Head to Toe

[cd_wunders]

I recently posted my first experience of shopping for womens clothes in drab. I finally gathered enough courage to step out of the apartment in them. This is the first time I was dressed from head to toe in all female clothing. I wore the closed toe low heel shoes, flared levis slim fit jeans, mauve turtleneck sweater and a matching winter hat and a light grey swing wool coat. The only makeup I had put was some fine smelling moisturizer. Other than that I was just a guy in girls clothes with no forms or padding. So far the thought of passing in public never occurred to me because I was mainly focused on simply dressing up pretty.

All dressed up, I walked to my car on the street and my first stop was a Dunkin' Donuts. There were two same aged girls behind the counter. One of them took my order for coffee and smiled back with a thank you returning the change. The other girl had a pretty expression on her face as she looked at me. Seeing my reflection in one of the glass walls I could see how naturally feminine was my posture. Meanwhile, a woman walked in to DD and stood in line behind me not recognizing my presence. I walked back to the car with coffee and drove to a department store. I was really nervous as it would be the first time I would be shopping for womens clothes while dressed in them as well. Gathering courage I walked in straight to the womens section and bought myself a cute light pink mock neck top. I had to wait for nearly 15 minutes as the woman ahead of me the line took forever to make her undecisive purchases. There was a woman with two children standing behind me in the line and could care less. The SA was a young woman again who quickly checked out the top while checking out my outfit with a sweet glance.

After this errand when I had gathered enough confidence I decided to also go for a takeout chinese dinner which was not previously in the agenda for the evening. After placing my order at the counter while I was waiting the guy asked me, "Are you cold?" I said, "Yes, very cold, and smiled back at him." He chuckled looking at his wife but it was not sarcastic rather amusing. I did not mind at all because I myself chuckled a bit thinking about the whole evening.

This was as far as I had ever really thought of doing, to wear some cute and adorable clothes and be out about it. I am not sure where I want to go from here or what do I want to do next. A few options with advice based on your experience will be very helpful.

- Casey, head to toe :battingeyelashes:

[LelaK]

I don't have experience and therefore can't give advice, but what's your goal? I think whoever can give advice might need to know what you're wanting to accomplish. Do you just want to feel natural or comfortable in public as a CD? By the way, sounds like you enjoyed the experience. Did you feel attractive, or exhilerated, or lucky, or something similar?

[Cynthia Anne]

I do think you had a very pleasent first experiance on being out! My only advice would be is to remember it gets better each time! Have fun!

[I Am Paula]

If wearing femme clothes, while basically presenting as male works for you, go for it. We don't all have to try to be female. I do both, specially since I cross the border alot. You can build a whole wardrobe of women's clothing that can be worn in the RW. Try women's sneakers, ballet flats, a leather shoulder bag, or scarves. A women's winter coat ( it really doesn't matter which way it buttons) is great, and suede flat ankle boots are very chic. Enjoy youself, and remember, people see what they expect to see. No wig, light or no makeup, no boobs= male. If you want to stretch the boundries later, you can wear nail polish, earrings, and a feminine purse.- Celeste

[kimdl93]

Way to go, Casey. Once you got dressed and saw yourself, I'm curious, did you finally begin to think, "I can do this!" It seems at that moment, everything changes.

[docrobbysherry]

It sounds like u "passed" to me, Casey.

[bridget thronton]

A good outing - sounds like you enjoyed it and that is what is important

[Wildaboutheels]

Good job Casey. You DO know what this means right? Time to sit down and grab an oar and start rowing with all the rest of us who have discovered that as long as we treat others with courtesy and respect they are not likely to judge us or react to us negatively [at least to our face/es] simply because of what we are wearing.

Also keep in mind, that just because someone CHOOSES to engage you in conversation doesn't necessarily mean they are looking to bust you from your voice or are looking for trouble. They might just be genuinely curious. I think it is always best to give people the benefit of the doubt. There are threads here from time to time that point this out.

