Available in a plethora of colors and made with durability, style and toughness in mind — the Explorer’s Shirt from Huckberry and Taylor Stitch.
Tough brass buttons, a clean fit and sturdy fabric make this shirt a winner.
Would you buy the Huckberry Explorer’s Shirt? How would you style it?
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.
So, we’re back again with another Friday Read — and we’ve got a lot of ground to cover, folks! It’s the first Friday Read of March, and that means the Style Guide’s annual Spring Style Wish List is incoming — look for it early next week. It also means we’re wrapping a busy week in the #menswear world, including my latest travel style post covering my trip to New Haven to see Young the Giant! It was an outstanding show, with beautiful lights, great energy and an outstanding set list. That’s a band you gotta see, and soon. If your next show, or the weekend ahead, involves hitting the road as well, grab a stylish leather weekender for the occasion. And if your weekend involves more relaxation than travel, you’d do well to pick up the Flint and Tinder Garment-Dyed Sweatpants, a recent Style Pick entry and as tailored and stylish a pair of sweats as you’ll find. Oh, and as we await the transition to spring, don’t forget to stock up on essential men’s grooming products to keep your skin in shape before that next date. See, I said we had a lot of ground to cover. Of course, there’s plenty of business to take care of NYC this weekend, too — it’s New York City Beer Week, for one, and if there’s a more tightly concentrated metropolis of standout beer, I’ve yet to test it out. For now, let’s recap a few new men’s style releases and some choice news items. Check back tomorrow for the latest Style Pick of the Week, and stay stylish in the meantime!
OK, folks — let’s wrap up this Friday and try some new brews … see you out there!
-Beau
Gear for the road, Yale exploration and a rock show. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.
First off, don’t let the headline catch you off guard — New Haven isn’t as weird as it might sound; in fact, it was the perfect place to take in the latest stop on the “Home of the Strange” tour by indie rockers Young the Giant this past weekend! On the same page now? Good deal. Yes indeed, this late February weekend presented the perfect opportunity to hit the road again and travel in style to see another live show — it’s a real passion of mine, as you might recall from a fall trip to see Local Natives and my summer trip to see indie folk rockers Lucius, among others. And to be able to hit the road, bring along my favorite #menswear and see an awesome rock show is absolutely icing on the cake. The weather was a bit different than a winter road trip to Michigan, but not quite full-on spring territory — so, earbuds in and volume turned up, I grabbed my Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender — and the excellent, travel-ready Owen and Fred Flight Brief in Midnight — and set out for New Haven and College Street Music Hall (Editor’s note: For the next time you hit the road, here’s another bag that surely qualifies among the best travel gear for guys).
Gear for a Saturday on the road and a Saturday concert. Sweater by The Knit Project. Dark denim by Frank & Oak. Grounder Hi-Tops by Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers. Field watch by Timex for J. Crew. Lanyard by Tanner Goods. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather Supply. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.
As has been the case with past East Coast road trips, I knew I’d have to dress for multiple potential scenarios — starting with a nice, temperate Saturday train ride from NYC to New Haven. I chose a light, breathable and innovative Fitted Merino Turtleneck from Bay Area start-up Knit Project. Made from luxurious Italian Merino wool from a company that’s focused on quality materials and a great fit, it was a neat layering touch under the Frank & Oak Marfa Slim-Fit Denim Shirt — yes, that’s right …. a turtleneck under a denim shirt. It’s a move that’s a bit unique (and perhaps academically inspired for exploring Yale’s campus?), but works in this case thanks to the casual washed denim shirt and a well-fitting pair of classic Frank & Oak selvedge denim. Plus, when it got breezier later on in the day, the combo worked well with no outfit change necessary. Given that I spent time on my feet exploring New Haven and drinking copious amounts of coffee from stops like Jojo’s Coffee and Tea, I needed to be able to get around effectively and on-time — that’s where my vintage-inspired Timex for J. Crew watch came in handy, along with helpful everyday carry pieces like my Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet. Of course, I had to reach for a pair of sneakers that’s as comfortable as can be — yet with the functionality of durable boots. In this instance, my Todd Snyder x P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Tops were comfortable and effective for going from train to town to show.
All smiles in advance of Young the Giant. Merino Turtleneck by Knit Project. Denim shirt and dark denim by Frank & Oak. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Flight Brief by Owen & Fred. Glasses by Frameri.
