Style Pick of the Week: Bonobos Merino V-Neck Sweater – A Useful Everyday Style Staple

Best V-neck sweaters for men.

There comes a time in a guy’s life, be it heading to the office or searching for a subtle style upgrade, that simple is sometimes the best course of action. Simple yet versatile, and far from boring is what the Bonobos Merino V-neck Sweater (in its various colors!) brings to the table — and your wardrobe.

In my book, the best V-neck sweaters hit the nail on the head in that regard, with the ability to dress up a chambray shirt, add a crisp look to an Oxford shirt or neatly frame a knit tie and a polished dress shirt. They can stand in underneath a blazer, they’re a wise choice as a mid-layer beneath a traditional field jacket, and an option like the Bonobos Merino V-neck Sweater makes perfect sense, at least in my experience.

Best merino sweaters for men.

After all, merino fabric regulates your temperature and is neither too burly nor too flimsy. And again, that V-neck collar is a wise choice in terms of style points — I’d say every guy can use a rotation of V-neck sweaters in crisp, classic colors. Not a bad option to have in a wardrobe of fall style essentials, right?

Another benefit to picking up the Bonobos Merino V-neck Sweater? It’s a sweater you can safely wash (provided you follow instructions from Bonobos) without worrying about shrinkage — and if you tend to rely on sweaters frequently as a mid-layer or the centerpiece of a business-casual outfit, then that’s a major plus.

Bonobos V-neck Sweater.

Whether you score the Bonobos Merino V-neck Sweater in Charcoal Grey, Maroon or Heather Forest Green, it can bring plenty to the table — witness its wearability with tan chinos or blue jeans, for instance. And if you know where and when to look, you might even be able to score the Bonobos Merino V-neck Sweater at a discount ahead of late fall and early winter. For my money’s worth, this is one of the best sweaters a guy can buy — try one out and let me know your thoughts.

Style Pick of the Week: Rhodes Footwear Nash Chukka Boots -A Perfect Pair of Fall Boots

At certain times of year, there are utterly classic men’s style essentials that tend to fit the mold so well, it’s a wonder they’ve haven’t been part of your seasonal wardrobe all along. Take a pair of the best chukka boots for men, for instance, particularly a pair sold by Huckberry.

They just so happen to be an utterly exceptional addition to a fall menswear wardrobe, and your luck just got even better: The Rhodes Footwear Nash Chukka Boots have just hit Huckberry’s digital shelves, and they’re assuredly some of the best new men’s boots on the market.

Now, the chukka boot already has a long heritage of menswear excellence, from humble roots as a military and exploration boot to its standing as the boots of choice for style icons like Steve McQueen and Daniel Craig.

And while the Rhodes Footwear Nash Chukka Boots might not boast a 007-approved price tag, they’ve got all the rugged versatility and style points in spades that you can ask for this season.

If you keep up with the blog on the regular, you’ve very likely read Rhodes Footwear reviews, as the brand specializes in modern updates to the classics — from wedge-sole Chelsea boots to the highly versatile leather chukka boots for men you see here.

And the Rhodes Footwear Nash Chukka Boots carry on that same modern legacy of versatility and just enough variety, using supple leather and craftsmanship hailing from Leon, Mexico, birthplace of some of the finest boot brands in the world.

And unlike crepe rubber outsole chukka boots — which still remain a wise addition to your wardrobe — the Rhodes Footwear Nash Chukka Boots Vibram 1716 Oxford Gumlite sole for traction, durability and a lightweight feel.

Add in the fact that they come fresh out of the box with contrasting yellow soles, and you’ve got an eye-catching, dependable pair of chukka boots to rock day in and day out with expertly faded blue jeans or else seasonally colored stretch chinos from Huckberry.

The leather-lined insole will mold to your foot over time, while the three-eyelet design can be dressed up or dressed down — a very good thing indeed, as these handsome chukka boots will quickly become a new go-to. At least, that’s my experience with Rhodes Footwear — step into a pair starting this weekend and try ’em on for size.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Jeans – A New Take on a Classic

Best corduroy pants for men.

This time of year, as we barrel into the depths of fall, I’d say it’s time to rethink what you thought you knew about certain men’s style classics. Take the corduroy pant: Perhaps it makes you think of Sunday school, or of garish 1970s editions of corduroy pants.

