Tag / tommy john

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Tommy John Undershirts, Michigan State and The Hill-Side

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

Last week on The Style Guide, I wrote about hitting the road to head to Providence to see Local Natives – what a trip it was, and what a concert to experience. This weekend, I’m again prepped to hit the road for an equally special trip back to my home state of Michigan! I’ve jetted back and forth a fair amount for everything from a Grand Rapids bachelor party weekend to a Detroit-area wedding (dressed in style the whole way, of course). However, I’ll be dressed for a Midwest fall this time around. Yes indeed, this weekend’s trip brings me back to maybe my favorite place in the world – the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. For as many great experiences as one can have in a big city like New York, it’s always refreshing and rejuvenating to return to a place that holds so many memories. Of course, in addition to hitting up renowned East Lansing locales like HopCat (and snapping some #menswear photos), it’s a big weekend in another respect. We’re talking Michigan –Michigan State, a football rivalry with an off-the-field intensity that matches the competition between the sidelines. From my days at the student newspaper taking on Michigan’s student newspaper in what could lightly be called “two-hand touch” football through to now, it’s a rivalry that’s a heck of a lot of fun to be a part of – particularly when plays like this one happen. My beloved Spartans have struggled a heck of a lot this year, but it’ll be interesting to see which team shows up on Saturday – to say the least.  But enough football, right? It’s time to recap a few choice items in the week in #menswear, including how to wear an undershirt this season (check it out below). Oh, and stay tuned for our Style Pick of the Week tomorrow. For now, I’ll leave you to it.

Wondering how to buy and wear an undershirt? The right way? Check out this graphic courtesy of Tommy John.

Wondering how to buy and wear an undershirt? The right way? Check out this graphic courtesy of Tommy John.

  • Alright, so it’s Friday. And it’s fall – it’s getting colder bit by bit out there. We could all use an extra layer from time to time – that starts with something like a stylish cardigan, and that carries through to durable socks and of course, an equally durable undershirt. Some guys are anti-undershirt, but you certainly need something made from quality fabric and featuring a proper fit. That’s where the folks at Tommy John come in – they were kind enough to share this solid infographic covering all the in’s and out’s of how to wear an undershirt and what to look for in the right one; by the way, you can pick up a Tommy John undershirt while we’re here. Very handy to have when it gets chilly this winter – after all, you might need another layer underneath your slim chambray shirt to stay warm, ehh?
  • If you haven’t yet completed shopping for your fall style wish list — mine keeps getting longer and longer — you might want to check out the latest from The Hill-Side; I covered the launch of the brand’s autumn collection for The Manual, and it’s chock-full of durable outerwear, premium shirting and tough sneakers, all done in the excellent fabrics for which the Brooklyn-based brand is known. Get on it, will ya?
  • We’re all about the basics at The Style Guide, and well-designed basics that help you live your life better are to be applauded. That same mindset can extend to the technology you carry with you every day — yes, your phone. The Killspencer iPhone 7 Veil is a slim, durable cover that adheres quickly and easily to the back of your phone. Again, it’s a small upgrade that’ll extend the life of your device — and you can read more by yours truly at GearMoose.

We’re keeping it shorter than usual this week at The Style Guide — it’s time to hit the road! Follow along with this weekend’s menswear and football-related action on Instagram and Twitter, and check out a full travel style recap on Monday.

As always — stay stylish, and thanks for reading!

-Beau

Huckberry

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.

Style Guide Spring Break: A weekend in Florida

Editor’s note: For more tips on what to pack for warm weather, head here.