Again, these were all pieces that worked just as well for getting around New Haven as they did for a heck of an epic show from Young the Giant. Luckily, I had plenty of time to kill before lining up outside College Street Music Hall. The campus of Yale really is something else — at times medieval and at times modern, it’s filled with great vistas and excellent architecture. It’s quaint, historic and very cool to explore — as is the Yale University Art Gallery (even if you’re not an art buff — I’m certainly not, but hey … menswear’s more my bag).
It’s always wise to take local recommendations into account when traveling — such has been the case as I’ve explored Washington, D.C. and braved the Grand Rapids winter. So one would be remiss not to stop into the delicious, quirky and renowned Louis’ Lunch for an original cheeseburger, ehh? They still know how to make ’em — considering they’re known for being the inventor of the hamburger, that’s quite the accomplishment. And I can confirm for a fact that there’s no better for fuel for a rock concert — or exploring a neat college town — than a premium stop like Cask Republic, a conveniently located spot near College Street Music Hall with multiple Northeast locations and an excellent selection of burgers and beers. Again, prime rock concert fuel, folks.
And certainly if you’ve listened to Young the Giant or caught them on tour behind any of their three albums (including “Home of the Strange,”) you know what you’re going to get. That is, an energetic, powerful show with great showmanship from Sameer Gadhia, a heck of a lead singer with a great voice and the sort of synergy with his bandmates that comes from lots of time spent honing their craft. Hyperbole? Not when you’ve been at it since 2004, I’d say. They reliably packed their setlist with crowd-pleasers and a healthy dose of standout new material, all delivered with plenty of heart. Seriously, who hasn’t sung along to “My Body” or “Apartment” …. or “I Got” (the list goes on)… while cruising in their car? Ahh, just me? OK, then. But I can tell you this — that band brings great energy, joy and feeling to the stage. What a treat to see that in action — crowd favorites like “Cough Syrup” kicked things off early, while newer hits like “Silvertongue” helped close out the encore. In between, Sameer and Co. lit up the stage with an amazing light show (check out a photo or two on Twitter) and also worked in sleeper hits like “Mr. Know-It-All” and “Titus Was Born” off of “Home of the Strange.” In short, it was a show I’d absolutely recommend seeing.
Mixing collegiate, comfortable style for a Sunday of exploration at Beinecke Plaza. Belted Shawl Cardigan by Abercrombie & Fitch. Sashiko Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Cashmere cap by Club Monaco. Glasses by Frameri.
Without a doubt, it was certainly a treat to see them live. The group’s time on stage at world-famous venues like Radio City Music Hall absolutely shows, and you’d do well to catch them as they tour this summer with Cold War Kids! Tickets for that one will surely go fast– anxious as I might be about getting tickets for that tour, I wasn’t anxious about dressing for the cold in New Haven on Sunday (see what I did there?). Now, there wasn’t the excitement of a show ahead, but I still enjoyed a day around a bustling town, including some lovely time spent exploring the campus of Yale once again — it’s a beautiful institution in all respects. I also can’t recommend the premium, upscale Heirloom for brunch enough — get the Heritage Bacon, Egg and Cheese Sandwich and thank me later. For hitting up spots like Blue State Coffee (again with the coffee), I grabbed unique-yet-functional layers, starting with my Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan . My finely textured, well-made Taylor Stitch Sashiko Shirt also complemented the cardigan nicely for temperatures in the 40s, what with its unique pattern and tailored fit.
Sunday layering, starting with a sharp Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan. Stretch twill pants by Kit Culture. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Military Watch by Timex + Todd Snyder. Adventure Log by Word Notebooks.
The top half of my rig was offset nicely by casual, comfortable and athletic-inspired Kit Culture stretch twill pants. With roots in Los Angeles, Kit Culture makes gear for the active guy, with fits built for those of us on the go. With 5 percent stretch, these pants were exceptionally comfortable for navigating the city, and yet also proved stylish and crisp alongside my reliable-as-ever CAT Footwear Sutter Boots. The combo definitely merged some high-low style alongside perhaps my new favorite watch, the vintage-inspired, handsome Timex + Todd Snyder Military Watch — it’s a timepiece that’s classic and eye-catching, and ever-so-slightly rugged. In short, the watch was the perfect everyday carry piece alongside my Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet for exploring a bustling college town.
As is the case with many of my road trips, I feel they seem to go by too fast — and that’s definitely true considering this one packed a ton into a short amount of time! I’m always left feeling very grateful — if a bit tired — for the chance to travel to great cities, see excellent music and yes, pack my favorite menswear. I’d say no trip is too short to put your best foot forward — and who can resist bringing along everyday carry pieces like a stylish casual watch or a great weekender bag, anyways? Oh, and about Young the Giant. There are moments during every live show that get me smiling and singing, and the Saturday night show was definitely filled with them. They have no shortage of tour dates through the rest of the year, so go see ’em — don’t forget to pack some stylish rock concert gear, ehh?
