Model: Kayh Anderson
Let’s face it — embracing your feminine side can be pricey, especially if you’re a crossdresser or trans woman who loves to shop!
It gets even trickier when you’re juggling two wardrobes: one for your femme self and one for male mode.
But don’t worry — looking feminine and stylish doesn’t have to break the bank.
Here are my top 6 tips for building a beautiful feminine wardrobe on a budget!
1. Shop Smart at Thrift and Consignment Stores
To save on clothes and uncover unique gems, consider hitting up thrift stores and consignment shops.
While nothing beats in-person thrifting, you can also shop online. Here are my favorite sites to shop for second-hand clothing:
For higher-end fashion finds, try local consignment shops as they tend to be more selective about what they offer.
You could also explore these online consignment shops that focus on designer items:
2. Catch the Best Deals During Sales
Who doesn’t love a good sale? The key is knowing when to shop to snag those fantastic deals.
Retailers typically offer their best discounts during specific times of the year, such as:
- Major holidays like Labor Day, Mother’s Day, or the 4th of July
- After Christmas
- The end of summer
Many stores also host semi-annual sales; for instance, Victoria’s Secret holds its Semi-Annual Sale in winter and summer.
Sign up for your favorite stores’ email lists to stay in the loop about sales.
3. Explore Outlet Shopping
Outlet stores like TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, and Marshalls offer year-round bargains. Prefer online shopping? These online outlets have got you covered:
4. Don’t Waste Money on Unworn Items
Spending money on items you’ll later regret is the ultimate waste. My rule is simple: don’t buy anything (no matter how inexpensive) unless it:
- Fits perfectly
- Is the right color
- Works with at least two outfits you already own
- Can be returned
I like to wait a week before removing any tags from my purchases. This way, I can make decisions at my own pace and still have the option to return things later.
5. Consider Affordable Fashion Finds
Fast fashion brands offer trendy styles at rock-bottom prices. While you can build a substantial wardrobe on a budget, there are some drawbacks.
Popular fast fashion sites include:
Keep in mind that fast fashion often means lower-quality items and poor return policies. Plus, there are ethical concerns, as fast fashion is known for its environmental impact and unfair labor practices.
Personally, I prefer to shop at thrift store and outlets over fast fashion sites whenever possible.
6. Know When to Save and When to Splurge
While saving money is crucial, there are certain items worth investing in. These are wardrobe essentials that can greatly enhance your feminine image and last a long time, including:
- Silicone breast forms
- High-quality shapewear
- A premium wig
These items can make or break your feminine image, so purchase the best quality you can afford. On the other hand, look for bargains when experimenting with trendy fashion pieces and accessories.
Share your savings secrets!
What are your go-to places for finding bargains and discounts? Do you have any additional tips for crossdressing on a budget or building a feminine wardrobe while saving money?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. If you liked this article, you will love my FREE Male to Female Transformation Mini Course.
i shop a lot of garage sales as well me and my girlfriend i do this in male mode but still find a lot of good deals on clothes
Great ideas Lucille. What also works for me is investing my clothes budget first in a really well made, top brand gray or black wool skirt, nicely tailored, satin lined, classic fit . . . . . . then adding 5 or 6 bargain sale-priced lesser quality tops that ALL match the skirt. I do the same with investing in well made high-quality lace-top thigh highs (black or nude only) . . . . . . then stay with super sale outlet store basic flats in black or tan (they go with everything). I invest in really top-end bras, well made, they’ll last, wash well, and hold their shape . . . . . then get all my panties at bargain/sale prices like buy 3 get 2 free, or 50%-80% off in discontinued rack (I can then have LOTS of these and not worry about how long they’ll last). I’ve also stayed with super-sale bargain camis, half-slips, and full-slips from thrift stores, as so many wonderful ’80s and ’90s styles from Vanity Fair and the like are so well made, wear well and wash well, and have such pretty lace accents/hemlines/bustlines (so sad that women today don’t match dresses/skirts styles with classic slip+cami liners underneath). My minerals make-up is higher priced top quality (amazing clean natural coverage), but my mascara, eye liner, shadow, lipstick, and nail polish are ALL sale items. My perfumes are all 99cent knock-off little spray bottles. My shoulder bags/purses are all thrift store, but my peacoat is worth investing in. My jewelry is ALL thrift store, but very well coordinated two sets, one in silver and one in gold, no single earring, watch, bracelet, necklace, ring more than $4. But, I use salon-brand shampoo + conditioner on my own long hair, because it truly makes (or breaks) my overall feminine appearance. Oh, and I always buy the 24-pack of drugstore’s own store brand of maxi pads, so only about $2 after club card and coupon. Same for the big hair clips I use to pull up on both sides (99cents each at Target). But it all comes together very nicely. Also, wash, rinse, dry, care for everything and clothes+lingerie will last.
Cathy you are really awesome. You go into such details as to what works for you and your honesty about your maxi pads uasage is overwhelming. I wish I could see another photo of you.Thanks for your information
One of the things I always try to do is to dress my age! I like to look sex appealing and not over do it. I wear jeans and a nice top make sure my makeup is done just right and then step on out to enjoy the day! I shop sales, thrift stores and of corse I am a TJMax’r. Love you blogs.
Barbara
One of the places I like to get great bargains at is called Savers. I would describe it as an upscale Salvation Army with very low scale pricing. The clothing and other items and accessories are beautiful, and they have lots of designer name brands. Really great place.
I absolutely agree that make-up is not the place to cut costs. I do not wear a lot, but what I do wear is of high quality. No woman, and I mean no woman, looks good in cheap base or lipstick LOL. I also think it’s important to buy quality hair dye (if you use hair dye) and nail Polish. The cheap stuff looks awful.
Always good to get new ideas and thoughts,live your blog and reading others
I’ve had great luck on EBAY
Great advice, I also enjoy hitting little small town stores in my travels you just never know what you’ll find I guess being a cross country trucker does have some benefits
There are all kinds of discount stores in city I live (Toronto), and also, as you mention Lucille, after xmas stores start putting winter stuff for sale to make room for spring summer stuff, and likewise in July the stores are already trying to clear their summer stuff to make room for fall/winter clothes and you can get great deals in even higher end stores.