January 16, 2019December 26, 2018 by Beau H.

The List: Keep Your Winter Rolling in Style with this Week’s Top Men’s Essentials

The type of jacket that’s going to come in mighty handy on winter weekend excursions.

Quickly, what’s on your back this winter? As in, what essential winter jacket do you find yourself wearing on the daily? If you don’t quite yet have an answer to that question, you’re in luck. We’re kicking off today’s edition of The List talking about one of the best men’s winter jackets to buy now, and then we’re filling out the rest of your men’s style essentials accordingly. It’s winter, it’s chilly, and if you’re bored of what’s in your wardrobe … don’t be. Brands like Taylor Stitch and again, Outerknown, are here to save the day. Let’s get to work.

Outerknown Puffer Jacket — $225

Slim, sleek and well-made — that’s always what you get with Outerknown.

We’ve previously highlighted Outerknown here on the blog (like in this post, where you can use the code ‘STYLEGUIDE25’ for a discount at the brand’s site). So, we’re back again today with an essential, easy-to-wear winter jacket that epitomizes comfort and warmth. It could just be the perfect jacket for winter travel.

SHOP: The Outerknown Puffer Jacket

Rhodes Dean Boots — $220

A rich new color and sturdy design make these a new favorite.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, we love the Rhodes Dean Boots here on the blog (learn how to style them in this #OOTD). It’s all the better that the particular stylish leather boots shown here feature a rich new color and a sleek plain toe silhouette.

Aymara Doryan Sweater — $181.98

A heritage classic that adds rugged appeal to any outfit.

When you pick up a rugged winter sweater from Aymara, you’re really putting on a timeless piece of history — it helps that the Doryan Sweater is stylish, to boot.

Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt in Camo — $100

A new take on camo from the master purveyors at Taylor Stitch.

I’m normally not one for camo prints, but there’s something about this classically styled Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt that strikes a chord with me. A perfectly rugged winter shirt.

Faherty Brand Heritage Sweatpants in Heather Grey — $138

Slim sweatpants made with excellent fabric.

Now, this won’t be the last of Faherty Brand gear you’ll see in today’s post. The Heritage Sweatpants feature super soft brushed cotton and a cool heather texture — a fitting weekend style upgrade for a morning coffee or brunch run.

Centric Instruments Lightwell Field Watch — $260

A casually stylish, rugged field watch for winter.

For all of the style upgrades we talk about making to start the new year — including the stylish leather boots and the perfect jacket for winter travel as discussed above — sometimes, a guy just needs a really great watch. This durable field watch from Centric Instruments is it.

Levi’s 511 Slim Fit Advanced Stretch Jeans — $89.50

The slim jeans in a comfortable fabric blend that every guy needs.

If ever you tire of your current denim collection, know that Levi’s is here to save the day with the classic Levi’s 511 jeans — this pair features a blend of cotton, poly & elastane for 24/7 comfort.

Baracuta G9 Original Jacket — $311.98

A bright way to shake off the doldrums of winter.

Every now and again, it can be fun to shake up your winter outerwear rotation. And if the weather takes a slightly warmer turn, you could do worse than the iconic Baracuta G9 Original Jacket, a timeless style for winter and well beyond.

Ranger Station Tobacco + Musk Cologne — $48.98

The new cologne to freshen up your routine this winter.

What could be more masculine and just plain cool than a cologne imbued with everything from warm teakwood to spicy vetiver? Not much. Ranger Station has done a very nice job.

Bespoke Post Amp Box — $45 (When You Sign Up for Bespoke Post)

The best way to upgrade your home audio in terms of style AND quality.

Among other style upgrades you should make for the new year, improving your home audio system should be among them. The handsome hardwood Bespoke Post Amp Box can help.

Faherty Brand Quilted Belmar Snap CPO — $188

An easy, cozy, casual layer from Faherty Brand.

Made with a cozy cotton-poly blend and featuring military-inspired buttons, this durable shirt jacket from Faherty Brand should become your new go-to weekend layer. Pair it with the Heritage Sweatpants from the same brand, naturally.

Filson Dryden Ballistic 2-Wheel Carry-On Bag — $295

A handsome and classic briefcase that should accompany you for years on end.

You really can turn to Filson for everything, including the Dryden Ballistic Carry-On Bag, a rugged and durable travel bag that’ll make it easy to pack and hit the road this winter.

Alright, who’s geared up to get through the rest of winter? This won’t be your final opportunity — The List will return with plenty more great winter must-haves. But for now, let me know about your favorite men’s style picks over on one of my favorite social media platforms … Twitter. As for me? I’m a fan of the Rhodes Dean Boots, of course. Cheers!