Until the next trip — thanks for reading and stay stylish,
-Beau
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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.
OK, so first of all — it’s Valentine’s Day! I hope you’re spending the day just as you’d like, and in style. To that end — if you’re looking to shore up or switch up your casual winter style after a few months of bone-chilling cold, this week’s #OOTD will sort that out nicely for you. We talked last month about how to wear a turtleneck this winter, but we’re going a bit more accessible and a bit more versatile today — as you’ll see below. It’s taking pieces that you might already have in your wardrobe, or pieces that you might be coveting — ahem, the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — and putting in all together in a look that you can wear any day of the week. So, Sunday brunch? Check. Heck, Saturday brunch? You got it. And a weekend coffee date or a business casual day at the office? Absolutely. For more daily style inspiration, follow your Style Guide author on Instagram. Join us later this week for our regularly scheduled #menswear programming, too. Happy shopping!
Taking classic pieces and upgrading the fabrics and fits.
The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket, $248 — Ahh, yes. The warm, comfortable, slim-fitting and versatile Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket. How could you not love it? Right? Right.
The Sweater: Bonobos Merino V-Neck Sweater, $58 — If you’re going to wear something more simple in form — like a V-neck sweater — you might as well make yours a high-quality, well-fitting piece in a rich winter color. Wondering how it should fit? Read my recent Effortless Gent piece on how to find the perfect sweater (nudge, nudge).
The Oxford: JackThreads The Oxford Shirt, $39 — Is there a more classic combination for versatile, casual style than a V-neck sweater and an Oxford? Not quite — especially when it’s a great deal from the folks at JackThreads.
The Denim: Buck Mason Lou Slim Fit Jean, $175 — If you haven’t checked out Buck Mason, I’d advise you do so — from the brand’s classic short-sleeve chambray shirts to slim denim like this pair (faded just right), it’s tough gear for the modern man.
The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots, $180 — As sold by everyone’s favorite E-commerce retailer — that’s Huckberry, y’all — Astorflex makes essential, sustainable and stylish footwear. Yes, the Bitflex Chelsea Boots are a winning footwear choice.
The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $16.98 — If you’re going to fill your sock drawer with only the best, might as well make your picks from American Trench — the brand makes beautiful, comfortable socks.
With versatility and great comfort & fit in mind, dressing in casual style can be easy and hey, fun. And if you’ve been looking for ways to switch up your style this winter, a great V-neck and Oxford is one way to go. These are pieces you might already have, but you can amp things up with something like the handsome, rugged Maritime Submariner Jacket and slick footwear like the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots. Oh, and if adding to your watch collection is a priority in terms of your 2017 style resolutions, there’s no better place to start than the very investment-worthy Ace Automatic Watch. If you have any questions or suggestions on this outfit, drop ’em in the comments or hit me up on Twitter. Talk to you soon, and thank you for reading!
-Beau
So, perhaps you think you’ve got everything sorted out for Valentine’s Day, from a killer dinner reservation — or a romantic night of your choosing — and a great gift. But not so fast there, fella. Have you given some thought as to what to wear on Valentine’s Day? The folks at Dappered always do a nice job tackling different scenarios, but today, we here at The Style Guide are helping you tackle the dressy dinner date (or night at the theater, or drinks and dessert … you get the picture). So, unlike our last style suggestion — that would be how to dress for winter travel — we’re going more refined and more tailored today. And crucially, we’re focused on layering up in style despite the chill. After all, Valentine’s Day is an excellent chance to show your significant other how much you care about them — and a small part of that is certainly putting your best foot forward. So, good luck out there and if you find yourself in need of more #menswear advice, don’t hesitate to hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Or heck, Instagram. Go to it!
The Topcoat: J. Crew Ludlow Topcoat in Italian Wool-Cashmere with Thinsulate — $470
As classic a topcoat as it gets, at a not-so-bad price.
First things first, let’s start with a stylish winter topcoat to fight the chill. J. Crew has taken its classic Ludlow suiting silhouette and translated that into a heck of a modern, functional topcoat. It’s going to be the perfect complement to a tailored winter ensemble , what with its crisp color and sharp silhouette. If you need to go with a cheaper option, you could always grab the ever-reliable JackThreads Tieman Topcoat.
