The Sunday Sale: Take 30 Percent Off This Classic Todd Snyder x Champion Sweatshirt

Todd Snyder x Champion Crewneck

Score a great deal on a classic crewneck sweatshirt for a top NYC designer.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to another edition of The Sunday Sale, where we dive into one great menswear deal (or deals) on everything from the best boots for fall to a cool jacket worn by James Bond, and all available at excellent discounts. Today’s pick is no less special or essential, seeing as it’s a stone-cold fall classic from Todd Snyder that you need in your wardrobe right now. That’s right: The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is here just in time for blustery weather, and it’s available for just about 30 percent off right now. The Todd Snyder x Champion line has been a longtime favorite of the blog, going back years, and it’s a rarity to see it on sale like this. If you read my piece on the best Todd Snyder sale picks earlier this summer, you  know that you’ve got to look far and wide to get discounts on the famed NYC menswear designer’s gear, and the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is now a downright steal in that regard. How about that, ehh?

SHOP: The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt

Todd Snyder x Champion

Just one of a few colors in which you can get this iconic sweatshirt.

As it were, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is quite simply one of the best sweatshirts for fall, featuring a heavyweight fabric blend, a neat and retro-inspired design, and of course, a range of cool, versatile color options to pair with style staples like Todd Snyder denim and classic leather boots. This stylish crewneck sweatshirt is available in classic colors like Navy, as well as the Salt and Pepper blend that happens to be my personal favorite.


It’s the kind of crewneck sweatshirt you can wear in a business casual way (atop a white Oxford shirt with tan chinos) or much more casually (with faded blue jeans and beat-up high-top sneakers. In short: There’s not another crewneck sweatshirt on the market like the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, and that makes it an essential Sunday Sale pick-up. If you do snag it, be sure to let me know on Twitter.

SHOP: The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt

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#OOTD: Shake Up Your Summer Style with the Best Men’s T-shirt

Right off the bat: You know it’s summer, and you know you need to be wearing a stylish T-shirt. You’ve probably got a ton of T-shirts in your drawer, right? But do you have the best men’s T-shirt (or at least, arguably the best)? That’s where we’ll begin today’s #OOTD — with a Todd Snyder x Champion T-shirt that’s actually anything but basic. Consider it a rugged T-shirt for summer that you can wear on its own (in the case of today’s look) or layered up underneath, say, a denim shirt or your favorite trucker jacket. But the key with making the seemingly humble T-shirt work for you — be it for back-patio beers or a trail hike — is to pick the right one (again, Todd Snyder x Champion has you covered), and then add the right summer style essentials around it. That means we’ll go with a pair of the best men’s shorts for lightweight functionality and dependability, then we’ll accent ’em with a pair of eco-friendly sneakers for feel-good fashion and functionality. What looks seemingly simple on the surface can actually be stylish as all-get-out, but you’ve just got to know where to start. It’s breezy, it’s cool, it works for a hot summer day or an unexpectedly chilly night — it’s a must-have. For the summer months, the best T-shirt for men can certainly put in a lot of work for you. Here’s how to wear it (oh, and if you like this look, let me know on Twitter).

A simple T-shirt, worn in a stylish and effective way.

  • The Tee: Todd Snyder x Champion Basic Jersey Tee, $50 — Leave it to Todd Snyder x Champion to churn out one of the most consistent, best men’s T-shirts for summer wear. A rugged T-shirt is something every guy needs (yourself included).
  • The Shorts: Relwen Flyweight Flex Shorts, $158 — For the ultimate in casual summer style, you need some of the best men’s shorts. That’s just non-negotiable — and the Relwen Flyweight Flex Shorts are the right way to go.
  • The Stylish Sneakers: SeaVees Legend Sneakers Seachange, $80 — To kick back this weekend (and every summer weekend), get these perfectly casual, stylish sneakers. It helps that this is one pair of eco-friendly sneakers you can feel good about rocking.
  • The Rugged Watch: Buck Mason Mulholland Explorer Wristwatch, $895 — You’ve read about this classic watch before on the blog, and it’s back today in a big way. A stylish everyday watch, especially a NATO strap watch, is just what this look needs.
  • The Everyday Carry: Billykirk No. 231 Journal Holder, $115 — For jotting down notes and ideas at home or out on the trail, get this stylish leather journal holder from my pals at Billykirk, will ya?
  • The Hat: Huckberry Canvas Snapback, $30 — Now, a canvas snapback might not be the type of stylish ballcap everyone prefers, but when you want a cool yet rugged hat to keep the sun off your face, you could do worse than Huckberry.
  • The Audio Essential: Sennheiser PXC550 II Headphones, $350 — Whether you’re connected to your home sound system or out on the go, the best over-ear headphones, especially a pair from Sennheiser, are the right way to go.
  • The Summer Beverage: GrowlerWerks uKeg Go, $99 — The proper summer beverage? Your favorite beer, preferably from a local brewery, served up cold via the GrowlerWerks uKeg Go — it’s one of the best growlers around, folks.