January 9, 2018January 9, 2018 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Refresh Your Tailored Style for the New Year

With the start of a new year comes certain resolutions for each of, including those related to #menswear. At least, that’s the case for me, and I hope you’re on board if you regularly read The Style Guide. We talked last week about what you’ve got in mind as far as men’s style resolutions go — how are yours coming along? While it can be a broad challenge to retool or build up your wardrobe from square one, the below #OOTD is going to focus on mixing some pieces you probably already own in a way that you might not have thought of before. It’s a little more tailored, a little more unique and a bit more fun — all good things when it comes to revamping your look for the months to come. You’ll find a classic Oxford shirt teamed with tailored trousers and stylish wingtip boots, each of which you might already have in your closet — that’s not so bad, right? Adjusting to classic pieces worn in new ways is half the battle right there. So, let’s go into the coming weeks and months with an open mind, with some stylish winter accessories and with an ensemble that’s office-ready and visually striking. Here we go.

A refreshed way to dress in tailored style for the new year.

The Topcoat: Abercrombie & Fitch Italian Wool-Blend Topcoat, $180 — A la Mr. James Bond in Skyfall, the navy topcoat is striking, sharp and perfectly ready to wear to the office. This one is nice & affordable, too.

The Shirt: Flint and Tinder Soft-Washed Oxford, $98 — A comfortable and tailored Oxford shirt is the right balance between casual and formal — it all comes down to what you wear it with. Speaking of …

The Scarf: Corridor NYC Check Scarf in Black, $80 — This Corridor NYC Check Scarf is well-made and — perhaps most importantly — visually interesting when paired with the A&F navy topcoat. A stylish scarf is definitely one way to refresh your look for the new year.

The Trousers: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers, $178 — If you normally find yourself wearing some combo of American-made denim and a flannel shirt in winter months — as I often do — the sharp, tailored Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers are a heck of a step up in terms of style.

The Boots: Hudson Shoes Fernie Boots, $240 — Durable winter boots that manage to blend office-ready style with functionality? Yep, that’s where the Hudson Shoes Fernie Boots come into play.

The Socks: American Trench Boot Socks in Oatmeal, $29.50 — The right pair of stylish socks can do more than just keep your feet warm and comfortable — they can look good, too. The American Trench Boot Socks get it done.

The Watch: Shinola Canfield Watch, $650 — A suitably tailored outfit calls for a sleek, well-designed watch to match — and that’s why the investment-worthy Shinola Canfield Watch is a worthwhile New Year’s upgrade.

The Finishing Touch: Fulton & Roark Shackleford Solid Cologne, $42 — If you want to dip your waters into wearing cologne, a low-key, solid option — like the Shackleford Solid Cologne from Fulton & Roark — is an advisable move.

Stepping into a new year can be intimidating, so the way you dress and get ready for your daily life shouldn’t be — that’s how I view it, at least. It’s a process that gets easier as time goes on — plus, a jolt of self-confidence from a sharp look helps things along. And when you mix and match foundational pieces with dressier, more unique offerings, like pairing the Flint and Tinder Soft-Washed Oxford with the Corridor NYC Check Scarf and a tailored topcoat, the results are stylish and just different enough. The handsome Taylor Stitch Telegraph Trousers help ground the outfit in winter style territory, while the Hudson Shoes Fernie Boots offer rugged functionality and dependable style. You also shouldn’t forgo essential accessories like the American Trench Boot Socks or a clean and classic watch — the Shinola Canfield Watch is going to work more than ably with this #OOTD. Want to add another level to your ensemble? Finish things off with the Shackleford Solid Cologne. If you own any of these pieces, or if you’re thinking about trying out this look yourself, feel free to drop by The Style Guide Facebook page to let me know!

Good luck out there, and thanks for reading!

-Beau

December 9, 2017December 7, 2017 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

February 14, 2017January 29, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Layering Up in Style 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, so first of all — it’s Valentine’s Day! I hope you’re spending the day just as you’d like, and in style. To that end — if you’re looking to shore up or switch up your casual winter style after a few months of bone-chilling cold, this week’s #OOTD will sort that out nicely for you. We talked last month about how to wear a turtleneck this winter, but we’re going a bit more accessible and a bit more versatile today — as you’ll see below. It’s taking pieces that you might already have in your wardrobe, or pieces that you might be coveting — ahem, the Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — and putting in all together in a look that you can wear any day of the week. So, Sunday brunch? Check. Heck, Saturday brunch? You got it. And a weekend coffee date or a business casual day at the office? Absolutely. For more daily style inspiration, follow your Style Guide author on Instagram. Join us later this week for our regularly scheduled #menswear programming, too. Happy shopping!

