Tag / winter style for guys

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for Valentine’s Day This Year

So, Valentine’s Day is coming up. Whether you’re married or in a relationship (an old one or particularly, a new one!) or still looking for love, the question might be on your mind: “What the heck am I going to wear?” Based on your plans (Dinner? Drinks? Both!?), you might be faced with a dilemma. But I think the below #OOTD checks all the right boxes, no matter what. First up, stick with a classic winter blazer, and then layer up accordingly — in this case, that means a cozy, tailored flannel shirt from Faherty Brand, slim navy chinos and rugged leather boots from my pals at Huckberry. It’s truly foolproof.

Granted, we’re not going full-on tuxedo here, nor are we recommending you wear one of the best flannel suits for a night out, but it’s still a sharp look that can work for a refined dinner-and-a-show outing, plus a nightcap. The key with dressing for Valentine’s Day comes in staying true to yourself — seriously. If you and your partner keep things low-key and make a nice dinner at home, leave the Grayers sportcoat behind. Heck, if you feel like wearing that same blazer out to a solo cocktail at your favorite bar, sure — go for it! The same building blocks are going to carry you through, from crucial outerwear like a tailored topcoat to accessories like a slim leather dress watch. We’ll top things off with a great Valentine’s Day gift, too. It’s all below, and I hope these picks lead to an enjoyable (if Hallmark-led) holiday — no matter what you do!

A crisp blazer, a sharp topcoat and stylish leather boots make for a winning Valentine’s Day #OOTD.

Even if this ensemble doesn’t quite line up with your Valentine’s Day plans, it’s hard to argue against the type of versatile building blocks it offers up — right? Starting with a winter blazer from Grayers gives you the flexibility to take your date (or heck, just yourself) out to drinks at a cool speakeasy or a refined sit-down dinner — or both. The stylish flannel shirt seen here is also made to be worn more casually — untucked at home, watching your favorite TV show — and it works in dressy situations, too. It could just be the best shirt for Valentine’s Day.

The same can be said for slim navy chinos from Taylor Stitch, which work for a ‘staycation’ or a night at home. You’ll also stay weather-ready with the Rhodes Dean Boots, some of the best winter boots out there — it helps that they provide great traction and killer style. We’re keeping things on-point with a slim camel topcoat, and we’re further driving home that refined aesthetic with a refined dress watch. Of course, it’s also of the utmost importance that you pick up a great gift for Valentine’s Day. And lest we forget … yes, you need good-looking underwear. Flint and Tinder can help. Feel free to let me know your plans for Valentine’s Day on Twitter — to see how I’m spending mine (likely enjoying a delicious craft beer!), you can check out my Instagram. 

by Beau H.

#OOTD: Here’s The Best Way to Dress in Tough Winter Style

My friends, I can barely believe it … but it’s time for the first #OOTD of 2018 here on The Style Guide! That’s pretty monumental, if you ask me. And you can rest assured that we’ve got more of the same great content on the way this year as in years past — particularly if you want to dress in weather-ready style. It’s time to bundle up and fight the chill, without sacrificing any comfort or good looks. Think of it like dressing for the polar vortex … but without the doomsday aspect of extreme winter weather. Rather, the below #OOTD is designed to get you from point A to point B without any fuss, from weekend errands to a weekend dinner with friends. Start out with a tough winter jacket from Iron & Resin, keep things going with a stylish pair of brown leather boots, add your new favorite henley … and get ready to take on the winter weather. The below #OOTD has everything you need … at least, I think so.  Let me know what you think of this look on Twitter or in the comments. Stay warm, stay stylish!

From a classic winter jacket to a tremendous pair of leather boots, this is the gear to get you through winter reliably … and stylishly.

The Jacket: Iron and Resin Barracks Jacket, $342.98 — With a silhouette that echoes a classic field jacket, plus a weather-ready Melton wool exterior, the Barracks Jacket from Iron and Resin is versatile and rugged.

The Henley: Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley, $62 — What’s better for braving the cold than a rugged henley? Especially one from Flint and Tinder, a favorite of this blog? Feel free to add a stylish flannel shirt over this Flint and Tinder henley if you need more warmth.

The Denim: Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans, $118 — We’re going again with more Flint and Tinder gear, this time a dependable pair of classic blue denim featuring the brand’s new dark indigo wash. Durable, rugged and USA-made.

