You never know when you might find yourself sneaking into a Danish Graduation Dance — but when you do, this is the outfit for it. (Seriously, I got you covered. No problem.) 

Elena is from Northern California but doing an exchange student year in Silkeborg, Denmark. She writes, ”Needed something formal looking to sneak into ‘Lancier’ a Danish graduation dance performance. I didn’t have a ticket, and needed to look like I was one of the graduating students. I couldn’t find a dress I liked, but tuxes are pretty acceptable during formals for girls here, though I was the only one this year.”

I am now interested in hearing more about this Danish culture of women in tuxes, so talk to me Danes! I know you’re out there! *Creepy Face*

• Button-up: Thrift shop, Levi’s
• Tie: Merona, bought at Target
• Vest: Local Tuxedo shop (used)
• Pants: Christmas gift, from Pieces (Danish chain store)
• Shoes: Vans

Follow Elena: Polkadotpolaroid.tumblr.com

Anonymous asked: I’m seeing all these guys’ pictures from prom and they’re all in the generic black or white suits with a vest the color of their date’s dress. I want to look snazzy or dapper or some other wonderful adjective at my prom, without looking like someone copy-pasted my outfit. Any suggestions?

I want this for you, too Anonymous. And what’s the point in being queer if you can’t have a little fun? Here are some ideas that I bet the cis straight boys at your school haven’t thought of:

Color: Having a non-black suit can pretty easily eliminate the predictable factor. (source) Riviera Club has some beautifully detailed yellow pants like this on sale for $72 (clicky)

Elbow patches: Sexy professor look. Nuff said. (Source unknown. If you took this picture please tell me.)

Unique Dress Shoes: Dress Slip Ons, wing tips, saddle shoes, contrast soles, or oxfords of other colors are a great way to spice things up. The lady reelers above are the 1901 ‘Saddle Up’ Oxfords at Nordstrom. 

Pattern mixing can make for a really bold and dynamic outfit. The key is to mix big patterns with smaller ones. Check out the pattern mixing tag for more inspiration. (source) 

Anonymous asked: Hello! Just wanted to say big thanks for the blog - you finally gave me the confidence to go out and buy my first tie this weekend. I've never felt more like myself, so thank you! xoxo

Omg I love this!!!

And where might I end up tonight? At a club? On a dinner date? At a vegan potluck that is unbeknownst to me a meeting for members of a cooperative farm? This outfit can be swung at any occasion. Happy Friday!

• Shirt: H&M Boys, tailored (cost $38 total)
• Tie: Express
• Watch: 666 Barcelona
• Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch, “The Erin Skinny”
• Socks: Urban Outfitters
• Shoes: Adidas

Anonymous asked: I’m brazilian and it is very hot where I live, about 27°C to 30°C all year long. There is no such thing as winter, which means I can’t really work with layers. I like short sleeves buttom-ups or polos and jeans (as long as they do not accentuate my hips) and I wear them for work with converse shoes. I wonder if there are other clothes I could try. I am a psychologist and work with young people in a university, which does not require a dress code. 

Wow, jeans, converse, and polos to work? Sounds great! So it’s in the 80’s (F) all year round. Let’s get some dress shorts. My beloved Old Navy Bermudas only come in 3 colors this year (view this post)… but I have some from Banana Republic that I got last year on sale and they fit in a straight up-and-down way and have really nice fabric. I also can’t help but recommend the shorts from the store with whom I have been having an intimate love affair for the past 6 months:

Topman, dark pink chino shorts

I don’t think I mentioned how tucking in your shirt and wearing a belt can seriously rack up the fancy points:

ASOS black leather belt (only $21.81!)

Add some loafers (and don’t forget the invisible socks):

Bass Casell Black Shoe

Have you considered ties? Have I shown you my latest favorite?

General Knot Bedford Plaid & Japanese Indigo Chambray Necktie

Now, I know it’s hot. But you can still add a vest over your short-sleeve button-up once in a while (and tie!!), right?

Ralph Lauren Boys Cotton Cable Vest (See me rocking mine here)

A little inspiration from Topman:

Topman Smart Outfit 5 (link)

Mimi’s back for part 3 with some more excellent combos. Checks, polka dots, stripes, blazers, epaulettes… damn girl. She’s knows how to handle pattern and detail.

Button-up: J. Crew Gingham Perfect Shirt
Cardigan: Forever 21
Tie: Thrifted 

Pants: Gap (Corduroys) 
Shirt: H&M
Blazer: Not sure, Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Sebago
Watch: Kenneth Cole, Nordstrom Rack
Band: NATO

Let me tell you a story about a queer who found great deals on all her clothes and put together a preppy and beautifully detailed outfit. Mimi (http://loverofstories.tumblr.com) has a knack for putting unique outfits together with bold color and pattern combinations, and I will be posting about her in parts. This first outfit combines a navy blazer with an emblem, a checkered shirt, a green knit tie, and a blue and red watch band. 

Wiltshire Check Button Down Collar Shirt, available at Ben Sherman for $77

Her tie is from Lord and Taylor and thrifted. They don’t appear to have them any more, but here’s a strikingly similar one at Neiman Marcus for $180. (Sorry, it’s the best I got.)

Her watch band is from eCrater, and the face is from Kenneth Cole. 

Her blazer is from Ralph Lauren, but they don’t sell the same one now. The closest I could find was the Rhoda Cotton Blazer, available at Ralph Lauren for $209

Moral of the story: Go to thrift stores, because you never know what amazing brands you’ll find. Get creative with matching, because you’ll be surprised at what might go together.

Related posts: Pattern Mixing Question, Color Palette Question

Anonymous asked: I’m going to a semi-formal-ish event at a feminist gathering, and for the occasion I’m having a suit made to measure. I’ll be rocking a burgundy paisley (look, I know, but I have a Thing for paisley and I promise it’s a good paisley and not hideous) vest with an ivory linen shirt and chocolate brown dress trousers. My question is, what kind of tie do I wear? Skinny, wide, patterned, plain, what color? Um, it might be the case that all my ties are variations on paisley *facepalm*

PUT DOWN THE PAISLEY. As long as you aren’t mixing paisleys, the feminists will still support you. (That’s how it works right?) I mean there might be a few cases in which mixing paisley works, but I’m not standing at your closet so I won’t be able to say, and we may as well just avoid disastrous situation altogether.

Burgundy paisley, chocolate brown, ivory… all colors that will welcome another color, and even another pattern. The key to mixing patterns is to match smaller patterns with bigger ones. I like The Silentist’s post on pattern mixing. (Great tumblr blog!)

Anonymous asked: This might seem silly, but I need help with color palette! I just bought a button up shirt that's mixed blue plaid (both navy and sky blue on white) and I'm wearing navy shorts and matching navy blazer. I really want to add a tie with it, but have no idea what color tie would look fly. Help a lesbian in need?

Dear Lesbian in Need,

Pretty much anything will go with white and navy. Except navy because that’s just too much navy. It doesn’t even necessarily have to be a solid tie. I assure you that your concern for silliness is unwarranted. Color palette is an important aspect of fashion, and one that is not always clear cut. Check this out:

(Via loverofstories.tumblr.com)

Anonymous asked: Are you familiar with The Tie Bar? Any reviews on how good the ties are?

I’ve never gotten anything from there, but I’ve heard they are ok. Anyone? (Leave your answers in the comments for this post)