Wear the rainbow
5 Local Shops Offering Fun & Colorful Looks to Celebrate Pride
From exclusive vintage fashion to dependable outdoor gear, celebrating Pride Month in style has never been easier.
Image: Courtesy of Freepik
Remember: If you’re going out in public, follow social distancing guidelines (at least six feet between you and anyone else), wash hands often and thoroughly, and consider wearing a face mask.
Though Pride Houston initially announced that their annual downtown celebration would be postponed to the fall due to COVID-19, they recently changed their plans to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. In collaboration with BLM Houston, Pride Houston is coordinating a march and rally at Houston City Hall on June 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., welcoming all Houstonians that want to join.
So that's now an option to celebrate this month. But whether you’re headed to the march, hosting a Zoom celebration with friends, or having a solo movie marathon with your favorite LGBTQ+ films, show off your own Pride with a new look. After all, purchasing some new rainbow accessories to sport throughout the month is a great way to celebrate Pride at any time—no matter what’s on the agenda. If you’re looking to explore some of Montrose’s coolest gems or are wanting to shop online for the perfect outfit, here’s our guide to shopping for Pride in Houston.
Hyphen Boutique
Online only
After making their debut at Houston Pride in 2019, where they were a huge hit, Hyphen Boutique is back with a new online Pride collection unlike any other in Houston. Dedicated to size- and gender-inclusive clothing, Hyphen Boutique offers a variety of pieces that absolutely anyone can rock. Whether you’re looking for a classy polo, some velvet shorts, or a pair of rainbow-striped joggers this Pride Month, there’s no doubt Hyphen Boutique is transforming H-Town’s fashion scene this month by offering up a variety of options and styles while also prioritizing inclusivity.
Leopard Lounge
Montrose
Between the charismatic leopard print walls and the neon lights inviting you in, it’s hard to miss this vintage clothing shop, which specializes in fashion from the early 1900s to 2000s. Sorting through their selection of statement pieces is basically like sifting through a rainbow. You can create an entire incomparable look in minutes with its countless styles of boots, jackets, and sunglasses on offer. You can have the fun of sifting and sorting yourself to pull together an outfit, or just tell Leopard Lounge’s employees what you want. Their expansive knowledge of and love for vintage clothing will have you leaving with a jaw-dropping look.
Pavement
Montrose
After your trip to Leopard Lounge, you can head right next door to Pavement, a buy/sell/trade shop owned by the same fashion lovers. The storefront’s vibrant display paired with its rainbow sidewalks gives you a sneak peek into the burst of color you’ll find inside, and you could actually leave here with a Pride outfit and some money in your pocket. Bring in new or gently used clothing and, if accepted, you can get cash or store credit to shop their seemingly endless selection. So, if you’re craving some exclusive thrifty finds—maybe even an outfit that pulls in all the colors of the rainbow—make sure to visit.
REI Co-op
Galleria
If you’re planning to head outdoors to celebrate Pride, REI Co-op could be a lifesaver when it comes to purchasing practical festive wear. The Outside with Pride collection includes water bottles, dependable footwear, backpacks, and so much more. Sometimes it’s easy to place fashion before comfort (especially when you're covered head to toe in color and confidence), but an hour in the Houston heat will have you regretting that decision. After shopping at REI Co-op’s Houston-Galleria location or visiting their online store, you’ll be snapping a photo for Instagram that depicts you healthy and hydrated, even after marching for hours, and feeling both comfortable and cute in your Pride look.
Space Montrose
Montrose
This adorable boutique specializes in handcrafted goods made by more than 200 entrepreneurs, the majority of which are based right here in Texas. When visiting their online store or Montrose location, you’re greeted by a selection of one-of-a-kind merchandise, and having such a large variety of entrepreneurs’ work at your fingertips makes it easy to find a style you’ll fall in love with. All year round you can find pieces made by allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community here, so when June comes rolling around, Space Montrose is a go-to for unique rainbow accessories and graphic tees made with love.
