As requested!

Sunglasses: Ray-ban Wayfarers
Cardigan: Tommy Hilfiger
Shirt: American Eagle
Tie: Express
Jeans: American Eagle
Shoes: Converse

trambahngast asked: ahoy! i'd like to know if you can give me any advice on cardigans. you mentioned the men's ones to be basically the same as the women's though I can't seem to find any that are looking good on me. They always seem to be too close-fitting and wrinkle as soon as i button them up. Should I just keep looking or is there a trick behind choosing a cardigan? Thanks in advance and for maintaining this blog, it really helped me define my style.

A.D. says: TRICK: Take all the sizes into the dressing room with you. No, like seriously. If the cardigans fit too snuggly, try a larger size.

Anonymous asked: hey Qwear! My girlfriend is definitely masculine-of-center/ generqueer, 37 (though doesn’t “look it,” whatever that means), and is definitely NOT skinny (she’s working with a gorgeous big ass for one thing). She’s a total babe and wants to look more stylie, but a lot of the looks on here involve stuff like skinny jeans and a “straight up and down” aesthetic that simply isn’t possible w/ her body. Can you please advise? Accessories and basics? Pref on the cute casual tip vs. dressy/ dandy.

Blake says: I say embrace your curves (I mean you tell your girlfriend). When I wear clothes that are straight up and down on another person, they are obviously not straight up and down on me. However, regardless of shape, I feel as if I still look put together and stylish. See me in my latest number. I say all this just to make a point that you (not you, but your girlfriend, or also you I guess) can wear whatever the hell you want regardless of size or shape. But moving on, here is some inspiration:

1. Pants

These straight leg jeans “with Right Fit Technology” are a great alternative to skinny jeans. (available at Lane Bryant for $29.97) They’re not too hip hugging but they also provide a figure flattering shape. In addition, they can be dressed up or down. These Old Navy jeans are also good. 

2. Hoodies and Sweatshirts
For casual wear I like to throw on a “non-sweatshirt hoodie.” Hoodies are a great way to vary your look from the usual collared shirt. Below is an example.



I also love a good varsity jacket. You can pick them up at H&M, Forever 21, Dr. Jays, and ASOS

(source: blog.markafoni.com)

3. Tops

Try a baseball tee or a Henley for casual tops.



Men’s Classic Baseball Tee, available at Old Navy for $14.94

3. Accessories
I generally don’t wear accessories outside of ties and bracelets, so I’ll give you some inspiration on that front.



Bracelet Set, available at American Eagle Outfitters for $9.50

The trick to ties is knowing how to dress them up or down. To reduce the formality of ties, wear them with just a cardigan or sweater, or on their own. Also, swap out a silk/shiny tie for a cloth tie for a more casual look. 


(source: theflyingfeathers.tumblr.com)


(source: i-dream-of-dapper.tumblr.com)

I get my ties from goodwill now. Any thrift store will probably be more cost efficient than a department store. 

Shopping for well-priced work clothes in plus sizes can be hard. No fear! I have some staple pieces that will keep your budget in check while also giving you a professional look. Here are some items to give your wardrobe a professional boost with inspiration for people of all shapes.

1. Can I say cardigans more than once????
Cardigans are a wonderful way to class up any outfit while providing comfort and an element of androgyny (men’s and women’s cardigans are virtually identical.) In addition, they cross over well from day/work wear to nightlife wear. I suggest buying a cardigan in gray, blue, black, and a statement color. I bought most of my cardigans from a Tommy Hilfiger outlet mall in Williamsburg, VA. However, if you don’t live near an out mall, I also like the cardigans over at Old Navy for the price point. 


(source: gentleman-forever.tumblr.com)

2. Vests!
I currently have two vests that I go to whenever I am trying to look more put together and professional. Vests are a great multi-purpose form of clothing. You can pretty much wear then with anything! Goodwill or a comparable thrift store usually has some great options in all sizes.

