Shhhhh. She toils silently in the stacks: bangs matted with determination, sensible shoes scuffed from too many book cart rollovers, perspiration frizzing the carefully pinned bun. She's your friendly neighborhood librarian, and the time has come for you to pay homage to her contribution to society, not just because of the service she provided but also the style she inspired. Librarian style is no longer about frumpy, sweater-clad old biddies. To be a “Lipstick Librarian” is a step high above the naughty secretary. Librarians are worldly, knowledgeable and know their way around the stacks. Librarian Chic is feminine, confident and definitely sexy. Want to tap into your inner geek? Here a few must haves for the bookish:
Cardigans
While basic black, white and charcoal are fine color choices for these classic sweaters, strong patterns and stripes will separate you from preppy country-clubbers who tie their cable-knits around their shoulders. We like form-fitting animal print to show off curves and keep you toasty in front of the book drop. Lightweight (yet fitted) is key, especially in the warmer months, so let’s put those cable-knit numbers away until the leaves start to drop.
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Brooches
The perfect accessory for your super cute cardigan is the perfect brooch. You can go edgy with skull & crossbones cameos or traditional with rhinestone-covered pieces. Get pinned for free by raiding the jewelry boxes of your elders (with their permission, of course) or hit gold at local thrift stores, resale shops, and flea markets. Click here for more info
Blouses
When on duty (or on the prowl), a blouse is a girl’s best friend. Feminine and classy, a blouse projects an air of authority without being too uppity. It says you mean business, yet are not above doing shots with your fellow librarian enthusiasts. With its rounded collar and feminine sleeves, this Marc Jacobs in blue is such a favorite.
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Skirts
If you’re not actually working in a library, then a skirt for librarian wear is a must-have. Whether a pencil or a classic 1950s A-line, skirts will make you feel ultra-girly and dressed up, even if you’re just returning a few books. Paired with your trusty cardigan and heels, your reading group will be powerless against your badass, literary self.
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Glasses
Plastic frame glasses, fake or prescribed, are a must. With places like Lenscrafters and Eyemasters hoping on board, it’s easier than ever to get distinctive looking prescription glasses at reasonable prices. You get bonus points for having glasses that are semi-indestructible (unlike their wire-framed counterparts) and come in a variety of colors and shapes. Cat-eye glasses remain a favorite with hipsters and old ladies alike. No prescription? No problem, there are plenty of retail shops and online stores that sell cute frames with plain plastic lenses.
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Glasses Chains
We nerdy girls at CP love glasses chains. For the recreational glasses user, there is no need to be fumbling around trying to find your glasses like a sap when you can have them cleverly dangling around your neck the whole time. A true librarian staple, the eyeglass chain has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity as of late.
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Casual Wear
It can’t be up-does and pencil skirts all the time! Sometimes a literate gal just needs to go to the grocery store. Reader-friendly casual wear will keep your inner librarian at bay while promoting the importance (and hotness) of reading. Click here for more info
With the help of the internet and local vintage stores, you can begin rocking your new librarian look, on the cheap, in no time flat. When it comes to waving your Dewey Decimal flag, accessories make the girl. So, be they found, store bought or DIY, keep it simple and classy.
