New to cd and looking for some advice

[AuroraLeigh]

So, I'm looking to experiment in private and explore my feminine side. I'm just not sure where to start. I'm basically looking for some ideas as far as articles of clothing to begin with. What are some of the essentials I should start with? I guess that this is more of a sexual thing for me if that matters. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or tips!

[NicoleScott]

What one thing compels (excites) you the most? Start with that. For me, lipstick and high heels (OK, that's two).

[Leahann]

I can't speak for others, but i started with underwear, then nightshirts, then tops and onward. My wife is tolerant of the first two, the rest, not around her.

[Marcelle]

Hi Aurora,

Nicole's advice is good advice. Think about what excites you the most and begin there.

Hugs

Isha

[Katey888]

I'm curious Aurora.... :)

Why on earth are you doing this, if you have no idea what is driving you to do so...? OK - I know we don't really know either, but most of us knew when something felt right, whether it was a pair of nylons, high heels or a fur hat! If you don't know where to start - what makes you think this is for you in the first place?

Just asking - as your answers might help us give a little more measured advice...

Katey x

[ChristinaK]

Yep. Buy what turns you on. It's a thrill just to make the purchase. For me it was panties and nightgowns, then on and on.

[Brandy Mathews]

I agree, go for what excites you. Panties, bra, hose, lipstick? For me it was panties first, then lipstick. Will always have to have my lipstick and lip glosses. To me, they top everything off, complete me when I am dressed . Make me feel so pretty.
Hugs,
Bree :)

[Suzie Petersen]

I'm gonna sit here, right next to Katey, and ask the same question .. why on earth do you want to do this?
Until you tell us, we will not help you!! (no, just kidding ;) )

For most everybody else I have ever talked to, the question was: "Why am I doing this?" not "How do I get into it?"
Most of us feel compelled to dress and behave like girls/women now and then and it usually starts with trying some female garment or shoes on out of curiosity. Then with that item on, it is like being struck by lightening! A feeling of .. Dear Lord!!! What is happening to me!! Some strange unexplainable feeling of .. something! For some it is sexual excitement, for others it is a thrill of unexplainable character and for some, especially when starting later in life, it is a feeling of fulfillment, and for some it is something else. But for everybody it is this feeling of YES YES YES!!!! I was MISSING THIS!!!! What the HECK is it??

And then, you are stuck! Cant stop doing it and eventually, you end up in a chat forum like this trying to find out why :)

Do tell, what makes you think you want to dress like a girl?

Hugs
Suzie

[Angie G]

Go from the inside ouy girl.Underwear try the bra I got At wal-mart.It's the SMART & SEXY unlined underwire lace #85045 I really think you will love it And they have maching panties. the bras go great with my #6 breast forms.Then go with some nice skirts and dress blouses.and go from there Aurora.:hugs:
Angie

P.S. dont forget the hoses And heels hun.

[NicoleScott]

How to get started is a question many/most of us never had to ask.
If you think starting is hard, just wait until you try to stop.

[AuroraLeigh]

I appreciate the responses. They were all thoughtful and it's great to have a place to go and talk about how I'm feeling without anyone passing judgement on me.

To answer the million dollar question as to why, well, I guess that I've always felt that there was a feminine side of me that I never really took the time to acknowledge or explore. It's all a little weird to me if I'm being honest. Up until this point in my life, I would classify myself as a straight, alpha male type of guy. Actually, I still very much feel that way. But in the last year or two, I've slowly begun to realize that there's a very feminine side to me and that I want to explore it. It's exciting, scary, and turns me on all at the same time. Just writing about it is turning my stomach inside out with that weird butterfly feeling you get from nervous excitement.

[Anna Stouf]

Aurora,
How old are you, and where are you on the road of life?

[AuroraLeigh]

Aurora,
How old are you, and where are you on the road of life?

