May 6, 2019April 9, 2019 by Beau H.

The List: These Are Your New Favorite Summer Style Essentials

Let’s keep it casual, cool and breezy this summer with Taylor Stitch, shall we?

Can you feel it in the air? The start of summer? Yes, we’re getting there — slowly but surely. For every bright and sunny day though, there’s bound to be a chilly night around the bonfire, beer in hand — that’s where the Taylor Stitch Big Sur Hoodie comes into play as today’s lead-off selection. You’ll find the rest of our picks below capture the right balance between casual and rugged, spring and summer … and you might find you want all of these new menswear essentials for yourself. Enjoy, and let me know what you think on Twitter.

Taylor Stitch Big Sur Hoodie — $168

The dependable zip hoodie you need for chilly summer nights.

Today’s top pick, and perhaps the best men’s hooded sweatshirt on the market. Even though we’re into May, there’s a chance that the weather could turn breezy. For all those nights — and summer bonfires aplenty — wear this stylish zip hoodie from Taylor Stitch.

Carpenter Watches G2 Brooklyn Gent — $724.98

The undeniably stylish watch you’ll want to wear as often as possible.

We’ll pivot from a casual zip hoodie right into the refined leather watch you’ll want to wear to the office and to summer weekend cocktail parties time and again — the stellar Carpenter Watches G2 Brooklyn Gent is perhaps the best leather watch to get on your wrist.

Buckler’s Daily Defense Kit — $68

A handy trio of grooming essentials for any day of the week.

We’ve talked in the past on the site about the Buckler’s Daily Defense Kit, and although it might not be the middle of winter, men’s grooming essentials are no less vital. Use this as often as you can.

Mott & Bow Slim Mosco Denim — $96

The slim light wash denim to pair with your new navy hoodie.

How to best complement your new stylish zip hoodie in a way that’s casual and laidback? Why, slim light wash denim from Mott & Bow. Easygoing, comfortable and made for anything.

Clarks Wallabee Boots in Maple Suede — $140

The perfect middle ground between casual and overly rugged for spring.

A style as timeless as the Clarks Wallabee Boots demands your attention this spring and summer. Consider these classic suede boots a nice go-between from your sneakers and your heavy-duty leather lace-up boots.

mohinders City Slipper in Solid — $165

A one-of-a-kind pair of stylish summer slip-ons.

Listen, are these woven leather slippers from mohinders for everyone? Quite likely not. But if you want a pair of stylish slip-ons for summer, the kind you can wear with olive chinos and a white slub tee without missing a beat, these mohinders City Slippers are the way to go.

Taylor Stitch California Shirt — $125

The uniquely stylish shirt to wear all summer.

We’ve previously covered the incredible utility and style of the Taylor Stitch California Shirt here on the blog, and it’s back again — with good reason. It’s a one-of-a-kind shirt in a rich Indigo color, and you should wear this rugged indigo shirt all the time with slim tan chinos. The perfect summer shirt, in short.

Topo Designs Wind Jacket — $149

The rugged-yet-versatile jacket to wear early and often this spring.

Looking for a durable spring jacket to carry you through seasonal day hikes and more leisurely pursuits (a la a trip to your favorite brewery?). The Topo Designs Wind Jacket is the one to buy now.

Grayers Newport Blazer — $195

A unique spring and summer blazer for standout seasonal style.

If you want to stand out the right way at a summer cocktail party or a summer wedding, you could do worse than to wear this classic cotton blazer from Grayers, right? Right. Pair it with slim grey chinos and a blue chambray shirt.

Huckberry Vintage Runners — $137.98

Retro-inspired sneakers to wear as much as you can this May (and beyond).

Early summer is nothing if not the perfect time to wear your new favorite sneakers. And those particular sneakers? They would happen to be the Huckberry Vintage Runners, and they’re perfect to pair with slim light wash denim from Mott & Bow.

Fjallraven Ulvo Rolltop — $135

The technical backpack that’s ready for anything this season.

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I’m less of a “technical bags guy” and more of a “leather messenger bag” guy — but this Fjallraven Ulvo Rolltop is simply primed for summer adventures.

La Paz Ribas Henley — $76

The short-sleeve henley you need now, and in a perfect color for summer.

We’ll keep the versatile summer gear picks coming here today with this rugged short-sleeve henley in a bright, summer-friendly color. Wear this one with slim chinos and vintage leather sneakers to grab a pint or two.

Wellen Organic Jeans — $88

Another edition to your rotation of light wash jeans this season.

What could be better than a pair of the best light wash denim to wear all spring and summer? How about a pair like the Wellen Organic Jeans, made with 100 percent organic cotton? Bingo.

Huckberry Blue Hour Growler — $55.98

A tough, well-designed growler to keep your favorite beverage cold.

It wouldn’t be spring and summer if we didn’t discuss one of the best craft beer accessories to bring with you on camping hikes and day trips aplenty. We first introduced you to this Huckberry Blue Hour Growler in this list of 2018 men’s style essentials, but we’re bringing it back today — ’tis the season.

Alright, so that was quite the list of spring men’s gear picks, was it not? Do you have a favorite? To me, it’ll always be tough to pass up something as critical and yet underrated for summer as the Taylor Stitch Big Sur Hoodie, or else the Huckberry Blue Hour Growler (what can I say, I love me some craft beer!). Let me know your picks over at The Style Guide Facebook page. Thanks for reading!