As you can hopefully see from the ensemble above, finding and wearing the right T-shirt for summer doesn’t have to be boring or standard. In fact, with just a few tweaks and some additions via the best men’s gear, the Todd Snyder x Champion T-shirt shown above stands out from the pack even more. It’s a bit of an investment, but ultimately, it’s an affordably priced tee given the long-lasting quality you’re getting — and it looks particularly great for casual weekend style with the Relwen Flyweight Flex Shorts, which are well-suited for both back-deck weekend hangs and socially distanced hikes. Add some eco-friendly sneakers into the mix via SeaVees, and you’ve got the makings of a very stylish #OOTD for summer. There’s more to this look though, starting with the rugged dependability of a stylish everyday watch from Buck Mason — it’s understated yet stylish, perfectly well-suited to teaming up with the functional Huckberry Canvas Snapback shown above. See, you’re looking great AND keeping the sun off your face. Naturally, you’ll also be staying hydrated with one of the best growlers via the good folks at GrowlerWerks. How can it get better than that? In my mind, well, with the sun at your back and some excellent tunes playing through your Sennheiser headphones, it can’t be topped. Stay stylish and stay safe out there, friends.

#OOTD: How to Style a Crewneck Sweater This Winter

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.

So, welcome back to the #OOTD series here on The Style Guide. The above headline might seem a bit familiar — after all,  a slim crewneck sweater is a personal favorite of this blog, and it’s as well-suited for casual, rugged fall style as it is for layering in the early stages of winter. And the particular sweater that’s being featured today is as close to a perfect reinterpretation of a classic style as we’ve got — especially from lauded American menswear designer Todd Snyder. But what differentiates the below #menswear look from other features here on the blog? We’re throwing in more weather-ready layers, for one. And we’re mixing high-low style staples like a slim topcoat with everyday wardrobe staples. If you find you don’t have any of the picks below, it’s as good a time as any to get shopping. Got additional picks to add to the below list? Hit me up on Twitter, or check out the Instagram feed for a look into what makes The Style Guide (AKA, me) tick.

A high-low way to wear a crewneck sweater this winter. Not bad, ehh?

A high-low way to wear a crewneck sweater this winter. Not bad, ehh?

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, $98 — The Todd Snyder x Champion line is packed full of stellar, heritage and sportswear-inspired pieces. This Pocket Sweatshirt is exhibit A in  that regard — it’s comfortable, easy to layer and potentially your new favorite sweatshirt.

The Shirt: Life/After/Denim Windom Oxford Shirt, $128 — More than $100 for a classic Oxford shirt? Well, when it’s made from premium yarn-dyed cotton in a slim cut, it’s worth the investment.

The Topcoat: JackThreads Tieman Topcoat, $149 — So, here’s where a bit of that high-low style comes into play. The “topcoat-over-a-crewneck” look is something perfected by the likes of David Beckham, so I’d say it’s Style Guide-approved.

The Denim: Buck Mason Black Slim Stretch Denim, $175 — From the makers of your favorite short-sleeve chambray shirt comes a fantastic pair of slim black denim — just as ready for a  rock concert as a casual weekend coffee date. What belt to wear? Well, brown and black can work casually (keep reading), so reach for a braided leather belt.

The Socks: American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino/Cashmere, $28.98 — So, some of the picks in this particular #OOTD are quite pricey — including these socks. But American Trench does things as well as anyone when it comes to stylish, durable accessories.

The Boots: Thorogood Dodgeville Boots in Cognac ,$375 — Need another pair of durable, rugged leather boots in your closet? This handsome, versatile and easy-to-wear unlined pair of Thorogood Dodgeville Boots are a nice way to amp up the slightly more casual crewneck sweater.

The Watch: MVMT Watches Calypso Watch, $145 — From the stellar new Modern Sport Collection by MVMT Watches, the Calypso is a particular highlight. It’s got the handsome look of a rugged Tudor watch at a fraction of the price. Since it’s a casual outfit, a black rubber strap can work alongside the cognac Thorogood boots.

