Susan's Place Transgender Resources

What is it with some gg's nowadays when it comes to skirts? i don't want to be rude and it is not my intention to be...but we have so many clothing choices that it makes me dizzy to even think of them all...

so why do some women choose to wear a T-shirt, Tank Tops, and Flip Flops?

Skirts are so easy to put on, adjust, and feel so free and comfortable when you walk and sit...and they come in so many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles...so much fun...

Jeans are so blah and just don't have the same feel and style...

Maybe it is just me but it just seems like some women have taken the whole skirt-wearing thing for granted...like you won't know what you have until it's gone. ha ha ha ha

i love to see the little pleated, kilt like skirts. so adorable.

from the perspective of a female college student:

while skirts are fun every now and then, its really not enjoyable to ride a bike to class, or take the bus in a skirt.  Plus it gets cold enough that unless you have really good leg warmers, a skirt probably isn't the best choice. 

although I must agree that all of the girls dressing alike is really dull. probably 90% of the girls here wear jeans/sweatpants and a hoodie/North Face Jacket.

NOBODY DARE LAUGH

but i remember my private schools skirts and tights and the feel of the lotion i'd smooth on my legs in the tights. i HATED wearing these things. but the lotion felt awesome.

1) it's too cold
2) Jeans are really easy, and you can wear them for more things than skirts
3) Jeans can be way sexy and with the right top can be better than 95 percent of the skirts out there.

Quote from: Nero on December 08, 2007, 09:04:40 PM
NOBODY DARE LAUGH

but i remember my private schools skirts and tights and the feel of the lotion i'd smooth on my legs in the tights. i HATED wearing these things. but the lotion felt awesome.

ha ha ha ha ha >:D teasing! ;)

Quote from: Katia on December 08, 2007, 08:30:48 PM
Jeans are so blah and just don't have the same feel and style...

Yea, but jeans (or any nice-fitting pants) hug the curves so nicely. They definately don't have to be blah ;)

And if they fit well, they're incredibly comfy.

~Kate~

Even if its minus 10, I just wear very warm tights and
mid tigh skirts. Very stylish, young looking (if you've
got the body for it) and warm.

I think many wear pants because they're just slobs.
That's particularly true outside big cosmopolitan
cities were fashion senses go out the window.
A mid thigh skirt with tights are quite comfortable
on a bike, I've done 20 miles in very low temps
like that.

The problem is also that if you've got an ill defined
waist because your overweight, a skirt doesn't look
so good. In the US population, that's sadly very frequent.

In montreal, its less frequent and many wear skirts even mid winter.

The time were skirts are ironically least comfortable is in the middle of summer in packed buses. The fact that tighs are sticking together makes me drip like a river between my legs, not a comfortable season. In this case, skorts or shorts are more comfortable.

Quote from: Keira on December 08, 2007, 09:24:14 PM


I think many wear pants because they're just slobs.
That's particularly true outside big cosmopolitan
cities were fashion senses go out the window.
A mid thigh skirt with tights are quite comfortable
on a bike, I've done 20 miles in very low temps
like that.

The problem is also that if you've got an ill defined
waist because your overweight, a skirt doesn't look
so good. In the US population, that's sadly very frequent.

In montreal, its less frequent and many wear skirts even mid winter.

The time were skirts are ironically least comfortable is in the middle of summer in packed buses. The fact that tighs are sticking together makes me drip like a river between my legs, not a comfortable season. In this case, skorts or shorts are more comfortable.

we can't get more honest than that.  thanks for your input keira :)

Quote from: Keira on December 08, 2007, 09:24:14 PM

Even if its minus 10, I just wear very warm tights and
mid tigh skirts. Very stylish, young looking (if you've
got the body for it) and warm.

Not as warm as wearing tights under your jeans though!
I am too perpetually cold to do that.  I have a blanket at work just so I can not freeze to death.

Quote from: SarahFaceDoom on December 08, 2007, 10:31:58 PM

Quote from: Keira on December 08, 2007, 09:24:14 PM

Even if its minus 10, I just wear very warm tights and
mid tigh skirts. Very stylish, young looking (if you've
got the body for it) and warm.

Not as warm as wearing tights under your jeans though!
I am too perpetually cold to do that.  I have a blanket at work just so I can not freeze to death.

Indeed. I get cold so easily.  I have tights, thick socks, and jeans on, and my legs are still freezing!

I naturally like shorter skirts, but from the few places I've looked, there isn't that great of a selection. I know this isn't really the season for it but still some women I know wear skirts even in freezing weather.

I don't like jean skirts, I'm somewhat looking for plaid, plated, ra ra, etc... skirts. Are there any particular brands that are better than others? I've tried most of the basics here in Sofia... AE, Abercrombie, Express, etc... but didn't find much. I would just look there again in the Spring I guess.

Quote from: Katia on December 08, 2007, 08:30:48 PM
What is it with some gg's nowadays when it comes to skirts? i don't want to be rude and it is not my intention to be...but we have so many clothing choices that it makes me dizzy to even think of them all...

so why do some women choose to wear a T-shirt, Tank Tops, and Flip Flops?

Skirts are so easy to put on, adjust, and feel so free and comfortable when you walk and sit...and they come in so many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles...so much fun...

Jeans are so blah and just don't have the same feel and style...

Maybe it is just me but it just seems like some women have taken the whole skirt-wearing thing for granted...like you won't know what you have until it's gone. ha ha ha ha

its called "own style"
I love wearing skirts, but I don't wear them everyday.
Most of the time I'm weaing jeans, a tank, thongs (been called thongs for 75 years, flip flops for 5) or ballet flats. or I'll wear a long "jumper dress" and black tights. I work in retail and need to dress in the day's style. On a warm day I'll show some skin and wear a skirt.

