November 23, 2015November 22, 2015 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!)

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.

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.

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

November 18, 2015November 18, 2015 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: Thanksgiving Day

All ready to pack up next week? Slim Mailbag by Satchel and Page. Stowaway Weekender Bag by Navali.

Editor’s note: For past Style Suggestions covering Turkey Day, head here.

It’s hard to believe that as I type this post, we’re looking at the third — yes, third — Style Suggestion covering Thanksgiving Day on The Style Guide. Only three, you say? Well, it feels like more than that — it’s been a great journey, with a big move to NYC and some job changes interspersed among all that, and it’s one that I’m thankful for every day. That, of course, includes the cool brands I get to work with and much more importantly, the awesome, engaging people who read this site!

And none of it would be possible without the support and love of my family & friends (some of whom might be reading this post — Hi, guys!). So in the run-up to the holiday next week, that’s what’ll be on my mind. But as to what’s on your mind — hopefully that centers around being quite thankful, too. But, say perhaps your thoughts on are what to wear, or the travel gear you should pack to get to your holiday destination? That’s what we’re covering below — and we’re keeping things casual-crisp in this Style Suggestion. Take a read and let me know your thoughts in the comments!

The Sweater: Frank & Oak Horizontal Cable Sweater in Navy — $66

A horizontal knit and herringbone texture keep this sweater quite visually appealing.

Frank & Oak is a brand that continually gets a lot of things right, something that’s quite tricky to do when you balance putting out monthly collections with adding to a growing brick-and-mortar presence. But they do it quite well, particularly when it comes to churning out staple fall & winter layering pieces. This reasonably priced cotton sweater nails that equation — it’s cut trim in a sharp, neutral color, yet the formality is toned down by cable knitting; that touch also gives it a good bit of visual interest. It’s less formal than a crisp merino V-neck, so if that’s the way your holiday situation is shaking out, you might want to reach for one of those instead. Conversely, adding in a nice knit tie could dress things up in a pinch if need be.

The Shirt: UNIQLO Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Oxford — $19.90 (On-Sale)

Keep it simple and crisp with the classic white OCBD for Thanksgiving.

UNIQLO continues to rightfully earn its status as a maker of basics that hold up pretty well for the price, and that extends to its shirts in this case. When these are on-sale — and even when they aren’t — they’re an excellent value. The slim fit white Oxford shown here does indeed fit nice and trim, and like most UNIQLO products, these should have some decent stretch built in (more on why that stretch important when we get to the pants). The white Oxford is a style basic that stands up to the challenge of Thanksgiving — it’s likely a day spent in someone else’s home around a special occasion, so it helps to look polished. Yet, it’s not overly dressy, and it seems Thanksgiving is a good holiday to try out going tieless. Yes, it’s a navy sweater-plus-white shirt combo up top, but the texture of the sweater ups the ante.

The Pants: JackThreads Slim Corduroy Pant — $59.50

A basic corduroy that nails the affordability-quality equation and provides nice, er, function for the holiday.

This particular pair of pants might seem quite familiar if you’ve perused this blog as of late; they were the top pick in a feature on the best men’s corduroys for fall and winter, and they’re back this go-round. They combine a slim, modern fit, a versatile color and perhaps most importantly for this holiday, a hint of stretch built in (y’know, for all that physical activity you’ll be undertaking on Thanksgiving). However, any pair of corduroys from this list could feasibly work. At any rate, cords will add another dose of texture to the outfit while still appearing a bit more formal than dark denim would, yet they’re not as dressy as some grey trousers — that’ll work well with the fact that we (or just you?) are going tieless here.

The Shoes: Thursday Boots Chocolate Suede Scout Boot — $149

A Goodyear welt, a sharp brown suede color and a slim silhouette make these chukkas look pricier than they are — a nice addition to the outfit.

When you take one look at this shoe, you might think it retails for almost twice what it does. The Scout line of chukka boots is a recent introduction from Thursday Boots, and the Chocolate Suede Scout Boot really does look like something else (note that they also come in a crisp Brown Leather option). Thursday Boots, while the target of some criticisms, has provided this author with good quality over time as far as my Roughout Captain Boots are concerned, so we’ll stick with the brand here. On a style points note, these definitely look like something James Bond might’ve worn back in Quantum of Solace. And they’re a worthy pick to finish off this outfit, too — the silhouette makes them less obtrusive than a work boot, and the suede tones down the formality appropriately. Yet, they’re still dressier than crisp sneakers (as great as those can be to wear). That’s what we’re going for here, ultimately.

