Did you know that your clothes are the first thing people notice about you?
It’s true! And that means that the right clothing is critical to your female image.
In this article, I share 10 essentials that should be part of your feminine wardrobe. Here are the must-have transgender / crossdressing clothes you need to own!
1. Little Black Dress
Every woman should own a little black dress. It’s a wardrobe staple. A simple black dress in a flattering length can go from day to night and will never go out of style.
2. Basic Bra
A great fitting bra is every girl’s “breast” friend. Here are 3 tips for choosing the right MTF bra:
- Start with the two basic bra colors: one black and one nude color that matches your skin tone.
- Avoid frilly or lacy textures that can be visible from beneath your clothes.
- If you wear breast forms, choose a full coverage bra with underwires and substantial straps.
Avoid the temptation to wear a white bra under white or lightweight fabrics – white tends to show through while nude blends in with your body.
3. A Vibrant Scarf
A colorful scarf is a wardrobe must. Scarves are extremely versatile, particularly for trans women and crossdressers.
A scarf can be worn around the neck to disguise an Adam’s apple or draped over the shoulders to minimize the look of a broad upper body.
4. Black Pumps
Shoes are your most important accessory. Classic pumps are sexy, feminine, and work well with many types of clothes. Black pumps with a 2″-3″ heel and rounded toe are classic and will give you the most mileage. (Choose a lower heel if you are tall.)
5. Shoulder Bag
Bags are a status symbol among women, so it’s worth investing in a great shoulder bag. You don’t have to splurge on a designer bag, but look for a classy, upscale design that complements your existing wardrobe.
6. Waist Cincher
A waist cincher is a great way to reduce the belly for crossdressers and transgender women who tend to carry weight in the midsection. Here’s how to figure up the sort of waist cincher you’ll need:
- Use a boned waist cincher for a dramatic shaping effect.
- Use a shaping camisole for comfort and control.
7. Two Skirts
Two simple skirts in neutral colors will give you almost endless options for mixing and matching with other items in your feminine wardrobe. Choose:
- One fitted skirt, like a pencil skirt
- One skirt that’s pleated or full
8. Sheer Black Hose or Tights
Bare legs might be trendy, but in cooler months, nothing beats the polished look of hosiery. Control top hose or tights are also great for helping flatten out the tummy. Go for classic black pantyhose or tights.
9. Figure Flattering Jacket
Jackets are endlessly versatile. Since they are more structured than other pieces, they’re great for figure shaping. Look for tailored jackets that accentuate the waist and add curves.
Styles of jackets that work well for crossdressers and transgender women include:
- Peplums
- Belted styles
- Empire waists
- Gathered fabric
- Feminine details like princess seams and darts
Avoid boxy jackets and shoulder pads as these can accentuate a square body shape and/or broad shoulders.
10. Evening Clutch
A sleek clutch can dress up even the most casual outfit and is a must for the evening. Clutches look more chic than shoulder bags at night and can really set your outfit apart.
What are YOUR wardrobe essentials?
These 10 transgender / crossdressing clothing pieces are a great place to start. Once you’ve covered the basics, the fun begins and you can add on items that reflect your own unique style.
Now it’s your turn to tell me about your must-have items. Share them in the comments below, or better yet, upload a selfie showing off your favorite outfit!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. Would you like to learn more advanced feminine movement strategies? My Stepping Out Secrets Program will show you how to master all the elements of a beautiful feminine image, including: moves, curves, fashion, beauty, voice, confidence, and more!
Click here for all the details.
transformation tips?
I’ve completely failed this course! I don’t have any of these except the basic bra, yet I’d rather go braless because I find it more comfortable. Oh well…
As I get older…lol…I have dropped the clincher for comfort, the nylons because they rip, and I have gone to the mini, VS bombshell bra and a loose top and soooo lovin life…huggs all!
Wonderful! Good survival tips. And remember, girls, they are just the essentials; you build upon it.
For example, when traveling light, your little black dress can also serve as a skirt when you wear a top over it.
I’m really big on scarves. It’s gratifying to see that tip. Only downside is that my nice necklaces stay home more often.
I like heels, but am really too tall, so they are a rare item for me. It’s nice to see that there are more tall women in the world nowadays.
Gotta do more with waist shaping. And a fitted jacket is something I just didn’t think about, here in Casual Town. Good idea.
A bit of a style tip: no matter how much you are compelled to mimic your mother’s
clothing styles, it would make you stand out more, if you want to blend in instead. Sadly, the same goes for the extreme glamorous or sexy look except in party or club situations.
Me!!!
Jane, you are simply beautiful!
Lucille,
I love your tips as always. My parents were in the women’s fashion business. So, I grew up with “Women’s Wear Daily”, Vogue, McCalls, all of it. And, I loved it! Your tips are so good especially for the dressy occasions. I started out with “what would I wear to work” as a guiding idea and built a seasonal wardrobe. I’m in Michigan. I need four season adaptability without going broke. I found moderate priced websites that work nicely for my needs and I get compliments often. I live my ‘feminine nature’ every day and night and I use your tips and various programs daily. You’ve given me some ideas to tune up my wardrobe as I am able. You have to look good to feel good! It has been such a blessing to have the opportunity to transition and you have been a blessing with the insight that you share. Thank you!
Ah, Joelle, you seem to be a sensible woman. Your more frugal approach leads me to recommend thrift stores, especially the Goodwill bin stores. Not only are prices usually more gentle on your budget, but shopping is so excitingly unpredictable! I’ve often bought things while uncertain of their suitability, fit, etc., and just redonate them if they don’t work. My problem is overdoing it!
Whenever I leave the house, I am always wearing the following:
1) Classic Curves Padded Panty
2) Waist Cincher
3) Glamorise Magic Lift Bra
4) Nude Panyhose
5) Mid-thigh length skirt or dress
6) 2-3 inch heels with matching handbag
I usually get compliments, and when getting dressed I always remember what Susan, my Mary Kay rep, has always told me, “You have beautiful legs. Show off your legs!” She has me using Mary Kay Toning Lotion every day after shower on my legs, and they look really nice when wearing pantyhose.
Tights and pantyhose are not fun to put on and are not fun when its potty time!
Garter belts are easy to use with nylon stockings and lots of styles to choose
from. Just wear a pair of pretty panties over the garter belt. Janice
Anybody know a good CASUAL outfit to go well with a pencil skirt
Western boots, T-shirt, western hat or flat cap, practical bag. The skirt adds just the right touch of style. I could have said baseball cap, but that’s WAY overdone! You can skip the bag with a vest with capable pockets, or jacket in season.
I have a red plaid pencil skirt that I match with a sleeveless turtleneck top. I can layer that with a blouse and sweater or jacket depending on the weather and event.
I have a white silk blouse with crinkle sleeves. This allows a blazer if you wish as well