Hi,

I'm not actually transgender and I don't cross dress. What I am is an androgynous male who is frustrated at not being able to find colours that I like in the men's section. I like pink, lavender, mulberry and lots of things in between and you just don't find too many of those in the men's. If you ask for them, they give you funny glances, if you know what I mean. Anyhow, a female friend of mine suggested I might try the women's section. Great idea, but I am far too inhibited to waltz into the women's section and ask to try some things on. No, if I am going to do this, I am going to have to go the catalogue route. But where to begin? Women's clothing is clearly cut differently than I am shaped. Is there any hope at all? I have a 42" chest, 34" waist and 34" arm length. I honestly don't know where to start. Any ideas?

All that don,t fit the standard sizing have that problem male or female.
I would opt for larger size and remodel it .If you have odd sizing its learn to sew or find somebody who can.
But a warning if you go that road if you remodel to your size it mostly ruin the original look if the chances are to big!
Other option is shop ,shop,and shop

One thing you can do is shop at the thrift store.  You can buy things dirt cheap until you narrow in on your size.  I shop everywhere in male mode.  No one cares.  If you're too embarrassed you can always try ebay.  It's possible to get some great deals on there too.  This too may help https://www.susans.org/reference/size.html  Good luck and happy shopping!

Most department stores have a return policy, purchase the item, try it on if it doesn't fit return it back to the department store and keep trying until you find your size.