askouija asked: What do you recommend for a first bow tie? Fancy? Plain? Clip on? Real?
First time, I’d go for something simple and classic. I am a big fan of darker colors and simple patterns (like dotted and striped ones) although it wouldn’t hurt to try something like paisley. People have different opinions on clip ons and self tied bow ties… I own a few of each myself but it took me some time to finally master tying a bow tie, so if you’re patient enough go for a self tied one!
I think you should look at your wardrobe and see what color/fabric would best suit what you already have, ya know?
In the mean time here are a few links that have amazing bow ties for sale!
Anonymous asked: Hi, dapper queers! I'm a girl with a black tie event coming up in 2 weeks. I need a dinner jacket/tuxedo which won't break the bank, but as you can imagine, it's more than a little difficult to get one. I live in the UK (Cardiff) and would be tremendously grateful if anyone could tell me where I could buy/hire one (or even get one custom made on the cheap). I don't want anything with ridiculous accents and things like that. I want a tux that fits slim and is as close to the traditional men's tux as possible (black/midnight blue, peak/shawl lapel, etc.). I've been searching for weeks and I'm close to frantic at this point, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Cheers!
Please help out! Let us know here! & I hope you find it soon!!!
Anonymous asked: What shoes are hot right now?
David Z always shows exclusive shoes that are hot right now (super expensive tho, I recommend going vintage and looking for stuff on etsy). But really desert boots, some nice brogues, and boat shoes for the upcoming summer weather never really goes out of style.
& I also saw on FASHIONBEANS that suede is looking good for this summer.
vivalarata asked: http://www.outofthecloset.org/locations.html
Very gay friendly :)
Amazing, thank you so much! So happy that there are South Florida locations!
vivalarata asked: About the thrift store ask, I just wanted to add Out of the Closet! That is the only thrift store I go to. Also, free condoms!
Where are these located? & yes thanks for this suggestion!
boygirlboigrrrl asked: When you're thrifting, just remember to keep in mind that the Salvation Army has some pretty queer-phobic policies. If it's where you gotta shop, it's where you gotta shop, but don't be fooled that if you were in need of their services they would use any of the money you had previously spent in their stores to help you. If you live in a place that has a Housing Works or a Cure Thrift Shop, those are really great organizations to support.
Housing Works offers services to people living with HIV or AIDS, many of whose cases are deemed "too difficult" at other organizations, and Cure Thrift Shop benefits the Diabetes Research Institute.
Thank you for the heads up! Will definitely be on the look out for these shops instead!
quinndarling asked: As someone with wider hips and a smaller torso, I find male-coded button down shirts fit me really well everywhere but the hips, so I usually have to hem all of them to avoid that awkward scrunching up or flaring. Tucking in is an option, especially if you have a sweater vest.
(Also, not mentioned as an option for inexpensive men's pants: thrift stores! Lovely and fun).
Sweater vest is great! & a regular vest works great too, thanks for the tips! :)
frozenpenguins asked: I saw a post about getting cheap mens shirts and jeans posted. You could also check out thrift stores like goodwill, salvation army or any other sort of thrift shop thats native to the community that you live in. Not only are you getting super cheap clothes that are almost brand new but your helping a great cause. Plus if ur only having to pay a few bucks for a shirt that u really like you can splurge a little on the tayloring costs. I usually don't dress as dapper as the guys and gals you have on here but i do love mens jackets and often go through the mens clothing section of all my local thrift stores for comfy sweaters, shirts, and pocket squares and i always find great stuff and some of its even vintage and who doesn't love that?!?
Mmmhmm! I am glad you wrote this because I forgot to add thrift stores. A good chunk of my button downs have been thrifted! & you can get really great accessories like suspenders/belts/ties/bow ties reallyyyyy cheap. I found this amazing blue satchel the other day with one of my good friends for 5 bucks. Thank you!
whataqueerbird asked: for the person with the question about button-down shirts, one thing i've done to deal with the 'curvy' problem in women's shirts is to alter the curves away. turn the shirt inside out and pin the sides into a more straight line. if you don't have a sewing machine you should be able to take it any corner-store drycleaning operation and have them sew it for a few bucks. depending on how curvy you are, you might end up with a pretty straight up-and-down side to your shirts or something that just flares a little less. this can work as a stopgap measure until a better-fitting shirt is found.
Thank you so much! Gonna save this for future reference!
bluishcalaveras asked: sort of a two-fold question here: A) know any places to get good, inexpensive men's jeans/pants?? and B) i'm not exactly flat chested or rail thin; tips for how to look better in that button down? thankssss
Sorry I am answering these a bit late, it’s been a busy week!
A) You really can’t go wrong with ASOS’s free shipping offer (no minimum purchase) & they have really nice fits. You can also change the price range to see a bigger selection and you can check out their clearance section too! & don’t worry if they don’t fit you can always return/exchange them for free. I could also suggest going to H&M… they have reasonable priced pants, but if you’re like me and there’s only 2 of them in Florida that are both 2+ hours away, that’s not really an option. ;(
B) Going custom would be the best option to get a more tailored fit that really suits your body. Studio Suits has a wide selection of button downs that can be customized to fit you! Also be aware of getting shirts with darts (the stitching that is circled in red):
Button downs with that will give you a more curvier appearance, if thats not what you want, then make sure the button downs don’t have them!
& here is how-to video from DapperQ on sizing yourself for the proper fit!
As always, if anyone else has any suggestions, please let us know!
