Tag / style pick of the week

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots – The Best Boots for Summer

When I set my mind to tracking down summer style essentials, I tend to look for the unexpected. That holds true especially in the men’s footwear department: While a great pair of stylish canvas sneakers is a true essential, it pays off to have a few additional arrows in the quiver, so to speak, like a pair of the best boots for men. And in my experience, if you can find those boots from one of your favorite designers, that’s all the better — try my friends at Billy Reid, for instance.

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Yes, even in the heat of summer, rugged-yet-lightweight leather boots can more than pass muster, whether paired up with your favorite set of lightweight stretch chinos or some classic light wash jeans. And for both of those wearing occasions, and then some, you deserve to step into the best: Take the newly restocked, utterly classic Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots.

Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots review.

They were introduced by the award-winning Southern menswear designer last year, and they’re back in a big way — although sizes are going quickly, they’re a handsome addition to any wardrobe that bridges the gap between rugged and refined.

In fact, my Billy Reid reviews have covered these stylish men’s chukka boots in the past, and they’re here just in time to shake things up with, say, a khaki summer suit or some fresh linen trousers.

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As with other Billy Reid menswear selections, from linen shirting to the peacoat worn by James Bond, proper specs and craftsmanship make all the difference. Built on a streamlined Italian last from light brown Kudu leather and made to develop a handsome patina over time, the Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots bring back an archival style that was a favorite of the designer decades ago.

Details like a burnished toe cap and subtle waxed laces elevate these versatile, of-the-moment chukka boots even further — keep on dreaming up ways to wear the Billy Reid Indianola Chukka Boots, because they’ll prove worthy of every penny in terms of an investment.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder Linen Polo – The Right Mix of Polish and Comfort

Best polo shirts for men.

There’s a pressing question likely on your mind, at least right now: How to wear some of the best men’s style essentials while staying cool in the heat? It can be a difficult task, especially if the occasion calls for men’s style that’s a bit more polished and crisp than casual. Say, instead of a backyard BBQ, where an American-made T-shirt might suffice, you’re looking at refined rooftop drinks.

And in that instance, reach for one of the best polos for men — a polo designed to keep you cool while looking great. My friends, that polo hails from Todd Snyder, and it’s a new summer wardrobe essential for men.

Learn more now at Todd Snyder

The Todd Snyder Linen Polo (available in three crisp, neutral colors, including Coconut and Blacktop) seems simple enough on the surface, with a dressy four-button placket and Snyder’s customary tailored but not overly tight fit.

Todd Snyder men's polo review.

And yet, it’s the fabric of the Todd Snyder Linen Polo that really makes the difference in terms of comfort, as that 100 percent linen build is highly breathable, soft and breezy.

And here’s the catch (not that there is one, necessarily), but the Todd Snyder team notes that although “it might seem a little decadent to have a polo in linen…once you’ve worn one through the dog days of summer, you’ll be a convert.”

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That sounds like worthwhile, stylish and dressy advice to me, the sort that can come in handy when worn in ways more dressed-up (like with Todd Snyder chinos) or laidback (like with cotton-blend shorts and canvas sneakers). A new way to beat the heat in style just dropped, and it’s high time you added it to your menswear wardrobe.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Mott and Bow Warren Jeans – The Perfect Casual Men’s Jeans for Summer

There are certain summer style essentials that are commonplace, true must-haves: The right pair of stretch chino shorts, the proper T-shirt for breezy casual style, and so on. Other pieces, like a pair of the best men’s jeans, can be tougher to wear — and even tougher to phase out of your wardrobe.

Take it from me: I’m a huge fan of wearing the best jeans for men as often as I can, usually with rugged chukka boots or high-top sneakers. And those jeans tend to hail from Mott and Bow, a brand that in my experience, delivers the goods in terms of utility, design and dependability.

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Yet when the high heat of summer is too daunting, I’ve found a helpful solution: Rocking a pair of Mott and Bow men’s jeans — at least, when the temperature is within reason — proves stylish, versatile and yes, a nice move for everyone who simply can’t get enough of the best blue jeans for men.

Mott and Bow men's jeans review.

I’d wager it’s not the first time you’ve come across a Mott and Bow review here on the blog, as I’ve been a longtime fan of the NYC-based denim upstart, which boasts decades of family experience at the top of its business (founder Alejandro Chanin grew up around the industry, after all).

And that means the Mott and Bow Warren Jeans are well-designed, stylish, easily wearable and even lightweight enough to wear in the summer months (again, within reason — proceed accordingly!). Your new favorite blue jeans for men, delivered in a pleasing and summer-friendly medium wash, feature a stretch factor of 18 percent.