Taking classic pieces and upgrading the fabrics and fits.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket, $248 — Ahh, yes. The warm, comfortable, slim-fitting and versatile Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket. How could you not love it? Right? Right.

The Sweater: Bonobos Merino V-Neck Sweater, $58 — If you’re going to wear something more simple in form — like a V-neck sweater — you might as well make yours a high-quality, well-fitting piece in a rich winter color. Wondering how it should fit? Read my recent Effortless Gent piece on how to find the perfect sweater (nudge, nudge).

The Oxford: JackThreads The Oxford Shirt, $39 — Is there a more classic combination for versatile, casual style than a V-neck sweater and an Oxford? Not quite — especially when it’s a great deal from the folks at JackThreads.

The Denim: Buck Mason Lou Slim Fit Jean, $175 — If you haven’t checked out Buck Mason, I’d advise you do so — from the brand’s classic short-sleeve chambray shirts to slim denim like this pair (faded just right), it’s tough gear for the modern man.

The Boots: Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots, $180 — As sold by everyone’s favorite E-commerce retailer — that’s Huckberry, y’all — Astorflex makes essential, sustainable and stylish footwear. Yes, the Bitflex Chelsea Boots are a winning footwear choice.

The Belt: Abercrombie & Fitch Leather Belt, $44 — Sometimes, your accessories help define a casual ensemble. In this instance, a textured belt tones things down in comparison to a slim dress belt.

The Socks: American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks, $16.98 — If you’re going to fill your sock drawer with only the best, might as well make your picks from American Trench — the brand makes beautiful, comfortable socks.

The Watch: Tanner Goods Martenero Ace Automatic Watch, $549.98 — Just as a textured leather belt places this outfit in casual territory, so too does a rugged, handsome and eye-catching watch with tough Tanner Gods leather. Truly, the Ace Automatic Watch is expertly designed and made to stand up to anything.

With versatility and great comfort & fit in mind, dressing in casual style can be easy and hey, fun. And if you’ve been looking for ways to switch up your style this winter, a great V-neck and Oxford is one way to go. These are pieces you might already have, but you can amp things up with something like the handsome, rugged Maritime Submariner Jacket and slick footwear like the Astorflex Bitflex Chelsea Boots. Oh, and if adding to your watch collection is a priority in terms of your 2017 style resolutions, there’s no better place to start than the very investment-worthy Ace Automatic Watch. If you have any questions or suggestions on this outfit, drop ’em in the comments or hit me up on Twitter. Talk to you soon, and thank you for reading!

-Beau

February 8, 2017January 31, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear On Valentine’s Day

So, perhaps you think you’ve got everything sorted out for Valentine’s Day, from a killer dinner reservation — or a romantic night of your choosing — and a great gift. But not so fast there, fella. Have you given some thought as to what to wear on Valentine’s Day? The folks at Dappered always do a nice job tackling different scenarios, but today, we here at The Style Guide are helping you tackle the dressy dinner date (or night at the theater, or drinks and dessert … you get the picture). So, unlike our last style suggestion — that would be how to dress for winter travel — we’re going more refined and more tailored today. And crucially, we’re focused on layering up in style despite the chill. After all, Valentine’s Day is an excellent chance to show your significant other how much you care about them — and a small part of that is certainly putting your best foot forward. So, good luck out there and if you find yourself in need of more #menswear advice, don’t hesitate to hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Or heck, Instagram. Go to it!

The Topcoat: J. Crew Ludlow Topcoat in Italian Wool-Cashmere with Thinsulate — $470

As classic a topcoat as it gets, at a not-so-bad price.

First things first, let’s start with a stylish winter topcoat to fight the chill. J. Crew has taken its classic Ludlow suiting silhouette and translated that into a heck of a modern, functional topcoat. It’s going to be the perfect complement to a tailored winter ensemble , what with its crisp color and sharp silhouette. If you need to go with a cheaper option, you could always grab the ever-reliable JackThreads Tieman Topcoat.

The Suit: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket — $278 and Trousers in Grey Wool — $142.99

Quietly classic and essential for Valentine’s Day.

Remember the handsome, essential Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket from this site’s post on what to wear on New Year’s Eve? Or how to suit up this winter? If you jumped on it at the right time and find this suit currently sitting in your closet, good man. The rich wool, tailored fit and go-anywhere versatility mean it might just be your best suit — thus, it’s perfect for a night out. Of course, something as classic as the J. Crew Ludlow suit wouldn’t go amiss here, either.