On the weekends its skirts, dresses, heels.

The problem with skirts is that some women don't know how to sit properly in a short skirt.  My ten year old niece used to wear short skirts and sit all kinds of ways (I have a love seat and couch in my flat.). I asked her mum if she could teach XXXX to sit like a lady because the boys don't need to see her panties. It was disconcerting trying to teach when she was sitting so her butt and panties would show.  Even I and my other two nieces would snicker and giggle.  I had my other two nieces stay at my flat once and talked to them about it and told them she wasn't aware what she was doing and to look away if it happened again. Most did.
She finally started sitting like a proper young lady when she wore skirts that were above her knees. I guess mum had a talk with her. I would have, but I didn't want to embarrass her.  The younger a girl starts sitting properly with skirts, the better!

Femininity is so often denigrated nowadays. It takes a strong, confident woman to openly enjoy your own femininity.

Hey, I don't mind a bit if women want to wear pants. More power to them. From many women's point of view, they were forced into wearing dresses against their will as girls, so to wear pants is an expression of liberation and self-empowerment. Some individuals are girly, some aren't.

Personally, my own journey has left me with different feelings. Pants feel uncomfortable to me. Jeans worst of all. The fabric feels too rough and heavy, too hot in summer but not warm enough in winter. The hard bits, where the seams and rivets are, actually hurt me if pressure is there. When I started wearing women's jeans, the added lycra was an improvement, but not enough. Frankly, I wore jeans not because I wanted to, but because of all the social pressure-- in the present day, in casual situations, like on Casual Friday at work, or on weekends, if you wear dress-up clothes instead of jeans it marks you as weird. Before I transitioned, I wore jeans just because of the social pressure not to be thought weird. Jeans are the orthodoxy of our day and I feared the stigma of being a heretic dissenter. It was already hard enough being gender-variant.

I feel so much more comfortable in skirts and dresses. I mostly wear long flowing skirts. I like that look. Long skirts trap warmer air near your legs in winter, and allow fresh air to circulate around your legs refreshingly in summer. The cold doesn't bother me when I wear long skirts and tights. In fact, the combination is warmer for me than jeans. Even if it's subzero, I feel more comfortable in a long flannel skirt with leggings underneath than I would in jeans. As for casual weekend looks, I have a long flowing circle skirt made of soft cotton that looks just like denim and is very comfortable, the perfect compromise.

Another consideration is being read as female vs. being clocked. Many people tell me that wearing skirts is a good way to get clocked, and that to be accepted as a "real woman" you have to wear pants. Well, no doubt that works for some individuals. But it does not work for me. No matter how well I otherwise presented female, wearing pants almost always got me called "sir." Skirts and dresses get me called "ma'am," and allow me to live and be accepted in the world as female. Believe it or not. Each individual's needs are different and unique.

Part of it is age. I'm a mature woman now. When I was in college, I wore absolutely nothing but jeans year in, year out. It would never have occurred to me to wear anything else. I imagine if I had transitioned at college age, I would have been an exclusively jeans-clad young woman too. But at my age, skirts and dresses work well for me. I can't pretend to be a young kid, I prefer to dress my age.

Way I look at it is: Women have a choice whether to wear pants or skirts. I was never allowed a choice in this matter before. I loathed being forced into uncomfortable pants. Now that I'm living fully as a woman, I am finally exercising my freedom of choice--by wearing skirts. And it feels good. I hope each of you can feel free to do what feels good for you as an individual too.

Quote from: Keira on December 08, 2007, 09:24:14 PM

I think many wear pants because they're just slobs.

That describes me well!

As I don't "pass" very well, if at all, I feel more comfortable in clothes which are female, but slightly androgenous, e.g. womens jeans and a top, fleece or hoodie. That way people can decide for themselves whether I'm an ugly woman with no dress sense, or an eccentric guy. I don't own a skirt actually, but I do have a nice everyday black dress, not yet worn outside of these walls!
L.

Quote from: Hypatia on December 11, 2007, 08:32:44 AM
Femininity is so often denigrated nowadays. It takes a strong, confident woman to openly enjoy your own femininity.

Hey, I don't mind a bit if women want to wear pants. More power to them. From many women's point of view, they were forced into wearing dresses against their will as girls, so to wear pants is an expression of liberation and self-empowerment. Some individuals are girly, some aren't.

I think I prefer pants because I *love* showing off my body now. My style isn't so much about expressing femininity or wearing feminine clothing for me, as it is showing off the curves of being female. Skirts sorta cover that up for me, although I do kinda like the ones that hug down through the thighs, then flare out a bit with a nice, uneven bottom. The skirt has to be *interesting* in shape and cut, it can't just be a straight-down "tube," lol.

But I still feel far more comfortable in clothing that leaves little to the imagination, at least as far as shape goes. A very *female* look, moreso than feminine exactly. I'm really turning into a BAD girl, lol...

~Kate~

"has wanted to be a "Rock & Roll" star since pre-K"

have mercy on her soul, its a hard road for guys, for girls, well you can count the number of female rock stars on your hands, and half of them were from Fleetwood Mac.

Ridin' down the highway
Goin' to a show
Stop in all the byways
Playin' rock 'n' roll
Gettin' robbed
Gettin' stoned
Gettin' beat up
Broken boned
Gettin' had
Gettin' took
I tell you folks
It's harder than it looks

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

If you think it's easy doin' one night stands
Try playin' in a rock roll band

Hotel motel
Make you wanna cry
Lady do the hard sell
Know the reason why
Gettin' old
Gettin' grey
Gettin' ripped off
Under-paid
Gettin' sold
Second hand
That's how it goes
Playin' in a band

It's a long way to the top if you wanna rock 'n' roll

If you wanna be a star of stage and screen
Look out it's rough and mean

And, at that, I think they were being romantic about it.  I would not wish that life on a dog.

