Tag / thursday boots chukka boots

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style A Henley for Summer

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.

To me, there isn’t a style of shirt (without a collar, that is), that’s more versatile or rugged than a great short-sleeve henley. Although expressions of style and masculinity are changing all the time, there’s no doubt that a stylish henley is a still a reliable go-to if you want to upgrade your game and look a little tougher and stronger — or simply better in general — and that’s certainly true for the below tips on how to style a henley for summer. That goes for long-sleeve henleys with a vintage look, and it goes for fashionable short-sleeve henleys fit for fighting the warm weather. The button placket on well-made henleys adds some nice visual interest to looks both casual and a bit crisper, and in the right fit and color (like the slim-fitting indigo henley) below, you can wear the piece on its own with slim chino shorts or layered up under an unconstructed blazer for unique high-low style that can go to the office on a casual day and out on a date thereafter (I bet you’ll look  better than the fella in the ill-fitting suit — trust me). It can be a bit of a process to switch from a plain white tee to a knit with more texture, color and visual details (even if it is just a simple button placket). But those added small details make it a worthy style upgrade — especially when you ditch the long sleeves in favor of a piece that’s just as trim-fitting, yet a heck of a lot more ready for the warm weather. Invest in one that’s well-crafted and you can rock it under a spring jacket, beneath a fall blazer or as a complement to a warm shawl cardigan in winter. For now though, focus on great chinos, solid suede boots and other accessories just begging to be worn on a warm summer’s day. Chime in on the #OOTD discussion at our very own Style Guide Facebook page, and we’ll see you out shopping.

Pair a short-sleeve henley with staples you might already have in your closet, like stone chinos and suede chukka boots.

Pair a short-sleeve henley with staples you might already have in your closet, like stone chinos and suede chukka boots.

The Henley: Jason Scott Banks Short-Sleeve Henley in Indigo — $96: Nearly $100 is a certainly a steep price to pay, but that price gets you exceptional quality, terrific Peruvian fabric and finishing touches like antique metal buttons on the placket.

The Chinos: Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Light Stone — $98: Taylor Stitch chinos have been a Style Guide favorite for some time now, and the reliably ideal fit and excellent fabric quality and color make these a fine match for that indigo henley.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Scout Boot — $149: Just as with those Taylor Stitch chinos, the Scout Boot from Team Thursday has received positive reviews in this neck of the woods, for comfort and quality as much as looks. This rich Honey Suede pair really does have it all.

The Socks: American Trench Edo Collection Socks — $19.50: Nearly $20 for a pair of socks? You’re darn right, and they’re some of the best (if not the best) ones you can rock that are made in America at family mills. Plus, the color pops just the right amount against the faded indigo henley.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Double-Striped Webbing Belt — $14.50: Again, it’s a little counterintuitive that a belt would cost less than socks, but this piece is a bargain number that can be styled into several looks (see my Instagram for more examples, will ya?)

The Sunglasses: J. Crew Jack Sunglasses in Silver Navy — $98: As first seen on this site’s roundup of the best men’s sunglasses for summer, this pair of aviators is simple yet sleek and stylish (not to mention pretty cost-effective).

The Trunks: Tommy John Second Skin Titanium Trunk — $32: More than $30 sure is a heck of a lot to pay for underwear, but with what Tommy John can deliver in terms of quality, it’s worth it. The Dark Titanium color  shown here has sold fast, but check out their other colorways here.

The Watch: Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chronograph — $158: Timex and Red Wing really have thrown everything they’ve got at this standout watch, with a  strap crafted from rugged Red Wing boot leather and a sturdy, classic-looking dial that’s super-functional and ready for just about anything (including NYC style adventures).

Sure, chinos and a henley might seem like a simple outfit combination at first glance, but it’s the upgraded, slimmer fits, richer colors and better quality that make this look acceptable for everything from grabbing beers at the bar to leaving early on a casual Friday (perhaps with a light grey blazer, if I do say so myself). And the other pieces in this ensemble, from a warm-weather friendly cotton belt to suede chukkas, can work in multiple seasons. Finally, there’s truly no bad time for a durable leather watch or a subtle-yet-stylish socks or crisp sunglasses. Making these pieces work in your favor by adding a lightweight sweater or swapping in a stainless steel dive watch is definitely going to pay style dvidends. Do we read each other loud and clear? Yes? Excellent.

‘Til next time!

Stay stylish,

-Beau

Frank & Oak

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by Beau H.

The Product Review: Thursday Boot Company Suede Scout Chukka

Editor’s note: Click here for last-minute holiday gift ideas. And if you’d like to read more product reviews, head here. Be sure to check out more of the best chukka boots for men here, too. 

