I know I've seen a lot of girls on here and on youtube and been thoroughly surprised when I find out that they're not even on HRT yet!  Clearly there is some sort of secret that I'm not clued in to.  Since I'm trying to transition to full-time by next semester (end of August) I'd like to know what kind of things I can do apart from HRT that will make me look more passable.  Thanks in advance!

I think it's just luck of the draw but you'd be surprised how many people are gendered based on context rather than oughtright appearance.  Many people are androgynous and depending upon their mannerisms, clothing style, etc, they are gendered male or female.  Of course for as many androgynous looking folk, there are just as many "definitely one or the other."

Now to make context go your way, you can wear makeup to give yourself smoother looking skin and have a feminine haircut.  Unless you're a caveman or linebacker (which you are neither) they ought to point you in the right direction.  Oh!  Eyebrows are another big one.  You'd be surprised how much changing eyebrows can change the way a face looks.

I found a lot of info on litaford1313's youtube channel. I hope it helps you.

When you stop pretending to be male you'll find that you'll be gendered correctly a lot...even in mens/androgynous clothing. Just be yourself...everything else is just details.

Additionally the hormones themselves, given more time will likely make a huge difference.

Especially starting them so early in life, I wish I had been confident enough in who I am to start them at 19 instead of later this year at 31.

Nope, not really. Just do whatever makes you feel comfortable in your skin. There are many ways to be a woman.

I swear to you, I have short hair and beard shadow in "boy mode" am built very athletically, and wear androgynous clothing- people still say her and ma'am occasionally. Time, attitude, and effort will erase the mistakes people make.

I have loosened up alot. my mannerism has changed just that alone has change surtn muscles shapes. I walk toe to heel to make my caf muscles look more fem. I dont grip things tightly to keep muscles in my hands and forarms from getting to big. my toes used to look like Fred Flinstone's up until the toe to heel walking. Now they are flat. my heel used to be rounded now it is flat also that took about 3 years to see the differents. I used to not smile that made me not have an upper lip and the muscles were very weak. I look silly exercising my upper lip, but it has made a big differents in my smile. I sway my sholders when I walk helps breast muscles and waste to firm up. hope all this helps.

It's not complicated, just hard.
Always think Girl.
If you are tentative and not relaxed inside yourself, it will show. If you are assertive (not aggresive) and relaxed, that will show too. Most people accept you as you accept yourself.

Susan Kay

Observe other genetic females in your age range around you. That's it. Just try to be a good observer. No big secret. I've been living my life as a female 24/7 for the last 3 years, and have only been on HRT for the last 8 months.

Estrogen, Spiro, et al are not magic pills. They will not magically transform you into a Victoria's Secret super-model over night. Nor will they give you confidence to face the world as a female on a daily basis. It just doesn't work that way. They are a short stepping stool at best on the long climb at best.