The Shirt: J. Crew Ludlow Spread-Collar Shirt in Mountain Stream Stripe — $88

A sharp shirt in an unexpected color.

Although a classic white dress shirt or a baby blue number would work just fine here, a striped shirt with a strong collar is a unique and somewhat unexpected style move. The cool blue is a winter-friendly pop of brighter color, and given J. Crew’s quality, it’s the type of shirt that can be worn with other patterns — like a striped navy suit, somewhat similar to The Man Michael Fassbender.

The Accessories: Ties.com Hunter Green Antwerp Polka Dot Tie — $25 AND Ties.com Navy Edged Linen Pocket Square — $10

Blue and green makes for a unique, eye-catching color combo.

First off, yes, we’re going with a linen pocket square in winter. In this instance, the navy detailing adds a nice contrast to the grey wool suit, and it offsets the lighter blue striped shirt. Similarly, a green tie offers a bit of rich contrast to the suit-and-shirt combo. Plus, the polka dots add some nice visual interest, and it’s really tough to beat the standout prices on both of these pieces. Ya feel me?

The Boots: Thursday Boots Honey Suede Duke Boot — $199

A unique alternative to your typical dress shoe.

Boots are indeed the move in this case, and particularly in suede — the texture just looks right up against grey wool, and this Honey shade is particularly handsome. While you could stick with a pair of classic men’s dress shoes, these boots are going to help you navigate slippery terrain with fashion and function in mind. If it gets too snowy outside, you might want to consider the waterproof Thursday Boots Cognac Suede Wingtip Boot.

The Belt: J. Crew Textured Leather Dress Belt — $68

Go with a reliable belt from a reputable brand.

If you’re going with a classic, essential J. Crew topcoat (and potentially a suit, too), why not pick up a stylish, simple and effective dress belt from said brand? The price is a bit, well pricey, yet this is the type of dress belt you’ll be able to wear frequently — even with dark denim and a V-neck sweater. Easy enough, right?

The Watch: Orient Ray II — $234.50

The toughest watch in your collection? Maybe. The right Valentine’s Day pick in terms of style? Without a doubt.

You surely didn’t think we’d leave anything to chance on a day like Valentine’s Day, right? No, not even a watch like the Orient Ray II is out of the question on this night. It’s an utterly classic, sharp and stylish watch made for all kinds of tailored occasions — especially a beautiful evening on the town. The stainless steel diver has connotations both dressy and rugged — maybe that’s why it’s a favorite of James Bond — and this timepiece is no different. Yes, the Orient Ray II is a tough watch for the rest of the year, and it’s a handsome complement to the hues of blue and green in the rest of this ensemble.

The Socks — American Trench Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks — $16.98

An easy pick when it comes to stylish socks that complement an outfit.

If you don’t recognize American Trench by now, then you’ve got another thing coming … just kidding. When a brand makes versatile, crisp socks that fit well and feel great, you should buy ’em in bunches. And when it comes time to wear them on special occasions, you should certainly break them out. These Pima Cotton Houndstooth Socks are essential, versatile and add just enough color and texture to this outfit.

Alright, did that post help you take care of your shopping? At least a little bit? It’s crucial to work with what you’ve got in your wardrobe — say, the essential Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket — and make it work for you in multiple situations. When matched up with a unique striped dress shirt and smart accessories in eye-catching hues, it’s hard to go wrong. Plus, sharp suede Chelsea boots add a bit of visual intrigue, while a tough-yet-refined dive watch like the Orient Ray II is the way to go in this instance. Hopefully, this is an outfit that impresses your significant other — just don’t forget about a meaningful gift and a fun evening. Deal? Deal. High-five, y’all!

Thanks for reading and stay stylish,

-Beau

February 1, 2017January 22, 2017 by Beau H.

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Accessories To Buy Now

Editor’s note: Click through this link to see more men’s style shopping picks.

Just a couple of weeks ago on The Style Guide, we talked about the best men’s gloves to buy for winter — a pretty specific category that can nonetheless make a big difference in how you tackle cold weather on the daily. You might not think much of getting the right winter gloves, but again, the devil is in the details. Such is also the case with other stylish winter accessories — we covered the topic last year on the blog, but we’re updating it for 2017 today. There are certainly multiple ways to go as you gear up for winter — that is to say, you can snap up pieces that are either rugged and built for work & adventure, or more refined and made to dress up (a la some of James Bond’s accessories in “Skyfall”). With that versatile approach in mind, we — and by we, I mean me — compiled choice picks for the chilly weather ahead. So, prepare to dress for the polar vortex and get shopping while there’s still time. Happy shopping!

