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
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Kudos. Myself, The only time I wear black hose is evenings out. I know some crossdressers ‘cannot’ shave their legs so opaque black hose does them well to cover leg hair. I keep my legs smoothly shaved and wear mostly suntan shade of hose mostly.
I like scarves, but not on me! Thank goodness, I never had to cover any ‘evident’ adam’s apple, either.
I was never a fan of black anything but t-shirts & lingerie. I always gravitated towards bright or natural colors, keeping my pieces matching or workable contrasts. I own only one pair of black shoes!
I do, agree with figure-flattering illusions of garments. That goes as well with swimsuits. I always wear one which enhances the hips, sometimes with a tiny attached ‘skirt’, or flounced material which flatters nicely.
I’m a colorful ‘nut’, although I dont dress flamboyantly, I do need color, even in lingerie. I’m not bothered if someone notices my [pink] lace bra, or even a yellow one!
Thanks for letting me share. Lucille, you are wonderful!
Normally I wear colourful bra. Many times it is sea through. I cannot hide my large breasts. I wear 42 ” D cup bra.I am a male and I don’t care people stare at me. Those people who stare at me once become very friendly with me and they want to know the secrete of my big boobs.
Regards
“Thomas”…Sweetie I love wearing my Sexy Bras (46C/D-Cup)…Do you have a Boyfriend ???
Just as Laura, I could desperately do with building up my girlie shoe collection. I do find it sometimes impossible to get large enough sizes (I am UK Size 11) without exhaustive hunting.
Lucille, your list is absolutely ‘mint’.
I do not have a jacket nor a shoulder or clutch bag, but am going to check out a stylish lady’s tailored jacket.
I do have an underwired bra, and a White lace edged blouse, and black A-line skirt. I do not own a BLACK little dress but I can zee the wisdom of purchasing one.
I find your Blogs so invaluable.
Richard
I am so grateful for my wife and her big heart. I have more clothes than she does,and as far as the little black dress;we picked it out together. It was the 1st thing she hung in the closet of our new home. I frequently get mistaken for a “lady” when we are out together,and I’m in male attire. No problems ‘passing’ here,but i’ve never left our home presenting as female…my wife tells me ‘its the energy/vibe you put out’. Reaching out to others wired like myself is therapeutic…love this site,and my friends here…may your journeys be blessed!
Thank you for another great post, Lucille. I enjoy them all.
It is good advice, too about the wardrobe essentials. I have all of them except for the scarf. A few years ago a friend of mine from work gave me some really nice dresses that neither she nor her daughter could wear anymore. There were two little black dresses in there and I already had two of my own so…
Wardrobe essentials can depend on where you live, too. Down here in south Florida, it is really important to have at least one really nice swimsuit that you feel great in. Plus you have to have all kinds of shorts including culottes which in some cases could be worn to a nice party.
I think loungewear and nice pajamas are very important, too but that’s a reflection of the homebody in me.
Thank you for everything, I do pass as a female and enjoy it all. With your help I feel good about my self, how I dress a look. I am getting a little older and it seems to get harder to look and feel good. I love all your tips, and I use them. Hard to find a person that feels the same way that I do. Maybe some day, with your help, I will find that person.
Wonderful advice, Lucille. My “season” starts with Autumn, a time when I usually carry out the seasonal wardrobe purge. To your list I would add a lovely nightdress to sleep in and a pair of bedroom slippers, wedges. I also stock some creams which expire so very quickly. Love always. xxx
Crossdressers and transgender women take a lot of pride in what we wear, but, unless you like to dress at home just to impress yourself, going outside takes a lot of guts.
I, happily own thirty-two fem items hat I consider mix-and-match, and I love every item I have.
I also excelled at sewing in school, and make a lot of my own outfits, ( very comfortable ).
I can’t wear pumps, ( because I can’t walk anymore, putting on pumps for me would be like putting an elevator into a one-story house, wouldn’t make sense ). But just ’cause you don’t yet have every item on this list, please don’t feel bad, someday is yet to come.
Jayme
That is a nice list of items but one thing I just can’t do without are boots.
These are my two favourite boots and a photo of some of my shoes.