Kate, mid thigh slight A line skirts do show off your body, they're tight
on the hips or waist, fall down the buttocks and then flare off the end of butt and fall slightly down. They move in a much better way, if you walk elegantly, with a slight bounce.

Of course, you need good legs to pull this off. But if your tall
it should be ok.

What I don't like is that most have to big skirts, too large, too long, for them, what's wrong with showing off your leg.

Quote from: Keira on December 11, 2007, 12:00:04 PM

Kate, mid thigh slight A line skirts do show off your body, they're tight
on the hips or waist, fall down the buttocks and then flare off the end of butt and fall slightly down. They move in a much better way, if you walk elegantly, with a slight bounce.

Of course, you need good legs to pull this off. But if your tall
it should be ok.

What I don't like is that most have to big skirts, too large, too long, for them, what's wrong with showing off your leg.

yep tall gals look the best in skirts ;)

Quote from: Katia on December 08, 2007, 08:30:48 PM

Skirts are so easy to put on, adjust, and feel so free and comfortable when you walk and sit...and they come in so many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles...so much fun...

Skirts are much more fun.  If I could get away with wearing a skirt all the time, I would.  They are much more attractive too.  Dressed as a woman, I would not consider wearing anything other then a skirt.  If I did, I may as well dress like I do every day at work.  Now that is not interesting.

Patricia 

Quote from: Katia on December 08, 2007, 08:30:48 PM
What is it with some gg's nowadays when it comes to skirts? i don't want to be rude and it is not my intention to be...but we have so many clothing choices that it makes me dizzy to even think of them all...

so why do some women choose to wear a T-shirt, Tank Tops, and Flip Flops?

Skirts are so easy to put on, adjust, and feel so free and comfortable when you walk and sit...and they come in so many colors, patterns, lengths, and styles...so much fun...

Jeans are so blah and just don't have the same feel and style...

Maybe it is just me but it just seems like some women have taken the whole skirt-wearing thing for granted...like you won't know what you have until it's gone. ha ha ha ha

I wear all of the clothing styles available to me, each when I find it appropriate.

I will wear a skirt or dress when the temp is 15 degrees F at the bus stop as easily as I would wear slacks.

I like well-made, tailored tops with very detailed stitching, button-downs with French cuffs or pleated front, or Victorian lace collar and cuff trim.

Colors:  whatever I feel is comfy.

Jeans have their place, Katia, but like you, I don't live in them.

You're not at all rude by asking this.

Wing Walker

Where I live, in the summer girls either mostly wear skirts, or little short-shorts.
Myself included. Bicycles no exception. Especially if you have a cruiser.
You know, jeans if you are going for a hiking or somthing.
Boulder CO
-Sarah

At work I'm basically out, as I transitioned on the job.

Once I broke the skirt barrier, I haven't looked back.  I look for career outfits with mid-calf skirts and professional-looking tops.  I'm always on the lookout for warm tights for cold days, though.

Do I get read because I wear skirts?  Oh, maybe.  Do I get sirred?  Nope!

Karen

Hi I have a few skirts and tops that I wear occasionally, but during the warm weather I wear knee length sun dresses. They are about the coolest thing you can wear during the hot summer days.

Cindy

Quote from: Karen on December 15, 2007, 03:56:11 AMOnce I broke the skirt barrier, I haven't looked back. 

The last time I ever wore pants was the day before I transitioned at work, over two months ago. I feel so liberated to get those uncomfortable tubes of heavy fabric off my thighs and out of my crotch. :)

For years, I'd been coerced into not dressing female while at home. So I would carry a bag with my female attire out of the house, go someplace secluded where I'd be hopefully not observed, and put on makeup in my car then change into a dress or a skirt. Then do that in reverse before going home. And every time I changed back, it became terribly oppressive to force pants onto me again. How I hated that. For me, skirts=comfort.

I had switched to girlpants and blouses and everything, wore minimal makeup to work, a couple years before formally transitioning--but none of that ever helped. I got clocked in pants sure as shootin.

You can never really know how you look in the eyes of others--but these days, all indications are that I get clocked less in skirts. For years when presenting female, I used to observe the funny looks on people's faces when they first saw me. Whether people reacted by looking amused, puzzled, disgusted, or sympathetic, there was no mistaking the fact I'd been clocked. Even when people tried to hide their reactions, they eyes betrayed them. Well, I stopped getting those looks some months ago. :D

Posted on: December 15, 2007, 01:47:00 PM

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Quote from: Nero on December 11, 2007, 12:02:38 PM
yep tall gals look the best in skirts ;)

Why do you think that is?

I wear them all of the time, I like them as they look funky with slouch boots. I agree that if peeps are not comfortable with the attention, then they shouldn't wear one, but it's never bothered me. if I get any attention, I at least know I'm looking marvelous.  lol.  My favourite is my black denim mini, and I wear it constantly.

Quote from: Keira on December 11, 2007, 12:00:04 PM

Kate, mid thigh slight A line skirts do show off your body, they're tight
on the hips or waist, fall down the buttocks and then flare off the end of butt and fall slightly down. They move in a much better way, if you walk elegantly, with a slight bounce.

Of course, you need good legs to pull this off. But if your tall
it should be ok.

What I don't like is that most have to big skirts, too large, too long, for them, what's wrong with showing off your leg.

