Anonymous asked: Any blog recs for a curvy girl? I'm not overweight by any stretch of the imagination, but I definitely do have a fuller chest and booty, and so many tomboyish styles seem better suited to girls with a flatter figure. I'm not trying to hide my body or make it look different, I'm just looking for tomboy styles that might compliment me.

I often feel that there is not enough representation of people in the middle ground, including those who like tomboy styles but want to maintain their curvy physique. If you scroll through our “submission” tag, you may find styles you identity with. I really like I Dream Of Dapper’s style because she does menswear in a feminine way. She’s been taking some inspiration from Esther Quek lately; who wears suits closely tailored to her feminine frame. Also check out the Tomboy/Femme Tumblr and Genderqueer Fashionista. The company I work for, Fourteen, sells suits “standard” fits in addition to “boy” fits and you might enjoy checking out their stuff. 

Any more ideas, friends?

In other news, I’m being super swank today and camping out in a hotel right by the Dalloway, counting the minutes until I get ready for tonight’s Power Clashing party! Did I mention Kim Stolz is coming?? 

- Sonia

Anonymous asked: I was just turned towards this website and I love some of the stuff I'm reading but I haven't been able to find anything about incorporating what is considered girl/women's clothing into one's wardrobe, just a lot about incorporating what's considered men's clothing (which is not the type of androgynous look I am wanting). Does Qwear have anything like this or know where I might be able to find such information? Thank you in advance.

Thanks so much! Our posts about androgynous looks often incorporate both women’s and men’s clothing. Almost all my pants are gap women’s, for example. Check out the androgynous tag, and hopefully you’ll find some things you’re looking for! If not, I’d love more feedback about what exactly is missing for you so that we can try to cover it!

You might also like the personal stylings of Ex-Southern Belle (A.D.), Genderqueer Fashionista, and I Dream of Dapper. A lot of their outfits have women’s clothing worn in many ways that aren’t traditionally feminine, and some of which I’d consider androgynous.

Thanks for writing! 

- Sonia

Dolphinlegs asked: So I’ll soon be transitioning from a student to a professional, and I looked around and was like “hmm, I own no professional clothes at all.” And I really have no idea where to start. I was wondering what tips you have on dressing for a professional job interview/ dressing professionally in general. I’m not really the type of lady who would feel comfortable wearing a suit and tie, but would prefer something a little less masculine. Perhaps something on the more “soft butch” side?

To me, the difference between dressing “soft butch” and full-on masculine is the way the cut of the clothes fits your body. The actual pieces; slacks, button-ups, ties, blazers, pocket squares etc, are all the same. But I’d look for professional menswear inspired clothes that fit your gender presentation. You’ll probably have the most luck in the women’s section. There are tons of more feminine suit and tie combos out there that are cut to show off curves, and then everything in between.

(from queerbois.com)

Here are my tips for establishing your new wardrobe as an aspiring soft butch professional. You might tailor this further depending on your field and location. If once you start working there you see people being more casual, follow their lead and take it down a notch. But as far as first impressions go:

1. For pants and blazers, choose conservative colors such as grey, black, navy, army green, and khaki. For shirts and sweaters go for white, burgundy, blues, grays, light pinks, and greens. Ties and pocket squares can add pops of color, but nothing too bright or crazy.
2. Blazers and sport coats! Maybe even with elbow patches. Check out H&M, Topshop, J.Crew, Marimacho.
3. Khakis/ dress pants: Go to town. Once you find a cut that you like, don’t be afraid to buy it in multiple colors! I love the fit of the Gap’s pants. Zara’s are also sweet. Don’t roll the cuffs.
4. Unless you’re interviewing at the most prestigious legal firm, rock separate pieces rather than full-on suits. It’s cheaper, and easier to combine things that fit well. See Blake’s piece on suit separates.
5. For footwear: derbies, brogues, oxfords, fancier saddle shoes, wingtips, and loafers are all great choices. No sneakers, boat shoes, or sandals. 
6. You’ll need at least one black belt and one brown belt. Avoid big, decorative buckles with angel wings and skulls etc. on them. Match your belt with your shoes.
7. Sweaters and cardigans are great, but go for higher-end sweaters that fit well and don’t look frumpy. Check out the ones at Everlane, Banana Republic, J. Crew. 
8. Make sure your shirt fits well; getting it tailored if necessary. Depending on the level of formality, you might need to only wear long-sleeve shirts. If it’s less formal: In the summer, short sleeve button-ups are a good choice! (Ta-da) Stay away from polos, shirts with western detailing, and flannel. Always keep your shirt tucked in.
9. Don’t shy away from neck ties and bow ties! They can break up an outfit and add another element or color or texture. But keep it snug with the top button buttoned; not loosened.
10. Carry a briefcase, portfolio, or professional backpack.
11. Iron! It makes a huge difference!