The Boots: Oak Street Bootmakers Brown Dainite Sole Trench Boots, $462 — It’s always tough to narrow down your pick of boots for the winter weather, but these fantastic Horween leather Dainite Sole Trench Boots from Oak Street Bootmakers are a pretty darn easy choice. Stomp through snow all ya want.
The Belt: Filson Leather Belt, $85 — The right belt for tackling winter weather isn’t a braided cotton belt that you’d wear during the summer … it’s a rugged, well-made Filson Leather Belt. No bones about it!

The Watch: Military Watch Co. MIL-TECH MKIV Military Pilot’s Chronograph, $330 — Just as you can’t skimp on your rugged winter boots, you can’t skimp when it comes to your watch game — although the name is a mouthful, this Pilot’s Chronograph should serve you well in the snow.

The Socks: CHUP Dia Socks, $28 — Stylish patterned socks should be a go-to in any season — the fact that the CHUP Dia Socks just happen to be cozy and comfortable is a big bonus.

The Beanie: Finisterre Fisherman Beanie, $40 — Again, we’re not just going with any beanie cap here … we’re going with a dependable-as-heck Finisterre Fisherman Beanie. Good enough for the water, good enough for you.
 If a winter storm catches you by surprise, or a bunch of snow gets dumped on you unexpectedly, it’s best to have the right gear in your closet to get you through. To me, that means the Barracks Jacket is one to reach for when things get dicey, yet you still want to look put together. Dependable footwear also goes a long — the Dainite Sole Trench Boots from Oak Street Bootmakers are positively stunning and well-crafted, ready for winter snow. Supporting accessories, from that tough Pilot’s Chronograph to warm CHUP Dia Socks, are equally underrated yet essential. For the rest of the winter season, I wouldn’t leave home without the  Finisterre Fisherman Beanie or a dependable mid-layer like the Flint and Tinder Heavyweight Henley. And although they’ll work reliably throughout the rest of the year, the Flint and Tinder Dark Indigo Jeans are a great go-to when it comes to stylish blue denim for winter. Are there any picks you particularly agree with? Disagree with? Chime in via the comments below — thanks for reading!
-Beau

 

by Beau H.

Getting Out of Town: A Winter Weekend Trip Upstate

Dressed in rugged, adventure-ready style — featuring my Flint and Tinder Waxed Trucker Jacket, Taylor Stitch Chore Pants and a Taylor Stitch flannel shirt, plus my WP Standard Natural Leather Belt and my trusty Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono.

As I checked my calendar recently, I realized with a shock that, well, it was, well, nearly Christmas! Fall and winter have been flying by here in NYC, filled with #menswear and plenty of fun Style Guide content — and road trips galore! From a fall trip to Portland to a weekend in Nashville to a quick trip to Boston, I’ve been fortunate to be able to get out of town and hit the road. But there was one area I hadn’t yet been able to squeeze in a quick trip this season — upstate New York! I visited the lovely town of Hudson last November on a perfectly crisp fall weekend, and my travels also took me up to the quaint town of Beacon in February 2016 — but this past weekend was a great chance to once again break out my favorite style essentials and head to the famed Dia: Beacon art museum (among other pursuits). Come along for the ride with me! Oh, and if you follow me on Instagram and already caught details of this trip … stick around, won’t you?

The winter fun began in earnest on Friday, with a #menswear ensemble made for essential, casual style for a day at the office. In this case, that meant throwing on a new Fruit of The Loom EverSoft Long-Sleeve Crew T-Shirt in a seasonally-friendly shade of red. It layered up nicely with an easygoing Original Penguin shawl collar cardigan for a bit of casual polish, while my Taylor Stitch Slim Chinos in British Khaki proved well-fitting and easygoing-yet-stylish. Again, Taylor Stitch is just a brand that checks plenty of boxes in terms of rugged, casual style — and it wouldn’t be the last time I brought out Taylor Stitch menswear this weekend, either. When matched up with stylish leather sneakers — the CLAE Bradley Mid, specifically — the combo proved comfortable for the office and suitable for grabbing a pint at Brooklyn’s Sycamore after work. I also threw on my reliable Huckberry Explorer’s Cap, and I reached for the V76 by Vaughn Daily Balance Facial Moisturizer to keep my skin in prime shape. Make no mistake, men’s grooming essentials are critical during the winter season, especially when dealing with breezy, chilly weather. Luckily, my daily grooming routine helped me finish the week strong — and with a nice day at work in the books, I was looking forward to the weekend ahead.

