This may not be exactly what you were expecting, but I figured that there were plenty of sources out there when it comes to basic style tips and fashion faux-pas. Instead, I am going to give you my ideas on what has helped me, and what I think works for the special needs of a blossoming T-Girl! But remember, this is just my opinion.

I am not going to say that there is a right or wrong way for you to dress - that would be a little hipocritical don't you think?

  How you dress is really up to you. What do you get from the experience? How do you want people to perceive you when you are dressed? The simple answer for many crossdressers would be: "as a woman". But if you have been looking around, you know that is a very wide range

Still, I would like to offer what I feel to be some basic guidelines for those who have some desire to 'pass' or present a realistic feminine image, or at least not frighten people. And let's face it, we've all had days like that.

So where do you start?

How about with the women right in front of you; your wife, girlfriend, sister,... whoever. Think about what you like, what looks good on who, and then try to figure out why.

Now here comes the difficult part. Try to get beyond the obvious: cleavage, shapely legs, mini-skirts and stilettos. We all know those are considered sexy by most people, but most women don't dress like that on a regular basis. And trust me, what most of them wouldn't wear, most of us shouldn't wear.

Most of us girls love to show off our legs. I have seen more 6'2", 220lb CD's in micro-minis and 4" heels... It is not an altogether convincing look. So unless you are going for that slutty tramp look, go back and try this exercise again. If, however, this is the look you want, I hope you know what you're in for. 

This is not to say that you should dress just like every woman you know. This is just someplace to start
if your goal is to look like a woman. There are more choices than ever for what a woman can wear
- just try to seperate fantasy from reality.
 
What about getting that shape?

Tucking: a basic CD skill.

The easiest method is just to pull everything as far back as possible and hold it all there with a tight pair of control panties. While this will work fo rmost girls, it has disadvantages. For a more complete method,try this

Breasts: where do I get them?

Tissue, socks, baloons or those $200 falsies? I found a cheap, realistic alternative. You can buy "Nearly Me" or "Add-a-Size" silicone breast forms in stores all over NYC. I bought mine for about $25 on West 8th St. Look around before you shell out big bucks 

Waist & Hips: not quite hourglass...

I've tried those padded panties, I don't really recommend them unless you really need them. If you do, stick to the type that have 1 large continous pad instead of those 4 seperate bulges.

For the waist, I'm pretty thin to begin with, but for some of the real fitted outfits I have worn a corsett. I actually like them sometimes. Personally I recommend the Ultimate Corset or Waist Cincher from Fredrick's of Hollywood.

 Legs: long and lovely

Shave them! Wax them! just get the hair off them. They will look and feel better. I know, you're worrried about what people will think. Who cares! Trust me! Then treat yourself to some decent hosiery - Wolford or Victoria's Secret both have great choices for shaping and style. I also love DKNY.

If you won't shave, then use a heavy pair of flesh colored dance tights under your regular hose. 

But trust me, once you go for a waxing, you won't want to shave, though the bikini area can hurt.

 


 
The face of Beauty

Facial Hair: Get rid of it!

For my money, shaving doesn't cut it. Sure you can get a close shave, and it might last the night with enough base. Go get it lasered. It works. It's a little painful, but beauty can hurt. It's getting cheaper and more men are doing it because they are sick of shaving. If you can't afford the whoe face, start with the more sensitive areas where you are prone to razor burn. For me it was my neck, but now I'm working on he upper lip and chin. 

Eye Brows: Nix the unibrow.

This is such a simple thing to fix. Grab the tweezers and pluck them. For most people, the distance between the brows is about equal to the width of their eye, and it should extend just beyond the outer edge of the eye. Grab a Cosmo, [the drink] and a mirror and fix those catapillars living on your face.

While you're at it, check the nose and ears.

 Skin Care: take care of it now!

Every woman knows the importance of a skin care regimine. Yet so few men do, and for trannies it is essential. Cleanse it every night, use moisturizer and sun block. Check the cosmetics counter at your local department store, there are entire lines of products out there for men, and the counter girls can be very helpful. More and more men are using skin care products and even some cosmetics so there is no reason to be shy.

 

Of course this is all very basic, and I have not even touched on make-up. Instead of trying to explain all the principles of cosmetics, I'll list some great sources.