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Maritime Submariner Jacket — $198 OR Outerknown Nomadic Parka — $195

Either a parka with technical flair, or a rugged-yet-casual wool jacket. Your call.

In an ideal world, we’d all be able to stock our closets chock full of coats for every type of situation — sadly, there’s not enough time or money to go around for that. With a versatile approach and comfort — plus warmth — in mind, either the Maritime Submariner Jacket or the reliable, hard-wearing and easy-to-layer Outerknown Nomadic Parka are really solid winter outerwear picks. The Submariner Jacket is made from beastly boiled wool, and the Nomadic Parka is a great piece to layer up with when wearing everything from a casual crewneck sweater to a tailored winter outfit.

The Gloves: J. Crew Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves — $98 OR Hestra Granvik Gloves — $180

Again, the choice between casual style and dressy appeal is up to you.

So, here we are again with an underrated style accessory — critical, yet underrated. There’s that tricky balance between dressy and casual here — if you find yourself suiting up on the regular, a pair of refined, cashmered-lined leather gloves is the perfect pick (the smartphone-capable fingers are a nice touch, too). And for all kinds of rugged winter style adventures, there might not be a better pick than the Hestra Granvik Gloves — truly, these guys know what they’re doing when it comes to crafting great winter gloves.

The Hat: Columbiaknit Watch Cap — $17

As sold by Style Guide favorites Huckberry , there’s something refreshingly no-frills about a well-made, simple and affordable winter hat like the Columbiaknit Watch Cap. Again, winter accessories are an underrated way to complement your overall look — just look at how well our man David Beckham dresses for winter with a simple puffer jacket and yes, a neutral beanie cap. Your ears will definitely thank you when the polar vortex hits.

The Scarf: S.N.S Herning Torso Scarf — $96.60

A scarf that’s easily wearable, comfortable and worth the price.

Am I encouraging you to spend nearly $100 on a scarf? Well, yes. If you can only pick up one scarf, you might as well make it a well-made, neutral and versatile piece you can match with anything in your closet. Whether you team it with a slim topcoat or a more rugged piece like the Nomadic Parka, you truly can’t go wrong with this ribbed black scarf. In fact, you could even steal some winter style from Daniel Craig and team it with a thick-knit shawl-collar cardigan.

The Socks: Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker Socks — $12.98 OR American Trench Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere — $28.98

Your call — simple, well-made socks or a pair with winter-friendly pattern.

We’ve once again reached that tricky balance between a casual winter accessory and a piece that’s slightly more dressed up. For simple functionality and comfort, there might not be a better value on the market than the Merino Lite Hiker Socks. And if you want a pair with a bit more visual interest — yet the same quality and versatility, the Fair Isle Sock in Merino & Cashmere is about as good as it gets. Heck, you could snag two pairs of the Merino Lite Hikers, and throw in a pair from American Trench for good measure. Not a bad deal, ehh?

OK, is your closet fully stocked yet? If you still need to upgrade your winter accessories, I hope the above picks give you a place to start. It always pays to reach for quality and versatility — particularly in terms of outerwear like the Submariner Jacket or the essential Nomadic Parka. And with the rest of your accessories, you should hunt for similar quality — so, a thick-knit ribbed scarf and tough winter gloves from the likes of Hestra are wise additions to your ensemble. And although you might not think too much of it, a comfortable winter hat like the Columbiaknit Watch Cap is going to provide you with long-lasting comfort and warmth (as are functional socks from Wigwam or American Trench). Did you take notes? Open up a few browser tabs? Either way, happy shopping and stay warm out there!

-Beau

January 31, 2017February 7, 2017 by Beau H.

#OOTD: Rugged Winter Style

Every once in a while, you just want to mix up your style — right? Maybe if you’re a guy who frequently suits up , you feel compelled to dress down off-duty. Even if you find yourself dressing in business casual style for the office — rather than a suit — it still pays to have a few go-to, off-the-clock looks on-hand. And when you throw in the dual challenges of navigating winter weather while looking sharp, it adds another piece to the puzzle. That’s what we’re tackling today — we’ll get a bit out of the box in terms of classic winter style and go just a tad more casual and a tad more rugged. The basic building blocks of a crisp winter ensemble are still there — starting with classic dark denim and tough leather boots — but the way in which the outfit builds from the ground up will hopefully get you thinking about ways to refresh your style this year. Intrigued yet? Check out the full #OOTD below, and join us on Instagram and Facebook for more #menswear content, 24/7.

Layering up a shawl cardigan for rugged winter style — as the post title implies.

