Clothing for a trans newbie?

[JulieAllana]

Ok, let me first start by saying that clothes and fashion SCARE the bejeezus out of me.  I don't even know where to start.  There are styles and colors and brands and about a million different cuts and different fabrics OMG its too much.  Don't get me started on SIZES which appear to be merely suggestions.  So far I have only really looked around at the thrift store because as I hope to lose at least another 65 pounds, I don't want to invest in a wardrobe that I won't be able to use in a few months, but what is the best way to start developing my fashion sense about what to wear.  Oh yeah, even as a not so heavy woman, I am still going to have very broad shoulders and probably the inverted triangle shape.

            Thanks,
                      -Julie

[Roll]

To start with I personally grabbed jeggings over trying to size regular jeans since I ordered online. While learning what fits you, they can be a cheap way to get that nice jeans look without the hassle.

In terms of downplaying shoulders, here is what I've read: Thick straps over shoulders, not thin. Never wear horizontal stripes. Cold shoulder type tops are good. Round or v cut necklines, not square. Black is always slimming on any part of the body. For overall look, "contrast" type tops are good that shape your torso with color while having black edging/sides (think halloween skeleton costume effect, not joking ).

I've been getting most of my stuff on amazon and walmart.com cheap, like 12 bucks tops, often far less.

[Dena]

Start out with inexpensive clothes as you are going to make a few mistakes at first. After you start getting a feel for what you want, look at the more expensive clothing. I am tall so my options are somewhat limited. I can buy some inexpensive clothing however buying from a tall  catalog isn't cheap. The up side is much of the tall stuff is better quality so I can wear it for a long time. Also consider classical looks as they  don't go out of style and they don't draw as much attention when your in the early stages of passing.

[JulieAllana]

Thank Dena,
       Being tall made me think of shoes.  I have measured my feet and I am going to have like a 12.5 Wide shoe size and most places I have looked at shoes so far generally go up to a size 10 (maybe) and wide might as well be a mythical dragon.  Also, what color shoes go with what.  I feel so lost.

          -Julie

[Dena]

Others will post other places to start but the shoe problem is solved at Long Tall Sally's.

By the way, your feminine size will be 1.5 to 2 sizes larger than your male size.

[Christine H]

My advice is to go slow as you start. I found that when I first began buying women's clothes, I chose things that in my mind were "womanly". But you need to be comfortable in what you wear. Turns out I did not like looking like my mother, so many of the first purchases are gone. I've bought and discarded many early things and I've sorted through what works. Since I am out only to my therapist and my girlfriend, "working" is a function of audience. I live and work in a farm environment, so jeans (women's) and flannel workshirts (men's or women's) very helpfully camouflage me. I can wear what I like underneath, which matters to me, and still present in a neutral/male way, at least for now. I'm actually getting a lot of help from my girlfriend in metro-sexual looks which I would never pursue on my own (actually very freeing to dress androgynous, but it took me a bit of effort relax that much).

I'm going slowly as I figure this all out, particularly in public. What I've started to realize is that people don't pay close attention unless you are outrageous. And in any event, they don't care as much as I worry they will.

So go out and mix it up!

C

[Christine H]

I echo Dena on Long Tall Sally's, a great site for many things.

C

[Mendi]

Flea markets were my favourite places at first. Just as long as you find a good flea market, with clothes that are still in good shape. There's just so much to choose and it's nearly free. You don't loose much money that way and if at first you dont feel comfortable of starting to try out clothes there, you can just buy everything, try at home and figure out what works and what doesn't.

[Laurie]

 As for what goes with what.. Park yourself in a mall and observe. Watch for how woman act, walk and dress in your apparent age bracket then try some out.

Hugs,
   Laurie

[Roll]

As for what goes with what.. Park yourself in a mall and observe. Watch for how woman act, walk and dress in your apparent age bracket then try some out.

Hugs,
   Laurie

I tried doing the mall thing, it didn't work out here since the mall is pretty much closed down and only little kids and people wasting 5 minutes in the terrible food court before a movie go there.

[PollyQMcLovely]

Order from Amazon. Order two sizes each time and return the one that doesn't fit.

