Esquire Theme by Matthew Buchanan
Customization Design by Sonia Oram
03
May
kaebot asked: I'm sorry if this is answered elsewhere but where did you get the black and floral pattern hat in your recent post about everlane? It's really great! (I love Qwear so much, btw. Thank you so much!)
Yayyy. No worries— I got it at Forever 21 for 8 bucks! Love that thing. It’s shaped to fit on your head slightly off to the side. I don’t see it on their website, but I got it at their store on Newbury in Boston. Thanks for the love!
- Sonia
25
Apr
Hey queers! Just giving a quick shout out that A. I’m super excited to see everyone in NYC this Sunday the 28th at our Power Clashing Party. B. If you are still pulling together your outfits, I highly recommend Forever 21. They have tons of patterned pieces for cheap in colors that look great together. Just went there today and had a raging success.
At the risk of giving away too much:
Some of these MAY make an appearance. See ya Sunday! Don’t forget to invite all your friends on the Facebook, and if you haven’t yet, RSVP to clashing@thedallowaynyc.com.
27
Mar
We’re gearing up for our big Power Clashing bash at The Dalloway on Sunday April 28th! Here are some of my inspirational favorites, and you can find more on my Power Clashing Pinterest board. I’m definitely going to make a few trips to my neighborhood thrift stores. Can’t wait to see what you all come up with! - Sonia
(from: fashionising.com)
(from: wallpaper.com)
(from: firsthandsecondhand.wordpress.com)
(from: notorious-mag.com)
(from: brand-in-trend.ru/)
(from: kpopstarz.com)
(from fashitects.blogspot.co.uk)
(from sartori.al/)
(from: brokeandbespoke.tumblr.com)
THE DALLOWAY AND QWEAR PRESENT:
Powerclashing Party (21+)
525 Broome Street New York, 10013
Sunday, April 28 at 7:00 PM
RSVP: clashing@thedallowaynyc.com
Facebook event
No Cover! Prizes will be awarded to the most fabulous clashers.
18
Mar
*I need all of these things trigger warning
With spring around the corner, I know what’s on everyone’s mind: Masculine Floral. Femmy femme floral. Overpowering Patterns. Take it from me… there is no such thing as being too faggy. My top retail places to pick up some floral this season are Topman, Topshop, H&M, Forever 21, Modcloth ASOS, J.Crew; and for ties, General Knot & Co, hands down. But my first plan is to scrounge the thrift stores to find men’s floral shirts and then get them tailored to fit.
(from: lyst.com) Pants from H&M
Grey Floral Pattern Socks, $6.00 at Topman
(from dapperq.com) Shirt from ASOS
Walk on Flair Flat in Orange Blossom, $37.99 at Modcloth
UPDATE: This shirt costs ~ $262.96 + shipping and can be purchased by emailing klas@roseborn.com (from roseborn.com)
(from: lookbook.nu) Tie from General Knot & Co
Floral Print Pants, $22.80 at Forever 21
Floral Bow Tie, $55 at J.Crew
13
Mar
It was so gorgeous in Boston today!! 50 degrees, no clouds in the sky So since it’s like basically HOT OUT, I asked Blake to share with us how she transitions into a spring wardrobe. Hope some of you find this useful when getting together yer outfits! - Sonia
By Blake
You don’t need to start from scratch when the seasons get warmer! For spring I only make two significant changes to what I wear:
(from trashness.com)
(from indulgy.com)
I still wear jeans (vans and cuffed jeans= classic) and collared shirts in the summertime (usually not at the same time) depending on how hot it is. 
(from ostentationandstyle.tumblr.com)
(from ostentationandstyle.tumblr.com)
The weather in Virginia can be pretty temperamental (Buah hah!); 70 degrees one day and 50 the next. However, the outer layer goes away-sweaters, cardigans, and heavy jackets. To replace a big coat, I’m in love with the windbreakers/ parkas I’ve seen around for when it gets chilly.
(from rawthentix.com)
(from thirdlooks.com)
Zanerobe Bay Short Sleeve Shirt, $99 at needsupply.com
Gitman Vintage Pinup Oxford Shirt (from meadowweb.com)
(from bgibney.com)
In addition, I love incorporating a busy pattern into my spring outfit. Because it is often too hot to wear a sweater or cardigan, patterns can add another layer of complexity and flare. I’m talking polka dots (and top button swag), florals (“florals for spring…groundbreaking”), zig zags, pin-up girl patterns; go crazy. When done right, patterns show that you put some thought into your outfit.
(from culturaltoast.tumblr.com)
Timex weekender watches $35 at Amazon
I roll my sleeves up most of the time during the spring. Great opportunity to accessorize with some bracelets and a watch. You can find more affordable bracelets from ALDO or Etsy. 
Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Originals Mens Boat Shoes
(source unknown)
I also wear lighter colored shoes in lighter fabrics-usually low tops. So Sperry’s, Vans, etc. Happy spring dressing!
