February 11, 2017February 5, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt

Editor’s note: Expect these posts weekly detailing one standout item coveted by yours truly. Sometimes, these fit within budgetary restrictions and other times, they’re expensive splurges worth saving for. For more Wish List items from Beau, head here, and to see other Style Picks, head here.

Travel essentials fit for hitting the road and fighting the cold. Chamois Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch. Explorer's Cap by Huckberry. Messenger bag and 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. miUSA 585 Sneakers by New Balance. Magazine by Gear Patrol.

Quite possibly your new favorite winter shirt? Maybe, just maybe. Chamois Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Messenger bag and 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. miUSA 585 Sneakers by New Balance. Magazine by Gear Patrol.

As we’ve talked about time and again with our Style Pick of the Week series, building a winter wardrobe with top-to-bottom efficiency and style in mind is key. That starts with smaller touches like stylish winter accessories and carries on through to rugged winter boots, outerwear and versatile layering pieces. And with a bit of throwback style, prime layering potential and a slightly vintage feel in mind, that’s what brings us to today’s Style Pick. In short, we’re talking about the best shirt you didn’t know you needed, the Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt. It’s yet another example of an essential from a brand that continues to add to its very stylish and updated #menswear arsenal – if you’re not yet familiar with their revamp, it’s a story worth reading (and shopping). Yes, head of men’s design Aaron Levine – formerly of Club Monaco fame – has done an excellent job tapping into the brand’s illustrious heritage while leaving behind the baggy cargo shorts and gaudy polos of years past. If that sounds too good to be true, it really isn’t. This chamois shirt is the sort of classic piece that your father or grandfather might’ve taken camping or hiking – the Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt is another great example of this style. The brushed cotton of the Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt is especially soft and comfortable, the color is great (particularly to offset a casual hat like the and the design touches make it an instant (and easily wearable) new classic. With front-button chest pockets and a tailored-but-not-restrictive fit, it’s an astonishingly great winter men’s style upgrade – and this particular version is available for just under $30. Seriously – under $30 on-sale.

I had the chance to take the Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt on the road with me during a winter trip to Grand Rapids, and I was more than pleased with its wearability and style. I layered it over a tough, warm marled long-sleeve henley for a day of travel, and the slightly faded red color proved a perfect complement to pair of Abercrombie and Fitch denim, as it were. The shirt also worked nearly seamlessly for layering, and proved just as easy to wear when commuting to the airport as it did exploring chilly Grand Rapids. That’s exactly why you need a piece like this in your closet. The soft brushed fabric helps it wear more like an overshirt than a classic blue Oxford or even a rugged chambray shirt. Crucially, that means you can layer it over a henley or even atop a classic crewneck sweater for a visually interesting combo on a casual weekend outing. Of course, you can even layer it under a more edgy piece of outerwear — might I suggest the JackThreads Munro Leather Biker Jacket? Plus, it’s surprisingly warm and well-fitting – both small bonuses that make a difference when it comes to chilly winter weather (there’s no added bulk to be found). And again, the price really can’t be beat. If you find you can’t quite take the plunge when it comes to the more expensive Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt , the Abercrombie & Fitch Chamois Shirt is exactly the replacement piece you need. Heck, even if you’ve already got a rugged chamois shirt in your closet, I’d say you should absolutely run out and snatch up this piece – what’s the hold-up, ehh?

Let me know in the comments if you’re a fan of Abercrombie and Fitch’s recent revamp – and happy shopping!

-Beau

February 6, 2017February 6, 2017 by Beau H.

Heading Back Home: A winter weekend in Michigan

Dressed with brewery-hopping in mind. Indigo Plaid Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch., 505C Denim by Levi’s. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Stocking cap by JackThreads. Glasses by Frameri.

It’s not every weekend that I get the chance to head back to my home state of Michigan — and that’s normally not the case during the busy fashion week season in New York City. But as luck would have it, the fashion calendar was on my side this time around, and that presented the perfect opportunity for another Style Guide road trip to the beautiful Mitten State. Coming off a whirlwind four days in New York City checking out the illustrious New York Fashion Week: Men’s, a trip back to Grand Rapids was just what the doctor ordered. It was a fun — if chilly — weekend filled with brewery tours, visits with friends and the birth of my brother’s two daughters (so, my two new nieces!). It was definitely a happy scheduling coincidence that worked out perfectly! Of course, I dressed to meet the cold, and as always, I was more than happy to bring along my favorite #menswear for the trip, too.

Travel essentials fit for hitting the road and fighting the cold. Chamois Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Messenger bag and 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. miUSA 585 Sneakers by New Balance. Magazine by Gear Patrol.

If you’re a dedicated Style Guide reader, it should come as no surprise that I was more than able to pack up my Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender with all the rugged winter accessories needed for a weekend with temperatures in the teens. My packing haul included handy pieces like my Brothers Leather Supply 810 Wallet — fitting given the company’s Grand Rapids headquarters — plus the brand’s durable and effective Roma Messenger. Having recently tested out that gear during my birthday weekend in Brooklyn, each piece proved more than ready for a quick flight out of NYC. I packed up some trusty men’s grooming essentials in my Herschel Supply Co. Chapter Travel Kit, too. And with travel style and effective cold-weather gear in mind, I layered a comfortable, slim-fitting Abercrombie and Fitch Chamois Shirt with the soft, breathable Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley – it’s a durable and rugged combo. I finished off that ensemble off with a pair of reliable, warm Abercrombie and Fitch denim. For a mix of versatile style and surprisingly good traction on the icy streets, my Danner x New Balance miUSA 585 Sneakers proved tough and effective, while my Huckberry Explorer’s Cap is a new travel favorite.

In all, the winter travel ensemble worked like a charm for my afternoon arrival in Beer City, U.S.A. I quickly followed my flight with a few tasty, rich beers with friend and fellow Michigan State alum Jesse O’Brien at the massive, recently opened Knickerbocker Brewpub and Distillery, the new Grand Rapids outpost of New Holland Brewery. Just a tip: The Polish Pepperoni Pizza isn’t a bad match with the bourbon barrel-aged Dragon’s Milk Stout. You can’t go wrong with The Poet, the brewery’s oatmeal stout, either. Given that I needed a bit more sustenance to go along with my craft beer, dinner with my close high school friends was in order at the famed DNKY, a Mexican taqueria known city-wide for its delicious, ample selection of tacos – you can’t go wrong with the Gringo Taco. Crucially, I didn’t even have to change out of my travel outfit – that’s what you call versatility. And the nearby ELK Brewing made for a good, quiet nightcap.

Of course, those Friday night stops were just the tip of the beer-hopping, city-exploring iceberg with my oldest friend, runner extraordinaire and craft beer aficionado Mr. Chris Spyke. For a day around Grand Rapids, I layered up with the warm, vintage-inspired Johnston and Murphy Faux Shearling Aviator – it’s not too dissimilar from wearing a cozy blanket, really. It worked nicely to layer over my new Abercrombie and Fitch Indigo Plaid Shirt, an unexpected offering from a brand that continues to up its menswear game. My reliable-as-ever Levi’s 505C Denim provided a bit of edge that fit right in with the city’s craft beer scene, and I found myself reaching again for my rugged CAT Footwear Sutter Boots. That was I able to finish the look off with some stylish winter accessories from JackThreads was crucial given the cold. The day took us first to Slate Clothing, a new contemporary menswear store breathing some life into the city’s retail sector. With a diverse range of brands – from the minimally inclined VINCE to the rugged Filson and easygoing, classic Life/After/Denim – the selection is worth your time if you’re in Grand Rapids. You can even pick up some essential home goods while you shop for your new favorite casual shirt, too. Again – put it on your shopping list in Grand Rapids.