(source: covermenmag.com)

3. Collared Shirts
Just like cardigans and vests, collared shirts have crossover appeal. If you have trouble finding one that fits you, keep looking! They come in all cuts, sizes, colors, and patterns! You can survive off of owning 5 to 7 shirts — one white, another light blue, and 3 to 5 of your choice. Get some with button-down collars, and some without so that you have a range of of casual and fancy (button-down = casual.) The combinations of cardigans, vests, and collared shirts are endlesssssssss. I recommend Saddlebred collared shirts and Ralph Lauren for plus sizes; they fit me well. Just shop around for what fits you best. 

(source: maxxanch.tumblr.com)

4. Blazers
I have had GREAT luck at Goodwill. However, thrift shops are a mixed bag. Lane Bryant has some really nice blazers. The arms fit well enough that I can bend them and the body of the blazer fits perfectly to my curves. I suggest that you look out for a sale; Lane Bryant can be pricey (I went during a sale and got two blazers for $90, not bad). A blazer should fall below the waistline but not go past your bum. The sleeves should be in between the knuckle and the wrist. 

Herringbone jacket, available at Lane Bryant for $89.95

5. Pants 
Buy pants cheap and get them tailored. I would shoot for khakis and a light weight dress material. Try to stay away from the Poly and Ester twins. I find that slim leg pants are the most flattering look for any size. Have your tailor adjust your pants leg to about 9.5 inches to create the look (trust the tailor with the number of inches). I buy pants from all over, mainly Tommy Hilfiger on extremeeeee markdown and Old Navy during the holiday deal season. See my post about tailoring pants for more info.

Look for pants with these cuts:


(source: panizsehatniaki.blogspot.com) Pants from Zara


Pants from Tommy Hilfiger (source: he99.blogspot.com)

6. Shoes!
Shoes can make or break an outfit. No holes, no tears, not too broken in for the office. Out of all of the above basics, I recommend that you spend the most money on good quality shoes. I like Clarks desert boots and Bass Weejuns for the office.

Desert Boots. Pick yours up at Topman, FarFetch, The Tannery, Infinity Shoes, or basically anywhere. (source: four-thirdsgentleman.tumblr.com)


Bass Weejuns (womens) available at Bass

Related Posts: Androgenizing With Ralph Lauren, Diminishing Curves With Menswear

N is back with another delicious outfit for the fall! Notice how she leaves the top cardigan button undone. Most cardigan wearers do it these days to look relaxed, but it’s also a great tip for queers who may be also coping with men’s cardigan proportion issues. LOVE the colors in this outfit too. Blue and grey bow tie; grey cardigan and navy pants? Yum.

Bow Tie: Century 21
Shirt: Uniqlo
Cardigan: H&M
Belt: H&M mens
Pants: H&M
Boat Shoes: “One of those shoe stores on 14th street between 5th and 6th Ave.” Similar styles available at Topman.

Follow N!: episodesandparallels.tumblr.com

Related posts: Dapper Summer Outfit, 10 Cardigans for Fall

Cardigans have a classy yet cosy look that will make everyone just want to give you jobs and cuddle with you. You can wear them with workwear, dresses, or just jeans and a T-shirt. Here is my cardigan queerspiration for fall.

Reverse Angle Cardi, on sale at French Connection for $27.99

Argyle Cardigan, available at Gap for $29.95

Charter School Cardigan in Honey, available at Modcloth for $34.99

Knitted Contrast Trim Cardi, available at Topshop for $76

Denim Demon Cardigan with Shawl, on sale at ASOS for $96.93

Shrunken Texture Cardi, available at Reiss for $85

Dream Cardigan, available at J. Crew for $85

Shawl Collar Toggle Cardigan, on sale at Brooks Brothers for  $44.75


Closed Striped Cotton Knit Cardigan Sweater, on sale at luisaviaroma.com for $99

Knitted Stitch Panel Cardi, available at Topshop for $76