A Duke by Default (Reluctant Royals #2)

by Alyssa Cole

She gave him a look. “Tell me how you’re feeling right now. Agitated? Uncomfortable?” “Bloody right I’m uncomfortable!” She grinned. “Why?” “Because I’m stuffed into this suit like a goddamn wanker—” She held up a finger. “So. This suit makes you feel like a wanker. Going to the meeting tomorrow is going to be stressful enough, don’t you want to wear something that makes you feel confident?” “I don’t see how a suit—” She pushed her finger closer. “When you fight in an exhibition, you choose the clothing that allows you greatest range of motion while keeping you safe. Yes or no?” He nodded and his nose brushed the tip of her finger. She blinked rapidly, but didn’t move her hand. “If this thing happens, you need to think about your presence. What you’re projecting. If you walk in looking like a sulky child in an ill-fitting suit, they’re going to treat you like one. If you show up looking like a polished, sexy man who is doing them a favor by bestowing his presence on them, they’ll respond to that, too.” He thought about how Portia was always perfectly done up, even when doing inventory. And how he had still dismissed her from the beginning. “So, a posh suit is a bit like donning armor,” he said, and her features brightened in relief. “Yes. I’m your squire and I’m going to make sure you’re outfitted in the best fucking armor possible. You’re going to need it.”

THIS! So much this. Men who dismiss fashion as frivolous are displaying breathtaking ignorance of this fundamental truth.