Tag / topo designs

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Huckberry’s Annual Winter Sale, NYFW, The Best Crewneck Sweatshirts & Savings at DSTLD and Topo Designs

Huckberry Annual Winter Sale.

Let’s start the weekend on the right note, a rugged and very well-made note, at that. I could be talking about any number of things, but really, I’m talking about the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale, a just-launched offering of some of the most rugged gear for men, only available now through Sunday. If you keep up with the blog, you know how much I love Huckberry, San Fran purveyors of some of the best gloves for men, the most affordable slippers and a heck of a lot more (like the best waxed trucker jacket on the market, among other picks. Through the Huckberry Winter Sale, you can get the savings of your dreams — seriously — with up to 50 percent off on gear you’re not going to find anywhere else. Don’t let me have all the fun — go shop this sale and feel free to report back on your purchases.

Shop the Huckberry Annual Winter Sale

That’s not the only menswear-related offering I’m excited about this weekend. This Friday marks a pretty neat in-person menswear opportunity, too. It’s one of two annual presentations of the up-and-coming men’s fashion showcase known as New York Men’s Day, which was previously part of New York Fashion Week: Men’s and now serves as part of New York Fashion Week in general. It’s being presented by Perry Ellis, the iconic prep sportswear brand that now blurs the lines between classic and modern — 10 new designers get to showcase their collections, including a look at Perry Ellis menswear itself.

Learn more at Perry Ellis

I always love checking out emerging designers and seeing how broader, runway-type trends might trickle down into future collections. And of course, it never hurts to connect with fellow menswear writers and editors! To keep up with all the fun, head to my Instagram and give me a follow (events run into early next week, too!). For now, here are plenty more menswear essentials to get your weekend rolling the right way.

Best jeans for men.
  • How’s this for another deal you can’t pass up? It won’t be around for long, though: Now through February 14th, get 50 percent off sitewide at DSTLD with the code TREAT50. The LA-based denim brand specializes in inky blue denim, super-soft T-shirts, minimal cashmere sweaters and more. If you’ve been waiting to score some of the best men’s blue jeans, this is the sale to shop.
Save on the best men’s jeans right now
Best on sale winter gear for men.
  • Speaking of savings on the best winter gear, there’s a lot to love — as always — at Colorado-based Topo Designs. The makers of some of the best outdoor gear are giving you up to 60 percent off via the Topo Designs End of Season Sale, now through February 21st. You don’t need any code, so do yourself a favor and get shopping — will ya?
Shop the Topo Designs End of Season Sale now
  • I’ll send you into the weekend with a useful reading and shopping suggestion, at least in my opinion — a crewneck sweatshirt finds its roots in athletic wear, yet it’s just as at home these days under a blazer or worn casually with jeans. This versatility makes it downright useful in the winter months, which is why I wrote all about the best crewneck sweatshirts for men at AskMen. Layer up accordingly, my friends.

How’s that for a few menswear sales to keep the start of your weekend rolling in style? Before I let you go, here’s one more pick for you to consider as you’ve got your credit card at the ready. The best boots on the planet are made carefully and with rugged style in mind, like the Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots, yes? If you see a new pair of boots in your future, might as well make ’em Wolverine — read more about the Wolverine 1000 Mile Moc Toe Boots here on the blog. Alright, then. You know what to do. Here’s to the weekend!

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by Beau H.

The Thursday Buy: This Topo Designs Trucker Jacket is the Perfect Denim Jacket for Fall

Topo Designs Denim Trucker Jacket

An unstoppably cool, rugged denim jacket that just so happens to be outdoor-friendly.

If you’ve not yet built out your fall outerwear rotation, consider this your lucky day: The Topo Designs Denim Trucker Jacket is one of the best jackets for fall (period), and it’s on sale right now via the Topo Designs Web site. A note: It’s a fast seller, so you’d also do well to look at other Topo Designs outerwear. But back to the jacket. It’s a mighty fine piece of outerwear. All of this is to say: Act accordingly, act quickly and you’ll have one of the best trucker jackets for men headed your way in no time at all. It gets better, though. This is an American-made denim jacket available for a downright steal ($64, to be exact). For a rugged denim jacket crafted from Mt. Vernon blue cotton denim, that’s exceptional. Throw in the fact that the Topo Designs Trucker Jacket is functional as heck and easy to layer over Topo Designs shirts and base layers alike, and you’ve got yourself one of the best jackets for fall adventures at home or on the road.

SHOP: The Topo Designs Denim Trucker Jacket

You’d be surprised by how versatile one of the best denim jackets can be. This Topo Designs denim jacket in particular should easily pair up with everything from Topo Designs field pants and a flannel shirt to slim black selvedge denim, some unstoppable, rugged leather boots and your favorite henley. It’s the gift that keeps on giving in terms of classic fall style, so be sure to give the Topo Designs Denim Trucker Jacket a fair shake right now. You won’t regret it when it comes time to gear up.

