Styling Tips for Ladies Like Us

What are some age-appropriate styling tips for crossdressers?

When it comes to crossdressing, finding a style that suits you and makes you feel confident is essential. Here are some age-appropriate styling tips for crossdressers:

Know Your Body Shape: Determine your body shape (e.g., inverted triangle, column, apple) to choose clothes that accentuate your best features. For instance:

   - Inverted triangle: Balance wider shoulders with A-line dresses or patterned pants.

   - Column: Opt for moderately flared dresses that highlight both hips and shoulders.

   - Apple: Draw attention away from the waist with A-line dresses.

Body Shaping: Consider using body shapers to achieve your desired silhouette. These can help shape your waist, hips and derrière before you put on dresses and shoes.

Breast Forms: If you want to define a bust shape or fill out dresses, breast forms can be crucial. Choose from subtle shapes to more buxom options.

Choose Flattering Styles:

   - A-Line Skirts and Dresses: A-line cuts flatter most body shapes and create a feminine silhouette.

   - Maxi Dresses: These are elegant and versatile options.

   - Long Tops with Deep Necklines: Darker fabrics and thin straps minimize broad shoulders.

Embrace Your Personal Style: Explore different looks until you find what resonates with you. There’s no one “right” way to crossdress—follow your instincts and enjoy the journey.

Remember, confidence and self-expression are key!

Wearing Venus

Minouche, 1950’s professional femulator

Hard Work

What is the most difficult thing a man has to do in order to pass as a woman when he crossdresses?

When crossdressing to pass as a woman, attention to detail is crucial. Here are some key aspects:

Body Language and Mannerisms: Pay attention to how women move, stand, and gesture. Practice feminine body language to appear more natural.

Voice: Work on your voice pitch and tone. A feminine voice can significantly enhance your overall presentation.

Eyebrows: Well-groomed, sculpted eyebrows contribute to a convincing look.

Clothing and Style: Choose clothing that flatters your body shape. Learn about fashion, colors, and accessories.

Makeup: Learn makeup techniques to soften features and create a more feminine appearance.

Walking in Heels: Practice walking confidently in heels or other feminine footwear.

Confidence: Walk with a smile, make eye contact, and act like you belong. Confidence helps you blend in.

Wearing Paige

Pete Burns

The Right Dress for Success

What dress styles are best for crossdressing?

When it comes to crossdressing, choosing the right dress style can make all the difference. Here are some flattering options:

A-Line Dresses: A-line dresses gently flare out from the waist, creating a feminine silhouette. They’re versatile and suit most body types.

Wrap Dresses: These dresses wrap around your body, emphasizing the waist and creating an hourglass shape. They’re comfortable and flattering.

Empire-Waist Dresses: Empire-waist dresses have a high waistline just below the bust. They flow gracefully over the hips, making them ideal for crossdressers.

Fit-and-Flare Dresses. These dresses are fitted at the waist and flare out at the hips. They accentuate curves and create a feminine look.

Sheath Dresses: Sheath dresses are form-fitting and elegant. They hug your body, emphasizing your figure.

Remember, confidence is key! Choose styles that make you feel comfortable and beautiful.

A follow-up question: What age should a crossdresser stop wearing short skirts?

There’s no strict age limit for wearing short skirts—it’s all about personal comfort and style. Many crossdressers continue to wear short skirts well into their later years. Here are some perspectives:

Confidence Matters: If you feel confident and comfortable in short skirts, go ahead! Confidence is ageless.

Style and Occasion: Consider the context. Short skirts can be chic and stylish if paired with the right top and accessories. Opt for smart, age-appropriate combinations.

Safety: Be mindful of safety—especially when bending or sitting. Some crossdressers choose longer skirts for practical reasons.

Individual Choice: Ultimately, it’s your choice. If you love short skirts, wear them proudly, regardless of age.

Remember, fashion knows no boundaries!

A Fit-and-Flare dress from White House Black Market

Mrs. Fred Flintstone and Mrs. Barney Rubble!

Femulator Bill of Rights

 

Wearing New American

Lena, femulating in Australia circa 1968

Suff: Restocking

By J.J. Atwell

After Spring Cleaning

Previously, I wrote about Spring Cleaning, which covered thinning out your closet. You all did that, didn’t you? Well, now that you have all that extra room in your closet, it’s time to find new Stuff. Yes, all that spring cleaning made you eager to go shopping.

How Do I Start?

I like to start by staring at my closet. I think about what I need to fill in the holes. Holes as in needing a skirt to go with a particular top. Or new jeans (without holes) because the old ones were, well old. Maybe a new dress for an upcoming occasion? I generally keep a list of things in my head of what I might need. But it may help to write it down if you’re heading out on a major shopping trip. Be sure to know your sizes. 

Where Should I Shop?