Layered up to explore Beacon and kick back with a coffee at Bank Square Coffeehouse. My accessories included a Banana Republic plaid scarf and a Club Monaco knit cap, plus my trusty Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono. My Hood Rubber Co. Wayland Boots were perfect for stomping through the snow, too!

What did the weekend have in store? It kicked off nice and early Saturday morning with a few crucial cups of coffee, followed by a lovely train ride upstate to Beacon! As I said, I had visited the town on a February weekend last year, and came away with nothing but fond memories of the tranquil, enjoyable atmosphere and beautiful upstate views. Stop number one, of course, had to be  a cup of coffee (well, the mocha latte) at the charming Bank Square Coffeehouse. That got me ready to explore Dia: Beacon, the world-class art museum featuring work from the likes of Dan Flavin, Donald Judd and plenty more. Based in a former Nabisco factory, this well-lit, beautifully designed museum is packed with large-scale activations, smaller exhibits and some seriously contemplative works of art. If ever you’re looking to get away from NYC — or perhaps add a day trip when you swing through the Big Apple — I can’t recommend this lovely museum enough. Of course, I knew I had to dress in rugged winter style essentials to navigate the town and the museum accordingly.

I started things off the right way by reaching for the extremely well-made, durably crafted Flint and Tinder Flannel-Lined Waxed Trucker Jacket, a classic men’s trucker jacket made with great attention to detail and a tailored fit. For durable, effective style on my bottom half, I threw on a  pair of Taylor Stitch Chore Pants, crafted from cotton canvas and featuring double-knee reinforced construction. They worked more than handsomely alongside my adventure-ready Wayland Boots from Hood Rubber Company.  Featuring a handsome blend of rubberized and full-grain leather, the Wayland Boots provided a mix of casual and functional style, what with waxed cotton laces and a fit that echoes the look of your favorite chukka boots. A rugged Timex watch was my go-to casual watch pick for the day — I can’t emphasize enough how reliable the Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Chrono happens to be. Of course, stylish men’s socks from Anonymousism were also a reliable accessory.  On the everyday carry front, my essentials were close at hand, thanks to the WP Standard Large Messenger Bag. I’m telling you, that bag about as good as it gets when it comes to an everyday bag.  And my LSTN Sound Co. Headphones from the Bespoke Post Vibes Box also came along on this quick trip, allowing me to plug into my favorite tunes.

And the even better news? Beacon really did prove a fun, lovely town for a quick visit. I made time to grab some excellent pints at the renowned Draught Industries, a rustic, rugged gastropub with a killer craft beer selection, including picks from Hill Farmstead and Midwest favorite Founders Brewing. The great thing about Beacon is its quaint, quiet atmosphere — more than agreeable for enjoying the day and strolling around town. My quick trip to Beacon gave me just enough opportunity to get out of the city, clear my head and enjoy the fresh air with my favorite winter style essentials in tow. I even made some time to take in a few more of the sights and sounds of this lovely town with an overnight AirBNB stay. My centrally located apartment near Main Street was the perfect base to explore. The stops? The Vault was a must-visit for an excellent burger and delicious corn-and-parmesan fritters. I also enjoyed a nightcap at The Roundhouse, a beautiful, rustic-yet-modern hotel and restaurant that’s drawn acclaim around Beacon and beyond. Perfect for an Old-Fashioned, right?

A classically rugged, warm winter get-up, perfect for exploring Beacon in style. My Flint and Tinder Moleskin Shirt Jacket proved essential and quite warm!

To close out the weekend, Sunday called for even more Beacon exploration, starting with a pair of amazing donuts at Glazed Over, topped with chocolate chips, caramel glaze and vanilla drizzle — yes, please! I explore more on foot checking out the restored Roundhouse Hotel — it was even prettier in the day than at night. The afternoon took me down to the Towne Crier Cafe, a renowned regional hangout featuring live music and a mix of American and Middle Eastern staples — it was a cozy spot for a pleasant afternoon. I packed up my Saddleback Leather Rounded Leather Duffel, and I layered up with the well-made Flint and Tinder Moleskin Shirt Jacket in a pleasing shade of green. It proved perfect for throwing on over my Abercrombie and Fitch Cotton Herringbone Shirt, a nicely textured shirt with plenty of classic styling potential. And for venturing around Beacon and stopping at Bank Square Coffeehouse again, another Flint and Tinder essential served me well. Yes indeed, the Flint and Tinder All-American Jeans, made with stretch selvage and an inky blue indigo finish, were comfortable for travel and exploration. To get around with durability and rugged style in mind, my CAT Footwear Chronicle Boots had me well-equipped for the occasion, too. And my classic-as-always Timex x Red Wing Waterbury Watch kept me on time and in style.

