Susan's Place Logo

News:

Please be sure to review The Site terms of service, and rules to live by

Main Menu

Presentation Goals

Started by foosnark, December 21, 2024, 11:05:38 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

foosnark

Over the past several years I've fallen into a fairly boring, limited rotation of clothes that just don't say anything.  Over the past few weeks I've started feeling like this is the world's laziest "man disguise" and resolved to do something about it.  I have a need to express myself, but it has to be done in the right way.  (A previous attempt in 2011 kind of fell flat for me, making me feel self-conscious.)

I've done some learning about mens' and womens' style in general, advice for trans people, and several different kinds of styles for nonbinary and GNC folks.  I've started observing what people wear and how it works together.  Going through my closet and doing some online shopping.  Dressing at home more like I would to go out.

I do have what I think of as a natural style that seems to suit me quite well, and have been leaning into that recently.  It's not radical or overtly feminine, though it probably reads to the more perceptive as a bit androgynous or queer.  But I feel much better and get occasional compliments when I actually apply this style.  I'm also been trying tweaks to elevate it, exploring its boundaries, finding where my comfort zone is.

I'm not really seeking advice but it's not unwelcome either. :)  Just wanted to list my goals here to show what kind of balance I'm going for.

 - Stay safe, and avoid confrontation and awkwardness.
 - I don't want to feel like I'm hiding, either.
 - Feel confident and comfortable.  (And stay cool in hot weather).
 - Ideally, other enbies/trans folks might see me and feel a little more encouraged themselves.  I know whenever I see someone bending society's gender rules, whether just a little or a lot, it puts a smile on my face.
 - It'd be awesome if once in a while a stranger asked my pronouns or assumed "they" based on my appearance alone...
 - ... but I don't want to be outed by my outfit.  When transphobes see me I want their eyes to burst into flame them to notice nothing or just think I'm dapper.
 - Sharp-looking but not too serious.  A little bit playful.  A touch of mystery.  (I am personally very attracted to the cryptic and obscure.  This is kind of a fun balance along with "not hiding".  And also, seeming too mysterious only invites questions...)

I'm working it out, and mostly enjoying the experience.  (The frustration so far has been with finding the right sizes and fit online... but online stores are SO much better for selection, especially at my size, and allow comparison shopping, bargain hunting and not feeling weird about whatever section I'm browsing.)

Camille58S

The style you are describing are exactly what I aim for when going out! I know the difficulty nailing the right look and vibe when there really is no playbook for this style. Quite often, when I'm putting together an outfit, I don't really know what is going to work. But I know when I have found it! I feel it more than see it. It's that right combination of male and female clothing that makes me feel complete. Good luck with your quest for a look, and let us know how it goes! I for one would love to hear about it!

Lori Dee

I think there may be others on the Forum who are seeking the same sort of thing. You could start a thread over in the Fashion subforum and maybe give some pointers on what you found works.

Bonus points if you could post photos (if you are comfortable with that) to show what you came up with and maybe explain why. I think it would be very valuable advice for our members.
My Life is Based on a True Story
Veteran U.S. Army - SSG (Staff Sergeant) - M60A3 Tank Master Gunner
2017 - GD Diagnosis / 2019- 2nd Diagnosis / 2020 - HRT / 2022 - FFS & Legal Name Change
/ 2024 - Voice Training / 2025 - Passport & IDs complete
  • skype:.?call
  •  
    The following users thanked this post: Lilis, Sarah B

foosnark

Keeping in mind that I'm AMAB and trying to be subtle about things...

Most of my clothes are from the men's aisle, with a few exceptions.  Clothes are just cloth and don't have a gender, sure... but social constructs aside, clothes are often designed either to fit curves, or a more "square" broad shouldered body.  I've found in the past that a lot of women's shirts don't flatter me, and especially don't fit well in the arms.

I've always had a tendency to buy somewhat oversized button-up shirts.  I'm fat, and a 3XL shirt is typically just an M shirt scaled up everywhere... so to be comfortably loose at the belly it's going to be looser everywhere else.  As it turned out, I kind of liked that, and wear my shirts untucked.

My more recent insight was that this is absolutely great for layering over a t-shirt or tank top.  Leave the shirt unbuttoned, and it's nice and flowy.  Button it halfway, and it's a little less casual and makes a deep V that's not bare skin, which is a great place to have a necklace.  Either way it's another color accent, though black can work well here too.  (So far my favorite combos have been purple over black, a sort of mulberry over dark green, or a black and white floral print over a bright yellow.)

I can strongly recommend the Tencel modal muscle shirts from Tomboyx; for me the fit is great and the fabric feels amazing.  (The regular tank is scooped quite low in the neck and I feel like I'll have to shave my chest to make it work.)

