Formal Friday: Checks and Stripes

I am not a huge fan of brown suits generally.  Something about them just makes me think they look too rural or informal.  This suit, however, is an exception. 

I love the contrast of the stripes of the jacket and the checks of the vest.  This is a great example of how playing with complimentary patterns can really add an eye-catching element to your standard suit.  Here, the colors are the same but the variation in the pattern arrangement gives the outfit a sense of depth and vitality.

Also, check out the bowtie/ascot/scarf.  Little twists like this can really pull an outfit together.  Taking something like a scarf or handkerchief and tying it around your neck as you would a bowtie gives a brazen edge to an otherwise put-together look. 

Lastly, make sure to slick back your hair and look super serious and you will OWN that brown suit.

Formal Friday: Cufflinks with French Cuffs

As you might recall, I do not remember the first time I saw a woman wearing a suit.

I do, however, remember the first time I saw a woman wearing cufflinks. 

It was mind-blowing.  Intimidating, sexy, and sophisticated all at once.  The essence of masculine power worn as a token on a female body.  I was wrecked. 

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The essential companion to the cufflink is the french cuff shirt.  The french cuff/cufflink combination is dressy.  It's for select occasions.  Unless you've already made your first million, it's not your everyday wear.  It's for those select times when you need to be at the height of your power. 

And god... when that power is harnessed.  The things you can do with it. 

Formal Friday: White Hot Suit

I'll admit to owning a white suit.  I was warned against buying it.  Unknowing friends gasp when they learn that I have one.  But on the special - and I mean special - occasions that I wear it (think Easter and bourgeois croquet-picnic parties), I always get compliments.  The white suit takes major daring to pull off.  Perhaps a bit of imprudence.  But if you have the audacity to go for it, the results can be fantastic.  You may just become a shining lesbian savior in a dark world of wayward fashion sinners.  Just check out today's Formal Friday image of silent film actress Myrna Loy in a white suit. 

It's amazing how "right" those actors and actresses of yesteryear got some things.  I think a hot lesbian donning this look today would look just as fabulous and fashion-forward as Myrna looked back (in the 1930s?) when this was shot. 

For me, wearing my white suit always makes me feel like Valentine Michael Smith from one of my favorite novels, Stranger in a Strange Land.  Sometimes you wear an outfit to please others. Other times, it is something special that you put on to please no one but yourself.  The white suit is the latter.

Formal Friday: Glasses and sweaters and suits, oh my!

I hope all my readers out there are having a wonderful Formal Friday!  Tonight I am the happiest little lawyer ever because I'm starting work on my first pro bono legal project since becoming a licensed attorney (lawyers out there should recall that we should all strive to do at least 50 hours of pro bono work annually).

As you can see, I am not afraid to loosen up a little after work.  Notice the unbuttoned shirt cuff.

Brooks Brothers double breasted navy wool blazer.  Silk shirt with oystershell buttons.  Gold watch.  Posh.

So while I won't be demurely perched above a pinball machine like today's Formal Friday pic, I will still be keeping it classy.

The herringbone blazer in this picture is awesome.  I love how it brings out the tie's complimentary pattern.  The slim lapels of the suit give this look a a stylish modern touch.  Also, note how a classic pair of glasses can really pull a professional look together.  Great for lending credibility during your after-hours legal work.

Because even when you're doing it for free, you should still look like a lawyer.

Formal Friday

Lezsquire has had the fortune, in her short time since moving to LA, of befriending a gentleman who is a member of the Academy of Magical Arts.  Yes, this means I know a fucking wizard.  This also means that I have an ongoing open invitation to the Hollywood Magic Castle - a super exclusive club for magicians and their guests.  Let me just say, this place is amazing.  From the secret passage entrance to the elegantly dressed guests to the richly decorated interior, this place is Awe - wait for it - Some.  (And yes, before you ask, I did meet the Academy's President, Neil Patrick Harris, at the grand re-opening earlier this year.)

Let today's Formal Friday photo serve as style inspiration if you ever find yourself a guest at the Magic Castle:

(Source)

There are few occasions in life where one is justified in wearing a top hat. This is one. 

Also (not that this needs repeating on a site like this) but don't be afraid to wear a tuxedo, men's suit, or fauxedo to a formal event.  I know it can be an intimidating prospect at first to be the only lady wearing a tux in a castle full of women in gowns.  Don't let this phase you.  Think of how awesome and empowered you will look!  (Last time I was there, the ladies and gays went bananas for my ensemble!)

Readers, seriously, do not pass up the chance if you are ever invited to go here.  When you have the opportunity to look like a Victorian era English gentleman, you have to grasp it!

Formal Friday

Lezsquire does not believe in casual Fridays.  If you’re at work, then you should look like you are at work. 

My philosophy is that Monday and Friday are the days of the week when you should get most dressed up.  Why?  First and last impressions count.  Monday, while co-workers are lethargic, disheveled, and stumbling into work, you should be crisp and clean and ready for business.  Friday, when everyone is already mentally and stylishly checked-out, you come in just as prepared to conquer the world as you were on Monday.  The higher-ups will take note, and so will your clients.

(**The one caveat here is you should avoid doing more than “one-upping” your co-workers.  This is a judgment call and will depend on your work environment.  So, for example, if the culture in your office is that everyone at your level wears t-shirts and jeans on Friday, you could go with a button down and slacks but should avoid a 3-piece suit.  The idea is that anything more than “one-up” looks too snobby.)

This Formal Friday’s lesbian style inspiration is this vintage Dolce &Gabbana ad for Harvey Nichols:

Dolce and Gabbana for Harvey Nichols, London

You can still have some fashion fun on Formal Fridays.  Here, for example, pairing some “go-to-hell” plaid pants with your suit, tie, and vest.