Yes, that is a trick question. Shop anywhere that sells women’s clothing... even if you are presenting as a guy that day. If you are asked if you need any help, say something like please show me where your jeans are. If they ask what size you are looking for, be frank and say the size you think is right. Perhaps, ask if they are returnable. 

It’s possible that a sales agent (SA) might even ask if they are for you. Be frank (Francine?) and don’t try to disguise your shopping by saying it’s a gift. They’ve already pegged you. Go ahead and own it. You’ll likely start a good relationship and the SA can give you good advice about what is current and what matches, etc. Be sure to join any loyalty club the store may offer as it will pay off on future visits. 

I know some of our Femulate community try on clothes in the store. If you are presenting as female, then go right ahead. But if you are in guy mode, I suggest not doing that. Why? Because without your shapewear, you can’t really see how the item will look on you when en femme. Instead, check the return policy and then try it on at home with the necessary padding, etc. (Stana says, “Another option when shopping I boy mode: wear your shapewear under your menswear.”)

How About Shopping Online?

Lots of us shop online. It’s an easy, anonymous way to shop. And the prices usually aren’t bad either. But there are also serious drawbacks. To me the most significant is the inability to know the quality of the item. Is it well-made? Is it the right size? How does the fabric feel? Things like that. So be sure if you are shopping online that you know the return policy. 

I know some people who will actually buy two of an item a size apart. When the item arrives, they do a try on and keep the one that fits the best while returning the other one. Sounds a bit crazy to me but perhaps necessary if you can’t really tell what size you’ll need from the product description. 

But I Can’t Afford It!

OK, I mentioned prices above. That’s certainly a limiting criteria for most of us. Especially as this is about building a second wardrobe. Of course you can with great self-control, limit yourself to sales. The big box stores almost always have a sale going on. Plus, they likely will have a section of close-out items that are good deals. My experience with those sections, however, is that I see why they didn’t sell in the first place – they were hideous. But one girl’s hideous is another’s glamorous. 

Have you considered thrifting? It’s a fun adventure if you like the hunt and is incredibly cheap. More about thrifting in a future installment.

I’ll Be Back

I’m not sure just what kind of schedule I’ll be keeping, but I do plan on finding more Stuff to write about. Until then, I welcome comments here on Stana’s page or by email at Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com

Wearing Nine West

Femulating at a womanless beauty pageant

Hair!

Wearing High Sport

Milton Berle and Jamie Farr femulating on the 1976 television special Joys!

Saturday Night Life

 

Wearing ALTUZARRA

Alex Reid and Andy Gould (left) and Daniel Price and Phil Turner (right) femulating at the Katie Proce (center) book launch.

Guys and Their Gowns

Wearing Johnny Was

Robert Reed (right) femulating in television’s The Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

Close Calls

I have had a few close calls in my life.

Home alone, fully-dressed in my parents’ bedroom wearing my mother’s clothing including bra, girdle, nylons, high heels and a pretty dress, I heard the garage door under the bedroom opening indicating that I was no longer home alone. I hurried upstairs to my bedroom, changed into boy clothes and managed to present as a male to my mother and sister, who arrived home from grocery shopping. I then hid Mom’s clothing until I was home alone again when I returned the clothing to their proper place. 

Mom never mentioned the missing clothing – I guess she really didn’t miss it or she knew where it was, but did not say anything. And there is more to that story... when I hurried upstairs, I left her high heels on my parent’s bed and I had to come up with a lame excuse as to why the heels were out. My excuse was that I was drawing a picture and needed the heels to accurately draw the shoes in my picture. She seemed to have bought my story or did she?

Another time home alone fully dressed and the doorbell rang. I snuck a look outside and it was my uncle. He persisted and rang the doorbell a few times, but finally gave up and drove away.

Yet, another time, I was shopping en femme in Macy’s and spotted my company’s receptionist walking down the aisle towards me. I ducked down another aisle and managed to avoid encountering her.

In a comment here last week, Diana recalled another close call that I had at a support group meeting... of all places! Before the meeting, a group of us were chatting out on the stoop at the entrance to the meeting hall, which was next to the hall’s driveway.  

A car pulled into the driveway and it displayed a license plate with a ham radio callsign. I recognized the callsign – it belonged to a ham I spoke with on the air occasionally and had met in person a few times.

I panicked! I decided to hide, so I hurried inside and camped out in the ladies’ room. 

While I was thinking about what to do, I wondered if he recognized my car parked on the street and wanted to see what I was up to? But it was unlikely that he would be cruising this neck of the woods. Then it occurred to me that maybe he was one of us. He would not be the first (or last) crossdressing ham I encountered, so I exited the restroom and greeted a new trans sister to our support group.

Had a close call? I’m sure Femulate readers would love to read about yours, so pass it along in the Comments below.

Wearing Boston Proper

Lance Barber femulating on television’s Young Sheldon.
Thanks to Tami and Zoe for alerting Femulate about this femulation.

Sub-Dressing

Wearing Venus

Dennis Karuri