The Cardigan: Iron & Resin Fletcher Cardigan,$110.98 — Here at the dear old Style Guide, we sure do love a shawl-collar cardigan. And seeing as this one is available via Huckberry in a warm cotton-fleece blend, it’s worth the buy. You could always add a crisp, functional Outerknown parka if you need an extra layer.

The Henley: Bonobos Slub Jersey Henley in Off-White Microstripe, $55 — Shawl-collar cardigan? Check. Rugged henley? Check. It’s as classic and comfortable of a winter style combo as it gets.

The Scarf: S.N.S Herning Torso Scarf, $96.60 — Nearly a hundred bucks is a lot to drop on a scarf — but when it provides significant warmth and style to rival that of the revered Daniel Craig in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” it’s worth doing.

The Denim: Nudie Jeans Grim Tim Denim, $124.98 — Whether you consider yourself a rock star or not, there’s something to be said for owning a slick, slim pair of black denim. The Grim Tim is that pair — and they’re a nice way to switch it up from dark indigo selvedge, too.

The Boots: G.H. Bass Buxton Boots, $425 — We talk a lot about investment-worthy purchases that convey great style and timeless appeal — the G.H. Bass Buxton Boots are one such purchase, and they add a bit of a unique contrast to the black denim.

The Socks: Wigwam Merino Lite Hiker Socks, $12.98 — Sometimes, you just need comfortable, functional socks that fight the chill — if that’s the case, pick up a couple pairs of these Merino Lite Hiker Socks.

The Watch: Standard Issue Instruments Pilot Mission Timer, $199.98 — Yet another standout piece of gear sold by Huckberry, the Pilot Mission Timer is tough, practical and rugged. Don’t worry about the black strap-brown boots color combo — it works in this casual ensemble.

The Hat: Columbiaknit Watch Cap, $17 — Just like the Merino Lite Hiker Socks, functionality and warmth is sometimes the name of the game. This cap is more than fairly priced, too.

The Gloves: Hestra Granvik Gloves, $180 — They might not be pictured in the above grid, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need reliable, tough winter gloves — Hestra is the place to go in this case.

Alright, let’s bundle up and get out there this winter. When you start with well-fitting basics — like a slub jersey henley — and add a tough-yet-comfortable Iron & Resin shawl-collar cardigan, you’ve got the foundation of a warm winter outfit. In fact, it’s this very outfit that I frequently find myself wearing when it’s chilly. At any rate, slim black denim and rough-and-tumble leather boots are essentials in any season, especially cold weather, and the overlooked details — like warm winter socks and a nice winter hat — are just as critical to keep in mind before you step outside. And if it’s a new watch you need, something as functional and dependable as the Pilot Mission Timer should get you where you’re going with plenty of time to spare. Any questions? Comments? Feedback? Let me know in the comments below!

Stay warm out there and thanks for reading,

-Beau

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

January 14, 2017January 15, 2017 by Beau H.

Style Pick of the Week: G.H. Bass Buxton Boots

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.

Tough, sturdy and classic — everything you need in a great pair of leather boots

Christmas might be over, but to this #menswear writer, it’s the most wonderful time of the year — time to upgrade your winter boot game in serious style. Truly, you need rugged, durable boots to combat the weather we’ve got going on out there (at least in this neck of the woods). Enter the supremely classic, tough and durable G.H. Bass Buxton Boots, all made-in-America construction and great looks. Now, G.H. Bass is perhaps better known for its classic leather loafers , but believe me when I say the brand’s boots are worth a shot as well. I’ve had the chance to check out the Buxton Boots over these past few weeks in the chilly, snowy cold of NYC, and they’ve more than stood up to the test. The great part about a moc toe boot — especially the Buxton Boot — is the classic, preppy and yet slick styling potential. In a handsome shade of Chestnut leather with contrast stitching, they’re a surprisingly versatile boot. These are the type of boots to wear with everything from slim sand chinos and your favorite shawl cardigan this winter on the weekends to Donegal wool trousers, a classic chambray shirt and a wool blazer to the office — give it a try sometime (after you buy ’em, that is). And the construction and performance? These guys get an A-plus in that regard, too.

A relatively slim profile and sturdy stitching add to the durability & style of these boots.

