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).

Suits Me: More Milla Jovovich

If you haven't noticed already, I think Milla Jovovich has (or had, circa the 1990s) the perfect hot lesbian look. 

(Source)

Check out that haphazardly slicked back mane.  Professional with an edge.  In addition to the spectacular lesbian hair, Milla is rocking one excellent grey suit.  This lighter shade of grey is particularly great for springtime.  Pop the collar a little.  Because you're a badass. 

But the best part is the gaze.  Threatening?  Playful?  Dismissive?  Enticing?  Aggressive?  Challenging?  All of the above?  Yes please.

The hot lesbian look is all about attitude. 

(And with that kind of attitude, who needs a shirt?)

Pic of the Day: Youthful Professional

Not every professional occasion calls for an all-out matching 3 piece suit.  As a young professional, you can still have some fun with mixing and matching your business wardrobe while avoiding the dreaded label "business casual".

(Source)

Khakis and a nontraditional belt can be paired with a subdued gray or navy blazer and button-down for a sophisticated yet youthful look for springtime.  Put on a nice watch and your favorite pocket square, and you're good to go!

Packing for Business Travel 101

I have been traveling on business lately.  So since it's been on my mind, today's post contains tips for what the lesbian professional should pack for business travel.  These recommendations will assume that 1) you will be away for more than a few days, and 2) that you will be needing to wear "business attire" during at least part of your trip.

1. Be aware of your destination.  This seems like a no-brainer, but there have been several times that I (as a Californian) have failed to realize how cold other parts of the world can get at varying times of year.  Does your destination have tropical rainstorms in the summer?  Tornadoes in the spring?  High liklihood of a blizzard?  Check the weather predictions for your destination and do a little research into it's quirks.  Then think of the key items you will need for this weather - coats, umbrellas, etc.  Keep in mind that cold weather clothes are bulkier and will require more packing room.
  
2. Build your wardrobe bottom-up.  And by bottom-up, I mean first determine what color of shoes you will be bringing.  Shoes take up a lot of space, so if you're traveling for a week or less you should consider bringing only one pair of business shoes.  Black and brown are the business traditionals (black is typically seen as more professional), so pick one of the two.  (And for god's sake, don't wear those horrible bulky slip-on "business travel shoes".  Having to take 2 additional seconds to untie your shoes at TSA won't kill you.)  Ok, picked your shoe color?  Then throw in a matching belt.  Now choose a classic suit that goes with it.  You get the idea.

Some classic black shoes like these wingtips from H by Hudson will serve you well on business travel.

3. Wear bulkier items on the plane.  Wearing bulkier items on the plane will both save you packing space and protect you from the extreme temperatures of air travel.  Consider wearing bigger sweaters and other items on the plane.  Wearing one of your suit jackets or blazers on the plan will better protect it from wrinkles than leaving it in the bag. 


4. Versatility is key.  Packing space is a pain and airline baggage charges are insane nowadays.  So it's important to think of outfits that will be versatile. You'll have to come to terms with the fact that due to limited space for accessories and different wardrobe pieces in your luggage, you will probably not be the height of fashion during the duration of your business travel.  Nonetheless, you can still build a basic, sharp and professional wardrobe for your trip. While I am not crazy about the exact outfits, think of the below picture as a guide. As you can see, the outfits all build off of the same scheme of a dark suit, black shoes/belt, and a couple of button-down shirts and sweaters worn in different combinations.  You could technically only have one or two basic suits or blazers for a week or longer, but by mixing and matching smaller pieces you can create vastly different looks.  Bring a couple of different colored button-downs, then try  layering a vest or sweater in different combinations on different days.  On more casual days, you can ditch the suit jacket and go with some slacks and a sweater or one of your more casual button-downs.

(Source)

UPDATE: Also check out this awesome infographic from Style Girlfriend for inspiration.

