Should I do it??

[Connie.Marie]

Well,
My company has posted that people can come to work in costume on Wednesday Oct 31st. Nobody knows about me where I work. Do I dare become "Connie the secretary" for a day? Who has done it & what has been the response or outcome? Any repercussions, positive or negative??

Would Love to hear your stories..

[Megan72]

You should do it. I am slowly learning who the heck cares, do what you like as long as no me gets hurt. Have fun.

[Beverley Sims]

Go dressed well and they will be impressed.
Otherwise a costume will suffice.

[Rachael Leigh]

Well many years ago I actually went to a chuch costume party dressed as a French Maid. I had fun with it and even answered the door a couple of times most just thought it was cute. I do know one couple figured out I was a CD later on.

[chelyann]

go for it - you only live once and if you dont you will always wish you did
have fun :)

[Maryesther M.]

Most of us use Halloween as an excuse to 'come out' for the first time. It doesn't normally let the cat out of the bag, and most people will assume it's a one-off for you.

I'd definitely go for it if you are free to do so.

M.

[Karren H]

I agree..... do it.....

[NinaP]

Life is too short to live with regrets about what you should have worn for Halloween. "Just do it!"

But if I could make a gentle suggestion, try dressing as "Connie the highly successful and upwardly mobile employee" to avoid offending any administrative types.

:heehee:

[AlexisWest]

By all means, do it!

[AmyGaleRT]

Well, I'm entering my office's costume contest that day as "Witch Amy"...so I'm going to say "Do it!" as well. :)

- Amy

[Cynthia Anne]

I would do it and not give it another thought!

[Jennifer Kelly]

Gothic Jennifer will not be making an appearance at work. I've only been there 3 months and I'm a contractor. So I stay on the straight and narrow. Too bad. I'd love to see the looks on people's faces when a surly goth chick shows up to fix their computer. :)

[Cheryl123]

Of course. You'll have fun. Even more fun if you return to work on Nov 1 in "costume".

[BethCD]

I say do it !! Like the other gurls stated you would regret it down the road if you did not do it.However if you were to dress for 3 or 4 years in a row, you might suspicions....
Beth

[Sandy Clifton]

Every work environment is unique, but I received a very positive response two years ago when I did what you describe. There wasn't an open invitation to come to work in costume, so I arranged to take a day of vacation on Monday, October 31, then sneaked in on Sunday to set up my freshly-decorated workstation at a vacant desk in the reception area. Sandy (short for Cassandra) left a note on the desk apologizing for being unable to get to the office until lunchtime on her first day of work; my co-workers spent Monday morning speculating about the "new girl" while I was getting my hair and makeup done. I arrived bearing a sealed box of Halloween cupcakes from a bakery (as opposed to homemade, as a hedge against a "call security, this crazy transvestite means to poison us" reaction). I took photos with my co-workers, including my fairly bewildered new boss (someone jokingly mentioned using the photos as blackmail, and I said "yes, you do risk being blackmailed by having your photo taken with me"). It was a fun day.

[BethCD]

You looked awesome. Any negative reactions from co-workers?
beth

[Kandy Barr]

You only live once Connie, they may speculate and wonder but if you just act normal and have a fun time they'll never know for sure unless you tell them. On the other hand if you re nervous and uncomfortable it will show and your co workers may speculate you have something you're hiding, so go and be loose and have fun!

[Amanda_P]

I dressed like this and went to work. Now we are not allowed to play in our casino. I walked up to the craps table and asked if they could show me how to play. I almost got the chance until one of the dealers recognized me. I won first place and second at the bar where this picture was taken. Of course that was 12 years and 50 pounds ago.

[Janice An]

Later on you don’t want the regret of a missed opportunity.
Go for it !!!

[erickka]

It is an open invitation isn't it? The door is opened, so walk on in, You don't want to miss this golden opportunity.

