As we approach the annual LGBTQ+ Pride Month, it’s time to start thinking about your pride outfit ideas to wear to the celebrations.
Pride is about being true to yourself, expressing individuality, and celebrating love and diversity. What better way to do that than through your outfit with clothing items and accessories like bags or jewelry?
From rainbow everything to retro-inspired looks, we’ve rounded up the top 10 pride outfit ideas to make you stand out.
Whether attending your first pride parade or being a seasoned veteran, these pride outfits will make you feel confident and proud.
First, let’s find out what the fuss is about pride fashion.
Why is Pride Fashion Important?
General Tips for Creating a Stunning Pride Outfit
What’s the Origin of the “Pride” Word in the LGBTQ+ Community
Get Fashion Ready for the Next Pride Month
Why is Pride Fashion Important?
Pride fashion is not just about dressing in bright colors and dazzling costumes. It’s a statement of identity, a celebration of diversity, and a call for inclusivity.
Pride fashion is a way to express oneself and showcase one’s pride in who they are. This is essential because it allows people to support the LGBTQ+ movement, create a sense of community, and bring visibility to marginalized groups.
Great movements like the Trevor Project, and the LGBTQ+ community also enable this marginalized group to find their voices.
One of the most significant aspects of Pride fashion is its ability to help people express themselves. Fashion has always been a means of self-expression, and for members of the LGBTQ+ community, expression is even more essential.
By donning a rainbow flag, a statement T-shirt, or even just a pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers, you can signal to others that you are proud of who you are. And that they are part of a larger community.
Another reason why Pride fashion is crucial is that it creates a sense of community. When people wear Pride-themed clothing or accessories, they signal to others that they are part of a larger group.
It creates a feeling of solidarity, which is especially important for those who feel isolated or marginalized daily.
Therefore, pride fashion fosters a sense of belonging and support, which can be incredibly empowering.
Finally, it brings visibility to marginalized groups. The LGBTQ+ community has long been subjected to discrimination and marginalization. With pride fashion, they can combat this by making queer identities more visible.
When people wear Pride-themed clothing, they state that LGBTQ+ people exist, are proud of who they are, and deserve to be seen and heard.
This can be a powerful way to challenge heteronormative assumptions and create a more inclusive society.
General Tips for Creating a Stunning Pride Outfit
Before we dive into the specific pride outfit ideas, here are some general tips to keep in mind when creating your pride outfit for the parade:
- Choose a color scheme: One of the most common ways to create a pride outfit is by incorporating the rainbow colors of the LGBTQ+ flag.
However, you don’t have to limit yourself to just rainbow colors. Consider other colors that represent different parts of the community. For example, pink, white, and blue are often used to describe the transgender community. - Add statement pieces: Bold accessories shoot your pride outfit to the next level. Use a statement piece like a bright rainbow scarf, a pair of rainbow earrings, or a colorful headband. These accessories add a pop of color and show off your pride spirit.
- Don’t be afraid to mix patterns: Pattern mixing is a fun way to add dimension and visual interest to your pride outfit. Pair a rainbow-striped shirt with polka-dot pants or a floral skirt with a plaid jacket. Just make sure the patterns complement each other rather than clash.
- Incorporate glitter and sparkles: It’s a time to celebrate and shine, so don’t be afraid to glitter and sparkle in your outfit. You may also add glitter to your hair or face or wear a sparkling sequin jacket.
- Be comfortable: Ultimately, the most important thing is to feel comfortable in your outfit. Choose pieces that you feel confident in, and that reflect your style. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to celebrate pride!
Top 10 Pride Outfit Ideas
Rainbow Everything
Rainbow Everything is a classic pride outfit choice. Whether wearing a rainbow dress, skirt, or pants, you will stand out in the crowd.
If you want to take it to the next level, pair it with rainbow accessories, like a rainbow hat, sunglasses, or shoes.
Mix and match with other rainbow-inspired patterns, like stripes or polka dots, to create a unique and eye-catching outfit. But don’t overdo it!
Bold Makeup and Accessories
If you don’t want to go all out with your dressing, add some bold makeup and accessories to your look. This can include bright lipstick, bold eyeliner, or glittery eyeshadow.
Add statement jewelry, like oversized earrings or a chunky necklace, to make your outfit pop. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and textures to create a bold and daring look.
DIY T-Shirt With a Message
The LGBTQ+ group is a fun community! So shake this up with a DIY tee!
If you want to make a statement, rock a DIY t-shirt with a message. You can use fabric markers, paint, or iron-on transfers to create a personalized message representing your identity or beliefs.