5. Bring some key accessories.   There are several smaller accessories that are small and easy to pick that can spice up your basic business wardrobe and be mixed and matched with the pieces discussed above.  Think about bringing a few small accessories like pocket squares, ties and tie clips, patterned socks, sunglasses, scarfs, or gloves.

Cool accessories can bring a spark to an otherwise plain business travel wardrobe.

6. Consider your clothing's comfort, too.  Suits should be kept in a garment bag and packed properly while traveling.  Shirts should be wrinkle-resistant, or (if you enjoy ironing like me), make sure there is an iron available at your hotel.  As much of a pain as it is to unpack everything, hanging up your suits and shirts when you arrive will keep them looking nice until you need to wear them. 

7. Take advantage of your employer's business travel allowances.  Most employers will cover checked luggage fees.  They also might reimburse you dry cleaning expenses while on business travel.  Look into your employer's policy and take advantage of this!  If will help ease many of the stresses of deciding what to pack and whether you have too much or not enough.  

With these tips in mind, you should be well on your way to a successful business trip, Lezsquire-style.

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.

Pic of the Day: Studious Lesbian

Today's Pic of the Day reminds me of my days spent in the carrels of the law library.

(Source)

This look just may be the pinnacle of masculine fashion for the lesbian law or graduate student.  It is simultaneously professional and casual.  Jeans are totally acceptable for day-to-day wear if you're still a student.  Pro tip: if you are going to wear a tie, tuck in your damn shirt and wear a belt.  Anything otherwise looks sloppy and haphazard.

I like the gingham shirt with the plaid tie.  There is some old rule of fashion that states you are not supposed to mix and match patterns.  This rule has been superseded.  You should feel free to experiment with mixing and matching different kinds of patterns and textures, and as you can see here, great results are achievable.  The trick is to go for complimentary colors and differing scale of patterns.

I'm also a fan of the layering of the vest and sweater.  Libraries, classrooms, and offices can get cold.  It is totally acceptable (and advisable) to keep a tasteful sweater handy if you find yourself in such a situation.

Nail a look like this at your next study group with the cutie from Civ Pro and you will give new meaning to the term "hornbook".

Pick of the Day: Lowly Gentleman Driving Gloves

Lezsquire believes gloves are exciting yet oft-overlooked piece of wardrobe.  As I understand it, in less temperate climates than Lezsquire's native California, gloves are worn for function rather than form.  While gloves might not be strictly needed in above-freezing weather, they are still something unexpected and novel that has the potential to take your look from "meh" to "A-mehy-zing!".  I especially like the idea of driving gloves because: 1) I drive a convertible, and 2) my hands are always cold.  Which takes me to our pick of the day: Driving Gloves by Lowly Gentleman.

Lowly Gentleman Driving Gloves

Just look at those lovely things!  They evoke some of my favorite memories: driving up and down the California coast on miscellaneous road trips and adventures.  The kind of trips where you never know what to expect, but you always know you will come back with a story to tell.  Even if you are just wearing these on your drive to work, they'll make you feel (and certainly look) like adventure and good times are just around the corner.

Unfortunately that is not my car.  (Source)

Apparently, glovemaking is a dying art in the US.  Lowly Gentleman had to scour the mean streets of Los Angeles to hunt down a third-generation Hungarian glove-maker for this pattern.  I think "The Monterey" tan color would go best with my car and wardrobe, but "The Hollywood" dark chocolate brown is also striking. 

(Source)

I have some vintage gloves I wear driving occasionally (such as on the above-mentioned road trips), but nothing as awesome as these.  If I did I guarantee I'd be wearing them both on my daily drive to work and weekend trips to the beach.  Point being: if you don't have any nice gloves, consider investing in a pair.  They'll look smashing with a matching outfit and roguishly dashing hanging out of your back pocket.

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.

Look of the Day: The Sailor Look

I have always had an intense love affair with the ocean.  The salty sea breeze.  The boats unfurling their sails as they glide across the water.  The perfect accompaniment for all of these things - the sailor look.

