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Work Christmas Party - what to wear?

Started by Nikislash, November 18, 2013, 02:37:29 AM

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Nikislash

My work Christmas party is coming up soon and I'm having trouble deciding what to wear.

I've only recently started to dress as a guy and even when I do, I think I'm still generally read as female (I got Mam'd a couple of days ago at the airport). I'm not out at work and probably won't be for quite a while. As it is I mostly wear black shirts and pants to work so I haven't really been dressing girly either.

I work in a corporate office where dress code is quite important. The dress code for the party is "black tie". Suit jackets and ties for men, cocktail dresses or gowns for ladies.

I would just wear a dress but for the past few months (since around March) I've given up shaving my legs and armpits and I really don't want to shave and have to start over with these again. I can cover the legs up with tights but I'm not sure what to do about my armpits. I also really don't want to have to bother with make up. I've considered wearing a suit instead but I'm not sure whether that would be too weird for my co-workers since I am still a lady as far as they are concerned.

I would really appreciate advice or suggestions.
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Cindy

Trouser suits or tunic tops and pants are very fashionable at the moment. You could look for a reasonably androgynous long black tunic top and pants
OK they are feminine but take care of the presentation detail
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Jennygirl

Hmm sounds pretty binarily rigid. I think if you dressed in a suit it might be quite obvious and possibly a shock to people?

I would play it safe until you've at least got a few inner circle peeps who know about your transition. If I remember the corporate mentality correctly, shock doesn't always go over that well if you are trying to climb the ladder. Ultimately it depends on the company vibe though, because some try to be much "cooler" and more progressive than others.
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Mattia

I think I would go with  the androgynous look too. Some months ago I have been in a similar situation: I went to a wedding party with friends who all knew me still as a girl. I never really thought about a dress, because I don't have any and really would not feel like wearing one. I eventually chose black trousers, white shirt and a female jacket (obviously no tie). Yes, it was unmistakably female, but at least it looked a bit androgynous. And, most important part, I could feel almost comfortable wearing that. I think you should try something like that: female clothes that are elegant but not overly feminine, and look as much as they can as male elegant clothes.
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Nygeel

If it's black tie that means tuxedos. There are tuxedos cut and styled more for women. That might be a good idea. Check out Janelle Monae for an idea.
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yaka

A tuxedo is fine, even a female-cut one. The success of wearing something 'out there' mainly stems from confidence in wearing it.
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Nikislash

Thanks all for the suggestions.

I guess I wasn't the only person feeling uncomfortable about the dress code as we got an email today saying that it had been relaxed. It's now fine for ladies to wear dress pants and a nice top. Guys are dress pants, shirts and ties.

I love the idea of a tuxedo but don't have the money to hire/buy one. Definitely something I want to try/buy in the future though.

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Cindy

Quote from: Nikislash on November 20, 2013, 01:26:50 AM
Thanks all for the suggestions.

I guess I wasn't the only person feeling uncomfortable about the dress code as we got an email today saying that it had been relaxed. It's now fine for ladies to wear dress pants and a nice top. Guys are dress pants, shirts and ties.

I love the idea of a tuxedo but don't have the money to hire/buy one. Definitely something I want to try/buy in the future though.

My name is Bond, James Bond. Tuxedo's can be very sexy!!!
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LordKAT

Quote from: Cindy on November 20, 2013, 01:38:30 AM
My name is Bond, James Bond. Tuxedo's can be very sexy!!!

Especially lavender ones.
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Cindy

Quote from: LordKAT on November 20, 2013, 01:39:34 AM
Especially lavender ones.

I was at a cocktail party recently and a guy was wearing a total white form fitting Tux, GrrrH could have leapt him :embarrassed:
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aleon515

Quote from: Cindy on November 20, 2013, 01:42:14 AM
I was at a cocktail party recently and a guy was wearing a total white form fitting Tux, GrrrH could have leapt him :embarrassed:

Now that would have made the party exciting. LOL

--Jay
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