[Diversity]

Absolutely! Go for it and enjoy!
Di

[JC]

i have never hressed outside of our home on halloween.

Sjould you dress very well on any day, people will onder and ask why you went to such extremes as to shave legs, buy niv=ce clothesd (the full outfit), etc. for this single occassion. People will remeber this and ask the questions for a long time. i have seen it. Lets face it, the majority of non cd men would not dress to impress and would then question those that do. Face it, we have seen this.

[linda allen]

Two things:

1) What kind of work do you do? Will you be able to do it dressed as a female or do you have to lift boxes, climb ladders or crawl around under things?

2) If you do a bad job of presenting as a female with an ill fitting costume wig, a bra too high and stuffed with tissue paper, your bosses and co-workers will see this as a one time costume. If on the other hand, you have a hundred dollar wig, a pair of three hundred dollar boobs, padded panties, a purse that matches your outfit and shoes, a nice pair of heels that you walk in perfectly, and your outfit and jewelry is well coordinated, they may well wonder if Halloween is the only time you dress as a woman.

If your job and future in that job is important to you, I would be very careful about this decision. There are other times and places to dress without risking your future.

[Farrah]

I say go for it!! I've always wanted to go to a Halloween party dressed. However, I was afraid that they'd notice how much I was enjoying being dressed...Anyway, do it! This is your chance to be out in public!

[kimdl93]

I went a bit farther and attended a business meeting en femme. My work in the health sector made it a unique circumstance, and virtually assured that there would be acceptance. But the question i have is, do you want to be "out"? Will you pretend this is a lark, or will you be more open? That's up to you.

[Gloriamontrose]

I'd say do not hesitate. I've done it for fancy dress occasions for work and social events. The work events got a little too frequent perhaps as one of my bosses, a woman, said 'you do like dressing, don't you?' Couldn't resist replying, "love it!' We remained good friends and colleagues until I left. No Hanky Panky eiher, before you ask.

Go for it - you'll have a ball.

xxx

Gloria

[Melissa in SE Tn]

Connie, please give this matter a lot of thought. I concur with Linda Allen. Dressing for fun@ SCC or clubbing with other cd's occurs in friendly environments . You work in a professional setting where your job career ,reputation and paycheck can be determined by your employer. Dressing for a Halloween event at work is a pleasurable mind game, but it could present problems and consequences for you personally & professionally. Think it through. Hugs, melissa

[CarlaWestin]

I was thinking 'go for it!' until I read all of the responses. The desire to dress is always intoxicating and an opportunity with a built in cover is especially alluring. Your mind is searching for every reason to validate crossdressing at work. So, if you do it, you'll spend to whole time pretending or denying that you are what you really are. A man that likes to present as a woman. Would you be willing to tell your co-workers that you have dressed for years, which is the truth. Or, you are so good at costumes that you conjured up a fabulous outfit for a one time event, a lie. Personally, I believe that you're going to be clocked big time by people you will face everyday that, even though we live in an age of anti-discrimination and gender sense awareness, subliminal prejudices will always exist. I see a big red line drawn very clearly where I earn my income and I've seen too many times where innocent actions have cost good people the one thing they couldn't afford to lose. Maybe a female portrayal of a more costume-like presentation would be more appropriate for where the paychecks are cut. Or, as I did one year, extreme male on the outside (policeman) and fabulously underdressed in exquisite lingerie (all black lace with locked corset and small forms). Save the AbFab for a more private venue.

[Sissy_Michelle]

I am with the "Go for it" crowd to an extent. There are a lot of factors at play here that we don't know the answer to that only you can make the final "Go / No go for launch" decision. In addition the first factor as many has pointed out either by experience or just looking out for you. These people pay you. These people that you work with (if they don't know) will know that you do cross dress. Of course you know your environment and the types of costumes that others wear for Halloween. If you think you could get away with it all dressed up in expensive clothes and accessories you may be too convincing and get too much attention.