SHOP: The Topo Designs Denim Trucker

 

 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Wear This New Menswear to Your Next Spring Happy Hour

So, you’ve just landed that crucial spring happy hour or weekend patio party invite. Nice! You’ve got your favorite beer in hand (and in the fridge),  but what are you going to wear? Allow me. We talk often at The Style Guide about stepping up your off-duty dressing in ways that are subtly stylish, so that it doesn’t quite feel like you’re off-duty (no gym shorts or baggy sweats here). The key comes with upgrading your men’s style essentials in small ways that’ll help you stand out as you wait to snag a beer at the cooler — polished, sharp and not sloppy. So, a classic T-shirt from Buck Mason is the base layer to wear that’s not so basic — and we’re mixing it up with a rugged cotton overshirt from Topo Designs — all the better to add some visual interest to this casual, happy hour-ready look. The rest of this ensemble is all about classic comfort and style, from Mott & Bow denim to some seriously unique sneakers (a silhouette playing off the original high-top basketball sneakers!). A rugged, casual watch rounds things out, too. So, what does it look like, exactly? Check out the full look below, then let me know what you’re wearing to happy hour over on Twitter. Thanks for reading!

Pair up your spring T-shirt with other like-minded style staples for a casual happy hour.

  • The Stylish T-Shirt: Buck Mason Slub Curved Hem Tee, $32 — When is a classic T-shirt more than just a T-shirt? When it’s made by Buck Mason and features design details like a cool curved hem — it’s the perfect T-shirt for spring and summer.
  • The Shirt: Topo Designs Dirt Shirt, $89 — Made with durable stretch organic cotton in a pleasingly washed-out spring color, the “Dirt Shirt” (as seen here on my Instagram) is a winning layer on breezy spring days.
  • The Classic Denim: Mott & Bow Slim Stone Denim, $118 — Slim grey denim is an unexpected style serve, and this pair of essential Mott & Bow denim should be plenty comfortable for all-day style.
  • The Sneakers: Colchester High-Top Sneakers, $79.98 — Like we mentioned above, these right here are the original high-top basketball sneakers — but they’re updated for the modern man, and plenty stylish for a spring or summer happy hour.
  • The Watch: DuFrane Watches Barton Springs Diver, $491.98 — What could be a better complement to this #OOTD than a rugged, casual watch? Especially this handsome timepiece from DuFrane Watches.
  • The Belt: Vintage Bison Calhoun Belt, $95 — It’s hard to top a ridiculously high-quality, ridiculously well-made leather belt like this one — wear it all the time (but especially with Mott & Bow denim), and it’ll get better with age.
  • The Everyday Bag: Bleu De Chaffe Musette Gaston Bag, $258 — Maybe you won’t need this bag, but if you’re out and about all day, it pays to leave your house with an entirely unique everyday bag handcrafted in France  — each bag is truly one-of-a-kind.
  • The Spring Ballcap: Alex Mill X Field Canvas Cap, $40 — Ballcaps certainly aren’t for everyone, but if you want to add some understated, subtle spring style — and protection from the sun — to this look, reach for this sharp Alex Mill ballcap here.

Alright, who’s up for another beer? The key with dressing for something that seems straightforward on the surface — just a spring happy hour, right — is, again, upgrading those style staples accordingly. So, let’s start with a classic T-shirt from Buck Mason, the perfect way to step up in subtle style. It’s easy to layer with an easygoing-yet-rugged Topo Designs shirt, which acts as a light overshirt thanks to its organic stretch cotton — perfect to wear as the sun goes down. That combo wears all the better alongside a pair of Mott & Bow denim, which should prove to be the right mix of sharp and casual — the same can be said of your Colchester High-Top Sneakers, which toe the same line with subtle style. I’m also all about accessorizing accordingly, even for grabbing some beers — a rugged, casual watch can even act as an interesting conversation starter (at least, I think so). Throw on a trusty leather belt, then grab a unique everyday bag to hold any pre-happy hour extras you might want to pick up. Finally, although throwing on a hat is optional, there’s nothing quite like a classic ballcap — especially one that’s emblazoned with an interesting, non-athletic logo. I think this #OOTD could be a new happy hour go-to. What do you think? Again, let me know on Twitter.

by Beau H.

The List: Shop This Week’s Best Men’s Fashion and Gear Picks for Any Occasion

Filson

This beauty of a bag from Filson is but one of a host of menswear essentials I think you’ll love today.

We’re going to jump right into today’s list of the best men’s fashion picks by checking out a seriously rugged, adventure-ready bag from Filson — the Tin Cloth Excursion Bag, to be more specific. You’re going to love it. Heck, sometimes, the right bag can be an easy way to upgrade the rest of your style — after all, you want to step up the rest of your outfit accordingly, right? The rest of today’s picks also feature something for everyone, from a peek at Topo Designs x The National (that’s right!) to the best leather Chelsea boots your  money can buy. Let’s dive in below.

Filson Tin Cloth Excursion Bag — $425

One heck of a durable, well-made bag for adventures in every season.