May 29, 2018May 29, 2018 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s the Best Way to Wear a Denim Jacket This Summer

In the hustle and bustle between holding down a PR job and keeping things (mostly) afloat at The Style Guide, there are days where I prefer to just grab and go when it comes to my personal style. Do you feel much the same way? Well, good sir (or madam!), today’s #OOTD is for you. We’re talking the best way to wear a denim jacket this summer — a classic denim jacket is a grab-and-go style move that I find myself making more often than not, especially in these somewhat breezy days of early summer, where a sunny afternoon can shift to a cloudy night quite quickly. The Levi’s Trucker Jacket shown below is a timeless style staple, a silhouette that looks good on any guy. It looks even better when paired with some crisp-yet-simple brown dress shoes and pieces like a tough leather belt. What’s more, a rugged denim jacket adds a bit of visual edge to even simple looks — take, for instance, the slim grey T-shirt and classic five-pocket pants featured below. That, to me, is grab-and-go style at its best. The type of style that looks polished and considered, but not too perfect. The type of style that’s perfect for, well, right now. Count this #OOTD as perfect for weekend happy hour or a patio party, or even a day on the road — you’d be surprised how handy a Levi’s Trucker Jacket can be (can you tell I’m a fan?). If you’ve got thoughts of your own on this #menswear ensemble, let me know on Twitter. Onward!

A classic denim jacket punches up this timeless #OOTD even more. Don’t you agree?

The Denim Jacket: Levi’s Trucker Jacket in Queen, $89.50 — The casual light wash and lightweight cotton construction make the Levi’s Trucker Jacket an easy summer layering move, particularly over a classic grey tee.
The T-Shirt: Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee in Grey, $38 — We’ve sung the praises of the Taylor Stitch Triblend Tee on the blog before. To be sure, the Triblend Tee in Grey is simple, comfortable and exceedingly well-made — it’s more than good enough to stand on its own.
The Pants: Flint and Tinder 365 Pants in Earth, $98 — The cut of jeans with the fabrication of chinos — the Flint and Tinder 365 Pants are an everyday staple that exude timeless, cool style — perfect for summer.
The Shoes: Thursday Boots Statesman Dress Shoes in Brown, $180 — The shoes really do make this outfit — understated dress shoes add a unique bit of high-low style here; they’re a cut above laidback high-top sneakers, so wear this look to get patio drinks at your favorite cocktail bar.
The Socks: Arvin Goods Camp Socks, $15 — No stuffy wool boot socks here — just well-made, breathable Arvin Goods socks with some nice texture and color.
The Belt: Levi’s Linden Roller Belt, $35 — A textured leather belt is going to keep this outfit firmly in casual territory– it’s a nice contrast to the crisp dress shoes and the stylish watch (you’ll see it in just a minute!)
The Watch: Shinola Runwell Watch, $550 — The beauty of a denim jacket-and-tee combo, matched up with simple-yet-sharp dress shoes? Your watch can toe that same line — the Shinola Runwell Watch is investment-worthy and sharp, yet it’s still a classic leather watch that’s understated enough to fit right in.
The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Wiley Sunglasses, $135 — Because the rest of this outfit is stylish, yet not over-the-top, your sunglasses can be used to inject just a bit of visual interest into the look. Turn to Raen Optics.

We’re turning the page on today’s #OOTD. Have you come around to the idea of wearing a classic denim jacket a little more casually this summer? When accessorized with the right staple pieces — like the simple-yet-effective Triblend Tee in Grey and the nicely tailored Flint and Tinder 365 Pants — it offers a bit of standout style without going overboard. It’s timeless, it’s rugged, it works for breezy summer nights and cool days … the Levi’s Trucker Jacket sure is a winner. That’s grab-and-go style personified. Crisp dress shoes are an interesting and unique substitution for classic sneakers — give it a try sometime and see where it takes you. Just because we’re going casual doesn’t give you an excuse to cut corners on the accessories front — start with a rugged leather belt from Levi’s, then add the Shinola Runwell Watch to seal the deal. Arvin Goods socks bring some sustainability and style into the equation — just the right amount of visual contrast when peeking out from underneath the cuff of your Flint and Tinder 365 Pants, ehh? On the eyewear front, Raen Optics has you covered in matters of both looks and functionality. Remember, the building blocks of any grab-and-go look are often pieces right in front of you — a cool denim jacket, an easygoing tee, some classic five-pocket pants. From there? Go anywhere you please this summer. Oh, and grab me a pint, will ya? Cheers!

