Wardrobe malfunction, or is it just me?

[HarryP]

I looked at myself in the mirror at work today and just saw a scruffy mess!

I have some nice clothes that fit well and look great together, and I think I understand how to dress well for my body shape. I wear the same sorts of clothes as other guys my age (chinos, smart shirt/ polo shirt, nice boots) but instead of looking smart and tailored, they hang all wrong and make me look like a complete dork. It's so annoying, cos the clothes I put together are ones that would be put together in a shop, yet on me they don't look right at all!

Is it because my body shape just isn't quite right for men's clothes yet, or am I just a bit useless? I am quite clumsy and uncoordinated and I wonder if it's just because I seem to be completely unable to get my trousers to tuck into my boots the right way or get my hair to quiff without falling flat! I am very annoyed because I love clothes and I want to look smart and impressive for work.

Anyone else have this sort of problem?

[he who shall not be named]

YES. A lot of times I put together outfits that would look awesome on anyone else but once I put it on it just... doesn't... work. Totally infuriating. I'm also really bad at styling my hair too, there are too many cowlicks at the hairline.

My tactic is to ~go with the flow -- if it doesn't look right, try and wear something else. Eventually I just settle on something, and sometimes I'm happy and other times I'm just okay with it. It's a process, just like everything else. 

I don't have any advice, but I feel you, dude. It totally blows.

[Arch]

Harry, what's your transition status? If you're on T and have had top surgery and are still having problems, that's very different from being pre-transition and having trouble getting a good look.

You might spend a few hours at a clothing store or department store and try lots of different things till you find a look that works. If you go to a store where the people actually know something about style, you could wear an ensemble that doesn't work, and ask why it doesn't. You might get some good advice that way.

Of course, if you're like me, you'll be disturbed by the very idea of a few hours of clothes shopping.

[Ayden]

All the time, Harry. All the time. I can only seem to look good when my husband picks out my clothes. Whenever he picks out my ties/shirts etc I always look great. But if I dress myself I look...weird. I would say just try things out and don't be afraid to change up your clothing if you don't like how it looks. I agree with Arch on getting some advice if possible.

Of course, if you're like me, you'll be disturbed by the very idea of a few hours of clothes shopping.

I agree with this. I get excited to expand my wardrobe, but then when I get there, all I can think is 'Oh god, how long will this take? Can't I just buy a *insert clothing item* and be done already?' 

[malinkibear]

Different body shapes, man. I tried buying some new T shirts from Topman and H&M the other day, and looked bloody awful trying them on, even though most of the clothes I already own from their previous seasons look fine. It's really a case of mashing stuff together in the changing room for a while until something suits you. I know, sooooo boring.

[HarryP]

Cheers for your replies guys  I'm sort of glad I'm not the only one who struggles!

Arch, I'm pre-everything and am 5'3" with silly curves in the wrong places, so yeah I guess body shape has a lot to do with it! I really need to get back into working out regularly, cos that really helps me feel better.

Haha, and I actually LOVE shopping, I just don't always have the patience to try all the stuff on, or hate seeing myself whilst I'm getting changed. And the trouble is, none of my male friends really like shopping (my boyf HATES it) so I can never get anyone to come with me into the changing rooms to tell me how I look!  I'll just have to be brave and go for a really long day of shopping when I have Christmas money, and hope that the lure of the January sales will persuade my friends along with me!

[Da Monkey]

I love shopping for clothes too but even though I've been on T for 2 years and am post-op I still hate my body. I feel like it is awkwardly proportioned and that everything I put on makes my hips and thighs look monstrous.  And I just wonder am I ever going to look right hahah ugh.