Now, throw all that out the window, so to speak, because the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants are here to shake up a classic in a fresh, modern, rugged way. Of course, they fit right in with other tried-and-true, all-American favorites from the Los Angeles-by-way-of-the-Midwest brand (including one of the best chore coats and one of the best men’s flannel shirts).

There’s something familiar and yet different about these stylish men’s corduroy pants, and it starts with the construction and some very carefully made design choices from the iconic retailer.

For starters, these handsome corduroy pants are modeled after the Buck Mason Ford Standard Jeans, rather than based on dressy corduroy trousers with side hip slant pockets. That means the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants boast a rugged, casually cool five-pocket design, plus a mid-rise and a fit that tapers below the knee.

Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants review.

The Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants also come in a selection of colors that challenge the notion of what corduroy pants can be — just witness the rich Inkwell color above, not unlike a pair of the best black jeans for men.

Rivets at stress points give the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants a further touch of durability not normally found in the best men’s dress pants, while these trousers are also garment-washed for a lived-in look and feel right out of the box.

Best corduroy pants for men.

The Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants are crafted from 10oz. 14-wale corduroy, which is neither too narrow nor too wide — these pants act like durable jeans, but can be dressed up in business casual fashion like a pair of the best men’s corduroy pants. They can also be dressed down, rest assured — a Buck Mason men’s henley or flannel shirt would seem to be a worthy pairing.

And because of their corduroy construction, the Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Pants can pull double-duty with refined leather dress boots or with broken-in leather chukka boots or even high-top sneakers. Just when you thought a classic was set in stone, Buck Mason comes along to shake things up in pleasing fashion this season.

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine 1000 Mile Plain Toe Rugged Boots – A Superb Fall Style Move

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots review.

It can be difficult, as we discuss often, to improve upon a classic like a pair of the best boots for men — and in my experience, the famed Wolverine 1000 Mile lineup of boots certainly fits the bill in that regard. I’ve been wearing Wolverine 1000 Mile men’s boots for more than a decade now — dating back to my college days in Michigan — and the Western Michigan brand still delivers in matters of quality, craftsmanship and superb style.

That also holds true with the new Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots, a standout fall style move that manages to improve upon a classic in a major way. Granted, the Wolverine 1000 Mile lineup of boots is already plenty tough to beat, with hard-wearing construction, classic good looks and some of the finest bootmaking processes stitched into every pair.

And yet, the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots amp things up in a few key ways — all the better to lace up a pair with your favorite selvedge jeans or canvas work pants as you take on a fall weekend cabin getaway (to name but one seasonal pursuit). The Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots feature resoleable Goodyear welt construction for long-lasting quality and durability, and that construction is accented by a rugged, treaded Vibram outsole.

Wolverine 1000 Mile men's boots review.

The Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots are also built with truly exceptional Horween leather from Chicago, and then handcrafted with plenty of care. It’s a difference you can feel in every pair of the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots, at least in my experience with the brand.

And these boots, although they rest on a different outsole, still share the same pedigree and toughness that’s made the 1000 Mile line a favorite since 1914 — yes, 1914! That’s a long legacy of delivering some of the best men’s boots, my friends.

With Wolverine, and with the Wolverine 1000 Mile Rugged Boots — which should age handsomely and patina nicely with every wear — you can be absolutely sure you’re investing in quality, versatility and timeless appeal. ‘Tis the season to find your new favorite boots.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt – A New Fall Style Staple

Flint and Tinder men's shirt review.

In my humble opinion, the best menswear staples are sometimes the ones you don’t have to think too hard about — the kind of pieces that look great just about anywhere, while serving as a versatile wardrobe backbone. And one of the best men’s shirts qualifies, especially if it hails from the new Flint and Tinder Fall Collection as designed, stocked and sold by my friends at Huckberry.

Simplicity certainly makes the difference, and what might look subtle on the surface can actually end up being a heroic, useful style move — like the Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt, for one. It’s today’s Style Pick for a reason, with plentiful wearability and some small yet much-appreciated features that elevate it from the typical buttondown shirt.

Best men's buttondown shirts for fall.

The Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt checks off all the proper boxes when it comes to an everyday buttondown: It boasts classic Oxford shirt construction, right down to the buttondown collar and chest pocket. Those details mean you can wear it untucked with mid-wash blue jeans or tucked in alongside, say, the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants and your favorite pair of leather boots at the office.