Nothing is wrong with that, provided, of course, you have the legs to show off. Some women don't and shouldn't.

The other great thing about skirts, at least the short A-lines is that they also tend to flatter women born with too much effect from T. They give an illusion of more curve than you have oft times. With a flared top they can definitely add the hip i see so many women on these boards bemoan their lack of. Tight pants seem to emphasize just that lack of hip and bottom.

And Hypatia makes such a reasonable plea as well. Skirts are not made for a woman to show off her underwear. That was always the one most aggravating aspect of support groups for me -- so much crotch showing obliviously!!!

Skirts are da bomb when well chosen. 

Ummmm, Skirts are all good and fine durring the summer, late spring, and early fall... but the rest of the year... atleast where I live... Youve got to be insane to wear them... Same thing goes with dresses <I love sun dresses>

For work werte required to wear jeans or slacks... mainly due to the terain... they dont want us falling and hurting ourselves... <Yeah, like the abaya we have to wear dosnt put us directly in that danger???>

For play durring the winter, I wear either painted on jeans... or some very nice <painted on> slacks.  Skirts and dresses are pretty much a no no...  They dont sell tights that hold heat down here... I woudnt even know what to look for online <for fear of getting over priced pantyhose again> sp, yeah...

Allot of you who posted here are probably wondering what Im talking about...  KK here it goes...  I live in a mountinous desert... It dosnt get "THAT" cold in others opinions but IMHO anything below 50 degrees ferinheight is cold...  The temp ranges from the high 20's to the low 50's a great deal of the winter months sometimes getting up into the 70s <WOOHOO!!!> BUT we have something here called wind chill factor... Yeah, its a lovely 50 degrees outside till the wind hits you... with a wind chil factor of -35 to 60 degrees... you turn into an instant popciccle, no strappy heels, or flipflops, or going barefoot in the winter here :)  no dresses or skirts <unless your insane> and what are these warm tights you keep mentioning???  Seriously it can be so bad that a pair of cotton pants, covered by a pair of jeans, covered by a pair of sweats wont cut it in the wind so....

I love skirts and dresses, but theres no way in hell youll find me wearing them in the El Paso windy winter <find me a way out of the wind and we'll talk>

Posted on: December 15, 2007, 02:10:52 PM

---

PS: Painted on jeans when youve got the body for them are probably one of the sexyest things a woman can wear...  add a pair of high heeled boots and a really nice top and watch the necks break LoL  Just my opinion though...

Lynn, where you live is positively balmy :-).
Its bellow zero celcius 32F during the day, 4-5 months a year here and I still wear skirts.
Just wear thicker thighs (even wool blends) and higher boots and
skirts that go to the knee plus a longer coat.
All of that, makes it possible even in 10F weather.
Though I wouldn't spend 2 hours outside like that.

That depends on what the girls are doing. if they are out hiking, they are probably more comfortable in jeans. If they are out dancing, they would probably prefer a skirt.  As to where they wear the jeans or skirts, in relation to their waist, hips and butt cleavage, thats a whole different question. ~laugh~

My natural waist is so high that if I wear the skirt there I look very weird, so I usually wear it half way between the hips and waist (kinda skirt hip huggers :-).

Quote from: Nichole W. on December 15, 2007, 01:58:21 PM
And Hypatia makes such a reasonable plea as well. Skirts are not made for a woman to show off her underwear. That was always the one most aggravating aspect of support groups for me -- so much crotch showing obliviously!!!

Skirts are da bomb when well chosen. 

Most of the time I wear long skirts and dresses because I like the style. Aesthetically, I like how they flow when I move, and how they drape when I sit. Of course, a practical advantage of ankle-length is you never have to think about how much you're flashing. The main practical issue is when you sit down in a car, making sure you pull them all the way in so you don't close the door on them. I also wear knee-length skirts and dresses a lot. No danger of closing the door on them, and relatively little danger of appearing undignified.

Although tonight I went to a party wearing a minidress, and of course I know how to sit so that I don't flash anyone. I place a very high value on elegance and decorum. I believe that if I don't show that I respect myself, I can't expect others to respect me. I don't wear minis very often, but believe me when I do I know how to do it properly. I never go to support groups, but the tales I hear of clueless behavior don't inspire me to start going either...

I do feel really feminine in a skirt and I love them.  I don't wear them that often, not because I'm a slob.  Rather, here in this area they are just not that popular, any time of the year.  Most of the women wear pants or jeans most of the time.  Those who don't stand out.  I really just want to be one of the girls.

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It is really warm enough here that I could wear dresses and skirts, some of the women around town I see do wear dresses, but the bigger portion of them wear jeens and slacks. As sensitive as I was for cold weather in Ontario, I find Vancouver almost tropical compared to Ontario. I have not even put on a heavy coat yet. I could wear dresses but I am some more comfortable with slacks, I won't wear jeans. I really don't know why I won't wear them, and  I don't mind attention.

Cindy   

Quote from: Kristi on December 16, 2007, 01:06:09 AMRather, here in this area they are just not that popular, any time of the year.  Most of the women wear pants or jeans most of the time.  Those who don't stand out.  I really just want to be one of the girls.

This is the reason some people have given me pressure not to wear skirts. Well, I can't stand wearing pants--so too bad! :D I was forced to wear pants against my will for too long. Life is too short not to live the way I want to.

I think you should go for it Kristi if they make you look good, you're very slim so an mid thigh A line should do wonder for you. Couple that with something body hugging upstairs and your all set to knock men over like a feather (if that's what you want  ;) and make women jealous (they'll lock their men :-).

