Back in May, I was visiting a good friend of mine who had recently moved to London (what up CJ!). That same week Knot Standard, a U.S.-based custom clothier, happened to be opening a week-long Concept Store in the heart of London’s Soho neighborhood. I attend their opening party and subsequently came in a few days later to sit down with the team and design my own custom suit – lapel to cuff! The Concept Store was in a quaint and cute building right across from the Soho Square Gardens. I was certainly overwhelmed sitting down as there was an overload of options… you could customize the smallest details on your suit – inside and out! After going back and forth on a few different suiting scenarios, I decided I wanted a linen suit, but something different. I wanted a great transitional suit as summer is winding down and autumn is approaching. I wanted a linen suit for the fall!
I decided to stay classic with the suit. The texture of the linen is great, and although I wouldn’t have picked out this rich dark chocolate color off the bat, I’m so glad I branched out and changed things up in my closet. The jacket is a 3-button jacket, which I don’t have many of. I like this jacket because I can wear it separately from the trousers and pair it with a chino or jean for some flexible looks ~ and I’m all about pieces that can be versatile. A double-vent and peak lapel were the other custom options I went with. As for the pants, I kept it super-simple: no pleat, no cuff. Just a trouser adjuster on the waist, which adds such a classic feel.
Fast forward a few months later, and it’s fall in Chicago ~ the time is finally right to whip out my fall suit! I styled this suit in two different ways. A dressier option and a more casual approach – but both have a twist. I love how minimal and simple the linen suit is. With no pleat on the pants, it’s a streamlined and modern look. I could have gone with a standard button-down, but I whipped out the mandarin collar to keep it clean. I had a blue (not pictured) and white band collar shirt that I shot in, and while I did like how the chocolate linen paired with the light blue, the white was just super-crisp and classic. A statement watch from Shinola and a pair of oxford leather shoes and this look was complete! 
This second look is has a more laid-back approach to the linen suit. I added a light brown Barbour sweater underneath. I wasn’t sure if this look was going to work at first, but I really dig how it ended up shaping up. Since the two browns were different shades and textures, the monochrome approach worked great. I also love the clean look of the crew neck under this jacket. I’ll definitely be pairing it with tees or maybe a grey sweater in the future. I accessorized this look by adding some classic Ray-Ban Clubmasters and the Shinola again. I threw on some white sneakers which not only kept it cool and casual but also created a great “pop” with this outfit. The inside of the jacket is pretty special as I’m kinda obsessed with the lining of the jacket. I chose a palm print that looks so great contrasted against the chocolate linen. I also added my monogram to the inside as well as my sign-off “stay risky” on the back collar. I loved this little detail, all the more reason to pop my collar!
What are yall’s thoughts on my custom suit? I’d love to know if any of you have already heard of Knot Standard? They’re actually the fastest-growing menswear company in the US (what>!?) and they’ve only been around since 2010. Check out more about Knot Standard here!
Stay Risky,
-John
Photography by Christian Sampson