That stretch makes ’em easy to wear on the go — with short-sleeve buttondowns, with one of your favorite polos or with a USA-made T-shirt.

Learn more now and shop at Mott & Bow

Note that they feature a mid-weight fabric, so they’ll prove more sturdy than jeans from a fast-fashion retailer — and they’ll prove an apt choice on slightly cooler summer nights, too. With waist sizing up to 40 inches and a reliable slim fit, the Mott and Bow Warren Jeans check all the proper boxes in matters of seasonal style and comfort: Unlock your new go-to pair of blue jeans today, my friends.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Oxford – A New Twist on a Classic Men’s Shirt

Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt review.

The adage “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” sometimes doesn’t apply to menswear classics. Or rather, it can be turned on its head every now and again, especially if it’s one of the best online menswear brands — that’d be Taylor Stitch — doing the updating of a tried-and-true favorite. In this case, that favorite is the classic Oxford shirt, and the Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt is a signature attempt at revamping a timeless style.

Editor’s note: Thank you to Taylor Stitch for providing a new Taylor Stitch Jack Oxford Shirt for the purposes of this review. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting brands that support The Style Guide!

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Taylor Stitch, after all, set out to make one of the best men’s shirts on the market well over a decade ago, refining its first shirts in a garage before gradually ramping up production and becoming a true, do-it-all menswear brand.

Best Oxford shirt for men.

And the great news? They’ve still hit the mark in terms of making some of the best men’s shirts even as the brand has grown, using high-quality materials (in this case, a just-right, 6.5oz. organic cotton) and premium touches like tailored, nicely fitting chest sizing.

In my experience, the rich Indigo color shown here — my selection for this men’s shirting review, if you happen to follow me on Instagram — is a knockout, with a deep blue color and a soft, garment-washed fabric for plenty of comfort.

In my experience, Taylor Stitch men’s shirts simply hit the mark, no matter what you’re asking of them. I’ve worn my Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt in Indigo Oxford with dark brown chinos, with contrasting black selvedge denim and with grey jeans — tucked in beneath a cotton blazer or untucked for casually cool style. I’ve found that the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt fits supremely well, with a length that hits just right tucked in or even untucked.

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Quality craftsmanship, including reinforced buttons and soft-yet-durable fabrics, also help make this stylish Oxford shirt a daily workhorse in my wardrobe. And that’s the other thing: My Taylor Stitch review found that the Jack Shirt’s variety and versatility is nearly unmatched.

It comes in a range of colors and fabrications based on the season, this year’s offering included. You’d do very well indeed to pick up what could quickly become your new favorite shirt — take it from me, because in this instance, Taylor Stitch did a stellar job of updating a classic.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: American Giant Vintage Flannel Shirt – The Best USA-Made Flannel Shirt Around

Best USA-made flannel shirt for men.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: They don’t make menswear like they used to, unless the menswear in question comes from American Giant. The company has made waves across the past decade for its steadfast commitment to the best American-made menswear around, doing things the old-fashioned way by sourcing raw materials and fibers in the States, then working with small factories to produce its wares.

Learn more now at American Giant

That’s only part of the story with American Giant, a brand you assuredly know from this blog. Perhaps you recognize them for some of the best workwear pants around, or else one of the best chore jackets — not to mention the iconic American Giant Classic Full-Zip, another fan favorite.

Yes indeed, in my experience, American Giant makes some of the finest, most durable USA-made menswear around — and that extends to today’s featured pick.

American Giant flannel shirt review.

Of course, brand does more than just make casual knitwear. In the case of today’s Style Pick of the Week, let’s delve into one of the best American-made flannel shirts, which tends to be a rarity — at least in terms of a shirt you can readily buy online without digging through crates at a vintage store.

The American Giant Vintage Flannel Shirt readily lives up to that name in every way possible, starting with the fact that — like the shirts your grandfather wore — it really is made in America.

In fact, I’ve tried the American Giant Vintage Flannel Shirt in recent weeks, and American Giant has certainly gone the extra mile. The brand worked with the last fabric mill in the States to yarn-dye the buttery soft yet durable cotton flannel fabric, which is then finished with front-button chest pockets — it gives the American Giant Vintage Flannel Shirt an almost shirt-jacket-like feel for maximum versatility.

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Plus, your new favorite flannel shirt comes in a trio of rich plaid options for classic style potential, including my personal favorite, the Bonfire Red Plaid number. The buttons feel sturdy and reliable, while the fabric is lightweight and breathable while also still feeling warm enough as a layer (atop a henley and beneath a stylish denim jacket) on breezy spring days.