It was an excellent, relaxing Florida weekend -- exploring downtown Fort Myers was a highlight! Short-sleeve gingham shirt and khaki shorts by Banana Republic. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

It was an excellent, relaxing Florida weekend — exploring downtown Fort Myers was a highlight! Short-sleeve gingham shirt and khaki shorts by Banana Republic. White sneakers by GREATS Brand. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

Any time I get the chance to step away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, I’ll gladly take it — even if only for a few days. Being able to go somewhere sunny and warm to visit my family, like Florida, makes traveling that much better. It’s certainly a welcome adjustment from having to bundle up for both NYC winters and trips back to Michigan, both of which I’ve grown accustomed to over the years — this is a change of pace that I’ll gladly take! This past weekend was a special one, as I headed back down to Fort Myers for my dad’s birthday. It’s a tradition that’s worked out the past few years, as it seems a lot goes on at once — we get the chance to root on our alma mater, Michigan State, in the Big Ten Tournament, we get the chance to celebrate my dad’s birthday and most importantly, we get the chance to catch up and relax in the lovely weather. It’s a win-win-win (in the words of Michael Scott!).

A trusty United By Blue duffle made it easy to pack up my everyday carry. Natural pocket tee by Richer Poorer. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Grey-and-white chukka sneakers by Dr. Martens. Brass money clip by Owen & Fred. Navy leather card case by Issara.

A trusty United By Blue duffle made it easy to pack up my everyday carry. Natural pocket tee by Richer Poorer. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Grey-and-white chukka sneakers by Dr. Martens. Brass money clip by Owen & Fred. Navy leather card case by Issara.

Prepping for the trip was luckily pretty straightforward — even compared to my last visit to Florida at Christmas, the weather had already jumped into the 80s as I hopped on a quick  flight from NYC to Fort Myers last Thursday. With some time in my fairly casual office beforehand, I knew I’d need to be ready to both hop on the plane and then step into some nice, sunny weather. So transitional style was key, and lightweight staples like my Richer Poorer pocket tee , slim tan Banana Republic chinos and my new Dr. Martens Baynes Chukka Sneakers did the trick. The sneakers in particular have the style of a high-top, the surprisingly lightweight construction of a low-cut sneaker, and the ability to be slipped on and off at the airport with ease — I’d definitely look for a pair like that for your next trip. My United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle worked perfectly to carry the rest of my gear, which included easygoing style staples like a Grayers slub polo and a well-fitting, comfortable Tommy John Ringer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey,  ideal for relaxing by the pool.

Relaxing poolside with a few choice style essentials. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Relaxing poolside with a few choice style essentials. Brown leather watch by MVMT Watches. Sunglasses by Tom Ford.

Of course, as with any trip involving sand and sun, I was happy I packed some trusty everyday carry gear — including my reliable, stylish (and yes, pricey) Tom Ford Snowdon sunglasses — thanks again, Santa! As the weather warms up and you look to hit the road, know that plenty of easy-to-shop brands — particularly the folks at Warby Parker — are crafting wearable, stylish sunglasses for far less (good news, for sure). I brought along my trusty MVMT Watches silver-and-brown leather watch, a sturdy Invicta stainless steel dive watch and a more casual Stuhrling Original rubber-strap watch to round out my watch game. An Owen & Fred brass money clip and Issara leather card case helped me keep my essentials in check. If you want to travel lighter, know that a trusty stainless steel dive watch can certainly suffice for everything from rugged wear on the beach to dressier dinners — but if you’re a fan of watches like me, it might be handy to bring along a few choices.

A must-see when hitting up Sanibel Island -- the delicious Bennett's Fresh Roast! Rubber-strap watch by Stuhrling. Beach scene not included with purchase.

A must-see when hitting up Sanibel Island — the delicious Maple Bacon Donut from Bennett’s Fresh Roast. Rubber-strap watch by Stuhrling. Beach scene not included with purchase.