36, single never married, student working on a second degree

[GypsyGirl10]

AuroraLeigh:

I agree with all the responses and we all come to this a little differently. Western society makes it so hard to express our feminine side that, for me anyway, CD was always sexual at first. The rush of pleasure from wearing panties or bra or whatever, was so intense! That intensity was heightened by the forbidden nature of it and the fear of being discovered. All very powerful, erotic stuff! :D

Decades later, and now with the support of my wife, that forbidden, hyper-sexual part has eased into just feeling whole. When I come home from work now and change into a skirt or dress and heels I feel so relaxed and complete. :battingeyelashes:

Start small. Get some panties (I love the feel of a thong), stockings, bra... only you know what will do it for you best.

Welcome, and enjoy the ride!
Gypsy

[Anna Stouf]

OK, so go get a catalog from a company that sells women's clothing and accessories. Look through it until you see something you like. Then go get it and try it on and see how it makes you feel. Catalogs normally have sizing charts in them to help you get the right size. Measure yourself, then take a shot at it. Buying something with elastic in it, especially the waistband, will increase your chance of it fitting, at lease well enough for you to see if you like it, or not.

If you decide that this is something you want to do, you will get better at it as time goes on. For me, it was WAY before the internet, so it was quite a learning curve. But you have this wonderful forum.

So experiment, and have fun.

Hugs,

Anna

[Victoria Demeanor]

Well there is the information we were looking for. Hello Aurora,
Ya about Alpha males...I'm kind of old, but I can still howl louder and growl meaner and have done things in my life that would make your average top dog quiver in their panties...and I am pretty sure I am not alone in this forum. you know though, I also love wearing a dress and heels...especially if they are a really cute pair of heels. oh yes I'm straight, not all of us here are, but dressing up and expressing your feminine side doesn't change your sexuality. It's not a choice.
If it's a sexual thing for you, great. For me it is emotional, I don't get turned on, I get tune in. Everyone has their reason you just need to figure out yours. There is no right or wrong way there is only what is right for you.
You will find that we don't judge here, so ask questions, read the posts and figure out what you like and since it's sexual, what turns you on.
The only thing I'm going to reiterate is that dressing like a girl doesn't make you less of a man. If anything it makes you a better man.
Okay young fellow that's my 2 cents from my drab side, my girly side now wants to go off and play, so talk to you later.

[AuroraLeigh]

Thank you all for the replies and advice.:) I've made up my mind to start with a pair or two of panties and go from there. I'm thinking about getting a pair for lounging around my apartment and another to wear when I'm feeling a bit adventurous (in public under my jeans). I'm pretty excited! Any tips on buying. I'm definitely a plus sized guy. I'm looking at Amazon right now and I'm not really sure what to look for.

[Victoria Demeanor]

Women sizes are a mystery, I can not tell you how much it drives me crazy. For panties though Google cloths sizes for women and look at the measurements. it should get you close. Go to Walmart and tell yourself you are buying panties for your girlfriend. The sales people and other customers don't really care, but if you tell yourself it's for someone else, it will make you feel better. Find some cheep ones you like in the size you think will work and go from there. Start cheep at first until you figure it out and like I said unless you are trying them on in the aisles no one will really care why you are looking at or buying them.

[ReineD]

I'm curious Aurora.... :)

Why on earth are you doing this, if you have no idea what is driving you to do so...?

... because the idea of putting on feminine things is exciting?

Aurora, I'm with the others, whatever you find appealing when you look at women's catalogs. It doesn't have to be lingerie and heels, it can be nice costumes ... AND lingerie and heels.

You can find regular GG clothing anywhere online, but if you want ideas for alternative looks especially if you plan on keeping this private, go to this catalog and let your imagination soar! :) It's mostly a wiccan catalog, but there's a bit of everything:
http://www.pyramidcollection.com/ShopCategory.aspx?ID=51,1818

[Rebecca Cross Bracer]

You say it's sexual for you? If that's the case then I would say, like others, you start with what turns you on. It's sexual for me too. I love pantyhose and that's where I started. Then I moved to heels and lingerie. More times than not when Rebecca comes out to play, she never gets past a pair of pantyhose/stockings, a bra or corset, and a nice tall pair of high heels. Go with what you like in a woman. If that doesn't turn you on, CDing probably isn't for you. Just my thoughts.

