Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
A luxurious update to the classic V-neck, courtesy of Everlane.
A rich color from a brand normally known for its subdued palette.
Do you own any Everlane sweaters? What are your thoughts on the brand?
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
A flatcap — best worn when the weather’s cold. Elbow-patch cardigan by JACHS NY. Chambray shirt by GAP. Wool flatcap by Goorin Brothers. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta. Glasses by Warby Parker.
A look at the inside of this wool flatcap — made in America with a black suede underbill.
Would you pick up a wool flatcap? Or are you in the no-hats camp?
The Long Haul Field Jacket — another stunning crowdfunded piece up for grabs from Taylor Stitch.
There are some items that you see online and immediately think — or in this case, exclaim aloud — “WHOA,” and certainly one of the best men’s field jackets is good enough to do that. The item that did that for me this week is the crazy-sweet Taylor Stitch jacket you see at the top of the page — and that’s almost not even a good enough adjective to describe it. Yes indeed, the Long Haul Jacket in Field Tan Waxed Canvas is the latest in a growing line of exceptionally stylish and durable-looking product releases from the made-in-America purveyors at California-based Taylor Stitch. If you’re not familiar with the brand, take a moment to acquaint yourself. They stock both a regular rotation of everyday Essentials — things like chambray shirts, Oxfords and their famous Standard Issue Chinos — in addition to the crowdfunding they use to produce products (like the jacket you see here) in small batches. That model is clearly working, as the Long Haul Jacket is a runaway hit to the tune of being more than 350% funded as of press time. They’ve become a Style Guide regular (check out a past Style Pick feature here), and that’s due in large part to the strength and style potential of their product, which is timeless and well-crafted. The Long Haul Jacket would certainly seem to stand up to that test at first glance — and that first glance is a stunner (or is it just me?).
The jacket comes complete with the brand’s signature map lining interior, not to mention a host of other durable design features.
This rather beastly-looking jacket is crafted from 7 oz. Martexin waxed canvas designed to repel water, and comes complete with tonal Brisbane Moss corduroy-lined cuffs and collar for an extra bit of vintage style inspiration. The flap chest pockets and front-welt hand-warmer pockets (along with the silhouette in general) call to mind a classic denim jacket — except a denim jacket won’t pack nearly the punch that this thing will. The copper rivets and buttons look sturdy, an underrated point of emphasis that can make a big difference — don’t want any buttons falling off, eh? So the design features appear at first glance to be exceptionally solid. And of course, the styling potential for this jacket is nearly through the roof. The weight and water-repellent functionality should make it a terrific spring jacket — that’s perfect, given that it should ship in late March after pre-funding and production. And the color and sturdy waxed canvas mean you can wear it into fall with solid layers, too. It’s the perfect jacket to toss on over a grey henley and black denim, and you can mix up your office style by pairing it with a chambray shirt and a navy knit tie. And about that price — for a jacket that you can wear that much, the pre-funding mark of $148 is a downright steal. Get on it, and get excited for spring.
How would you style this field jacket? Do you have any experience with Taylor Stitch?
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
A rich color and Goodyear welt construction create a super-tough (and prison-ready) overall package from Frye. Photo courtesy of Frye.
As the calendar moves into January and winter (finally) gets started in earnest, I find myself turning time and again to style staples that I can wear over and over again — things like great sweaters, a nice jacket and solid winter accessories. Sometimes when it gets cold or the weather turns on you, you just need something sturdy to carry you from point A to point B. Of course, form and function should go hand-in-hand — and it’s definitely achievable when you browse through the stunning E-commerce pages of a site like Huckberry. Their selection of gear is really second-to-none if you appreciate quality, craftsmanship and timeless style (believe me, I’ve spent hours looking). And one piece in particular really caught my eye this week– those boots you see at the top of the page: the Frye Prison Boot. The name sounds intimidating, to be sure, but the styling potential and quality are actually quite relatable — even if they are the same style of boots made for … wait for it … the Arkansas prison system.
Leather laces and a stone-tumbled finish also add unique character to these boots.