The Hat: Columbiaknit Marled Watch Cap, $17.98 — Sometimes, you don’t need to go too fancy with your winter accessories. In this case, the Columbiaknit Marled Watch Cap is neutral, simple and quite functional in the cold.

And, well, that’s all she wrote. When it comes time to layer up on a casual-but-cold day at the office or around town, you nearly can’t beat a stylish crewneck sweater — especially one made from premium materials. And pieces like slim black denim and a classic navy Oxford create a bit of a unique one-two punch, particularly when accented by an affordable (yet great-looking!) camel topcoat. When you top it all off with rugged, eye-catching cognac leather boots, it’s a mixture of pleasing colors and textures that work well when put together (yes, even the black denim and brown boots). Of course, you can’t go wrong with a warm winter hat or well-made Fair Isle socks. In fact, this head-to-toe look might just become one you break out time and again — at least, I hope so.

Stay stylish, and stay tuned for a (relatively) last-minute holiday gift guide coming tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

Style Pick of the Week: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt

Casual Sunday brunch gear, anyone? Shirt c/o Forever21 Men. Pocket Sweatshirt by Todd Snyder x Champion. Royale Court Sneakers by GREATS Brand. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

Casual Sunday brunch gear, anyone? Shirt c/o Forever21 Men. Pocket Sweatshirt by Todd Snyder x Champion. Royale Court Sneakers by GREATS Brand. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

We’re deep into crisp fall weather here in NYC, and if that’s the case for you as well … have we got a treat for you today. Ladies and gentlemen, this week’s Style Pick of the Week makes perfect sense and fits right in with a great season for layering and rugged fall style.  And without further ado, let’s hop right into why the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is so essential this season — and so worthy of inclusion as a Style Guide pick (wink, wink). We’ve talked about this item — and the brand — on the blog before, but you best study up.  Todd Snyder is a menswear designer who’s certainly worth knowing — and shopping, and buying — for several reasons. His gear harnesses a distinct Midwestern sensibility and classic heritage style, all the while mixing in a bit of downtown cool. That’s true for his namesake line, which does everything from soft-shouldered suiting to classic pocket T-shirts with unique style details, and it’s true for his collaborative efforts, like the fast-selling Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch. And the Todd Snyder x Champion collaboration gets just as many things right. Snyder draws on real-life sporting silhouettes and old-time touches to craft pieces that every guy should feasibly as in his closet. And of course, this rugged crewneck sweatshirt from Todd Snyder x Champion might just be the only sweatshirt you’ll ever need again.

A rugged essential inspired by classic sportswear and done up for the modern man.

A rugged essential inspired by classic sportswear and done up for the modern man.

It’s made in Canada from soft French terry using high-quality construction, and the fit is slim with room to move — and layer a slim chambray shirt, to boot. And as yours truly has written about, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt is the type of sweatshirt that can be worn on a weekend coffee date or worn underneath a waxed chore coat. Of course, you could mix things up and pair it with a classic blue Oxford, dark denim and a navy knit tie to wear on a chilly fall day. Small details like the chest pocket on the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt add a bit of visual interest, and the heather grey fabric is versatile no matter whether you pair it with slim olive cargo pants, dark selvedge denim or navy chinos. It’s a fairly good deal for under $100, too — especially considering how much you’ll want to wear it when you realize how comfortable it is. If you already own the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, let me know how it is in the comments. And if you’ve yet to pick one up? Best hurry over to Huckberry now — before it’s too late.

How would you wear the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt? Any thoughts on the quality?

Frank & Oak

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

Go Green: An October weekend at Michigan State

Editor’s note: To check out my last travel style post, click here.

From NYC to East Lansing in a matter of hours. Alpine Guide Sweater by Alps & Meters. Chambray shirt by Old Navy. Slim denim by Dickies. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Leather chukkas by Beckett Simonon. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page. Voyager Waxed Weekender by Owen & Fred.

From NYC to East Lansing in a matter of hours. Alpine Guide Sweater by Alps & Meters. Chambray shirt by Old Navy. Slim denim by Dickies. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Leather chukkas by Beckett Simonon. Slim Mailbag by Satchel & Page. Voyager Waxed Weekender by Owen & Fred.