August 15, 2017August 14, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Layer Up for A Breezy Summer Night

Ready for today’s #OOTD? I hope you are — I sure am. Although we’re (sadly) getting down to the last few weeks of summer here, I assure you that today’s post is jammed with summer style essentials that still function well into the early fall. Growing up in Michigan, I loved going to bonfires with family and friends, or spending nights on a river or lake enjoying a S’more and taking in the simpler things in life — it’s tough to find time to do that in NYC. Yet, if youre’ lucky enough to have another bonfire or backyard BBQ coming up, there’s a chance that once the sun sets, things will get a bit chilly. Not “polar vortex” cold, but breezier nonetheless. And when that time comes, you want #menswear that works with you — not against you. Men’s style staples that are crisp-yet-casual, easy to wear and easy to layer are going to be critical. You certainly want to dress for the occasion — think of it like dressing for a summer BBQ, where you’re there for a great time and ready for anything (don’t forget the beer). Keep these essentials around, and you’ll be glad you prepared accordingly — among my favorite picks from this #OOTD, I sure do love the Life/After/Denim Awash Hoodie, and I think you’ll find it’s a perfect casual menswear essential. What about the rest of these picks? Read on, shop away and catch up with me on Instagram to see how I’m spending these last few weeks of summer.

Light, easygoing menswear staples for a breezy summer evening around a bonfire or at the beach.

The Hoodie: Life/After/Denim Awash Hoodie, $80 — The breezy, casual Awash Hoodie features an absolutely perfect blend of laidback style and premium quality. It doesn’t look half-bad if your date needs to borrow it, either.

The Tee: Flint and Tinder Slub Tee in White, $38 — What’s more American and summer-friendly than a classic white T-shirt? Not a lot. Flint and Tinder makes its Slub Tee with just the right amount of comfort and rugged appeal.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Grim Tim, $140.98 — While you could easily reach for a pair of classic summer shorts, the light wash of the Nudie Jeans Grim Tim plays nicely off the dark blue Life/After/Denim sweater. Ya dig?

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Natural, $80 — That perfect, rugged yet wearable everyday belt (pun intended here) can be quite tough to find. This handsome Sturdy Brothers belt should certainly do the trick, yeah?

The Sneakers: SeaVees Maslon Desert Boot, $82.98 — What better classic sneakers to slip into than a pair of well-made, affordably priced and easygoing SeaVees sneakers?

The Socks: CHUP Labdien Socks, $16 — Cool, casual style calls for rolled light wash denim, classic white sneakers and stylish men’s socks with enough personality to speak for themselves after you’ve ditched your sneakers.

The Watch: Komrade Urban Diver Watch, $429 — There’s no better way to cap off an outfit filled with breezy, casual staples than by throwing on a tough-yet casual, rugged dive watch — right? Yes indeed — and Komrade surely makes an investment-worthy timepiece.

The Essential: Orange Vessel Co. Stoneware Growler, $68.99 — Craft beer delivered in a stylish, durable growler — definitely an essential for your next bonfire. This one from Orange Vessel Co. is pleasing, well-made and easy to transport.

When we talk layers and essential, casual men’s style, I’d say a piece like the Life/After/Denim Awash Hoodie makes perfect sense for a breezy summer night around a campfire or at a cabin on a lake. It’s a reliable, easygoing piece to slip on over a well-made, classic white T-shirt from Flint and Tinder — you’ll get a lot of mileage out of that combo as long as you step into versatile, slim light wash jeans. And on the accessories front, don’t skimp when it comes time to put on a rugged dive watch or load up a durable growler full of your favorite beer. Sneaker-wise, I’d say that classic SeaVees sneakers are always in play — particularly for kicking back on a patio with good friends and family. What’s on your #menswear list when it comes time to dress for a shindig in late summer? Let me know on Twitter or in the comments below — thanks for reading!

-Beau

July 4, 2017July 4, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Wear A Polo Shirt This Summer

If you’ve been dressing for warm weather for a few months now, perhaps your #menswear rotation feels a bit stale. After all, perhaps you’ve got that slim-fit polo shirt and yet … don’t quite know how to wear it or what to wear it with? Aside from pairing it up with slim light wash denim or tailored chino shorts, there are a few key moves you should keep in mind when using a slim polo shirt as the basis of your ensemble. Importantly, don’t shy away from pairing up said polo with a tailored jacket. The key to getting that oft-coveted versatility so many of us seek in a stylish summer polo? It all starts with a shirt that’s dressy, crisp and tailored — yet easy to wear with just about anything. That’s where Criquet Shirts comes into play. Namely, its Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt — crafted with a sharp collar, quality fabric and breathability in the summer heat — is a winner. I can certainly vouch for that, having taken a few of the brand’s polo shirts on a Memorial Day weekend trip to Florida. And I think you’ll be similarly pleased if you pick up a Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt for yourself — so stay tuned, read on and let me know what you think of the following outfit via The Style Guide Facebook page.

A sharp, slim-fitting polo plus a crisp suit jacket and garment-washed chinos — all staples that are stylish and summer-friendly.

The Shirt: Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt in Midnight Cowboy, $79 — As we’ve mentioned before, Criquet Shirts knows how to make a nice, wearable and modern-yet-classic polo — you know, the kind McQueen might’ve worn.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket, $278 — Made in part from linen — the of-the-moment fabric you need in your closet this summer — the modern Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket nicely offsets the sharp polo.

The Trousers: Johnston and Murphy Slim-Fit Garment-Washed Chinos, $88 — While you could certainly wear your Criquet Shirts Slim-Fit Player’s Shirt with matching Taylor Stitch suit trousers, slim chinos in a pleasing off-white shade are summer-friendly and a bit more casual.