They’re made in Maine and feature a surprisingly slim profile for a moc toe boot, with a rather unique five-eye upper and tough rawhide laces. It’s a classic, rugged combination that’s held up well in the snow and slush — the tread is durable and relatively grippy, too. The Buxton Boots are heritage-inspired without verging too far into costume territory — they’re the perfect boot to pair with something crisp and essential like the Taylor Stitch Yosemite Shirt as you dress for Sunday brunch (who doesn’t love brunch and a great pair of boots, ehh?). And while the black leather option is just as worthy of a purchase, there’s something to be said about buying a pair of tough, USA-made boots in a classic shade of deep brown. They’re just the sort of boots to offset slim corduroys this winter, and you could feasibly wear them with light wash denim and a slim pocket tee for spring style transitions (trust me on that one, they’ll hold up just fine). And yes, $400-plus is a lot to drop in one fell swoop, even for a pair of sturdy, stylish men’s boots. But again, we love our investment-worthy pieces on this blog — and buying this pair is absolutely the right investment to make.

Will you be buying the G.H. Bass Buxton Boots? Let me know in the comments!

December 28, 2016December 18, 2016 by Beau H.

Style Suggestion: What to Wear on New Year’s Eve

As 2016 draws to a (thankful?) close, it seems that a slew of important days fall one right after the other this time of year — from Christmas Day to today’s important style suggestion — what to wear on New Year’s Eve. Of course, days like these are important for the chance to spend time with family and friends, but a night like New Year’s Eve is also important in terms of how you present yourself heading into the coming year. Too philosophical? Maybe. However, if you’ve been working on your men’s style resolutions, the night before 2017 is a good time to kick things off a bit early. And besides, who doesn’t relish the chance to get dressed up a bit and perhaps channel your inner James Bond? No one, that’s who. So today’s style suggestion covers a crisp and rather formal situation — we’re not going full-on black tie, to be sure, but if you’re a guy who doesn’t suit up all that often, don’t worry; there’s something for everyone in this style suggestion. From a classic dress watch to a well-made suit jacket, consider your New Year’s Eve style all set. To weigh in on these picks, head to the friendly Style Guide Facebook page, and let’s connect on Twitter.

The Topcoat and Scarf: JackThreads Tieman Topcoat — $149 AND J. Crew Cashmere Scarf — $98

Refined and relatively affordable accessories for a chilly yet dressy night.

You might recognize the above JackThreads topcoat from our holiday party style suggestion, and given the mixture of quality and affordability, it’s the right outerwear pick for a refined occasion like New Year’s Eve. The camel color and double-breasted cut are unique and on-trend yet still classic, and the topcoat will slip easily over the rest of your ensemble. The J. Crew cashmere scarf is quite pricey for an accessory, but it’s a classic, versatile piece that you can use season after season — plus, it looks a little cleaner and sharper than a patterned scarf. Need black leather gloves to finish off the look? Might I suggest these black leather sheepskin Hestra gloves? Give ’em a try.

The Jacket: Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket in Grey Wool — $278

A versatile, tailored jacket that’ll spiff up your New Year’s Eve ensemble.

Yet again, we’re going with another pick from our holiday party style suggestion — a classic, rich wool jacket like the Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket is sharp and versatile enough that you can certainly wear it multiple times in the same season, with or without the matching Telegraph Trousers. It’s a slim-fitting, well-made piece that’s appropriate for a dressy New Year’s Eve — it’s not a shawl collar tuxedo by any means, but when matched with a crisp white shirt and a textured tie (more in a second), it’ll outshine any ill-fitting black suits that might be in the crowd. And no one wants to be the guy in the poorly tailored suit, right?

The Shirt: J. Crew Factory Thompson Dress Shirt in White — $34.50

A crisp, clean white dress shirt for a great price.

When you’re putting some money into your outerwear, accessories and jacket, you don’t have to necessarily overdo it on the shirting front. In this instance, that means you can snag a heck of a versatile white dress shirt at a heck of a bargain. J. Crew Factory offers up nearly the same quality as J. Crew, and they’ve become a favorite for style on a budget for that very reason. This is a workweek workhorse and a shirt that can more than pull its weight in a formal ensemble given the slim fit and crisp construction.

The Accessories: Ties.com Burgundy Brussels Plaid Tie — $20 AND Ties.com Blue Hunter Paisley Pocket Square — $10

Two accessories that mix seasonal textures and colors.

As mentioned above, this isn’t a traditional black tie look. So, slightly unique accessories fit the bill nicely here while adding a touch of refinement and seasonal texture to the sharp Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket . The burgundy wool tie changes things up from a standard black or navy knit tie (although either would work well here). It’s slim, to match the width of those lapels, and it’ll complement the paisley blue pocket square thanks to the red-and-brown color combo. A more standard white pocket square would also work in this case, but the paisley pattern adds some nice visual interest.

The Trousers: JACHS NY Navy Herringbone Suspender Pants — $125

A reliable alternative to plain charcoal trousers, made with a hint of stretch fabric.