So I had plenty of stylish gear for our activities, including a nice birthday celebration for my dad on Thursday night at Trader’s, home of some excellent seafood — I’d recommend it, and it was nice to break out some khaki shorts again for the evening, finally! As I arrived just in time for happy hour, that was a welcome change of pace from NYC, too. My dad and I were also able to celebrate his actual birthday on Friday with a few stops at some of our favorite spots on nearby Sanibel Island, including the legendary Bennett’s Fresh Roast — the Maple Bacon Donut is a must-have, and it was a nice snack on the beach. We were able to hop just down the road to nearby Captiva for a delicious lunch at The Green Flash; don’t skip the chance to try the Barbeque Bacon Shrimp — it’s truly the best of both worlds!

Exploring the beaches and walking trails of Fort Myers. Short-sleeve striped chambray shirt by JACHS NY. Navy sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Grey sneakers by Reef. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Rubber-strap watch by Stuhrling Original.

Exploring the beaches and walking trails of Fort Myers. Short-sleeve striped chambray shirt by JACHS NY. Navy sweatshorts by Pistol Lake. Grey sneakers by Reef. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Rubber-strap watch by Stuhrling Original.

We were able to spend the rest of the day exploring some of Sanibel’s lovely beaches — for getting to and from the donut shop, lunch and the beach, I picked out a versatile short-sleeve JACHS NY chambray shirt, my ever-reliable Pistol Lake sweatshorts and some brand-new, comfortable sneakers from the surf experts at Reef. Later in the afternoon and in an awesome, truly chance meeting, we bumped into my former State News colleague and fellow MSU alum Sam Radecki and her family on Blind Pass Beach as we sipped some afternoon beverages (read: Heineken). The world’s a small place, huh? (Oh, and Go Green!). It was great to catch up, and it was also exciting to be able to kick off a weekend of great basketball among our fellow fans at Timber’s  on Friday night — it’s the place to go for sports and seafood on Sanibel.

Saturday gave my dad and  a respite from the sun (style tip: sunscreen helps), and explore more of historic downtown Fort Myers. Between antique shops, craft brewpubs and a lovely waterfront area, there’s a little something for everyone. It was particularly neat to check out the old, Fort Myers Civic Center — it seems like a prime spot waiting to be developed into a great location. And if you’re a fan of craft beer (like yours truly), The Lodge is a definite top spot to visit — from the pour-your-own beer taps to the excellent barbeque, it’s tons of fun. Picking out gear to wear for the day was a cinch thanks to the excellent weather — always nice! I threw on a slim short-sleeve Banana Republic gingham shirt (similar option here) and khaki shorts, two nice offerings from a brand that always does casual basics well. Staying out of the sun was made even easier with my favorite hat, a vintage-inspired Goorin Brothers ballcap. If you’re looking to upgrade your hat rotation, reaching for a throwback style is always a nice bet.

Casual gear to cap off the trip. Setter Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Heather grey pocket tee by Tommy John. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

Casual gear to cap off the trip. Setter Swim Trunks by Orlebar Brown. Heather grey pocket tee by Tommy John. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Sunglasses by Tom Ford. Stainless steel dive watch by Invicta.

Saturday night gave me the opportunity to catch another great MSU win with my family at Point Ybel Brewing Company, and  I also had the chance to catch with my grandparents (who just moved down the street from my parents’ house, as it were).  And Sunday proved the perfect day to cap off the trip — after relaxing by the pool with some of the casual gear you see above, my dad and I swung by Bennett’s Fresh Roast again (it’s a must-visit!). In the spirit of moving quickly, we also made some time to stop by the World of Beer and meet another college pal (hey there, Matt Sheehan) to catch the start of the Big Ten Championship Game for our MSU Spartans. If ever you find yourself near a World of Beer location, stop in — the beer selection is extensive and the food was perfect for the occasion. Again, Go Green!

No matter how brief trips to this area of Florida can be, they always seem to get better — it’s relaxing, the weather is absurdly beautiful and it seems like there are more and more great friends and great times to be found everywhere. With so many Spartans around and with some new favorite spots in our rotation to visit, I’m definitely looking forward to coming back. If you’re in the neighborhood, drop me a line on Twitter! For now, it’s back to work in NYC. Look for more great content on The Style Guide later this week — we’ve got your St. Patrick’s Day style suggestion covered, along with stylish gear to wear for the NCAA Tournament. It’ll be fun!