And the helpful front button chest pockets, durable construction and curved hem give the American Giant Vintage Flannel Shirt the ideal blend of style and utility. How’s that for the best American-made flannel shirt on the market? Get yours (in one or multiple colors) while it’s still around.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson 110-Year Dry Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket

Filson Dry Tin Cloth Cruiser Jacket.

It’s always inspirational to see how a heritage menswear retailer dives into its own archives to mine its past for, among other things, the best spring menswear. And at a time of year when blustery weather gets more fierce by the day, and at a time when the best spring jackets for men are a must-have, there’s nothing quite like the chance to score a rugged, heritage-worthy archival style with loads of history and modern performance.

And that jacket, my friends? It’s the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Cruiser, which Filson just revamped for the famed jacket’s 110th anniversary.

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110 years is a heck of a lot of dependability and reliable performance, and Filson certainly knows a thing or two about styles made to go the distance. The specs on this jacket nod to its history as a piece of outerwear prized by foresters who, as Filson says, were “cruising timber ahead of logging crews.”

As it were, the first edition of the Filson Cruiser used the outfitter’s famed Mackinaw Wool, while a waxed canvas version then followed — and the 2024 edition of the Filson Dry Tin Cloth Cruiser uses that same abrasion-resistant duck canvas (although a 1970s edition featured water resistance, minus the waxed treatment).

Are you still with me? The point stands that the rugged, tough-as-nails Filson Dry Tin Cloth Cruiser boasts hard-wearing fabric, plentiful pockets for your everyday carry, durable snaps and a puncture-resistant build.

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The handsome and yet rugged Filson Dry Tin Cloth Cruiser is one of the toughest jackets on the market, whether worn with hard-working canvas pants on the job or with some Filson indigo denim alongside your favorite henley for grabbing another round of cold Friday night beers.

Whatever your next spring outing requires of you, the historical and historically tough Filson Dry Tin Cloth Cruiser is up to the task — and then some.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Filson Eagle Harbor Jac Shirt – One of the Best Spring Shirt Jackets

Best shirt jacket for men.

As we move slowly but surely into spring, it’s high time to take stock of your rotation of the best spring jackets, is it not? Spring conditions, with the potential for everything from blustery weather, rain and wind to sunshine, call for some of the hardest-wearing, hardest-working gear on the market — gear from Filson, to be more specific.

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The Pacific Northwest heritage brand is a personal favorite for its emphasis on heirloom-worthy quality, tough performance and style points in equal measure, something they’ve emphasized for over a century now. And given the company’s Seattle roots, it only makes sense that a rugged outerwear pick like the Filson Eagle Harbor Jac Shirt would get the job done in fine form this season.

The Filson Eagle Harbor Jac Shirt is about as tough and hard-wearing as it gets, with an easy-on, easy-off snap button front placket, two sturdy button chest pockets for your everyday carry and of course, the outfitter’s legendary, weather-ready fabric. When it comes to the Filson Eagle Harbor Jac Shirt, that fabric happens to be a water-resistant waxed cotton that’ll get even better with age.

Learn more now at Filson

As the iconic company says, they modeled your new favorite shirt jacket “after our original wool Jac-Shirt that’s been an outdoors staple since the mid-1970s,” and that’s a heritage-minded point worth keeping in mind. The waxed cotton of the Filson Eagle Harbor Jac Shirt should easily stand up to wind and rain, proving useful to layer over everything from a thermal Filson henley to a classic T-shirt to, say, a lightweight Filson flannel shirt.

It’s rugged enough to wear with dark blue jeans, cool enough to wear with olive chinos and overall, the Filson Eagle Harbor Jac Shirt is up to just about any challenge this early spring — style-related, weather-wise or anywhere else.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Denim Trucker Jacket

Best denim jacket for men.

Editor’s note: Welcome back to The Style Guide after a brief Friday intermission. Going forward, what would you like to see from the Friday Read? A new direction might be on the way for those weekly posts, so let me know any feedback in the comments.

My friends, we’re back at it again with another look at — you guessed it — one of the best denim jackets for men, or more specifically, we’re back at it again with another look at rugged menswear from Flint and Tinder.

The Huckberry in-house brand is an icon and personal favorite for a reason in terms of the modern menswear pantheon, with durable, rugged and timeless appeal. Of course, the latest and greatest Flint and Tinder trucker jacket builds off the company’s DNA in a way that only Huckberry can.

Best denim jacket for men.

Just in time for prime layering season, the Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Denim Jacket is an ideal way to bridge the gap between seasons.

As we move slowly but surely into transitional weather, your new favorite trucker jacket is ready to take on just about anything, in a fashion not all that different from the instantly recognizable, fan favorite Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket. In this case, it starts with premium Italian denim from Candiani, which you might call “the good stuff.”