Some famous statements include “Love is Love,” “Proud Ally,” or a simple rainbow heart. Not only is this a great way to express yourself, but it’s also an affordable and eco-friendly option.
Glitter and Sequins
If you want to add some sparkle to your pride outfit, incorporate glitter and sequins. You can add glitter to your makeup, hair, or clothes.
Sequins can be added to a jacket, dress, or skirt to create a fun and chic look. Just be prepared to leave a trail of glitter wherever you go! And if that’s not a way to make a statement, we don’t know what is!
Fashionable Face Masks
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have become a necessary accessory for public events.
But that doesn’t mean they have to be boring!
Throw a fashionable face mask into your pride outfit. You can choose a mask with a rainbow pattern or create your own with fabric markers or iron-on transfers.
Rainbow Hair
If you want to take your pride outfit to the next level, dye your hair rainbow colors. You can choose to dye your entire head or just a few strands. Don’t want a permanent dye job? No worries! Use a temporary hair dye or chalk.
Rainbow hair is a fun and creative way to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community and stand out during a festival.
Matching Group Outfits
If you’re attending the parade with friends, coordinate your outfits to create a cohesive look. You can choose a theme, like all wearing rainbow stripes, floral patterns, sweaters, or matching t-shirts with a message.
This creates a fun and memorable experience!
Retro-inspired Looks
You can’t go wrong with vintage fashion! So, why not go all classy with retro-inspired pieces? This can include high-waisted pants, crop tops, or platform shoes.
You can add retro-inspired accessories, like cat-eye sunglasses or a vintage handbag. It will create a unique and stylish look.
Floral and Botanical Prints
Add some color and pattern to your pride clothes. Dress in floral and botanical prints. This may include a floral dress, a botanical print shirt, or a floral headband. It makes for a fun and festive look. Plus, it will add some natural beauty to your outfit.
Classic Denim and Leather
If you prefer a more classic and timeless look, denim and leather are the way to go. Style yourself in a denim jacket, boots, or a purse.
You can add some rainbow accents, like a rainbow scarf or a rainbow pin, to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Denim and leather are gorgeous stylish materials that can be dressed up or down, making them an excellent choice for any pride celebration.
Mesh and Cargo Pants
Pride month can’t be complete without a cute mesh top! Mesh and cargo pants timeless pieces that make a trendy outfit. To create a stunning summer look with these, consider the following:
Start with the mesh top: The key to pairing mesh and cargo pants is to balance the sheer and baggy styles. Begin with a form-fitting mesh top, such as a tank or crop top.
Choose high-waisted cargo pants: Opt for cool cargo pants at your natural waistline. It will elongate your legs and create a flattering silhouette. Way to go! Cargo pants with tapered legs or cuffs will balance the voluminous mesh top.
Consider color: Pride is all about color, so don’t be afraid to mix and match bold hues. A colorful mesh top paired with olive green or khaki cargo pants can create an unexpected but fashionable combination. Alternatively, you could switch things up with black mesh and cargo pants for a sleek and edgy look.
What’s the Origin of the “Pride” Word in the LGBTQ+ Community
We can’t help but mention the origin of the pride month.
“Pride” has become synonymous with the LGBTQ+ community and its various celebrations or events. But where did this term come from, and how did it become associated with the community?
The word “pride” can be traced to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City. At the time, being openly gay or transgender was illegal. Police raids on LGBTQ+ establishments were common.
On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village. This wasn’t the first time the police raided the bar, but the patrons fought back this time. The ensuing protests and riots lasted for several days. Now it’s considered a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States.
Following the Stonewall Riots, a group of LGBTQ+ activists in New York organized a march to commemorate the first anniversary of the protests.
This event was called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March and was held on June 28, 1970. The march was a peaceful protest against the discrimination and violence faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and it marked the first Pride Parade in the United States.
The term “pride” was used to describe this event and subsequent celebrations because it conveyed a sense of empowerment and self-affirmation.
For many LGBTQ+ people, being open about their sexuality or gender identity was something to be ashamed of or kept hidden. The word “pride” represented a shift in this mindset, encouraging people to embrace their identities and stand up for their rights.
Since then, pride celebrations have taken place all over the world, with events ranging from parades and festivals to rallies and marches. “Pride” symbolizes the LGBTQ+ community’s resilience, strength, and the ongoing fight for equality.
Get Fashion Ready for the Next Pride Month
Celebrating pride means recognizing individuality, equality, and inclusivity. In this light, your pride outfit reflects your personality and your support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Whether you go all out with rainbow everything or incorporate subtle nods to pride with your accessories, just wear an outfit that makes you confident. So, get creative, have fun, and celebrate pride month in style!