Archive for Transgender Body Shaping

Jun
28

How to Be a Bikini Babe

Comments (49)

I hope you girls are having a fabulous summer! It’s a chilly 56 degrees F in San Francisco today, so I am eagerly planning my next beach vacation …

Speaking of beaches, check out these incredible photos of transgender supermodel Lea T:

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She recently shot her first swimwear campaign in addition to modeling for Givency and Vogue Paris. Bravo!

This inspired me to share some tips on how YOU can be a bikini babe …

Even if you’re not ready to hit the beach en femme, I think every t-girl should own a bikini for sunbathing, lounging by the pool, or posing in a bikini babe photoshoot.

Here are my top 4 tips for looking hot in a bikini:

1. Downplay your shoulders

The secret to a bikini babe body is BALANCED PROPORTIONS. That means you need to balance out the proportions of your hips and shoulders.

Here are some tricks for making broad shoulders look more delicate:

  • Avoid string bikinis unless you are truly tiny. Instead, select a bikini top with wide straps to balance the proportions of your shoulders.
  • Try a halter top. Halter tops draw the eye in, creating a slimming effect. They’re also great for showing off cleavage.
  • Avoid bandeau tops that cut straight across the chest. Bandeau tops make your upper body look even wider.
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String bikini Halter top w/ wide straps Bandeau top

2. Enhance your hips

The next step is to enhance your hips. Here’s how to do it:

  • Look for bikini bottoms with ruffles, belts, or side ties to add volume to your lower body.
  • Try a skirted bikini bottom that flares out at the hips.
  • Wear printed bikini bottoms. Prints visually enlarge an area, making your hips look wider.
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Ruffles Skirt Print + side ties

3. Pose pretty

You should always be aware of the way you hold your body when you’re in a bikini – whether you’re sitting around a pool chatting with friends or posing for the camera.

To create the illusion of an hourglass shape, try the classic pin-up pose: Sit or stand with your hips facing sideways and twist at the waist so your shoulders face forward (see the image below). Don’t forget to keep your tummy in and avoid slouching at all times.

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4. Smooth your silhouette

Bikini bottoms leave nothing to the imagination, so you’ll want to master the art of the tuck. This is NOT my area of expertise, but “Katie” gives a good rundown on her blog here.

So what do you think, my dear? Do you like Ms. Lea’s photos? Are YOU ready to be a bikini babe? Leave me your comments below! (And if you’re feeling extra brave, be sure share your bikini babe photos with us!)

Love,
Lucille

bighandsfeetSize has a lot to do with perceived femininity. In my last blog post, I talked about how to look shorter. Now let’s move on to big hands and feet!

Even short TG women tend to have bigger hands and feet than genetic women. This sends masculine signals, so here are 5 tips for downplaying large hands and feet:

1. Wear heels

Heels make long feet look shorter because they bend the foot into a vertical position. Obviously you shouldn’t go overboard if you are tall, but even a 1” heel will make your feet look smaller and more feminine.

2. Groom your fingernails

Groomed fingernails make your hands look more feminine, which helps blend them into your overall image. Choose nail shades that blend into your skin tone, rather than attention-grabbing reds and pinks. The ideal fingernail length is 1/4” past your fingertips. Nails that are too short or too long make your fingers look stubby.

3. Avoid strappy sandals

Strappy sandals are sexy, but the more of your foot your expose, the bigger it looks. You should also avoid T-straps since the center strap creates a vertical line that makes your feet look longer. If you want to show skin, choose peep toes or sling backs instead.

4. Choose the right jewelry proportions

Avoid flashy rings and bracelets if you have big hands, but that doesn’t mean you should go for dainty jewelry styles. You need big bold jewelry to match your proportions. If you want to wear bracelets or rings, choose one or two wide but simple styles in a solid color.

5. Go for rounded toes

Remember those pointy toe shoes that looked like they could be used as a weapon to kill somebody? Thank God they are out of style now because they are a TG girl’s worst nightmare! Pointy toes add unwanted length to your feet. Square toes are also a no-no since they make the feet look wider. Instead, go for classic shoe styles with rounded toes.

Ok, ladies – what do you think? Do you have any suggestions to add to this list? Leave me your comments below!

Love,
Lucille

P.S. Alice Kim and I show you how to correct every TG body flaw in The Ultimate En Femme Fashion Guide. Clothes and accessories are your BEST tool for creating a passable feminine image! Click here to learn more.