Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt – An Elegantly Rugged Seasonal Shirting Move

Best Western shirts for men.

Is there any American menswear designer out there that does a better job at taking rugged staples and giving them an elevated, even luxe feel? There are certain names that come to mind (Todd Snyder among them), but Alabama-based Billy Reid and his namesake label tend to do a positively stellar job at taking the familiar and the rugged, and then blending them in a new, altogether fresh way. That’s lofty praise, while also saying a lot: What does it all mean for you?

Find out more now at Billy Reid

It means that if you want a rugged-yet-elegant flannel shirt, one that leans on both Western heritage and classic plaid patterns, you’ve found your match in the Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt this season. From the angled Western-style chest pockets to the dusty, Southwest-inspired Brown/Dark Forest colorway (Billy’s signature shade of brown, to be exact), the details and the thoughtful design are evident in every single stitch.

The Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt amps up the plaid pattern in a serious way (a large-scale way, as the name would indicate), and also offers a layering-ready standard fit, so you can style this handsome plaid flannel shirt on its own or atop a thermal henley or a pocket tee.

Smoke mother-of-pearl buttons add a refined touch, while the placket is finished with the award-winning designer’s signature ribbon stripe detailing. The effect is eye-catching and utterly classy, at least in my experience wearing top-of-the-line Billy Reid menswear.

You’ll also notice contrast diagonal stitching at the pockets of this newfound autumnal favorite, which Billy Reid says is “our modern take on an old-school style.” They’re certainly correct when it comes to that modern spin on a tried-and-true favorite, which just so happens to be the sort of pieces we love to feature (and wear!) here at this Brooklyn style blog.

The Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt, particularly when styled with dark blue jeans or even navy chinos, puts a tailored spin on a rugged favorite, but it’s perhaps at its best when worn with light tan chinos or even dark tan, bourbon-hued corduroy pants. The custom cotton fabric should prove lightweight enough to layer, but not too flimsy in the fall and winter cold.

The best part about the Billy Reid Plaid Western Shirt is the fact that you can use it to dress down a charcoal blazer, or fall right in line with your favorite shawl cardigan — the options are practically limitless when it comes to this versatile, old-school-meets-new-school Western plaid buttondown. Layer up accordingly in the weeks ahead, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Boiled Wool Chore Blazer – An Expert Seasonal Layering Find

Best fall blazers for men.

It’s like we keep saying here on this Brooklyn style blog: There’s arguably never been a better season for menswear than right now, this fine autumn, with a wide variety of textures, colors, layers and remarkable menswear essentials for the season at hand. That goes for everything from rugged waxed jackets to textured fisherman sweaters, durable henleys, expertly faded jeans and much more — outer layers aplenty very much included.

Of course, your friends (and my friends!) at Huckberry have the basics covered and then some, and that goes for pieces that deliver a distinctive spin on a classic — in this case, that’d be one of the best blazers for fall from Flint and Tinder.

The silhouette is then flipped on its head in the new Flint and Tinder Fall 2025 Collection, and the end result — among other stylish, rugged offerings — is the Flint and Tinder Boiled Wool Chore Blazer, an unstructured spin on the wool blazer that blends the chore coat and the blazer in handsome fashion.

The key, as with other Huckberry menswear essentials made to take on the brisk breezes and fall foliage, is in its dependable fabrication, starting with twice-boiled thick wool for warmth and a soft, lightweight feel.

The Flint and Tinder Boiled Wool Chore Blazer boasts the traditional lapels, patch pockets and button front of a stylish blazer, yet that unstructured design gives it a dash of devil-may-care appeal — flip the collar up and wear this as a transitional piece of outerwear or a reliable travel jacket, style points very much included.

The four-button front placket is a stylish, eye-catching change of pace, as is the range of colors in which you can score your new favorite fall and winter blazer — would you expect anything less from Huckberry?