First of all — Happy Halloween, Style Guide readers! I spent this past weekend not in New York, but on the road in my home state of Michigan. There’s no question that your author loves to travel. It’s been a big theme this year, from menswear trips to Las Vegas to a fall weekend in Providence. Of course, when the leaves start to turn and college football season kicks off, there’s hardly a place I’d rather be for a fall weekend than on the campus of my alma mater, Michigan State University. It’s a place that holds many special memories, without a doubt. It’s been a down year for my Michigan State Spartans, but this past weekend also brought forth a rivalry that runs deep in my blood — the Michigan-Michigan State college football showdown. From my days growing up 15 minutes down the road from East Lansing to my time at Michigan State’s student newspaper — and the resulting “friendly” football game versus Michigan’s own paper — it always got me excited about my school, and infinitely proud to be a Spartan. It was with that in mind that I hit the road early on Friday morning — and brought along #menswear that was fit for a chilly, casual Michigan weekend, of course.

friday-grid-edited

Just the right mix of casual pieces for a chilly travel day to Michigan. Alpine Guide Sweater by Alps & Meters. X-Series Slim-Fit Tapered Leg Denim by Dickies. Leather chukka boots by Beckett Simonon. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Ranger Gloves by Grifter.

Just as with my fall weekend in Providence, I brought along classic, transitional pieces that could work for long travel days and active time in the Lansing area. Given temperatures in the 50s in both Michigan and NYC on Friday, I grabbed the Alpine Guide Sweater courtesy of the premium outdoor lifestyle and snow gear brand Alps & Meters. With a blend of lambswool and waxed cotton, the Guide Sweater was a neat, easily wearable piece that layered comfortably over my Old Navy chambray shirt for simple travel style. My Beckett Simonon chukka boots proved similarly versatile for catching a flight, then enjoying lunch and some very high-quality brews at East Lansing’s HopCat (along with the travel-ready Dickies X-Series Slim-Fit Tapered Leg Jean). Sometimes, you just need pieces that get you where you need to go while looking great, and that’s where the durable Grifter Ranger Gloves also came in handy — literally — throughout the weekend.  I also packed my ever-dependable Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono for weekend wear– tough, durable pieces make for a stylish outfit whether you’re heading back to campus as an alumni or getting around in style as a student.

Collegiate gear from Tailgate Clothing and a team watch from Jack Mason, blended with the Forever21 Button Denim Jacket and Grounder Hi-Tops from Todd Snyder & P.F. Flyers.

Collegiate gear from Tailgate Clothing and a team watch from Jack Mason, blended with the Forever21 Button Denim Jacket and Grounder Hi-Tops from Todd Snyder & P.F. Flyers. Don’t forget that Owen & Fred bottle opener…

The trip back to East Lansing and a much-anticipated Saturday football game presented a challenge — it’s not been until recently that college team gear could be functional, spirited and stylish, so what’s a guy to do? Given the challenge of navigating a campus tailgate in style, I packed away my trusty Tailgate Clothing team tee and Jack Mason team watch, both fairly priced pieces that are a step up from standard college athletic gear  (unfortunately, both places also stock Michigan Wolverines apparel). You can definitely still break out regular team athletic gear if you’ve got it, but when you can snag a Tailgate Clothing tee for just over $30, I say go for that style upgrade. The Jack Mason watch, too, is durable, low-key and subtly stylish thanks to the black dial, sleek dark green logo and black rubber strap — all great things when you might be more focused on grilling or snagging a beer at your tailgate. The breezy Michigan weather meant I could layer up stylishly with the Button Denim Jacket courtesy of Forever21 Men, which proved to be a nice midweight layer and a sharp complement to my durable, comfortable Todd Snyder + P.F. Flyers Grounder Hi-Top sneakers. The sneakers, with their hard-wearing black rubber sole and lined toe cap, were more than ready for time spent on foot reacquainting myself with the beautiful Michigan State campus and downtown East Lansing.

Regardless of the score — admittedly closer than expected — I was definitely still happy to come back given the chance to re-connect with great friends and explore a campus that really does hold a lot of memories for me. And with every trip back, I remember why I love classic East Lansing spots like the Peanut Barrel and Crunchys — if there’s a college-town combo better than a Long Island and a burger from the Peanut Barrel, or a brew at Crunchys, I’m listening.  So it nearly goes without saying that I was happy to visit some of those spots, if only briefly — and in spite of a Michigan State loss. Another chilly day on Sunday brought with it a final brunch at the new, refined Capital Vine in Lansing — swing through if you’re in need of a Bloody Mary and an excellent omelette.

