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Work Attire for Butches and Tomboys

Dressing like a professional adult type person is tough for enough for feminine women, but for our masculine of center butches and studs, the task can be daunting. How do you blend into the workforce while staying true to your personal style? Try these suggestions, sourced from research and expert suggestions. I mixed investment pieces with affordable items for a shopping guide that is actually useful.

Also try: Brooks Brothers Non-Iron Regent Fit Spread Collar French Cuff Dress Shirt, $92; Express Slim 1MX Shirt in Black, $59.90

The market is saturated in dress shirts, but finding a perfect fit for the masculine women takes thought and consideration. First, ask yourself: “Am I willing to get this tailored?” Tailoring a shirt costs anywhere from $20-$40, which can be a pricey addition to your base shirt price. However, tailoring is the only way to ensure a perfect fit every time. I recommend selecting a local, small business for tailoring to get better service and prices than bougie boutiques.

Big retailers like ASOS, Topshop, H&M, GAP, Express, LL.Bean, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Lands’ End, and even Target sell menswear-inspired, affordable shirts that flatter a girl’s body. When you’re shopping in the men’s section, veer towards straight or slim cuts. They’re more likely to fit your upper body. Lengthwise, an untucked shirt should end somewhere between the top and middle of your back pockets.

Pay attention to neck sizes. If torn between whether to get the right neck size or right length, choose neck! Length can be fixed through a fitting or tucking; neck size springs eternal. Butch Wonders has a dope collection of shirt suggestions and an exceptional guide to buying shirts.

  Also try: Uniqlo Mens Jogger Pants, $39.90; H&M Linen blend suit pants, $34.99

Uniqlo men’s pants are popular with She’s A Gent and Man Repeller. A Dapper Chick favors H&M pants. VeerNYC’s ATHE Trousers have a cool drop crotch and traditional menswear suiting waist. If you’ve got enough dough saved to make a smart investment in custom pants, try Anita’s suggestions of queer operated labels Saint Harridan, Sharpe Suiting, and Kipper Clothiers. I loathe khakis with evangelical zeal and ask everyone of all gender identities to stop wearing khakis.

  Also try: Wildfang Silverstone Suit, Topman Black Ultra Skinny Fit Suit, $250

St. Harridan creates custom suits designed by and for women, particularly masculine-identified women. Their fans include Lea DeLaria, and each suit is guaranteed to fit. St. Harridan is the Chanel of butch and stud suiting, top of the line, perfectly tailored, and absolutely gorgeous. I dream of a St Harridan suit. I dream of my girlfriend in a St. Harridan suit. I will now proceed with my day, salivating over St. Harridan suits. Kill me so I can go to heaven and wear St. Harridan suit. TopMan has a collection of $250 suits that look like something a rockstar might wear. I’m particularly into their ultra skinny cut (because I am teeny), but the line also boasts extended styles for all my curvy butches and studs looking for a deal. Jackets and pants are available to buy separately, and the store has regular sales and promotions.

  Also try: ASOS Linen Blazer, $64.70; J.Crew Ludlow Summerweight Cotton-Linin Blazer in Fine Stripe, $168

What can I say about the humble blazer? A key ingredient in looking dapper, the professional blazer can either make or break an outfit. Don’t fall into the trap of buying a too baggy blazer. You will look like a young boy. And not boi with an i. Boy with a y. A male child.

  Also try: Paul Evans Cagney Cap Toe Oxford in Oxblood, $369, Wolverine Jaden Monk Strap Oxford, $130

The Paul Evans shoes were featured in a recent She’s A Gent spread. Sara of A Dapper Chick says “If you really want to be stylish, a double monk strap will never fail. Anita suggested Nik Kacy shoes because they offer masculine shoes for all genders and sizes. Before making any purchases, I strongly suggest you read dapperQ’s epically informative (and illustrated!) guide to masculine shoes.

 

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