The Shoes: Nisolo Calano Oxford, $188 — Clean, simple and well-constructed, the Nisolo Calano Oxford is a sharp alternative to traditional brown wingtips.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-show Socks (Three-pack), $30 — Thanks to past entries on this site — including how to wear linen trousers this summer — I’d wager you’re familiar with the comfortable, affordable Arvin Goods No-show Socks — they’re a critical way to keep your feet cool when worn with rolled chinos.

The Watch: Orient Bambino Second Generation, $179.98 — For a look that incorporates both tailored and more casual elements, reach for a handsome, clean watch like the Orient Bambino Second Generation.

The Sunglasses: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses, $99.98 — A returning entrant from this site’s Style Pick of the Week series, the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses blend versatility and retro style easily.

The Everyday Carry: This Is Ground Mod 15-Inch Laptop Case, $419.98 — Want to look sleek and office-ready? Take all of your daily essentials in the This Is Ground Mod Case, a handy, sharp accessory.

When stepping out in something a little bit different from the everyday — in this case, a slim-fit polo shirt worn with the sharp Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket — the key is getting that polo fitted properly from the get-go. That allows you to throw on a tailored jacket and slim chinos. With those pieces in order, you’ll definitely step out in style with the sleek-yet-rugged Nisolo Calano Oxford. Naturally, other stylish accessories should get some play, too. Although a small detail, I can’t recommend the Arvin Goods No-show Socks enough, and I certainly can’t recommend the Orient Bambino Second Generation enough, either. Oh, and lastly ….retro style inspiration is the way to go when wearing a throwback polo, so something along the lines of Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses should treat you very nicely. Where are ya going? Don’t leave before securing your everyday carry with the This Is Ground Mod Case. I think that covers all of the bases here — with that being said, I leave it up to you to shop this look, wear this look and quite simply … crush it wearing this look.

Thanks for reading — stay stylish!

-Beau

June 20, 2017June 20, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Upgraded Way to Wear a T-Shirt This Summer

Who doesn’t love breaking out a comfortable, slim-fitting and stylish T-shirt in the summer months? It’s an underrated pleasure in the men’s style world to shed extra layers and simply wear a great tee through warm summer days and into the evening. But what if you want a new, upgraded way to wear a T-shirt this summer? Something that’s at once laidback and yet refined, comfortable to wear and yet sharp? Dare I say it: A #menswear ensemble that works at happy hour and in the hours leading up to it? Indeed, an ensemble that blends a bold T-shirt with … a tailored summer suit fit for the office? That’s where today’s #OOTD is taking us. We’re shaking it up with dressy leather sneakers, a handsome leather watch and a durable, investment-worthy bag for your everyday carry. Make no mistake, the below outfit is quite bold if you’re normally a regular suit-shirt-tie guy. That’s why it pays to keep in mind the versatility of the below suit — and the below Nautica T-shirt. As you’ll see, you can mix and match that Taylor Stitch suit with casual pieces — like a slim chambray shirt — in other looks. And you can even ditch the jacket and simply pair the slim linen suit trousers with the T-shirt. But enough idle chitchat — check out the full outfit below, follow me on Instagram for styling tips galore and enjoy a pleasant summer filled with plenty of stylish suit-wearing.

A head-turning T-shirt worn in a head-turning way — with rich leather sneakers and a lightweight, versatile summer suit via Taylor Stitch.

The T-Shirt: Nautica Color Block T-Shirt, $29.50 — It’s all got to start with a well-made, slightly bold T-shirt — right? This Nautica T-shirt makes use of strong colorblocking — easy to wear on its own or under the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit.

The Suit Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Jacket in Charcoal, $278 — That ties nicely into my next point here — the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit is slim-fitting, very well-made and ready for summer layering — even with a T-shirt.

The Suit Trousers: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers in Charcoal, $178 — Just as with the Telegraph Suit Jacket, the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers are handsome, tailored and versatile — so much so that you could even ditch the jacket and just wear the colorblocked tee and trousers individually.

The Sneakers: Florsheim Forward Lo Lace-up, $99.99 Sneakers and a tee with a suit? That’s how we’re doing it this summer. These handsome Florsheim sneakers are crafted from rich leather and almost wear more like dress shoes or loafers.

The Socks: Arvin Goods No-Show Socks (Three-pack), $30 – Underneath the tailored hem of your Taylor Stitch Telegraph Linen Trousers, you’re going to want easily wearable no-show socks — like the Arvin Goods No-Show Socks — to team up with those leather sneakers. Who’s with me?

The Watch: Electric California Carroway Leather Watch, $225 — I would hope you recognize the Electric California brand from my Memorial Day trip to Florida— if not, acquaint yourself accordingly with this remarkably crisp and suit-friendly watch.

The Sunglasses: Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses, $109.98 — Because this outfit is fit for all-day wear, sharp and stylish sunglasses are in order. Ditch the athletic-inspired frames and reach for the striking Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses.

The Bag: Billykirk Small Carryall, $279.98 — Don’t let that price tag scare you off — the Billykirk Small Carryall is as investment-worthy and versatile of an everyday carry piece as it gets; plus, its design means you won’t be slinging a backpack or messenger bag over the shoulders of your carefully constructed Telegraph Suit Jacket.