Here are some essential pieces that will have you looking like a salty sailor in no time:

The Navy Peacoat

These are standard issue, so if your girlfriend is in the Navy, you can steal hers.  She'll have like 10 other cool uniforms to wear anyway.  If not, pick one up on the cheap at a surplus store.  I prefer how these look with brass buttons, and if you're enterprising you can always switch these out yourself. 

The Striped Shirt 

Unisex Fine Jersey
Stripe Short Sleeve V-Neck by American Apparel

Toss on a striped shirt or sweater and you'll be ready to sail the seven seas in no time.  The sweater is more classic sailor attire (it gets cold on the vast unforgiving ocean), but depending on the weather a t-shirt works just as well.  Go with a broader stripe if you can find one (don't you hate how women's clothing manufacturers seem to feel the need to miniaturize things, including stripes, to be indicative of gender?).  White and navy stripes are classic, but there are several combinations that work.  A crew neck will do to look like part of the crew (but my personal preference is for a v-neck).  

The Boat Shoe

Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Original Boat Shoe - Available at sperrytopsider.com

I love love LOVE Sperry Top-Siders.  I'm usually one for style over comfort, but these shoes are a win-win.  Every time I wear them, I feel like I'm headed off to an adventure on the high seas.  My pair is a sueded brown, but Sperrys come in lots of cool colors nowadays so find a pair that suits you.

Pair the above pieces with some cuffed up khakis and you'll have the ladies hoisting their anchors in no time.

Any other sailor look-must haves?  Got a boat and need a Lezsquire deckhand?  Enter your verdict below!

Pick of the Day: Levi's 510 Super Skinny Trousers

In a few of the sad years before I became a Lezsquire, I had to wear a school uniform which included khaki pants/shorts or (ew) skirt.  This lead to a deep and burning loathing of the color that caused the 12 year-old me to swear off khakis for life.

Fast forward to today and a more mature, worldly, and much more stylish Lezsquire who has welcomed the kakhi back into her life.  The pair that did it?  None other than Levi's 510 Super Skinny Trousers.

510 Super Skinny Trousers by Levi's

The khaki trouser is a wardrobe workhorse and is great for both business-casual and weekend casual occasions.  To dress down, wear them with a simple t-shirt or cuffed with boat shoes and a plaid button-down.  If the occasion calls for dressing up a bit more, pair it with a vest or navy blazer and button down for a classic "prep" look that puts my old school uniform to shame. 

I'm a big fan of Levi's, to the point where they are practically the only brand of casual pants I will buy.  Why?  There are few places Levi's goes wrong.  These trousers have a classic Levi's button fly and a solid construction that will withstand years of use and abuse.  But the best part about these pants is the fit.  Don't be afraid of the tailored cut.  Lezsquire believes if you have a body you are proud of, you should accentuate it and not hide it in loads of baggy fabric.  Most "men's" khakis tend to be too baggy, long in the crotch, and high waisted for a female-bodied person to wear.  These pants, on the other hand, fit wonderfully and unlike the name indicates, are not too skinny.  Perfect for those who like to tread gender boundaries.

Pick of the Day: J.Crew Boy Shirt in Barbados Plaid

Today's Pick of the Day is the J.Crew "Boy Shirt" in Barbados Plaid.

Boy Shirt in Barbados Plaid - $75.00 at J.Crew.com

Though I am not too fond of the name, I am a big fan of the "Boy Shirt".  I have one similar to this in a cobalt/grey/white/yellow plaid and it has quickly become one of my favorites.  The 100% cotton shirt is so light and soft it practically caresses your skin.  Similar to J.Crew's "Perfect Shirt", the boy shirt is cut classically yet fits a woman's body well in all the right places.  The Barbados plaid is an invigorating shade of turquoise/ electric blue that hits the perfect note for the upcoming spring and summer seasons.  I envisage this dressed down for a day at the beach with a pair of khakis rolled up at the cuff and boat shoes, or dressed up for work tucked in with a light grey blazer and slacks.

.