Pride is the annual celebration of LGBT+ achievements and culture, as well as self-acceptance and legal rights. Pride events usually take place in late-June and early-July to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which took place on 28th June, 1969 in the Greenwich Village neighbourhood of Manhattan, New York City. Whilst there was plenty of LGBT+ activism taking place throughout the 60s, the Stonewall Riots left a legacy, its impact felt across the world to this day.
Although 28th June is the official start of Pride in many places, there are Pride-related events that take place throughout July and into early August. Pride in London takes place on Saturday 6th July 2019, whilst the world-famous Brighton & Hove Pride takes place between Friday August 2nd and Sunday August 4th. There is also lots happening in-between, so whether it’s parades and streamers you’re after or fun club nights and festivals you’re after (or even both), then Pride 2019 will surely fulfill those desires. Here’s 10 outfits you can show some Pride in …
Whatever you’re wearing, the trustworthy Rainbow Cape will likely be an excellent addition to your outfit. There’s lots of ways to adapt, readapt and integrate the cape into all sorts of costumes - just let your imagination run wild! Short versions of the rainbow flag are also available.
2. Make Your Own Rainbow Outfit
To go with your rainbow cape, you can get your tutu on, perhaps some rainbow socks or leggings, or even some colourful tights, and maybe a rainbow wig (unicorn optional) … The combinations are endless, and accessorising can be a great way to put together a great value, unique costume that stands out from the crowd.
A simple way to look great for Pride, this dress can be worn for all sorts of carnivals and festivals. Wrap up in a feather rainbow boa for the complete look.
4. The Pride Fairy/Angel
There’s no double entendres with this one, oh no! All you need for this look is to combine a rainbow outfit with a suitable pair of rainbow wings. Fly free, fly high, but be careful of doing an Icarus!
5. John Waters
How does one dress like the erudite and ever-fabulous John Waters? Well, you can’t ever truly replicate Waters’ style - that’s his and his alone. However, you can imitate the Hairspray director, starting with his signature pencil moustache, then combine it with a colourful suit.
There are few LGBT+ people and characters as widely-recognised and respected for their artistry, inventiveness and eccentricity as David Bowie and his creation, Ziggy Stardust, an androgynous bisexual rockstar who acts as a messenger for extraterrestrial beings. Still breaks hearts to this day.
Speaking of icons and legends, there’s few who are more iconic than Queen’s Freddie Mercury, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in rock history.
8. Hairspray
We’ve mentioned John Waters already, so we thought it improper to not mention his classic, Hairspray. Sure, you could go as Divine from Pink Flamingos, but that might require a level of flamboyance you need to work up to. In the meantime, you can get all 50s or 60s (the film was set in 1962, and certainly blends the styles of the two eras) and Shake Your Tail Feather and do The Bug.
Tie dyes are great for all sorts of colourful events, and Pride is no different in this regard.
Who says that Pride can’t be used metaphorically or symbolically, and used to represent one of the seven deadly sins? Why pride would be in a sexy women’s outfit, we don’t know, but we are sure the peacock motif is meant to represent something as well. Pride would be showy and boastful we suppose, so there is that …
We here at Escapade hope the above has provided you with some inspiration and ideas. Get your Pride costume sorted out today, and use the time between now and then to organise all the rest of the fun.