The 'cost' of dressing

[Tracy Hazel Lee]

Has anyone ever took the time to add up all the financial costs involved in creating a 'one-time' female image?

Last Halloween, I opted to let my inhibitions slide and go to a party fully dressed. And I mean FULLY. Wig, clothes, makeup, breast forms, padded butt, body shaper... the whole ensemble. These people were my closest friends, and was confident that nobody would react negatively. I was correct. I was the talk of the party. I even won best costume (not fair, I know. But I accepted it anyways..lol).

So I thought to myself, if somebody were to ask me, how much money did you spend on this 'costume', they would probably be mortified. Fortunately, nobody asked that question. But I decided anyways, to add up all the items to see how much 'money' I was actually wearing. Here's what I came up with:

Skirt suit $90, Shirt $40, shoes $50, hose $12, breast forms $200, Veronica 2 hip enhancer $180, body shaper $50, butt pads $60, wig $50, wig cap $5, gaff $15, foundation $10, loose powder $10, liner $12, shadow $9, bronzer $9, highlighter $8, mascara $10, lip pencil $10, contact lenses $25, earrings $20.

So if I had to buy everything at once to re-create my entire look, the total cost would be $875!!! :eek:

And these prices are estimates, I didn't include face soap or razor costs, nor did I include any shipping costs involved in getting some of these items. So saying $900 would not be unrealistic.

Wow, that was an eye opener.

[RADER]

Yes the numbers do run up. But look at it this way, How much did you spend on
your last new car? Buying male clothes? So it is all relative, fun never cost that
much before?
Rader

[Princess Grandpa]

I am faced with the cost of my dressing everytime my wife and I go shopping. We like to do this matching thing. It's silly I know but we have fun. So everytime we add to our wardrobe everything requires being purchased X2. Two dresses, two scarves, etc etc. before all this my wardrobe consisted of a few pair of jeans, a couple pair of slacks, a couple dress shirts some shorts and shirts. I couldn't go through a whole week without wearing the same pants more than once. (Didn't really care). Now... Damn there's a lot of clothes in my closet and drawers.

Hug
Rita

[michelle64]

i dont need the butt-a-zizer as I already have that (hips be fine too)..but yea its not cheap....i need new forms and have been hesitant to purchase...make up is what irks me...damn that stuff aint cheap..but when i need it-it needs to be there (if she has not pilfered it which is usual case)...

[Chari]

Looking at the "cost" from a different angle, it should never be the price we pay, but the satisfaction and acceptance of the presentation! Enjoy.

[flogo920]

When I look at the cost of a CD life, the satisfaction and instant stress reduction, the deep hypothalamic pleasure of an intensity that little else comes close, it is cheap by comparison to most other activities.

HUGS,

Flo

[Laura912]

This is simple. You need to dress a lot more so that the cost per episode goes down! :battingeyelashes: Simple economics.

[~Joanne~]

I have never added up the costs for my dressing, one time or all together but I can imagine how much it has come to. Matter of fact, tomorrow my SO and I are going to go shopping to add even more costs to it lol

[Seana Summer]

I contemplated this as I purchased some new things recently.

It really dose add up and it adds up weather you are CD or GG!! As a CD I look at it as a hobby expense much like others would look at the cost of golf or boating. I could have bought a really nice boat for what I have spent on my wardrobe!!..........but I can't use the boat in the winter

I never give my S.O. static about what she spends on clothing and such.

[Princess Grandpa]

Matter of fact, tomorrow my SO and I are going to go shopping to add even more costs to it lol

Fun stuff!

At the end of the day, regardless of how much or how little I may have spent, I have never felt happier.

Hug
Rita

[StevieTV]

I've realized it's expensive to be a girl....but I'm worth it!

[Sheila11]

As always there are ways to do things for less. Just went out for dinner and here is the list price.

Dress and sweater $28 (Ross), shoes $18 (Payless), Hose $4 (Costco 3pack), butt and hip pads $6 (self made foam), Breast forms $24 (nu-bra from Target), push up bra $9 (Ross, nice cleavage), Wig and wig cap $39, gaff $0 (tight panties and top of old control top hose), earrings $4 (Clair's buy 2 get 1 free), Glasses $9 (Clair's, clear lenses, make up $3 ($90 divided by 30 uses?), Purse $17 (Payless).