Did I leave something out? Add it to the comments!

(from brokeandbespoke.tumblr.com)

(from queerplusfashion.tumblr.com)

Ox-1 Portrait Briefcase with detachable backpack straps, formink.com for $59.00

(from marksandersphotographer.blogspot.com)

(from i-dream-of-dapper.tumblr.com)

(from thebespokedudes.com)

Congratulations! With the right outfit, you are halfway to being a Power Queer.

- Sonia

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(photo credit: Boogie)

Blazer: Burlington Coat Factory
Floral shirt: Target
Paisley tie: Goodwill
Waistcoat: H&M
Jeans: Express
Shoes: Goodwill (Outdoorables by Daniel Green)

More I Dream Of Dapper on Qwear: I Dream Of Dapper (In The Library) | Pattern Mixing Guide with I Dream of Dapper, The Queer Pomp in 3 Steps With I Dream of Dapper | Follow I Dream Of Dapper

(photo credit: Boogie)

Bow Tie: Amazon (Susan G Komen)
Grey blazer: Goodwill (no lable)
Sweater: Kohl’s (Lauren Conrad)
Striped Shirt: Express

More I Dream Of Dapper on Qwear: Pattern Mixing Guide with I Dream of Dapper, The Queer Pomp in 3 Steps With I Dream of Dapper | Follow I Dream Of Dapper

(photo credit: Boogie)

By Guest Blogger, I Dream Of Dapper

For some people it’s the sound of the coffee pot brewing that gets them out of bed in the morning, but for me it’s the endless combinations of colors and patterns that wait for me. I lie in bed and compose my outfit in my head before my feet even hit the floor. It’s no secret that I love a good bow tie and vest pairing; you don’t name your blog over something you feel partial about.

Usually I’m feeling a bit sassy and playful, which for me means fun with colors and patterns. Mind you, I picture myself as Mark from Ugly Betty on these days. I usually start out by choosing my shirt, sweater, and vest/blazer combinations before adding neckwear. I really like using similar patterns that vary in size; but pairing different patterns can also be rewarding. Subtle patterns are great for jazzing things up without looking like a complete clown.

Here are some of my favorite pattern mixtures put together from my wardrobe:

Stripes and Plaid

I find the clean straight lines of a striped shirt accompanied with the complexity of
the plaid pleasing to the eye. Try and match colors with this combination to avoid a
clownish appearance. This button-up has very thin navy stripes, which pair well the navy bow tie.

Gingham and Paisley

Gingham and paisley are great together. The curves and shapes of the paisley add a level of fun to the clean lines of the gingham. When starting out, choose a paisley tie that contains the same colors of the gingham to help bring everything together.

Stripes and Polka-dots

Lines and polka dots are a crowd pleaser. Just keep the patterns small and subtle; otherwise you’ve crossed the line from dapper into clownville.

Gingham and Plaid

Gingham and plaid is a more complex and tricky combination. It risks appearing too busy. But when done with thin lines and subtle colors, it can be really dapper! It also helps with the busy factor to mix bigger patterns with smaller ones. Those who know me know that I like taking risks and being a bit more daring. Taking risks can result in big pay-offs and many compliments. 

Floral and Paisley

One of my signature mixtures is floral & paisley. The features of these traditionally feminine patterns compliment each other and create a fun and playful look. I find that it works really well to mix dark shades with light ones.

Check back soon for more of my outfits IRL!

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Anonymous asked: Qwear, I'm a 23 year old gay carpenter in the south, but dont look the part. I've got mid-back length STRAIGHT blonde hair and am desperate for a change. Any ideas on a good cut for straight hair that still plays up my femininity?

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