These boots were made for ... reflecting? Going in-depth with the Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka from Thursday Boots. Custom suit trousers by Combatant Gentleman. Turtleneck by UNIQLO. Glasses by Warby Parker. Charcoal socks by American Trench.

These boots were made for … reflecting? Going in-depth with the Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka from Thursday Boots. Custom suit trousers by Combatant Gentleman. Turtleneck by UNIQLO. Glasses by Warby Parker. Charcoal socks by American Trench.

Curiously enough, this review hits just before Christmas and yet across large swaths of the country, it’s been unseasonably warm — a pair of the best chukka boots around are still fair game as a last-minute gift for guys, though. Now when it takes as long for winter to start as it has this year, it can be somewhat easy to get into a style rut. The weather’s not heavy enough for thick winter boots, yet you might be a bit sick of wearing sneakers. So what’s a good intermediary between these two extremes? As you may have read before on this site, it’s the chukka boot. It’s swifter and sleeker than a winter boot but it’s a little less cleaned-up than a Chelsea boot, so it can wear both more casual or a tad dressier for the late fall and into early winter and beyond. The best men’s leather boots are simply a must-have, and I’d urge you to give these (or one of my other picks) a shot. Crafted in rich suede like the option you see here from Thursday Boots, it’s the perfect go-to for when it’s time to change your footwear without going into full-on thick boot territory. There sometimes can be a tendency to skimp a bit on quality when it comes to a shoe like this (after all, brands like H&M sell chukkas for lots less), particularly if a suede chukka isn’t your go-to everyday footwear option. It’s wise to shell out  more though — with Thursday, you’re getting both a fair price and a really solid chukka boot.

You might recognize the Chocolate Suede Scout Boot from a recent Style Pick of the Week, and it’s been in solid rotation over these past few weeks (which, coincidentally, have remained quite warm in NYC), thanks to its quality and looks. Thursday Boots, if you’re unacquainted, has made a name for itself in the men’s footwear market through a fall 2014 Kickstarter launch that positively blew up, as the investors might say — and their recent product additions have proven nothing short of eye-catching. That goes for the brand’s chukka boots, as well as its superb-looking Chelsea boots and some tough hiking boots. Those are on top of its more premium and higher-priced Black Label Collection featuring rare leathers, and its Captain Boot silhouette (of which the Roughout Captain Boot as seen on this blog was a part).

A look at the versatility of the Chocolate Suede Scout Boot (more on that in a bit). Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Baseball jacket by Grayers. Gloves by Iron & Resin. Henley by Pistol Lake. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Watch by Invicta.

A look at the versatility of the Chocolate Suede Scout Boot (more on that in a bit). Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Baseball jacket by Grayers. Gloves by Iron & Resin. Henley by Pistol Lake. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Watch by Invicta.

So for all the range the brand has, it’s a good thing the quality doesn’t suffer, at least to this style writer’s eye. The Chocolate Suede Scout in particular features a Goodyear welt that doesn’t have any noticeable imperfections or issues in terms of the stitching. And while that’s a selling point, perhaps the first thing you notice is the quality of the suede — it’s smooth and soft, unlike a more casual Clarks boot, which sometimes has a rougher feel and a more noticeable nap. That smoothness makes these Thursday chukkas quite easy to dress up — even with suit trousers and a turtleneck. The premium round wax laces are also trimmer and sleeker than laces on some other leather or suede chukkas, helping with that elevated feel (it helps that the laces are the same color as the suede itself).

The boot hits higher on the ankle, a refined touch that stands out --in a good way. Fair Isle socks by American Trench. Baseball jacket by Grayers. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Watch by Invicta.

The boot hits higher on the ankle, a refined touch that stands out –in a good way. Fair Isle socks by American Trench. Baseball jacket by Grayers. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Watch by Invicta.

Another noticeable and rather defining feature of these chukkas is the height of the boot itself. Whereas some chukka boots like Clarks hit a little lower on your heel, these extend ever so slightly higher on the ankle — just slightly below the height of an ASOS suede Chelsea boot, for reference. That difference might seem subtle, but when combined with the brown suede and full glove Italian leather lining, it lends a continental feel to these boots (exhibit A: James Bond rocking brown suede chukka boots). So given that bit of contrast, it felt right to pair them with a dressier ensemble for Thanksgiving, and yet they also paired perfectly well with a more casual henley-and-denim ensemble for exploring Washington, D.C.. I’ve gone so far as to pair them with an elbow-patch cardigan and navy chinos, as you can see here.