That brings today’s #OOTD to a close, Style Guide fans. If you thought a colorblock tee could only be worn casually, let’s hope you’re thinking differently now. The key comes in choosing a suit in a modern-fitting silhouette with casual, summer-friendly texture — that means the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Suit is your new best friend. Eye-catching leather sneakers from Florsheim are another seasonally appropriate way to play off the casual nature of the linen suit-and-tee pairing, and I’d wager you’ll be very pleased with the handsome design of the Electric California Carroway Leather Watch. Throw in essential everyday accessories — like the Billykirk Small Carryall and the Raen Optics Arlo Sunglasses — and consider yourself set for work, happy hour and perhaps a patio nightcap at a rooftop bar. Who else is with me here? Good luck — let me know how you wear your T-shirt this summer via Twitter.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

June 3, 2017May 2, 2021 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots

Classic, stylish and easy-to-wear chukka boots via Astorflex, shown at the top right with travel essentials from Owen and Fred, Abercrombie & Fitch, Huckberry, Nautica, Herschel Supply Co. and Electric Sunglasses.

Is it just me, or is it time for a seasonal footwear upgrade with a pair of the best boots for men? Think: Something that’s not a sneaker, but not a burly leather work boot that’s uncomfortable to wear — something that’ll work for nearly every style situation, from a casual weekend barbecue to a stylish road trip. Who’s with me? Perhaps the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots come to mind — no? I recently took my own pair on a spring road trip to Indiana, and can definitely vouch for them. They’re an updated take on the classic desert boot, crafted with a crepe sole, high-quality suede and the type of easygoing silhouette that pairs just as well with your favorite chinos as it does with slim light wash denim on breezy summer days. In fact, I’d hope you recognize the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots as seen above from a few posts on The Style Guide.

Namely, the rich Dark Khaki colorway seen here will work as you dress for Sunday brunch or look for ways to upgrade your casual shirt — don’t think you should shelve all of your chukka boots entirely just because the thermostat starts to climb. And know that these Astorflex chukka boots also come in the equally versatile Stone and Grey colorways. Indeed, with a blend of comfort, style and accessibility, the Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots — just like the brand’s Astorflex Chelsea Boots — are a seasonal must-have in any color. Trust me: That goes for spring, summer and fall. Seriously, keep them on hand to wear with a rugged chambray shirt and dark selvedge denim to a fall tailgate — it’s a winning combo if you’re looking for insight into how to wear chukka boots. But, back to matters of summer style — what makes these a must-buy?

For starters, it’s tough to find a chukka boot that features eco-friendly, handmade Italian construction out there — let alone with a sub-$150 price tag. And to find one that goes with everything from slim stone chinos to dark denim to slim light wash jeans in the summer can be tricky, too. That easygoing versatility is what sets these Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots apart in so many situations. Rather than resorting to minimal athletic sneakers, jeans and a slim pocket tee, try out these chukka boots and perhaps a tough dive watch — instant style upgrade in the making, and certainly one of the best men’s style moves you can make. And because they’re sold via Huckberry, you can be sure that they’re up to snuff in terms of quality and great looks. It’s also worth noting that the desert boot is a stone-cold classic silhouette — as if you needed another reason to buy these. In addition to real-life functionality for British soldiers, they’ve gained an iconic status — up there with classic white sneakers — that’s tough to top on the footwear front. So, despite summer weather finally catching up to us … there’s no reason not to wear a classic pair of desert boots like the affordable, easy-to-wear and stylish Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots.

How would you style these boots? To pick up inspiration from yours truly, check out my Instagram. And send me a note on Twitter if ever you have #menswear questions.

Stay stylish!

-Beau

May 27, 2017May 12, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses

The classically inspired and uniquely stylish sunglasses you need now.

We’ve reached that critical time of the early summer season – you’re heading to the beach or the pool, you reach into your desk drawer or glove compartment looking for your trusty sunglasses … and they’re gone. Forgotten in the scramble to dress for the polar vortex this past winter. What are you going to do? Well, the easy answer is to be prepared in the first place – that is to say, you’re going to want to upgrade your summer style with a pair of stylish men’s sunglasses, ASAP. And given that it’s Memorial Day weekend and all – with ample time to recognize the occasion and enjoy lovely weather – you should hop to it as soon as possible. Which brings us to today’s Style Pick of the Week: The Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses. Yessir, mark my words – these are the stylish sunglasses to pair with all of your summer essentials. That goes for slim light wash jeans and a classic pocket tee to stylish swim trunks and a rugged short-sleeve henley – and we’re really just getting started. Why is now the time to drop a bit of cash on sunglasses? For one, that versatility we always talk about is key – a classic pair of sunglasses can be worn with everything from a tailored suit at a summer wedding to your best beach gear; these aren’t your average athletic-minded sunglasses, and they certainly aren’t a cheap grocery store pair. Even if you’ve got a tendency to misplace sunglasses, I’d argue that buying a nicer pair means you’ll keep much, much better track of them.

