Queer Accessories for Fall and Year Round
Since queer people walked the earth, we’ve used accessories to express ourselves and set ourselves apart from the straights. For example, the hanky code is a color-coded system in which a queer person - traditionally a cis gay man - wears a specific colored handkerchief in their back pocket(s) to inform others of their sexual interests and roles.
I asked a number of queer folk to send me photos of outfits featuring their favorite accessories for fall, or year round!
If you are new to accessorizing for fall, you can start with shoes like these womens loafers (which conveniently fit feet of all genders) or boots in brown, red, or yellow hues. It’s easy to add red gloves, orange scarves, or some Shade Stations to complete the outfit.
If you are unsure about wearing something in public, try it on in a store or at home. You can see yourself with your accessories in a mirror or even record a video with a phone stand and share your outfit with the #qwear hashtag. This helps you get commnuity feedback and become more confident about your accessory choices before wearing them outfit.
Kyanna Alexandra (@thekyannaalexandra)
“As a girlie who loves fashion, and playing with clothes and creating outfits, I feel as if the one thing that can turn an outfit into a “LOOK” are accessories. These are a few of my staples that I must have in almost every outfit to make it into a “LOOK.” Sunglasses: Sunglasses are one of my favorite accessories because they are easily tie into any color of the outfit that you desire and they are fairly easy to get your hands on an especially on multiple colors. A simple $5 pair of sunnies can change your look and you don’t even have to put them on, just rest them on top of your head. I’ve become so accustomed to wearing jewelry that now I like to wear as much as possible. I like to layer necklaces, mix metals when the outfit calls for it, wear hoop earrings and I always like to wear watches and bracelets so that my arms don’t look so bare when I have an outfit on.” — Kyanna
Accessories:
Sunglasses: Temu
Necklaces: Forever 21
Bag: Marshalls (Steve Madden)
Bracelets: Gift
Watch: Amazon
Rings: Amazon
“I love the character these beads give to my locs but I like wearing hats, too. For other jewelry such as my rings and bracelets, I tend to mix metals; it makes for an effortless stack.” — Bryanna
Accessories:
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Rings & Bracelet: Vintage
Hair beads: Beauty Supply
“There are some accessories I never go without.
1 - Brooches… I have a large collection of brooches I wear on my lapels when I am out. They are a collection of my mothers old pins that I bought her in grammar school and others made my a jeweler I know.
2 - a 3 strand gold pocket or vest chain that is connected to my grandfathers watch. He went to war with that watch. I wear it in almost all my dressy outfits if I wear a vest
3 - ankle bracelets… I love the extra blink it brings to nylon clad legs. It’s like the cherry on the top of a great outfit. People always seem to notice and comment on my ankle bracelet etc
4- not often seen but ALWAYS there is my cork “Legend”bracelet that has a special clear holding capsule you can fill with whatever you want. There I have a sampling of my families ashes. I lost my mother, father and sister. I wear it 24/7. A reminder of where I come from and the people who made me what I am today.”
— Ray
Accessories:
Flower brooch: my mother’s that I bought for her in the 1st grade.
Chain and watch: My grandfathers
Boots: Lidia Talaveria.
Cufflinks and and Tie bar: Dad’s
Frames: Old Focals
Eziah Blake (@Blackbearextraordinaire)
“For fall I like to pair dark blues with the colors of the changing leaves. Add a good snapback, some skinny jeans and Vans to match and I’m good to go.” — Eziah
Accessories:
Hat: FLY Hat @kingsofny
Nicola Dawn (@lord_violet)
“I’ve been vibing on British academic chic with a bomber jacket, sneaker, button up shirt and thigh highs. Gives me the masc balance I need as a queer femme!” — Nicola Dawn
Accessories:
Bolo Tie: TROLLOP Gold Bolo Tie from my own personal Lord Violet collection
Choker: Gold ball chain choker & matching bracelet and brass ring (pieces I made for myself for fun!)
"With the perfect accessories, you have the power to elevate your favorite look from ordinary to remarkable. Whether it's the gentle nostalgia of a paisley print bandana or the rugged charm of a dog tag necklace, accessories represent my unique style in its purest form. Take, for example, how my beaded bracelets, fashionable belt, and designer fanny pack enhance both the character and functionality of my casual look." — Bryce
Accessories:
Bandana: M & M Beauty Supply
Dog tag necklace: ASOS
Belt: The Goodwill
Fanny pack: Coach
Beaded bracelets: Steve Madden
Tempest (@theflyingtempest)
“This coffin bag is my favorite accessory right now. It finishes off any badass outfit, and I get compliments on it every time I go out with it.” — Tempest
Accessories:
Coffin bag: Dangerfield Clothing
Van Bailey (@dr__handsome)
“Fall is my favorite season, especially as a bigger bodied person. I love layers and the ability to transform outfits with an accessory or added layer.” — Van
Accessories:
Shades: ASOS
Hat: Goorin Bros
Necklaces: Shein, Amazon, and thrifting
Earrings: Amazon