But your new favorite buttondown shirt also has some points of distinction going for it, starting with the use of hearty Donegal fabric with a textured look and feel. That fabric also gives the Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt more wearability in the colder months of fall and winter — your average linen buttondown shirt for summer, this is not.

It’s even reinforced with elbow patches for a workwear-inspired touch, and a bi-swing fit in the back provides greater ease of movement, whether at the drafting table or the coffee shop. Available in four crisp, stylish Donegal fabric colors, the handsome Flint and Tinder Architect Shirt is ready to step in at a moment’s notice this fall, whether worn on its own or layered underneath one of the best fall cardigans.

That’s how I’d wear it, and if you feel the same, drop me a line in the comments below. Happy shopping and we’ll See You Out There, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots – A New Must-Have Pair of Boots for Fall

Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots review.

Whenever I come across a standout pair of rugged leather boots, I tend to pay close attention — and few pairs of boots catch my eye quite like those that hail from Michigan’s own Wolverine, a famed work boot company with a penchant for performance, durability and handsome appeal.

Yes indeed, they make some of the best boots for men on the market, and the new Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots live up to that pedigree quite nicely. These stylish wedge sole men’s boots mark the fourth collaboration between the iconic bourbon company and the famed bootmaker, and they’ve got all the hallmarks of your new favorite pair of boots.

Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle boots.

As the company notes, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots were “inspired by the rich caramel and wood notes of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year,” with rugged good looks and style points to match.

This particular pair builds off the famed 1000 Mile silhouette, and uses luxe leather in a distinctly bourbon-esque shade. Of course, the brand notes that they’ll “develop a patina and a
unique character with time,” and that makes them more than worth the surprisingly agreeable $249 price tag.

A hand-numbered, woven label on the tongue sets apart each pair of the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots, which are also finished off with vintage-inspired hardware and contrast stitching for plenty of style points.

As with other pairs of my favorite Wolverine leather boots, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots team stylishly with your go-to, expertly faded blue jeans or with tobacco-hued stretch chinos, for instance.

And just like legendary Pappy Van Winkle bourbon, the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile Boots are built to stand the test of time — do yourself a favor and join me in securing your set of these must-have men’s boots for fall, my friends.

Style Pick of the Week: Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Leather Rancher Jacket – Back & Better than Ever

Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Leather Jacket.

Some menswear collaborations, even some of the best menswear partnerships, are so rare that they tend to flash in the pan and never return, arriving for one season and then being whisked away on the wind.

That might seem like hyperbole when it comes to the best menswear essentials, especially ones sold by Bespoke Post, but sometimes, it just so happens to be true — and yet, that’s not the case with the return of the Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket. It takes inspiration from 1930s service jackets, and only gets better from there.

As you might recall, Schott and Bespoke Post teamed up last year on the perfect jacket for fall, and a new edition of one of the best leather jackets for men returns just in time for “shoulder season.” The Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket hits the mark perfectly in terms of an heirloom leather jacket for men, to say the very least.

And as you might expect, it was made specifically for the acclaimed retailer (also a purveyor of some of the best subscription boxes for men, as you know if you read this Brooklyn style blog).

The Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket is American-made from rich roughout leather, the kind with standout texture and durability — a hallmark for decades with Schott, which routinely makes some of the best moto jackets on the market. Antique copper hardware adorns this handsome jacket, which also boasts a chest zipper pocket and handy side hip pockets to store everyday carry essentials aplenty.

The rugged Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket, at least in this year’s new release, boasts a durable contrasting leather collar and a rich, hard-wearing construction, the kind that should feel relatively supple out of the box while breaking in wonderfully over time.

And at the splurge-worthy price of $825, it’s a safe bet that you’ll want to get plenty of wear out of your new favorite leather jacket — particularly atop fall style classics like a rugged henley and expertly faded blue jeans.

It’s hard to find one iteration of an iconic leather jacket in a special collaborative build, much less a second edition, but the Bespoke Post x Schott NYC Roughout Leather Rancher Jacket lives up to its billing and then some — find your size while it’s still around, and then proceed to wear it in casually rugged fashion as often as yo ucan.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots – A Perfect Pair of Early Fall Boots for Men

Best suede Chelsea boots for men.

