A reader recently asked if dapperQ intended on publishing a queer prom photo shoot, and Everyone Is Gay asked if Anita Dolce Vita if she would provide some prom fashion advice for their Second Opinions column. So, you know what all this means…IT’S PROM SEASON. So, we’re here to help with some advice by combining previously published resources along with some new helpful tips on how to stand out in a sea of black tuxes.
WHERE CAN I FIND MASCULINE PROM FORMAL WEAR THAT FITS?
- Bindle & Keep: This Brooklyn-based, queer friendly bespoke suit company has received noteworthy press (including nods in the New York Times) for their commitment to creating high quality masculine formal attire for all genders.
- Sharpe Suiting: Kelsey Grace Chavarria of The Real L Word has been spotted wearing Sharpe’s custom suits that are known for their Hollywood glam aesthetic. Sharpe is a queer-centric brand that creates amazing formal attire for every body.
- Saint Harridan: Worn by celebrities like Lea DeLaria of Orange Is the New Black, Saint Harridan bespoke and off-the-rack suits feature a sleek masculine cut, re-engineered for women and transmen. While they are located in the Bay Area, Saint Harridan is currently on tour with their pop-up shops across the country. Click here to see if they will be in a city near you soon.
- JagandCo: With showrooms located in Brooklyn, JagandCo is a queer owned and operated clothier that offers impeccably made masculine attire for all genders.
- Duchess Clothier: Based out of Portland, OR, Duchess creates the finest suits for all identities. Modern fit. Endless possibilities. Custom care!
- Men’s Wearhouse: Our readers have rented and purchased tuxes here for proms and weddings. One reader said of her Men’s Warehouse prom tux, “They had a variety of name brands to choose from. I wore a Calvin Klein tuxedo and my package came complete with shoes, socks, suspenders, cuff links, and a pre-tied bow tie.”
- Her Tuxedo: Starting at $295, Her Tuxedo offers tuxedos for “women” in sizes 4-12.
- J-Crew: The J-Crew Ludlow tuxedo is $525 but well worth it! Many of our transmasculine identified readers have invested in Ludlow tuxes for weddings and other formal events.
- Town and Country Tuxedo: He Said/We Said model Lilly Alban wore this amazing white tailored tux by Christian Dior from Town and Country Tuxedo.
- Butch Clothing Company: We did not include the amazing Butch Clothing Company, a bespoke suit clothier, in our roundup because the individual who submitted the original “Ask dapperQ” question seemed to have some time restrictions. However, for future reference, our readers should know that the Butch Clothing Company is definitely an option for tuxes and offers Skype consultations to accommodate customers all over the world.
Now, here’s some inspiration…
Saint Harridan Suits
Blogger She’s A Gent in Zara (Blazer), H&M (Shirt), and Topman (Pants)
Sharpe Suiting
Suits from Men’s Wearhouse. Photo by Miki Vargas Photography
WHAT ABOUT ANDROGYNOUS PROM STYLES? I DON’T WANT TO LOOK TOO MASCULINE!
Anita’s partner actually struggles with this. She would never wear a dress, but also would not wear a traditionally “masculine” boxy suit. Anita Dolce Vita provided some tips on androgynous wedding attire that her partner, and readers like her, found useful. Many of these tips (which you can find here) can be applied to prom attire, such as opting for slim or slouchy cut pants and more fitted “womenswear” jackets, rather than boxy suits with long jackets. Here is some visual inspiration:
via Style.com
via Style.com
I WANT TO LOOK REALLY FASHION-FORWARD. WHAT ARE WAYS TO ADD SOME PERSONALITY TO MY ENSEMBLE?
Ah, the contemporary vs. classic conundrum. Some prom purists believe that the best way to make an impression is to stick with the classics. We love a classic look, but also feel that, for many of us, prom is going to be one of the few formal occasions where we are not expected to adhere to more restrictive “adult dress code” rules. Besides, if you’re spending all of this time, money, and energy curating the perfect look, why not go the extra mile so that you turn heads in a sea of black tuxes? We created a Pinterest board with creative prom inspiration, but here are some additional simple approaches to adding creative touches to your formal look:
Swap the dress shoes for sneakers
via GQ
Wear a creative boutonniere and pocket square
via dapperQ
Add color and texture
via A Dapper Chick
YES, BUT MY PARENTS ARE FORCING ME TO WEAR A DRESS. ANY ADVICE?
Check out this article that Anita Dolce Vita authored for Everyone Is Gay. It offers advice on how to have discussions with parents about dressing in a manner that affirms your identity for formal events.
*Feature image by Miki Vargas Photography for Saint Harridan.