The famed Americana brand has also built out the Flint and Tinder Boiled Wool Chore Blazer with enough variety to suit every sense of style — simply look at the range of available color options and finishing touches like the use of corozo buttons. And with a hybrid jacket like the Flint and Tinder Boiled Wool Chore Blazer, you’ve got options as to how you wear one of the best fall jackets for men.

Shop the new Flint and Tinder Fall Collection now

Team it with a henley and faded blue jeans for high-low style appeal, wear it atop a white Oxford shirt with olive chinos for a classic, office-ready look, or rock the Flint and Tinder Boiled Wool Chore Blazer over a chambray shirt for a look that’s utterly timeless. The best fall blazers for men and women give you style options aplenty, no matter which color you select — the Flint and Tinder Boiled Wool Chore Blazer is no different, so shop accordingly this season.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket – A Hard-Wearing Spin on a Fall Classic

Best waxed jackets for men.

In my experience, there should be a joy in getting dressed for the autumn season with the best fall style essentials. After all, the season’s more brisk climes give you plenty of opportunity to wear your favorite layers as frequently as possible, from richly crafted chambray shirts to thick sweaters and of course, an array of the best waxed jackets on the market.

With its water-repellent finish and durable waxed cotton or cotton canvas construction, waxed outerwear is practically a must-have for the guy who values casually rugged style, and that’s where Huckberry has cornered the market over the past decade or so (just check out the photo below for an example of what the good folks at Huckberry do so well).

Huckberry’s Flint and Tinder lineup, as you well know if you read the blog, is already assuredly well-known for making one of the best waxed trucker jackets on the market, but they’ve expanded their Flint and Tinder roster in recent years to include slightly more refined silhouettes.

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That includes the Harrington jacket, originally a style fashioned in Britain to fight back against wind and rain — and later worn rather famously by style icons like Steve McQueen (he preferred a Baracuta G9 Harrington, for the record — which Huckberry has also sold in the past!).

And now, Huckberry is stepping up to the plate once more with another version of one of the best men’s waxed jackets, and this time, it’s the Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket — an even more weather-ready version of a truly legendary piece of outerwear.

It’s packed with the sort of functional bells and whistles one has come to expect over the years from Flint and Tinder, including hard-wearing fabric (in this case, a dry wax Halley Stevensons fabric made to repel wind and rain).

The fact that the Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket comes in rich Dark Navy as well as a cool, crisp and neutral Dark Olive is a major bonus in terms of style points, but it’s the handsome fabrication that makes the Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket such a winner in my book.

In my experience wearing the utterly classic yet modern Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket, it’s plenty comfortable and not overly bulky — a micro-flannel interior lining provides warmth, while poly-lined sleeves make for an easy-on, easy-off wearing experience.

The corduroy collar and cuffs that finish off the casually rugged Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket are a timeless touch, while a buttoned throat-tab closure provides more coverage should you need it (and of course, the custom F&T hardware is substantial and sturdy).

If you ask me, the Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket is the definition of a grab-and-go travel jacket, especially layered over a thermal henley with dark blue jeans, but if I were you, I’d also look to the icon Steve McQueen for more insight on how to wear a Harrington jacket. Upgrade your outerwear ASAP with the Flint and Tinder Waxed Harrington Jacket, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots – A Luxe Fall Footwear Upgrade

Best chukka boots for men.

There are plentiful welcome signs as far as the return of fall is concerned: The pleasant crunch of leaves underfoot, a brisk breeze carried on the air, the welcome cracking of a cold can of Oktoberfest beer and of course, the return of plentiful opportunities to wear your new favorite boots. Or rather, your old favorite boots.

Or a dash of both, and that’s where a refresh when it comes to the best chukka boots for men can sort out your footwear rotation in fine form.

Shop fall style essentials ASAP

Naturally, we turn towards Huckberry for a selection of the best boots for men — and I’ve got even better news. The fan-favorite Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots, a modern offering from a heritage British brand, are back and better than ever. Newly restocked, the Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots are billed by Huckberry as “British-made chukkas for shoe connoisseurs,” with hand-finishing processes and exceptional craftsmanship dating back to the 1870s.

