Quote from: Guantanamera on January 08, 2012, 10:24:42 PM
This.

Seriously, I'm not aware of any Cis women who run blogs or other things for trans women to help with this kind of stuff.

If you're not already blogging about this, I swear I'ma start a petition 

Seriously...

Quote from: Keaira on January 08, 2012, 11:20:16 PM
Unfortunately I spend about 99% of my time in uniform. *sigh*
I so want to get out of factory jobs. My wardrobe consists of 3 pairs of pants and an endless amount of t-shirts. Not by choice either.

One of the things I've mentioned before is that cisgender women usually figure out a look they can work and then go with it.  It's over years of practice.  Not conscious really just knowing what works for you.

So you learn to have some vitals.   For you I'd suggest an A line black dress with cap sleeves as a stock item.  Cisgender women have "stock items" that they use regularly. Everyone has a "little black dress."

The goal for many of us is to look as skinny as possible.  That's not always possible.  Also not everyone can wear girlie looks.  Some of the younger girls on here are interested in the Hello Kitty style.  You can get away with that if you are petite and young.

Your boxy shape is based on you not having big boobs just yet.  But believe me you don't want them.  I can be impossible to find something that doesn't make you look like a cow.   

Clothing sizes for women are tricky.  Many more expensive brands of clothing size their clothing smaller so women will want to shop there.  For example Ann Taylor sizes smaller.  A size 12 in that store will be sized as size 10. 



This style is very small but I can't find what I'm looking for.   But a fuller version of this dress.   Also look for blends when it comes to dresses.  You want to not have total spandex but a cotton spandex blend so that it will sit better without looking cheap.


The goal of a woman's figure is to create an hour glass shape or picture two triangles set on top of each other at the points.  Wide at the top and bottom and skinny in the middle.


So for example a lot of the things you all seem to think are masculine and try to hide would be used by women to create the illusion of this figure.  The easiest would be the shoulders.  If you have broad shoulders and wear the boatneck collared shirt,  then you will  emphasize the width at the top.


If you are boxy,  based on your uniform you seem to wear front zippered pants.   Front zippered pants or pants with pleats and pockets are a no no if you are boxy.

Wear a side zipper pant.  If I were you I'd get something like one of these.

http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/504199?qs=3006443_pmd_google


You are not the type of chick that would look good girly.  I don't think you'd be comfortable.  So I'd get the same kind of shoes in the picture,  ballet flat types.   Then you can get capri length pants and wear them with a "sailor style" top and I think it would look elegant and sort of European in style.


Also for you I'd wear low cut boots under longer length side zippered pants.   That will give you the illusion of a longer leg.

Again cisgender girls try to fix themselves.  Most short cisgender girls I know ALWAYS wear heels.    If you are comfortable I'd wear the heel.  If not go for a low heel, black leather ankle cut or mid calf.


Also GET A PURSE!!!    Some of you say you are clocked and it upsets you.  I personally don't like pocketbooks but most women can't live without them.  So get a nice purse and use that.


One more tip  (And you know I think I might do a book on this.  This is fun)


Most cisgender women wear jewelry.   Usually someone in their life (a grandmother, aunt etc) will have bought them a nice sentimental piece of jewelry.

Like a cross or an Italian horn or a nice necklace or charm bracelet.  Women put them on for sentimental reasons and never really take them off.  Don't go crazy and expensive,  usually it won't be that expensive because if they are given it at a younger age the relative will worry they might lose it.

But that's something I've noticed.  Most of your pictures don't have that typical chain or jewelry.


Oh a few more things.   If you want to know if a pair of pants will fit you but don't want to try it on in the store,  you can take the pant waist and see if it fits around your neck.  Drop it down your back like a cape and wrap the waistline around your neck and if it fits it probably will fit you.



And one last thing.    I worked in theater for a while and I noticed you can get away with ANYTHING if you say you are doing it for a play. 

So Type up a list of things you are looking for.   Just basics.    Across the Top write something like   "New Community Theater"   and then your name  and then Character  "Aunt Jeanie"


Then go to a store and don't be shy about it.  Say I'm doing a play and I need to get costumes for three costume changes.  These are the things I need can you help me.   Go right up to the sales clerk.  You can even act all confused about it.

They will think it's funny (usually) and love to help you out.  People love theater.

When you dress for trying on clothes,  wear those leggings that were posted above and wear a tight tee shirt.  This way you can try on clothes without entirely undressing.

Ok good luck.