The Suit: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket — $278 and Trousers in Grey Wool — $142.99
Quietly classic and essential for Valentine’s Day.
Remember the handsome, essential Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket from this site’s post on what to wear on New Year’s Eve? Or how to suit up this winter? If you jumped on it at the right time and find this suit currently sitting in your closet, good man. The rich wool, tailored fit and go-anywhere versatility mean it might just be your best suit — thus, it’s perfect for a night out. Of course, something as classic as the J. Crew Ludlow suit wouldn’t go amiss here, either.
The Shirt: J. Crew Ludlow Spread-Collar Shirt in Mountain Stream Stripe — $88
A sharp shirt in an unexpected color.
Although a classic white dress shirt or a baby blue number would work just fine here, a striped shirt with a strong collar is a unique and somewhat unexpected style move. The cool blue is a winter-friendly pop of brighter color, and given J. Crew’s quality, it’s the type of shirt that can be worn with other patterns — like a striped navy suit, somewhat similar to The Man Michael Fassbender.
The Accessories: Ties.com Hunter Green Antwerp Polka Dot Tie — $25 AND Ties.com Navy Edged Linen Pocket Square — $10
Blue and green makes for a unique, eye-catching color combo.
First off, yes, we’re going with a linen pocket square in winter. In this instance, the navy detailing adds a nice contrast to the grey wool suit, and it offsets the lighter blue striped shirt. Similarly, a green tie offers a bit of rich contrast to the suit-and-shirt combo. Plus, the polka dots add some nice visual interest, and it’s really tough to beat the standout prices on both of these pieces. Ya feel me?
The Boots: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Duke Boot — $199
A unique alternative to your typical dress shoe.
Boots are indeed the move in this case, and particularly in suede — the texture just looks right up against grey wool, and this Honey shade is particularly handsome. While you could stick with a pair of classic men’s dress shoes, these boots are going to help you navigate slippery terrain with fashion and function in mind. If it gets too snowy outside, you might want to consider the waterproof Thursday Boots Cognac Suede Wingtip Boot.
The Belt: J. Crew Textured Leather Dress Belt — $68
Go with a reliable belt from a reputable brand.
If you’re going with a classic, essential J. Crew topcoat (and potentially a suit, too), why not pick up a stylish, simple and effective dress belt from said brand? The price is a bit, well pricey, yet this is the type of dress belt you’ll be able to wear frequently — even with dark denim and a V-neck sweater. Easy enough, right?
The Watch: Orient Ray II — $234.50
The toughest watch in your collection? Maybe. The right Valentine’s Day pick in terms of style? Without a doubt.
You surely didn’t think we’d leave anything to chance on a day like Valentine’s Day, right? No, not even a watch like the Orient Ray II is out of the question on this night. It’s an utterly classic, sharp and stylish watch made for all kinds of tailored occasions — especially a beautiful evening on the town. The stainless steel diver has connotations both dressy and rugged — maybe that’s why it’s a favorite of James Bond — and this timepiece is no different. Yes, the Orient Ray II is a tough watch for the rest of the year, and it’s a handsome complement to the hues of blue and green in the rest of this ensemble.
The Socks — American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks — $16.98
An easy pick when it comes to stylish socks that complement an outfit.
If you don’t recognize American Trench by now, then you’ve got another thing coming … just kidding. When a brand makes versatile, crisp socks that fit well and feel great, you should buy ’em in bunches. And when it comes time to wear them on special occasions, you should certainly break them out. These Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks are essential, versatile and add just enough color and texture to this outfit.
Alright, did that post help you take care of your shopping? At least a little bit? It’s crucial to work with what you’ve got in your wardrobe — say, the essential Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket — and make it work for you in multiple situations. When matched up with a unique striped dress shirt and smart accessories in eye-catching hues, it’s hard to go wrong. Plus, sharp suede Chelsea boots add a bit of visual intrigue, while a tough-yet-refined dive watch like the Orient Ray II is the way to go in this instance. Hopefully, this is an outfit that impresses your significant other — just don’t forget about a meaningful gift and a fun evening. Deal? Deal. High-five, y’all!
Thanks for reading and stay stylish,
-Beau
Editor’s note: Click through this link to see more men’s style shopping picks.