It really depends on your age. If you are over thirty-five, you should never even touch a skirt that falls above where your finger tips are when you have your arms by your side. And quite frankly, denim mini skirts are hideous no matter what your age, especially with leggings. Black leggings look trashy under denim minis. Wear leggings under short dresses, not skirts.  I think it is safe to say that mini skirts are O-U-T out for this season. Go for a more classy look with a knee-length skirt instead! :P

35, kinda arbitrary isn't it?
For very short skirts, higher than mid thigh, you need thin toned legs, big thighs look terrible with those
no matter the age.

I don't really believe in age appropriate clothing IF YOU CAN PULL IT OFF, JUST DO IT.
If your 20 and overweight, I don't want to see you in a mini... Please.

If your face's been away from the sun (looks young) and you've got long well toned legs, mid thigh
is quite all right. In my case I've got such long legs that fingertips is more than 10-11 inches
above my knees with much leg to spare HEHE.
A skirt that falls in 6-11 inch above my knee is best for me (everybody
says so, even my mother and she's conservative)
I've got the legs for it. Most dresses fall higher on me than GG's because I'm tall and I've
got long legs 35.5 inch inseem.

I do own skirts that fall to the knees, but they don't look as good even if they're very nice quality and very beautiful.

Denim pencil skirts 6 inch above the knee, with frontal 6 inch slits are very nice with black tights. They don't look as good with leggings, but its not an absolute disaster.

During the winter, or even summer, I love curdoroy skirts, they come in all sort of colors are sooo comfortable and warmer than normal cotton skirts (though I wear them short enough, I'm not sure it protects against the cold).

Quote from: Keira on December 16, 2007, 02:16:44 AM
I think you should go for it Kristi if they make you look good, you're very slim so an mid thigh A line should do wonder for you. Couple that with something body hugging upstairs and your all set to knock men over like a feather (if that's what you want  ;) and make women jealous (they'll lock their men :-).

How very sweet, Keira.  Thank you.

As for the arm thing, I suppose that makes me safe.  I guess I am a freak or something, but my arms fall just below where it would be quite indecent.  I don't think I could find a skirt that breaks Pia's rule if I wanted to, though I am over 35.

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Seriously, Where do you find warm tights, what do you look for...  What they sell here is just over priced pantyhose.....

Quote from: LynnER on December 16, 2007, 09:27:20 PM
Seriously, Where do you find warm tights, what do you look for...  What they sell here is just over priced pantyhose.....

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Quote from: Keira on December 16, 2007, 03:43:39 AM

35, kinda arbitrary isn't it?
For very short skirts, higher than mid thigh, you need thin toned legs, big thighs look terrible with those
no matter the age.

I don't really believe in age appropriate clothing IF YOU CAN PULL IT OFF, JUST DO IT.
If your 20 and overweight, I don't want to see you in a mini... Please.

If your face's been away from the sun (looks young) and you've got long well toned legs, mid thigh
is quite all right. ...

During the winter, or even summer, I love curdoroy skirts, they come in all sort of colors are sooo comfortable and warmer than normal cotton skirts (though I wear them short enough, I'm not sure it protects against the cold).

Agreed!! To limit simply on the basis of 'I have reached x, therefore all of this goes to Goodwill' seems a bit ridiculous to me. If you can pull it off, go for it, seems a much better rule-of-thumb. Just make sure you can pull it off.

For the rest, decorum and class like Hypatia says seem the way to go.

And I do understand wanting to just 'be one of the girls,' Kristi. But, to be able to play a number of different songs rather than just one seems to me to be a better thing. One of the perks of womanhood is that we are allowed more leeway in any number of areas that are basically seen as being unimportant in the larger scheme.

If they are willing to give me a mile, why should I restrict myself to the inch if I don't embarrass myself and others while going the distance?  >:D :D :D

Quote from: PiaIf you are over thirty-five, you should never even touch a skirt that falls above where your finger tips are when you have your arms by your side

Oh the deception.  Pia, if you look marvelous in a mini skirt or a sack of potatoes, wear it hun.  There's no age requirement when you look fabulous :laugh:

Personally I love A-line skirts. They flatter almost anyone. They make you look skinnier and they make your legs look longer. I just love how they make you and your outfit just look so polished and sophisticated while looking cute and stylish at the same time.

I wasn't very fond of skirts until recently.  I guess I had gotten used to the policies at work (we are not supposed to wear skirts), but my preference in clothing has dramatically changed as everything else...  ;D

Nowadays, A-line skirts, knee length or shorter (not so short), are my fav, often in solid materials like denim.  I think they make me look pretty and they can be worn in all kinds of weather.  As far as pencil skirts, hmmmm...I prefer skirts without slit; hence they cannot be too narrow and/or too long (yeah, I am picky  :P). If I don't have to walk much, I sometimes use a quite narrow black leather skirt reaching a few inches below my knees. Tight on my whatever hips I have and restricting my stride length.  Yeah, things are changing; I am changing, I am loving my body now.  It was about darn time...

tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: Nichole W. on December 15, 2007, 01:58:21 PM
Nothing is wrong with that, provided, of course, you have the legs to show off. Some women don't and shouldn't.

I don't have the legs.  To mis-quote Harry Callahan, A woman's got to know her limitations.  So it's longer skirts for me.

And if I have to show leg for something formal, I wear flesh-colored tights under the stockings (to rave reviews...)

Karen

Quote from: Karen on December 20, 2007, 09:40:23 PM

Quote from: Nichole W. on December 15, 2007, 01:58:21 PM
Nothing is wrong with that, provided, of course, you have the legs to show off. Some women don't and shouldn't.