The suede has held up well over time, so there should be plenty more adventures to come. Dark denim by Mott & Bow. Weekender bag by Navali. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

The slim profile of this pair makes them highly versatile, fit for adventures on the road ahead. Dark denim by Mott & Bow.  Weekender bag by Navali. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

On top of versatility, the comfort of these stylish leather boots is absolutely a big selling point, too. Some have had issues with the quality of Thursday Boots or the comfort, but I’ve experienced no such problems. The studded rubber outsole has provided good, noticeably solid traction for getting around NYC on the weekdays and weekends, and the heel hasn’t worn down despite the miles I’ve put on them. It’s a comfortable walking experience from toe to heel, and one would think the full glove leather lining plays a large part in that. Everyone’s footwear experience is different, to be sure, but I also found that a size 10 runs true to size on my feet. That works out well given that the toe shape of these shoes leans much slimmer than your average chukka boot. Again though, that’s another feature that makes them dressy and wearable in a variety of situations. Versatile leather boots sound unstoppable, right? Right.

Crucially too, the quality of the suede has held up quite well. I certainly don’t baby my shoes, although I do use a suede brush and waterproof spray (I’d recommend you do the same, and Thursday Boots has you covered with a boot brush on its site). They do have a few scuff marks, but nothing outrageous given how I’ve been wearing them — and there were no issues as far as suede quality right out of the box, either. It really was one shoe that I couldn’t wait to start wearing, and I’ve been happy to get the chance to continue wearing them this winter. It’s worth you looking into them — brown chukka boots can be worn right now with dark raw denim or burgundy cords, and you can wear them into the spring and summer with white denim and light blue chinos. A pair like this can dressy, too — charcoal flannel trousers and a nice elbow-patch crewneck would blend in seamlessly with this continental style, and you could mix in some high-low style with navy cargo trousers and a grey crewneck sweater.  And with the quality they pack, you could find yourself reaching for them again and again.

Do you own the Chocolate Suede Scout or any other pairs of Thursday Boots? What’s your experience been like, and how would you style them? Looking for another pair of the best men’s boots? Click that link. 

Ben Sherman US

by Beau H.

East Coast style: A weekend away in Washington, D.C.

Editor’s note: For more travel style features, punch your ticket here.

Hitting the road again. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Chocolate Suede Scout Boots by Thursday Boots. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

Hitting the road again. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Chocolate Suede Scout Boots by Thursday Boots. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

This past weekend, I found myself on the road yet again, hopping on a quick train from NYC to another bustling East Coast metropolis, Washington, D.C. to reconnect with some high school friends. And along the way, I realized there might not be a better way to travel the coast than by train — the scenery was beautiful, especially seeing fall colors change as the sun set. And the weekend in D.C. was a fun, if fast-paced, trip that also gave me the long-awaited chance to break out some of my favorite fall style items. It was also neat to be able to explore more of a city I had previously only known for its monuments — I can safely say the nightlife scene is excellent, and stretches of the city (particularly the Georgetown area) offer superb #menswear shopping.

Exploring DC and walking along the Potomac River. Burgundy henley by Pistol Lake. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Leather gloves by Iron & Resin. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boots. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Broothers. Glasses by Warby Parker.

Exploring DC and walking along the Potomac River. Burgundy henley by Pistol Lake. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Leather gloves by Iron & Resin. Chocolate Suede Scout Chukkas by Thursday Boots. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Broothers. Glasses by Warby Parker.

To travel down to D.C. on Friday evening, I kept things simple and casual, pairing my trusty Mott & Bow denim  with perhaps my new favorite pair of shoes, my Chocolate Suede Scout Boots from Thursday Boots (as seen in this Thanksgiving Style Suggestion last week). The boots are the perfect epitome of high-low footwear — they appropriately dressed up the navy crewneck sweater and Russel Baseball Jacket (via Grayers) I wore to travel, and their sleek shape, comfortable fit and high-quality suede made for a nice finishing touch to a new burgundy henley I received from the great folks at Pistol Lake. That piece in particular is a perfect fall color, and it’s crafted from soft-yet-sturdy jersey cotton for some nice comfort (although it is a bit more expensive than a typical henley). As you travel, I would definitely recommend investing in some similarly stylish travel gear, namely layers that you can take off and add with ease (like the crewneck sweater and baseball jacket), and solid shoes able to be worn from dinner to the bar and back around town.

Hitting the road in style again. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

Hitting the road in style again. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

Accessories that are a step up from the norm (i.e. a vintage ballcap versus an athletic logo ballcap) can definitely complement travel style, too — the Goorin Brothers cap pictured above is one of my favorites for that reason. And for the cold weather, I would recommend ponying up a bit more for a nice pair of go-anywhere leather gloves, as I did with my Buffalo Bobber Gloves from Iron & Resin. They were comfortable to throw on and should definitely break in beautifully over time — the leather is just that nice! Some well-crafted socks in a toned-down yet stylish Fair Isle pattern (as seen later in this post) from American Trench capped things off and paired well with my suede boots. And it was crucial to have comfortable accessories to get around town.