That's only because you can get away with anything IN a play - it just extends out from that point. 

I'd just like to say that most of the sales persons - particularly in stores that cater to a 'slightly expanded' fashions like Diva's, Avenue and Macys' Woman are pretty open, in any major city they see it all the time and they do know their merch.  People are open to honesty most of the time.


If you want to know if a pair of pants will fit you but don't want to try it on in the store,  you can take the pant waist and see if it fits around your neck.  Drop it down your back like a cape and wrap the waistline around your neck and if it fits it probably will fit you.

Works for skirts too.  +1 FashionPower.

Thanks Mixie ^_^ *huggles*

I do own a purse and it goes everywhere with me. I bought it a few years ago and it's fairly small but very tasteful. Last year I bought a watch and without even realizing, they match pretty well.

The necklace I had, a little teddy bear with a balloon I gave to someone as a sign of friendship. And then a few months later they told me they wanted nothing to do with me. But I have another that is different that came in a set that Tigger sent to me.

I cant wear high heels because  of an injury I had from a fork lift accident. But I do love Mary-Jane style shoes and  I have an awesome set of boots.

And I'm saving this list too. I honestly dont want to be too much of a tomboy. I have my days when I'd rather wear skirts or dresses. But cant because I don't own any. lol. And Since I am living full time I dont really hide that I am shopping in the women's department anymore. ^_~

But thank you, this helps a lot Mixie! +1 for style.

That's very true about wearing a simple jewelry piece. It's amazing how much more feminine one can look by simply putting on a nice pair of obviously feminine earrings, for example. People unconsciously look for subtle visual signals that tell them a person's gender and sometimes it only takes something simple to put you over the mark. It's important not to overdo it, though, or you step into the drag queen realm.

I like earrings. My Sisters made me a pair for Christmas, A friend at work gave me a beautiful set of asian-style ones and I had a set made which look like small dreamcatchers with pheasant feathers and green gemstones on them. And a seemingly endless supply of stud-type earrings.

 Must have a wrap dress.  If you are older and have a bit of money go for Diane Von Furstenburg  wrap dresses.  They look AMAZING on anyone.   But they are especially suited to women with smaller chests and not so great waistline.

The style of the dress flairs out and gives you that hour glass ratio.  You will love your wrap dress.  If you are thin you will love it even more.

Here's a hint as well.  When you go to thrift stores, you  can often find these used but for just a few dollars.  This is mostly because the dress doesn't sit well on the hanger unless it is hung up wrapped.  These dresses are so collectible they run in the hundreds of dollars.  So even if you find one too small for you, you can sometimes find them for like $10 and then you can sell them on ebay for a hundred and use that money to buy clothes that fit you.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_nkw=Diane+von+Furstenberg+DvF+wrap+vonFurstenberg+wrap+dress

http://reviews.ebay.com/How-to-spot-fake-Diane-von-Furstenberg-dresses-on-eBay_W0QQugidZ10000000000127757






Moving this over from another thread.   These sweaters are essential.  Remember that I am a  big tall woman.  So for me wearing regular sweaters are too bulky.  I wind up looking like a linebacker.   Regular sweaters also make me look fatter.  These sweaters are LIFE SAVING.  For cisgender women they are life saving because we have flabby upper arms.  For transgender women it is because you might have a shoulder that looks more masculine or strong arms or tattoos from your past.  So these are worth every singly penny.  You will wear them all year round  and love them.  HIGHLY reccommend for everyone.

It's called a BOLERO

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/S.-Max-by-Adi-Womens-Stretch-Knit-Bolero/4682372/product.html

Buy this one.  You will love it.  It's Vivianne Tam it will create a shape with the way it buttons in the middle.  Incredibly versatile.   You will use it to death.

Buy it with the dress and you can wear it with the ballet flats

http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Vivienne-Vivienne-Tam-Womens-Short-Sleeve-Cropped-Bolero-Jacket/5670949/product.html?rcmndsrc=2


Check out more items as well.  This is the dress I've been thinking of for you.


http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Sandro-Womens-Poplin-Notch-Collar-Dress/4687904/product.html


sorry one more.

This would be awesome on you with a heel.


http://www.overstock.com/Clothing-Shoes/Grace-Elements-Womens-Flutter-sleeve-Cowlneck-Jumpsuit/5320831/product.html

QuoteJeans that cup your butt are another way to go.  If you have a nice tush  then show it off.   If you have a flat stomach then wearing low cut jeans and a boat cut top with 3/4 sleeves is a way of working your asset while creating a feminine profile.