Until tomorrow — stay stylish,

-Beau

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by Beau H.

#OOTD: Everyday Style with a Classic Blue Oxford

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.

We’re back at it again with the #OOTD series here on The Style Guide, and today’s post keeps looking toward spring, ever so slightly. Colors are a bit brighter, textures are lighter and the weather is, well, a heck of a lot better than on any given winter day. Yes, it’s coming! And the sort of items you wear now — like a classic Oxford shirt or slim navy chinos — can pull just as much of their weight stylistically in the (slightly) warmer months as they can when it’s bitterly cold. The great part about using foundational building blocks in an everyday outfit is that you can afford to take some more risks, however small. As you’ll see in the below outfit, that means a slick pair of Chelsea boots where you might reach for some stylish dress shoes normally. That also means some nice color in the form of a patterned pocket square, and an attention-grabbing blue-dial watch. But enough of my rambling! The outfit’s here below.

OOTD OCBD Collage

A straightforward outfit with relatively simple tweaks — like those Chelsea boots and the patterned pocket square — made all the better by a classic blue Oxford.

The Shirt: JackThreads Slim Oxford, $39 — It truly is tough to find a brand producing a better-fitting, more versatile Oxford at such a nice combination of quality and price. This one’s a Style Guide favorite!

The Blazer: H&M Cotton Blazer, $49 — From David Beckham’s newest Modern Essentials collection with H&M, there’s no word on the quality of this blazer, and it’s likely not very high. But hey, think of it as a casual blazer alternative?

The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Midway Pane Pocket Square, $10 — When you ditch the tie (or maybe go air-tie?), you can afford to toss some pattern into your outfit. The green windowpane pattern stands out just enough on that dark navy cotton.

The Chinos: Bonobos Jet Blue Washed Chinos, $88 — Bonobos has often staked the fate of its reputation on these chinos, and in three fits and versatile colors like this dark navy shade, they’re a very, very solid pickup for the price.

The Boots: Jack Erwin Ellis Chelsea Boot, $220 — These represent the slight style swerve from the norm within this outfit, and they make the ensemble look all the more sharp.

The Belt: Land’s End Distressed Vintage Jean Belt, $39 — A bit less dressy than a standard belt, this piece also represents a style swerve from the norm.

The Socks: Tommy John Performance Dress Socks, $16 — A simply, if slightly pricey, dress sock that wicks moisture and looks pretty crisp up against slim navy trousers.

The Watch: MVMT Watches The 40 in Blue/Brown Leather, $120 — A remarkably crisp and easy-to-wear watch that plays nicely off the dark navy chinos thanks to that brighter blue dial. Full review here.

With the aforementioned outfit in mind, you’ve got yourself the jumping-off point for all sorts of spring layering — and beyond. With pieces like those slick Chelsea boots, you can navigate rainy streets now — and with pieces like navy chinos and a slim blue Oxford, you’re set for dozens of outfit combos in the coming weeks and months. 

What’s your favorite way to style a blue Oxford? What small changes would you add to this ensemble?


by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Style a Crewneck Sweater

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 these features regularly.

If you’re like me, perhaps you’ve looked at a crewneck sweater before and not been too impressed with the silhouette or styling potential. But designers and brands have been changing that perception for a while now, as we’ve seen in this Style Upgrade piece. In dressier iterations (like the extra fine merino sweater you’ll see below), it can definitely offer both visual interest and unique styling potential — particularly when paired with a Bond-inspired tab collar shirt. Throw in other style essentials like a knit tie and slim chinos, and you’re set for at least one work outfit this week — and the week after that. And after that. You get the picture, yeah? Plus, a well-fitting slim crewneck and some slim denim top a hooded sweatshirt and sweats on any casual day (i.e. that 9 a.m. class). So it’s a win-win no matter where you go. Get some inspiration from the below, and check out The Style Guide on Facebook for more daily #menswear musings.

