When I think of Pride, my mind immediately turns to some of my absolute favourite things: fun, colour and self-expression. Yes please. Seriously, what is there not to love about that? Another one of my favourite things? Putting together bold, expressive outfits that get out of the beige box of quiet luxury. And there really is no better time to get creative with your colours, cuts and materials than Pride because anything goes.
Whether you’re celebrating with friends or joining a parade in London, Brighton or Manchester, you might be starting to wonder ‘what exactly should I wear to Pride?’. The simple answer is obviously wear whatever makes you feel like your truest, most confident self. But everyone can do with some inspo now and then because that’s much easier said than done.
TikTok’s made so many different pockets of fashion popular, and personally, I’m totally obsessed with the cowboy trend, which I think might have made it on to my For You Page thanks to my constant engagement with Harry Styles content. No shame. But if you’re more into the colour that’s so prominent at Pride, or really want to rep the rainbow then now’s the time to experiment.
Ready for some inspo? Here are six outfits and trends that could give you a kickstart when you’re thinking about what to wear to Pride.
Trend 1: The cowboy aesthetic
Anyone else living for the cowboy aesthetic that’s going around at the moment (looking at you, Harry Styles fans)? Whether you made it to Love on Tour or not, there’s no denying that cowboy boots are having a moment.
Wear a mid-calf pair with a denim waistcoat and ripped denim shorts. I promise, double denim is a *vibe*. Not feeling quite Pride enough for you? Amp everything up by opting for pieces with diamante embellishments. These can be along the pockets of your shorts on the brim of your cowboy hat or sparkling on your waistcoat – wherever you decide, it’ll give your outfit a true Pride twist. Love.
The outfit:
Trend 2: Barbiecore
If there’s one thing I always associate with Pride, it’s bright colour. And not just regular colour, but bold, bright confident colour that screams joy, exactly like the new Skims dress that comes in the most ostentatious of pinks. It also taps into Barbiecore, a trend that’s everywhere, so two birds, one stone.
If you’re planning on hitting a Pride parade this year, then comfort really is key, and athleisure is an on-trend, easy-to-wear option. Chunky trainers that are cushioned enough to wear to the gym fit perfectly for a sporty but spicy look? Mel C, eat your heart out. Complete the outfit with some noughties-esque sunnies and chunky hoop earrings.
The outfit:
Trend 3: Metallic sequins
Shine bright like a diamond by dressing head-to-toe in one of my favourite materials: sequins. For Pride, gold seems like the obvious option, because it harks back to the campiest of decades – the eighties. I’m all about comfort, so the elasticated waist and loose-fitting bottoms are a total winner for me and I love that the relaxed fit gives a fun take on what can often be quite a dressy material.
The outfit:
Trend 4: Sheer
It’s not quite mesh but it’s not far off, is it? And what better way to shout about confidence and self-acceptance than rocking a see-through tunic dress? It’s great for hot weather and looks seriously ethereal with its billowing, fluid material.
For a dress like this, matching underwear is a must but the colour you choose is totally up to you. To let the dress do all the talking you can stick with nudes or, if you fancy it, up the ante with a bright colour.
The outfit:
Trend 5: Noughties
Look, as much as we’ve been trying to fight it, the early noughties fashion hype is well and truly back. We dipped our toes in with cargo pants and now we’ve gone full deep dive, embracing rhinestone shoulder bags and crop tops.
As much as I thought I’d never see the day, I have to admit that I’m actually really into it – give me a butterfly clip and I’m all in.
The outfit:
Trend 6: Rainbows
Pride looks don’t have to be all-singing, all-dancing. If that’s not your style and you’re normally a jeans and trainers kind of gal then a nod to what the campaign is all about is really all you need.
With the iconic and hugely recognisable rainbow logo on the front, this top is a great example. Paired with some flared jeans and bright trainers, it’s perfect for a Pride celebration.