The Washington, D.C. Capital Pride Festival gives Washingtonians a chance to come out and share their sexual expression and celebrate the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. Many come dressed in extravagant costumes, ranging from rainbow tie-dyes with boas to leather harnesses. The rainbow has been a symbol of gay pride since the 1970s; the colors are meant to express the diversity of the community in that sexual expression is more than just heterosexual. Capital Pride Festival is the opportunity to be yourself, show your pride and support your LGBT friends. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone. Not only does most of the crowd come dressed in their Pride best, but many of DC’s restaurants and shops will be decorated with rainbow flags or banners. You can show your pride by picking up rainbow clothing, flags, accessories and other items while supporting local Washington stores.

Pulp
1803 14th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 462-7857
pulpdc.com

Pulp is the place to head for Pride Fest needs. An eclectic gift shop near Logan Circle, Pulp will carry all the rainbow flags, hats, glasses, boas and beads you will need to show your LGBT support. Pulp is a fierce supporter of LGBT pride year round and can be recognized by the rainbow flag they fly outside their shop. Make sure to sign up for the Very Important Pulpster (VIP) Club to get 10 percent off your total purchases after the sixth trip. They’ll even keep the card on file for you so that you don’t have to worry about losing it.

Chocolate Moose
1743 L St. NW
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 463-0992
chocolatemoosedc.com

The Chocolate Moose may sound like a confections store, but it’s so much more than that. Boasting a collection of weird and zany items, Chocolate Moose carries housewares, jewelry, kids toys, tacky toys and sugary items. You can find a lot of fun gift cards to give to your Pride Fest friends, or you can buy rainbow jewelry and accessories to show your pride. Accessories range from slap watches, cuff bracelets and rainbow necklaces to colorful velvet slippers and sock.

Related: Get Crafty With Our Top Independent Craft Shops In DC

Universal Gear
1529B 14^th St, NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 319-0136
universalgear.com

Even if you don’t want to wear a costume, you can still get clothes to show yourself off at Universal Gear. Let’s face it, you could go out wearing polos and khakis, but what’s the fun in that? You need something to show that you’re hot stuff, and Universal Gear is just the place for jeans, underwear, athletics, blazers, shoes, and even skin care for those long festival days. Universal Gear carries the best fashion of many known brands like Hugo Boss, Antony Morato, Diesel, G-Star, and Scotch & Soda. You’ll find form-fitting shirts, pants and even bathing suits to hit the streets and show your pride in style.

Related: Best Gay and Lesbian Bars In DC

Human Rights Campaign Store
1633 Connecticut Ave. NW
Washington, DC
202-232-8621
shop.hrc.org

The Human Rights Campaign store offers clothing and accessories that not only show PRIDE, but also support the effort for equity in human rights. Here you will find t-shirts that support the cause, like the “Legalize Gay,” “Born this Way” and “Transtastic” t-shirts. They also sell a wide range of jewelry, including rainbow bracelets, dog tags and human rights rings. You can even get rainbow celebration flags and rainbow beach towels as well. The Human Rights Campaign store is also a great place for visiting GLBT tourists to find PRIDE-friendly accommodations and resources.

Backstage, INC.
545 8th St., SE
Washington, DC 20003
(202) 544-5744
www.backstagecostumes.com

This costume shop normally caters to the thespian crowd, but during pride, it can be a great resource in which to find fun and flirty festival wear for the more adventurous parade-goers. Get decked out in masks adorned with everything from sequence to feathers to leather, or make your outfit pop with fun accessories like feather boas and over-the-top eyelashes. Top the look off with some Ben Nye pro-make-up and a prop, like a sequenced tiara, and you’ve just created a daring look that’s sure to stand out at the festivities this year.

Check out CBS Local’s Guide to Celebrating DC Pride

Jamie Hardin is the counter-culture Washingtonian in the know. Inspired by food, sustainability issues, and public health, she prides herself on finding DCs off-the-beaten path treasures. When she isnt enjoying organic food or reducing her carbon footprint, Jamies traveling on her scooter or walking her two pit
bulls. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.