After my quick train ride, our Friday night took us to Kelly’s Irish Times, a revered D.C. bar that took home prestigious honors as Esquire Magazine’s top bar in the District last year. The beer was tasty (as always), and I would recommend you grab the tater tots if you get the chance to stop by. A Metro ride — an easier experience compared to getting around NYC on the subway system — took us back to my friend’s brother’s apartment and an early night in preparation for a marathon day of watching football (GO GREEN!)and exploring D.C.

Stopping for a second near the Capitol Building. Quilted shirt-jacket by Addict. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Black chukka sneakers by Reef. Black rubber strap watch by Stuhrling.

Stopping for a second near the Capitol Building. Quilted shirt-jacket by Addict. Sunglasses by Randolph Engineering. Slim denim by Mott & Bow. Black chukka sneakers by Reef. Black rubber strap watch by Stuhrling.

To get around the city, I threw on another new favorite pair of shoes, my Reef Outhaul Lux sneakers.I’m normally not a fan of much black footwear, particularly sneakers, but I’ve found myself drawn more and more to black sneakers and boots as of late (perhaps NYC is rubbing off on me?). These sneakers in particular were comfortable and easy-wearing for lots of walking; there’s a substantial amount of traction on the sole, and the full-grain black leather upper gives them a nice, premium touch. Comfortable sneakers are definitely another must on any trip (read up on some the sneakers you should own now, while we’re at it). Good footwear was definitely crucial as we explored the area near the Capitol and posted up at the Capitol Lounge, a Michigan State-centric bar that proved the perfect atmosphere for another thrilling finish and Spartan victory (again, GO GREEN!)

Ben Sherman US

I was more than able to fight a bit of a chilly evening thanks to some nice brews at the Capitol Lounge (again, worth a stop in D.C. if only for the French fries) and of course, a quilted shirt-jacket via UK sportswear company Addict. I wrote on Saturday about the great layering potential a nice shirt-jacket or workshirt can provide, and this padded option worked as a jacket pretty seamlessly. Although I hadn’t heard of the brand before, I’m definitely happy with this piece, and it’s another lightweight yet insulating layer that can work effectively as you travel from, say, the airport to an afternoon exploring the city. A great pair of jeans is also an absolute must-have, and it doesn’t get much better than Mott & Bow, who’s nailed the fit of their denim for a pretty nice price — they were a terrific pick for lots of walking and also different style situations.

Refined chukka boots helped with high-low style throughout the trip. Chocolate Suede Scout Boots by Thursday Boots. Slim denim by Mott and Bow. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Fair Isle socks by American Trench. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

Refined chukka boots helped with high-low style throughout the trip. Chocolate Suede Scout Boots by Thursday Boots. Slim denim by Mott and Bow. Russel Baseball Jacket by Grayers. Fair Isle socks by American Trench. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

Dark denim is a fail-safe style option, and this pair also proved appropriate for some celebratory festivities at the massive Penn Social, an arcade-bar hybrid with fun games and a nice atmosphere. From there, we stopped through a classic college-type bar, Sign of the Whale, before calling it a night — celebrating Spartan wins can be exhausting! Luckily, we were still able to make it into D.C. for a relaxing afternoon walking along the Potomac River and admiring the lovely view from atop the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. All that activity was made more enjoyable despite the cold thanks to the layers I wore, namely that comfortable Pistol Lake henley and my Grayers baseball jacket. Again, the comfort and traction provided by my chukka boots was also key, as I covered a lot of ground exploring the Georgetown neighborhood and its standout menswear scene, from Billy Reid to COACH and Jack Wills.

Inside the much-hyped Billy Reid store in the Georgetown neighborhood of DC.

Inside the much-hyped Billy Reid store in the Georgetown neighborhood of DC.

If you do get the chance to go to that area of town, I’d definitely recommend you make a point to stop through Billy Reid — the shop is very well-curated, the product is beautiful and the staff is friendly and attentive (can you tell I’m a fan of the brand?). With that being said, all that activity made for a fun but tiring afternoon — and that capped off what was a quick yet extremely fun-filled weekend! It was neat to see more of the character of Washington, D.C. — particularly some of the quirky touches (bunches of Richard Nixon memorabilia at the Capitol Lounge, for one), that the city has to offer. While it’s different in pacing and the overall atmosphere from New York City, it’s a prime city to visit in the fall, and I’m certain there are more hidden gems I didn’t find yet! I’ll definitely be back. Until we hit the road again, thanks for reading.

Stay stylish,

-Beau
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