Taking a crewneck sweater and dressing it up with a unique tie, suede chukkas and essential chinos.

Taking a crewneck sweater and dressing it up with a unique tie, suede chukkas and essential chinos.

The Crewneck: UNIQLO Extra Fine Merino Crewneck Sweater, $39.90 — A steal of a price for a basic crewneck that’s well-reviewed and well-liked.

The Shirt: Paul Frederick Trim-Fit Tab Collar Dress Shirt, $69.50 — A well-priced carbon copy (nearly) of James Bond’s style in a tailored fit. Give it a whirl if you’ve been looking into this style.

The Coat: Land’s End Herringbone Wool Pea Coat, $249 — This coat’s a bit of an investment (look for a cheaper one here), but it’s a refined classic worth the price.

The Tie: 15Ties Wild n’ Wooly Tie, $15 — A cheeky name for a tie that packs a lot of unique style and a subdued pattern into one piece for just $15. A well-priced alternative to The Tie Bar.

The Pants: JackThreads Skinny Chino, $49 — These guys are a four-season staple in a sharp color and a trim fit ,a lthough they also offer slim-fit chinos. Don’t sleep on JackThreads!

The Boots: Thursday Boot Company Chocolate Suede Scout Chukka, $149 — Rich brown suede and a grippy studded rubber sole give these boots solid traction and style. Catch the full review here.

The Socks: Tommy John Performance Dress Socks, $16 — Arch support, ventilation and cushioning combine in a subdued, multi-purpose sock.

The Belt: Land’s End Dress Braid Belt in Brown, $49 — The slightly-higher priced uncle of the much-recommended Target Merona Braided Leather Belt. Keep an eye on Land’s End in the fashion game this year.

The Watch: Timex Waterbury Watch, $80 — Super affordable, super simple and in a classic 40mm case diameter.

Did you pick up any styling tips along the way? Ready (or not ready?) to try out that tab-collar shirt? Follow along with more #OOTD posts on my Instagram and as always, here at the blog. We’ll have an Online Shopping Picks piece covering the best Oxford cloth buttondown shirts coming tomorrow, so stay tuned.

Stay stylish,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear on Valentine’s Day

Editor’s note: For a bevy of style suggestions covering how to suit or dress down, click here.

So just as we talked about in last week’s Valentine’s Day gift guide post, the big is almost here — and our Style Suggestion series is back! Now, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, so perhaps that makes things a bit different for you — maybe you’ll be away and traveling for the weekend perhaps? Or staying at home to catch a sharp Sunday dinner? At any rate, it’s a day where you’ll want to look your best for your significant other. Even if you go the less formal route, it’s worth it to still look into some style upgrades — like throwing on a slim pair of denim or even just an crisp pair of leather sneakers. The below Style Suggestion however, like last year’s Valentine’s Day Style Suggestion, goes the more formal route — it’s a classic look (hopefully) with some modern touches. Read on, suit up and let me know how you’re dressing for the day or the weekend!

The Suit: Combatant Gentleman Charcoal Slim Fit Herringbone Suit — $200

A reliably classic color and cold-weather fabric make this suit a winner.

A reliably classic color and cold-weather fabric make this suit a winner.

It seems that in tailored situations here at the ol’ Style Guide, Combatant Gentleman has been the suiting pick of choice, from New Year’s Eve to holiday parties and beyond. And for good reason, too — there’s hardly a better suiting deal out there that brings solid quality, a reliable fit and a plethora of suiting options to chose from. This Charcoal Slim Fit Herringbone Suit is a solid pick in this case, however, because it’s versatile, sharp color that can work in plenty of other situations besides Valentine’s Day — a great budget pick-up. The Italian wool herringbone weave is a seasonally appropriate touch in this cold weather, too (if it’s warm where you are, you could always rock a chino suit). Don’t forget that overcoat, either.