The Frye Prison Boot comes in a rich Cognac colorway, and the boots themselves are, quite incredulously, tumbled with stones for a beat-up, broken-in look. Crucial details like a Goodyear welt construction ensure supremely sturdy quality, and the thick leather laces are also a nice touch. Make no mistake, these are not a pair of boots to be trifled with. The price certainly reflects that — it outstrips nearly every entry on this site’s recent list of best men’s winter boots. On that note, there are definitely brands (like Thursday Boots) who can offer cheaper winter boots and in more sizes (these guys only run up to size 12 via Huckberry). Even with that hefty price tag, the Frye Prison Boot is the type of boot you can take out and use again and again with a ton of outfits — season after season. Think slim corduroys plus a navy crewneck and a chambray shirt (as in this week’s #OOTD entry), for starters. And as long as you reach for something like a chambray dress shirt, they could even add character to something as refined as a slim charcoal suit. The point is this: the color is rich and versatile, the quality is self-evident, and the design touches (like the prison number stamped on the heel) add a little something extra — enough to the point where you just might wish you had a pair the next time you step out in the snow.
Tell me — would you consider buying these boots? How would you style them?
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
Slim-cut, a classic color and plenty of styling options — the navy crewneck sweatshirt from Reigning Champ.
A view from the back of the Reigning Champ crewneck sweatshirt, featuring raglan shoulder stitching.
Do you have a navy crewneck in your arsenal? Would you pick up this piece from Reigning Champ?
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
Rustic yet refined at the same time — the Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt from Todd Snyder.
During my Christmas trip to Florida last week, I was pretty lucky to get some terrific gifts (mostly #menswear-inclined) from Santa. And among those gifts was none other than the standout Hemingway Elbow Patch Shirt you see at the top of the page from lauded American menswear designer Todd Snyder. The Midwest-born designer has been delivering on modern updates to heritage classics these past few years, and this soft cotton shirt with sturdy suede elbow patches definitely checks off some key boxes in that regard. Even better for you, my fellow menswear fan — it’s on-sale right now (marked down to $129 from $185). That price is still enough to scare people away, but given the brand’s history of quality and style, it might not be a bad way to spend your bonus. It’s great in another regard, too: As the weather gets colder, I’m all about incorporating texture into my wardrobe, from a wool bomber to a thick shawl cardigan and tough denim.The inclination toward richer textures goes for shirting as well, and it’s a move that you should consider making yourself — a cotton flannel shirt can serve a two-fold role; if it’s cut slim enough, you can wear it under a V-neck sweater, and if it proves to be hardy enough, you can definitely layer it over a henley (as I did on a trip to Grand Rapids this past fall).
A closer look at the elbow patches and texture that make this piece special. Pictured with cold-weather style essentials ideal for the season — the Buffalo Bobber Glove from Iron & Resin, and a Merino Watch Cap from American Trench.
The grey plaid of this shirt is understated, and the spread (not buttondown) collar means this shirt leans a bit dressier than most flannels — especially when worn under something like a slim navy blazer. Crucially, the elbow patches add a nice bit of visual interest and a vintage look when the shirt is worn on its own. In fact, it could be a neat style swerve to ditch the jacket and throw on a slim herringbone tie and some tan chinos for an office-ready take. Throw in some brown leather sneakers and that look could be complete. Of course, this shirt is probably going to work best alongside rugged denim and sturdy winter boots, maybe even underneath a vest if you’re feeling particularly rugged. The slim collar and muted colors make it dressy, but those elbow patches and the rustic pattern make it rugged — that’s exactly what you need in a shirt this winter.
Do you own any Todd Snyder shirts? How would you style this piece, elbow patches and all?
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
Thick-knit and ready for all kinds of cold weather — the JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan. Denim tote bag also by JackThreads. Roughout Captain Leather Boots by Thursday Boot Company.
