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.
Pics from 8-30-13.
I only buy at Ross, K Mart, Wal*Mart, and Target. Once in a while if I find something I really like in Fashion Bug or Marshalls.
What I really need is a Tardis, just for my clothes. On July 3, 2007 my Tday, I had no female clothes. I am sure that my total number of dresses is over 100, skirts over 50, blouses over 30, Rings – sometimes I wear 14 at a time. Bracelets – I must have 20.
Wigs, I only have two in the $100 range, both Zsa Zsa Gabor, the rest I bought only at Smith’s Food & Drug where I work but not for Smith’s, at an individual cost of no more than $7.00. The one in this pic cost me $3.99 plus tax. I have 22 wigs at last count.
I am a natural redhead but since Jan 1 2012 have only been blonde at work, and since September Platinum Blonde. I now only wear red very rarely, as I truly feel like a blonde woman.
The only male clothes I have left are a couple pair of shorts and a work coverall, and a few unisex shirts that were my favorites.
Great common sense tips, I know first hand how much money I wasted before a couple of my girl friends sat me down for a heart to heart chat.
From experience I can also add a couple of suggestions. First dress appopriately as a woman complete with makeup when you go shopping and by all means take a girl friend with you to help you find your style. A girl needs the right foundation garments to properly size her clothing. It is amazing how freeing it is to make a friend who is genetic female with whom you can share your thoughts and feelings.
Second and equally important is never to buy from a store where you can’t first try on their clothing. You can’t imagine how much money I wasted on clothing I ended up dropping in the Good will bin.
And third don’t allow your emotions to rule the day. All in all over the years I have wasted more money by allowing my emotions to get the best of me and trying to purge. There were times that I allowed my emotions to get the best of me and purged myself of all by belonging. Trust me girls these feeling won’t go away and you will soon find yourself back at the mall doling out even more cash to replace everything. This is where having a girl friend you can share your feeling with helps. You can just as easily give her you belongings to hold while you test the waters.
I think that the advice you have given on how to bring the cost down of female transformation is bang-on. I have been known to purchase pairs of opaque tights and knickers from PoundSave. As always, inspirational.
Hello everyone..
Yes, I pretty much follow that formula.
Sometimes I splurge for a must have item..well, back to shopping.
Stay beautiful,
Wanita
Great advice girls ! I have learned to mitch and match and makes for so many more outfits.
Have a lovely thanksgiving to you all
Much peace
Charlotte
Great advice, as always. I generally follow the same rules, but sometimes, ya just gotta have that nail color or lipstick.
At 82 I go for a minimal wardrobe – so chemises, thongs, ankle socks, no bras., tee shirts and very short skirts. And, if you believe that then I have lost my faith in you.
Others elsewhere have really mentioned the true basic and that is to buy the best you can afford in a skirt, dress, jacket! Then, as suggested, a top of a slightly cheaper quality will not wreck the ensemble.So many girls seem to think that they must have a wardrobe full of undies – who sees them? (Perhaps I should not ask!)Again, good quality and well fitting so as to make sure that the top layers look good and that they are a joy to wear. (This idea of many knicks might come from what Mums used to say, ‘make sure of clean knickers in case you are involved in an accident!’ If that was the case I do not think anyone would be examining underwear for ‘skid marks’!
I do have a perfume which I like and that does tend to be a little expensive. Make up – I am lucky at my age that I do not need a lot so stick to Boots No.7.
Think before you buy – is the fit, colour, quality (will it look like a dish rag after the first wash?) price right for your pocket? If not, think again
I buy most of my lingerie of off ebay. I can buy Chantelle bra’s and Wacoal bra’s at a fraction of the cost. Most of the times you can find the matching panties to go along with your bra’s.