The Shirt: J. Crew Factory Voyager Dress Shirt in End-on-End — $41.50

Another well-priced staple from J. Crew Factory at a great price.

Another well-priced staple from J. Crew Factory at a great price.

Just as with Combatant Gentleman, it’s tough to find a better deal for the quality than J. Crew Factory (although the folks at Combat Gent do a nice job with shirting, too). But if you’ve been looking to check out the Factory line and haven’t gotten to it, here’s your chance. This end-on-end shirt mixes in some subtle texture, a slim fit and a great price. The wrinkle-free aspect is another nice touch that should make it easier for travel, too. And the light blue is going to stand out nicely under the darker charcoal suit — it’s another piece that can work in many other situations outside of this one. On another note, if you should find yourself in need of a great undershirt to keep you cool throughout the night, head to Tommy John.

The Tie: The Tie Bar Midnight Navy Grenafaux Tie — $19

Does this tie look familiar? If you read this blog regularly, it should!

Does this tie look familiar? If you read this blog regularly, it should!

If you happened to catch this blog’s holiday party Style Suggestion, perhaps you recognize this tie. The Tie Bar’s Midnight Navy Grenafaux Tie is quickly becoming a Style Guide favorite — it’s not often you talk about a tie being reliable (trust me), but this number is crisp, visually interesting and a solid contrast to the lighter blue shirt. It being Valentine’s Day and all, it’s never a bad thing to draw some color palette inspiration from James Bond, either. The price is remarkably solid, and you could wear this tie with a crisp white dress shirt in place of the J. Crew Factory end-on-end shirt if you wanted.

The Pocket Square: The Tie Bar Owen Plaid Pocket Square — $10

A unique pattern and color scheme help this pocket square stand out nicely.

A unique pattern and color scheme help this pocket square stand out nicely.

When on the hunt for great accessories in a pinch, it pays off to turn to a trusted retailer time and again — in this case, our friends at The Tie Bar. This Owen Plaid Pocket Square is an excellent bit of contrast to the dark charcoal suit and multiple shades of blue in the top half of this ensemble; the rich burgundy is also a change of pace from more standard pocket squares (although a classic white pocket square could work here, too).

The Shoes: Jack Erwin Adam Wingtip Oxford — $195

Great color, a great price and terrific styling potential from Jack Erwin.

Great color, a great price and terrific styling potential from Jack Erwin.

The Jack Erwin Adam Wingtip Oxford  was first seen back in this blog’s round-up of stylish men’s dress shoes, and they make a return here as yet another example of why it pays to invest in high-quality, versatile footwear. Jack Erwin has made a name for itself in the digital style game thanks to its pricing and quality, and the Blake construction and reinforced stacked heel add even more durability to this particular pair. If you go the more casual route, they’d be equally at home with some dark denim and a navy blazer.

The Belt: J. Crew Factory Reversible Leather Belt in Brown — $22.50

Two belts for the price of one, plus a color that matches nicely with the rest of the outfit.

Two belts for the price of one, plus a color that matches nicely with the rest of the outfit.

Sometimes, it can certainly be the right move to invest in an expensive belt — especially if you’ll wear it a lot. Other times, you need a reliable piece to get you from Point A to Point B in style and at a cost-effective price. That’s where this J. Crew Factory Reversible Leather Belt comes into play. You get two belts for the price of one, plus decent quality and a solid dark brown color that’ll match up sharply with your watch and shoes.

The Watch: MVMT Watches The 40 in Blue/Brown Leather — $120

Simple, refined and easy to wear with a suit.

Simple, refined and easy to wear with a suit.