So how was your Christmas? Did you get any snow in your neck of the woods? Things were quite warm here in Florida, and not a snowflake in sight. But that doesn’t mean I’m not prepped for a cold spell once I head back to NYC. As it gets deeper and deeper into winter, you can certainly expect more and more of these weekly Style Pick features to cover cold-weather essentials. That’s where something exceptionally sturdy and durable like the JackThreads Fisherman Cardigan is going to come in handy. It’s yet another item that the site’s new menswear vertical seems to do so well, and at a really solid pricepoint, too. If you’re not familiar, JT relaunched this past fall with a revamped Web site and its own collection of #menswear essentials, ranging from soft tees to affordably priced cashmere sweaters (those are going for an astounding $69 right now — keep an eye out for more later this winter). So given the mission they’ve set out to achieve — outfitting the discerning style aficionado at a great price — I’m a big fan. Throw in the fact that the Fisherman Cardigan is thick-knit, super-warm and way stylish, and you have a surefire winner in my book. Some might not like the fact that it’s 70 percent acrylic to 30 percent wool, but the blend doesn’t feel cheap or scratchy. Besides, what’s important is how it can be styled!
If Heather Grey isn’t your speed, the Fisherman Cardigan also comes in what the brand calls Medium Blue.
As I’ve written before and will no doubt write on more in the future, the shawl-collar cardigan strikes the right balance between a style curveball — you’re wearing a cardigan after all — and a rugged style essential. The shawl collar itself adds visual interest, while the thick knit is a great textural play. In the versatile Heather Grey seen here, it can be paired seamlessly with a tough long-sleeve henley, or over a chambray shirt and dark denim — and the Medium Blue as seen above would also be a solid choice. You could even layer it under a brown wool blazer if it gets especially cold. And at the price of this JackThreads cardigan (just a hair over $52), you can wear it again and again without treating it too preciously. I myself have worn this bad boy over a twill CPO shirt and indigo henley for a night exploring Brooklyn, and my only other layer was a scarf — it’s that warm. It’s the exact right kind of style to anchor a sturdy weekend outfit — captoe boots and raw denim definitely come to mind. With the neutral color, a slim fit (a Medium fits my frame just right) and that eyecatching texture, it’s a cardigan that’s more than ready to brave the cold no matter where your adventures take you this winter.
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
A medium-blue color and natural chambray make this shirt comfortable and versatile.
With just enough time to spare before Christmas, Santa is here with a helpful — and highly versatile — Style Pick of the Week. I’ve written often on the power of having items you can dress up or down, and wear in just about any situation. Essential items like a well-tailored blazer or a great pair of dark denim can certainly carry you far in most circumstances, and you can add to that mix a trim chambray shirt — like the Todd Shelton chambray shirt you see up top. This blog covered off on a great chambray shirt from GAP earlier this year, but the style is so versatile that it’s never a bad thing to consider having another one in your rotation (this is coming from a guy with bunches of henleys in his closet, though). Make no mistaken, it’s unlike a standard blue Oxford cloth buttondown. Chambray finds its roots in workwear — rough, rugged styles worn by those actually out in the field. The style has seen a resurgence in the past five years or so as those silhouettes have come back, but as far as this #menswear blogger is concerned, it’s here to stay — a chambray shirt is nearly as firmly entrenched in the style lexicon as slim denim or a great pair of chukka boots.
Todd Shelton’s chambray shirt pairs well with other style staples. Charcoal wool blazer by UNIQLO. Raw dark denim by Mott & Bow. Navy suede 1000 Mile boots by Wolverine. Knit tie by 15ties. Striped socks by American Trench. Belt & floral pocket square by J. Crew.
That’s why it pays to invest in one up front — especially when it can work seamlessly with other wardrobe staples you might already have (like those pieces in the above photo). If you’re familiar at all with Todd Shelton, you’ll know the New Jersey-based brand has a penchant for producing everything from its denim to knitwear with great care here in America. So the price you see on the site certainly pays off. You could definitely walk into J. Crew and pick up a chambray shirt for about $50 less — but I can guarantee the fit won’t be as spot-on as a Todd Shelton shirt, for starters.Todd Shelton offers standard Small through XXL sizes, but its Advanced Fit options dial down everything from Sleeve Width to Stomach Width. Crucially for all those in between sizes, it even offers Small/Medium hybrid options. The brand was kind enough to work with me on my own measurements, so you can expect a full product review in the coming weeks. What you should know in the meantime is that as an investment, a Todd Shelton chambray shirt delivers great value — as any chambray should. Wear it with dark denim, boots and a blazer right now, or rock it with a leather bomber in the weeks to come. You can’t go wrong with a crisp color and trim fit in a style essential like this.