Do go and have fun :-)

[jodie k]

:brolleyes:
why not go as a crossdresser.???

(i leave the details of that to someone else.)


jodie:D

[Megan Nicole]

What an opportunity! If I could do that at my job I'd do it in a heartbeat. If you think it'll go over well and folks will have fun with it I'd go for it. If you think it may somehow turn against you.....you might think again. Just sayin'. Oh heck, just go for it!!!! Have fun!

Meg

[BarbaraMarie]

I agree that you should do it!

[Sandy Clifton]

You looked awesome. Any negative reactions from co-workers?
beth

Thanks for the compliment; as for negative reactions, not really! The women all loved it; one guy was a little stand off-ish, but another guy was entertained by my appearance: he playfully asked "How's it hanging?" and I shot back with an honest "Crammed up there pretty tight, actually!".

Though the workplace atmosphere was right for me in 2011, even if Halloween hadn't fallen on the weekend in 2009 and 2010, I wouldn't have attempted a female appearance at the office then due to specific unfavorable circumstances at work during those two Octobers (extreme workload & imminent layoffs, respectively). In 2011 the vibe seemed right, and I figured any potential move up the org chart was far enough in my future that I didn't worry about sabotaging my career path. YMMV

[heatherdress]

Yes - dress up and enjoy yourself.

[Chickhe]

My attitude about work is not to mess people's perceptions about you. Halloween at work should consist of the most boring costume you can find...like colourful tie or something. Especially if you want to be promoted. It shows you are all business. However, I would do anything at a private party even if co-workers were going as long as its all with good friends. It also depends on who you work with obviously.

[giuseppina]

I might dress in costume at work for All Hallows' Eve, but not as a female character. I'm not prepared to take the risk personally or professionally.

All it takes is one idiot in a position of authority to screw things over. Employers can invent a reason to dismiss employees without cause almost with impunity.

[Sarah L]

I would do it in a minute if I worked in the right environment...I don't. Just keep in mind...Halloween is on a Thursday this year, not Wednesday.

[Brenda456]

Halloween is a bit like having a hall pass for the day. It sounds like fun.

[Stephanie47]

The idea of going to work en femme is always enticing. In the past there has been advice not to do it every year otherwise it may be assumed you're consumed with emulating a female. I think going dress as a woman would dress for your position would be appropriate. If you would normally wear a suit or sport coat with tie, then go in a woman's business suit or skirt and white blouse. On the heels I would recommend a solid lower heel. You'd attract a lot of comments and inquisitive comments if you were able to negotiate the office in five inch heels for eight hours. If anyone questions your feminine manners just tell them you watched a lot of You Tube instructional videos, which may not be far from the truth anyway. Have fun.

[Requal Jo]

Nothing ventured nothing gained. If you are in a friendly environment then go for it and enjoy the day. I wait to see the photos.

[robindee36]

Connie, it so depends on the personalities involved. I once dressed as Frank (Rocky Horror) for a company Halloween party. Major mistake. The ridicule persisted for years. Way not worth it. But I was a really cute transvestite ;)

On the other hand, this is 2013 and perhaps your co-workers will be more accepting than mine were in the 1980's. However, unless you are considering coming out to this group, might be best to rethink your costume.

Just my opinion; just my experience.

Hugs, Robin

[suchacutie]

I agree to do it, BUT...not as Connie...

Pick a female celebrity who is over the top in some way and show that it is still Halloween, after all. My fav. is Elvira, but I'm sure there are many other possibilities that would work for you. If you were just going out to dinner with friends that would be a different story, but this is your profession so I'd be a little more thoughtful about it.

[reb.femme]

Trouble is, if you dress too well on the day, you are likely to partially out yourself.

Most would expect you to dress as a parody of a woman, as opposed to a very well presented and expensively attired lady. I discussed this with my wife as a possibility for Halloween but she cautioned that my standard of dress would out me. Shoes, dress, bra, forms etc etc. just wouldn't cut it as an outfit I had put together for one night.