See, I told you that you’d love the first pick in today’s post. Featuring beastly construction and the sort of attention to detail you’d expect from Filson, the Tin Cloth Excursion Bag is another piece to add to your consideration set for your everyday carry.
Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots — $195

Dependable boots made the right way, all courtesy of Astorflex and Huckberry.

We’re big fans of Astorflex here on the blog for the way the brand makes its stylish boots sustainably and with some serious style top of mind. The Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots, exclusive to Huckberry, carry on that lineage handsomely (and they’re newly restocked!).
Topo Designs x The National Classic Duffel — $149

Topo Designs x The National

A classic travel bag made in partnership with the iconic indie rock band The National.

This right here is a no-brainer for me — Topo Designs, makers of excellent technical gear infused with quite a bit of style, have teamed up with my all-time favorite band, my heroes … yes, The National. The resulting Classic Duffel is travel-ready, which is fitting considering I’ve traveled a fair amount on my own to see them. In short,  I’m on board with this handsome bag, from the Cordura fabric exterior to the embroidered NTL logo. Fun fact: The color of the bag also plays off the blue color found on the band’s 2017 classic “Sleep Well Beast” … just perfection.
Bespoke Post Cheers Box — $45 (When Signing Up for Bespoke Post)

Bespoke Post

The right picks you need to enjoy your next craft beer … over and over and over.

Only $45 for a box of craft beer essentials? All available with ease through Bespoke Post? How cool is that? Whether you’re a craft beer novice or a longtime fan, the Bespoke Post Cheers Box is enough to get anyone fired up about the industry (and about whatever beer you have in your hand, of course).
Outerknown Octillo Shirt — $88

A no-frills shirt that manages to be sustainable AND stylish.

From the rich color to the easygoing styling potential, this Outerknown shirt is the kind you throw on underneath a shawl cardigan with faded jeans (or all on its own, sleeves rolled up), to head into the office on a casual day in late winter or early spring. The double-weave organic cotton is a winning fabric with a light weight, so you should also feel free to layer it over a classic henley.
Centric Instruments Lightwell Field Watch — $260

A dependable field watch powered by the energy of the sun? Put me down for one.

The perfect everyday watch (shown here in a different colorway than previously featured on the site) can be very tricky to find — you might say the search is *ahem* time-consuming. Centric Instruments takes care of all of that for you, thanks to this rugged field watch with a solar-powered movement capable of holding reserves up to six months. Bingo.
Orvis Tech Chambray Work Shirt — $89

Orvis Tech Chambray

A modern update on a rugged classic from Orvis.

You might know Orvis for its field-ready gear made for outdoorsmen, but the brand is more than that. The Tech Chambray Work Shirt features quick-dry fabric and the styling potential of a tough chambray work shirt, all wrapped into one. From the triple-needle stitching to two front-button pockets, I’ve found this shirt to be versatile and durable (especially for my recent trip to Dublin).
Coalatree Trailhead Pants — $90

A unique pair of pants fit for travel or weekend relaxation.

Right off the bat, you can tell the Coalatree Trailhead Pants are a little different than the rest. From the drawstring ankles and waist to the tear-resistant nylon fabric, they could just be the perfect pants for winter travel — try them with a classic chambray shirt and rugged leather chukka boots.
Taylor Stitch The Jack Shirt in White Reverse Jacquard — $138

Taylor Stitch

A cool pattern mixed with that timeless Taylor Stitch fit — coming up aces.

Take it from a big fan — the fit and styling potential of Taylor Stitch shirts is nearly perfect. I’d say that’s also the case when it comes to the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt, shown here in a seriously cool White Reverse Jacquard fabric. Wear it with slim tan chinos & stylish leather dress shoes.
Topo Designs Field Pants — $89

Topo Designs

Durable work pants made from tough cotton twill — tailor-made for your favorite brewery or your next weekend hike.

We’re back with more gear from Topo Designs — the durable, rugged Field Pants can take the place of jeans on a Casual Friday (maybe with the Taylor Stitch Jack Shirt)  just as readily as they can put in serious work out in, well, the field. 100 percent organic midweight twill cotton provides longevity and easy wearability, while front patch pockets give you space for your everyday carry essentials.
Klitmøller Johan Sweater — $187

A warm, easy-to-layer winter sweater with great styling potential.

Speaking of gear that you can wear with the Field Pants from Topo Designs, well … add this rugged winter sweater from Klitmøller to your list. It’s the perfect pairing with, say, the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots and a hot cup of coffee.
Allegiance Flag Supply Colorado State Flag — $150

Talk about a unique way to amp up your wall decor.

Now, do I have any deep ties to the state of Colorado, or have I ever lived there? Nope. Does this Allegiance Flag Supply flag look pretty cool, nonetheless? Yessir. Go for it to upgrade your living space in style.
OK, which of the above was your favorite today? We covered a lot of ground (in my humble opinion), but I have to say … the rugged versatility of the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots (again, some of the best men’s boots out there) makes it hard to pass ’em up. As always, let me know your thoughts on Twitter — thanks for reading!
by Beau H.