Just a couple of weeks ago on The Style Guide, we talked about the best men’s gloves to buy for winter — a pretty specific category that can nonetheless make a big difference in how you tackle cold weather on the daily. You might not think much of getting the right winter gloves, but again, the devil is in the details. Such is also the case with other stylish winter accessories — we covered the topic last year on the blog, but we’re updating it for 2017 today. There are certainly multiple ways to go as you gear up for winter — that is to say, you can snap up pieces that are either rugged and built for work & adventure, or more refined and made to dress up (a la some of James Bond’s accessories in “Skyfall”). With that versatile approach in mind, we — and by we, I mean me — compiled choice picks for the chilly weather ahead. So, prepare to dress for the polar vortex and get shopping while there’s still time. Happy shopping!
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The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — $198 OR Outerknown Nomadic Parka — $195
Either a parka with technical flair, or a rugged-yet-casual wool jacket. Your call.
In an ideal world, we’d all be able to stock our closets chock full of coats for every type of situation — sadly, there’s not enough time or money to go around for that. With a versatile approach and comfort — plus warmth — in mind, either the Maritime Submariner Jacket or the reliable, hard-wearing and easy-to-layer Outerknown Nomadic Parka are really solid winter outerwear picks. The Submariner Jacket is made from beastly boiled wool, and the Nomadic Parka is a great piece to layer up with when wearing everything from a casual crewneck sweater to a tailored winter outfit.
The Gloves: J. Crew Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves — $98 OR Hestra Granvik Gloves — $180
Again, the choice between casual style and dressy appeal is up to you.
So, here we are again with an underrated style accessory — critical, yet underrated. There’s that tricky balance between dressy and casual here — if you find yourself suiting up on the regular, a pair of refined, cashmered-lined leather gloves is the perfect pick (the smartphone-capable fingers are a nice touch, too). And for all kinds of rugged winter style adventures, there might not be a better pick than the Hestra Granvik Gloves — truly, these guys know what they’re doing when it comes to crafting great winter gloves.
The Hat: Columbiaknit Watch Cap — $17
As sold by Style Guide favorites Huckberry , there’s something refreshingly no-frills about a well-made, simple and affordable winter hat like the Columbiaknit Watch Cap. Again, winter accessories are an underrated way to complement your overall look — just look at how well our man David Beckham dresses for winter with a simple puffer jacket and yes, a neutral beanie cap. Your ears will definitely thank you when the polar vortex hits.
The Scarf: S.N.S Herning Torso Scarf — $96.60
A scarf that’s easily wearable, comfortable and worth the price.
Am I encouraging you to spend nearly $100 on a scarf? Well, yes. If you can only pick up one scarf, you might as well make it a well-made, neutral and versatile piece you can match with anything in your closet. Whether you team it with a slim topcoat or a more rugged piece like the Nomadic Parka, you truly can’t go wrong with this ribbed black scarf. In fact, you could even steal some winter style from Daniel Craig and team it with a thick-knit shawl-collar cardigan.
The Socks: Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker Socks — $12.98 OR American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere — $28.98
Your call — simple, well-made socks or a pair with winter-friendly pattern.
We’ve once again reached that tricky balance between a casual winter accessory and a piece that’s slightly more dressed up. For simple functionality and comfort, there might not be a better value on the market than the Merino Lite Hiker Socks. And if you want a pair with a bit more visual interest — yet the same quality and versatility, the Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere is about as good as it gets. Heck, you could snag two pairs of the Merino Lite Hikers, and throw in a pair from American Trench for good measure. Not a bad deal, ehh?
OK, is your closet fully stocked yet? If you still need to upgrade your winter accessories, I hope the above picks give you a place to start. It always pays to reach for quality and versatility — particularly in terms of outerwear like the Submariner Jacket or the essential Nomadic Parka. And with the rest of your accessories, you should hunt for similar quality — so, a thick-knit ribbed scarf and tough winter gloves from the likes of Hestra are wise additions to your ensemble. And although you might not think too much of it, a comfortable winter hat like the Columbiaknit Watch Cap is going to provide you with long-lasting comfort and warmth (as are functional socks from Wigwam or American Trench). Did you take notes? Open up a few browser tabs? Either way, happy shopping and stay warm out there!
-Beau
We’re back into action with another handy, super-useful Style Suggestion today on The Style Guide (redundant, but important to note). And unlike recent style suggestions, like what to wear on New Year’s Eve or how to dress for your holiday party, the below outfit is one you can make use of all winter long — particularly when it’s cold and snowy, yet you’ve got a road trip on the horizon. Whether you’re packing up the car for a weekend trip, stepping onto a train for a getaway up or down the coast, or flying cross-country, the focus today is on comfort, style and classic looks. It’s all about ease of layering and pieces that can go just about anywhere — and of course, a handsome, durable weekender bag with which to carry everything. Are you ready to pack up and hit the road? If you need more travel style tips, check out what I packed and wore on a winter trip to Baltimore or a fall trip to Providence — most importantly, visit yours truly on Instagram for a daily behind-the-scenes look at my (overstuffed) closet. Shop away!