Best suede chukka boots for men.

These handsome chukka boots are made all the better by soft, supple leather lining accented by an elegant suede upper. And with a refined toe shape and a chunky, eye-catching and utterly comfortable outsole, these are the sort of stylish men’s chukka boots you can wear with wool trousers and a navy blazer as readily as you can style them with dark blue jeans and a trim flannel shirt.

The rubber crepe outsole on the Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots is a major selling point: That outsole should deliver comfort, rebound and even a touch of traction (although careful about getting these suede chukka boots wet, my friends).

In a rich shade of brown, the Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots are especially appealing and stylish when worn with everything from olive chinos to burgundy corduroy trousers and even faded mid-wash denim (it’s helpful that you can certainly find many a complementary piece at Huckberry to go with your new favorite pair of fall boots).

With made-in-England construction and an ankle-length cut accented by a minimal two-eyelet design, the Sanders Hi-Top Chukka Boots can be dressed up or dressed down (somewhat) with ease.

Shop the best chukka boots and more at Huckberry

And while $310 might seem a pretty penny to pay for chukka boots, these are some of the best-made and most versatile boots for men on the market, at least in my experience. Time to lace up and get out there, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Woolen Cashmere Carry-On Jacket – One of the Best Blazers for Fall and Winter

Best fall and winter blazers for men.

We talk often on this Brooklyn style blog about the right tools at hand when it comes to seasonal dressing — the proper selections to buy and wear in just about any scenario, whether dressed up or dressed down, mixed in with tailoring or with more casual looks.

The best navy blazers for men seem to fit the bill in terms of a ‘Swiss Army Knife’ sort of versatility, at least in my experience, and when you’re able to find a stylish blazer for men in a seasonal fabric, I’d say you should jump at the chance to bolster your rotation of men’s style essentials for fall, and my good friends at Buck Mason have you covered.

Shop Americana #menswear and more at Buck Mason

That certainly holds true for the Buck Mason Woolen Cashmere Carry-On Jacket, an autumnal update to the brand’s famed Carry-On line of suiting (which you might recall from other Buck Mason reviews on this blog). Ahead of cool fall days and nights, a hearty blazer in a luxe fabric could be just what the doctor order: And my friends, the doctor is indeed in town as you layer up with the Buck Mason Woolen Cashmere Carry-On Jacket.

Inspired by utterly classic navy blazers worn on Ivy League campuses (part of a style movement lovingly called by Buck Mason “Ivy Prep”), this handsome blazer is unstructured and yet boasts strong natural shoulders and 3-roll-2 construction (that means the Buck Mason Woolen Cashmere Carry-On Jacket actually features three buttons, but the lapels roll to make it look like a two-button jacket — it’s a rakish touch that adds some attitude to traditional tailoring, at least in my experience).

The elegant Buck Mason Woolen Cashmere Carry-On Jacket features casual patch pockets and a single center-back vent, making it more casual than a traditional two-button suit jacket (or even a navy blazer that features back double vents). But it’s the fabric that really makes the refined yet accessible Buck Mason Woolen Cashmere Carry-On Jacket one of the best men’s blazers for fall and winter.

Boasting a classic fit that should still prove nicely tailored, the deep navy of this stylish men’s blazer makes it adept for pairing with a dash of everything in your rotation, from olive chinos and a white Oxford shirt to tobacco corduroy trousers and a light blue chambray shirt.

Shop men’s blazers and more at Buck Mason

Take it for a spin in high-low fashion by wearing this navy blazer atop a grey thermal henley alongside dark blue jeans (you can find both at Buck Mason). With classically cool style, Ivy Prep roots and durable construction in a sturdy blend of 95 percent wool and 5 percent cashmere, the Buck Mason Woolen Cashmere Carry-On Jacket is the height of accessible luxury for your rotation of men’s blazers this season.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow’s Tech Pants are Some of the Most Versatile Pants On The Market

I tend to find that the best menswear brands are the ones that have a true specialty, the ones that focus on doing one thing well — and then branch out from there. Mott and Bow, with its original focus on the best jeans for men (and an easy, efficient online ordering and return process), has honed that focus in recent years with a slew of jeans, including Italian-made denim.