#OOTD: The Best Way to Wear a Flannel Shirt This Fall

Gather ’round, Style Guide readers — today’s #OOTD tackles a favorite topic when it comes to rugged men’s fall style: How to wear a flannel shirt this season. If flannel shirts call to mind the mid-aughts boom of American workwear, well, they should — they were a key piece of #menswear then, and the right flannel shirt is just as relevant now. Today’s shirt of choice, the Filson Vintage Flannel Shirt, channels just the vibe you want when wearing a flannel shirt. It’s got all the trappings of a classic piece, but it’s just a bit more modern. With a cool black-and-cream color, it’s less outdoors-y and instead, just …  a cool shirt. And the way you wear your new favorite flannel shirt is going to make all the difference, too. Pair it with rugged style essentials like a premium slim henley and textured Bedford cord pants, and you’re going to shake off all those “urban lumberjack” connotations. Fear not, though — we’re still finishing off this #OOTD with rugged leather boots.  I know this much: You can make this outfit work for you at a football tailgate, at a bonfire or on a brewery tour — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Let me know your thoughts over on Twitter when you get the chance, if you so please.

Best men's flannel shirts

Think again about how you wear your flannel shirt — this Filson shirt bucks the trend and looks great.

The Flannel Shirt: Filson Vintage Flannel Work Shirt in Black and Cream, $145 — The centerpiece of many a stylish and rugged fall outfit, Filson gets the color and classic fabrication just right with its Vintage Flannel Work Shirt.

The Henley: Billy Reid Speckled Henley, $155.98 —  Yet another critical fall layer, this made-in-Italy Billy Reid henley is a premium upgrade over a standard thermal henley — perfect for layering with a Filson flannel.

The Pants: BANKS Roll Bedford Cord Jean, $75 — Rather than reaching for dark blue denim, reach for the slim, fall-ready BANKS Bedford Cord Jean — textured, unique and slim-fitting.

The Boots: Wolverine Original 1000 Mile Boots in Roughout, $299.98 (When On-Sale) — For fall, Wolverine has taken its 1000 Mile Boots and upgraded them in a rich, seasonally ready roughout leather. Perfect.
The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — To stand up to your sturdy leather boots and a rugged flannel shirt, a tough leather belt from Sturdy Brothers is just what the doctor ordered.
The Watch: Pantor Sea Lion Watch, $424.98— This outfit is packed with fall-ready neutrals, so shake up your wrist game with the striking, durable Pantor Sea Lion Watch. It’s the ideal, rugged watch to wear to a football game or a bar crawl.
The Bag: Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase, $119.98 — Whether you head to a house party or out on a day trip, the sturdy, well-made Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase is more casual (and durable) than the briefcase moniker implies.
The Beard Balm: Upstate Stock Willowemoc Beard Balm, $22 — Upstate Stock happens to be one of my favorite spots for menswear in Brooklyn — and they make a nice beard balm to tame your mane this season.
Are you sold yet on the versatile, rugged styling potential of the  Vintage Flannel Work Shirt from Filson? In a cool color scheme, it’ll work as a warm top layer over something as premium and understated as the Billy Reid Speckled Henley. And when you team up that combo with a crisp set of trousers like the BANKS Roll Bedford Cords, you’re set for casual fall excursions from the city to the country and back. Don’t step foot outside this fall without tough leather boots, either — I’d strongly urge you to invest in the stellar Wolverine 1000 Mile Boots — are you with me there? A durable, weather-ready watch like the Pantor Sea Lion Watch is going to fit right in with the tough nature of this outfit, and the Topo Designs Mountain Briefcase is standing at the ready if you need a new fall go-to to haul your everyday carry. So, I think we’re all set with today’s #OOTD. Thanks, as always, for reading!
-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s The Rugged Henley to Wear This Summer

If there’s one item I reach for more consistently than any other — no matter the season — it’s got to be a rugged men’s henley. Yes indeed, in the high heat of summer (the perfect time for a short-sleeve henley) and the chilling depths of winter (hello, slim long-sleeve henley), it’s simply an easy-to-wear, effective and stylish choice. But you knew that, right? After all, we talked this spring about how to upgrade your henley. There’s no question that it can easily layer under your favorite summer blazer or be worn on its own — crucially. And today’s all-new, hyper-stylish #OOTD here on The Style Guide covers perhaps the best short-sleeve henley to buy now — or at least, consider buying. And if you read the blog frequently — and shop the hallowed halls of Style Guide friend Huckberry — you should know the brand that makes it: The inimitable folks at Flint and Tinder.

As it were, the centerpiece of today’s outfit is the Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley, done up in comfortable, breathable fabric with a modern fit. The rest of this ensemble has all the trappings of a rugged, tough outfit that someone like, say, noted henley wearer Mr. Daniel Craig might enjoy wearing.  At any rate, I hope you’re excited to check out some slim dark blue denim, classic men’s boots and a few other hard-wearing touches — including a rugged casual watch. If I were you, I’d wear this outfit out to your next brew pub crawl or even a quick day trip out to the country. And it’s even got a couple pieces — like a stylish everyday backpack — that might get you from point A to point B in many a situation. I don’t want to ruin all the fun, though. Read on below and let me know how you like these #menswear picks!

