corduroy collar, another touch that Barbour has made all its own when it comes to the Barbour Classic Bedale Waxed Jacket. Heavy-duty hardware and a tough YKK zipper give you all the dependability you need, too. From A-to-Z, again, this is perhaps one of the toughest men’s jackets you’ll ever own.

SHOP: The Barbour Classic Bedale Waxed Jacket 

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Wellen Slub Flannel Shirt

Gear up for fall with a highly stylish, sustainable flannel shirt.

OK, are you dressed in style for a fall weekend? Maybe? Maybe not? Perhaps you feel like something’s missing from your list of fall style essentials? Let’s change all of that right now with one of the best flannel shirts on the market, the Wellen Slub Flannel Shirt. You surely know the Wellen Surf brand as the latest offshoot dreamt up by the stylish gear purveyors at Huckberry, and it’s a heck of a way to get rugged fall style and sustainability wrapped up into one handsome, classic flannel shirt. And if you think  you’ve got a closet already filled to the brim with fall shirts, I’d be willing to bet none are made quite like this one. To wit: The Wellen Slub Flannel Shirt checks all the right boxes, from an array of dependable, fall-ready patterns to the kind of construction that’s durable, long-lasting and reliable — all for under $90 via Huckberry, too. And about that commitment to sustainability: It’s the real deal, with a focus on using eco-friendly fabrics like organic slub cotton (made in a slub weave using less water than normal). The resulting flannel shirt is simply your new favorite shirt for fall, guaranteed.

SHOP: The Wellen Slub Flannel Shirt

A textured construction and engaging colors make this a casually cool, fall-ready flannel.

And about those color options — as one would expect from Wellen Surf, the style points are well-considered, too. That means you’ve got an array of choices, from rich Palm Green (wear it with slim faded denim and nubuck leather chukka boots) to the Montauk Blue Check pattern shown here (pair it up with classic tan chinos and durable high-top sneakers).  Small touches like twill tape collar and placket lining add another visual dimension and nice layering ability, especially on cool fall mornings near the shore or at home. If you were searchign for one of the best flannel shirts to throw on and then forget about, this is your top pick. It’s easygoing and versatile, yet dependable all the while. Rock it underneath a tan herringbone blazer at the office or team it with your favorite henley on the weekend — all the while, know that you’ve picked up an environmentally friendly flannel shirt for fall (say that five times fast). How would you style this shirt? Let me know on Twitter!

SHOP: The Wellen Slub Flannel Shirt

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket

A rugged, functional shirt jacket is a surefire winner regardless of where you’re going.

If you can believe it or not, I think I might have finally done it — I might have found one of the best shirt jackets on the planet. OK, joking aside, the Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket really does deliver on all fronts when it comes to what you expect from a rugged shirt jacket, especially now that we’ve hit November, when layering up with the best fall style essentials is truly of the utmost importance. And when the going gets tough, there might not be a better brand to layer up with than the American-made menswear being crafted by Flint and Tinder (the always-excellent in-house line at Huckberry, as a reminder). What sets the Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket apart from a crowded field of the best men’s shirt jackets? If at first the initial style potential and design didn’t jump right off the page, well, allow me to explain. This tough shirt jacket provides plenty of easy layering and insulation thanks to the diamond quilting and recycled Primaloft filling within — think of this as a grab-and-go layer to wear with your favorite pair of dark jeans whenever you need to get out the door in a hurry (or stroll leisurely to a weekend coffee date).

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket

A rough-and-tumble design makes this rugged shirt jacket a surefire winner.

What’s more, the Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket just so happens to be crafted with British Millerain waxed canvas, some of the best fabric in the world in terms of providing durability and functionality throughout the chillier parts of the year. In fact, it’s that fabric that gives this rugged shirt jacket an edge — it’s weather-resistant and made to stand up to just about anything. What’s more, the Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket features chambray collar detailing for added comfort when layering up, and dual chest pockets give you critical space for those trusy EDC essentials. What more could you ask for? Well, how about hidden side snap pockets for even more storage space and streamlined appeal? Or perhaps you’d like a classic shirt jacket  finished with custom F&T branded buttons and an interior hidden drop-in pocket? Folks, the Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket has all of that and more. Pick up yours ASAP for  fall.

SHOP: The Flint and Tinder Quilted Waxed Shirt Jacket

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Moto Boots in Weatherproof Suede

Impressively rugged, functional and stylish Taylor Stitch moto boots.

If you thought your closet was positively too full of gear from Taylor Stitch … well, think again. And if at the same time you’ve been looking for the perfect pair of fall boots, you’re in luck. The Taylor Stitch Moto Boots are here to save your day — and your fall and winter wardrobe — from certain peril in snowy and slushy weather. Now, you’ve read about these stylish moto boots in my guide to wearing black jeans, and they’re back again for good reason today. The Taylor Stitch Moto Boots carry on an impressive lineage of top-notch performance and effortless style from everyone’s favorite San Fran-based brand, and that’s all the more reason to snag your pair now. That is to say, everything that you love about Taylor Stitch‘s chambray shirts, handsome sweaters & rugged outerwear gets distilled into one of the best pairs of men’s boots for fall and winter. What makes the Taylor Stitch Moto Boots so essential, even in spite of a slightly higher price tag ($348, for those curious)? The difference, as ever, remains in the details — from the rich 4oz. snuff suede to the impressive Goodyear welt construction., made to be resoled when you need it the  most. And of course, these are highly unique in that they just so happen to be a truly weatherproof pair of suede boots, something not many other brands can say. Does that make ’em some of the best men’s boots? Yes, indeed it does — but there’s a whole lot more where that came from.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Moto Boots

A tough sole and stellar design details put these Taylor Stitch boots a cut above the rest.

Notably, these rugged suede boots can stand up to plenty of wear in nasty weather thanks to that durable weatherproof suede and Goodyear construction — they’re complemented by a tough Vibram outsole, to boot (pun very much intended). Make no mistake, these aren’t a pair of boots to be messed with, and that goes for whether you wear them with your favorite black jeans and a henley, or team them with slim navy trousers and a classic Oxford shirt after a snowy work day commute. Throw in waxed cotton laces for a bit of tailored appeal, then add in the fact that antique brass hardware finishes off the Taylor Stitch Moto Boots, and you’ve got a truly unbeatable pair of the best fall and winter boots — that’s not just talk. Perhaps the best part about these? They’ll work with the rest of your well-stocked Taylor Stitch wardrobe … so, what more can you ask for? Not a whole lot.

SHOP: The Taylor Stitch Moto Boots