[CherylFlint]

Actually, it may be more of an “identity” thing than “sexual”.
But that’s nitpicking.
For a bra, go to a professional fitter, a mastectomy bra fitter. Call, state your case, say that you would like to dress as a woman but need help. They will either say “Yes” or “No”.
Same with a wig.
Get plenty of catalogs.
Visit the thrift stores.
Get "Makeovers" at cosmetic counters.
You can throw away a lot of money and, more importantly, time by not following the above suggestions.
Get a real female to help who’ll be able to tell you the truth about how you look. Take photos.
Be SAFE and HAVE FUN!

[Beverley Sims]

Whatever you like, lingerie and nightwear did it for me.
I still love my baby doll PJ's in the summertime.

[colleen ps]

Reading between the lines. I guess you have already tried something on! If I were you, I would buy a nice expensive pair of stockings and suspender belt along with some nice comfy panties and wear them for a day. If you get on OK, then shave ze legs and try a skirt. Once you get a feel for it, You will be hooked and won't be able to stop buying new clothes! Then and only then will you realise why there are so many of us here.

[JayeLefaye]

How to get started is a question many/most of us never had to ask.
If you think starting is hard, just wait until you try to stop.

Hi Aurora, and welcome to the Forum.

Keeping the pocketbook in mind, and before you spend too much money on-line for things that don't fit, it's easy to get started with thrift stores and a visit to a "Dollar" store, at least if you live in the USA.

At a "Dollar" store, you can grab a few pairs of undies that you think might fit. At the thrift store, you can grab several different items off the racks that you think might be close to a fit....Trust me, no one will care that you're a guy! For about $30, you'll save a fortune by finding out your size without a lot of expensive trial and error. Thrift stores are also great for jammies and robes and such. Just walk in, grab a few things, pay for them and walk out.

Not only will you learn a lot about what size to buy, but you'll also get a thrill out of actually being brave enough to buy something in person.

Good luck to ya!

Jaye

[immike]

I enjoyed experimenting with pantyhose,with a dress&heels,out of Mothers closet,after she left for work in the morning!

[Alvie]

For me it was lipstick that triggered something in me from my past to want to go further.. Panties, bras hose and a top or 2 have followed.. Looking forward to a female friend to finally help me with make-up and to do some shopping..

[Raquel Maire]

For me its the undergarments bras, panties, waist clincher, stockings. The dress and skirts come later but under garments are what gets me going!!!

[Sindyca]

How is it possible that you dont know what would you like to wear,every crossdresser know what is for him most sensual to wear, before i started to dress i had a dream i was on top of building in black silk dress and after that i knew what i would like to wear

[Kirsty Louise]

For me the first thing was the Old fashion style girdle with attaching suspenders and stockings (YES) I love lingerie and nightwear,I cant remember the last time I did'nt sleep in them

Kirst X

[HelenR2]

Research clothes sizes and buy stuff that will fit you. No matter how great that special item looked in the shop/catalogue if it doesn't fit you it will never look good, never feel right. Only buy shoes from a store so you can walk around the shop to see how they fit. If they don't feel right in the shop they never will.

[Sissy Jane]

Then with that item on, it is like being struck by lightening! A feeling of .. Dear Lord!!! What is happening to me!! Some strange unexplainable feeling of .. something! For some it is sexual excitement, for others it is a thrill of unexplainable character and for some, especially when starting later in life, it is a feeling of fulfillment, and for some it is something else. But for everybody it is this feeling of YES YES YES!!!! I was MISSING THIS!!!! What the HECK is it??

And then, you are stuck! Cant stop doing it and eventually, you end up in a chat forum like this trying to find out why :)

Best description ever!! I had always shown interest in a women's clothing, tried some on a couple of times but about 3 months ago the lightning struck me so very hard!!! Can't stop now - want to try so many new things.

As others said - look for what excites you and have fun!