18
Jan
(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
20
Dec
(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!
02
Dec
As queers, we love the play between classic and modern, traditional gender roles, and new gender spaces. We’ll put multiple plaids in the same outfit, and find a use for our grandfather’s old paisley ties. I’ve slowly started moving into bolder wardrobe choices myself (perhaps putting orange and yellow together in the same outfit is some baby power clashing in the works?) and I’ve been super inspired to see other queers and fashionistas around town breaking every rule I ever heard about what goes together.
Thrift stores are the perfect place to pick up eclectic pieces for your wardrobe. It’s how I Dream of Dapper acquired her cat vest. Topman is another great source for patterned pieces, particularly masculine floral. Just beware of anything with the word “Aztec” in the description. It’s not approved by the Aztecs. H&M has some amazing women’s patterned pants; my friend recently got a pair that she loves.
Some tips for successful power clashing:
1. Mix bigger patterns with smaller ones.
2. Find a way to tie it all together. When mixing patterns, find a common color to repeat throughout the outfit.
3. THE SQUINT TEST: When you have your outfit on, squint and see if it looks like a mess or you can easily distinguish the different pieces. (A little trick I picked up in painting class.)
Allex Knight, from her recent DapperQ feature. The shirt pattern is so muted and pants so crazy bold that they balance one another out. The light blue nail polish is a really nice touch! (Photo cred: Shaina Chin)
The shirt includes the colors of both the tie and the jacket/vest combo to make a cohesive outfit. The use of thick wool ties is a great way to add some weight and grounding to a mixed patterned outfit. (source: thetieguy.tumblr.com)
Jenna Lyons (J. Crew head, new member of the tribe) always has some crazy patterns and textures going on, but she ties it together with color coordinated footwear. (source: theoveranalyst.net)
This fashionista repeats the color scheme of black, gold, and white. Actually, if you look closely at her wrist, she’s repeating every single color in her shirt. Brilliant! (source: behautebothered.blogspot.com)
This outfit passes the squint test, because if you REALLY simplify it, it’s a light top and dark pants, the commonality being black and white. (source: blog.stylesight.com)
Dapper Q’s first fashion show is also full of brilliant power clashing. This outfit not only has 3 different patterns in it, but has a canadian tuxedo-esque jacket and pants combo. (Styled and photographed by Jahn Hall)
Here the commonality that pulls it all together is the tie, drawing on the red lines in the blazer and shirt and red designs in the paisley pocketsquare. And it’s all the same deap red, or very close to! Bravo. (source: thatmodernman.tumblr.com)
More Allex Knight from DapperQ. Allex comments in the feature, “I love the clash of classic clothing, my body, and my body art that makes this suit wearing experience so gender queer.” (Photo cred: Shaina Chin.)
Inspired yet?
- Sonia
13
Oct
Shesunderneaththewater asked: I recently bought the new Taupe Suede Desert Wedges from Toms Shoes and I have no clue what to wear them with (especially now that the weather is getting colder). I usually dress more on the femme side but essentially I’m just a queer hipster/hippie. Do you have any suggestions on how to wear them? Thanks!
Rae says: I’m going to start from the ground up. I love adding unexpected pops of color to a neutral outfit. Try some brightly colored tights, plain khaki chinos that are a little slouchy and rolled up at the ankle, a slim fitted cable knit sweater, and a printed coat to keep you nice and cozy.
Toms Taupe Suede Women’s Desert Wedges, available at Nordstrom for $88.95
Deep Pink 70 Denier Tights, available at New Look for $5.25. (We Love Colors also has nearly every color and size tights you could think of.)
Broken-in straight khakis, available at Gap for $49.95 (25% off with the code GAPCHEER until October 14 at 11:59 PM ET)
(Maybe if you can thrift something like this) Ralph Lauren Grey cashmere and wool sweater, available at FarFetch for $271.74
Style Stimulant Coat, available at Modcloth for $57.99
30
Sep
All my followers in cold climates are freezing because I haven’t posted about leggings and tights yet. Sorry guysss!!! Leggings and tights are traditionally thought of as feminine, but I really love making them into a masculine or androgynous thing too. Some people call men’s leggings “meggings,” which is dumb and gendered. But whatever works to help stores get them on the racks.
Leggings and tights can be worn under shorts, skirts, or ripped jeans. Leggings, because they are thicker, can also be worn with over-sized shirts/sweaters. Then when you get to “jeggings;” a cross between jeans and leggings, you can wear them on their own. Flaunt it, queers.
More AMAZING photos of this outfit on her blog: anouskaproettabrandon.com
(source: lookbook.nu) Leggings from Zara, but these functionally count as jeggings.
(source: flickr.com)
(source: socialbliss.com)
(source: mirjami.myshowroom.se)
Places to pick up tights and leggings: American Apparel, H&M, Topshop, ASOS, Modcloth, Zara, www.nylonjournal.com