The Belt: Land’s End Distressed Vintage Jean Belt — $39.00

Go for a bit of visual interest with your belt, as with the rest of your outfit, and you’ll be pleased with the results.

If at first you experience some sticker shock over the price of this belt, rest assured — it’ll be alright. Paying a bit more for an item you can get lots of wear out of — potentially even every day of the week — is a very solid investment. And if you find yourself dressing in a manner similar to this outfit a lot, a belt with some rugged distressing is one you can reach for over and over. The roughed-up, full-grain leather continues to add a dose of texture to this ensemble in a situation where one could easily reach for a sleeker, and more expensive, dress belt. Not to worry that it doesn’t match up with the dark brown suede — it’s perfectly acceptable to break that rule when you’ve got suede shoes.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Chronograph — $100

Design details like the aged-looking leather strap and the rugged-refined dial pair nicely with the rest of this outfit.

Timex hits the nail right on the head with a watch that’s rugged and refined, decently dressy but still acceptably casual and more importantly, ideal for the holiday — all for $100. The Waterbury line was introduced earlier this year to play off the brand’s heritage (and perhaps challenge brands like Shinola?), and it stands to reason that they’ve grabbed some customers with a lower price point and pretty good looks, to boot. The brown dial and aged brown leather strap match up nicely with the overall smart-casual vibe of the outfit. Plus, the strap itself adds some nice texture to an outfit that’s already quite full of it, from the corduroy pants to the cable-knit sweater and the suede boots. Plus, it’ll keep the time well and stand up to a reasonable game of backyard football.

The Socks: American Trench Fall Triple Stripes Sock — $14.50

Complementary colors and a breathable blend of recycled cotton make these socks comfortable AND stylish.

If you aren’t yet sold on American Trench, it’s a brand that you absolutely should consider checking out. They’ve popped up here in a Style Q&A , and that gives some great insight into who they are as a brand. In short for the uninitiated: they source premium fabrics and construct their socks (and other gear, like merino watch caps) in U.S. factories, so the price that you pay is more than worth it. And in this particular instance, the Triple Stripe Sock adds a nice complimentary color scheme to the overall outfit without detracting too much from each individual piece. Plus, these socks are comfortable and crafted from a breathable blend of cotton — all too crucial if you slip off the shoes and pad to the kitchen for that second (or third) serving at halftime.

So that’s what’s in the books as far as this Style Suggestion goes — remember above all else that no matter what you wear next week, it’s about celebrating the day with the people you love, and being thankful for what’s on your plate. That’s something that definitely transcends style.

With that said though — thanks, as always, for reading.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

October 14, 2015May 3, 2021 by Beau H.

The Product Review: Thursday Boot Company Roughout Captain Boot

Editor’s note: Click on the following link to read my Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka review, also from Thursday Boot Company. Click here to see other men’s shopping picks for the best leather boots for men, too.

Are you ready for fall? Black suede bomber by Timberland. Slim dark denim by Mott & Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker. Boots by Thursday Boots.

News flash, news flash — it’s now mid-October. Quick, what do you have on your feet? If you’re anything like me, as soon as the temperatures dip, you reach for best leather boots for men The best pairs of men’s boots move seamlessly from being styled with staples like slim dark denim and a long-sleeve henley to sharp blazers and even, say, navy trousers. In short, the best pairs are like the Roughout Captain Boot from Thursday Boot Company. Based in New York City, this relatively small, bootstrapped operation (ha!) has quickly gained traction in the men’s style community for offering something that not a lot of other companies can boast — relatively affordable boots in multiple styles and colors, with some sharp new releases adding a stylistic edge to the brand’s offerings. In fact, you might recognize this pair from a recent Style Pick of the Week!

Styling a pair of roughout boots with some rugged black denim. Jeans by American Apparel.

Styling a pair of roughout boots with some rugged black denim. The flat wax laces make this pair more versatile than others. Jeans by American Apparel.