When an already-great silhouette gets top-tier treatment from one of the country’s best designers, great things are bound to happen when it comes to your wardrobe of fall menswear essentials. That’s certainly the case, at least in my experience, with the Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots, which build off the award-winning designer’s Nomad Chukka Boots.

Those chukka boots are already some of the best men’s boots out there, and the Nomad line just got even better, if you ask me. All of the hallmarks of classic men’s Chelsea boots are present, including elastic side panels and a streamlined toe shape that makes it both refined and yet pleasingly casual.

Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots.

Would you expect anything less from a designer known as much for expertly faded denim as for luxe suiting? The Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots are the best of both worlds, using a handsome suede upper atop a more casual crepe rubber outsole for a high-low balance.

Those details make your new favorite Chelsea boots as wearable with Todd Snyder selvedge denim as with olive chinos, a navy blazer and a chambray shirt (to name but one reliable everyday pairing).

And the details are also accounted for accordingly when it comes to the Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots, including Todd Snyder branded back pull tabs. As the company itself notes, “it’s hard to think of a shoe more versatile than the Chelsea boot,” and that also holds true given the duo of versatile color options in which you can snag these highly wearable fall boots for men.

Take the Snuff or Dark Brown version of the best Chelsea boots for a spin with everything from dark blue jeans to burgundy corduroys as temperatures plummet, and feel free to mix and match the Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots with staples like a rugged henley or a more crisp chambray shirt.

For now, a wide range of sizes are available, and at $398, the Todd Snyder Nomad Chelsea Boots are a fall footwear investment worth making ASAP — at least, I think so. Step on into ’em and we’ll see you out there.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder American-Made Heavyweight Pocket Tee – Your New Favorite T-Shirt

Flint and Tinder men's T-shirt review.

In my experience, it’s hard to go wrong with just about any set of menswear essentials from the good folks at Huckberry. The famed retailer has a knack for getting the job done, especially in terms of style classics like one of the best T-shirts for men. That holds true as we roll into early fall, and that makes the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Pocket Tee a new style classic for your seasonal layering (and solo style!) needs.

Made from a durable heavyweight cotton, this rugged T-shirt gets all the details right, and it’s particularly well-suited to pair up with the famed Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket as fall weather creeps in, slowly but surely. The Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Pocket Tee features a rugged build and a garment-dyed finish, all the better to wear alongside a pair of expertly faded blue jeans or Flint and Tinder’s essential 365 Pants.

The ribbed collar of the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Pocket Tee holds its shape over time, while the USA-made construction of your new favorite T-shirt should round out your casual wardrobe nicely. In my experience, Huckberry’s quality stands the test of time, and that makes this tee worth the higher price tag compared to other men’s T-shirts.

Take your pick from more than 9 colorways of the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Pocket Tee, and then style it as you please: Underneath a denim shirt, beneath a Flint and Tinder trucker jacket or all on its own. That’s the kind of quality menswear I can appreciate, and I hope you feel the same way.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Waffle Knit Henley – The Right Way to Layer for Early Fall

Best henley for men.

It seems as though it was only yesterday we were talking about the best summer style essentials here on this menswear blog, but it’s never too soon to start dreaming of crisp weather, leaves underfoot and of course, a wardrobe packed with the best fall style essentials.

I like to build my fall wardrobe from the ground up, so to speak — tough leather boots, a great pair of jeans and often, a trusty base layer like one of the best henleys for men. And in this day and age, it’s tough to get much, well, tougher and more stylish than Filson and the Filson Waffle Knit Henley.

It’s a rugged layer that’ll come in handy before you know it, whether it’s worn beneath a rugged flannel shirt or alongside your favorite trucker jacket (one from Filson would assuredly come in handy). The Filson Waffle Knit Henley is an icon in the cold-weather rotation from the lauded Pacific Northwest heritage outfitter, made with a blend of Peruvian cotton in a durable waffle-knit weave.

The two-button collar of the Filson Waffle Knit Henley gives you options in terms of customizing your fit, and it doesn’t hurt that the light heather gray color will team with just about anything in your wardrobe (indigo Filson jeans very much included). It’s also the type of staple suitable for work — crisp fall days in the yard — or play, so to speak (tailgate layering, anyone?).

And because it hails from Filson, the Filson Waffle Knit Henley is about as durable as it gets, at least in my experience with the brand. Preparing for fall just got substantially easier, all thanks to a rugged favorite from an iconic brand.