Do "The clothes make the woman"?

[Robin414]

I'm dressed pretty much full on right now but thinking I'd still feel like a chic if I were wearing nothing (ok, maybe a frozen chic, like a frozen chicken dinner).

I love my skinny jeans, girly boots, and nail polish though cuz that's what I can see and it reminds me that I'm a girl! Makeup? I can't see that unless I look in a mirror (not to often when I'm out)...

Anyone else feel that the clothes make the woman?

[ClosetED]

No, your brain makes the woman. We exist in what our brains tell us. It gets its data from senses and from memory. Like you can't see the makeup unless you look in mirror, but you might feel eyelashes heavier with mascara, your lips feel slicker with lipstick, noises and tugging from earrings, seeing the nail polish, the feel of skinny jeans, the clop of heels or squeeze of boots, smell of perfume, constriction from bra, etc. Your memory of what you are wearing and where you are and consequences also feed your brain. Your memory of what society normally allows and how you are not conforming to that feeds in.
That is what makes you feel feminine - a woman, if you chose that label.
Unless we don't exist at all and are just someone else's dream ...
Existentially yours,
Ellen

[audreyinalbany]

I've gotta admit I don't feel so girly with out my girl accouterments. Not necessarily make up, but leggings, heels, dresses, or even skinny jeans (I'm not that skinny) and a girly top. When I'm wearing nothing I don't feel so much like a 'chic.'

[Tracii G]

I'm girly all the time no matter what I wear.
Rarely wear guy clothes so maybe that has something to do with it.

[Jaylyn]

I would say for me that the feel of the clothes and all the accessories under the dress makes me feel more like a woman. I just dress from time to time and almost always dress in where I can see myself in the mirror. As I get closer to bed night fully dressed I start to enjoy the sensations that the complete outfits bring.
I believe ClosetED also has a point it's definitely all the feelings of the makeup and the clothing underneath even to hearing a swish of my panty hose sometimes and definitely click of my heels.
When I do my nails it makes me feel more femme and I guess that's a visual feeling. Seems all of this together makes me feel a little like a woman or just makes me wish I could be one for a while.

[sometimes_miss]

As always, it's in the eye of the beholder. Most men don't care what a woman's wearing, as we imagine them naked anyway; so Walmart outfits or Sach's fashion clothes aren't all that important as we want them to come off anyway. From a crossdressers' perspective, it's a little different. We appreciate the subtle differences that clothes can accentuate her curves, figure. The difference between Fredericks of Hollywood and Venus catalog items from, say, Lands end make it obvious which is designed to enhance sexual attraction, and which is more modest. For me, wearing things that look like appropriate attire for what I feel like I am supposed to be, makes a huge difference.

[reb.femme]

I like to be completely made up for that 100% feeling, but I can make do with dressing down i.e. no makeup or wig, but that for me is only in the short term.

Becky

[paulaprimo]

im with you robin... luv my skinny jeans, boots and nails done also.
but i also like a little eye shadow and lipstick just in case i walk by
a mirror... don't want to lose my lunch!! ;)

[Robin414]

LOL Paula, makeup does help keep in place for me too when I do come face to face with myself 😉

[JanetW]

For me clothes DO make the woman. I don't feel very girly in drab mode.

[Maria 60]

You know the saying "she looks like a 3 dressed up as a 9.

[Robin414]

Thanks Maria, I'm not gonna get THAT tune outta my head for months now LOL 😂

Seriuosly though, next to "Man, I feel a woman" that's probably the next one on the play list when I go out...sooo gotta change that play list! 😩

[phylis anne]

No I don't think so just like clothes do not make the man it is what is inside us I believe that defines us ,that being said i have seen some fantastic women that fashion wise were totally opposite of their true person
hugs phylis anne

[bimini1]

What's weird over here is there are times I actually feel more femme with males clothes on than girls. It's like I am in this middle twilight zone. Hyper aware of my masculine side whilst dressed en femme and hyper aware of my feminity when presenting male. This doesn't happen all the time but it does happen.