The same can definitely be said for the great leather goods makers at Brothers Leather Supply Co. Given my Michigan roots, I’m always so pleased to be able to support homegrown brands that make high-quality goods with plenty of versatility and handsome style in mind – Brothers Leather gets it right on multiple fronts. I’ve found that to be true with the gear I’ve tested out – and traveled with – so far, and it’s always a treat to stop in and catch up with the brand. A heads-up: Among the company’s other wares, canvas bags are coming soon. In the meantime, I’d highly recommend you grab a unique leather growler before this fall comes and you need to dress for your next tailgate. Now, all that menswear shopping left us pretty parched – so a stop at Brewery Vivant was in order (after we polished off a Bloody Mary at Grand Rapids Brewing Company first, of course). Stopping at Vivant is always a highlight of any trip to Grand Rapids, and I can’t pass up sipping on an essential, easily drinkable Farm Hand (brewed on-site). The frites and beer cheese are must-haves, as well. Oh, and the reverent vibe – it’s a former funeral home and chapel – adds to the religious aura of the company’s beer (I’d say).

In short, it was a great first stop and got us ready to check out the neat interior of Creston Brewery, a converted furniture showroom with plenty of colorful artwork on its walls. That the brewery does a nice job with unique beers – including one made with Michigan blueberries – is pretty cool, and its empanadas are a great afternoon snack. Because no trip to GR can end with just two breweries, I was glad I bundled up for a quick stop at the industrially appointed Greyline Brewing, followed by some excellent pizza – and a killer double IPA – at Mitten Brewing (seriously …. Order that pizza, folks). And lest we forget the city’s ever-growing beer scene – it builds up seemingly by the day – a stop at the Grand Rapids outpost of Atwater Brewery was in order to end the night. They make a heck of a hot dog, and they can do a spiced IPA (the Car Bomb IPA) with the best of ‘em. Oh, and the most crucial part about the day – I didn’t need to change my rugged leather boots or switch out of my plaid flannel shirt the whole way through.

Tough essentials to fight the cold. Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket by Johnston & Murphy. Snowbridge Cardigan by Eddie Bauer. Buxton Boots by G.H. Bass. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Cap by Everlane. Messenger by Brothers Leather Supply.

Sunday dawned chilly and cold once again, bringing with it the end of my weekend trip – and a quick stop to see my two new nieces (congrats to my brother Nick and his wife, Chelsea!). It was astounding how well the timing of my trip worked out – doesn’t happen every day, for sure. While my menswear was definitely not the most important part of Sunday, I still layered up with my Eddie Bauer Snow Bridge Cardigan, my trusty Johnston and Murphy Faux Shearling Aviator Jacket and yet another Flint and Tinder Marled Long-Sleeve Henley. Crucially, I accessorized with the durable MVMT Watches Calypso Watch. Plus, a pair of refined-yet-casual Abercrombie and Fitch Flannel-Lined Chinos perfectly complemented my G.H. Bass Buxton Boots. For two flights and some cold-yet-relaxing time beforehand in Grand Rapids, the combo proved warm, stylish and easy to layer for travel. Luckily, I kept busy on the road with the latest edition of Gear Patrol – as we discussed in my roundup of the best men’s home goods, that magazine is packed full of beautiful photography, great writing, excellent stories and the spirit of adventure to which we should all aspire. If you couldn’t tell, I’m quite the fan.

Although this weekend proved a whirlwind, it really was filled with the best things. Between incredible – yet too-brief – time with family and friends to the chance to shop great menswear and enjoy craft beer and outstanding cuisine in one of my favorite cities, it was a total treat! So, the next time you travel from chilly locale to chilly locale, pack your gear in a stylish weekender bag, bring your favorite pair of leather boots and layer up with rugged winter essentials like a henley and a shawl cardigan. Oh, and enjoy a beer or two for me. For now, I’m back in New York City and getting started on a busy week – but I’ll have fond memories of this trip back, and I’m plotting a return soon!

To my friends and family in the Mitten – see you soon!

To all you Style Guide readers ….

Stay stylish,

-Beau

February 3, 2017January 29, 2017 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: New York Fashion Week: Men’s, Pocket Watches and Travel Style

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.

Can you believe we’re already into February? With a busy week of menswear trade shows — and crucially, New York Fashion Week: Men’s — in the books, I’m more than ready for a relaxing weekend. That being said, it’s definitely been a treat over the past week or so to catch up with so many great friends in the menswear industry between hopping around to events and checking out runway shows from the likes of Style Guide favorite Todd Snyder. Seriously, there are some very good things in the works for Fall 2017, from beautiful outerwear to next-level tailoring. On top of the great clothes, it’s special to meet outstanding people and see where the industry is headed. From my very first New York Fashion Week: Men’s experience way back in July 2015 until now, it’s been amazing to witness firsthand a changing industry, all the while writing and learning about it along the way.

And with that being said, I’m more than excited to return home to Michigan for what should be an awesome, reflective few days spent with great friends and family — I try to get back as often as I can, and I’m particularly excited to explore Beer City U.S.A. this time around (that’d be Grand Rapids, folks). In fact, I’d say I’ll be dressed in essential winter travel style along the way. Now, if you’re looking to check a few items off your own travel bucket list, I’d say you should start with my summer trip to Grand Rapids, and then look back to my rugged fall trip to Michigan while we’re here (talk about a throwback!). In the meantime, read a few choice #menswear pieces below, and follow along with my weekend travels on Instagram and on Twitter. Know that in the week ahead, we’ve got some exciting things planned —another great Style Pick tomorrow, for starters. Enjoy the weekend and TGIF!

Odds are, you don’t own a pocket watch — right? If you’re feeling nostalgic or yearning for a simper time, Luftbery Pocket Watches has you covered in terms of, well, a new pocket watch. It’s a recent launch on Kickstarter, and it just might be something to set you apart from those of us who consistently check our time on our phones. Get a look at the brand’s site here.
Did you see last week’s Style Pick? If not, acquaint yourself as soon as possible with the Danner Mountain Light Boots — they steal some style inspiration from James Bond, and they’re tough, sleek and ready for anything this winter.
In addition to his, err, questionable policy-making (to say the least), Donald Trump’s menswear track record is quickly taking a dive — Esquire examines the fact that the man just does not know how to tie a tie (or do much else).
Last but certainly not least — it was a real treat this past week to sort through the essential, durable goods produced by Huckberry, especially considering chilly winter weather — yes, take a look at Huckberry’s best winter gear via one of my recent posts for The Manual.

And one more thing…

What’s not to love about the retro sportswear inspiration and near-perfect fabrications of the Todd Snyder x Champion collection? The latest release is this stellar Todd Snyder x Champion Baracuta Jacket, as I covered for GearMoose.

OK folks, that’s all we’ve got today — with that being said, I’m off to have some brews in Grand Rapids!

Until tomorrow’s Style Pick…

-Beau

January 21, 2017January 16, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Nisolo Leon Weekender

Your new favorite weekender? Possibly. The only one you’ll need to buy again? Likely.

There comes a time in every guy’s life when he looks at his weekender bag and thinks “Y’know, there’s something missing.” Right? Right. Well, we’re here to solve the conundrum between style, functionality and durability this weekend with this Saturday’s Style Pick, the handsome, extremely well-made and essential Nisolo Leon Weekender. You might recognize this bag from this site’s recent feature on how to dress for winter travel, but we’re taking a bit of a deeper dive today. Now, a weekender bag probably isn’t going to take care of all of your travel luggage needs — especially if you’re on the road for longer than, well, a weekend — but if you need a new bag for quick trips and the like, the Leon Weekender just might be exactly what the doctor ordered. As sold via everyone’s favorite third-party men’s lifestyle site — we’re talking ’bout Huckberry — a stylish weekender bag is every bit as important to pick up as tough winter boots or a stylish pair of winter gloves. And whether you’re gearing up in fall travel style or hitting the road in winter (or really, any other season), you’re gonna want to look good. Trust us on that one. And why is the Nisolo Leon Weekender the one to buy now? Well, it’s got great looks, durability and functionality — and that’s just for starters.

Perhaps a few travel packing tips worth stealing. Photo courtesy of Huckberry.

Nisolo tends to fly under the radar a little bit as far as notoriety goes, but that’s not a bad thing — it just means you’re in on the ground floor. You might recognize them from a recent tailored style #OOTD — yessir, they make beautiful leather chukkas, too. And of course, the brand specializes in handsome, versatile goods with just enough rugged edge — that’s what makes the Leon Weekender so essential. It’s handmade in Mexico — a country with a rather surprising amount of excellent leather producers and factories — out of vegetable-tanned leather that should develop a beautiful patina over time. The tan cotton canvas lining adds a dash of durability to protect your gear, while leather zipper pulls are a thoughtful design touch. It might just be the perfect weekender bag — it’s dressy enough to look right at home with a business casual travel outfit, yet it’s got enough character to work as an accessory in a more rugged winter style ensemble. Size-wise, it’s a bit smaller than the relatively roomy Owen and Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender, so there should be no issues packing it up with travel style essentials. An added bonus? You can pick up something like the equally handsome Nisolo Durango Dopp Kit for a full set of reliable, durable travel gear from the same brand. And although the price tag is a tad high, it’s the type of investment you won’t regret making — this is a bag you’ll absolutely have for years to come; just think of the stories and adventures you’ll have. On that note philosophical note, we’re wrapping up this week’s Style Pick. We’ll see you on Monday as we get back to the grind.

Thanks for reading,

-Beau

Get the Nisolo Leon Weekender now via Huckberry.

January 18, 2017January 7, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: How To Dress for Winter Travel

We’re back into action with another handy, super-useful Style Suggestion today on The Style Guide (redundant, but important to note). And unlike recent style suggestions, like what to wear on New Year’s Eve or how to dress for your holiday party, the below outfit is one you can make use of all winter long — particularly when it’s cold and snowy, yet you’ve got a road trip on the horizon. Whether you’re packing up the car for a weekend trip, stepping onto a train for a getaway up or down the coast, or flying cross-country, the focus today is on comfort, style and classic looks. It’s all about ease of layering and pieces that can go just about anywhere — and of course, a handsome, durable weekender bag with which to carry everything. Are you ready to pack up and hit the road? If you need more travel style tips, check out what I packed and wore on a winter trip to Baltimore or a fall trip to Providence — most importantly, visit yours truly on Instagram for a daily behind-the-scenes look at my (overstuffed) closet. Shop away!

The Weekender Bag: Nisolo Leon Weekender in Chestnut — $339.98

A supremely stylish and tough leather weekender bag.

When packing for a road trip, it should all start with your bag — right? And there might not be a better place to get a stylish weekender bag than our friends at Huckberry. In particular, the Nisolo Leon Weekender is just the beautiful, handmade leather bag your closet’s been missing. Named for the Mexican city where’s it produced, the Leon Weekender features vegetable-tanned leather and small details like leather zipper pulls and a tan cotton canvas lining for durability. The Leon Weekender is a bit smaller in size than the Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender, but no less worthy of a purchase.

The Dopp Kit: Nisolo Durango Dopp Kit — $88

The ideal way to complement your new favorite weekender bag — right?

You didn’t think we’d get packing for your next trip without considering a stylish men’s dopp kit, did you? And when it comes to complementing the exceedingly handsome Nisolo Leon Weekender, there’s perhaps no better dopp kit to buy than the Durango Dopp Kit. Made with vegetable-tanned leather and featuring what the brand says is a deep design for carrying all of your winter grooming essentials , it’ll look — and age — as great as it performs.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — $248

Welted handwarmer pockets and patch flap pockets translate to functionality, top-notch construction and great style.

Potentially your new favorite travel jacket for cold weather — trust me.

As seen recently on this site’s Style Pick of the Week series, the handsome, vintage-inspired and functional Maritime Submariner Jacket is just what you need to tackle winter travel. Even if you’re only dashing from your car to the airport, you want to be bundled up — that goes for departing and returning in equal measure. And if you’re heading to a cold locale and need to pack light, the Maritime Submariner Jacket — with its custom anchor buttons, beastly boiled wool exterior and slim, casual-yet-rugged fit, is the perfect travel jacket.

The Shirt: Mack Weldon Pima Long-Sleeve Crew — $38

A surprisingly crisp long-sleeve tee comfortable for travel and layering.

Available in a diverse and essential array of colors, the Mack Weldon team definitely knows what it’s doing in terms of essential, well-made basics. From its Merino Long-Sleeve Tees to its comfortable, slim-fitting and crisp Pima Long-Sleeve Crew Tees, the brand gets it right — particularly when you consider the fact that this is the sort of long-sleeve tee you can wear under a blazer with ease. And if you feel it’s not sharp enough, you can always pack it away and reach for a classic chambray shirt for travel instead. You with me still? Good.

The Denim: Mugsy Jeans Hamms Jeans — $98

Dark, slim-fitting jeans with a ton of comfort and stretch — as good as it gets.

Mugsy Jeans is building its brand on providing slim-fitting, comfortable jeans for men that, well, have a little more crotch space (don’t worry, that’s an Esquire.com link). Aside from that dubious distinction, they’re exceedingly easy to wear and move around in, as I found out on an upstate trip to Hudson last fall. And so, they’re a wise pick if you’re going to be sitting down and then moving through a crowded airport all day — but in a classic dark wash, you can wear them right out to drinks once you arrive at your destination.

The Boots: Thursday Boots Brown Duke Boot — $199

Crisp, sharp and versatile for travel and beyond.

Thursday Boots is a favorite of this blog — sometimes weekly — for the way they combine price, quality and versatility (although if you visit here frequently, maybe you’ve picked up a pair for yourself). Slick Chelsea boots are quickly moving from a trend into a versatile, everyday style essential for the modern man — check out how our man David Beckham wears them, for one. And the Brown Duke Boot is crisp, easy to slip on and off going through security, and works with everything from denim and the Maritime Submariner Jacket to a sharp suit on a business trip.

The Socks: American Trench Random Plait Sock in Fire — $10.98

Subtle texture, major style points and a great price.

Simple, nice and hole-free socks are a must when traveling — don’t take that for granted. And a crisp pair of American Trench socks really is the pair you need to pick up — heck, if you’re only traveling for a three or four-day weekend, you could feasibly pack only socks from American Trench. The red color and subtle texture here breaks up the blue denim, blue shirt and grey jacket nicely, too. Plus, the sub-$11 price tag can’t be topped.

The Belt: Arcade Belt Co. Crawford Belt in Olive Green — $27.98

A belt that combines casual style with stretch & comfort.

Be it sitting in a cramped car, plane or train, comfort is key — witness those stretch jeans near the top of the page. It only makes sense, then, to reach for a belt with just as much stretch, comfort and crisp style The Arcade Belt Co. Crawford Belt is the piece you need for winter travel — it’s easy to slip on and off, it stretches & moves with you, and it nicely complements the crisp blue jeans. Granted, it’s a bit different in terms of color than the brown Chelsea boots shown here, but I’d wager you’ll be more put-together than folks wearing sweatpants — ehh?

The Watch: Luminox Atacama Day/Date Field Watch — $319.98

A rugged-yet-refined timepiece for travel and activities once you get to your destination.

Take it from a guy who loves an essential casual watch — you need to travel with at least one (or two … or three?). If you need to pack light but still want to travel in style with a timepiece that can do just about anything, something sharp and rugged-yet-refined is the way to go. Enter the Luminox Atacama Day/Date Field Watch. We’re talking PVD-plated stainless steel hardware, a handsome black-and-tan combination, and a tough 45mm case diameter. It might be a bit big on some wrists, but with the rest of this casual ensemble, it should do just fine.

That wraps up the latest style suggestion — did you find it helpful? As with many different style scenarios — from dressing for a weekend coffee date to dressing for a business casual office, many of the same principles apply. That is, fit and comfort — especially comfort — are paramount when hitting the road. And classic pieces, like a well-made Mack Weldon crewneck and dark stretch denim, are excellent places to start. When you consider the versatility and durability of your outerwear and accessories, the Maritime Submariner Jacket and the sturdy, tough Luminox Atacama Day/Date Field Watch are prime pieces to grab. Of course, a remarkably stylish and well-made weekender bag — that’d be the Nisolo Leon Weekender is going to get you from point A to point B (and maybe point C) in style. Ready to travel? Get to it!

Good luck and stay stylish,

-Beau

December 26, 2016December 26, 2016 by Beau H.

Fort Myers Festivities: Celebrating a Florida Christmas

Dressed for Christmas the Florida way. Printed shirt by Quiksilver. Chambray shorts by Canvas by Lands’ End. Ripper Sneakers by Reef. Nautical 3-Hand Watch by Jack Mason. Glasses by Frameri.

When the holiday season hits, I tend to think back to Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons spent in Michigan — who doesn’t love traditions of years gone by? With those memories in mind, it’s been a fun process the past three years to start new traditions in my parents’ adopted home of Fort Myers, and I always welcome the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City for a warm and sunny Florida vacation. I traveled to Fort Myers last Christmas, and I get back every few months — including a recent visit for Thanksgiving — but it never gets old spending time in the sand and sun (especially when the alternative is dealing with a polar vortex in New York City). Yes, the holiday season in Florida is always a treat, an adventure and a bit of a sight to behold — palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights looks a bit different. But it was great to be with family and friends, and I brought along as much stylish travel gear as I could pack.

Gear fit for Florida and NYC. Jack in Indigo Star Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Kinzie Jeans by Mugsy Jeans. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Watch by Timex for J. Crew. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Wallet by Brothers Leather.

Surviving a frigid day in New York City and capping that off with a flight to breezy Florida is no joke, so I wore gear that could stand up to both challenges (the rest, I packed in my trusty, durable Owen & Fred weekender bag — but you knew that, right?). Of course, my packing list looked a lot different than my winter weekend in Baltimore, but I stuck with the ever-versatile Taylor Stitch Jack in Indigo Star Shirt,for starters. It’s as reliable and well-fitting of a casual shirt you can buy, and it provided a nice bit of contrast to my light wash Kinzie Jeans — they’re the perfect travel denim from Mugsy Jeans.

For the day in NYC, I layered up with the heritage-inspired, ultra-comfortable Todd Snyder x Champion Pocket Sweatshirt, and accented the sporty sweatshirt with my comfortable and casual Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers. They proved easy to slip on and off at the airport, and I’d wager they’ll work just as well for you the next time you travel. On the accessories front, I found my simple, effective (and unfortunately sold out!) Timex for J. Crew watch provided easygoing-yet-crisp travel style. And throughout my trip, I loved throwing on my vintage-inspired Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, a one-of-a-kind grey cotton flannel baseball cap with a navy felt “H” — for Huckberry, of course. So, that gear helped me make it to Florida in style — and it’s a good thing, as we had lots in store for Christmas weekend.

Looking out on a lovely day at Cayo Costa. Brando T-Shirt by Barking Irons. Swim Trunks by JackThreads. Gratton Sneakers by Fronteer. Expedition watch by Timex. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches.

Getting some quality time out and about on the Florida water was in order for an early Friday boat excursion through the waterways of Fort Myers, from Cayo Costa State Park to Cabbage Key — both scenic islands with ample beach space. I stuck with a combination of gear both new and old, starting with my durable-as-heck FRONTEER Super Gratton high-top sneakers. I wore them on my last Florida trip and found they provided comfort and serious durability. A breathable, vintage-inspired Barking Irons Brando G.I. T-Shirt, courtesy of the New York-based design and apparel company, helped me stay cool on the water. Inspired by infantry T-shirts from the Vietnam era, the little details — like the scalloped hem and raised sleeves — make it a great pick-up. Of course, my JackThreads Swim Trunks were just as needed for the day, with their trim fit and neutral navy color. And my crisp, classic Timex Expedition field watch on a tough black NATO strap held up more than fine, as did my MVMT Watches Runaway Aviators and my stylish — yet adventure-ready — Huckberry Explorer’s Cap.

With a day of exploration behind us and Christmas Eve ahead, it was time to look to the weekend. I did so with a mix of pieces both tropical-inspired — like my Quiksilver Sunset Tunnels Shirt — and my Canvas by Lands’ End shorts. Those pieces worked easily for a nice Christmas Eve dinner and some much-needed time in the sun. It felt slightly odd to not be bundled up on Christmas Eve as in past years, but some subtly stylish, comfortable black canvas Reef Ripper Sneakers helped me navigate the day in style, as did my Jack Mason Nautical 3-Hand Watch on a warm weather-friendly blue perlon strap. The watch, like the black canvas sneakers, proved just as stylish for exploring sunny Fort Myers as it did for grabbing a few brews and enjoy my family’s traditions — a classic Christmas Eve film and a reading of “The Night Before Christmas.” Doesn’t get much better, ehh?

An amazing Christmas featuring some great men’s style essentials (of course. Vintage-style cotton sweater by Hillflint. Book by Esquire. Chocolate by Toblerone.

With a delicious Christmas Eve dinner complete, I went to bed with visions of my #menswear wish list dancing in my head (indulge me, will you?). I hope you were able to come through with key shopping pick-ups of your own, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with what Santa left me under the tree this year. I was really lucky to get an amazing vintage Michigan State sweater from Hillflint — it’s a super-premium cotton knit piece that I’ll look forward to wearing on Saturday fall trips back to East Lansing and chilly weekends in NYC alike. I’m also looking forward to breaking out an amazingly high-quality Todd Snyder White Label dress shirt for New Year’s Eve, and I’ll be reminding myself of proper dress etiquette with Esquire’s “New Rules for Men,” a fun, informative and quick-hitting feature from the fantastic pages of the essential Hearst publication. I also snagged a great Ticketmaster gift card from Santa — so you can expect more live music and menswear in the coming year on the blog! Needless to say, I’m definitely a fan of the Christmas season, and I’m very thankful for such a great day!

Comfortable, crisp style essentials. Chambray shirt by Old Navy. Alpha Stretch Khakis by Dockers. Academia Chariot Sneakers by Brooks Heritage. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing. Explorer’s Cap by Huckberry. 810 Wallet by Brothers Leather.

Given the need to put together a stylish New Year’s Eve outfit — not to mention those crucial menswear resolutions — I’m sure plenty of this gear will more than come in handy in the weeks ahead. Even moreso than those stellar gifts, it was a day that made me feel very lucky and grateful to spend it with my amazing family — that’s my true takeaway from this Florida trip (and of course, the added #menswear goodies will make it a bit hard to pack up for my flight home). So with an overstuffed duffel bag packed for later this week, I reached for sharp essentials for another day today in Florida, starting with a classic Old Navy chambray shirt — casual but still crisp. And my Flint and Tinder Pocket T-Shirt proved a comfortable base layer. Because great style doesn’t stop with your top half, I reached for my slim-fitting, easily wearable Dockers Alpha Stretch Khakis and my Brooks Academia Chariot Sneakers. When the occasion calls for simple style, I’d wager you’ll do just fine with similarly versatile, do-everything pieces like a classic chambray shirt and chinos.

So, what’s on the docket for the rest of the week? Definitely some rest, some reflection before 2017 and yes, plenty of planning for a stylish New Year’s Eve in New York City. You can stay tuned for business as usual tomorrow, starting with a winter style #OOTD, and continuing right on through to what to wear to ring in the new year via Wednesday’s style suggestion. Oh, and if you didn’t enter last week’s men’s lifestyle giveaway, do so before the 28th to win a Dick’s Sporting Goods gift card and get a jump on those fitness goals. At any rate, thanks so much for reading along — I hope you’ve had a stellar holiday season, and I hope you’re ready for lots more menswear on The Style Guide. Thanks, as always, for reading!

-Beau

December 23, 2016December 24, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: 2016’s Best Watches, Last-Minute Gifts and Holiday Travel Style

Check your watch, check your calendar, check this blog — we’re just two (TWO) days away from Christmas! It’s been a hectic week between my winter trip to Baltimore and some travel to sunny Florida, but I hope you’re en route to your holiday destination — and traveling in style, of course. If you’ve slacked (big-time) on your gift buying, check out our women’s holiday gift guide and the requisite men’s holiday gift guide one final, last time. And right after we turn from Christmas, New Year’s Eve is upon us — to that end, we’ll cover what to wear on New Year’s Eve in the next few days. And we’ll be going through men’s style resolutions for 2017, too. If your resolutions include upgrading your workout gear, you’d do well to enter this site’s latest menswear giveaway. But back to business. It’s been great to reflect on a stellar year in NYC over the last few days; that includes the chance to build on my career in fashion PR, write this blog and pursue my passion through other great menswear sites like The Manual and GearMoose. We’re not done with the style content on this blog for 2016 yet — far from it. For now, I’ll leave you today with the best in men’s style — I hope you take care of your last-minute shopping, and more importantly, I hope you’ll join us for tomorrow’s Style Pick of the Week. Now, get to it!

Whenever you talk about a stylish, durable watch, it’s advisable to turn to the folks at GQ. Yes, they do make some questionable styling choices and hop on and off quite a few trends, but hey, GQ.com rounded up 2016’s best watches — and the list includes some stone-cold stunners, like the rugged Tudor Black Bay Bronze.
Let’s stay on the topic of GQ, shall we? The publication’s digital arm rounded up 16 holiday travel style favorites. Some of these picks are mighty premium — take the $840 AMI overcoat, for starters — but the premise is admirable. 16 items, a full set of outfits and some solid suggestions (denim-on-denim among them).
And on the topic of last-second shopping, if you’ve got someone on your list who values a touch of irreverent style and a bit of high-fashion — like an embroidered Levi’s denim jacket — use the code ‘MERRY30’ to get 30!percent off almost everything online and in-store at Brooklyn’s own Kinfolk. Note that the deal excludes footwear, collaboration apparel & N. Hoollywood gear, but hey, there are plenty of picks from which to shop.

One last item to read …

Did you catch the launch of the slick new Taylor Stitch Minimalist Collection? It includes a bifold wallet and a slim cardholder, among other goods. They’re reasonably priced for investment-worthy leather pieces and feature the classic design that’s made Taylor Stitch so coveted among lovers of great menswear. Get the scoop via my latest GearMoose post.

Did that help you fill the time between holiday shopping sessions? Once more, check out the women’s style gift guide and shop our men’s style gift guide as quickly as you can.

Finally: Have a great day, and a great weekend!

-Beau

December 19, 2016December 20, 2016 by Beau H.

Signs of Light: A December weekend in Baltimore

Layered up for a pit stop at Artifact Coffee. Wool-Blend Topcoat by Old Navy. Snow Bridge Cardigan by Eddie Bauer. Denim shirt by JackThreads. Travel Jeans by Bonobos. Lockridge Moc Toe Boots by Cole Haan. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Glasses by Frameri. Cashmere hat by Club Monaco.

Layered up for a pit stop at Artifact Coffee in Baltimore. Wool-Blend Topcoat by Old Navy. Snow Bridge Cardigan by Eddie Bauer. Denim shirt by JackThreads. Travel Jeans by Bonobos. Lockridge Moc Toe Boots by Cole Haan. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Glasses by Frameri. Cashmere hat by Club Monaco.

As I traveled down the East Coast this past Friday morning, I was able to look back on a heck of a lot of things besides the crisp winter scenery. It was outstanding to reflect on a great year of work, of time with family and friends, of travel and a great year of celebrating some of my passions — including live music and menswear, all rolled into one. And it was as good a time as any for this Style Guide author to catch a great show and bring along some of my favorite men’s style essentials, yet again. My travels this time around took me to the unique and ever-changing city of Baltimore to see joyous indie folk rockers The Head and The Heart — that’s a definite recipe for success. I’ve been really lucky to be able to travel in style (of course) so frequently to see great bands, from an upstate trip to see Lucius to a weekend trip to Providence to see (perhaps) my favorite band, West Coast indie rockers Local Natives. So it was fitting that on one of the last weekends of the year, I took to the trail again. What did I bring with me? Only the best gear I could pack into my Owen & Fred weekender bag — you knew that bag was sturdy as heck and travel-friendly, right?

Rugged layers for a chilly weekend. Wool Shirt by Abercrombie & Fitch. Yosemite Shirt by Taylor Stitch. Donegal Trousers by JackThreads. Red Wing Leather Waterbury Chrono by Timex _ Todd Snyder. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Glasses by Frameri. Cashmere hat by Club Monaco.

As seems to be the case with the weather across much of the country, the weekend was an especially frigid one in Baltimore — and NYC. For my train ride down the coast and a day exploring Baltimore, I layered up accordingly as seen at the top of the page, starting with my trusty JackThreads denim shirt. Of course, a stylish shawl cardigan proved a crucial layering piece given the chill, and I prepared accordingly with the durable, thick-knit and unique Eddie Bauer Snow Bridge Cardigan. I topped those layers off with the slim, warm Old Navy Wool-Blend Topcoat, an unexpected offering from a brand that keeps improving its apparel and outerwear game. For a blend of flexibility, comfort and style — crucial when sitting on a train for a few hours, then moving about the city — my trusty Bonobos Travel Jeans in Allegheny Oak fit the bill perfectly, and played nicely in terms of color off my sturdy, tough-wearing Cole Haan Lockridge Moc Toe Boots. You might recognize those boots from this site’s piece on how to dress for the first snowfall, and they’ve got plenty of weather-ready bells and whistles — they’re waterproof and feature the brand’s Grand.OS technology, for starters. When paired up with my reliable-as-ever MVMT Watches Calypso Watch and tough accessories like my Grifter Company Ranger Gloves, I was more than set to battle the chill.

I also brought along my trusty Brothers Leather 810 Wallet .It’s a beautiful, handmade and essential wallet — and you can get 15% off that wallet, or any Brothers Leather item, using the code ‘BrotherBeau15’! Seriously, look into upgrading your everyday carry ASAP. Know that the next time you hit the road to a chilly locale, you should pack as many durable winter accessories as you can, too.

The everyday carry for a quick road trip. Ranger Gloves by Grifter Company. Wallet by Brothers Leather (Get 15% off with the code ‘BrotherBeau15’! Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Pen by Owen & Fred.

Stop number one on my trip? Of course, a stellar coffee shop — that’d be Artifact Coffee, and I’d absolutely recommend a trip of your own if ever you get to Baltimore. It’s a rustic backdrop for a tasty egg-and-bacon English muffin and a rich cup of coffee, plus some quiet writing and reflection. Properly caffeinated following an early train ride, a stop at one of the city’s neat menswear shops was in order. 16Tons — not a far walk from Artifact — is packed to the gills with vintage menswear, including sturdy tweed blazers, stonewashed denim jackets and a fair selection of tough moto boots. With my fill of menswear shopping, it was time for a much-needed burger at the lauded Abbey Burger Bistro — add the Guinness cheddar to your burger and top it off with a local Union Red Foxy IPA. I walked off the burger with a stroll through the neat Inner Harbor and Federal Hill areas of Baltimore, filled with beautiful red brick historic homes.

With a great lunch and a great day of exploration around Baltimore behind me, I was more than ready for a long-awaited show from The Head and The Heart — seeing as I missed the band’s NYC tour stop in October after years of listening, it was high time I got around to seeing them. Looking back on 2016, the group’s stellar third album, “Signs of Light,” was one of my favorites for its joyous, uplifting message, powerful harmonies, subtle pop influences and soaring guitars. It’s the kind of music we need a bit — or a lot — more of, and it resulted in a stunning live show that was a joy to watch.With a full day to look ahead to the show, I was beyond excited — and because I packed light and relied on style staples like the tough-yet-comfortable Cole Haan Lockridge Moc Toe Boots and the durable MVMT Watches Calypso Watch I was able to transition from day to night and fully enjoy the concert.

Checking out a new music venue in a new city is always a neat endeavor, and a packed Ram’s Head Live didn’t disappoint. The buzzing, multi-level venue also drew a nice crowd for folk rock trio Joseph, themselves a group quickly on the rise and capable of producing some powerful songs in the vein of Lucius or HAIM — yes, they’re that good. And they nicely complemented a beautiful performance from The Head and The Heart, who absolutely didn’t disappoint. I’d recommend you see them as soon as you can — the band’s beautiful vocals and soaring songs — soaring is the only way to describe it — were incredible. From the opener “All We Ever Knew” to a huge rendition of “Rivers and Roads” and stirring, fun versions of “Lost in My Mind” and “Shake,” it was among the better shows I’ve seen this year — and that’s saying something!

With an amazing live show in the books, I looked ahead to an excellent Saturday of Baltimore, including an amazing brunch & Bloody Mary at Baltimore institution Miss Shirley’s. Of course, a delicious, rich Nutella latte from 3 Bean Coffee was also in order. With chilly temperatures in the forecast yet again, I went with sturdy layers to fight the cold.. Namely, my slim and refined JackThreads Donegal Trousers provided a bit of a high-low style complement to my heritage-inspired Abercrombie & Fitch Wool Shirt. Given the blustery, frigid weather, I also threw on my much-loved Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt, as seen at the top of the post. It’s a soft, warm and essential layering piece. And on the watch front, it doesn’t get any better than my rugged and durable Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph, all of which helped me navigate Baltimore in warmth and good time — seriously!

Unique, versatile layers for a blustery Brooklyn day. Wool-Blend Henley Sweater and Belted Shawl Cardigan by Abercrombie & Fitch. Kinzie Jeans by Mugsy Jeans. Sutter Boots by CAT Footwear. Red Wing Leather Chronograph by Timex + Todd Snyder. Socks by To Boot New York. Wallet by Brothers Leather (get 15 percent off Brothers Leather goods with the code ‘BrotherBeau15’!

Unfortunately, my trip was over much too soon, and it was time to head back to NYC. The ceaseless cold weather showed no signs of relenting on Sunday, so I again reached for critical layers, starting with a brand-new, rugged-and-refined Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Henley Sweater. It’s a rich addition to any wardrobe, affordably priced and featuring a neat blend of sport and heritage-inspired style. For an afternoon spent exploring Williamsburg, I accented the sweater with a distinctive Abercrombie & Fitch Belted Shawl Cardigan — you can expect to see a lot more of this unique, comfortable layering piece soon. On the footwear front, I found myself reaching once again for my durable, tough CAT Footwear Sutter Boots — the brown burnishing is a handsome and classic design touch. And whether in cold weather or on a warm, sunny day, you really can’t go wrong with the ridiculously comfortable Kinzie Jeans from Mugsy Jeans, made with a ton of stretch for ease of movement. I complemented the ensemble with the Timex + Todd Snyder Red Wing Leather Chronograph yet again — it’s a tough watch to pass up wearing!

As I bundled up heading back through Brooklyn, it was great to be able to reflect on a stellar weekend. It featured some of my favorite things — live music, menswear, travel and a requisite helping of craft beer and great burgers! It doesn’t really get any better, especially packed into the span of a few days. And any time I get to spend at my favorite spots in Brooklyn is also time well-spent. It’s been a whirlwind month of December — and a whirlwind year — but I’m really thankful to get the chance to travel, see great shows and bring along stylish menswear in the process. If you’ve got your own holiday travel coming up, I hope it goes well — and if you’ve still got gifts to buy, check out our men’s holiday gift guide, along with the women’s holiday gift guide. Happy shopping!

Thanks as always for reading — stay stylish!

-Beau

December 16, 2016December 15, 2016 by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Holiday Shopping, Buck Mason and The Head and The Heart

Quick, check your calendars. We’re just about one week from Christmas! That’s pretty wild, all things considered. It means it’s more than time to wrap up — or get started — on your holiday shopping, and it means it’s time to plan out a holiday travel ensemble or two (right?). Click through our women’s holiday gift guide to take care of everyone from your mother to your grandma; don’t worry, we’ll remind you next week, too. And maybe pick up something from this site’s men’s style holiday gift guide — it’s gonna come in handy, trust me. I’ve got a decent jump on my own holiday shopping — and my holiday menswear wish list, for sure — but there’s definitely more work to be done. (just a bit… I guess). Before I take care of some of that shopping, I’m pretty excited to close out the week — I’m heading to the fine city of Baltimore tonight to see The Head and The Heart, the joyous indie folk rockers out of Seattle! Seeing great live shows this fall, from Bastille — as I wrote about in last Friday’s weekly recap — to Local Natives in Providence has been really special, and I’m definitely excited to hit the road again. It’s my first time in Baltimore and my first time seeing the band, makers of one of the most easily listenable, enjoyable albums of the year in “Signs of Light” — oh, and a slew of other fun, rambling and rambunctious tracks like “Shake” and “Lost in My Mind.” So it should certainly be a heck of a fun show, and a heck of a fun way to end the week. Any recommendations for neat things to do in Baltimore? Send me a tweet on Twitter and I’ll get right to it — promise! As with my recent trip to upstate New York and my Thanksgiving visit to Florida, you can expect a full #menswear blog post on Monday — and you can check out exactly what I’m wearing via my Instagram in the meantime. If you haven’t, join us over at The Style Guide Facebook page — and for now, check out some of the best men’s style news o’ the week below.

First things first — it’s primetime layering season. And as our friends at Esquire so wisely demonstrate, you need a stylish overshirt in your closet; make it one from Style Guide favorites Buck Mason, and you’re plenty set for cold weather style.
Speaking of cold weather style — Esquire.com is coming back at ya with an overview of a seriously warm parka you also might want to pick up this week. Now, I’m not the biggest fan of his music per se, but Drake’s design project OVO certainly keeps things moving along nicely, particularly when it comes to the brand’s collaboration with Canada Goose. Yes, the OVO x Canada Goose collaboration offers up two pricey — but decidedly warm parkas and a set of matching trucker caps for your purchasing pleasure at the Canada Goose Web site.
Still need some help sorting out your holiday shopping? Good thing the folks at Paul Fredrick are hooking you up with 20 percent off orders of $200 or more, plus free shipping on any order. Pick up a crisp white dress shirt — or a versatile denim shirt — for the style-minded guy in your life. Oh, and know that the deadline for standard shipping delivery in advance of Christmas is 11:59 p.m. EST today (Friday, folks). Happy shopping!
So, we’ve also got something that should be of interest to both fashion fans and fans of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” — in theaters today. Old Navy has made some classic graphic tees for the occasion, and they’ve got picks for both adults and kids. Show some of that Star Wars spirit this season, ehh?
One last thing before we hit the road for the weekend — the new MVMT Watches Modern Sport collection, if you haven’t seen, is packed with durable, handsome and functional timepieces like the Mariner Watch, as I covered for the fine folks at GearMoose. I’ll be bringing my own Calypso Watch from the Modern Sport collection with me to Baltimore this weekend, and I can’t recommend these eye-catching, sturdy and ultra-affordable watches enough.

Have menswear-related questions? Can’t figure out what to wear for the first snowfall? We’ve got you all set — happy shopping, happy reading and have a great weekend!

-Beau

November 28, 2016November 27, 2016 by Beau H.

Turkey time: Celebrating a Florida Thanksgiving

A sporty, stylish combination. Polo by QOR. Capital Shorts by OLIVERS Apparel. Gratton Sneakers by Fronteer. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Sunglasses by Nautica.

A sporty, stylish combination for a sunny long weekend in Florida. Heather Merino Knit Polo by QOR. Capital Shorts by OLIVERS Apparel. Gratton Sneakers by Fronteer. Calypso Watch by MVMT Watches. Sunglasses by Nautica.

Whenever I hit the road, I always look forward to packing in style. And when I get the chance to head south to Florida, visit with family and chow down on amazing Thanksgiving food? That’s all the better. Spending the holidays in a warm-weather locale like Florida is a change of pace from your Style Guide author’s past holidays growing up in Michigan, so the garb I packed with me has changed accordingly over the years. It’s a bit disconcerting sometimes to go from rugged fall style in NYC to spending time on the beach in Florida, but I always look forward to doing so. And just as with my August trip to Florida, I loaded up plenty of warm-weather gear fit for versatile style situations — including Thanksgiving dinner, brewery-hopping and lots of time spent in the sun.

Gear for the office, a flight and Florida style. Crosstown Bomber by Public Rec. Slim-Fit Tapered Leg 5-Pocket Pants by Dickies. Strayhorn Mid Sneakers by JackThreads. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Sunglasses by Nautica. Chapter Travel Kit by Herschel Supply Co.

As always with traveling from NYC to a warm climate like Florida, I sought to pack gear that would move seamlessly from a chilly NYC work day to breezy Florida in style. That meant selecting the ever-versatile, comfortable Public Rec Crosstown Bomber— it’s the sort of jacket that layered easily over my classic Old Navy chambray shirt. And my Dickies Slim-Fit Tapered Leg 5-Pocket Pants were more than ready for a day at the office and a flight back home, as were my new CLAE x JackThreads Strayhorn Mid Sneakers. The chukka-style hybrid silhouette and grey wool upper proved stylish for the work day and helped me breeze through security. And, I had to bring along my Timex x Red Wing Heritage Waterbury Chrono for a dash of rugged-refined style for the office and fall travel. On the footwear front, I had to break out my Jack Erwin Cooper Boat Shoes from storage — the next time you’ve got to tackle warm weekend weather in style, you should look to pack a similar pair. Of course, I took along toiletries from the likes of Nivea for Men — the brand’s Creme works as a hand, body and face moisturizer, so it’s a do-it-all travel essential. And throughout my trip, my retro-inspired Nautica sunglasses and the slick, new MVMT Watches Runaway Aviators proved stylish accessory options for the Florida sun. Seriously, never underestimate the power of a stylish pair of men’s sunglasses. So, with stylish travel gear in tow and a quick flight home in the books, it was onto a fun Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

The day on Wednesday — as one would expect — dawned sunny and pretty hot. With that in mind, I reached for the stretchy, stylish and tailored OLIVERS Apparel Capital Short, as seen at the very top of the page. The versatile color paired up well with another sport-inspired, hybrid piece — a new Heather Merino Knit Polo from performance apparel purveyors QOR. Its tailored look is offset by the merino blend fabric, which wicks sweat and dries quickly. And the comfortable combo paired up well with a new set of kicks — the FRONTEER Super Gratton high-top sneakers, provided courteously by the FRONTEEER team. With their unique design and a silhouette inspired by functional outdoor boots, they’re a nice lifestyle hybrid sneaker. They worked for grabbing a delicious Maple Bacon Donut at the renowned Bennett’s Fresh Roast and hitting the beach. For hitting up Fort Myers Brewing Company later, the brand-new Calypso Watch from the recently launched MVMT Watches Modern Sport collection was a prime, affordable pick. It was also a nice chance to break out a stylish pair of retro-inspired sunglasses from Nautica, and the combination of sport-inspired and functional pieces held up well for Florida exploration — and a few outdoor brews!