Taking this.

My collar bones show, I have a bubble butt, and the same general shape as those girls in that yoga skirt link (Uhhh, is it here? this one: http://shop.lululemon.com/products/category/women-skirts-and-dresses?mnid=mn;women;bottoms;women-skirts-and-dresses). I like this thread. 

Edit: Gotta learn how to properly show off my athletic body while I still got it. I had to cut my own yoga skirt about a month ago.

One more thing,

I really like those boat neck shirts, but I have the bra strap problem. I really think I'm a little old to be showing you VBS. I have two of those band bra's but they move. Tell me how to keep them from trying to reveal my "little girls." (I look flat chested, but they are noticeable if I dress formally)

Cypress your clavicle  is gorgeous.  You seem to be wearing a square neckline in the pix and that's perfect.  That's what a cis would wear to show off the clavicle.  It's a sign that you are thin and gorgeous.   One other thing you could try if you have difficulty with a square shape is wearing tee shirts or dresses that pull to the side.

I agree about the earrings.  I don't wear jewelry myself.  But when I had shaved hair I would wear enormous earrings.  Clip ons.   It's a look dependant.


I have several looks that I think are elegant and refined.  I'm actually thinking of doing a book on this.  I didn't realize that there's not too much advice out there.

But for me I like elegant classic looks.  I do not like trendy looks.

I love beyond believe Charlize Therons look.  Tall lean long, slim ballerina style.

But I also really love athletic looks.   Even though i'm a total cow. 

I love certain styles together.

Style icons for me would be Chanel versus Louis Vuitton.  I'd throw out a LV bag.  Tacky tacky tacky.

I like DVF.  Just incredible clothing if you look through her site.  Lulu Lemon.  Also make your own clothes is right.

Funny thing is that I am not a style hound.  I own right now ONE pair of craptastic Ugg style winter shoes and that's what I'll wear the entire winter.  Then spring comes and I buy one pair of ballet style flats and wear them into the ground.  Also a pair of sandles in the summer.  I'm the laziest dresser in the world.

However I worked in merchandizing for Thrift Stores in NYC for years and learned how to dress other women.   I could start a thread about how to really shop smart in thrift stores.  My ex husband owns four thrift stores.  I had one.  My parents had one.  So anyone who wants tips on that I'll start another thread.

Quote from: Lone Cypress on January 16, 2012, 11:54:19 AM
One more thing,

I really like those boat neck shirts, but I have the bra strap problem. I really think I'm a little old to be showing you VBS. I have two of those band bra's but they move. Tell me how to keep them from trying to reveal my "little girls." (I look flat chested, but they are noticeable if I dress formally)

Sports bras are ok.   But the best thing to do is buy a very tight Spandex Cotton blend Spaghetti strap tank top.   Some of them even have a built in layer for your boobs to sit.   You are supposed to let the straps show.  Not a junky crappy bra strap but these ones.  It speaks to your elegance by pointing out that you don't have saggy boobs and can wear such delicate clothing.   


These are also a MUST HAVE  I thought everyone would have these.  You can get them super cheap in stores like Wallmart and Target.

Get a size smaller than you need if you want to wear it as a bra.  You will have to situate your boobs inside.  But if you don't have large hanging knockers, it's a great bra

http://www.amazon.com/Hanes-Perfect-Stretch-Cami/dp/B0037Z10XQ/ref=pd_sbs_a_7

http://www.amazon.com/Outlooks-Spaghetti-Strap-Tank-Top/dp/B000FL4C8A




Also look for bras with the clear plastic straps.  Those shouldn't be worn every day but can be used for special clothing issues.


You can also buy your own straps for replacing on your bra

http://www.amazon.com/Clear-Bra-Straps-2-Pairs/dp/B0044M59E2/ref=sr_1_1?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1326737379&sr=1-1

Haha! I guess I just have to get used to the concept: "They're supposed to show." I own a few Cami's like that already, but I typically don't use them. I'm gonna have to dig those out and put them to use.

This would look nice on you

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SEQUIN-Bolero-Shrug-Paillette-Cami-Evening-Top-Shirt-S-/380280822828


You should also look into compression bras  and camisoles.   

Let me also say that only for women with nice clavicles can you get away with the straps showing.   On the rest of us it looks sloppy.