They’ve grown by leaps and bounds in the New York City menswear scene, at least in my experience across the past decade.

Find out more now at Mott and Bow

Yes indeed, the brand that makes your favorite blue jeans now makes everything from T-shirts to sweaters and hoodies, plus henleys, polos and stretch chinos.

And that brings us to the latest and greatest from the fan-favorite denim brand: That’d be the Mott and Bow Tech Pants, which I’ve recently taken for a spin in my many travels as I pursue stories across the country and globe.

With the Mott and Bow pedigree for making some of the best pants for men, period, it makes perfect sense that the brand would deliver a modern, fresh way to look great while on the go — and the Mott and Bow Tech Pants up the ante with innovative fabric, sleek good looks and the brand’s commitment to a flattering fit.

Mott and Bow says you’ll want to wear these pants every single day, and it’s hard to argue with that sentiment — the difference with the Mott and Bow Tech Pants starts, of course, with fabrication and follows from there with a proper fit. The use of 8 percent Sonora yarn in addition to stretch-filled polyester helps give them structure and shape while resisting wrinkles and fighting moisture and odor. Five pockets deliver storage for your everyday carry essentials, while a side-seam pocket features a zippered compartment to store other valuables on the go.

There’s much to love about the Mott and Bow Tech Pants, in my experience, but lightweight mesh pocketing also offers up comfort and wearability. The polished slim fit (about as slim as the brand’s Slim Denim) makes for a crisp look — the kind that feels at home in the office, out on the links, on a business-class flight or at dinner after a long day of travel.

Yes indeed, the Mott and Bow Tech Pants can do all of that, and then some — they’re also easy to dress down relatively quickly with a T-shirt or a short-sleeve henley, but the handsome tailored fit of the Mott and Bow Tech Pants makes them ideal to wear with an Oxford shirt and a stretch blazer, to name but one combination.

And while I opted for a sleek Granite colorway, these durable, lightweight Tech Pants also come in colors like Navy and Khaki, all the better to pair with just about any menswear offerings in your wardrobe. For supreme lightweight comfort, polished style and go-anywhere good looks, I think you’ve found a pair of pants that can take on just about anything.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Draftsman Oxford Shirt – A Perfectly Rugged Everyday Shirt

Best Oxford shirts for men.

You might say we’ve been on a serious roll as of late when it comes to recommending the best late summer and early fall menswear for guys — it’s a tricky in-between time on some occasions, with cooler late summer nights offset by still-warm days.

And while a log cabin and the promise of fall foliage might be calling your name, there’s still the chance to hit the beach one last time. And as ever, the proper preparation makes a world of stylish difference, particularly as you dress for both the office and for seasonal getaways to close out summer. The key? Starting with the right shirt and building from there, at least in my experience.

What’s a guy to do? The answer, my friends, is a relatively easy one — layer up with transitional, rugged gear, like one of the best Oxford work shirts for men. This, my friends, is where the good folks at Huckberry can help you out in prime fashion.

Find out more now at Huckberry

While it’s sometimes difficult to layer up with a thicker denim or chambray shirt in the high heat of summer, late August is the ideal time to add a sturdy denim shirt like the Flint and Tinder Draftsman Oxford Shirt, to your menswear rotation. It’s one part crisply cut Oxford shirt, one part workwear-inspired shirt, and as ready for bonfire evenings as a day on the job or in the drafting room (as the name implies, after all).

In my experience, the best men’s Oxford shirts, like the Flint and Tinder Draftsman Oxford Shirt add classically rugged style and utility to your rotation. With its garment-dyed fabrication, it’s a touch more casually rugged than a classic Oxford shirt, and that’s never a bad option to have handy.

