Masculine Spring Florals

The best thing about queer style is that it takes risks, breaks boundaries, and isn’t afraid to blur gender lines. Before traditional menswear media like GQ told their readers, “Don’t be afraid of florals,” and NBA stars started rocking loud floral prints, gender-binary fashion rules dictated that “real men” didn’t wear pink or flowers. It’s rules like these that made masculine fashion fairly mundane. However, in more recent years, there has been a renewed interest in menswear and designers are abandoning these ridiculous rules. We’re now seeing mainstream menswear adopting styles that have typically been associated with “queer fashion.”

While there is an entire political discussion that can be had about the pros and cons of this change, one thing is very promising: There is currently more floral apparel on the market for those who dress masculine. Here are some of our favorite spring floral looks to try this year:

Style blogger Ace demonstrates how to make power-clashing look effortless and airy. Bow tie, Consignment Shop. Shirt, P.I.N.K. Shorts, Paul Smith. Photo via dapperQ.

Style blogger Mimi in floral button-down from J-Crew. Photo via dapperQ.

Trans* advocate Dr. Kortney Ryan Ziegler in vintage floral button-down. Photo via dapperQ.

Jesse Crozier layers a floral shirt under a cardigan, ideal combo for those spring days that swing between hot and cold. Photo via Posture.

DJ Average Jo in animal and floral print button-down perfect for warm weather and layering. Photo by Kelsy Chauvin via Queer Fat Femme.

Some fashion experts advise using camo as a neutral and florals as a neutral. Using this logic, you can mix the two neutrals and put together a great masculine floral ensemble.  Image via Fancy.

Another example of mixing camo and florals. Image via Pinterest.

 Inspired? Ok, now to get your hands on some florals. Here are some of our recommended products.

Floral Tee with Contrast Pocket, $34, Tilly’s.

Pixelated Floral Shorts, $23, Forever 21.

Floral Camo Button Down, $20, Forever 21.

Slim Fit Floral Button-Down, $23, Forever 21.

Hype Rainforest Back Pack, £25.00, Topman.

“Bouquet” bow-tie hand made by queer designer Silki Harris, $23, Ambiance Couture Bowtie.

Floral Wash Pant, $70, Rakuten.

Converse All Star Lo Floral Sneaker, $60, Journeys.

Floral Cap, $12, ShopSmileZTM’s ETSY store.

 Need even MORE inspiration? Check out Guys with Floral S*it, an entire Tumblr dedicated to, well, ….