You can also look into compression bras and other body shapers.  A worthwhile one time investment.

http://www.feelfoxy.com/


This bra would be very good for you if you are not comfortable with straps showing.
http://www.feelfoxy.com/Strapless_Magic_Dress_p/2478.htm

The key is to have a very honest friend who will tell you what looks good on you and what doesn't.

My shoulders/upper arms aren't very fem so I look horrible in sleeveless tops. I see many trans girls making that mistake. Most of us can't pull off the sundress/cami top look. If you do have fem arms, show them off, I have great legs so I make sure those show. A-line skirts are my best friend. Fem jewelery is a must, don't do dainty if you're not. Just makes you look "big". Crew neck t's with a nice necklace can look very fem so don't shy away from them. Another mistake if you're tall with long legs is tucking your shirt tail in. High waisted just doesn't look good on us. And sorry I can't agree on the bolero jacket/sweater thing, I HATE that look on anyone see previous why it's an even worse idea for tall people. Jeans with tall boots over them works great for my casual look, although I wear lots of skirts too. I rarely wear pants other than jeans, if it's that formal, I'll wear a skirt. I've also found skirts/tops work a lot better for me than a dress does.

Bottom line is you have to develop your own style, that takes a while and you will make plenty of mistakes. The real key is KNOW what your assets are and emphasize them while downplaying your bad points. I don't dress like a "senior" (I'm 52) but I don't dress like a teenager either. I'm not to old to wear purple or green nail polish tho! Which is one last point, manicure/pedi's are a must.

That's interesting.  I like the style you have in your photo.   But I'm 5 11 and wear the bolero look very often.  Curious why you think it's a no no?  I do agree not to tuck in a shirt. 

I totally agree with your second paragraph!

Mixie, you're becoming the Dear Abbey of transgender fashion!  I am 6'0, 47 years old, and am an apple shape with a tummy, no butt, and long legs.  What do you recommend?  I think I'll start out with jeans and a blouse.  In guy mode I love wearing flowery shirts - I'm a sucker for floral prints, as long as they are not gawdy.  I also have very big feet, maybe a woman's 14, which is a pain.  Can't even find women's socks that fit. 

Quote from: Robertina on January 16, 2012, 06:06:56 PM
Mixie, you're becoming the Dear Abbey of transgender fashion!  I am 6'0, 47 years old, and am an apple shape with a tummy, no butt, and long legs.  What do you recommend?  I think I'll start out with jeans and a blouse.  In guy mode I love wearing flowery shirts - I'm a sucker for floral prints, as long as they are not gawdy.  I also have very big feet, maybe a woman's 14, which is a pain.  Can't even find women's socks that fit.

Steph is on target with the high boots over jeans.   This is a style most apple shape ladies I know wear.  It gives a play on fashion without drawing too much attention to your height or belly area.

You want to draw slenderizing line down the front.  I'd suggest jackets, sweaters and even vests that button or zip down the front but are open.  Then underneath a camisole type shirt or just a v necked shirt.   If you like florals I'd work the jeans and books or black pants and boots and then do a floral or print top over a plain shirt underneath


Also look for tee shirts that have designs that go up the side instead of an all over pattern

Like so

I think that idea about the jackets will help hide my tummy, plus, I am often cold!  If it is to warm to wear a jacket, maybe I could go with a top that is a little blousy at the waist.

What about my non-existant butt?  I'm thinking the best I can do without using stuffing (something I don't feel comfortable with) is to get jeans that fit snug in the butt, but how to deal with the waist, I don't know. 

Don't have any boots yet - I wear a man's 12 1/2 B or AA, so I have a difficult time with shoes - plus, I'm poor.

On another subject - what about slips?  Do girls still wear slips?

Quote from: mixie on January 16, 2012, 02:31:03 PM
That's interesting.  I like the style you have in your photo.   But I'm 5 11 and wear the bolero look very often.  Curious why you think it's a no no?  I do agree not to tuck in a shirt. 

I totally agree with your second paragraph!

Just personal taste I guess. I don't like the bolero look on any girl, ever, period and never have. But especially to me on a tall girl it is like tucking your shirt in, it makes your waist look high, creating a short torso effect. It probably can be OK on a short legged person trying to create the illusion of longer legs? But I still just personally don't like the way it looks on anyone.

Quote from: Robertina on January 16, 2012, 07:33:29 PM
On another subject - what about slips?  Do girls still wear slips?

Depends on the skirt, some really NEED to have a slip worn under them so they don't cling or end up stuffed between your legs in the wind.. If they are lined you can usually get away without one but it doesn't hurt to throw one on anyway.