Rugged men's henley

Take your (new) favorite rugged henley and layer it with a crisp bomber jacket, dark denim and tough boots — wear it now sans jacket, and keep this look handy come fall.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Supima AirKnit Henley, $55 — First things first: Don’t be alarmed by the use of black here! This Flint and Tinder henley is crisp and slimming, and gents like Daniel Craig  make frequent use of black tees on their own.

The Bomber: Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket in Charcoal, $188 — If you know Taylor Stitch, you know that they excel at tough, rugged and yet wearable pieces — this Taylor Stitch bomber jacket works for cool summer evenings and chillier fall days in equal measure.

The Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch Langdon Slim Coolmax Jeans, $88 — A&F, a favorite of The Style Guide, is back with a revamped denim line featuring revamped fits — the Langdon is slim, classic and wearble in August thanks to Coolmax technology.

The Belt: Sturdy Brothers Everyday Belt in Chestnut, $80 — Lest you think accessories don’t matter … think again. The folks at Sturdy Brothers make a heritage-quality belt that happens to mesh perfectly with this look.

The Boots: Astorflex Bootflex in Dark Khaki, $190 — Quality lace-up boots made with sustainable style in mind for under $200? That’s what you get with the surprisingly lightweight Astorflex Bootflex.

(Not Pictured) The Socks: Teva Benny Gold Socks (Limited Edition), $12 — Space can be limited in our #OOTD series, but socks that offer up a pop of pleasingly bright blue should pair well with the A&F dark blue denim.

The Watch: Lum-Tec Combat B35 Automatic Watch, $799.98 — You might say this rugged Lum-Tec watch is the grandaddy of them all. Beastly looks, excellent styling potential, rugged vibes, a handsome leather strap … the  Lum-Tec Combat B35 belongs on any wish list of the best men’s gear.

The Backpack: Topo Designs Klettersack, $188 — Don’t get me wrong, I love a stylish messenger bag as much as the next guy. But if you want a grab-and-go bag for a day trip or a bar crawl — particularly when paired with a rugged menswear ensemble — the Topo Designs Klettersack could be your best bet.

The Sunscreen: Salt & Stone Sunscreen (SPF 30) , $17.99 — Sunscreen is one of those things that’s likely the last item tossed in any bag — with Salt & Stone‘s crisp design (and important functionality!), you won’t forget it again.

Have you given any thought as to where you might take this outfit? It can go just about anywhere — an upstate day trip, a trip to the farmer’s market and your local park, an afternoon at your favorite watering hole … and I’d wager it’s all because of the rugged versatility of the Flint and Tinder henley shown here. And because it can go anywhere, it’s important you grab a similarly tough bag. For instance: Take the Topo Designs Klettersack and fill it with essentials like the Taylor Stitch Bomber Jacket and much-needed Salt & Stone sunscreen. And the best part is that you can easily complement your Flint and Tinder henley with other rugged basics, from dark denim to the crisp, stylish Astorflex Bootflex. What you’ve got on your wrist is equally important — my favorite part of this ensemble might be the Lum-Tec Combat B35. And if you read this blog, you know that the details make the difference — start with a heritage-quality belt and go from there.

Let me know: What do you think of this rugged #OOTD? Drop a line in the comments!

Thanks so much for reading,

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Weekender Bags for a Road Trip

That bag you’re packing up for your next getaway — is it one of the best men’s weekender bags for a road trip? No? You’re not sure? Don’t worry — it’s taken care of. A stylish weekender bag is the lofty subject we’ll tackle in today’s latest Online Shopping Picks entry — and I think you’re going to like the results.  As we so often talk about here on The Style Guide, developing great style really is the sum of a lot of moving parts. From the stylish  sneakers on your feet to that slim short-sleeve shirt hanging in your closet, looking and feeling great comes down to the details — and that’s certainly the case when it comes to the bag you’re bringing with you on your next road trip.
Florsheim
If the goal is to get out of town in style, you’re going to want a functional, durable weekender bag that looks just as great as it performs. We’re talking about a tough weekender bag that can go from the trunk of your car to the overhead bin to the floor of your rustic, refined boutique hotel without missing a beat. The right bag has got good looks, easy utility and investment-level quality in spades. And as to the below options? Well, I’d say that each of them certainly pass muster. Chime in on Twitter with any thoughts on this list of the best men’s weekender bags, and follow me on Instagram to see how I’m packing in style this summer.

#1. Nisolo Leon Weekender — $397.98

Relatively rare all-leather construction, excellent looks and an agreeable price.

Is the Nisolo Leon Weekender pricey? Yes. Is it a Style Guide favorite for its combination of rugged good looks and smart craftsmanship? That’s also a definitive “Yes.” An all-leather weekender like the Leon Weekender is a pretty rare find these days, particularly with a price tag that’s not too outrageous. Think of this as a stylish weekender bag that’ll look just as handsome with a tailored suit on a business trip as it will with a chambray shirt and chinos on a casual weekend getaway.

