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.
Concerning the makeup ladies, after you buy it, don’t let it just sit on the table and go bad(it will, you know. It has an expiration date) experiment with what you have and pretend you are going out for the afternoon, then early or late evening since both situations are different. When you do this, make sure you have plenty makeup remover and tissues. Be daring and don’t go overboard but have fun!!! ;))
As to concealer, foundation: at Macy’s you can find a brand called: M.A.C. Cosmetics which i found in “TransLiving” which is a magazine based in the U.K. England. Macy’s sells it: a tad on the expensive side but the Trans Ladies featured who use it, they look GOOD!! I would not endorse it, unless I thought it really covers flaws & makes you look lady like. The steps as provided by Transliving are as follows:Primer,Foundation, Powder, Blush, Eyes, & Brows. Check it out, strat with foundation & powder so you don’t get a Hughh look and the dudes read you for a TV OR worse a “hooker”. Peace Ladies. Thank you Ms. Lucille Love ya!!!
Hi. I’m new to crossdressing. I can use all the help to look more like a women. I already figured out my shoe and dress size, but makeup, a different story. If you can, please help.
I’m so lucky that my sister jenny knows (and loves) Diane. She is always on hand to guide and advise me as the woman inside moves forward. Jenny has taught me so much about female mannerisms that I have to work real hard in male mode at times. Jenny also convinced me to buy some good quality silicone breast forms as well as quality wigs. Best of all she found a dressmaker willing to alter my skirts and dresses so they fit properly. She has been a dream sister to me.
We girls must leave shyness while shopping for our femme wardrobe…i dont care what other think about me…when i purchase my bra and panties i say clearly to seller that its for me.and try many of them without hegitation and it feels really great to shop like a girl…whenever i shop for my skirts, tops, bra panties, gowns,jeans, bags, and bangles too of my size..i leave my shyness..bcz it saves my time and money too..
I sometimes take my old clothes and remake them into skirt , lingerie and dress. I still can’t get the sohes done
Breast forms are expensive! They are, but they are also so necessary. Take a good look at me in the attached picture. I just made those myself for less than $25.00.
I bought 36″ latex balloons for a balloon/party store for $2.50 each.
I made the filler from diapers. Baby diapers are made with this amazing absorbent stuff! I used 2 diapers and enough liquid to fill just over 2 cups of mixture.
Separate the mixture into two equal portions then use a turkey Bastet to put the stuff into each balloon. I also added another half cup of water for size and flow of the stuff.
The coat and time involved in making these are so little, yet the results speak for themselves. I had a pair of these a few years ago when I was working on the road and always passed as a Gigi with them.
Enjoy!
Nichole, I used a similar method for mine, except the gel was made from Miracle-Gro (a true miracle would be growing my own 🙂 ) Water-Storing Crystals – the ones they use for moisture control in soil. It may even be the same substance; I don’t know. Works great though!
Hugs!
Pammy
Dear I am fan of you your artical are very help full to us I also use double baloone filled with water it give nice shape of breast and. Feel of weight
the lady known as andrea l. is she on facebook please .