Suffice to, the Flint and Tinder Draftsman Oxford Shirt is a handsome new option from Huckberry’s stellar in-house brand. It checks quite a few boxes when it comes to utility and performance (not unlike the latest Flint and Tinder denim jacket we talked about yesterday on this Brooklyn style blog).

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Now, it’s not the first time we’ve talked about a stylish Oxford shirt from Huckberry and Flint and Tinder (this model very much included), but the Flint and Tinder Draftsman Oxford Shirt gets the details right in proper fashion — in a way that only Huckberry can do. It’s also built with stretch and of course, classic buttoned cuffs to roll up those sleeves and get to work.

And with neutral, easy-to-style colorways (including Washed Green, crisp Black and a sharp Navy option), it’s about as ideal as it gets for pairing with everything from tan stretch chinos to expertly faded Huckberry jeans. Meet the demands of a new season head-on with the latest standout shirting option from Huckberry, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt – A Timeless Classic Made Modern

As we so often talk about here on this Brooklyn style blog for men, it can be mighty hard to improve upon a classic, especially one with roots as rugged as one of the best denim shirts for men.

Once a Western wear staple worn by real-life ranchers and cowboys, the denim shirt has come a long way over the years, and can even be turned into a slightly luxe, elevated-yet-edgy piece of menswear — as you can perhaps see with the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt shown above.

Find out more now at Nudie Jeans

With its rugged appeal, dashing good looks and sturdy construction, the best men’s denim shirts are a staple of my own rotation, particularly when paired with other hard-working pieces (like black denim or olive chinos, at least in the case of this mid-wash denim shirt from the good folks at Nudie Jeans).

The denim brand elevates the blue jean with designer quality in mind, using asymmetrical chest pockets and Western detailing, like a curved back yoke. Tobacco-hued thread and a subtle logo chest patch give this shirt and its snap buttons some character, while the pleasing vintage-style wash wears well with other shades of denim — even inky blue indigo jeans for a modern spin on the “Canadian tuxedo.”

The Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt also uses organic cotton, this time in a sturdy yet supple 6.5oz. rigid dry denim build, a fabric that Nudie Jeans says “has a wonderful density that gives the shirt a perfect denim drape.” That’s high praise indeed, but it’s exactly what the doctor ordered when it comes to the best shirts for men, especially one as wearable as the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt.

The sturdy and strong Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt layers well right now atop a pocket tee or a cotton graphic tee, while it can also be accessorized accordingly in the cooler months ahead with a thermal henley and a shawl collar cardigan.

If you just so happen to be feeling daring in matters of style, you could even style the Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt with a lightweight navy or khaki cotton blazer for a dash of high-low style. Give it a whirl, feel the standout quality of Nudie Jeans’ denim and the stylish Nudie Jeans Gunnar Denim Shirt, and revel in adding another sharp, hard-working shirt to your menswear rotation.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Amberjack Cap-Toe Suede Dress Shoes – The Perfect Blend of Versatility and Comfort

When you know, you really know: That is, when you step into a pair of the most comfortable dress shoes for men, you tend to feel the difference right away. And likewise, when you lace up a pair of dress shoes that aren’t quite up to snuff — that are stiff, uncomfortable and made with compromise (rather than without compromise!) — you also recognize the difference a pair of stylish but comfortable dress shoes for men can make.

That goes for everything from a summer wedding up next on your agenda or a long day at the office (or on the floor of a conference or trade show). At least in my experience, comfort & style have been a big part of my journey as I wear Amberjack dress shoes, as you might have seen on my Instagram.

I’ve explored the difference in Amberjack men’s dress shoes on the blog over the years in Amberjack reviews, following the brand’s 2022 arrival onto the menswear scene. The brand, in short, blends athletic footwear technology with dress shoe silhouettes, delivering all-day comfort, energy rebound and support in the process — again, it’s all true in my experience wearing Amberjack.

