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!
i’m a 50’s sissy so a good sock hop dress with petticoats is great. the more feminine i look the better i feel inside. i was getting ready for a ‘date’ on this night and got to feel even more feminine later ;).
Cut off booty shorts (“Daisy Dukes”) are my secret weapon. I wear them under skirts for modesty but they can be worn under anything to add a little extra fullness to the bum and hips.
I like your list and the comments submitted. As for me I tend to lean toward pant suits or dressy slacks with a vibrant print top or peasant blouse with a basic sweater for cooler days. Dresses (usually floral or print) or skirts/skorts for more formal occasions. Full make up, earrings, necklace and bracelets and my Estee Lauder “Beautiful” as well as a nice purse make me ready for launch or lunch LOL.
Yes a great pair of jeans is a must.They can really flatter your figure.Do not forget ankle bracelet.A nice ribbon or bow for your hair and a nice hat to wear when appropriate are things to enhance the feminine experience.A nice maniucre and pedicure and care for your eyebrows is also nice way to ensure your inner feminity is reflected on the outside.
Lucille
I have read all of your blogs for 3 years or more and agree with everything you have said, but I would like to add something that all of us girls must have to live our lives in every day wear…not just glamorous evening wear such as clutches and 4″ high heel pumps, etc
1) a simple pair of sandals for summer wear
2) a nice looking over-the- shoulder handbag that holds most everything we need to conduct business and including some touch-up lipstick, our cigarettes and lighter (for those of us who actually still smoke), money, keys, etc, etc
3) a cute and colorful pair of tennies
4) nice fitting jeans
5) a classy pair of leather boots that can be worn with appropriate length pants/jeans in the winter
6) a comfy winter coat for every day excursions
7) some simple jewelry items i.e. earrings, bracelets, necklaces that can be purchased at stores such as Charming Charlies or numerous consignment stores for very reasonable prices
8) nail polish/toenail polish
9) fragrance that you don’t pay $100.00/oz for….there are many many great fragrances for considerably less
10) a nice hair accessory or two
These are just my ideas of navigating everyday outings to shop for groceries, to the drugstore, clothing stores, the gas station, etc. If we are serious about wanting to be taken as a woman we have to live the life 24/7 and getting out there. If we are closetted still have hope that one day we will have acquired everything we need to start venturing out without fear and my sincere hope is that everyone who has the burning desire to present as a woman will one day accomplish that.
Love to all….Dana
“Dana”…Sweetie, Don’t Forget Your Boyfriend !!!
Truer words I’ll never hear. I feel incomplete with out those essentials. I wouldn’t feel right without my morning coffee and my Estee Lauder “Beautiful”.
Hi,
One stupid question, how do I decide if I am tall and should by pumps with low heels. 2″ seems ok to me as I am not really and expert yet with heels. My walk moves are Ok but I cannot do it for long yet, my feets are hurting after 30min. I am 1.73 so higher then average cisgender female but it is not that hight. When I get better in heels, what heels height would be ok?
Hi lola
If I was you I start with the 2″ heels and practice a lot until you get used to it, then I go higher.when your feet start to hurting you,removed the shoes rest 15 minutes and put them back and continue practicing. And video tape yourself walking ,etc.remember practice makes the master
Love joanna
Hi Lucille, I’m having problems using the metronome(?) How is it supposed to be used? Thank you, Tia
I love my jeans….. Denim in general