The Weekender Bag: Nisolo Leon Weekender in Chestnut — $339.98
A supremely stylish and tough leather weekender bag.
When packing for a road trip, it should all start with your bag — right? And there might not be a better place to get a stylish weekender bag than our friends at Huckberry. In particular, the Nisolo Leon Weekender is just the beautiful, handmade leather bag your closet’s been missing. Named for the Mexican city where’s it produced, the Leon Weekender features vegetable-tanned leather and small details like leather zipper pulls and a tan cotton canvas lining for durability. The Leon Weekender is a bit smaller in size than the Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender, but no less worthy of a purchase.
The Dopp Kit: Nisolo Durango Dopp Kit — $88
The ideal way to complement your new favorite weekender bag — right?
You didn’t think we’d get packing for your next trip without considering a stylish men’s dopp kit, did you? And when it comes to complementing the exceedingly handsome Nisolo Leon Weekender, there’s perhaps no better dopp kit to buy than the Durango Dopp Kit. Made with vegetable-tanned leather and featuring what the brand says is a deep design for carrying all of your winter grooming essentials , it’ll look — and age — as great as it performs.
The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — $248
Potentially your new favorite travel jacket for cold weather — trust me.
As seen recently on this site’s Style Pick of the Week series, the handsome, vintage-inspired and functional Maritime Submariner Jacket is just what you need to tackle winter travel. Even if you’re only dashing from your car to the airport, you want to be bundled up — that goes for departing and returning in equal measure. And if you’re heading to a cold locale and need to pack light, the Maritime Submariner Jacket — with its custom anchor buttons, beastly boiled wool exterior and slim, casual-yet-rugged fit, is the perfect travel jacket.
The Shirt: Mack Weldon Pima Long-Sleeve Crew — $38
A surprisingly crisp long-sleeve tee comfortable for travel and layering.
Available in a diverse and essential array of colors, the Mack Weldon team definitely knows what it’s doing in terms of essential, well-made basics. From its Merino Long-Sleeve Tees to its comfortable, slim-fitting and crisp Pima Long-Sleeve Crew Tees, the brand gets it right — particularly when you consider the fact that this is the sort of long-sleeve tee you can wear under a blazer with ease. And if you feel it’s not sharp enough, you can always pack it away and reach for a classic chambray shirt for travel instead. You with me still? Good.
The Denim: Mugsy Jeans Hamms Jeans — $98
Dark, slim-fitting jeans with a ton of comfort and stretch — as good as it gets.
Mugsy Jeans is building its brand on providing slim-fitting, comfortable jeans for men that, well, have a little more crotch space (don’t worry, that’s an Esquire.com link). Aside from that dubious distinction, they’re exceedingly easy to wear and move around in, as I found out on an upstate trip to Hudson last fall. And so, they’re a wise pick if you’re going to be sitting down and then moving through a crowded airport all day — but in a classic dark wash, you can wear them right out to drinks once you arrive at your destination.
The Boots: Thursday Boots Brown Duke Boot — $199
Crisp, sharp and versatile for travel and beyond.
Thursday Boots is a favorite of this blog — sometimes weekly — for the way they combine price, quality and versatility (although if you visit here frequently, maybe you’ve picked up a pair for yourself). Slick Chelsea boots are quickly moving from a trend into a versatile, everyday style essential for the modern man — check out how our man David Beckham wears them, for one. And the Brown Duke Boot is crisp, easy to slip on and off going through security, and works with everything from denim and the Maritime Submariner Jacket to a sharp suit on a business trip.
The Socks: American Trench Random Plait Sock in Fire — $10.98
Subtle texture, major style points and a great price.
Simple, nice and hole-free socks are a must when traveling — don’t take that for granted. And a crisp pair of American Trench socks really is the pair you need to pick up — heck, if you’re only traveling for a three or four-day weekend, you could feasibly pack only socks from American Trench. The red color and subtle texture here breaks up the blue denim, blue shirt and grey jacket nicely, too. Plus, the sub-$11 price tag can’t be topped.
The Belt: Arcade Belt Co. Crawford Belt in Olive Green — $27.98
A belt that combines casual style with stretch & comfort.