Learn more about the Amberjack difference now

Comfort, technology and style all come together in what the brand calls the “world’s most advanced dress shoes,” but do new styles of Amberjack men’s dress shoes — specifically, the Amberjack Cap-Toe Dress Shoes — pass muster? Let’s find out, shall we?

Amberjack dress shoes review.

The brand was kind enough to send along a pair of the Amberjack Cap-Toe Dress Shoes in the handsome shade of deep tan Grizzly as shown above, complete with classic brogue cap-toe detailing that feels fresh, rather than stuffy. Made from water-repellent suede and lined with soft sheepskin, I found the Amberjack Cap-Toe Dress Shoes ultra-comfortable right out of the box, as with other pairs of Amberjack shoes and boots I’ve tried.

214 reviews (and counting!) place the Amberjack Cap-Toe Dress Shoes at a 4.7-out-of-5 rating, exceptional quality in my book. I’ve found the shoes to be supportive and sturdy without overdoing it, and the athletic outsole pairs seamlessly with traditional dress shoe construction.

And even with added footwear technology built right in, the Amberjack Cap-Toe Dress Shoes manage to be relatively streamlined — enough to wear with everything from crisply cut stretch chinos to rolled light wash denim (both of which I’ve tried out in recent days!).

Shop the world’s most advanced dress shoes at Amberjack

The arch support on the refined yet easy-to-style Amberjack Cap-Toe Dress Shoes is also heat-activated, meaning it works with your foot as you walk and move around on the go (trust me: I’ve gotten plenty of consistent wear for hours at a time out of these streamlined men’s dress shoes).

They also feature anti-slip traction, sometimes an overlooked detail as far as stylish men’s dress shoes are concerned. The company calls these “dress shoes, reinvented,” and given the supreme support, durability and comfort right out of the box that I’ve experienced with these stylish suede dress shoes, it’s a safe bet you very well might feel the same way.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks – The Perfect Pair of Beach-Ready Men’s Swim Trunks

The surf’s up this summer, or at least, it is in my neck of the woods — has there been a better time to hit the beach in style than right now, particularly when wearing a set of the best swim trunks for men? That’s why we’re here on this fine summer Saturday, with a world of potential getaways, coastal hangs and days at the pool still in front us — and that’s where our good friends at Faherty Brand can deliver the goods when it comes to one of the best swimsuits for guys.

Shop summer menswear at Faherty Brand

As well-known for its buttery-soft, hard-wearing flannel shirts, shirt jackets and expertly cut henleys in the fall and winter months, it makes perfect sense that the coastally inspired, New York-based Faherty would offer up some finely crafted swim trunks for men. The Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks get plenty of details big and small correct in terms of design, effortlessly cool looks and even a dash of crucial performance.

And trust me: When it comes to getting out there the rest of summer, you need a dash of all three — and then some.

The Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks — available in an array of 10 patterns and colors to suit every sense of style — are outfitted with plenty of bells and whistles, making them the brand’s most technical set of swim trunks yet.

The technical specs kick off in fine fashion with a comfortable, breathable compression liner for a secure fit and critical support, while the quick-drying, lightweight performance fabric is not unlike the fabric found on your favorite gym shorts.

Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks

Those features give your new favorite pair of swim trunks some serious versatility for coastal adventures, day hikes to a secluded stream and even sunset lounging (note the just-right 7-inch inseam on the Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks, after all. A left-side zipper pocket nicely accents two side slash pockets and one back welt pocket, while the compression liner even boasts an interior media pocket to secure your everyday carry essentials on the go.

The Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks also feature a gusseted crotch for even greater ease of movement, plus a side split hem on either side — Faherty Brand truly thought of everything when developing some of the best men’s swim trunks out there.

With a comfortable elastic drawcord waistband and a wear-with-anything 7-inch inseam, the versatility of the Faherty Brand Shorelite Trunks is nearly unmatched, with plenty of style points up for grabs via 10 vibrant color and pattern options. The beach is calling, and you’ve now got the perfect trunks for your next getaway.