Your mannerisms and body language are a big part of your female image. In fact, they count for over 50% of the impression you make on people!
If you’re a crossdresser or transgender woman, you might be looking for ways to improve your MTF feminine mannerisms.
The good news is that improving your body language and mannerisms can be achieved by mastering a few simple dos and don’ts.
In this blog post, I share 5 dos and don’ts for developing attractive, feminine mannerisms and body language. Read on to learn more!
1. DO Work The S-curve
Curves are a classic feminine feature. Beyond a bubbly booty and ample bosom, you can use your posture to enhance the curves of your body. Create an S-curve by putting your weight on one leg and pushing your hip out.
Contrast this to a more masculine posture where the weight is evenly distributed between both legs. This creates a more square and angular silhouette.
Here are some tips for working the S-curve:
- DO keep your weight on one side of your body instead of centered.
- DON’T exaggerate this posture. It should look natural.
- DO work the s-curve when you’re seated by crossing your legs or sitting with your weight on one hip.
2. DON’T Take Up Too Much Space
A wide, open body position is considered a “power pose.” That’s why you often see men spread their legs and lean forward at the shoulders. They’re essentially puffing themselves up to look larger than they are.
On the other hand, a more closed position will make you look more feminine and elegant. It also makes you appear physically smaller.
You already know that a lady keeps her knees together. But beyond that, you should keep your elbows in and avoid taking up too much space with your limbs. (By keeping your feet tucked close to your chair, for example.)
Here are some additional tips:
- DON’T slouch in an attempt to appear shorter or smaller.
- DO stand and sit with lifted posture. Think “tall” instead of “wide” with your body posture.
3. DO Mind Your Gestures
Gestures are an important part of body language. Women tend to be more expressive with their gestures than men. Next time you’re out, notice the way women use their hands and bodies to express ideas when they talk.
To master fluid, feminine gestures:
- DON’T make jerky or clumsy movements. Keep your elbows tucked in and don’t move too quickly. Practice making slow, smooth movements in front of a mirror.
- DON’T overdo your gestures. Observe women to get an idea of the correct balance.
- DON’T fidget. Avoid nervous movements like twirling your hair, shaking your leg, or tapping your fingers.
4. DON’T Forget Your Facial Expressions
The expressions you make say as much as the words that come out of your mouth. If you’re feeling nervous, it’s easy for this to be reflected on your face. On the other hand, a pleasant facial expression puts people at ease and helps you get the respect and acceptance you deserve.
Tips to keep in mind:
- DON’T wear a stoic expression. What feels “neutral” to you may come across as grumpy to others. (AKA “resting bitch face.”)
- DO put on a pleasant face. Keep the corners of your mouth turned up slightly. This also serves as a natural facelift!
5. DO Make Alluring Eye Contact
Eye contact is a major way to gauge a person’s personality. People who don’t make eye contact appear insecure or as if they’re hiding something. People who look you in the eye appear confident and sincere.
Here’s how to use eye contact to make a feminine impression:
- DON’T avoid people’s eyes. Be proud of who you are and look people in the eye.
- DO make eye contact and hold it for a second or two. (But not too long unless you want people to think you are trying to seduce or intimidate them!)
In conclusion
MTF feminine mannerisms are a fascinating topic and these dos and don’ts are only the tip of the iceberg. To go even deeper, be sure to check out my list of 27 MTF Body Language Mistakes to Avoid for a Flawless Feminine Image.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts…
What other differences in mannerisms and body language have you noticed between men and women? Do you have any other tips to pass along?
Please share in the comments below!
Love,
Lucille
P.S. Want to learn more about how to master your feminine presentation?
Sign up for my free 3-part Male to Female Makeover Mini Course here!
Hi.
I thought i may get my pic up on here,
…noeleena…
Hi Lucille. Thanx to all the wonderful advice girls. I am still a wig away from going out, but it doesn’t stop me practising at home. Mirrors are what I’m into. when I’m out I imagine I’m enfemme anyway. I am trying not to ‘camp it up’ as I think there is a difference in being feminine than being over the top. I have a cross trainer and always use it in my best feminine sports wear. My female physical training and my female mindset / personality already make me a confident woman. Okay, I’m not in the streets yet, but I’m confident and know that I’m a woman whose time is coming. I’m strengthening my ties with our local trans-women’s group…the next step in my journey into the world. Life is exciting! The best advice I’ve received yet is that of observing Genetic girls. I dwell on the ones who impress me. My significant other helps and listens to my impressions. She even pre-empts my talk with…”Oh! I know you love that look”..or “I’ll bet you want to look/act like her” etc., We giggle and LOL..it’s great fun for us. Then we go home and my experimenting & parading commences. Thanx for wonderful pointers and detailed comments. It’s so encouraging. Love,Jaine XXXXX
Hi Lucilee
thanks for the tips they are wonderful but as it is i feel embrassed to go out in public as a woman.
Mona
Hello,
I just love all your articles and look forward to each and every one of them. When I see one posted a big smile comes to me. I enjoy them all so much. They are all so practical and down-to-earth. I really appreciate th writing style making me feel good about myself.
These two articles were so awesome in particular in the way they were presented and easy to read and, like all your articles, make so much sense and are easy to follow.
Thank you so very much for them.
Lucille,
Your advise is just spot on. A pleasant facial expression is so important no mater what gender your trying to present. I’ve noticed that brief eye contact as I walk along to passers by helps show my confidence.
Even if they frown at me or avert their eyes I just move on and pay them no mind. Their issues are their own issues and not mine. The last thing I want to do is react in a negative way to them. But when I have someone purposely smiles back it can make my day.
Personally the areas I need to work on are posture and gestures. Bad posture for me is a habit I need to concentrating on breaking. It’s my number one issue. My grandmother was always on my case about it when I was young but I never broke my habits.
I need to research my gesturing and how others around me communicate. The key it seems to be more animated and flowing. But with all things I don’t want to over do it. I’ll need to develop my own style.
I have no problem passing as a woman. Even in jeans, tshirt,& a baseball cap with no makeup. I am often called a woman. My job has me sometimes deal with the police, & most of them call me a woman when I am dressed as a man. The hardest thing for me to do is smile a lot. I think that I look to fake smiling at people. I have the body & actions of a woman. I was meant to be a woman. I even had my periods out of my nose when I was growing up. Has anyone else had this problem? This is a photo of me in the mall last year. Love to show off my sexy feet.
Bonjour tout le monde!
I have been wearing my fingernails long for many decades now. I cannot explain why I like them. I started out just growing them long whereas now I have acrylics. I type with my fingernails. They don’t come off so I make sure that they are not too long.
I also have been wearing light corsetry for decades now too. I am not sure if they have modified my figure. If only I had started when I was younger but everyone around me at the time was hostile toward me wearing them. Anyway today I just wear them because it makes me feel good and because they protect my back as well.
Angélique
Thanks so much Lucille, your addvice is always so wonderful. Body language is more imortant when out, then what you wear. I remember when I first started going out and having women make eye contact and smiling at me. My first thought was always, they read me and to panic. I told this to a gentic female friend. She laughed and said no, that is what women do to one another, welcome to the club. I now try to be the first to make eye contact and smile.