I don't have the legs.  To mis-quote Harry Callahan, A woman's got to know her limitations.  So it's longer skirts for me.

And if I have to show leg for something formal, I wear flesh-colored tights under the stockings (to rave reviews...)

Karen

Knowing one's limitations is the height of intelligence, Karen. Besides, nothing wrong with ankle length or mid-length skirts either one.

Pants are great, especially in winter. But, skirts are just fun and freer. Well, I think so anyhow.

Tights? Try a department store. Try cable-knit tights. Otherwise, I find that Leggs and No Nonsense each are 'good enough.'

For really good, I'd say check with the Montreal woman, Keira. She's bound to have tips for the Great White North.



From the great white north Ontario I use to wear slacks knee length stockings. Heavy tops with 3/4 sleeves and a sweater and a heavy coat. so that I practically needed a fork lift to put me in the car.

Brrrrrrrrrr Sure am glad that it don't get that cold here in BC, I love it I can wear winter dresses if the occasion arises other then that I wear slacks, light socks, and a winter top. Haven't had to wear anything heavier then a light fall coat and occasionally a sweater. Again if it's a special event  I can wear a dress or dress slacks a dress jacket.

Cindy

I am always amazed at a few women who dare to wear minkiskirt and short pants in winter. Even in November, I nearly got a cold after wearing tights and skirt stuffs. Yesterday I saw a young woman wearing silk pantyhorse and short pants. It's not so chilly but still it's winter anyway.

In the case of the U.S., I would recommend tights from HUE. Thigh-high tights are difficult to buy nowadays, but I could get two pairs from the internet. It's rather expensive > $10.

Recently, I purchased a "real" tights. It is thick enough to warm my legs, but not yet tried. Should I try it tomorrow? (Christmas is not so big holiday in this country except Christians).

Barbie~~

Flagship downtown department stores in Canada, SFO, Chicago and NYC all have an incredibly large selection of tights. If they don't have it, it probably doesn't exist.

La Baie in downtown Montreal has the largest selection I've ever seen in a Canadian store.

Well, it depends what is mini, I've got long long legs and I can go 10 inches above the knees and still have plenty of leg left. For me, mid thigh is not a mini, but for some, everything above the knee is a mini!!

In Montreal, in winter, its very very cold. So, wearing a skirt you need high boots and a longer coat (not the longest, but there should less than a foot of leg showing between the boots and the coat.

I've worn a skirt plenty of times in 25F, about -10 Celcius I think weather.

At the moment I'm living in the middle of no-where and lets just say that I can count the number of woman with any fashion sense on one hand...and still have a couple of fingers left >:D. Around here fashion isn't high on peoples list of important things...guess that's why I cause a stir when I go into town...I love my skirts, dresses, tights, etc. I will admit that I do own a number of pair of jeans, but they were bought because they looked great on me and showed off my curves...

I have a thing for nice dresses and a nice dress can show off your curves, your legs, your cleavage, bare back, etc. just depends on what look you're going for...

I can understand people liking jeans...they are easy to just put on and go...except for the top they don't really take a whole lot of effort to coordinate your look...so they are easy...

Just my thoughts on the topic....

Peace and love,
Isabelle St-Pierre

I've been full-time for since the summer, but I haven't left the house in a skirt yet... just kind of feels "exposed" in a way.  I daresay that around here, a girl my age (21) in a skirt would stand out, and I'm not certain that I want that kind of attention at the moment... all this talk of skirts kind of does make me want to give it a try, though!

Quote from: Isabelle St-Pierre on December 26, 2007, 12:00:37 AM

I have a thing for nice dresses and a nice dress can show off your curves, your legs, your cleavage, bare back, etc. just depends on what look you're going for...

I can understand people liking jeans...they are easy to just put on and go...except for the top they don't really take a whole lot of effort to coordinate your look...so they are easy...

That is usually what I am after when I wear a skirt, and I really do think there is something to be said for looking nice, but after all this talk I decided to try dressing fem under a pair of jeans and T-shirt.  I'll have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised and I do understand why women like jeans.  Contrary to what I said earlier, maybe I'll have to invest in some women's jeans.

Personally I don't wear skirts because of my legs and the fact that they look horrible, but when I take a little more weight off and I get my legs and thighs a little more firmer I definitely will. As a matter of a fact I'm looking for this skirt here...

Link:
http://www.judiciaryreport.com/images/avril-lavigne-4.jpg

It's soooooo cute and so my style. :D

At 48, wearing skirts and dressing my age* feels natural and comfortable. If I were 21, I can imagine how things would be different.

Quote from: genovais on December 26, 2007, 12:38:00 AMI daresay that around here, a girl my age (21) in a skirt would stand out, and I'm not certain that I want that kind of attention at the moment... all this talk of skirts kind of does make me want to give it a try, though!

When I was 21, I wore nothing but jeans year in, year out, and likewise pretty much all the other women my age. If I'd transitioned then it probably would not have occurred to me to wear anything but jeans. But (except for the absence of internet back in those days), if I'd read a discussion like this it would have made me want to try skirts too.

*This rules out naughty-schoolgirl-style miniskirts. Most of my skirts are ankle-length, and most of the rest are about knee-length. I like to feel dignified, elegant, and classy. If I were a naughty girl, I'd dress like one... but vixens who are more mature take pleasure in subtle and sophisticated arts of allure. It's also a question of which fashions look best on my bod. These are very individual choices so I speak only for myself.

Girls In their 20's here wear a lot of skirts.
Don't get really the: I don't want to stand out thing,
I don't want to be average, I want to be me.
Sometimes, I dress like the average gal, but most time
I've got a classic look that's way better than the average
(maybe I'm conceited, but someone I know specificially said people
in my class commented on how well put together my clothes where).
Most women in the suburbs especially dress rather shabily and
I'm not about to dress that way anytime soon.

And I'm not even talking when people go out.
In Montreal, women really dress up and its
not for nothing that guys from elsewhere who come
here are in awe. Its not just that we are prettier (we may be HAHA  ;)
but its mostly how we know how to dress our best and
we feel its important to always look our best.

OOOO, a fetish. Careful, Renate!! hahahaha. But for khaki!

N~

Ya know... any ordinary message board could fling the word "fetish" around loosely with nary a second thought. Discrimination means developing a habit of always watching for what the privileged group will think of you. Privilege means not being questioned.

Nichole, your post was perfectly fine and very well taken. It just inspired me to muse on weightier matters...

Quote from: Kate on December 11, 2007, 09:41:21 AM

Quote from: Hypatia on December 11, 2007, 08:32:44 AM
Femininity is so often denigrated nowadays. It takes a strong, confident woman to openly enjoy your own femininity.

Hey, I don't mind a bit if women want to wear pants. More power to them. From many women's point of view, they were forced into wearing dresses against their will as girls, so to wear pants is an expression of liberation and self-empowerment. Some individuals are girly, some aren't.

I think I prefer pants because I *love* showing off my body now. My style isn't so much about expressing femininity or wearing feminine clothing for me, as it is showing off the curves of being female. Skirts sorta cover that up for me, although I do kinda like the ones that hug down through the thighs, then flare out a bit with a nice, uneven bottom. The skirt has to be *interesting* in shape and cut, it can't just be a straight-down "tube," lol.

But I still feel far more comfortable in clothing that leaves little to the imagination, at least as far as shape goes. A very *female* look, moreso than feminine exactly. I'm really turning into a BAD girl, lol...

~Kate~

I'm the opposite, I don't really like those tube skirts, and thigh-hugging one, it seems to defeat the freedom-of-movement skirts offer and it makes it harder to walk than in pants, or a wider skirt. I prefer skirts that puff out, get larger as it goes down, if I could find some I'd get skirts that are worn with petticoats (or have them inside already) and wear those often.

I go for the cute look, always ^^

*has just bought Hello Kitty sneakers in her size off ebay*

Oh and I apparently have the legs to pull off the mini-skirt thing, but it's not something I really like.

This is the kind of skirt I like:
http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a213/Sara_Zeal/?action=view&current=Whitekneelenghtskirt.jpg (http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a213/Sara_Zeal/?action=view&current=Whitekneelenghtskirt.jpg)

This is the kind of coat I'd like to have :P - maybe I will next winter if they still got it
http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a213/Sara_Zeal/?action=view&current=MA00001_01.jpg (http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a213/Sara_Zeal/?action=view&current=MA00001_01.jpg)
http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a213/Sara_Zeal/?action=view&current=MA00001_07.jpg (http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a213/Sara_Zeal/?action=view&current=MA00001_07.jpg)

Grey leggings with miniskirt is now popular among 20's here in my country.
It looked so sexy, but I did not have time to check whether I have one (mostly black ones).
Hopefully I will try it before this winter go.

Barbie~~

About skirts and cold weather.

This morning I walked several blocks through downtown Rockville while a freezing winter wind was blowing on me. I was wearing a knee-length Tahari skirt suit and had no overcoat on. The upper half of my body was badly chilled in the biting wind, I felt much discomfort. But I did not even feel cold in the lower half of my body.

I was wearing microfiber tights... cheap L'Eggs tights I found at Safeway.

I thought that was pretty funny.

 :) 

Perhaps a cheap microfiber leotard under the upper half for your next outing at the North Pole?  :laugh:

Nichole

I'm impressed with microfiber, it's not only soft and beautiful, and breathes, it keeps you warm too. What isn't good about it?

Quote from: Hypatia on January 26, 2008, 01:50:14 PM
I'm impressed with microfiber, it's not only soft and beautiful, and breathes, it keeps you warm too. What isn't good about it?

not too much that i know of  . microfiber is great . btw so is slik too. but i also like denim too :)

Should we all send you any feed-sacks we happen not to need anymore, Ranate?  :laugh:

I have a ton of skirts, and only two pairs of pants.

The skirts are gathering dust, I love jeans, tank tops and flip flops or cute flats, so I guess I am just a slob (right keira), but to me its the most comfortable thing to wear, and I think it looks cute. Its simple and makes you look good, I am kinda a preppy skater chich though

It reminds me of high school fashion or lack there of right keira?

Quote from: Renate on January 26, 2008, 02:26:11 PM
C'mon folks, for breathablility you can't beat a loose-weave burlap.

Renate

:laugh: iam stay with denim  ::)

Hey, Mara,
I can be as preppy as the next gal,
I own 10 pairs of pants after all!!
And 15 skirts, and 6 dresses, 7 coats, etc.
I'm a fashion maven for sure...
I'd have more but half my pants are now too large.

Yeah I know I was just giving you a hard time  ;), I like your style alot.

Quote from: mara on January 27, 2008, 09:13:21 PM

The skirts are gathering dust, I love jeans, tank tops and flip flops or cute flats, so I guess I am just a slob

Hehe that tends to be the typical like teenage / early twenties style around where I live.  I don't see too many people not wearing jeans for the most part.  Guess it's just like. . .  city differences or something.

I was walking through Adams-Morgan in DC last night, when 18th street was crowded with partiers. Two things I noticed: 1) Everyone was rather young - 2) Most of the women wore skirts. Miniskirts predominated.

