Trendy Gay Hipster: Fashion for Pride!

Over the past few days, I’ve gotten myself into a tizzy because my hectic schedule hasn’t left me the time to work on my outfit for this year's Pride festivities. Yes, it’s that time of year again when many of my GLBT brothers and sisters venture out to celebrate their individuality as gay folks.

And by venturing out, I mean frightening all of the straight people with our rainbow paraphernalia, glitter, and fierceness. Talk about nervous Nellies.

In this week's TGH, I wanted to share some tips on how to celebrate with your own style wherever you might be going for Pride. After all, what better time to show your own fierce pride than when you have your entire gay family together for a giant gay family reunion. All that’s missing is a big BBQ, some Cobb salad, and my favorite game, “pin the wig on the drag queen.”

There are many styles and trends that are gay-appropriate for Pride, but here are a few options that might especially suit your fancy.

Let’s start with the basics: for the boys who just want to get to the point and don’t want to draw too much attention to what they’re actually wearing, try a v-neck t-shirt with a slimming pair of jeans or pants. If the weather is too hot for pants or jeans – and here is hoping that it is – brush the dust off those shorts and take them out for a spin.

In order to show off my physique, I personally enjoy wearing the longer v-neck shirts that are little more tight and snug — hey, I won’t look this way forever! When picking out your shirts, don't be afraid to play with bright colors. I know you may not want to draw too much attention to yourself, but it is gay pride, so why not celebrate with a little color in your outfit?

Want to really show off your figure without showing too much? Throw on a tank top instead, and add a simple accessory such as a necklace or a lightweight scarf. The look still says “simple,” yet screams “sexy!” while keeping you cool during the sizzling hot weather.

For a more relaxed look that won’t have you sweating profusely, a simple short-sleeved collar shirt with a slimming pair of shorts will do the trick. Using vibrant but light colors will make your overall outfit more fun and youthful while keeping you nice and cool.

As for the shorts themselves, cutoffs are a highly recommended choice for the summer weather. With a length just above the knee, this style is playful and flirty. Plus, if you mix in a little color and some appropriate patterns, your outfit immediately looks hip.

If you’re not into showing off a little leg, shorts that are slightly longer will still work, as long as you’re aware of your body's proportions. Baggy shorts often look bulky when worn with a slimming top, and you don't want to look like you're wearing a potato sack. You're not going vegetable picking in the old country!

If you want to really show your pride and are comfortable with going a little more out there, reveal some skin. How often are you able to wander out in public in nothing but tight undies? And no, those wild drunken nights out at the local leather bar do not count.

There are plenty of sexy yet flattering brands of underwear at your disposal for all of your Pride fun, especially during the parade festivities. Brands like 2(x)ist are sold in several styles for the boys who want to put on a show to fellow pride goers.

From sports briefs to surf trunks to board shorts, you can easily get an appreciative look or two with these types of underwear. And even if you're not particularly built for tight underwear, there are styles that flatter different body types. Remember, it’s all about proportion.