[Robin414]

That's true Phylis, the clothes don't make the person...I think the person makes the clothes (ok, don't take that literally, it's meant as a metaphor, damn social media, you can't see my freaking body language 'n stuff right now, I'm trying to be philosophical here 😡 )

[Teresa]

Robin,
I'm not kidding anyone that I'm a spring chicken, maybe more a game old bird !
I don't do jeans or trousers so the legs always show which I much prefer .
As to your question the clothes bring mind and body together, if part of your mind feels it's a woman the outward appearance satisfies an inner need, that's how I see it. I can feel that without makeup or a wig but doing the whole thing is still something special , nothing really compares with it.

[uwho1976]

My opinion the clothes do not make the woman, as we all started with putting the clothes on first

[PattyT]

For me it is the action that counts. The posting by sometime-miss really holds true for me too. When I’m out en femme I am in a different world from the everyday routine. It is downright exhilarating to feel the feminine effect that really feminine attire gives me. It feels just completely right and natural somehow.
It does not surprise me that those who wear just slightly feminine attire or the modern pseudo feminine attire don’t get any feminine effect from them. Those who wear clothes to express their feminine side but opt for just a few items or not all that feminine type attire might well be not expressing their feminine side and wind up discouraged or disappointed.
Crossdressing means just that, getting into real female attire all they way.

[lingerieLiz]

So many different feelings. Today I feel i'm me and wearing fem cloths are what I should be wearing. On the other end of age, in my youth getting fully dressed and out gave me the feeling of being a girl. As I think back some of my movements were the equal of most any girl. On the other hand today my movements are that of an old lady. LOL

[Mykaa]

Well I enjoy clothing and it operates in varying levels, Since joining here I wear something everyday, even if its just panties. Im happier than ever. I clean up after work. I went out after getting home tonight to check on a friend, Gap jeans, black suede puma with very large white cat logo, my new to me Guess leather jacket. I went by a friends shop after finding who I was looking for had went home allready, No 1 said anything ya Im in androgynous mode, but Im dressed nice, I feel nice and it shows in my attitude too. I hid for years working all the time on cars wearing drab dirty clothes, No More! My toenails are painted, legs are in need of a shave again but hey, Im out and about and Im happy. I am setting goals for myself and hopefully improving as a person. I hope soon to actually meet some like minded people in person and make some new friends, so Yes I do think clothes are helping me.

[Misty Rae Pleasure]

I do admit full on dress complete with hair and makeup is the ultimate, although sometimes a little can go a long way.

Lady Pleasure

[heatherdress]

Robin - Good for you. I am glad you always feel good about who you are, dressed or not dressed. I can only say that I still feel like a guy, even when fully dressed, but I do enjoy the special feelings I have when dressed.

[NicoleScott]

No. It also takes a wig, makeup, nails, jewellery, perfume, and accessories.

[Wendy me]

i am inside in my heart and mind Wendy..... Wendy is not a cd she is trans ...... i got real boobs lol 38 c ... long blonde sliver hair .... that said clouthes yes got to have them love pretty undies ... love everything fem .... i am who i am no matter how i dress .... but i feel out of place in drab......give me something girly and 4 inch heels and i can rock it .... yar the make the whole thing ..... in drab i am crossdressing Wendy....

[pamela7]

in a word, "no". In a few more words, "they make a woman feel more womanly", "they make a woman in a male body feel more like their true self"

[Suzy Parker]

Clothes are window dressing on both men and women. It is really all about attitude and presentation. When everything syncs clothes can be very powerful for both men and women. I believe women have more ammunition as there are infinite styles and colors available over the standard boring man clothes. Today's women have fought hard to break old stereo types and dress comfortably and appropriate to the situation. I have no problem with this as everyone deserves freedom of expression. There is a true power through clothing and attitude that has partly faded as people tend to dress down as the norm. IMHO sexy jeans and tops do not turn my head. It's the woman in the store or mall wearing a nice skirt blouse and heels or a nice dress and heels that does. Sexy jeans or leggings are the norm these days and are everywhere so they don't really attract my attention. Like my signature says "Bring Back The Glamour"

[JanetW]

Fine post Suzy. Bring Back The Glamour indeed. Dutchess satin blouse, dark wool blend pencil skirt, full fashion seamed stockings and heels for example. It IS about attitude and presentation appropriate to the situation, be it a special event or a trip to the supermarket. For the latter I would still wear leggings or skinny jeans and a puffer jacket.

