If you have been crossdressing for years, you may have a full female wardrobe already; I didn't have any women's clothing (except underthings) when I started my transition. With the costs of electrolysis, HRT, and therapy, I didn't have much to spare on my wardrobe.
What helped me the most was an epiphany I had. All women who have been women for a while, have a wardrobe that is entirely or almost entirely used, unless they are significantly wealthy. They just add to it a little bit at a time. So even though it would be very satisfying to do the shopping, it is actually more natural to have a wardrobe full of clothes in various stages of wear. I saved thousands of dollars by discovering the best second hand and thrift stores in my areas and finding out which days of the month they had their half off sales. I acquired a complete wardrobe with only a few new items (mostly the hosiery and undergarments).
This turned out to be a real blessing for several reasons:
1. My body shape is continually changing, but I could afford to buy items that I liked that were in my next size or two, once I learned what direction I was growing or shrinking. I was able to buy items that would look good with a little more bust, or a little less waist, for example.
2. One of the most important skills is learning to put together outfits depending on my mood, the weather, what I've warn recently, and the occasion. Having a variety of colors and styles gives me a wide palette to experiment with. I learn something new every day - about what feels good on me, about what looks good on me, and about what works well together.
3. No worries. When I buy a designer dress for 7 dollars, it doesn't break my heart when I discover that cut just doesn't work on my body like I thought it did, or I'm busting out of it (or its hanging off of me) a month later. I just donate it back, and make it into a shopping expedition.
4. My passability with the people who see me every day was improved because I didn't look impeccable every day; real women don't!
Hope that helps. I wouldn't have survived changing 4 dress sizes in 6 months if I had become too attached (financially or emotionally) to my togs. They are fun steps along the way.