$161 and all but the makeup has been used and will be used over and over.

[Kate Simmons]

No one ever said that being a woman was cheap Hon. :battingeyelashes::)

[Candice Mae]

Considering I'm usually wearing $60 in underwear to start with, and probably $200-250 for a full outfit. And having a complete second set of personnel hygiene products, the cost certainly adds up. But since I'm not really a CD anymore it is a necessary cost.

[Cheryl T]

I try not to think about that anymore than I think about my property taxes....lol

[Marguarite]

WIG.........$ X
FORMS......$ Y
DRESS......$ Z

Spending an Evening Out Dressed.......................PRICELESS !

[Tracy Hazel Lee]

I'm not complaining one bit that this hobby consumes mass amounts of time and money. If I didn't love it, I wouldn't be doing it. :)

I just never thought to add up all those items together, just to see the final cost. I just though it was a little crazy. It made me laugh to think that if someone asked me how much I spent on my Halloween costume, and I said. 'Oh..around $850'. What kind of reaction I would get. :D

[Stephanie47]

Being totally en femme for stress relief is a lot cheaper than one day in the psych ward!

[sometimes_miss]

This is simple. You need to dress a lot more so that the cost per episode goes down! :battingeyelashes: Simple economics.

^this! Even a wedding gown would be considered reasonably priced if you could wear it until it wore out.

[Adriana Moretti]

I've realized it's expensive to be a girl....but I'm worth it!

I love this!!!!

[celeste26]

Well, I'll bet the stuff you got is far better than the usual "costume", costumes that really are for single use. If you had gone that route everyone would have known who you were and no prize for best costume sweetie. Quality shows and costs too.

The stuff you did get will still be good years down the road. So threat them well and they will treat you well.

In my case, I would need to go out in drab if i wanted to use a "costume." Its been more than a little while.

[Jilmac]

I won't even venture a guess at how much I've spent in 53 years of dressing.

[mykell]

still a lot cheaper than a Harley, corvette, or a Boston whaler....

[Launa]

Ya but we could always have our cake and eat it too!!!!!!!! We would sure look hot all dressed up in our fancy clothes and a nice corvette!

I would have to work on a wardrobe to help go with a Boston Whaler

[Beverley Sims]

I have a model railway engine that cost $900 and carriages to go behind it for another $600, forget the controller, other rolling stock, track and room to house this monstrosity.
I have a radio transmitter and aerials to to talk around the world, conservatively priced with peripherals around $3000.
Satellite Television and a sixteen foot diameter dish and other dishes as well, forget about the price.

Dressing is much cheaper and provides me with enjoyment without commercials.

A one time dressup for me.
Shoes $5, Dior dress, $20, gloves $5, Earrings $5, Lingerie $30, new of course and the other clothing was charity shop buys.
I believe the Dior dress was probably $300 or more.

I can go out for $65 or casual for about five on sale at Target.

[Christi55]

I won't even venture a guess at how much I've spent in 53 years of dressing.

WOW, I so agree with you...

[sherri]

Whatever my cost has been, it would skyrocket if I won the lottery! :-) Except for a quality pair of breastforms and an Eva Gabor wig, I've always had to economize. I'm not too good to settle for less, but after so many years it would be wonderful to get to splurge a bit. First on the list would be designer clothes and expensive jewelry -- and an uninterrupted 30-day Sherri getaway.

[Wildaboutheels]

Well, I doubt if some of the stuff that many of the ladies here wear can be found at most Thrift Stores. [Maybe the high end ones?] BUT, I have bought a half dozen or so pairs of jeans there [after trying on several hundred pair] and likely 2 or 3 dozen pairs of shorts and a half dozen pairs of heels over the years. They [the one close to me] stocks hundreds of dresses, tops, jackets etc., in every size and color imaginable. Most stuff can be bought for about 10 to 15 cents on the dollar. It's not at all unusual to see 40-60K cars in the parking lot.

"I won't buy or wear used stuff" is a common cry here. Which is really rather silly if it's based on PERCEPTION of germs and the REALITY of the real dangers out in the RW.

One CAN save a ton of money at Thrift stores if they have plenty of time and patience and are capable of learning a few tricks.

[rocketscientist]

I too can't begin to imagine the amount I've spent(and continue to spend) on my femme wardrobe. Last time I counted shoes about 3 years ago I had 260+ pairs. And that was then! Haven't counted since. Maybe 30 pair of jeans. An untold number of skirts,shorts and casual pants. Though I'm not a huge dress girl I probably have in excess of 50 of them. And tops, OMG! It's actually easier for me to find something femme to wear in my house than something male! This is not including the costs for forms, makeup and other personal care items. I reason it away by buying a lot of thrift items. But it's not too thrifty with the frequency I shop, which is almost everyday. One time I did have to get everything to dress at once. I was attending a funeral in Kokomo,IN that was on a Thursday morning. I took that day and Friday off from work. After the funeral I decided that I would spend the rest of the weekend in Indy enfemme, even tho I hadn't brought anything with me. I bought the wig for $52. at the same shop I got some cheap eyeshadow and some basic jewelry for about $12. Next stop was a local Goodwill store where I got a skirt and a nice top for $8. Then had to go to Wallyworld to get the few things I couldn't skimp on, namely the Almay eyeliner I use exclusively and cheap NYC foundation that works well for me and Physicians Formula translucent powder. About $20 for those. Lastly, were the shoes. I found some white lacy wedges at Sears for $10 on clearance. The forms you may ask? I used a couple well rolled t-shirts. Lol. I figure now if there's even a remote chance I might wanna do something like this again I should carry a bag in the back of my Jeep with an extra wig,forms and a few other essentials. That way it won't cost me nearly as much next time.

[Tracy Hazel Lee]

The common theme here is that all hobbies (that people are passionate about) are expensive when you take the time and add up all the details. But even 'expensive' is highly subjective, and usually only thought of like that by someone who doesn't 'get it'. I have never felt that I spend too much on my dressing activities, but if I had to break down the details to any of my friends, they might think I need my head examined.

:)

[Leslie Langford]

Well, assuming that you are into "guy" things as well, compare the cost of your special outfit to, say, a set of quality golf clubs or head-to-toe hockey gear (just ask Karren Hutton ;) ) Or to put it another way, how much do you spend annually on expensive restaurant meals, booze, or fancy vacations? Or in some cases - cigarettes (especially in Canada, with its high tobacco-related taxes). That monster SUV or truck that you might be driving, where putting $100 worth of gas into the tank at a pop is not unusual, just to then blow it out the tailpipe soon afterwards?...

It's really all relative, and comes down to whatever floats your boat. Who can really put a price tag on how much pleasure and enhanced quality of life our crossdressing gives us? Life is short, and you can't take it with you... ;)

[lingerieLiz]

I have a big wardrobe, but love to hunt for bargains. But, luckily I can afford it and equate my hobby with golf, boating or whatever.

[Lynn Marie]

In my 60 or so years of boyhood I've pretty much pursued just about all of the commonly accepted "hobbies" and interests we men fall prey to. I'm now pursuing my pilots license! Cost has never seemed to be a problem with me although my ex had a problem or two with them! In each of these pursuits I eventually come to my senses and slow down on the spending and start enjoying the finer points of the sports like the social aspects. The constant spending seems to me a whole different problem area of trying to feel good by acquiring more and more stuff. It's really sort of a sickness.

After spending freely for so many years on so many interests it's a wonder I have two dimes to rub together!

[Jocelyn Quivers]

I also have no desire in wanting to know how much I've spent over the years. I just look at it as money spent on a lifetime investment, with occasional losses due to ill fitting clothes, clothes that do not look proper once en-femme, damaged clothes, clothes thrown away by wife because she say's I have not worn that particular item in very long time and it's taken up closet space, clothes taken by wife and worn so often they have shrunk and no longer fit me(not complaining at all on the last two, I consider myself quite lucky in fact), wigs which looked great on the model not so much on me, damaged hosiery, etc. Another hidden and very expensive cost, money spent on dieting/healthy food, exercise (running shoes, weights, outfits, equipment etc.)

[Donnagirl]

Don't even want to add it up.... Thousands!!!! So much bought that doesn't fit or doesn't look or feel right and subsequently donated...

I am the a-typical impulse buyer, eBay addict and compulsive hoarder...

Thank god for loads of storage room and disposable income. Although I always need more shoes...

[CarlaWestin]

Whatever my cost has been, it would skyrocket if I won the lottery!