[Suzy Parker]

I do not venture out but if I did I would have a problem. My cautious man side would want to be very discreet and try to stay under the radar while Suzy would always go out even for groceries dressed to the nines. Suzy does not own one pair of pants or leggings, nothing but nice dresses, skirts, and blouses for her. When Suzy gets to visit it is always her way as there is no highway.

[Lily Catherine]

Most of it is in the wig, breasts (corollary: bra to hold them + matching panties) and foundation. Anything else is largely secondary, although lipstick and mascara are key assets as well..

Clothes indubitably form most of the tactile element of crossdressing, and can tend to be heavily gendered as well - especially manifested in the cutting, fitting and overall shape. As much as they do indeed accentuate a feminine form / shape, I won't wear them till I have some prior degree of female presentation above my neck.

[gina shiney]

Looks like I am in the minority here as I identify with underdressing and clothing definitely makes me female (mentally). Jeans, pants dull tops are drab doesn't matter male or female I can really identify with bring back the glamour. It's all in the mind anyway. Just look down. Maybe as I progress through to lots of post's my veiws will modify. While having some acc and maybe one day will use the polish clip on's and other forms of adornments that reside in the drawer they don't currently do it for ME. I definitely don't look in mirror as this could destroy my own picture of what I am while in that state. I "dress" when stressed depressed lonely and occasionally to relax gather thoughts or to understand another's perspective. (one can still be lonely whilst partnered)
I do not mean to diminish anyone and can only hope others feel the same.
Gina

[Helen_Highwater]

The clothes are a starting point but much more is needed.

Take any non CD male and dress them in full female regalia, top to toe, wig to heels, makeup, forms, hip padding the whole 9 yards. Chances are they're not suddenly going to feel feminine and have an overwhelming desire to go out and buy some more makeup or another dress. They may be good sports and act it up a bit but it's not likely it's something that will sit as a burning desire to be repeated at any and every opportunity.

Clothes are an enabler. They make it possible for us to be the person we want to be but it's us who add the magic ingredient. The walk, posture, hand gestures, any number of small but important factors that help us make the change. This is probably different for those who have transitioned. They are in a different place. A different normality.

I will agree that what I wear does influence how I feel as it does with GG's. However going back to my point about the non CD, putting him in a Dior ensemble isn't likely to make him feel suddenly glamorous.

[Krisi]

Strapping on a pair of boobs and a wig does not make you a woman. Same for a LBD and a pair of six inch heels.

They may make you look like a woman, they may make you try to act like a woman, but underneath it all, you are the same as you are when naked.

[Barbara Jo]

A male dresses in clothes that allow him express his masculinity. This might just consist of jeans and a t shirt, etc for some .
As the old adage goes..."clothes make the man"

A female dresses in clothes that expresses her femininity.....at least when the situation allows it.
What this consist of can vary of course with the individual.

I have actually worked with females (in a blue collar environment) who always wore a skirt or a dress saying it make them feel more female / feminine.
These ladies were Hispanic. I do not know what to make of this other than it's a cultural thing.

I have also known females who have had rather large breast and... liked to wear low cut blouses saying it makes then feel more "womanly" to do so.

When I go out in pubic en femme, I always wear either a skirt and blouse or a dress. I always dress in a manor that i like to call "classy femininity".
I should add that I am now almost 69 years old. :)

This morning, I went to the local mall wearing sort of a spring type, slightly below the knee shift dress. It was a dress of thin materiel in bright spring colors, since the weather is warming up here in NY.
I also wore pantyhose and, a full slip , etc,
I felt so feminine as I walked around the mall.
This included stores such as Target at the mall and a Walmart.

After I left the the mall, I walked around the "down town" area of my town for about a half hour
Again , i felt so feminine dressed this way.

To be honest, wearing pants would not have given me the same feminine feeling.

I have worn pants most of my life and it's now time for me to wear a dress or a skirt.:)

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Robin:hugs:, The clothes complete the illusion. :daydreaming: