I'm incredibly short.
I'm a mere 5'0 tall and I'm afraid that my lack of height will keep others from being able to take me seriously.
Men's clothes are basically impossible for me to pull. I'm seventeen and I look like a kid still. I haven't transitioned yet but I feel like that if I do, I'll never be accepted due to my height.
Any tips for me to look more like an adult?
Also any tips for the whole clothing fiasco?
Welcome to the club; I'm 22 but still look your age to most people ;). This is a good basic guide clothing wise http://ftmguide.rassaku.net/. I don't agree with the hair advice though; IMO something like an undercut is a better choice. It looks more grownup and masculine.
You could also try buying shoes or trainers with a slight wedge to them to make you look taller. Asos are a good clothes website and you can find smaller sizes.
Apart from that I just try to walk straighter and try to act more masculine in order to offset what I look like.
Don't worry, at 5'5" I have an habit of looking around to spot cis guys shorter than me and there are plenty of them. :)
Most of them seems to try and beef up to be taken more seriously, but it's really their confidence that says "don't mess with me". So try to walk around with confidence and not think of yourself as "less of a men", because they don't.
Clothes are difficult even for me, so you are in good company. I know it might sounds annoying, but looking at the boy's section can help, especially for shoes. It's not that humiliating, I promise.
As for age... I always said I get Miss-gendered. I don't pass and they assume that I am a university student and not in my early 30's and treat me accordingly. So you have my solidarity. ;D
Since you asked for tips, looking like a grownup has everything to do with the way you speak and carry yourself, people can change their estimation of your age if you behave differently. Clothing fiasco.. don't wear oversize clothes. Just that.
Get your hair cut professionally and dress in a mature way. When you speak, speak with authority. I'm the shortest guy in my friend group, office, etc. and I've had no issues being taken seriously.
There are a lot of online services now where you can give them your measurements and tell them what you like, and they'll send you clothes.
I'm 26 and only 5'1. My cis male partner is the exact same height. He was bullied for being short as a kid until he started lifting weights and gained lots of muscle mass. Most people now seem to be too intimidated by his appearance to insult his height. I actually don't mind being a short dude but I might get into lifting weights (if my chronic illness lets me). I've been having issues with clothes too. Stuff in the mens' section is always so much bigger and hangs off me unless I get the smallest size, which my busty chest doesn't help with.
Totally get you, I'm 5'2". If you're looking for clothes that fit, there are lots of online retailers in Asia (China particularly) that do nice men's styles in small sizes, often quite cheaply as well which is always a plus.
In terms of looking older, try wearing more formal or professional-type clothing rather than super-casual stuff, it tends to make people assume you can't be a kid. I recently started wearing suits a lot while doing an internship and went from looking totally pre-pubescent to plausible college student age (I'm 17). Also, make sure you get clothes that fit whenever you can, wearing things that hang off you just makes you look more like a little boy.
Being short does make life a bit harder, particularly in early transition, but there are plenty of little cis guys out there too, your height absolutely does not dictate whether you'll be taken seriously or ultimately whether you'll pass, so don't let it hold you back. Good luck man!
Ya hair and dress are key
I've heard that wearing vertical stripes can help to make you appear taller. There are also shoe inserts that can add a couple of inches, or just buy shoes that are already a little elevated (like boots with a heel). Just remember that plenty of cis guys are just as short, even if they may not be the majority.