More Stuff: Accessories

By J.J. Atwell

More Stuff

Let’s talk about accessories in today’s Stuff. In an earlier installment, I mentioned a friend Gigi who I often correspond with about various things.  Today’s installment of Stuff is one suggested by her about items she referred to as “statement accessories.”

Accessories?

First I should explain just what “accessories” are for the purpose of this column. I’m using that term to mean pretty much everything besides the actual clothes/shoes that we wear when crossdressing. Things like a bag, necklaces, earrings, bangles and maybe something in your hair. Selecting the right accessories is something that helps complete your look. Of course, you need to start with the basic outfit, so go ahead and pick that out. I’ll wait.  

OK, Got the Outfit - Now What?  

So now that you have your outfit, how do you accessorize? Of course, this depends on what you have available and where you will be going.

I tend to go for casual, blend-in looks when being JJ. Take a moment to look at my avatar at the top of this page. Notice the lariat-style necklace and how it does several things. It compliments the rest of the outfit, which is a grey cardigan over a white shell and I’m wearing black skinny jeans with it. The necklace is made of a metallic black and silver twisted together. It hangs smoothly from around my neck and dangles down to draw attention away from my face (one of my worst features) and adds to the illusion of a long neck. 

Once I decided on the outfit and the necklace, it was time to finish off the outfit. I didn’t want my other accessories to work against the impact of the necklace. That would result in several different items competing for attention. So instead of big, dangly earrings, I went with a small set of pearls. Instead of big, clunky bangles, I went with a simple bracelet. My watchband might have been a bit too much as it looked like a black hair scrunchie, but I had limited options, so I had to make do. 

At this point I’m sure a lot of you are saying, “I would have done…” Yes, your sense of style is probably different from mine. I tend to be very conservative in my femme look. One of these days though, I’ll go a bit more flamboyant in my look. I intend to talk more about accessories in a future post so stay tuned! And send me your thoughts about accessories please.

I’ll be back

I’ll be back with more Stuff in the next installment. Comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email to Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. JJ is always looking for more stuff, so let me know what you would like to read about.

Wearing Boston Proper

Recently deceased Tom Smothers femulating in a 1965 episode of television’s You're Only Old Once.
Thanks to Trish for this femulation alert.