Fashion is fabric mixed with passion and in the case of Lindsay Singletary, bespoke stylist and showroom manager for Knot Standard in Austin Texas, her passion is men’s suits and luxurious Italian fabrics like Loro Piana and Ariston. Lindsay explains her love of men’s fashion, how she sees style and fashion merge in Austin and offers advice for guys looking to up their fashion game in the Lone Star state.
How would you describe men’s fashion trends in Austin?
Lindsay: Men’s fashion in Austin is a neat topic. Often referred to as the ‘Silicon Hills’, Austin isn’t known as a fashion capital. Street style fashion in Austin is usually along the lines of a pocketed tee with a colored pair of chinos and a worn pair of Vans. On the higher end level, open up any Tribeza magazine and you will find your fashion forward guys wearing a sleek and of course, slim-fitted suit from custom tailors like Knot Standard. Most guys who live in Austin enjoy the freedom of wearing casual gear to work while also meeting their dinner date without having to swap out their outfit. Do not be fooled though, Austin men love a good suit and blazer when the happy hour hits or the latest Austin event marks the calendar.
What are the distinct characteristics of Austin style?
Lindsay: Suits and Boots. In Austin, any lawyer, politician or real estate agent can get away with wearing a Loro Piana suit and a pair of leather cowboy boots. Its hip, authentic Austin fashion and guys look great when they wear it with confidence and pride.
What are some Knot Standard pieces that reflect well this style or that can be used to achieve the Austin look? Lindsay: I always try to think smart for my Austin guys when it comes to rounding out their wardrobe. Our package deal is the way to solve all problems when updating a wardrobe. Any Austin man will need a couple of blazers to wear with dark denim, a crisp button down, and nice cognac-colored belt and loafers or wingtips to break it up. With the blazers, a gentleman always needs a go-to navy staple, and a grey-based blazer to throw on with slacks, chinos or dark denim. And then there’s the suit. The suit when you get presented at an event like the Top 40 Under 40 Awards at the new downtown JW Marriott. And don’t ask me twice about the need for a custom tuxedo. All guys need at least one and preferably two tuxedos and custom made are an absolute must. Please don’t even think about renting!
What advice can you offer clients wanting to develop their own ‘Austin style’?
Lindsay: Know your limits with the slimmer feel of garments, but definitely throw out the loose baggy shirts and trousers, and make smart moves by updating that closet with a new and better fitting you! Use your different package pieces to create multiple outfits. If you want to wear a suit but aren’t required to and don’t want to seem too stuffy, lose the tie and socks this summer and keep the look cool and stylish.
What will be the most hottest trends in men’s fashion in Austin in 2015?
Lindsay: I know the custom ante has certainly gone up since June of 2014 and I can excitedly say that “good news travels fast.” A suit or blazer that fits perfectly to your body – who wouldn’t want to hop on that train? I think more green tones will be taking the stage and the older, almost black conservative color navy is on its way out. Brighter Baltic blue patterns and cutaway collars are already peeking out from every sidewalk.
But keep your eye on my new favorite color tone: the soft in-between grey and pacific blue. It’s the color of the spring and summer in my opinion. Works for any outdoor or destination wedding and looks sharper than all the other suits in the office. Great part about it, the color is for all four seasons. Don’t want to worry about finding the perfect belt – ditch it and design your suits with side tabs for that clean and crisp look.
Lindsay Singletary is a bespoke stylist and showroom manager for Knot Standard’s Austin showroom. Originally from New Orleans, Lindsay has worked with French jewelry designer, Mignon Faget where she learned the intricacies of pieces designed for men, such as the oyster cuff links and the tortoise belt buckle before moving to Austin to open the Bonobos Austin Guideshop. After a year of nailing casual wear, she fell in love with men’s suits and high end fabrics such as Loro Piana, Zegna and Ariston. She combines a passion for fabrics with a growing knowledge of fashion styles, fit and color patterns.
Visit Lindsay at Knot Standard’s Austin Showroom, located at 706 Rio Grande, right off of West 6th Street.