At any rate, the brand’s popular Kickstarter (which launched just last October and netted the young company nearly $300,000) has definitely helped them deliver on the campaign’s promise. And given that its focus is laid out right in the company name, boots are (as one would expect) a strong point for the brand. I reached out to Nolan Walsh, Thursday Boot Company co-founder, earlier this year and they were kind enough to send me this pair for review (and inclusion in other features, of course).

The first thing that catches your eye about the Captain Boot is that captoe silhouette — it’s got more than shades of a Red Wing Iron Ranger, yet the price is lower and the silhouette is slimmer and more refined. That’s a very good thing given that boots can quickly become a go-to footwear choice when the weather turns chilly or snowy — so versatility is key. The stitching is also a little toned down compared to the Red Wing Heritage Iron Ranger, making it easier to dress them up a little bit. The slimmer silhouette also makes it easier to wear these leather boots with slimmer jeans, as you can see here. And the flat wax laces also give the boot less of a workman-vibe and more of a refined ease. Again, these are all features that separate it from similar boots while also making it one versatile pair. I found the boots to be more than wearable in warmer temperatures though. Still looking for the best pair of boots for men right now? I’ve got you covered.

The profile of the Roughout Captain Boot is slimmer than competitors’ offerings. Patterned socks by Richer Poorer.

In fact, I chose to pair them with slim black American Apparel denim, a white T-shirt via RibbedTee and a well-worn American Apparel denim jacket, and I was more than comfortable trekking through Brooklyn for a night of adventures. They’re not a particularly heavy pair of boots, which lends itself to more wearability — and an easier walk — than thicker, clunkier pairs. They’re still sturdy and should do well in adverse weather thanks to the Goodyear-welted sole (a defining characteristic of other excellent, but more expensive boots — like the Wolverine 1000 Mile line). The EVA comfort strip likely has something to do with the comfort factor, too. The leather interior lining definitely makes it easy to slip in and out of these boots — the roughout leather is by its very nature, thicker than suede yet softer and easier to break in than, say, a pair of Horween leather boots. If the roughout leather isn’t your thing though, there are plenty of other leather boot options, including the sleek President Boot from Thursday Boots.

A studded rubber outsole gives these boots some grip.

A studded rubber outsole gives these boots a heck of a lot of grip.

But these ones might be the most durable of the lot. Adding to the functional-yet-stylish vibe of the Roughout Captain Boot is the studded rubber outsole — as you can see from some of these photos, that sole is thick and grippy. It should more than handle slippery streets come the colder parts of fall & winter. So that means they’ll likely see use in all kinds of weather — and Thursday Boots has you covered there as far as leather care accessories goes. Cleaning material like this often comes down to having a nice boot brush, along with some occasional spot cleaning. This pair will definitely be getting that treatment as we move through the fall, as will the rest of my favorite boots.

As to the presentation of the boots themselves, they’re presented in a black box branded with the Thursday Boots logo, and the box is almost as substantial as the boots. So far, they’ve held up quite well given some weekend wear in hotter temperatures — I never can resist putting on a great boot! The roughout leather is thick but surprisingly soft and pliable — it’s not too hard to put these boots on or slip them off. They also lace up nice and tight, but not so tight as to prove suffocating with a pair of thick socks on. And so far, they’ve presented great styling potential — they’ll definitely work with medium grey chinos and a navy blazer in moderate weather, and they’ll definitely be up to the task in colder temperatures alongside dark denim and a crewneck sweater. I wouldn’t hesitate, either, to pair them with a high-low combo like a denim jacket, knit tie and some grey suit trousers.

Seeing how essential a terrific pair of boots can be for the fall and winter months, the price (which beats out some similar-looking competitors) is worth the investment up front. Although they don’t often run sales, it’s still worth it right now to put down some cash up front — so you can put those boots on your feet.

Let me know — do you have any experience with Thursday Boots? How would you style this pair? Again, don’t sleep on the style and versatility of the best men’s boots on the market right now.

October 12, 2015October 12, 2015 by Beau H.

What To Wear Today: Transitional Fall Style

Editor’s note: For more posts covering #WTWT (What to Wear Today), click here.