As you put together stylish ensembles that fit in a variety of situations, it pays to look toward style essentials you might already have — like an eyecatching leather watch. This timepiece from MVMT Watches was reviewed just last week on the blog, and it’s a definite winner. The case diameter hits the sweet spot as far as a dress-casual watch, the quality is on-point for the price and the style potential is excellent (the blue dial will again really pop against the darker colors in this outfit). It can even work with a more casual outfit (again, the dark denim and navy blazer combo suggested above).

The Socks: Tommy John Solid Over-the-Calf Dress Socks — $16

Over-the-calf dress socks -- an underrated style hack that makes a difference.

Over-the-calf dress socks — an underrated style hack that makes a difference.

Dress socks, especially ones in a solid color, tend to get overlooked when lots of companies are incorporating pattern and color into so many pairs. But sometimes, you just want (and need) a simple, comfortable set of socks that’ll stay up and mesh nicely with the rest of your outfit. Tommy John socks solve that age-old problem of a pair sliding down throughout the day, and the dark navy color won’t distract from the neutral charcoal suit and solid shirting. Plus, they’re made of a lux Pima cotton blend with a hint of stretch.

The Extras: Tommy John Cool Cotton Trunk — $29

Style's in the details, right?

Style’s in the details, right?

Need I say more?

So that’s your head-to-toe Valentine’s Day look, incorporating some solid, versatile style, neutral colors and  sharp accessories. Pieces like the above can work in lots of different situations while providing a change of pace from style staples you might already own — and when planning for as big of a day as Valentine’s Day, details like the right tie and pocket square can certainly prove essential (look good, feel good, right?). If you’ve now settled on your outfit but still need a Valentine’s Day gift suggestion, we’ve got you covered there, too. And should you have any last-minute questions, feel free to leave a comment below or send me a tweet.

What ensemble will you be rocking on this Valentine’s Day? What do you think of the above suggestion?

 

by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: A Cozy Christmas

Editor’s note: For more Style Suggestions — including what to wear to that holiday party — swing through here.

Breaking news — Christmas is almost here! If you’re a big fan of the holidays, like me, and appreciate a festive atmosphere in the air and lights all around the cityscape (or your hometown), there’s really no better time to enjoy. But thankfully, the holiday also gives everyone a chance to rest, regroup and ideally, actually get home for some time off. Either way, Christmas and the events surrounding it don’t always have a set dress code — it could be a more casual evening of opening gifts with just the family, or a nice party with friends (hopefully, Ryan Gosling doesn’t drop by). So the style suggestion that follows definitely errs on the side of more casual, whether this is on Christmas Day itself or in the days leading up to. Bear in mind — this is just one suggestion to keep things from getting too sloppy, so mix-and-match (and buy) as you please! Note that we’ll cover a more dressed-up Christmas affair right here next week.

The Shirt: Tommy John Ringer Pocket Tee in Heather Grey — $34

This colorblocked pocket tee is a simple but effective upgrade from the pedestrian crewneck.

This colorblocked pocket tee is a simple but effective upgrade from the pedestrian crewneck.

So right off the bat, that price is a bit much more than most might pay for a T-shirt. BUT, bear with — Tommy John certainly seems to be the real deal as far as quality and comfort goes in the undershirt and T-shirt game. And its Ringer Pocket Tee (available in four colors) is soft, stylish and slim-fitting. Crucially, the color at the neck and pocket sets it apart just so slightly from a regular crewneck tee, even when that might be the cheaper option.  It’s these small style upgrades that can add a little thought to your look, and if comfort is part of the equation, it’s key to still look good. However, if wearing just a tee makes you wary, I’d reach for a great chambray shirt instead.

The Sweater: Old Navy Chunky Shawl-Collar Cardigan — $49.50 (When On-Sale)

A rich color and ribbed knit make this a solid house sweater for a cozy Christmas.

A rich color and ribbed knit make this a solid house sweater for a cozy Christmas.

