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AfterEllen.com’s Fall Fashion Guide

What does a lesbian look like? Obviously there’s no one way to answer this question. There isn’t one way to look gay (thank god!) but there is still a certain aesthetic that is queer style. We can read the September issue like any straight woman can, but sometimes there’s just something missing; someone talking to us about the specific kinds of way we like to wear our clothes. Lesbians and our other kinds of Sapphically-inclined sisters are more likely to blend the men’s and women’s sections, to not be satisfied with a “boyfriend” fit; to want something not necessarily feminine but that’s still on trend and also looks like it was made for them. You can’t always find someone to help you with this in your nearby Macy’s, and if you can, you might not be comfortable doing so.

The same goes for hairstyles. Just ask Miley Cyrus: There’s a certain way a lot of gay women like to look when it comes to their ‘dos, and they typically inspire trends because of it. And sometimes you don’t have a stylist who will know what it means when you want “The Tegan Quin” or “something Agyness-esque,” but they will know when you say “I need you to go a little shorter on the right.”

So this fall, we asked Fashion Star Season 1 winner Kara Laricks, Project Runway Season 10 contestant Alicia Hardesty and celesbian hairstylist Holli Smith how you can achieve the look you want, no matter where you live or what your personal style may be.

Kara Laricks will be debuting her new collection at New York Fashion Week next Sunday, September 9. Alicia Hardesty can be seen on Lifetime on Thursday nights, but you can also see her work at Original Tomboy. Holli Smith has styled for Elle, Teen Vogue and many other fashion magazines as well as runway shows. All three women are out and proud and super stylish.

Brands to try: Both Laricks and Hardesty agree that Topshop/TopMan is great in value and selection, but Hardesty says “It depends on your pricepoint.” If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, she recommends Urban Outfitters or American Apparel, especially if you’re looking for “unisex basics, underwear and accessories.” If you’re willing to put more money into your fashion, Hardesty suggests SSense, All Saints, Fred Segal, Diesel, G-Star, Opening Ceremony or Atrium.

Laricks adds that H&M and Uniqulo both offer quality goods for fair prices.

Department stores are mainstays: If you want something with a little more room, Hardesty says try Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, specifically Ralph Lauren. Those stores also tend to offer less feminine styles. “I shop mostly menswear at all of these stores, but always check out the women’s selection,” she suggests. “You never know what you might find, and vice versa.”

Get a versatile cut: Holli, whose clients include JD Samson, Lissy Trullie and Kim Ann Foxman, says short hair is more youthful. “It exposes the proportions of your height as well as creating a look that possibly more alive for a person. My clients love to have a style that will turn into a few different cuts while growing out. This ensures they can take chances at trying something on the shorter, fun side knowing it will grow out great and in a still workable style.”

Get the best fit: Laricks suggests you find a tailor. “My number one tip for queer women, especially those who lean toward a more masculine style, is to spend the time it takes to find a good tailor who understands your body and your aesthetic – once you have conquered this hurdle, he or she can teach you how menswear can be altered to fit a woman’s body,” she says. “It may cost you a little extra, but you will enjoy a perfectly altered piece for a lot longer than a less expensive one that just doesn’t fit your body. “

See your stylist regularly: “Most of my clients I see are three to four monthers,” Holli says. When you find a stylist you like, pencil her in so she can keep your cut fresh.

Accessorize yourself: But what you really need to do is change up what she calls “your successories.” “Find a great fitting shirt and pair of jeans … [Add] a bulky watch or bandana or scarf tied around the wrist makes a new outfit out of that shirt and jeans. So does a blazer or a vest.”

Hardesty agrees, but says keep it simple and balanced. “Always balance out your look – hard/soft, play with color and tones and choose smart accessories that add to your look.”

For the femme who wants to keep her hair long but have a little bit of an edge, Holli says, “I hear it all the time and it’s OK! There is quite a bit that you can do. Trying “a bang, changing the part entirely adding or growing layers out to become blunt” are a few ways to change things up while keeping your length.

Trying trends: When it comes to going with something new, Laricks says to be wary of trends. “A fashion tip in general: Every trend is not for everybody. Instead of focusing time and money on quickly passing trends, really evaluate what looks good on you in terms of fit. Then if you feel like adding in a trendy pattern or fabric, go for it!”

Hardesty says that military is going to remain trendy and is pretty easy to accomplish. “It’s great because it has staying power and versatility. You can toughen a look instantly with a military jacket or accessory.”

Fall is a great time to try something new, too. Hardesty says “You might like wearing a print or a bright color.”

Get colorful in your clothing: “No matter the season or year, you cannot go wrong with a crisp white or a saturated black,” Laricks says. “This fall, I would add in a navy, charcoal grey and as a ‘pop of color,’ a light tan in terms of a belt or shoe. I have also seen some great kicks in distressed burgundy or forest green.”

Hardesty agrees with the neutral black, greys and blues, but also adds some more colorful ideas like “Oxblood red.” “It’s big this fall, so think about it in terms of dyed denim, T-shirts, a crisp woven top. It’s a good color for a great pair of oxfords, too.”

But Smith says to keep the dye off your head. “What i am noticing right now is that its not cool to color your hair anymore,” she says. “Don’t dye it pink or blue or what you think is punk! Kids are wearing ‘punk rock color’ so it’s no longer a trend that gives off the same tough imagery. To me a cool cut without color looks more tough and cool and authentic than that cut with a color ’90s look. It looks so matchy matchy, like a purse and a hat that match, which to me is too much.”

Feel your best, look your best: “Wear styles, colors, silhouettes that express your personality and you’ll feel good, confident while wearing it,” Hardesty says. “For me, if I’m not happy in the silhouette I’m wearing, I’m not feelin’ it, and it will show.”

Laricks agrees that confidence is important. “Think about where you are going, think about the image you would like to portray, think about what makes you feel confident and go from there,” she said. “And Annie was right, you are never fully dressed without a smile.”

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