Good luck, whatever your decision.

Rebecca

[roy m]

Hell. I'd kill to look like Elvira. But at my age (64) I have more chance of 'phoning" the pope!

[Vickie_CDTV]

Bringing your dressing into the workplace is just a bad idea, Halloween or not. As unlikely as it might be that something will go wrong, it isn't worth putting your livelihood at risk.

[Marcelle]

Hi there, I am of the mindset if it is something you want to do then do it. However, it really depends on your workplace and how you see it impacting your employment. There was a thread some time ago about using Halloween as a way for those who don't normally go out to see the light. It was divided in that some believed you are outing yourself if you do too good a job and others believed a one of would probably not be an issue.

If you are not concerned by some chatter and feel it is not an issue with your work and will be something that will be forgotten . . . go for it. If you feel so what if people figure it out . . . then go for it as well. If you are concerned it will accidently out you or have ramifications for your job, then I would give it some thought before you make the leap because once it is done, it can't be undone.

Hugs

Isha

[Connie.Marie]

To All,
Thank you all so much for your thoughts & advice. It's given me a lot to think about.


Sandy, you looked wonderful - thanks for your story.

Amanda P, you looked great then & you look great now.

Linda Allen, I work in an office type environment so lifting & carrying heavy stuff won't be happening, so skirts & heels are appropriate, just like the other girls..

Nina P great suggestion for "Connie to be the highly successful and upwardly mobile employee"


While most of the posts say that I should "go for it", others cautioned about the possible ramifications. Thinking about the place, the people, the culture of the company... I think they are right. Going as Connie, I could not do it half way, and you're right, people would know or suspect at the least. And the ribbing could go on for years & effect promotions, pay raises... Too much at stake. Won't be going as Connie..... this year. Maybe next year. :heehee:

Hugs to all.

[Violet-13]

I think you should, You'll enjoy your self and if any one actually cares just tell them that it's your choice not theirs

[chloe44c]

Every year I wish I could it! Every year I chicken out! I say go for it!!!

[karynspanties]

As much as I would like to, no way at my work. I am a designer in the tool & die industry. I would never live it down, plus my employer is uber religious. It would not sit well with him, plus this is one of the best jobs I have ever had and would not take the chance on messing it up.

[Violet-13]

This year I'm going to my school club as a woman. I'm in automotive so all my class mates are big red necks, but I really don't care, and neither should you

[SarahSerene]

Connie, I'm in the "don't do it crowd." I don't know your workplace, I only know my own, and in fact it's a pretty progressive company (has a rainbow club, etc) yet even so I wouldn't consider it for all the reasons stated above. Plus, I would have a hard time "dumbing it down" to make it look amateurish (not that I consider my self a pro).

All that said, I don't know whether you've ventured out en femme or not, but there's nothing that says you can't venture out in public (outside of work) on Halloween as "Connie the Secretary".

Sandy you looked great! Very feminine figure and pose.

[MissTee]

I say not at work. Things may go well, or they may not. If the job is important to you and you want to stay closeted stay away from dressing at work.

[HelenR2]

If you do it you must first accept that you will be outing yourself to just about everybody there. If you are ok with that I would say go for it.

[casper064]

Can you update if you did it or not? And if yes, how did your colleagues react?

[Connie.Marie]

Casper,

I did not. I decided that there was too much at stake.

Hugs,

[Tara D. Rose]

That's good Connie.Marie. Its good sometimes to think about it, but with the possible long term aftermath and repercussions, I would say that you made the best choice. For if your co workers saw had great of a job that you do by way of being Connie.Marie, some of your co workers may really catch on. Best to keep it away from them.

[HelenR2]

I think you should only do it if you are comfortable with them all knowing, pretty much much at first glance, that you are a crossdresser because that is what will happen.