#2. Billykirk Large Sport Carryall — $251.98

Billykirk

The rugged ability to serve as both a gym bag and a weekender bag — you should expect nothing less from Billykirk.

Leave it to Billykirk to make a weekender/gym bag that works twice as hard as you’d expect. In one instance, the Large Sport Carryall is a uniquely stylish way to lug your favorite gym gear to and from a morning workout. And the next day, it could reliably serve as a durable weekender bag for an upstate trip. With its use of Cordura material and Mil-Spec hardware — not to mention sturdy, USA-made construction — picking up the Large Sport Carryall is almost like getting two bags for the price of one.

Timex

#3. Bespoke Post Weekender Box — $45

$45 for the Bespoke Post Weekender Box? Too good to be true, right? Wrong.

That price above isn’t a typo. You really can get the Bespoke Post Weekender Box for just $45 (when you sign up for Bespoke Post, that is). In all seriousness, why on Earth wouldn’t you want to sign up for Bespoke Post when the result is a bag like the weekender shown here? Available in a range of colors and made from what the brand calls “thick and capable canvas,” it’s the type of bag that’ll only get better with age — and I’m sure you’ll reach for it time and again. Yes indeed, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box might be the smartest purchase you’ll make this summer.

Nautica

#4. Topo Designs Mountain Duffel — $229

The Topo Designs Mountain Duffel is all business — sleek, no-nonsense and definitely very functional.

If you consider yourself a guy who favors more minimal, functional style and performance rather than bright, loud colors when shopping for a stylish weekender bag, the Topo Designs Mountain Duffel is the bag for you. It’s water-resistant right down to the YKK zippers, and it offers handy design touches like a padded base and side panels (all the better to keep your gear safe). In a sleek black color, it’s a low-key way to upgrade your weekender bag — it’s more than ready for camping trips, hikes or day trips.

#5. Filson Small Duffel — $297

Filson

A richly crafted, durable and timeless bag from Filson — that’s all you can ask for, really.

Leave it to the lauded gear makers at Filson to continually deliver on classic pieces that stand the test of time. While not quite as large in size as some of the other options on this list, the Filson Small Duffel is every bit as deserving of a spot here. It starts with the brand’s attention to detail and namely, Filson‘s own rugged, functional, abrasion-resistant twill. Other helpful design touches — such as the tough bridle leather straps and solid brass zipper — help make this bag an investment-worthy classic.
Ben Sherman

Honorable Mention: Bradley Mountain Utility Bag — $159

A carryall that can also serve as a weekender bag — that’s the way it’s done, folks.

There are simply far too many options out there in terms of stylish weekender bags to end this list at just five. It was a tough call, but the Bradley Mountain Utility Bag just barely missed the cut here (Editor’s note: Catch a full write-up on this bag in our Style Pick of the Week series). Able to be fashioned into a carryall for just about anything you can think of — including your favorite summer gear — the Utility Bag is also the type of bag that could reliably haul enough clothes for a weekend away.  The Bradley Mountain Utility Bag features rugged good looks and the sort of durability that you only get from using a custom oiled and waxed leather construction. That is to say, it’s a one-of-a-kind bag that you need in your summer travel arsenal … now.

END. Clothing

In summary: You need — like, need — at least one of the best men’s weekender bags in your rotation for the months ahead. Whether you reach for a two-in-one bag like the Bradley Mountain Utility Bag or the handsome, durable  Large Sport Carryall from Billykirk is entirely up to you — either one would be a wise move. And a sturdy weekender bag from a heritage brand like  Filson provides both instantly recognizable looks and classic style. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can’t go wrong with a minimally designed number like the Topo Designs Mountain Duffel. And in terms of looks, quality and affordability? Well, the Bespoke Post Weekender Box is a surefire winner, available in a diverse range of colors and geared to go anywhere you can dream up. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the best weekender bags below — and of course, I’m reachable at all hours on The Style Guide Facebook page.

Thanks for reading — and stay stylish!

-Beau

Greats

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Top Shorts to Buy for Summer

Stylish shorts — simple enough, right? Wrong. The top shorts to buy for summer are a far cry from the athletic shorts many of us grew accustomed to through high school … and college … and hey, after college. Coming from a guy who loves  a pair of slim light wash denim (even in the summer), it’s still crucial to not let your casual style slip up — and well-fitting, well-made shorts in seasonally friendly fabrics are one way to stay in shipshape. After all, you can wear a pair of stylish men’s shorts with nearly any of your other favorite summer style essentials — from a classic Oxford to a patterned short-sleeve shirt. That goes for lightweight layering pieces, too — a tailored pair of shorts, cut to hit above the knee, can serve as a complement to a light wash trucker jacket, a rugged short-sleeve henley and essential summer sneakers. And if you’ve read my work over at Effortless Gent, you know that it can sometimes be tricky to find the perfect pair of shorts — that goes for both fit and style potential. Know that the below picks cover off on both key ares quite nicely. Heck, even a few of the picks you’ll see below — like the Myles Apparel Everyday Short   — can work on an outdoor hike or at a laidback BBQ.  To see how I’m wearing shorts this summer, join me on Instagram; if you think I left out any brands, let me know in the comments. Cheers!