Are you read for fall? Black suede bomber by Timberland. Slim dark denim by Mott & Bow. Glasses by Warby Parker. Boots by Thursday Boots.

There’s something in the air, isn’t there? A hint of a crisp breeze, maybe a rustle of leaves on the ground — yes? If you responded reasonably to either of these questions, then this is the blog post for you today on The Style Guide. The time between the often-oppressive heat of summer and the first snowfall can (depending on where you live) be rather long, or rather short. Either way, you need gear to get from point A to point B without continually relying on that stash of summer shorts and T-shirts. And given that fall is perhaps the best season for menswear, this is a time to fully embrace the transitional temperatures.

The ideal transitional outfit. Henley by Pistol Lake. Slim dark denim by Mott & Bow. Cotton rugby stripe socks by American Trench. Winston Herringbone watch by KOMONO. Boots by Thursday Boots.

The biggest key in making that transition comes in taking items you’d wear throughout the rest of the year — like a great henley — and repurposing those pieces alongside fall-appropriate textures (and colors, too). Take, for example, the short-sleeve henley you’d wear through the summer. Throw some long sleeves on that bad boy, look for a piece that’s been garment-dyed or incorporates some slight marled texture (Todd Snyder offers a pricey take on this variety) and you’re good to go in terms of casual weekend layering. It also does just fine underneath a sportier crewneck sweatshirt — budget retailers like Old Navy provide a great take on this menswear staple. Of course, no great henley would be complete without that essential fall layer — a terrific bomber jacket (Editor’s note: Look for a full rundown on key jackets for the season next week). Know that these pieces also work for the office, too — you can sub in a rugged chambray shirt and fit right in depending on your office environment.

Of course, if you prefer a lighter top layer, a merino wool cardigan from the likes of JACHS NY (as discussed here) could do just fine, too. Heck, any of the sweaters discussed on this blog last week could work on their own if the temperatures aren’t too biting. And a trusty denim jacket is also always a solid piece to bridge that seasonal gap. But trying to push the envelope (within the reason) is what we’re all about. So if you haven’t given a great bomber jacket a look yet, this fall would be an excellent time to do so. The best bomber jackets are cut slim, with high armholes, relatively trim sleeves and a decently tailored fit through the body — essentially, just as your favorite fall blazer. There are a variety of fabrics and various takes on the bomber, all stemming from either military or athletic styles, but a crisp, fall-appropriate color (like the inky black seen above) and classic detailing never fails — particularly when it comes to this navy suede J. Crew bomber jacket.

A pricey but undoubtedly sleek take on the bomber jacket via J. Crew.

Cheaper options, like H&M’s Wool-Blend Pilot Jacket, are absolutely on the market, but you lose the unique texture of suede. And if you do go the suede route, paying a premium for higher quality is recommended. In fact, J. Crew appears to have that corner of the market covered with this buttoned suede bomber, too. Whichever route you do decide to take, it’s worth noting that any of the styles mentioned above could bring a sharp sportswear edge to something as dressy as a white Oxford, navy knit tie and grey chinos. And the nice thing about a classic jacket is that a quality piece in a neutral color will enhance any other classic staples you decide to stick with — say, that ever-reliable pair of dark denim you should have handy.

Before you drop lots of cash on a thick pair of selvedge denim, it’s worth exploring lower-priced retailers like Uniqlo and Old Navy for classic, well-fitting selvedge though. Mott & Bow’s Slim or Skinny denim offers a different take on the style, too — their jeans are built with a nice bit of stretch for lots of comfort and mobility. In the spirit of jeans that’ll take a beating however, investing in a pricier (yet incredibly high-quality) pair from a retailer like Billy Reid is definitely an option, too. That same pair of dark denim can move seamlessly from the office to the bar when paired with crisp fall essentials — like that chambray shirt or that henley (if your office leans casual or creative). Perhaps the one thing that can really make or break a seasonal outfit is footwear, though. Fall is the optimal time to break out those boots from storage — and the options are numerous if you start out with a solid base (for example, a navy bomber jacket).

Get the most out of your transitional style with some tan suede boots. Pair by Thursday Boots. Patterned socks by Richer Poorer. Slim black jeans by American Apparel.