My Favorite Books on Make-up are both by Kevyn Aucoin:
 Making Faces

 &

 Face Forward

While Cosmopolitan has been the bible for years, check out Jane, Shape and In Style. And of course, GirlTalk

 

 


 

 

 With so many possibilities, I am always amazed whan I hear Girls saying they don't know where to find clothes. Unless you are either enormous even for a man, or looking for very specific fetish wear, try shopping where women shop. I know it seems overwhelming obvious, but so many CD's seem to be asking about it.

 

You don't need to spend a fortune on special clothing for crossdressers.

I have aquired a rather large feminine wardrobe over the years, so I have done quite a bit of shopping. Most of it is done in person, as a man, in regular women's clothing stores. It's no big deal.

You can shop on-line, or in CD specialty stores, but for my money, this doesn't compare to going out where the variety and prices are the best and checking it all first hand. Most people never give a second thought to a man buying women's clothes. They either assume it is for someone else, or they really don't care.

 

 

Somtimes casual
is the best way.

This is not to say that every shop out there will let men try on women's clothing, and certainly not lingerie. But, if you know what you are doing you will have a much more satisfying expereince than those mail-order surprises.

Basicly, if I don't know the company well, I don't do mail order. As a matter of fact, there is only one store I do shop via catalog or on-line for women's clothing.

So here's what you do. First, relax. Like I said, the sales people generally don't care. Just go someplace where you aren't well known if you are worried. If you dress en femme, do it to blend. Do not got to K-Marts in a leather mini and stillettos.

If you shop in your male persona, call first and see if it's OK to try things on. They might say yes. If not, try shopping in co-ed stores. Most of the time you can slip a few rem items into the dressing room mixed in with men's clothes. The usually just care how many items you have. Or, just buy what you like in a few sizes, try them on at home and return the rest. As long as you don't go crazy, and are a good customer, the management will be glad to have you shop there.

Lingerie on the other hand can be tricky. Learn how to measure yourself for a bra. Most women are wearing the wrong size, so don't feel bad. As for panties, you probably can't wear all styles. Sorry, but that lacy g-string is not gonna do it. Find a few "fuller" briefs and bikinis, get a few sizes and go from there. 

 


Some Favorite NYC Clothing Shops: 

H&M -

Strawberry's -

MACY'S -

The Limited -

The Doll House -

Wet Seal -

Hotel Venus -

Red Lipstick -

Pay Less Shoes -

Serene Rose -

Hate the crowds, but good clothes, the two in midtown are bigger.

Cheap Women's Chain all over the city.

I like Juniors, and shoes, and lingerie - watch for sales.

Another good chain

Fun clothes on Lafayette St.

What can I say, I love it.

Patricia Fields 'new' location on West Broadway in SOHO.

Best Knit-Wear in Brooklyn! And T-Girl Friendly.

I admit it, I buy a lot of shoes there.

5th Ave in Brooklyn - Worth the trip, then stroll the Ave for more!

There's actually a lot on 5th Ave in Park Slope, come on out!

 
 
 
 
 And of course for the Best Lingerie: 
If you are going for feminine dress on the outside, then you will want soft things underneath as well. Throw out those BVD's and get some decent lingerie!

Victoria's Secret - I mostly shop the store in person, but also on-line! Store policy is not to let men try on lingerie, nor will most of them measure you (I've seen men try) but they are mostly helpful if you are discrete.

Macy's (Again) - Their Lingerie department is fantastic. Check out the Wonderbra for some great instant bossoms! And their collection of foundation garments is one of the best. I know of helpful clerks for CD's.

Frederick's of Hollywood - I'll say it again! If you need yur waist whittled without spending a fortune, try the Ultimate Satin Corset. They also have some great shapers.

Agent Provocateur - I just discovered them, and they have beautiful things. Mercer St. between Prince and Spring

Le Petit Coquette - on E.10th St. - Truly exquisite lingerie that is worth the cost Be sure to pick up something for you wife/girlfriend here. And while I haven't, they would be worth shopping on-line.

Laina Jane - Just up from Stonewall's and the Duplex on Christopher Street. Or on 5th Ave in Brooklyn. Another must for the special lady in your life. 


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