It was a pleasure to be able to get out of the city, especially around the holiday season. It’s worth remembering that getting out and exploring is as easy as picking a place and picking a date, then going after it. I’m going to do my to keep that in mind for me amidst the hustle and bustle of NYC, and if the urge should strike you to travel upstate, I can’t recommend Beacon enough! I’m also glad I was able to take on the weekend with my favorite winter menswear along for the ride.

Oh, and if ever you find yourself in Brooklyn or in Beacon and want tips on what to do, give me a shout!

Thanks for reading!

-Beau

by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Melbourne Flannel Shirt

A classic flannel shirt made with a unique jaspe weave — Grayers checks all the right boxes when it comes to your new flannel shirt for winter.

There are shirts that you wear when you want to dress casually, and there are shirts you wear when you want to stay warm through winter — the Grayers Melbourne Flannel Shirt is here to help you do both. Now that we’re plowing through December (can you believe it??), a classic flannel shirt is undoubtedly the one style you need to keep handy at all times (especially if you find yourself in an increasingly chilly locale like New York City). Much like another recent Style Pick of the Week, the equally weather-ready Corridor NYC Check Flannel Shirt, the Grayers Melbourne Flannel Shirt blends easily wearable style with high-quality fabric. And when it comes time to take on a winter work day or a winter weekend, it’s helpful to start your ensemble with warm base layer — the Grayers Melbourne Flannel Shirt is made with jaspe flannel fabric. perfect for when wind and snow start to pick up out there. It’s comfortable, soft and warm, yet you can still reliably throw a thermal shirt or a rugged men’s henley on underneath. Grayers takes extra care with each item in its growing #menswear stable, and that reflects itself in the fabrics they use — the fabrication on the Melbourne Flannel Shirt is a custom job, and should be extremely soft.

Small details make the difference with the Melbourne Flannel Shirt.

Grayers uses a jaspe weaving technique, twisting the yarn together to create a cool, unique fabric — there isn’t another brand out there making the pattern found on the Melbourne Flannel Shirt. What does that mean for you? It means you’re getting a classic, easy-to-wear shirt that stands out from the crowd, particularly when layered with a rugged winter cardigan or worn with a quilted field jacket and slim jeans. The details are done right on the Melbourne Flannel Shirt, too. We’re talking chambray detailing on the placket, yoke and cuffs, so when you roll up those sleeves to get some work done, you’ll be able to show off just a bit. And the visually interesting color combo on this shirt makes it versatile for situations both casual and more polished. Rest assured, the Grayers Melbourne Flannel Shirt is more than ready to wear with a navy herringbone blazer and slim tan chinos this winter, and it’ll help you look quite put-together on a weekend coffee run. Oh, and the price isn’t all that bad for a high-quality shirt that you can wear with other style staples already hanging in your closet. It’s available for just under $1o0, comparable to what you might find at a place like Bonobos. That sounds like a worthy purchase to me when it comes to wearable winter style — who else wants in on this action? Let me know in the comments if you plan to pick up the Grayers Melbourne Flannel Shirt.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the weekend!

-Beau

by Beau H.

#OOTD: The New Way to Wear a Cardigan This Winter

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

OK, folks — back at it with another handy, helpful #OOTD entry today on The Style Guide.  As we deal with a strangely up-and-down winter — at least in my neck of the woods — perhaps you’re wondering about ways you can maximize your layering skills and versatility with staples you’ve already got. You know, like your favorite cold-weather cardigan or a trusty pair of classic dark blue denim.  That’s the starting point for our latest #OOTD — it’s taking crisp, casual pieces and shaking them up just a little bit (as you’ll see between the shirting and denim combination). It’s a good way to make your wardrobe work for you and last longer, without feeling like you’re in a style rut (wearing the same thing over and over … and over again). Plus, you’ll recognize a few picks — like the Grayers Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka — from past #menswear entries on this site. So with all that being said … check out the goods below and follow along for real-time men’s style looks via Instagram.

Shaking up the typical cardigan combo just enough to make it interesting this winter.

Shaking up the typical cardigan combo just enough to make it interesting this winter.

The Cardigan: J. Crew Merino Wool Cardigan Sweater, $89.50 — Perhaps this very cardigan is one you’ve already got in your closet? Tailored and made from great fabric, it’s refined enough to dress down — if that makes sense.