Get the most out of your transitional style with a grippy pair of tan suede boots. Pictured option by Thursday Boots. Patterned socks by Richer Poorer. Slim black jeans by American Apparel.

With, for example, a navy jacket, a great leather chukka boot is going to be an exceptionally versatile pick — although it all comes down to that jacket, as some might be against pairing a brown leather boot with a black suede jacket, or vice versa. Ultimately though, if the look is casual enough and the occasion calls for it — perhaps out at the bar with friends — that’s one rule it’s OK to break. And some rugged black moc-toe boots as pictured earlier in this post can lend a rugged vibe to an outfit. To avoid any potential pitfalls though, an in-between tan suede captoe boot (like that pair above from Thursday Boots) can really work wonders when it comes time to pull an outfit together. Don’t sleep on the brand’s new Chelsea boots, either. The tan suede matches well with black & brown leather belts, and although it gets a little close in the color wheel to a brown leather jacket, it’s a reliable option that works in a pinch with multiple outfits. And on the boot front, that’s perhaps one place it’s OK to skimp a bit if you throw down some cash on a great bomber jacket (case in point: H&M is even making a dark beige desert boot this season).

Given that multiple textures and potentially even variations on suede are incorporated into this look, playing it simple & classic on the #WatchGame front is advised. A stainless steel dive watch is a style essential that won’t fail you in any situation, be it dressy or casual, and brands like Invicta (as any reader of this site will know!) churn out affordable, reliable dive watches in bunches. By starting out with a neutral base, like a stylish and sleek bomber jacket, you give yourself leeway to work in other rugged-refined items for ensembles that can work in multiple situations, be it in the classroom, trekking through campus or heading out to your local watering hole. And no matter the situation, mixing and matching a few key pieces from the other three seasons should carry you well through this one.

How do you dress to transition through fall? What styles are you looking forward to bringing back out of your closet?

September 7, 2015September 7, 2015 by Beau H.

2015 Fall Style Wish List

Yes, it’s almost here. Does it feel like fall yet? Military jacket pictured by Frank & Oak (October ’13 edition).

It’s always surprising to see how early fall styles start to hit shelves (and E-commerce sites) every year — and it’s a trend that’s shown no sign of letting up. Consequently, I’ve found myself putting together mini-wish lists of sorts related to fall since … about July? That makes it tough on the bank account (and my psyche) to hold out that long, of course. It’s exciting looking ahead though — to many, fall is an optimal season for #menswear, what with a plethora of options for incorporating earthier colors as well as richer textures in everything from corduroy pants to chunkier shawl-collar sweaters and blazers. Spring and summer have their style positives too, of course — airy fabrics and all that potential to play with pops of pattern — but fall just feels right when it comes to men’s style. So without further ado, here’s what I’ve got my eye on for fall — the majority of these are new (or new-ish?) releases and certainly worth a look.

#1. Uniqlo Wool Blended Comfort Jacket — $99

Just three of several outstanding color options, including the Grey Plaid on the left, a nice Wine shade in the middle and a not-so-dark navy.

This Uniqlo blazer has already been a hot seller in some colors, particularly the Wine option pictured above. It’s a wool-blend jacket that perfectly toes the line between casual and crisp — the shorter tail and lack of structure see to that (although that means it might not fit everyone well). It’s available in a wide array of colors, including a grey herringbone, a grey plaid and a classic brown tweed that would look right at home with some dark denim (a la this post). The patch pockets also mean it’s the kind of blazer you could dress down with a rugged henley. Now if only temperatures would drop a bit…

#2. Grayers Avalon Cardigan — $125

A hybrid cardigan that manages to meld casual details and versatile styling potential.

While Grayers has nailed the easygoing prep-casual vibe for spring and summer (as detailed here), it does an equally smart job dishing out fall essentials. This navy marl cardigan features some more unique details that bring it into the casual realm, like kangaroo pockets similar to those on a hooded sweatshirt. The shawl collar and black buttons class it up more, though — it’s definitely a piece that could pair remarkably well with a chambray shirt and dark navy chinos. And, as always, shawl-collar cardigans remain the ultimate cold-weather layering piece for just about anything else – take a tip from this photo, for starters.