Skeptical about spending more than $120 on a pair of pants? Bear with me. JACHS NY mixes a nice blend of heritage and modern sportswear with sharp tailoring, resulting in a pair of tailored herringbone pants that call to mind vintage style. These trousers mix cotton herringbone with a hint of stretch and a seriously sharp windowpane pattern — they’ll handsomely accent the smaller-scale plaid pattern on the tie. And the navy color will play nicely off the grey wool Telegraph Jacket — think of this as the smart-casual alternative to a full tuxedo. Oh, and those suspender buttons are handy if you own a pair –but those belt loops will come in handy … just stick around until the end of the style suggestion, ehh?

The Shoes: Johnston & Murphy Waverly Wingtip — $175

An ultra-crisp pair of classic dress shoes — just what you need for New Year’s Eve.

Now, we certainly love our rugged brown leather boots here at The Style Guide — but every man needs a pair of classic dress shoes that work for formal situations. In this instance, that’s the gap in your footwear wardrobe that the Waverly Wingtip fills. The razor-sharp combination of a wingtip and black leather speaks to tailored style, yet it’s not as formal as a pair of black patent leather shoes. You could always reach for a pair of classic black captoe shoes, but again, the wingtip’s heftier look plays well with the wool jacket and textured windowpane trousers.

The Watch: Orient Bambino 2nd Generation Watch — $199.98

A well-made, well-designed and timeless dress watch for under $200.

If we’re going with classic men’s dress shoes in sharp black leather, you need an equally sharp black leather dress watch. So, what better timepiece to pick up than the well-made, crisp and timeless Orient Bambino 2nd Generation Watch? And the even better news? It’s a relative steal for under $200. Plus, it features a new-and-improved in-house movement and a sturdy stainless steel case that’s offset nicely by the formal black leather strap. In short, it’s a heck of a watch that’ll work in occasions both formal *cough, New Year’s Eve, cough* and casual (try it with a slim pocket tee and light wash denim in the spring — seriously).

The Belt: J. Crew Black Leather Dress Belt — $68

Just as every man needs a pair of classic leather dress shoes and a classic dress watch, so too does every man need a slim black leather dress belt. Like the cashmere scarf pictured at the top of this post, the black leather dress belt in question is quite pricey compared to a budget option. Yet, this is a dress belt that’s going to see a ton of use if you happen to suit up a lot. And in this case, it’s refined and not ostentatious — just what you need in a dress belt.

The Socks: American Trench Random Plait Sock in Smoke — $16.98

USA-made socks that offset the rest of this formal ensemble quite nicely.

The American Trench brand tends to be the go-to sock of choice around these parts, and if you’re not familiar with the brand, I’d encourage you to stock up just as soon as you can. Because no detail is too small in matters of men’s style, American-made socks are a bit of a luxury upgrade to typical, thinner dress socks sold in a four-pack — right? The Random Plait Sock in Smoke brings some nice, winter-friendly texture to your bottom half, and the color plays nicely off both the navy herringbone trousers and the sharp black wingtips.

So, we’ve got you covered right down to your socks for New Year’s Eve. Stick with classic-yet-modern pieces — like a beautiful cashmere scarf and a double-breasted topcoat, and you’ll be set on the accessories front. Accent those touches with the ever-versatile Taylor Stitch Telegraph Jacket , and throw in complementary trousers and a seasonally appropriate wool tie, and consider your top half set. Keep in mind that slim navy trousers will offset the grey wool jacket nicely, and know that you can never go wrong with crisp black wingtips and an heirloom-quality watch like the Orient Bambino 2nd Generation Watch. Of course, socks from American Trench are a great way to complement any look. Is this similar to what you’ll be wearing for New Year’s Eve? Leave any feedback in the comments below — oh, and enjoy your own New Year’s Eve! You can look for our regularly scheduled Friday Read later this week, too; in the meantime, stay stylish and bring on 2017!

The Style Guide

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

Tag / winter style tips for men

The List: Keep Your Winter Rolling in Style with this Week’s Top Men’s Essentials

#OOTD: Refresh Your Tailored Style for the New Year

Style Pick of the Week: Grayers Melbourne Flannel Shirt

#OOTD: Layering Up in Style This Winter

Style Suggestion: What to Wear On Valentine’s Day

Online Shopping Picks: The Best Men’s Winter Accessories To Buy Now

#OOTD: Rugged Winter Style

Style Suggestion: How To Dress for Winter Travel

Style Pick of the Week: G.H. Bass Buxton Boots

Style Suggestion: What to Wear on New Year’s Eve