Hi Hypatia, Wing Walker wants to know how cold it was there last night?

Cindy

It's been below freezing every night lately... and some of the days too.

Well, not so sure about D.C., but its' been kinda cold a hundred miles north of D.C. The tights and the mini-skirts work fine. With sweaters. I'm gonna need to take my own advice about the micro-fiber leotards though. My bum stays warm, its the upper half that either gets too hot or way too cold. Below freezing every night here as well and a few days have seen 20s for highs.

But, I want some snow. Warms up a bit and then rains!

I tend to wear skirts frequently myself, but every so often (like today) I like to just slip on some jeans to go out.  You don't need to worry about shaving your legs, it tends to help with getting somewhat less attention from guys (and there ARE those days when when you want this), and you can usually wear more comfortable shoes with jeans.  There's been days when I wake up and just felt like slipping on some jeans and a shirt, brushing my hair and running out the door.  On those days, I don't want to worry about shaving or makeup, or whatever.  So, I personally like to have a balance between the 2.  Like the saying says, too much of a good thing can take all the fun out of it.

i wear skirts a lot in the spring and summer and part of the time in the winter months my self

I like to wear sun dresses during the summer, coolest one can wear during those sultry days. I do any shaving I need to do the the night before and put on my skin care stuff then in the morning I am off to where ever I need to go, unless I am going someplace special then I put make up and mascara on if I feel it's necessary, and yes I can still attract the eyes from some gentleman as I walk by, "hee, hee." For my age that's that's a pretty good achievement.   During the cold weather I wear dress pants and tops especially the type of top that hugs my upper body, show off the boobs more , blaaaaah I hate winter. I prefer being like a butterfly during the warm weather.

Cindy

I wear jeans quite a bit.  Jeans are very sexy and show off your bottom nicely.  I always wear a nice top with them.  For sure no sweat shirt.  Gotta show that cleavage.

Ronda

Hi again Ronda hon, we must stop meeting like this, "hee, hee, hee." ;D just kidin. Well it's nice to dress up when ever one feels like it, we don't need an excuse, especially during the summer I usually wear summer dresses, sometimes shorts and halter tops, but I dress in slacks and nice top for work at the women's shelter. One has to do her best to look good, I feel.  And goodness I wouldn't think of wearing a sweat shirt. I may wear heavier tops in colder weather, I like especially the ones with all the fancy designs on them. The nicest thing about here in BC you rarely get temps bellow freezing so there is no need for heavy winter wear.

Have a wonderful evening.

Cindy   

I have found this thread by chance having been offline for about a week.  It is normal practice for me to consider all comments and opinions before adding my own and unless I missed it, I didnt see anything regarding the  question of confidence when it comes to wearing a skirt.

Firstly, I have found that shyness is not compatible with transitioning rather being a transsexual is the best cure for shyness because we have to endure so much in order to get to our final destination.

Secondly, our own opinions of self play a huge part in how we present ourselves to others.  I have found that a majority of contributors are committed skirt wearers even in the colder climate that is Canada but I failed to find anyone hostile to skirts. I have had furious rows with a TS friend about skirts, she insists they are stupid garments and does not need to wear one to prove she is female etc, it is her opinion and I respect it.

I count myself as someone that detests jeans, too stiff, structured and unforgiving to my skin.  However I do wear pants/trousers as and when I feel it a good idea.  My wardrobe has about 6 good pairs that I could wear formally or leisurely owing to the fact they are comfortable, soft fabrics and look good. I have well over 50 skirts but most of them do not fit just now, my waist line fluctuates so much I cry over the cost of replacing them.  If I had 500 skirts, I would probably be unable to find the right one to wear  :-\

I mentioned earlier the matter of confidence.  I was three months into my transition before I smashed the 'skirt barrier', an event that occured by accident owing to an accident with some coffee. With no spare trousers available, I was forced to wear my first skirt in public and wondered what the fuss was about.  I then went through a spell of wearing only skirts and I must have looked bloody aweful to those that saw me.  My makeup skills were elementary, I had yet to accept I needed to wear a wig owing to hair loss ( I wore headwraps/bandana's ), and struggled with suitable shoe selections.  I was living in a bubble of my own making and felt invincible.

One day, during a routine hospital checkup, my bubble burst.  I became aware of how badly I was 'passing', I was aware of everyone else clocking me and felt terrible.  I retreated back into trousers with a feeling that I let myself down and the wider TS community for being bullied back towards malehood.   After many changes in my approach to transition I rediscovered the pleasant nature that skirts offer to the wearer, something that only women understand.  I still wear trousers to certain places i.e rehabilitation sessions at the hospital ( stroke revovery excercises ) for dignity and modesty reasons, I have to wear a skirt for formal reasons when working at the theatre, and I now wear skirts for the fun of it to go shopping because I now feel confident again that I look almost womanly again.

Details such as hair removal on the legs, temperatures, waistlines, the right top, and shoes whilst important, are just details. The key for me has been confidence, to go out there and be myself, be the woman that I truely believe myself to be and hang the rest of the world if they dont like it.   As Cindybc said, "it's nice to dress up whenever one feels like it, we do not need an excuse...."  :P

Hi Jennifer hon, I dress as I like on my own time weather that be skirts and dresses, slacks or shorts etc.
but during the warm weather I prefer to wear sun dresses. As for other functions I dress accordingly as the rest of the women dress. That is the same on the job. Sometimes this may mean wearing a skirt suit or pant suit, depending on the occasion. I might be just a country gal, grew up in the country, but that didn't stop me from observing what the other ladies around me were dressing like for what ever occasion. I helped raise 9 girls through the years.

Cindy