#3. Thursday Boots Roughout President Boot — $249

A sleeker profile than most boots gives this pair an edge for fall.

Thursday Boots burst into the digital menswear community late last year with a Kickstarter campaign that really blew the doors off ($276,610 pledged of just a $30,000 goal), and the brand’s really built something since. The brand’s President Boot (a permanent fixture on the site but still worth a look) boasts a lower profile and slimmer silhouette than something like a Red Wing Iron Ranger , minus the captoe. And as far as fall footwear goes, that’s a very good thing. These boots look like they can take a substantial beating, and yet they’d still sit right at home under some textured grey trousers or black denim.

#4. GREATS Brand Royale High Sneakers — $179

The medium grey color should make this pair fit for all kinds of outfit duty, from work to play.

There’s something about high-top sneakers and fall that just goes well together, in my humble opinion. A return to colder temperatures bring about a return to sturdier footwear — and that extends to sneakers, as well. It’s time, then, to put away some of my favorite GREATS sneakers and look forward — or rather, wish for — a new pair in the closet. The Brooklyn-based sneaker gurus appear to have brought their trademark reputation for quality to this high-top set as well, merging a Margom sole with full-grain calfskin leather for a supple sneaker that’s the ideal finishing touch to a sporty-casual outfit (say, some rust chinos and maybe that Grayers cardigan above). That grey color also would help ground earthier tones in an outfit — crucial when you’d like to wear sneakers to the office. (Editor’s note: Look for a travel-centric feature focused on GREATS sneakers coming next month on The Style Guide).

#5. Todd Snyder Mercer Sweatpant in Moss — $175

Just sweatpants, right? Think again, because they combine premium materials and a slim cut — just like your best chinos.

There’s no doubt that I’m a fan of crisp, polished looks — be it a sturdy pair of dark denim or some slim chinos with a blazer. But as the temperatures start to fall, I always find myself drawn to sportier, throwback-oriented looks — like nearly every item from Todd Snyder’s always-stunning collections (and these sweatpants specifically). The offerings always seem to meld American sportswear sensibilities with the designer’s eye for lux finishing touches, yet fall is really where this shines through. Keep in mind, we’re still talking about sweatpants here. And at the end of the day, that’s an awful lot of cash to throw at a pair, when some definitely prefer to keep things crisp throughout an ensemble. But there’s something to be said for upgrading even your most basic items, like sweats. And with a pair this well-made and slim-cut, they’d make for a heck of a casual weekend outfit when paired with a certain set of sneakers on this list (*cough* item number four) and a great cardigan (*cough item number two).

With so much excellent fall gear in stores now, it was definitely tough to sort through this year’s autumn crop (see what I did there?). J. Crew introduced a Ludlow sportcoat in Italian garment-dyed cotton that barely missed the cut, and among highly wearable shirt-jackets, Saturdays NYC looks to again have a winner with its Jeremiah CPO Jacket. Long-term, a classic Shinola leather watch also remains on my wish list (a guy can dream, right?). But with any luck, some of these items will indeed end up in my closet before winter — right?

What’s on your fall style wish list this year? What brands have you been keeping an eye on?

February 21, 2015January 6, 2016 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Boots

Editor’s note: Click this link to read the 2016 edition of this site’s best men’s winter boots.

So these past few weeks in NYC have delivered some of the coldest weather on record — not only in the city itself, but across much of the rest of Eastern U.S. and Midwest. That really puts things in perspective style-wise, because in cold weather like this, function is just as important as fashion, particularly in the footwear department when trekking through feet of snow (or even just walking through blustery, chilly winds). There are several options on the market that serve only functional purposes (like the famous Bean boot from L.L. Bean), but the best boots serve both stylish and utilitarian means — like the 5 picks below. Read on and leave your picks for your favorite pair at the bottom!

#1. Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots in Brown — $360

An all-American original with rugged details.

Wolverine’s 1000 Mile line of boots is an all-time classic — revered for their durability and toughness, the brand has slowly built up a fashion following across the past five or so years as workwear and Americana themes have come back into vogue in men’s fashion. While this pair is particularly pricey compared to options you might pick up on a budget, the price is well worth it —the 1000 Mile collection combines toughness and dependability with beautiful leather styling and lots of attention to detail (read more on a pair from the line here). In a rich brown color like the pair above, they’ll work at the office with more rugged outfits as well as marching through the cold to get there. Note that these boots are also on-sale through Nordstrom for a bit less than the above price.