Because it’s the heart of December, we’ll assume it could be a little bit chilly wherever you might be. That’s exactly the time to reach for a well-priced Old Navy cardigan. The burgundy color is a nice, on-trend nod to the season as a whole (although this cream JackThreads Shawl Cardigan could also be a neat, affordable pickup). But in this instance, the thick burgundy knit brings some nice contrast when paired alongside the lightweight T-shirt. As I’ve said time and again, a shawl-collar cardigan is a great, masculine style move that adds some rugged appeal to any outfit. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy sweater? If it’s too warm out where you are, ditch it (if you’re lucky enough, that is!).

The Pants: JackThreads The Daily Jogger — $49.50 OR Classic Dark Denim

A dark color and trim cut help these wear less like sweats and more like jeans. Yes, you got that right.

A dark color and trim cut help these wear less like sweats and more like jeans. Yes, you got that right.

As we talked about above, Christmas can go one of two ways — more casual, or dressier. In this case, if you’ve got the option to go more laidback yet want to avoid wearing pajama pants, we’re going out on a limb to recommend a pair of tailored sweatpants in a dark color. JackThreads continues to get a lot of things right with its new menswear line, and stylish essentials at low prices like these are why. Again, if sweatpants still feel too casual, a solid pair of dark denim never fails (I’d recommend Mott & Bow, who makes slim jeans like its Hester model with a comfy hint of stretch). If sweats are too hot, reach for their laidback but just as comfy alternative — the well-crafted sweatshort (like these from my friends at Pistol Lake).

The Sneakers: GREATS Brand Royale Chukka — $152 (On-Sale)

Camel plus black in a chukka silhouette = dressier sneakers than the norm.

Camel plus black in a chukka silhouette = dressier sneakers than the norm.

If sneakers seem a silly option for the middle of winter (and they very well might be if there’s a ton of snow), I’d urge you to go with a reliable (but cheaper) desert boot instead. If, however, you’re able to rock some chukka sneakers from GREATS, you’ve found a style choice that fits right in with fall & winter yet feels more comfortable than a thicker boot (note that Reef’s Outhaul Lux Chukka does that, too). The Royale Chukka definitely checks all those boxes, and even more crucially, the camel color plus black sole is a combo that feels a little dressier than a plain pair of captoe sneakers. These sneakers can be worn through the rest of winter in the right weather, and into spring with some lightwash jeans, too — that’s the gift that keeps on giving.

The Watch: Timex Weekender 40mm — $46

A black leather strap and that simple Timex dial create the ideal happy medium for the rest of this outfit.

A black leather strap and that simple Timex dial create the ideal happy medium for the rest of this outfit.

Just as in this site’s Thanksgiving Style Suggestion, a Timex is the affordable watch pick once again. In this instance, Timex’s classic weekender dial keeps the watch more casual, but the black face and slip-thru black leather strap makes it ever so slightly put-together. Yet, it’ll still look right at home with this outfit in terms of color and styling potential — it’s just that simple and versatile. Lest we forget, this watch can be mixed and matched with other NATO straps — that’s like getting a new watch for about $10.

The Socks: Richer Poorer Herald Socks — $12

A small way to pump some pattern into an outfit -- for a low price.

A small way to pump some pattern into an outfit — for a low price.

Whereas the rest of this outfit mainly sticks to solid basics, these socks inject some life into the ensemble in a fun way. And assuming you’ll be kicking around without shoes on for a bit, clean, hole-free socks are a must (truly). Throw in a fun polka-dot pattern in a color that complements the rest of the outfit, and you’re set. The oatmeal color of these socks is also just different enough if you go with a heather-grey T-shirt (or even a blue chambray), and the navy dots complement the cardigan and the sneakers, too. Plus, Richer Poorer socks are springy and breathable — not a  heavy wool set.

While the above outfit might not work for everyone, here’s hoping you do get the chance to kick back in a more casual fashion this Christmas — and when that time comes, I hope you’ll keep some of these picks in mind (because who doesn’t love looking their best all the time?). Think I missed anything? Let me know your picks for the holiday season below!

Ben Sherman US