[Beverley Sims]

Presenting androgynous is a good way to see what acceptance by others is like.
Next time take it up a notch.

[cd_wunders]

I don't have experience and therefore can't give advice, but what's your goal? I think whoever can give advice might need to know what you're wanting to accomplish. Do you just want to feel natural or comfortable in public as a CD? By the way, sounds like you enjoyed the experience. Did you feel attractive, or exhilerated, or lucky, or something similar?

I want to be comfortable with what I wear in public. That said, I do want to present myself with some hint of femininity. I felt very exhilarated and somewhat prettier. :o

[cd_wunders]

Beverly, How would you recommend to take it up one little notch after reading what outfit I was wearing?

[cd_wunders]

Way to go, Casey. Once you got dressed and saw yourself, I'm curious, did you finally begin to think, "I can do this!" It seems at that moment, everything changes.

It went somewhat like, "I always wanted to do this, can I do this? I prayed momentarily and stepped out without a plan, but confidence played the key role. Talking to people in a courteous low voice seemed effortless when I told myself to be confident."

[natalie_cheryl]

it must have been so wonderful for you to be out in the daylight like that i can only imagine, i say do anything you want from here on out you've already had a very full experience i'm still working up to that point myself but i'm hoping to get there

[Tracii G]

Next step would be wear a wig styled in a casual way.Light make up or just as you were the first time would be fine too.
I do this all the time as I have posted in the past and had no problems anywhere I have gone.
The key is to wear something any girl would wear.Not a winter coat in the summer that sort of thing.That only brings attention and you want to blend.
Be pleasant and courteous and act like you are meant to be there.

[cd_wunders]

it must have been so wonderful for you to be out in the daylight like that i can only imagine, i say do anything you want from here on out you've already had a very full experience i'm still working up to that point myself but i'm hoping to get there

I understand what you are saying as I know the nervousness and fear and thrill of opening the car door and stepping out dressed in flared bottoms and womens footwear. Then marching across the street straight into the store fearing every minute of it. I experienced all of this just two days ago. I came to the realization that most people are busy thinking about their own lives and what will they do next minute or next hour. The sales personnel at most stores are perhaps trained how to react normally in such circumstances. They greet and talk nicely. If it is of any help I would say please do not wait any further. I already feel I lost out on numerous opportunities during college days.

[cd_wunders]

Next step would be wear a wig styled in a casual way.Light make up or just as you were the first time would be fine too.
I do this all the time as I have posted in the past and had no problems anywhere I have gone.
The key is to wear something any girl would wear.Not a winter coat in the summer that sort of thing.That only brings attention and you want to blend.
Be pleasant and courteous and act like you are meant to be there.

Tracii, I am already liking the idea of a casual wig. Unfortunately, I have no clue about wigs and makeup. I personally do not like makeup that is overdone but I even do not know what to buy for starters. As a teenager, I heard the women in the house talk about foundation and eyeliner but I do not know what to look for in a store. Any advice to get me started on something casually feminine like a wig and neutral makeup?

[JamieQ]

I understand what you are saying as I know the nervousness and fear and thrill of opening the car door and stepping out dressed in flared bottoms and womens footwear. Then marching across the street straight into the store fearing every minute of it. I experienced all of this just two days ago. I came to the realization that most people are busy thinking about their own lives and what will they do next minute or next hour. The sales personnel at most stores are perhaps trained how to react normally in such circumstances. They greet and talk nicely. If it is of any help I would say please do not wait any further. I already feel I lost out on numerous opportunities during college days.

I have never worked as a SA. I have always wondered if SA's are specifically trained to treat/serve whomever, however dressed. Are they taught to "just sell with a smile" regardless? I did overhear a fast food cashier being trained and the trainer said "just smile, act happy and take thier money,if you feel like it or not", referring to the general public. I figure alot of it is the acceptance of diveristy we see more of nowadays.