The Shirt: Abercrombie and Fitch Two-Pocket Chambray Shirt, $68 — Yes, you can definitely take that light chambray shirt and make it work for you in winter. Trust me.

The Parka: Grayers Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka, $140.98 — You can pick up a versatile, tough parka and use it as a prime outer layer all season long — the Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka is the one to buy.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Grim Tim Jeans in Bay Blue, $136.98 — One of the prime ways we’re mixing up this outfit? Injecting some casual, faded denim in the mix — they stand out just enough from the chambray shirt, and they’re offset nicely by the grey cardigan.
Huckberry

The Boots: Nisolo Emilio Chukka Boot, $149.98 — Reliable leather chukka boots are absolutely the way to go in nearly any style situation — especially a casual one. Luckily, the Emilio Chukka Boot does it all.

The Belt: J. Crew Classic Leather Dress Belt, $29.50 — If you’re already picking up a classic J. Crew cardigan, why not pick up a simple, effective leather belt to go with it?

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $17.98 — We all recognize these socks, right? Right. They’re solid, reliable, comfortable and a nice match for the hues of blue in this outfit.
The Watch: Seiko Dive Watch, $319.98 — Since we’re mixing high-low style in this outfit — the rugged chambray shirt + the faded Nudie Jeans denim in particular — a dive watch on a durable NATO strap is smart and sharp.
 Although there’s nothing too fancy or utterly eye-catching about this outfit, it’s grounded in classic staples mixed a bit unexpectedly. From the lighter shades of the chambray shirt to the light wash denim and the slightly dressier Emilio Chukka Boot, it takes advantage of twists on tried-and-true staples. It’s a combination that would work in the spring sans the Montana Waxed and Quilted Parka, and you’d always do well to pick up a handsome, rugged timepiece like the Seiko Dive Watch. With that being said, chime in via the comments below if you have alternate picks or styling suggestions — always looking forward to hearing from everyone, and many thanks for reading!
-Beau

Beckett Simonon

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

by Beau H.

The Friday Read: Coachella, Governors Ball and New Year’s Resolutions

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.

So, we’re in full-on 2017 mode — full speed ahead — at The Style Guide this week. Already, it’s tough to believe about a week has flown by. How’s your week? Feeling any different than 2016? For all of us, I sure hope so. If you’re a fan of menswear — and music — we’ll cover a few key topics in that regard to start the year today. I enjoyed a busy yet productive first four days back from work, and that was bolstered by some neat news off the clock — the announcement of the lineup for perhaps my favorite weekend of the year, NYC’s Governors Ball. I truly enjoyed checking out the festival in style last year, and I’m pretty pumped to check it out again.  It’ll be pretty tough to top amazing shows from The Killers and The Strokes among others, but I can’t wait to check it out. From the U.S. return of Phoenix to a much-anticipated showing by Lorde and performances by amazing bands like The Head and the Heart (whom I saw last month in Baltimore) to Local Natives (whom I saw in Providence last fall), it promises to be quite special. Of course, Franz Ferdinand, Warpaint, Saint Motel and Phantogram should all be major treats — along with headlining slots from Chance the Rapper and Childish Gambino. Seriously — this is exciting. And if you won’t be able to make it to Governors Ball, it’s tough to understate how excellent this year’s Coachella lineup is, from The xx and Lorde to Radiohead, Beyoncé (and a packed undercard of names featuring bands like Joseph, Oh Wonder, Bastille, Arkells and again, Local Natives. OK, I’m pumped about festival season. And I’m ready to take on the weekend in style — who else is with me? Follow along with all the behind-the-scenes #menswear action on Instagram. Stay stylish!

  • Forbes released its  2017 ’30-Under-30′ list earlier this year, and what’s pretty fascinating aside from the list itself is the depth of menswear on said list — including five menswear brands to know from said list, as featured on GQ.com.
  • One thing we didn’t quite mention above as we kick off the new year … those pesky 2017 menswear resolutions. I rounded up a few of mine on the blog earlier this week, and would love to hear yours — what have we got upcoming? Let me know in the comments, folks.
  • If a watch upgrade is on your mind to start 2017, then there’s one place to go — and it could be Worn & Wound. I attended the brand’s watch fair (featuring a stellar showing of excellent, detail-oriented watch brands), and the company itself stocks a pretty impressive array of watch accessories for the style-minded guy (which would happen to be you). So, you best read up on my latest feature for The Manual — it’s a good one (wink, wink).
  • Last but not least, we’re in the thick of winter weather — grab yourself a pair of the best men’s boots for winter via this site’s roundup earlier this week. You’ll be all set — trust me.