What’s your go-to chambray shirt? Would you pick up this piece from Todd Shelton?
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
Raw denim — heavy stuff fit for the winter.
As most of us move into colder weather, there’s just something that feels right — and functional — in reaching for heavier, more thicker fabrics. That goes for chunky knit sweaters, flannel shirts, durable boots and of course, dependable dark denim. Mott & Bow has become a fan favorite among the staff (of one) at The Style Guide, and its newest offering looks to fill that heavy denim void if you’ve been on the hunt. Of course, they’ve released everything from white denim earlier this summer to dependable blue denim with a nice hint of stretch, but the Norfolk Raw Denim is only the brand’s second dry, unwashed offering (the Rivington Slim is the other). Available in both Slim and Straight fits, either pick is going to be a great way to go as far as new denim.
The Slim fit should be tailored but not too tight, easily wearable with winter style staples.
Raw denim is, by its nature, designed to be worn for as long as possible before the first wash (and there are many schools of thought on exactly how you should go about that). In the meantime though, the jeans will conform to your body and lifestyle, breaking in and getting better over time. The 100 percent 12.5 oz. Turkish cotton in this pair of Mott & Bow denim is substantial without being monstrously heavy (and that’s good news if you enjoy wearing denim in the summer). When it does come time to wash this particular pair, the fact that they’re sanforized — treated with a shrink-preventing chemical — means that they’ll retain the crisp fit you should be looking for. As with Mott & Bow’s other offerings, select sizes are indeed available for its ever-useful Home Try-on Program, and the pricing is pretty advantageous. While the denim isn’t as cheap as, say, UNIQLO’s dark denim offerings, you’re not looking at outlandish J. Crew pricing. In short, these jeans should be a very solid buy from a dependable retailer — and when it comes to dark denim, they’ll provide style versatility in bunches, particularly if you match them up with other rugged winter staples.
Get the Mott & Bow Norfolk Raw Denim now.
Let me know — do you have experience with Mott & Bow denim? Would you try out these jeans?
Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.
Another modern shirting release from Frank & Oak for consideration in your wardrobe.
Here on The Style Guide, I write a lot about excellent seasonal pickups, from trim fall and winter blazers to slim corduroys. There’s one brand that nails some of those seasonal pickups better than the rest, though. If you’ve kept up with the digital #menswear scene and the digital pages of this blog (good for you!), you’ll recognize Frank & Oak. The brand popped up in this week’s Holiday Party Style Suggestion, and they’ve also been featured in two Hunt Club Crate reviews. However, if you’re not familiar, they’re absolutely worth a look. The Canadian retailer has made its name delivering monthly collections featuring of-the-moment looks for not a lot of money (for the most part), and they’ve also upped their retail presence significantly recently with several Canadian locations and shops Stateside in Boston, Chicago and Washington, D.C. for now. You can get in on those collection releases via the brand’s Hunt Club, which offers free shipping and home try-ons, and that’s a great thing considering F&O offers some of the better -value shirting on the market. Luckily, the Plaid Flannel Shirt that you see here — part of this month’s Hunt Club collection — has hit the market just in time for chillier days ahead in December and beyond.
A slim buttondown collar keeps this shirt casual yet ready to pair with like-minded lapels.
At just $48, it’s priced higher than something from the likes of J. Crew Factory but comes in lower than a blue J. Crew flannel shirt — yet one could argue the quality of Frank & Oak’s shirts is definitely on-par with the big-brother brand. This Frank & Oak shirt has just as many positives to it as a more expensive piece — combine a trim fit with a rather understated plaid pattern and a casual buttondown collar, and you’ve got a shirt that can pull double-duty under a herringbone blazer during the week and atop a henley and some navy cargo pants on the weekends. The slim collar is an oft-overlooked aspect of some shirts, too — in this case, that helps it pair just fine visually with a thin-lapel blazer (as most suiting leans that ways these days). And the color and styling potential is such that it’s a nice upgrade from a typical buttondown — injecting some pattern where you might normally go with a solid shirt is always a good call. Here’s hoping this finds its way into your stocking this holiday season — or into your closet before then.
What’s your shopping experience been like with Frank & Oak? What’s your take on this shirt and how would you style it?
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