Be it sitting in a cramped car, plane or train, comfort is key — witness those stretch jeans near the top of the page. It only makes sense, then, to reach for a belt with just as much stretch, comfort and crisp style The Arcade Belt Co. Crawford Belt is the piece you need for winter travel — it’s easy to slip on and off, it stretches & moves with you, and it nicely complements the crisp blue jeans. Granted, it’s a bit different in terms of color than the brown Chelsea boots shown here, but I’d wager you’ll be more put-together than folks wearing sweatpants — ehh?
The Watch: Luminox Atacama Day/Date Field Watch — $319.98
A rugged-yet-refined timepiece for travel and activities once you get to your destination.
Take it from a guy who loves an essential casual watch — you need to travel with at least one (or two … or three?). If you need to pack light but still want to travel in style with a timepiece that can do just about anything, something sharp and rugged-yet-refined is the way to go. Enter the Luminox Atacama Day/Date Field Watch. We’re talking PVD-plated stainless steel hardware, a handsome black-and-tan combination, and a tough 45mm case diameter. It might be a bit big on some wrists, but with the rest of this casual ensemble, it should do just fine.
That wraps up the latest style suggestion — did you find it helpful? As with many different style scenarios — from dressing for a weekend coffee date to dressing for a business casual office, many of the same principles apply. That is, fit and comfort — especially comfort — are paramount when hitting the road. And classic pieces, like a well-made Mack Weldon crewneck and dark stretch denim, are excellent places to start. When you consider the versatility and durability of your outerwear and accessories, the Maritime Submariner Jacket and the sturdy, tough Luminox Atacama Day/Date Field Watch are prime pieces to grab. Of course, a remarkably stylish and well-made weekender bag — that’d be the Nisolo Leon Weekender is going to get you from point A to point B (and maybe point C) in style. Ready to travel? Get to it!
Good luck and stay stylish,
-Beau
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 series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.
Maybe as we enter 2017, one of your New Year’s resolutions has been to suit up more — but if you don’t quite have the right gear to do so in winter weather, that can be a difficult endeavor. So, if you need a sharp tailored suit and durable winter accessories for the season, today’s Style Guide post you all set. It’s a bit different than wearing a summer blazer — the need for added layers, for one — but you’re also going to want to start out with a more textured shirt and tie, plus tougher shoes. Lest we forget, you’ll still need to stay warm with a crisp topcoat, too. So there are certainly more variables at play than when dressing up in the spring, summer or fall. If some of the below pieces look familiar, well, that’s the point of a versatile wardrobe — right?? Bear with me as we step into winter with serious tailored style, and I’d love to get your thoughts via Twitter on this look. Happy shopping!
Winter textures and accessories make a fine cold-weather suiting combo.
The Suit: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket and Trousers in Grey Wool, $456 — The ever-reliable, durable and winter-appropriate Telegraph Suit is just the right mix of crisp and casual when it comes to suiting — the grey wool fabric is classic, the patch pockets are casual and the fit is on-point throughout. Oh, and don’t forget a crisp dress belt.
The Watch: Orient Bambino 2nd Generation Watch, $198.98 — Is it possible to get a quality dress watch for under $200? It certainly is, particularly when you reach for something as sharp, simple and classic as the Orient Bambino.
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.
Right down to the smallest details — Taylor Stitch gets it right, again.
Happy Saturday, folks — and if it’s Saturday, it’s that time. Yes, it’s everyone’s favorite recurring menswear series, the Style Pick of the Week. We’ve introduced you over the past few weeks to all kinds of winter style essentials, from a durable and unique American-made moleskin shirt to a slim leather wallet to a great pair of rugged leather boots for winter. Now, what’s the one thing that’s going to tie together all those everyday pieces? A beautiful, durable and beastly coat like *cue fireworks* the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket. Bingo. Available in a quickly dwindling size run via the Taylor Stitch Web site, the great news is that you can get the uniquely tailored and rugged Maritime Submariner Jacket right now, this very instant, via Huckberry. It’s worth doing — trust me. Made from a positively tough and hefty 19oz. Italian boiled lambswool, this jacket is impeccably tailored and comes with the bells and whistles you need this winter. That starts with the maritime-inspired anchor buttons — no loose threads in sight — and carries through to the welted handwarmer pockets and hip patch flap pockets for handling your daily haul (maybe the Taylor Stitch Minimalist Collection, come to think of it?). Oh, and the fit and style points? Nearly off the charts.
Welted handwarmer pockets and patch flap pockets translate to functionality, top-notch construction and great style.