Best denim jacket for men.

Of course, this jacket follows the brand’s penchant for old-school silhouettes like the road-ready trucker jacket, with a few key updates (namely, a cotton denim exterior, of course).

The exterior also uses 2 percent stretch for ease of movement, while the 7oz. cotton-polyester blend lining adds a touch of warmth and comfort to what just might be the perfect transitional jacket.

Flint and Tinder trucker jacket review.

It also boasts other handsome, throwback details, like a corduroy collar and a pleasingly vintage-inspired Flint and Tinder label. It’s also worth noting that one of the best new jackets from Huckberry comes in both a medium-wash blue denim and a Natural denim, just like the 1950s Lee Rider jackets that inspired it.

And with sturdy Flint and Tinder hardware and that handsome contrasting striped lining, this jacket surely gets the details right. Would you expect anything less from Huckberry, after all? I certainly wouldn’t, and that makes this new release a highly appealing, highly reliable option from the famed retailer.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Buck Mason Insulated Explorer Jacket – Ready For Anything This Winter

Best Buck Mason jackets for men.

My friends, welcome back to The Style Guide as we dive into the best men’s style essentials for winter. We took a break from our regular programming following a very hectic New York Fashion Week, but now, we’re back at it today with another Buck Mason review covering a rugged winter must-have.

There’s still plenty of time to layer up in one of the best men’s winter jackets, and the Buck Mason Insulated Explorer Jacket certainly fits the bill quite nicely.

Learn more now at Buck Mason

This stylish Buck Mason jacket has plenty going for it in terms of utility, of course, with the build of a chore coat and the insulated design of a classic puffer jacket. Yet, it’s that chore coat-inspired design that elevates this piece above the rest, with plenty of rugged appeal and workwear-ready performance built right in.

Buck Mason menswear review.

Your new favorite winter jacket was inspired by World War II-era USMC P41-inspired chore jackets, exactly the sort of inspiration that makes Buck Mason menswear so timeless and yet fresh in a modern way. The nylon shell is finished with a DWR coating to repel wind and rain, while the Buck Mason Insulated Explorer Jacket also boasts premium PrimaLoft fill insulation for added warmth.

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A foldover point collar can be turned against wind, rain and snow, while three patch pockets provide essential room for your everyday carry. And the Buck Mason Insulated Explorer Jacket is also built with bartack finishing at pocket corners for even more durability.

As with most of the best Buck Mason menswear, it seems the brand covered every base with the Buck Mason Insulated Explorer Jacket, and it’s the sort of rugged, durable purchase you can feel good about making — and wearing the rest of winter.

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan – An Expertly Crafted Winter Sweater

Best shawl cardigan for men.

We’re right in the thick of it, if you ask me: That is, the cold, dreary days of winter, and that calls for some seriously stylish, cozy, rugged men’s style essentials. And the best place to start? Your layering game, which is why we’re gathered here today with our friends at Huckberry. They’re a likely place to start for a modern twist on the classics — the retailer has a knack for unearthing finds that take the “expected” and turn it into the “unexpected.”

Best sweaters for men at Huckberry.

Of course, this is the case if you’re familiar with Relwen, the Ohio-based brand that respects the classics and amps them up with modern materials — like one of the best shawl cardigans for men, of course. Yes, you’ve known the shawl cardigan for its prowess since the days of Steve McQueen, but here’s where things get even more interesting.

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The Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan nods to that classic style, but its use of modern materials is an extra step up, one that’s going to shake you out of the doldrums of winter. You see, it’s made with merino wool, which is naturally insulating while regulating your temperature and resisting odor and bacteria. It’s a far cry from the scratchy wool sweaters of days gone by, right?

Plus, it boasts stylish details like two higher shawl collar buttons to give your neck extra coverage on brisk days, and this handsome cardigan also features a chest pocket for an added bit of detail. Relwen has certainly thought of everything, haven’t they?

Your new favorite shawl cardigan is part of Huckberry’s assortment of smart-casual sweaters: Sweaters that are cozy and warm, sure, but every bit as stylish for a brisk winter date night or a Zoom meeting as they are for a weekend winter retreat. Visually appealing, ever-so-slightly rugged and simply cool as heck: The Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan fits the bill nicely.

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Oh, and this timeless piece is even lined with cotton for a super-soft feel and an easy wearing experience, even if you happen to slip the Relwen Merino Wool Shawl Cardigan atop your favorite T-shirt for days at home. From your couch to your coffee shop and beyond, Relwen’s latest and greatest sweater delivers — winter days don’t stand a chance.