Hanging out in classic Florida fashion. Thomas Pacific Latitude Shirt by Bridge & Burn. Slim Chinos in Light Stone by Taylor Stitch. Cooper Boat Shoes by Jack Erwin. Runaway Aviators by MVMT Watches. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage.

And with an enjoyable Wednesday in the books, it was onto an even more enjoyable Thanksgiving. Now, unlike dressing for a casual fall day, our Florida Thanksgiving celebrations required significantly fewer layers than an NYC November day. With that in mind, it made it easy to reach for the Thomas Pacific Latitude Print Shirt, also from Bridge & Burn. Although that shirt is sold out, you can’t go wrong reaching for any of a selection of similar stylish short-sleeved shirts the next time you find yourself in a warm locale for a holiday. The same goes for the ever-classic Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in Light Stone — any chance you get to pick up durable, high-quality and classic Taylor Stitch menswear (especially the brand’s lauded chinos), I’d recommend you take it. I found the combo worked quite nicely once again with my Jack Erwin Cooper Boat Shoes and the always-stylish Timex x Red Wing Heritage Waterbury Chrono for eating second (and third) helpings of Thanksgiving dinner. And the whole ensemble was polished-yet-casual enough for family Thanksgiving — no expandable waistband in sight on those Taylor Stitch chinos, although it would’ve helped.

Brewery hopping in the Florida sun. Vesper Polo by Mack Weldon. Stringer Dune Shorts by Bridge & Burn. Cooper Boat Shoes by Jack Erwin. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Glasses by Frameri.

Of course, Friday presented another absolutely beautiful Florida day, and a prime chance to break out some of my best warm-weather menswear again for a little in-person Black Friday shopping and strolling. (And, let’s be honest — a trip to the excellent Big Blue Brewing was in order). The lightweight, breathable and slim Vesper Polo from the fine folks at Mack Weldon was just what the doctor ordered — and it teamed nicely with my ever-essential Stringer Dune Shorts from Bridge & Burn. It was a bit strange to wear warm-weather gear after a chilly NYC fall, but I adjusted easily thanks to stylish pieces like the always-reliable Jack Erwin Cooper Boat Shoes — they’re the rare type of boat shoe that’s refined, and exceedingly easy to wear for both beachside and city exploration. What’s more, my always-reliable Timex x Todd Snyder Mod Watch had to make the trip, too — I think if you pre-order one for yourself, you’ll be mighty surprised at just how much you’ll be reaching for this casual-yet-versatile timepiece. I’d also recommend you reach for an upgraded, subtly designed ballcap if you need to protect your face from the sun — my Goorin Brothers vintage ballcap (unfortunately sold out now) is a perennial favorite. To snag a similar style for yourself, check out the Huckberry Explorer’s Cap. With that gear in tow, it made for a fun, easygoing day strolling around the neat artists’ village of Matlacha — and if ever you find yourself in the Fort Myers area, Point Ybel Brewing is worth a stop to cap off your day.

In awe of the amazing creations at the American Sandsculpting Championship. Anything Shirt by Strongbody Apparel. Chambray shorts by Canvas by Lands’ End. Cooper Boat Shoes by Jack Erwin. Mod Watch by Timex x Todd Snyder. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers. Sunglasses by Nautica.

And no Florida trip would be complete without a little beach relaxation and a trip to the American Sandsculpting Championship on Fort Myers Beach — right? I made sure to bring along stylish beach gear for some fun in the sun. That gear included the comfortable, sweat-wicking Anything Shirt by Strongbody Apparel, plus a pair of tailored chambray shorts from Canvas by Lands’ End. Of course, my Cooper Boat Shoes helped me out quite nicely for navigating the sand and the city, as did my Nautica sunglasses. If you’ve got to pack relatively light, versatile accessories and footwear that work for multiple situations can undoubtedly help ease the burden of lugging around a heavy weekender bag.

The durable Calypso Watch from MVMT Watches teamed nicely with my SeaVees Legend Sneakers.

I also switched up my outfit for an evening out and about in Fort Myers (including a requisite viewing of the new “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” an excellent Harry Potter film). That meant reaching for a tailored short-sleeve gingham shirt from Banana Republic, along with a pair of tailored Canvas by Lands’ End shorts. I also looked forward to breaking out my crisp white SeaVees Legend Sneakers, a go-anywhere set of kicks that works for both casual and business casual situations. My durable, stylish Calypso Watch from MVMT Watches was once again up to the task — I’ll be getting a ton of use out of that timepiece in the weeks and months to come. And as to the movie? If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you should absolutely check out the incredibly awesome expansion of the HP universe… but back to menswear, ehh?

Just the right gear to hit the road back to NYC. Crosstown Bomber by Public Rec. Voyager Waxed Weekender by Owen & Fred. Waterbury Chrono by Timex x Red Wing Heritage. Strayhorn Mid Sneakers by CLAE x JackThreads. Utility Bifold by Tanner Goods. Vintage ballcap by Goorin Brothers.

It seems that every time I head to Florida, it gets tougher to leave — especially after a great holiday with family and some beautiful warm weather. But with that being said, it was time to pack up to head back to NYC — to deal with the impending cold weather, I again grabbed my Public Rec Crosstown Bomber and the versatile, travel-friendly CLAE x JackThreads Strayhorn Mid Sneakers. I packed up my gear in my dependable Owen & Fred Voyager Waxed Weekender, which has more than capably stood up to the demands of both summer and fall travel across the past few months. Of course, my travel watch pick was an easy one — my Timex x Red Wing Heritage Waterbury Chrono hasn’t yet let me down! And when it comes time to add to your everyday carry, the Tanner Goods Utility Bifold is a wallet I’d certainly recommend.

So, with that gear in my bag, I hopped a crowded flight back to NYC — and already, we’re back in action and looking ahead to the holiday season. I had an amazing, fun, relaxing and reflective time in Florida — being able to dress in style was just icing on the cake. But you really can’t put a price on time spent with family — can you? What’s more, I’m already looking forward to being back to Florida for Christmas next month. I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving in style, and I hope you’re ready for a busy holiday season at The Style Guide — tomorrow, you can look for a seasonally appropriate #OOTD entry, and Wednesday, we’ll tell you exactly how to dress for your next holiday party. Beyond that, you can expect the best menswear on tap with our Style Pick of the Week series, and more holiday men’s style ideas galore.

Thanks so much for reading — stay stylish!

-Beau

The Style Guide

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

Tag / travel style

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