Help!! How do I get started?

[squarejohn]

One of my old girlfriends told me I had nice legs, and she talked me into trying on a pair of her nylons. It was a little embarrassing but I did it to please her. When I saw myself in the mirror, I had to agree that with the nylons, my legs did look like...a great pair of legs. But I quickly rolled off the stockings and didn't give the matter much thought afterward.

Now, twenty years later, that little scene came back to me, and I'm wondering what I would look like if I went all out and put on women's clothes, makeup, wig, high heels and and all.

I did a lot of googling of crossdressers' supply websites until my head was about to explode. It was like going to sleep on earth and waking up on mars. After I-don't-know-how-many girlfriends and two wives, I realized I was totally ignorant of what it took to dress like a woman.

So now I'm almost 70, retired and living alone. What I want to do is make myself look my age, but as an attractive, stylish older woman (with great legs), dressed for business on one hand, and dressed for receiving some friends for drinks in the garden, on the other.

What I am asking for is the first and second thing I should do. Makeup seems to be the most complicated thing about all this, and if it is, what do I absolutely need, bare bones? I plan on being a brunette and I'm 5' 11", 185, shoe size 9. How can I do this at the lowest possible cost?

I will be grateful for and tips and advice I can get.

[Jay Cee]

Do you have any thrift stores nearby? That's one of your best bets for inexpensive clothing.

[Rebecca Sue]

Jay Cee is right, thrift stores are the best way to go, you can get some very good deals there. If you don't want to be seen buying feminine things, go out of town and do your shopping, no one really cares so you might as well relax and enjoy the shopping experience. When you find something you want the anticipation of wearing it is out of this world!!!

[Yvonne York]

Never mind the CD specialist sites, you will get just what you need from any ladies' stores. And it is so much more fun shopping for yourself where the GGs go. And the charity shops here in the UK are great too - saves money and donates to a good cause.

[Kate Simmons]

Interesting question Hon. No easy answer. Perhaps once you get 10 posts you can PM or E-Mail me and let me know exactly what you are looking to do.:)

[NicoleScott]

I'd say start with excites you the most. Or what started your thoughts about this long ago, pantyhose. And go from there. I think after pantyhose, high heels would be the next logical step, if they interest you. At any point you can add whatever is pulling at you. Makeup, wig, dress, etc. Have fun.

[squarejohn]

Another question I have is about my voice. How do you speak and make your voice sound like a woman? This question occurred to me just a while ago while I was listening to the radio; there is no question of whether a man or woman is speaking. Is this something to really worry about, sounding like a man and looking like a woman?

[danielletorresani]

Ross is a great store to shop for dresses. Other than that, I get most of my stuff online.

[Holly]

You may want to try and Google Male-to-Female (MtF) Transformation services for the area where you live. Give it a test drive. They will be happy to give you recommendations on style, makeup colors, and will most likely have resources on voice training as well as most of the other issues you have raised. BTW, :welcom: to the forum!

[JohnH]

Another question I have is about my voice. How do you speak and make your voice sound like a woman? This question occurred to me just a while ago while I was listening to the radio; there is no question of whether a man or woman is speaking. Is this something to really worry about, sounding like a man and looking like a woman?

I don't try to speak like a woman at all. One mystery I like to present is that I can look like a woman yet sound like Joe Friday of Dragnet, but not as raspy - as I'm a basso profundo.

However, there are several videos by CandiFLA on YouTube that give pointers of how to sound like a woman - the first one is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbaj4tIX1kw&feature=related

[cobra6481]

thanks for the youtube link.. v.helpful to practice..

[Debb]

May I suggest, of all places, Wal- Mart? The clothing isn't top notch, nor terribly stylish, but you can get away with very inexpensive outfits, and I tend to see a lot of older women looking thru the racks of clothes.

I get a lot of my clothing there, and my makeup too once I figured out what works for me.

As for a wig ( you didn't ask but whatever ) -- I use Paula Young (http://www.paulayoung.com/), decent wigs, and the clearance prices are pretty good ... of course you can't try it on buying online.

So, the first thing? As suggested up-thread, get the items that most interest you first. Second? Frankly, since you're near 70 years old, there's a good chance that you wouldn't need much, or any, beard-covering makeup .. so maybe forgo that.

Good luck on your journey.

[Debra Russell]

I have been crossdressing all my life, but dident start in earnist untill about a rear ago. I am 65 had three sisters, so had a little knowlege. If you want to be stylish and age appropriate watch what other women your age wear that looks appealing and might fit you. Shop for things similar that fit you in places you can afford. I think makup is important and wouldn't hesitate in seeking advice, as it furthers you along. Good luck and don't give up Debra:)

[squarejohn]

I don't try to speak like a woman at all. One mystery I like to present is that I can look like a woman yet sound like Joe Friday of Dragnet, but not as raspy - as I'm a basso profundo.

However, there are several videos by CandiFLA on YouTube that give pointers of how to sound like a woman - the first one is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbaj4tIX1kw&feature=related

Thanks for the tip. It was amazing how she changed from male to female voice. While I was at it on youtube, I found some how-to videos on applying makeup. That too is amazing to see the change from male to female. I was thinking I would probably look like the world's ugliest woman, but with a little makeup, there is hope for me after all. I can't wait to get started.

[Suzette Muguet de Mai]

Smiles, have fun and practice, practice, practice. One can always try with your sisters or female friends the artful way to get freebies. Collect some old clothes to take to a collection place and line it up that you are taking some old clothes if they have any you would be happy to take them along too. Voila instant wardrobe, cost = some of your time and petrol, do it at the time you shop for food and bingo.

[docrobbysherry]

John, only CDs that GO OUT DRESSED worry much about "dressing appropriately".

Experiment on your own. U can buy SCADS of mature ladies things for next to nothing at thrift stores. Have FUN with it! You'll find a look(s) u like and feel confidant in. THEN, u can out dressed when you're ready!

By the way, I think you're about a size 10 in ladies shoes! I'm a 9 1/2 mens, 10 1/2 or 11 ladies!
I don't know your dress size, tho.

[AvidFan]

I 2nd Wal-Mart. George brand clothes are nice. Since I only dress a few hours out of the day, and handwash my ladywear its going to last. Plus, most Wal-Marts have a self-checkout line. And a good big package of papertowels covers most of the cart from prying eyes.