Torrid.com has clothing and footwear for bigger women, their shoes go up to 13.

EShakti.com has tons of clothes, all of which can be customized to your measurements.

[Harley Quinn]

Oh, fun!  Clothing choices can be intimidating at first.  What I do is look online and browse through the stores (window shopping).  Your subconsious is going to direct you, and you're naturally going to be drawn to certain clothing items.  This is how I started finding my style.  I was naturally drawn to button up shirts with jeans, and longer dresses.  Retro styles and classic patterns.  Once you have figured out what catches your eye, you will know what you need to shop for. 

Luckily with women's clothing, you can find 100 different cuts and fabrics within a style set/genre.  This is where you will pick your cuts and colors.  Different colors and cuts will help minimize and maximize your assets to help achieve your most flattering profile.  As others have stated, within each genre of attire, there are cuts that are flattering and some that are not.

Once you have that down, it's time to accessorize.  This is probably one of the most important parts of pulling together a look.  Shoes, purse, belt, hat, coat/jacket, earrings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, etc...   Some lean more towards belts and hats, some necklaces and rings... Early on, you're going to want to concentrate on basics. 

Basic watch (silver or gold) to match your skin tone, then 2 basic necklaces.  1 for formal ware, and 1 for causual. 

Shoes and purses will be the next thing to look into.  I neutral colors help at first (ie black, brown, white, denim). You're going to want a pair of flats, a pair of heels, a pair of sneakers, and a pair of running shoes.  These basics will get you through just about every occasion. 

Purses are pretty versital, a daily purse (your dumpster bag).  One that is large enough to empty all your pockets into and it is about half full...  And a small evening bag.  One that will fit keys, cell, and wallet.

Coats, you're going to want one winter coat, and 1 summer jacket.  If there's inclament weather, you're going to want a second summer coat for the poor weather days.  Denim jackets are quite versital, Leather is always in fashion (and quite functional year round), and puff coats are very warm for winter.

Hats and headbands/hair ties are picket to suit.  I use a lot of bandanas.  They are cheap and quite versital as hair ties, hats, and accent pieces for the retro styles.  I have a natural affinity for "rockabilly" and 50s.  Baseball caps and simple headbands are also a good choice for daily wear.

I suggest 3 pair of pants, 5 shirts, 2 dresses/separates, 3 pair of shoes, 2 purses, and 2 jackets in neutral/multi-function colors to start and you'll have enough for full time.  If you're just looking for a couple outfits to wear in private or the occasional outing, then go for broke and find something fun.

[Gertrude]

To start with I personally grabbed jeggings over trying to size regular jeans since I ordered online. While learning what fits you, they can be a cheap way to get that nice jeans look without the hassle.

In terms of downplaying shoulders, here is what I've read: Thick straps over shoulders, not thin. Never wear horizontal stripes. Cold shoulder type tops are good. Round or v cut necklines, not square. Black is always slimming on any part of the body. For overall look, "contrast" type tops are good that shape your torso with color while having black edging/sides (think halloween skeleton costume effect, not joking ).

I've been getting most of my stuff on amazon and walmart.com cheap, like 12 bucks tops, often far less.

It's called color block. They key is to figure out what looks good on you. Hormones will help with shape, ymmv, but I am going through clothes right now from weight loss. Sad, but I will get new stuff. I prefer to see the clothes in person and the selection of plus sized at some stores sucks. They either look like road maps of Disney world or they think the only cloths big chicks wear are stretchy pants and jeans. I hate pants, so I have to shop a little better. Another thing is to know a brands sizing. Without that, ordering online is like gambling. Some Asian vendors will list something 3x or 4x and it's a six 12 or 14 at best. I don't know what fantasyland they live in selling stuff sized like that in the us. Then it's always fun to get something you've ordered that's been treated with naphthalene because in that country, that's what they do. Most of the time I'm better off going to Penney's or some place on that level. My wife likes, Kohl's, but their plus selection sucks. When I lived in ny, I liked lord and Taylor and Macy's. Nordstrom has nice stuff too. When I get to my target weight, I want to get some things from eShakti as they do custom sizing and get a couple skirt suits from Sumissura, who do custom work. Then it's made to your body shape.


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