What do you think of when you hear the word “ladylike?” Beauty, poise, and class? Or perhaps, outdated notions of femininity?
To me, being ladylike means being classy, gracious, and elegant. No matter what your idea of femininity might be, I’m sure we can agree that these are great traits to have.
If you’re a crossdresser or a transgender woman who wants to be perceived as a lady, there are a few things you should steer clear of.
Read on to discover 5 common mistakes that can detract from your ladylike image.
Mistake #1: Showing Too Much Skin
Being ladylike definitely doesn’t mean being a buttoned-up prude. However, good taste goes a long way when presenting yourself as a woman.
It can be tricky to know how much is too much, so here are some simple guidelines to keep in mind:
- Show off one part of your body and keep the rest covered. A little mystery is sexy, so show off your legs, breasts, or back – just not all at once.
- Flaunt the right amount of cleavage. A good rule of thumb is to reveal 20%-40% of your bust. This gives you sex appeal, while keeping it classy.
- Try the finger length test. To determine the proper skirt length, stand up straight and put your arms to your side. If your fingertips fall past the hem of your skirt, it’s too short.
Mistake #2: Not Minding Your Manners
Good manners and etiquette are dying arts in today’s world. Saying “please” and “thank you” are simple ways to elevate your ladylike status.
The rules of etiquette can be a bit more confusing. To learn more, check out my blog post on 6 modern etiquette tips for your male to female transformation.
Mistake #3: Being Sloppy With Your Grooming
Grooming can make or break your feminine image. In fact, studies show that grooming has more of an impact on your attractiveness than the physical features you were born with.
Are your grooming habits up to par? If this area needs work, be sure to see my article on 5 feminine grooming habits not to ignore.
Mistake #4: Losing Control
One of the most important qualities of a lady (and of any respectable human being) is self control – especially when you’re out in public.
In other words, no diva acts, angry outbursts, or public displays of drunkenness. It seems obvious, but if celebrity tabloids are any indication, it’s not.
Mistake #5: Poor Posture Or Body Language
Finally, don’t forget that your posture and body language communicate more about you than anything you say. Here are some major no-nos:
- Slouching
- Biting your nails or playing with your hair
- Not making eye contact
- Crossing your arms
For an even more comprehensive list, review these 27 male to female body language mistakes to avoid.
Do you aspire to be ladylike?
So what do you think of the term “ladylike,” anyway? Do you find it outdated and offensive towards women? Or a feminine quality worth aspiring to?
As always, I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. If you liked these tips, you’ll love my FREE 3-part Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
Hi girlfriends, I’m Roberta from Italy.
This is a snapshot taken last night during a dinner with CD and Trans friends.
Eventually my hair long enough to get rid of wig and friends told me I look great!
I like to be a classy lady in her 50s and I totally agree with Lucille’s advices.
Maybe the toughest part is controlling the posture and body language.
Hugs from Italy
yes it’s ladylike to say those kind words to other’s regardless it’s male/female or even a transperson n being cureous making sure not be or act male like while dressing an being womanly like I’ve seen n know of couple of girl’s who bite their nails and twist or curl there hair while in presence of other’s yes walking n high heel shoes helps with hip movement and swaying of shoulders in arm movement it also helps practice not doing that while walking or moving round in front others
Practice practice
April, you look gorgeous and very ladylike indeed. PROFICIAT!!
Thank you so much Tootsie. I dress up once in a while and go shopping
Well, I posted earlier, but I would like to share something which I only recently noticed, after years during which I should have spotted it.
Men’s shoulders usually move from side to side when walking; women’s don’t. They might move up and down some but stay mostly still. So, I’ve been checking myself out, and find I am avoiding that side to side motion (Whew, what a relief!). It could be an unconscious giveaway, something to try to stop doing.
I’ve been taking your advice.i hope it’s up to your standards!! Please give me a reply !
Love your dress
This article was very helpful. I’m very lucky that I have a wife that has told me many of these same things.
Very helpful ,can b a little over whelming because I’m so conscious of being identified as a woman while in transition, and so I’m in total new environment, time getting ready is an issue but I’m living full-time as Jessica after a lifetime of living in stealth as her but all your definition secrets are well worth paying attention to, I truly want to pass and also be a good example for the trans community in which is to say I really want to b more lady like, not come off as a guy in drag, although I’m not against any of those things me personally I want to b recognized as a lady and believe I can b. So yes thank you
Don’t get me wrong, there is a fantatastic feel you get with 4″ heels and hot pants….but..
My goal is always to appear classy and age appropriate in my makeup, hairstyling (my own hair) and dress.
I look at the best looking real girls around my age and don’t deviate too much older or younger.
Hi,I think I’m very ladylike,I have good manners,I say please ,thank U,ur welcome,also,I’m very caring & warm,I’m starting to wear skirts more in public now,I feel confident,sometimes I feel a bit anxious & scared in public,but it’s very minimal. Thanxs.