With a trim silhouette and sharp Ash Donegal Lamsbwool fabric, it’s the perfect classy-but-casual weekend — and weekday — jacket. It’s made for slipping over a classic Oxford shirt alongside garment-dyed chinos for your 9-to-5 grind, and it’s built to withstand a weekend’s worth of outdoor adventures atop inky blue selvedge denim and a trusty pair of (can you guess?) … your favorite brown leather boots. And if you happen to be able to style it with something as essential as the Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt, you’ll be set for nearly any situation — Sunday brunch, a weekend coffee date … you name it, this jacket works in cozy, durable and handsome winter style. It’s almost as coveted by this menswear blogger as the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket — at this rate, you might end up with a whole closet full of Taylor Stitch gear. Not that that would be a bad thing at all, of course.
Get the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket via Huckberry while it lasts.
Perhaps like your Style Guide author, you’re starting to get into the swing of things when it comes to revamping your style this year. New Year’s resolutions, particularly men’s style resolutions, can be tough to start and even tougher to keep — but if one of your resolutions involves working more classic pieces into your wardrobe, the first #OOTD of 2017 should help you do just that. It’s all about picking a classic piece — the Oxford shirt — and finding a winter weather-friendly way to wear it (if you’re in a warmer climate, you can certainly keep this look while ditching a few layers). Now, we talked about how to wear an Oxford last winter, but this particular look refreshes things a bit. In this case, that involves taking some rugged pieces (like the Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket) and pairing them up with tried-and-true, essential layers (like a henley sweater that you might recognize from my winter trip to Baltimore). And although you might not see ’em in the below grid, remember to layer up with stylish winter accessories. OK, ready to get started with how to wear an Oxford this winter? Of course you are. Let’s connect on Twitter to talk more menswear, and I hope you enjoy this week’s #OOTD!
Starting with a classic Oxford and adding a tough jacket, warm layers and classic accessories.
The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket, $298 — So, as mentioned earlier, here’s the starting layer — the tough, durable, handsome and versatile Rover Jacket from Taylor Stitch. Yes, it’s all of those things at once. Lined in moleskin, it features a tightly spun cotton canvas exterior for warmth and functionality on cold days.
The Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Henley Sweater, $44 — Part henley, part sweater and all comfort and throwback style. It’s the perfect middle layer beneath a rugged jacket, and the three-button placket provides some visual interest against the Oxford shirt. Speaking of…
The Shirt: Abercrombie & Fitch Oxford Shirt, $28.80 — Consider this another “new classic” from the majorly revamped Abercrombie & Fitch brand. It’s modern, it’s versatile and it’s very affordable — plus, the “Mint” color is a nice change of pace and really leans more blue than green.
The Chinos: J. Crew Factory Driggs Broken-in Chino, $29.50 — When it comes to affordable staples that get the job done, the Driggs Chino — in slim fit, no less — performs well in winter… and spring… and summer, come to think of it.
The Boots: G.H. Bass Buxton Boots, $425 — While people tend to think of Bass for its classic leather loafers, the brand also makes one heck of a pair of USA-produced boots. These are handsome and remarkably tough, preppy yet rugged.
The Belt: J. Crew Factory Washed Leather Belt, $19.50 — Just as with the Driggs Chinos above, J. Crew Factory gets it right when it comes to versatile, affordable accessories — particularly this casual washed leather belt.
The Socks: American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere, $28.98 — Is it worth it to spend nearly $30 on socks? When they’re made in America by the great purveyors at American Trench, then the answer is YES.
The Watch: Jack Mason Racing Chronograph, $305 — When you mix in so many heavy textures — like the henley sweater and the tough Taylor Stitch Rover Jacket — you can counter that with a rather sleek, fast and sporty watch like this Jack Mason timepiece.
When it comes to a timeless piece like the Oxford, the best thing you can do is shake things up — sometimes. Of course, the shirt will always have its place in classic business casual offerings — and this outfit could work in much the same way — but adding rugged outerwear piece like the Rover Jacket mixes things up. Plus, if the new Abercrombie & Fitch keeps churning out stellar pieces, you’ll want to wear that wool-blend henley sweater as often as possible. And complementing classic and rugged pieces with slim chinos and tough-as-heck G.H. Bass boots is a foolproof way to look great no matter the weather — yes, even when dressing for the polar vortex. If you have any suggestions for how to finish off this #OOTD , let me know in the comments below.
Stay warm, stay stylish and thanks for kicking off the new year in style!
-Beau
The Style Guide 