Oh, for sure! I could only imagine going to a premier makeover artist and saying, "Make me ravishing and money's no object" In the 50 or so years I've been doing this I've spent quite a bit of money. OMG, I don't want to think about the cost of purges. But, when I walk out of the thrift shop with 3 high end bras (Frederick's, Chantelle and Bali) for $12.00 and a fabulous little spring dress for $4.99, the cost to pleasure ratio is quite desirable. As far as I'm concerned, a week staying dressed as Carla is way more fabulous than the expense of a structured vacation.

[Ume123]

Just started on buying and already too much. Will I stop hell no! I think it will help that I came across a place to buy womens but made to fit men. Should save on wasted amazon purchases that never fit right or we're just plain junk.

[Jamiegirl1]

Oh, for sure! I could only imagine going to a premier makeover artist and saying, "Make me ravishing and money's no object" In the 50 or so years I've been doing this I've spent quite a bit of money. OMG, I don't want to think about the cost of purges. But, when I walk out of the thrift shop with 3 high end bras (Frederick's, Chantelle and Bali) for $12.00 and a fabulous little spring dress for $4.99, the cost to pleasure ratio is quite desirable. As far as I'm concerned, a week staying dressed as Carla is way more fabulous than the expense of a structured vacation.

I sooo agree with Carla,I shop at thrift stores and thus can buy a whole lot more items...I have bought several dresses and atleast 4 pairs of heels lately and several bracelets and pairs of earrings...total cost was was about $30.00 not all bought on the same day or the same thrift store...I try and go on their 50% off days....some of the shoes were never worn before.....I just love thrift stores and I feel that my CD,ing doesn't hurt my budget very much....and it is cheap therapy!

[5150 Girl]

Well,,, I'm an Avon lady, and I get all my personal stuff at cost. Even at that it still ads up really fast! And there is usually something new I want in each new brochure. Be it jewelery, shoes, a dress, makeup, perfume..... the list goes on.
But, on the other hand, the stuff I buy for myself I can say "Oh well, I'll just chalk it up to advertising". :) (Yea! Advertising!)
That can be a slippery slope to, as if causes me to buy even more stuff I don't really need. It' s so much easier to walk away from a rack at WalMart, where I pay full price, and have to "justify the purchase" to my already empty purse! (don't make me count my shoe collection)

[JazT95]

I second what others are saying: any hobby you take up seriously is going to cost a bit. But the thing that really bugs me is make-up. Even with a store discount, it still burns a massive hole in my purse! :(

[SherriePall]

The cost isn't as high as it might first appear. Afterall, by my calculations, you spent about $560 on one-time items (forms, padding, wig, etc.). But then, if it makes you feel good and it accomplished your goal, the money was well spent.
I have to admit that my "start-up" costs were lower as I try to never buy anything full price. Well, except for my hair (which I can never tell anybody how much I paid). However, I have taken care of my hair for many years now and it still treats me well, so even that expenditure was well worth it.
Actually, aren't we all worth it?

[julia marie]

The startup costs (which seem to run in the $700 to $1,000 range based on previous posts) are worth it when you consider the good feeling you get. Where I'm paying the price is what seems like every time I walk into a store (Dress Barn, Kohls, Target, Walmart, Goodwill, even the pharmacy with its makeup displays). I feel like the dog who is paying attention to training until, "SQUIRREL!" I see a skirt, "15 dollars!" or "Clearance Rack!!!
Please, let me go a weekend without spending $30, $50 or more on things I don't really need.

[JazT95]

I imagine the cost is also vastly higher if you've ever had the painful and often regrettable experience of a purge :/

[Karren H]

I don't have any issues as long as I can keep my two personal pass times under $500 a month.... when I'm playing hockey once a week that's easy.... this season I'm playing twice a week which cuts into my fem budget a bit...

[Diane Lynn]

My wife keeps track of every dollar I spend. Right now it is just pantyhose when needed, and foundation when I run out. I can usually get the rest of the makeup need from our grocery budget, as long as I get them while shopping. Diane always does the grocery shopping.

[NicoleD]

I try to dress on a budget on on the whole for me it's not that expensive. I order shoes/boots etc. from UK as it's about a quarter of the price of the same items here in Sweden even after shipping. Same goes for clothes although 2nd hand stores here in Sweden you can find some right bargains, I picked up a lovely D&G tshirt unused a couple of weeks back as an example for only 20kr which is virtually free !