There’s a reason classic sunglasses like the Clubmaster-inspired Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses have such staying power. Like the very best pieces in menswear – a tough chambray shirt, dark blue denim or an essential henley – they offer a shot of classic style, timeless appeal and the rugged good looks that instantly amp up your style credibility. Even if you’re not built like James Bond, the Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses look extremely sharp, no matter the situation or pairing. And when you team them up with the aforementioned summer style essentials? That’s a winning combo. These Norton Point sunglasses eschew the neon colors of, say, spring break sunglasses, and they avoid the tendencies of some high-fashion sunglasses, which can sometimes look … a bit off. It’s with those keys in mind that your humble Style Guide author can confidently recommend these Norton Point sunglasses for summer weekends and beyond. They’re exactly the type of sunglasses you should have handy when you plan out what to pack for your next road trip, and they’re a reliably ready everyday pair, too. Who know sunglasses could be so essential? Or so easy to keep track of? Let me know what you think of the Norton Point sunglasses via Twitter, or leave a note in the comments below.

Good luck out there, enjoy the weekend and stay stylish!

-Beau

July 29, 2016July 29, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Lollapalooza, Summer Travel and the Best-Dressed Men of the Week

Editor’s note: Expect these posts once a week on Fridays — consider this a jumpstart on reading for your weekend downtime. Expect a mix of style and non-style content. For more entries, click here.

As we kick off another Friday, I’m once again looking back on this week and heading to my home state of Michigan, as I was earlier this month for a summer wedding — that’s a lot of quality time (much-needed) back in the Mitten. And it caps off a busy week, particularly when I look back at the stellar time I had rocking out — and rocking some great menswear at NYC’s Panorama festival. On that note, is anyone heading to Lollapalooza this weekend? Or already there? Jealous! Either way, I hope you’ve been getting all your summer tunes and travel in — and dressing to travel in style, too. The summer’s definitely flying by, but it seems as good a time as any to look back. It’s taken me upstate to see Lucius, it’s taken me on a stylish Memorial Day trip, and it’s taken me around New York City for some excellent product launches and blogger events in between — all while striking that tricky balance between versatile style and ease of movement, not an easy task in the heat of NYC. That busy schedule also leaves a lot of menswear news to catch up on — and I’ve picked out a few favorite pieces from this week below. After you’re done reading, follow along with my adventures back in Michigan via Instagram or Twitter, and check back here tomorrow for our Style Pick of the Week — rest assured, a full trip recap is coming along Monday.

Who dressed well this week? What lessons should you take from ’em? Those are precisely the questions Esquire answered as part of its summer-friendly Best-Dressed Men of the Week feature.
Lest you think that fashion is only for us average Joes, Starbucks is setting new dress code regulations for employees — that includes neutral colors, denim that’s not overly dressed and a recommendation toward small, subtle patterns in shirts …. those sound like some decent #menswear missives to follow, right?
Here’s one for all you spirits fans out there — I had the pleasure of attending a delicious celebration of this past Sunday courtesy of the fine folks at Patron, who dubbed it International Tequila Day. Since it is Friday and all, if you fancy stirring up some delicious drinks for yourself, check out some delicious tequila recipes from my buddy Sam over at The Manual.
And on the menswear front, you can never have enough stylish, durable socks — right? The team at American Trench knows this very well (and if you read The Style Guide, so do you!). It’s fitting that the brand just launched the latest addition to its line of well-made socks — the Mil-Spec Sport Sock is made with anti-microbial silver filament yarn in the heel, toe and sole. In layman’s terms, that means these socks kill bacteria and help keep your feet dry while feeling super-comfortable (and looking super-stylish). Look for more on those socks this fall on The Style Guide (wink, wink).

Want one more story to read? Here are two.

Yours truly appreciates a lot more than just fine menswear and craft beer — I also love me a great steak or burger, so I pulled together your top summer grilling essentials over at The Manual.
Just as I dig a great craft beer or some awesome live tunes, I also dig a well-made chambray shirt (and often combine all three at the same time). My latest GearMoose post covers the best chambray shirts for men — and you should buy one, or several, ASAP.

July 26, 2016July 26, 2016 by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress Down a Summer Blazer

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

As we’ve talked about in past #OOTD entries here on The Style Guide, summer style — particularly at this point in the season — can be a bit tricky. Perhaps you feel you’ve exhausted all the ways to wear shorts in the summer that you can think of, or maybe you’ve even tired of styling linen pants in the heat. But, that’s where summer also works out well. Since it’s warm, you get a bit of leeway when dressing. And that means you can put together stylish combinations that are also unexpected. Those khaki suit trousers? Break them up from the rest of your suit. Throw in style staples that should already be in rotation — like a classic navy blazer — and you’re set with an #OOTD that works for traveling in warm weather or waltzing to Sunday brunch. Oh, and a great polo is also a must-have. But where to get all this great gear? Look no further than the below ensemble — and follow along on Instagram to get more daily styling tips (if you feel so inclined, that is).

Mashing up your favorite style essentials, from a crisp summer polo to a classic blazer and comfortable slip-on sneakers.

The Polo: Mack Weldon Vesper Polo, $68 — Yes, it’s true: The brand that makes your favorite long-sleeve merino tee is here with a new polo that’s crisp, well-tailored and made from very breathable micro-mesh knit fabric.

The Blazer: Grayers Cayman Blazer, $104.98 — At just more than $100, this blazer is a heck of a deal, made from 100 percent cotton and featuring Bemberg-lined sleeves (that’s the good stuff, FYI).

The Pants: Canvas by Lands’ End Stretch Chino Suit Trousers, $89 — Just when you thought you could only wear suit pants with a suit, along come these versatile chino trousers cut with a hint of stretch.

The Pocket Square: Ties.com White Edged Linen Pocket Square, $10 — A sharp navy blazer deserves a crisp white pocket square cut in a summer-appropriate weight, and at $10, this thing’s a steal.

The Sneakers: SeaVees Hawthorne Slip-on Standard in True Navy, $78 — A pair of classic white sneakers would also work here, but the navy plays nicely off the powder blue polo.

The Socks: Sock Genius Villa Park No-show Stripe Sock, $10 — The same spot you hit up to snag that pocket square can also hook you up with comfortable, stylish no-show socks for a nice deal.

The Watch: Armogan Spirit of St. Louis Chronograph, $225 — A sporty-yet-stylish polo calls for a slick watch inspired by the world of aviation, and the navy blue strap plays handsomely off the crisp white dial.

The Sunglasses: Sunski Madronas Sunglasses, $39.98 — Simple is sometimes better when it comes to great style, and that’s the case with these durable and very affordably priced shades via Huckberry.

Putting together an outfit when you’ve been dressing for the warm weather for a few months needn’t be all that difficult, even if at first it sounds taxing — especially when you’ve got pieces that combine subtle style efficiently. The base of the outfit is the same thing you might wear on the weekend — stylish slip-on sneakers — yet the other pieces, like the sharp polo and the navy blazer, are more suited to the work week. Yet in tandem, the combination works because the colors play well off each other and the overall ensemble — slightly sporty yet stylish — is very well-suited to summer. It’s going to be hot, and a breathable polo and cotton blazer work well together. Chime in with an #OOTD suggestion of your own at The Style Guide Facebook page in the meantime.

Do you own a new Mack Weldon polo yet? Would you style it with a navy blazer, or ditch the jacket and keep it casual?

July 18, 2016October 14, 2016 by Beau H.

Summer style: Attending a Michigan wedding

Editor’s note: Click here for more tips how to dress for a summer wedding.

Dressed in style for a summer wedding. Blue shirt by Twillory. Cotton tie by Ties.com Thompson Navy suit by J. Crew Factory. Glasses by Warby Parker. Heritage Tassel Loafers by Sebago. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches.

Dressed in style for a summer wedding. Blue shirt by Twillory. Cotton tie and navy tipped pocket square by Ties.com Thompson Navy suit by J. Crew Factory. Glasses by Warby Parker. Heritage Tassel Loafers by Sebago. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches.

It’s a topic that’s come up before here on The Style Guide — that would be, dressing for a summer wedding — but this past weekend presented the perfect opportunity for yours truly to put some of those ideas into practice. Following a whirlwind, busy New York Fashion Week: Men’s (an exhausting but super-fun week), I hit the road back to Michigan to attend the wedding of my great friend Matt Sheehan, a former State News colleague and another proud & sports-obsessed Spartan (watching games was either very fun — or not so fun, depending on how MSU fared). In fact, Matt & I took in a particularly momentous MSU football game last fall, and caught up during my spring trip to Florida. That being said, it was still great to make the trip back. It was a truly lovely wedding, and so great to reconnect with amazing friends back home in the process. With fashion week done, it was also awesome to get away from the bustle of NYC for a bit, and even better to do so during a beautiful Michigan summer — as always, even with a humble weekender bag in tow, I tried my best to pack the best #menswear gear I could round up.

A full bag ready to hit the road. Voyager Waxed Weekender by Owen & Fred. Beachcomber Chambray Shirt by Bourbon & Blue. Staple Denim made in Italy by Mott & Bow. Brown Scout Chukka Boots by Thursday Boots. Striped socks by American Trench. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing collab. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks. Brown leather belt by J. Crew. Chapter Travel Kit by Herschel Supply Co. Moisturizer by Tread for Men. Maximus Sunglasses by Sunday Somewhere.

That started with some essential everyday carry accessories that have quickly become personal travel favorites — such as my tough, sturdy Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender Bag. It’s accompanied me on nearly every trip I’ve taken as of late, and with dependable Wickett & Craig leather handles, quality hardware and a surprising amount of room, it’s taken the toils of the road quite well. I packed some key everyday carry accessories, including my Word Notebooks Adventure Log and Herschel Supply Chapter Travel Kit; just as small details finish off an outfit, so too can they upgrade even the things you don’t quite think about when traveling. For the flight to Michigan, I pulled some double-duty, wearing a Bourbon & Blue short-sleeve chambray shirt and pairing it up with my J. Crew Factory Thompson suit jacket and some tailored Savane twill pants (look for more on those pants in a special Tuesday post). For outfits throughout the weekend, my Thursday Boots Brown Scout Chukka Boots helped me travel in style — always a must! I finished off the look with one of two watches I brought along for the weekend — my personal favorite, the rugged and durable Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chronograph. If you can only fit in one or two watches as part of your packing list, it’s tough to go wrong with a really well-built watch that works for more casual or slightly more dressed-up ensembles. With any travel, stylish sunglasses are a must — for both tailored wear and my casual ensembles, I’ve found myself consistently reaching for the pricey but sharp Maximus sunglasses from Sunday Somewhere.