Casual Sunday brunch gear, anyone? Slim-Fit Chambray Shirt by Forever21 Men. Pocket Sweatshirt by Todd Snyder x Champion. Royale Court Sneakers by GREATS Brand. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

Casual Sunday brunch gear, anyone? Pocket-Front Denim Shirt by Forever21 Men. Pocket Sweatshirt by Todd Snyder x Champion. Royale Court Sneakers by GREATS Brand. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Leather luggage tag by Owen & Fred.

For comfortable, casual travel style, it’s tough to beat gear from the ever-reliable, ever-stylish Todd Snyder x Champion collaboration. In this instance, the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, made from soft French terry in a slim fit, was the perfect layering pick atop my Pocket-Front Denim Shirt courtesy of Forever21 Men. My Slim-Fit Cargo Pants, also from Forever21 Men, added a bit of utilitarian style and plenty of comfort, too. And the whole combo was offset by the durable GREATS Royale Court, definitely another seasonally appropriate pick-up. Crucially, the excellent Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt was the ideal fall sweatshirt, particularly when you look at subtle style details like the raglan sleeve stitching and front chest pocket. Yessir, Todd Snyder certainly knows what he’s doing. Again, if you’ve got a chilly fall weekend ahead and want to dress in style, simple-yet-essential pick-ups like the Pocket Sweatshirt from the great folks at Huckberry  are going to get the job done.
Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.

Stylish travel gear aside, I was certainly beyond happy to get back to Michigan in style for a fall weekend. It was a classic East Lansing weekend, from time spent roaming campus to time spent inside the hallowed Spartan Stadium — yes, even with the loss. The fall foliage and classic Michigan weather really made it all the more enjoyable — this menswear writer sure does love fall. And of course, the chance to see friends and family topped it all off — along with that Crunchy’s burger, of course. The next time you’ve got to hit the road for a casual fall weekend, I’d recommend you load up with everything from the Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt to a tough, durable set of Beckett Simonon chukka boots. If you’ve got more questions on what to pack for your next trip to Michigan (or elsewhere), join us at The Style Guide Facebook page or on Twitter.

Until the next travel weekend — stay stylish,

-Beau

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Style Suggestion: What to Wear to the Pumpkin Patch

 Editor’s note: Head over here to see more men’s style suggestions for all sorts of situations.

Now, as I sit here in Brooklyn and write this #menswear style suggestion for fall, there’s nary a pumpkin patch — or a rolling field — in sight. If that’s also the case for you, perhaps we can consider this simply another crisp fall weekend style suggestion. But if you do indeed consider trips to the pumpkin patch (Halloween’s coming!) or corn maze a fall ritual — as I did growing up in the Midwest — we’ve got just the set of picks for you. Granted, we’re looking at pieces that mix the premium with the rugged — these are true style upgrades, and they might be a bit much for the pumpkin patch. In that case, know that they’re still plenty wearable for a plethora of other fall activities. Oh, and if the weather is still balmy in your neck of the woods? Scroll through this warm-weather style suggestion.  Now, back to the matter at hand. Your fall explorations might seem more casual — and thus, just in need of the most comfortable clothing you can wear — but there are several opportunities to (all together now) upgrade your style. From your outerwear to your to your rugged boots, we’ve got a full rundown covered below — and then some. Follow along on Instagram daily to see how I’m attempting to transition to fall, and chime in with your own picks on Facebook.

The Outerwear: JACHS NY Navy Double-Breasted Peacoat — $185

A classic in the perfect weight and cut for fall.

A classic in the perfect weight and cut for fall.

Rather than throwing on a zip-up hoodie or a logo athletic sweatshirt, start with a navy double-breasted cotton peacoat. While it’s not quite as warm as a wool peacoat, it’s better suited to the transitional temperatures of fall — if it’s crisp, you’ve layered up with a sweater underneath that (more on that in a second…), and if it gets hot, you can carry it with you. This particular JACHS NY peacoat is stylish, trim-fitting and well-made, complete with shoulder epaulets for a bit of visual interest. You can’t ask for much more than that, truly.

The Shirt: Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt — $118

Stylish, slim-fitting and essential for fall.

Stylish, slim-fitting and essential for fall.

Other than the sweatshirt you’re about to read about below (patience!), there might not be a better pick for a reliable, classic and stylish shirt than this stellar Taylor Stitch Everyday Chambray Shirt. It’s a four-season essential, to be sure, but it wears particularly great in the fall thanks to the slightly heightened blue color, textured fabric and modern fit (ideal for layering). Heck, you might want to wear this shirt … every day?