Oxfords under $50 CAD_125x125

#1. Finisterre Coverack Shorts — $72.98

Finisterre

The Coverack Shorts are a bit pricey — but all the more stylish and essential for it.

While it’s tough to list out just one pair of shorts in this top spot, it’s something we gotta do. And for my money, the quality, value and classic style of these Finisterre Coverack Shorts is pretty tough to top. From the easy-to-wear shade of khaki on the Coverack Shorts to laidback design touches like a garment-dyed finishing process, they should go with just about anything. Try ’em out with a light blue polo and sharp white sneakers (plus a tough dive watch) for go- anywhere weekend style.

#2. Myles Apparel Everyday Short — $58

A nicely tailored, mobile pair of shorts fit for the gym or a backyard BBQ.

We told you that our picks for stylish shorts would work at more casual summer functions as well as athletic pursuits — right? Right. The Myles Apparel Everyday Short    comes in a host of colors and features a tailored-yet-mobile fit more commonly found on athletic shorts. Yet, it eschews the gaudy logos you often see on athletic shorts — consider this gym gear for the grown man (or tall teenager). You can easily throw these on for a casual stroll through the park or your morning run — of course. And with all those color options, you might want more than one pair.

#3. Topo Designs Mountain Shorts — $69.98

Topo Designs

For the guy who values function and form, the Topo Designs Mountain Shorts are the pair to buy.

When it comes to shorts — or menswear in general — are you  more of a technically inclined guy? Just as likely to focus on the durability and fabric quality as the fit? In that case, the Topo Designs Mountain Shorts were made for you — to say the least. From the ripstop cotton construction to the top-stitched front pockets — that means more room for your everyday carry — to the selection of stylish colors (including an olive option), you need the Topo Designs Mountain Shorts in your life for your next hike or camping trip.

#4. Abercrombie and Fitch Flat Front Shorts — $28.80

Abercrombie and Fitch

Stretch chino shorts in a neat spring color — perfect for the season ahead.

It’s nearly a menswear fact — at least to your Style Guide editor — that you can’t go wrong with a pair of stretch cotton chino shorts in a 7-inch inseam. Why so specific? Well, the inseam length works for most guys — and the neat color and fabric? Those are perfect summer style moves. Try out these shorts with a slim-fit white polo and stylish, retro-inspired sunglasses — try it out on a first or second date for maximum effect, fellas.

 

 

 

#5. Iron and Resin Logan Shorts — $74.98 OR Pistol Lake French Terry Sweatshorts — $65

Iron and Resin Logan Shorts

Two options, both featuring a drawstring waistband and a modern fit.

Want the feel of your favorite, broken-in, easy-to-wear pair of shorts? Better yet, want that in a silhouette that’s much more polished than you might expect? That’s what you’re getting with the Iron and Resin Logan Shorts, a distinctly summer-friendly offering from a brand known for its rugged motorcycle gear. And the Pistol Lake French Terry Sweatshorts  are an old Style Guide favorite — remember this 2015 Style Pick of the Week feature? Of course you do. Wear those to the gym or to a beach bonfire — it’s as easy as that.

Honorable Mention: Cory Vines Path Shorts  — $37.98

Slick, stylish and effective gym shorts for under $40? Sign me up.

For the guy who appreciates reliable, affordable and hard-wearing performance shorts, look no further than the Cory Vines Path Shorts. These shorts blend lightweight mesh with neutral colorways, an excellent price and a fit that hits above the knee — another reliable option for gym shorts or heck, errand-running, beach-strolling, park-walking shorts. And hey, for under $40? That puts the Cory Vines Path Shorts just about on my list of the top shorts to buy for summer.

Florsheim

Is your shopping cart filled up with stylish shorts for summer? Maybe more than one pair? Across the board, it’s perhaps easier than ever to get reliable shorts in a modern cut made from excellent fabric — take picks like the more tailored  Finisterre Coverack Shorts or the more casual Iron and Resin Logan Shorts. And when one considers the seamless blend of athletic functionality and style that something like the  Myles Apparel Everyday Short    brings to the table, it’s not as tricky as it once was to upgrade your game across the board. Throw in classic picks from the likes of Abercrombie and Fitch and Pistol Lake — plus the quietly good Cory Vines Path Shorts — and you’re set for any shorts-wearing situation you can dream up. If you’d like to offer up your thoughts on this list, join me on Twitter.

For now — happy shopping and stay stylish!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Dopp Kits to Buy Now

Editor’s note: Stock up on a full set of #menswear essentials at that link.