While I was excited to hit the road, I ran into some unfortunate travel delays leaving New York that left me stuck at the airport all day — so unfortunately, I missed out on a classic Michigan backyard barbeque. Luckily, I still made it back in time for a nice Saturday and the wedding itself! It goes without saying that I had an incredible time, and was very glad to have made the trip back (CONGRATS, MATT AND SAM!). Of course, I was glad I brought along a trusty suit, as well. Packing the appropriate gear to get you through a warm-weather wedding is a bit tricky. While it might seem at first too hot to rock anything but a lightweight linen suit, if you have to grab one suit for all four seasons, worsted wool in a neutral color like navy is a very solid option. It’s a more breathable and classic fabric, and in a slim, tailored (and affordable) cut like the J. Crew Factory Thompson Suit, it’ll work well with a crisp dress shirt, and with or without a tie even if you don’t have a wedding to attend. In fact, my shirt was a favorite of the outfit in terms of fit and construction — it’s on-sale now, so I’d definitely recommend you pick up the nicely tailored Twillory Non-Iron Blue Twill Shirt which paired up well with the navy suit. The accompanying J. Crew Factory suit pants went along just fine with the jacket, as they feature a nicely tailored fit that isn’t quite as slim as the J. Crew Ludlow, so that works nicely for most body types — having the belt loops removed, as I did, makes for a super-clean and crisp look, too.

This past weekend’s wedding outfit laid out and ready to go. Navy Thompson suit by J. Crew Factory. Blue shirt by Twillory. Cotton tie and tipped pocket square by Ties.com. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Heritage Tassel Loafers by Sebago. Wallet from the latest SprezzaBox.

And stylish accessories are a must to finish off any suit. In this instance, a cotton tie in a unique, summer-friendly color and a navy tipped pocket square courtesy of the team at Ties.com paired well with one of my favorite suits (Editor’s note: I own approximately one all-season, every-occasion suit — and it’s this one). Seriously, as a competitor and an alternative to The Tie Bar, the selection and pricing at Ties.com is quite on-point (and y’all know that if it wasn’t, they wouldn’t have made the cut — right?). For the warm weather, I slid into a refined pair of Sebago Heritage Tassel Loafers, featuring an oily waxed leather (as the site implies) that’s shown age and wear marks beautifully after only a few weeks of wear (check out another way to style them here). Of course, if you don’t have room in your bag for another pair of shoes (and I barely did), I’d recommend reaching for perhaps the above brown chukka boots to pull double-duty. And although my Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono worked suitably well for casual situations, I was too tempted not to reach for one of my favorite everyday watches, the MVMT 40 in Blue/Brown Leather — it’s a watch that’s really a great value for the quality and wearability (although one of my New Year’s style resolutions was to wear less blue, I can’t seem to stop wearing it). Pieces that can work with everything from a tee and shorts to a suit are the best sort of travel style essentials to pack when space is limited.

Sunday’s outfit grid for a day of travel back from Michigan. The Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Slim grey selvedge denim by Billy Reid. White Legend Sneakers by SeaVees. Waterbury Chrono from the Timex x Red Wing Heritage collab. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers.

With an incredible wedding and an incredible evening in metro Detroit in the books, it was time to catch a flight back to Michigan that felt a bit earlier than I’d have preferred after a full week of fashion shows and travel. Reaching for grab-and-go pieces that work in a pinch is still a must even if you’re jet-lagged, so my Taylor Stitch Jack in Indigo Star Shirt (very low in stock at the moment, unfortunately) worked out very well — I’d recommend you bring along a solid blue chambray shirt for similarly versatile style. Although it was hot, a pair of Billy Reid grey selvedge denim did just fine when paired with one of my favorite pairs of sneakers, the SeaVees Legend Sneaker — when in doubt, classic white sneakers are just the way to go. As was the case the rest of the weekend, my stylish Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono worked sufficiently as I hauled my gear to the airport (and it helped me catch my flight on time!).

While it’s always nice to be able to bring along my favorite style essentials when I travel, it’s even better to know that at the end of the road on trips home, there are great friends and great times waiting — truly, it’s something for which I’m very thankful, and it’s got me eagerly awaiting my next trip to Michigan. No matter what’s in my bag, I know I’ll always look forward to going back.

If you have questions on what to pack for your own travels, tweet at me or catch up via The Style Guide’s Facebook page.

‘Til the next trip,

-Beau

The Style Guide

All the best men's style essentials you need, every day.

Tag / summer style for guys

The List: These Are Your New Favorite Summer Style Essentials

#OOTD: Here’s the Best Way to Wear a Denim Jacket This Summer

#OOTD: How to Layer Up for A Breezy Summer Night

#OOTD: How to Wear A Polo Shirt This Summer

#OOTD: The Upgraded Way to Wear a T-Shirt This Summer

Style Pick of the Week: Astorflex Greenflex Chukka Boots

Style Pick of the Week: Norton Point Charlie 014 Sunglasses

The Friday Read: Lollapalooza, Summer Travel and the Best-Dressed Men of the Week

#OOTD: How to Dress Down a Summer Blazer

Summer style: Attending a Michigan wedding