The Sweatshirt: Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt — $98 

A classic sweatshirt, redefined for the modern man.

A classic sweatshirt, redefined for the modern man.

The sweatshirt that needs no introduction, ladies and gentlemen. The Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt basically redefined the traditional crewneck sweatshirt, slimming down the fit, adding raglan sleeves and upgrading it ever so slightly with a chest pocket — oh, and making it using the quality and durability of these particular materials. Yes, that’s why it retails for nearly $100, and that’s why it’s a neat style upgrade.

Buck Mason - Timeless Design. Made in America.
The Denim: Flint & Tinder All-American Slim Tapered Jeans — $98

Your new favorite pair of fall denim, complete with a great price tag to match.

Your new favorite pair of fall denim, complete with a great price tag to match.

The All-American Slim Tapered Jean from Flint & Tinder keeps popping up on this site — check this fall weather style suggestion — and for a very good reason. It’s nay impossible to find a well-made pair of tough selvedge denim for under $100, and these jeans just might be the best of the bunch. They’re slim, they’re stylish and they’re a significant upgrade from casual sweatpants.

The Boots: Johnston & Murphy Karnes Alpine Boot — $198

Sleek, rugged and refined -- very Bond-esque, indeed.

Sleek, rugged and refined — very Bond-esque, indeed.

The heritage footwear makers at Johnston & Murphy don’t skimp on the quality or durability of their boots — particularly not a pair like the rugged, refined and stellar-looking Karnes Alpine Boot. The blend of beautiful mahogany calfskin and dark brown nubuck at the padded ankle collar is an eye-catching, yet durable combination. Make no mistake, this is a very sleek pair of hikers that actually wouldn’t look out of place at the office. Granted, they’re the sort of luxury-type boot Bond might have worn in Scotland — so if you don’t want to get them too muddy, best to go with a dependable pair of broken-in boots.

The Socks: Mr. Gray Slub Nep Colorblock Socks — $25

A bit of colorblocking and a lot of comfort, quality and style.

A bit of colorblocking and a lot of comfort, quality and style.

Every now and then, you just feel like upgrading certain essential pieces in your wardrobe — particularly your sock drawer. The Nep Colorblock Sock from Mr. Gray takes care of that upgrade in comfort and style — and you can wear ’em plenty of different places besides your next outdoor fall adventure. Don’t sleep on thick, durable American Trench Fair Isle socks, either.

The Watch: Lum-Tec Huckberry Combat B33 GMT — $498.98

Durable, rugged, refined and ready for action.

Durable, rugged, refined and ready for action.

Now, if your monthly budget or ability to pay your rent or mortgage might be compromised by buying this watch *raises hand*, keep your credit card in your wallet. If it’s a goal that’s within reach, or you simply enjoy admiring (and buying) beautiful watches, the Huckberry Combat B33 GMT might just be yours to keep. Make no mistake, this timepiece really is something else. It’s a custom-designed timepiece featuring a durable 43mm stainless steel case and a Swiss GMT quartz movement — in short, all the functionality and durability you need for a fall weekend and lugging around some pumpkins.

The Belt: Maximum Henry Slim Standard Belt — $100 (Available via East Dane)

Made by just one man, Maximum Henry's belts use excellent materials and craftsmanship.

Made by just one man, Maximum Henry’s belts use excellent materials and craftsmanship.

The hardworking team (of one!) behind Maximum Henry focuses on making simple, quality belts and leather goods the right way — in very small batches in America. That’s the way to go, and it’s why another Maximum Henry belt popped up in this recent #OOTD. It’s a style upgrade that you might not think about making until you realize this belt will simply last and last — right?

Again, if you’d rather not break out a full kit of menswear to head out this fall, there’s nothing wrong with that – and it’ll probably save you a few bucks in the long run. But if you do decide to go for it when it comes to rugged-refined fall style, the above suggestion contains plenty of pieces that’ll look just as great strolling around town thereafter — or strolling through the park, or grabbing Sunday brunch. Not bad, right? A beautiful, durable watch and an upgraded crewneck sweatshirt are the type of pieces that are enjoyable to wear — in addition to being much better-looking than average pieces. And rugged-yet-refined hikers are slightly unexpected — they’re a weekend staple, but could work in a pinch at the office, too. You can’t beat versatility like that for under $200. And the rest of the way, it certainly pays to support made-in-America artisans. If you have questions, suggestions or additions, let me know on Twitter — will ya??

Happy pumpkin-picking!

-Beau