#2. Thursday Boots Captain Boot in Brown — $199

A slimmed-down silhouette compared to the 1000 Mile boot, for far less cash.

The second pick on this list drops the price down significantly from the Wolverine boots above, without losing too much quality. In fact, for being a very new startup courtesy of Kickstarter, these boots provide just as much top-notch styling potential as any other boot from the heritage brands on this list — and they do it for a greatly reduced price. They offer a slightly sleeker-looking silhouette, a more office-friendly captoe and that same rich brown leather that should pair well with all kinds of outfits throughout the winter. And even more importantly, the company’s garnered some positive reviews around their initial collections, meaning it’d be more than safe to take the plunge on this pair.

#3. Frank & Oak Rubber-Soled Italian-Leather Lace-up Boots in Black, $175

From Frank & Oak’s new footwear line — the sharpest pair on the list yet.

The first pair of black boots on this list is also, quite curiously, on-sale through Frank & Oak with plenty of sizes left. On top of that, they’re by far the cheapest pair on the list to date, yet if F&O’s other new footwear offerings are any indication, this pair should deliver in both quality and looks. They’re by far the dressiest pair on the list, given that sharp black color (a slightly resurgent footwear trend), and the brushed black eyelets and waxed cotton laces only add to their sleek styling. These would work best in the same manner that Bond wore his black dress boots in Skyfall — with a sharp grey suit or tailored navy trousers or cords. They’d also work to channel your inner Justin Theroux with slim dark denim. Given the rate of turnover on Frank & Oak’s site, the question remains as to how long these boots will stay in-stock, especially on-sale.

#4. Red Wing Beckman Boot in Black Featherstone — $340

Red Wing boots combine heritage craftsmanship with rugged styling potential.

Yet another pair of black boots fills spot #4 on this list. Just like their Wolverine brethren, Red Wing has a long heritage of delivering sturdy boots made to last. This pair of Beckman boots knocks down the price compared to the 1000 Mile pair listed above, but that in no way detracts from the quality. These have that same reinforced sole and Goodyear welt construction that should make resoling possible down the line — practically like getting a new pair of boots for far less than full price. And in this case, the bottom sole is stitched to the midsole, meaning these boots can more than stand up to the abuses of winter weather. Notably, the leather on this pair is richer in color than your typical black leather — it has a luxurious, almost burgundy-like tint to it. Throw ’em on with dark denim, a henley and a shawl cardigan or pair them with slim burgundy cords and a crewneck sweater.

#5. Florsheim Gaffney Wingtip Boots — $150

A wingtip option that combines tan leather with a grippy-looking sole.

The final pair on this list is the first and only set of wingtip boots on here —mainly because of the fact that while inherently stylish, incredibly nice wingtip boots (like the Allen Edmonds Dalton) don’t always do the best job of beating back the snow and slush. If you have a pair in your closet though, give them a try — after all, $400-plus boots don’t deserve to just sit around! The Florsheim Gaffney is a slightly more upscale replacement to JCP’s much-loved Stafford Camlin and Stafford Deacon wingtip boots, but in a louder “toffee” color. That makes them a little more eye-catching and slightly less versatile than the darker brown options on this list, as tan doesn’t necessarily sit as well under, say, khaki chinos or dark charcoal trousers. They would, however, pair just fine with dark denim and navy chinos, for example. And the sole on these boots looks to have a fair bit of grip as well, which is a definite positive for stepping outside in these chilly temperatures. The leather also looks to have some texture, a nice way of adding a bit of visual interest to fall and winter outfits.

Although many of these boots are up there in price, the benefits are well worth the extra dollars, as a great pair of boots can combat slush, snow and ice without needing a change for working hours — or dinner and drinks out later.

Got a favorite pair of winter boots? What other options would you add to this list? Leave it all below!

Additional note: Look for a Reader Giveaway Opportunity coming up on the blog! I’ll be giving away a Linjer Leather Goods wallet! Details coming on Wednesday. Thanks for reading!

The Style Guide

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

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