Asked & Answered: Summer Work Style

Reader North writes:

"Want to do something on summer clothes for queers?  I have a hell of a time finding anything even approximately work appropriate when it's 100 degrees."

Hot weather gives most people an excuse to relax into an informal wardrobe of shorts, tees, and sandals.  Even some of our more feminine friends from the professional real can get away with short sleeves and breezy skirts in the summer.  But you are not the average person - you are a Lezsquire.  So although it may be 100 degrees outside, it's important that you still maintain a professional appearance.  Follow these tips to keep it classy through the heatwaves. 

•  Lighten your fabrics.   This applies to both the color and the weave.  Darker colors absorb light and make you hotter (in a bad way), faster.  Lighter colors, on the other hand, reflect light and keep you cool.  So go with a lighter color scheme - whites, light greys, and more pale colors (yellow, blue, pink, green, etc).  As far as fabric, ditch denser fabrics such as wool, pinpoint oxfords, or (shudder) polyester blends and go with natural, breathable, and light fabrics such as linen, silk, and cotton.  

Linen Perfect Shirt by J.Crew

• Ditch the suit?  As mentioned above, wardrobes tend to get more informal in the summer.  Does this mean that you can ditch your suit?  Well... probably not.  It will depend on your work environment.  A good trick is to take cues from what your (more fashionable) co-workers and bosses are doing.  One option is to ditch the jacket altogether and don a vest and matching slacks instead.  Still professional yet breezier than a suit.  I personally would feel uncomfortable without a suit at work - but there is a compromise!  Bring your suit jacket draped over your arm.  You can hang it in the office in the event that you need it, and stay coolly jacket-free in the meantime.

• Summer Suits.  Again, try to go with breathable cotton or linen suits and avoid wool.  An unlined suit (one that ditches the inner layer of fabric completely) or one that is half-lined is also a good option.  Though you may need to wear a dark suit for more formal occasions, for everyday wear try a light grey, kahki, or cream colored suit or (if you're daring) white or seersucker.

• Under the suit.  If you are wearing a suit, there are a few tricks you can do to keep cool as well.  There are a number of short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts that look like your average button down when worn with a jacket.  No one will be the wiser and there will be one less layer of fabric between your arms and breezy freedom.  Also, as a woman (not required to wear a necktie), you can get away with a number of other sleeveless or short-sleeved, or tank-like (yet still professional) tops under your jacket, so use this to your advantage!

• Summer footwear.  The sockless look has been in in recent years, and if you're looking to pull it off (again, for those "less formal" workdays), make sure you use some shoe powder in them or wear "invisible socks" to keep them dry and clean.  If you're wearing socks, again, go for naturally breathable fabrics like cotton or silk.  Avoid polyester blends at all costs.  Italian-style loafers or dress shies are also a good summer choice and made from lighter and softer leather than most of their counterparts.  I do not advocate sandals, ever.

• Tip of the hat.  If you're going to be outdoors (even if it's just walking to your office from your car), now is the ideal time to bust out that sweet panama hat you have been looking for an excuse to wear. 

•  Shades.  When the sun is beating down on you, don't forget your eyes' health.  Sunglasses are a very personal thing, so pick out a pair unique to you.  If you're struggling to find the right fit, Ray Ban Clubmasters or some squared-off aviators are a good place to start.  

Hold these tips in mind and you'll make keeping your cool at work look effortless (even while you are smoldering with hot hot style).

Pic of the Day: Vest, Hat, and Photography

Today's Pic of the Day is a simple outfit.  A plain white button-up shirt, a black hat, and a black pinstriped vest. 

(Source)

But it comes together in an amazing way.  Most of the time, looking stylish is more about attitude and confidence than the actual articles of clothing you are wearing.  This picture embodies that notion.  The look, the stance, the way she is handling  the camera - these all convey that the wearer is a serious professional intent on executing her art.  The gaze is at once confrontational and alluring. 

Just the way we like it.

Lezsquire in... Ohio?

You read that right.  This California lawyer will be heading to Ohio later this weekend for an extended business trip.  When I was first informed of this several weeks ago, my first instinct was to do anything possible to get out of it.  Don't get me wrong - though I live in LA, I wouldn't consider myself a big-city person.  I lived a small-town life for several years and was quite fond of it.  But although I am a worldly and well-traveled Lezsquire, I have no experience in what I will endearingly call "Middle America".  Further, outside of work-related matters, I know next to nothing about Ohio.  Google tells me Ohio a red state whose motto is "with God, all things are possible".  Christ.  Separation of church and state, much?

I had a series of conversations with confidants that went something like this:

Me: "I could do a few days or even a week, but a whole month is going to be horrible.  No one will like me and there will be nothing to do and when I'm not working I'll be sitting in my hotel room crying."
Friend: "Why would you think that?  You're friendly and likable and attractive.  I'm sure they will love you."
Me: "I'm from California, I'm liberal, I'm a professional woman, I'm a feminist, and I'm gay.  Dealing with prejudice and getting acceptance in California is hard enough sometimes!  I'm pretty sure people like me get hate crime-d or lynched out in Middle America!!"

In short, I was afraid that people would judge me negatively based on stereotypes before they got to know me.  Then I realized that was exactly what I was doing to Ohio.  Acting out of fear before I gave it a fair chance. 

I also learned that this was a non-negotiable assignment, and that I would get giant piles of travel pay.

So, Ohio, I am going to try to get to know you.  To begin, a positive impression.  Below is what I imagine to be an "Ohioan lesbian outfit". 

(Source)

Definitely not your typical big city business attire, but still dapper.  Still Lezsquire-friendly.  Is this what people actually look like in Ohio?  I don't know, but I'm going to find out.

So, if there are any Lezsquire readers out in Ohio or the surrounding areas, drop me a line.  Show me how great the rest of our country can be.  (Or at least, show me where the gays hang out.)

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:

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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!

Pic of the Day: Dandy Hats and Gloves

Lately, hats have been on my mind.  People seem to naturally either look fabulous in hats, or look horrible in them no matter what style they try.  I am one of the blessed few who looks great in almost any hat.

The hat in this picture is phenomenal.  What type of hat would you call it?  A felt panama hat?  No... the brim is too small.  My fashion vocabulary is at a loss.  Someone please educate me.

(Source: calivintage)

This is a great layered look for the turn of the seasons from winter to spring.  Also, that fisherman's style sweater is a great way to give yourself a nautical look.  And the gloves... so adorable.  Gloves are an oft-unincorporated bit of wardrobe that can really put your style over the top.  I love how the shoes, hat, and gloves all pop.

Add a navy blazer, and you're good to go to pull this look off at work.  

Just make sure to take your hat off when you come inside, Gentleladies.