We talk often at The Style Guide about holistic style — putting together outfits using the small details and looking to make style upgrades whenever possible. That should carry right on through to things like your everyday carry, and even smaller touches like the no-show socks you should wear this summer. So if those details are important, the gear that you bring along with you when hitting the road is all the more essential (at least in this writer’s mind). And let’s hope you’ve got some more summer travel in the works, in the meantime. Now, prepping in style for that travel starts with the big stuff — think a durable weekender bag — and whether you’re hopping on a train or hopping a flight, you need something that’s just as stylish to carry around the grooming essentials you should be bringing with you. It’s taken a lot of practice for this #menswear writer to get accustomed to planning out all those details, but it certainly pays off — and that’s definitely the feeling you should get when you pick up one of the best dopp kits to buy now.  As for me, I’ll be packing up my own kit this weekend in fact — heading back to my home state of Michigan for a bachelor party should be quite the fun time. And as you’re planning out your next trip, take some time, check out the below picks and get those plane tickets booked.

#1. J. Crew Abingdon Travel Kit — $58

Simple, stylish and effective -- exactly what you want from a great dopp kit.

Simple, stylish and effective — exactly what you want from a great dopp kit.

There’s a reason the fine folks at J. Crew sit so high up on this site’s Approved Brands list — they make a heck of a lot of head-to-toe men’s style essentials, and they do a darn good job at it. The Abingdon Travel Kit is just one of those pieces, made from a fine waxed cotton canvas and featuring details like burnished leather trim and brass-finish hardware. It’s the type of piece that would handsomely complement a rugged waxed weekender bag, and it’ll fit right in if you find yourself a fan of the brand’s classic style pieces — seriously, it’s tough to find a dopp kit that blends seamlessly with what you wear everyday. If that’s what you need, pick up this dopp kit ASAP.

#2. Baxter of California Dopp Bag — $25

A navy color that goes with everything, plus durable fabric.

A navy color that goes with everything, plus durable fabric.

For as much as J. Crew has the head-to-toe style game handled, the team at Baxter of California has you all set with everything you might need on the men’s grooming front. The brand’s Dopp Bag is no-fuss, made out of navy blue canvas and featuring a distinctive logo on one side. It looks like it’s about the perfect size to hold several of the brand’s travel toiletries (or else, those little bottles you pick up from hotel rooms and the like. And the navy canvas should be durable and hold up well to getting tossed into a bag. For $25, that’s not a bad deal.

#3. Wood & Faulk Dopp Kit in North Coast Grey — $110

Details like bridle leather accents and a carrying handle contribute to this bag's utility.

Details like bridle leather accents and a carrying handle contribute to this bag’s utility.

Before you balk at that price, know that with the way Wood & Faulk produces their goods, you’re getting a substantial return on your investment. The brand’s wares have popped up here on The Style Guide a few times before (namely in this essential chambray shirt #OOTD), and you’re certainly getting a handsome dopp kit here as well. We’re talking heavy canvas, bridle leather accents and brass hardware, plus a handle that makes it easy to carry. The Grey color of the canvas should age quite well over time, and the nylon interior is easy to clean and ready to stand up to multiple trips. Definitely worth the price.

#4. Byrd x Richer Poorer Light Carry-on — $74

There's a heck of a lot of functionality -- and extra goods -- packed into one dopp kit.

There’s a heck of a lot of functionality — and extra goods — packed into one dopp kit.

The Byrd x Richer Poorer collab is one that’s so much more than a dopp kit — wait ’til you see what’s in this one, in fact. You get a reliable dopp kit from Topo Designs, who certainly knows how to make functional everyday carry gear, and you get a plethora of other menswear goodies, including two pairs of Richer Poorer socks and a comb, “soap on a rope” and a light pomade from the team at Byrd Hairdo Products. You get all this for $74, and you get to keep the dopp kit — a good thing, as you’ll want to use it over and over no matter where your summer travels take you.

#5. Shinola Small Zip Travel Kit — $250

A stylish leather dopp kit that ... comes close to breaking the bank.

A stylish leather dopp kit that … comes close to breaking the bank.

For as splurge-worthy as Shinola tends to be (and in spite of the trouble the brand has found themselves in with the FTC as of late), they’re still a favorite of this site for the approach they bring to manufacturing products in the U.S. The goods really are high-quality, despite what doubters of the brand’s marketing tactics might say, so this dopp kit coming in at north of $200 makes it an investment … but a very solid one. If you do have the chance to check out the brand’s Detroit flagship (as I did on a trip to Detroit earlier this year), stop by if you’re a fan of quality design, display and merchandising.

Hopefully, some of the above picks caught your eye (and perhaps the attention of your wallet, too). It’s certainly an upgrade and a change of thought to think of the case that carries your toothpaste as being part of your everyday style, but it’s thinking in that manner that can pay dividends across the board. Whether you reach for a rugged waxed canvas dopp kit or a more refined leather dopp kit is all a matter of taste — but any of the above should be able to work with (and fit in) everything from a stylish weekender bag to a suitcase fit for business travel. If you see any brands I missed, shoot me a tweet on Twitter or drop us a line at The Style Guide Facebook page.
Frank & Oak