[Anna H]

LOL! Whatever it costs....I'm on for the ride!

:happy:

[LICutie]

wow, this is a real eye opener for me.

i love the replies too in that some are short and sweet and others are more detailed and spelled out.

my quick takeaway is that it may be cheaper to be a long term crossdresser or perhaps androgynous... than an occasional or seasonal one?

personally, as i tend to be long term mentally but physically a binge/purger (more purge than binge:sad:) it has had to have cost an astronomical amount of $ (a small fortune).

even so, if one has unlimited financial resources am sure they could go nuts; my funds have been low so for most of my life 9 times out a 1o i have resorted to dressing with modified T-shirts, underwear, and other mens clothes... :o

[Amanda Roberts]

Well only a couple weeks into this adventure I have already spend over $300 just for my makeup and a couple of pieces of clothing and hair.

*Sigh* but it was all worth it the first time I looked in the mirror after dressing.... :)

~Amanda

[erindemia]

I agree, it's the purging that really drives it up! It's amazing what a few reusable items cost (would have saved)

[shawnsheila]

I am a bargain hunter but I also like to splurge every now and then on nicer things like designer shoes etc. I did my taxes recently and found I spent a little over $2,400 last year... Thats about 200 bucks a month but a girl needs to pamper herself :)

[Tracy Hazel Lee]

The cost isn't as high as it might first appear. Afterall, by my calculations, you spent about $560 on one-time items (forms, padding, wig, etc.). But then, if it makes you feel good and it accomplished your goal, the money was well spent.
I have to admit that my "start-up" costs were lower as I try to never buy anything full price. Well, except for my hair (which I can never tell anybody how much I paid). However, I have taken care of my hair for many years now and it still treats me well, so even that expenditure was well worth it.
Actually, aren't we all worth it?
'Start-up cost' is an even better description.

Of course there are the items that are 'consumable' and need continued re-supply. I couldn't even begin to add all those up. And honestly, I don't actually want to know that kind of detail.

All of the items like pads, forms, wig etc., were all purchased separately and with MUCH time in between. I started this thread to highlight just how easy it is to forget how much money is spent on it when it happens over such a long period of time.

Someone who does not partake in any dressing activities, and has no idea of the costs involved, would likely be blown away by how much could be spent on this.

[lingerieLiz]

Well only a couple weeks into this adventure I have already spend over $300 just for my makeup and a couple of pieces of clothing and hair. ~Amanda

Ah yes I remember being in SF years ago without fem stuff. I went in and spent most of my cash (before credit cards) on makeup which I could have purchased for a fraction at a drugstore. Then a bunch on lingerie only to realize that I didn't have enough left to buy a dress or wig. The bad part I had met a really nice accepting couple who wanted to go out to dinner. I had to go in drab. Oh Well. I learned to budget and buy the most important things first.

[Eryn]

If i was just going out one time the cost would be enormous but over a number of outings the cost goes down. I can think of other passions that cost a lot more and give a lot less. Want to go bass fishing? Boats run $30K to $40k. Want to fly? $100,000 will get you a basic plane. Against this the cost of CDing sounds cheap!

[Nikki Love]

The cost of dressing is a wonderful and sometimes painful process. For me, this past year, I have given into my basic need and desire to be a woman and that meant buying a lot of clothes and shoes, lots of shoes…..I have learned through trial and error what styles work, what brands seem to fit, and what I want to buy next. My wife is very supportive, and is sometimes jealous of the clothes I purchase. Right now, I think the most expensive aspect of cross dressing will be the construction of a walk-in closet big enough to accommodate my needs. I am becoming a high maintenance girl and enjoying each high heeled step.

[immike]

I never have to worry about cost because I secretly wear mothers clothes&they are ultra expensive?

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Tracy, At 71 years old, With three closets full of clothes 130+ pairs of shoes, With wigs and lingerie I shutter
to think of how much that all of that enjoyment has cost me.
But I probably would do it again.

[cdkateinboston]

I consider this question any time I feel the need to purge (which as I've gotten older is far less frequent). I've spent thousands between clothing and make up, but I like the perspective borough on this thread, any hobby costs money. My hobby just looks cute. :)