June is pride month, and it’s the most colorful month of the year in LGBTQ fashion. The ubiquitous rainbow theme can be found on T-shirts, scarves, hats and even pants on any given day in gay-friendly cities. However, the colors fly on banners, bold hair coloring and yard flags in June. Although it may be the brightest theme in LGBTQ fashion, it’s not the only way that clothes help many invent their own gender and orientation identity–even if they are still figuring it out.
Tearing Down Barriers
One of the best ways for anyone to take down barriers is to own the labels that others attempt to force upon them. Whether that involves cross-dressing, gender-bending trends or more demure haute couture is purely a matter of individual taste or mood. Daddy Couture is a great example of a brand specifically targeting all men and women. They are not hiding the fact that they sell clothing for men and women who are not straight. And why should they?
Source: Coathanger
Raising Controversy Raises Awareness
In general, LGBT fashion runs on the provocative side. The overt innuendos of some T-shirts may be a bit much for everyday wear, but great statement pieces that draw attention to the cause should be someone in your closet. The trick in this style of self-branding is to pique interest without alienating the intended audience.
According to Shout Me Loud, it’s fine, even desirable, to raise “debatable” controversy through your fashion choices. For example, if a cropped top can show off a woman’s curves, then it’s also appropriate to showcase mad abs or back tattoos on men and nonbinary individuals. Along with raising eyebrows, it can generate valuable dialogue on social media and other formats.
Irreverent Chic
For instance, you can find a “That Bitch” T-shirt that manages to empower queer customers. The text comes in florid colors on white and black T-shirts, but the irony behind the writeup is that the person who is what the t-shirt says holds themselves on a higher level than everyone else. This tag resonates with women and men and is a versatile epitaph since it also stops haters in their tracks during the course of a day. The product works because it’s fun and clever, as well as being ambiguous enough not to overtly offend anyone.It is interesting how people who belong in LGBTQ find a way to express themselves through clothing. They are telling this world that they are proud and that they are not afraid.
Source: Lyst
Instagram is a great place to showcase your favorite fashions for critique and to find great ideas to expand your wardrobe. For budgetary reasons, it may make sense to buy versatile items, such as skinny fit dark jeans and well-cut jackets you can wear to work and throw off during cocktails to show off more exuberant pieces during happy hour.
Checking out your favorite brands on Instagram is a good source of inspiration too. For instance, Daddy Couture’s page is chock full of hot guys in revealing briefs that complement their sleek physiques. Customers also post photos to generate buzz, shares and likes. It’s this culture of inclusion that helps those in the LGBT community find that beautiful blend of shock and dazzle in a fun and supportive environment.