- Jane

[Diane1950]

ChristinaK is right. Buy whatever floats your boat, and expand from there. For me it was bras and panties, then slips, pantyhose and makeup.

[Lexi_83]

Thank you all for the replies and advice.:) I've made up my mind to start with a pair or two of panties and go from there. I'm thinking about getting a pair for lounging around my apartment and another to wear when I'm feeling a bit adventurous (in public under my jeans). I'm pretty excited! Any tips on buying. I'm definitely a plus sized guy. I'm looking at Amazon right now and I'm not really sure what to look for.Panty manufacturers will have a size chart. They are usually sized by measuring around your hips. Panty sizes are numbered and the higher the number the larger the size, up to 15 or so. Anything from 8 or up is probably plus sized. There are many, many styles, materials and colors.

[Stephanie A]

Yes, I wear size 7 that fits me the best. Depending on the product. Colors are endless, and styles. Anything that is silky and smooth and is snug hmmmmm yes.

[Stephanie A]

Yes, of course then there is thigh stockings. and stockings with a garter belt. Pantyhose is wonderful too.

[immike]

My excitement began when I started sneaking into mothers closet&trying on dresses&skirts.I started getting bolder,after she would leave in the morning to go to
work&I would start to try on her dress slacks,her tops,all of her silk blouses&I began getting bolder,so I lifted a fresh,unopened pkg of her hundreds of pairs of pantyhose&carefully put them on&carefully put on one of her good skirtsuits&stepped into a pair of her heels&spent the morning,practicing walking in heels,sitting at her makeup table,trying on her wigs,doing my hair&makeup,with all the draperies closed&the house locked up tight.I was nearly caught,as my sister made a surprise
appearance,so I sprinted,in heels,down the basement&hid,until my sister left

[Stephanie A]

Yes, I too got caught by my wife. She does not like my feminine side, so I do it when ever I can. Even wearing panties when she is around.

[flatlander_48]

AL:

As far as crossdressers go:

You're not the First,
And you won't be the Last,
But you could be the Next...

DeeAnn

[Janine cd]

I started with underwear. I worked my way from panties, bra, camisole, and pantyhose to skirt, blouse and heels. It all depends upon what you feel most comfortable in. I love wearing dresses, full makeup and an assortment of wigs. This is a personal choice which you may not aspire to. Good Luck, Hon.

[kkaye]

If it is a sexual thing then. Just enjoy what attire or fixing up that floats your boat. But like some of us. Going femme is a way of life and a part of an existence like with me. It has made me happy finally.

[Lexi_83]

One caveat. Women's shoes are hard to find over size 11 - except when it comes to high, high heels which come in sizes up to NBA Center.

But few women and probably even fewer crossdresserr can even stand up straight in anything over about 3". If you buy something with even a 3/4" or 1" heel you'll feel like you are walking on stilts.

[Adriana Moretti]

whatever you do...and whatever you wear....just make sure you have FUN doing it........good luck on your journey xoxo

[Curiosity666]

Thank you all for the replies and advice.:) I've made up my mind to start with a pair or two of panties and go from there. I'm thinking about getting a pair for lounging around my apartment and another to wear when I'm feeling a bit adventurous (in public under my jeans). I'm pretty excited! Any tips on buying. I'm definitely a plus sized guy. I'm looking at Amazon right now and I'm not really sure what to look for.

I recently made a compendium of size charts. I'd say buy yourself a tape measure and then google how to take your measurements (note that for girls it's different then for guys).

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9Hk_No4hjSkajhPbVVLY25YVGs/view?usp=sharing

Look up in the spreadsheet and it should give you your size for different countries. It also has a table to convert your shoe size to woman's size too :) Note that both myself and others find that manufacturers sizing always differs slightly, between brands. There was a really nifty tool online where you could put in your measurements and it would tell you what size you should wear for different brands (actually telling you how tight/loose it would be on your different body parts) but I seem to have lost the link :(

EDIT: Google drive messes up the formatting, you'll have to download the file and open in excel. I promise I'm not trying to give you viruses :)