OK, that’s a wrap — get out there and enjoy the new year in style!

Beckett Simonon

by Beau H.

#OOTD: How to Dress for the First Snowfall

Editor’s note: You’ve surely seen this hashtag lots of different places, including on Instagram. But how does that carry over to real life? The #OOTD series will take one great item and put together a versatile, stylish outfit around it. Look for past features here.

Can you feel it? A real chill in the air? Temperatures (nearly) below or *gasp* at freezing? And maybe … the flutter of a snowflake or two? Yes, the more you look around these parts — that is, Brooklyn — on The Style Guide, the more you realize winter’s just about here. Of course, if you find yourself in a warm climate year-round, stop reading — we have plenty of beach-ready menswear for you. But if you need to bundle up for that first snowfall, the #menswear you need is just a few clicks away — and it looks sharp for situations casual and slightly less so.  Essential layering pieces like a shawl-collar cardigan and a slim henley can work all through fall, but when it comes time to combat the snow? You can certainly still reach for ’em with confidence. We’ll get to the full #OOTD below — and for style inspiration on the daily, check out the behind-the-scenes process on Instagram.

Layering up for snowy weather with a comfortable henley, a rugged cardigan and waterproof boots.

Layering up for snowy weather with a comfortable henley, a rugged cardigan and waterproof boots.

The Cardigan: JACHS NY Donegal Shawl Neck Cardigan, $129 — With its combination of hefty fabric yet a pleasingly modern fit, this cardigan is refined enough for the office but casual enough for the weekend.

The Topcoat: Old Navy Wool-Blend Topcoat in Crème Caramel, $124.94 — Add another brand to your list when it comes to stylish topcoat shopping this season. Old Navy knocks it out of the park with this functional, sharp number. Is it a heavy, technical parka? Not quite. But will it layer up nicely and look refined along the way? Yes, sir.

The Denim: Flint & Tinder All-American Jeans (Slim Tapered or Straight Tapered), $98 — If you caught this site’s post on the best men’s selvedge denim, then you know how essential Flint & Tinder jeans can be. Snag either the Straight or Slim Tapered cut and wear them all season. As to a belt? Choose a braided leather belt  for seasonally appropriate texture if you’ve got one.

The Henley: OLIVERS Apparel Convoy Henley, $98 — If you’re heading to the office & a henley won’t cut it, sub in a stylish chambray shirt & a wool tie. But in casual situations? Layer away with this soft, comfortable and slim henley.

The Boots: Cole Haan Lockridge Moc Toe Waterproof Boots, $350 — Perhaps more well-known for lightweight shoes like its ZeroGrand series, the Lockridge is a flexible, durable and completely waterproof boot ready for snow and slush, plus a business casual day at the office.

The Socks: Anonymous-ism Fair Isle Grade Crew Socks, $25 (Available via East Dane) — With various shades of blue in this outfit — plus that rich camel topcoat — a shot of red via textured socks makes a nice addition.

The Watch: Lum-Tec M60 GMT Watch, $499.98 — If you stop by here often, you know that Lum-Tec makes a bevy of watches that are Style Guide favorites. Although brown boots are in play, the M60 GMT Watch features a black dial and a black leather strap– but it comes with a stainless steel bracelet or a black rubber strap (especially handy in the snow).

The Hat: Herschel Supply Co. Abbott Knit Beanie, $20 (Available via East Dane) — Other than stylish leather gloves, what’s the one accessory keeping you warm in the blustery snow? A functional, neutral winter cap. If you’re going to go investment-level with a durable casual watch, might as well keep your hat affordable and versatile.

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This snowfall-ready outfit favors fashion just a bit more than function — we’re not throwing on a blizzard-level parka and snow pants just yet. But in the event it does start to snow a little harder, versatile accessories like a warm shawl collar cardigan and a sharp topcoat should serve you well. And accessories like tough winter boots  and a rugged leather watch can certainly take a few punches. Regardless of whether you’re stepping through  a few flurries or the bitter chill, don’t leave home without a warm scarf and gloves (thank your mom for that reminder, too!). If you’ve got other questions on what to wear for the first snowfall, or just want to chat, shoot me an email or a Tweet.

Stay stylish!

-Beau