This isn't an exclusively feminine style by any means, but layering does seem to come into play in a lot of women's styles.  And with fun colors/patterns (I avoid more masc stuff like plaid or checks) it can read as fairly androgynous.

And of course, there's also cardigans and such.  Hoodies I think are very unisex in that they don't say anything about gender one way or another, although maybe longer lengths and other colors might.  The one cardigan I tried so far is ankle length and a bit odd, so I want to try something more mid-thigh and preferably with buttons.  That'll be for the next round of shopping.

I've temporarily banished the blue jeans and Crocs-On-The-Clock that I had been wearing exclusively.  I've been wearing black jeans, and black or brown chinos so far.  Again I think some more color here might read as more androgynous, and I love purple so I might go that route.  Back in high school I used to have some batik print pants, and I might go back to that for a more boho look.  I have some Thai harem pants that are ridiculously comfortable, as well as linen beach pants, but this being winter I haven't worn those outdoors.  I also got some leggings which I need to figure out -- I feel quite good about the shape of my legs but absolutely not the overhanging belly, so some kind of high-waisted compression underwear might be in store.

For shoes I went big on Chuck Taylor All Stars.  Two pairs of hi-tops, one in classic black and white and one that's black/purple with yellow trim (3/4 of a nonbinary pride flag).  These were recommended in more than one guide for trans and nonbinary folks, because they are truly unisex, come in a wide size range but can also be kind of cute and sassy.  I also took a risk on Chuck 70 De Luxe Leather & Buckle, which are pure rock and roll -- technically unisex but also described as "biker babe", they have lugged soles and big chunky heels and I love them more than I expected to.  Not office wear but I'll certainly wear them going to restaurants and stuff.  And to round things out, I got some Thursday Harness boots in black suede -- sort of dressy cowboy style but they have what seems like androygnous flair too, not too much for the office as long as the pants are right.

What else... my spouse convinced me to try no-pierce earrings as an experiment and I actually like them, so I'll be trying more and maybe getting pierced.  The ones I started with are 6mm, a ring of black crystals with a clear one in the center that catches the light.  I think they work well with my glasses, face, the driver caps that I like, etc.

I like making beaded necklaces and have been looking at other pendants and such.  I'm trying to figure out rings; I feel like those can help a lot, but more thin and delicate ones just make my hands look more big and crude, while too chunky of a ring kind of annoys me.  Bracelets I'm not sure of yet.

I haven't done much with makeup and probably never will.  Subtle mascara can be nice, but I have a thing about stuff in or near my eyes, so forget about using a curler, or eyeliner.
  •  
    The following users thanked this post: Sarah B

Camille58S

Another thing that I have found helps me feel authentic is paying attention to little, and maybe not so little details. Slightly long, polished, fingernails. Keeping your legs shaved and moisturized. A little makeup.Personal details that enhance your look will quietly add confidence!
  •  
    The following users thanked this post: Sarah B

ChrissyRyan

Quote from: Camille58S on December 21, 2024, 07:03:15 PMAnother thing that I have found helps me feel authentic is paying attention to little, and maybe not so little details. Slightly long, polished, fingernails. Keeping your legs shaved and moisturized. A little makeup.Personal details that enhance your look will quietly add confidence!

Yes, these ideas can work well Camille.

Chrissy
Always stay cheerful, be polite, kind, and understanding. Accepting yourself as the woman you are is very liberating.  Never underestimate the appreciation and respect of authenticity.  Help connect a person to someone that may be able to help that person.  Be brave, be strong.  A TRUE friend is a treasure.  Relationships are very important, people are important, and the sooner we all realize that the better off the world will be.  Try a little kindness.  Be generous with your time, energy, wisdom, and resources.   Inconvenience yourself to help someone.   I am a brown eyed, brown haired woman. 
  •  

ChrissyRyan

Quote from: Lori Dee on December 21, 2024, 02:44:55 PMI think there may be others on the Forum who are seeking the same sort of thing. You could start a thread over in the Fashion subforum and maybe give some pointers on what you found works.

Bonus points if you could post photos (if you are comfortable with that) to show what you came up with and maybe explain why. I think it would be very valuable advice for our members.


Lori has a good suggestion there.  You are getting some thoughts shared to you here too.

Chrissy
Always stay cheerful, be polite, kind, and understanding. Accepting yourself as the woman you are is very liberating.  Never underestimate the appreciation and respect of authenticity.  Help connect a person to someone that may be able to help that person.  Be brave, be strong.  A TRUE friend is a treasure.  Relationships are very important, people are important, and the sooner we all realize that the better off the world will be.  Try a little kindness.  Be generous with your time, energy, wisdom, and resources.   Inconvenience yourself to help someone.   I am a brown eyed, brown haired woman. 
  •  
    The following users thanked this post: Lori Dee