Perception of women?

[xNicolex]

Ok so here is one that I expect will have many different answers. Has being a crossdressers changed the way you look at women? By this I mean most non CDing men will look at an attractive woman and think about one thing if you know what I mean :heehee: But for me although I am aware that a woman is attractive that is not the first thing I notice, It's either her outfit or her hair :eek: lol I'm pretty sure my crossdressing is to blame for that :o Do you girls ever notice this?

[Diane Smith]

Absolutely, all the time. Noticing too much, especially while driving, is going to get me in an accident someday.

- Diane

[ellbee]

Difficult to say -- considering I started at the age of 6. :laughing:


I will say that gaining a lot of weight over the past few years has made me a lot more sensitive to women's body image issues. I look like a total mess, and feel awful about it. It's not easy looking in the mirror sometimes. :(


And I am doing something about it now, but I've got a long road ahead. Then again, I can lose weight *fast* -- GG's don't typically have that same luxury.


In the meantime, I'm not "ready" to start getting fully dolled-up again. I want to jump right in, but I know I wouldn't look good.


Women definitely don't have it easy, on some different levels than men.

[Ellie Summer]

Yea definitely. Its a source of inspiration. I saw at least a couple women at the grocery store tonight that made me want to say "I love your outfit" or "I love the way you did your hair", but I don't want to come off as a creep so I just give them their space.

[Rachael Leigh]

Without question while I notice an attractive women I look at her clothes much more closely than most men I'm quite sure.

[Ineke Vashon]

I've "tested" the water a few times by quietly complimenting a woman on a skirt, or blouse or something she wears well. I make sure I smile because I know women do that (much more than men). So far all have smiled in return and/or said Thank You.

How I'd love to be able to freely walk through a store like she does :daydreaming:.

Ineke

[ellbee]

Yea definitely. Its a source of inspiration. I saw at least a couple women at the grocery store tonight that made me want to say "I love your outfit" or "I love the way you did your hair", but I don't want to come off as a creep so I just give them their space.

Yes, I suppose that could potentially be done in a way where you end up being maced, or kneed in the groin, or something. :laughing:


On the flip side, you could really make someone's day. :thumbsup:


Maybe preface it by saying something like: "Hi, I hope you don't mind me saying so, but..." in a friendly, non-confrontational manner?

Just make sure their 'roided-up BF isn't nearby. ;)

[Alice Torn]

I must admit, that when i was much younger, and dresses and skirts were far more widely worn, i had this desire to draw a pencil drawing of them or their outfits.

[docrobbysherry]

I often try to copy the ones that really grab my attention. I saw this woman at the airport. Which explains the carry on.:daydreaming:

265950

[Sarah Louise]

Yes, definitely. Sometimes, I wonder if some women think I'm trying to look deep in their eyes but I'm just admiring their eye make-up!

I look at what they're wearing and there's no doubt that the sight of a well dressed woman triggers the desire to dress again. I just wish I could join in when they start complimenting each other on their outfits. Well I do a bit, but I'm careful to not to come over as someone who knows what they're talking about when it comes to women's fashion.

[NewBrendaLee]

I look at their hair and outfits all the time. I wish that I could dress like that all the time

[Alice_2014_B]

I generally notice first if they're wearing high heels and if said heels are my type; then the same goes for her outfit, but only if it's a skirt combo or a dress.
:)

[steffigirl37]

Yes it has. As a heterosexual male, an attractive woman would definitely turn my head. But I have always enjoyed looking at the clothes women are wearing, how they are wearing it, how they match their accessories and is it something I would enjoy wearing.

[Teresa]

Nicolex,
I'm not sure all men do look at women with one thing on their mind, but then I can't answer that from an all male point of view, as I said sometime ago I see the World through the eyes of a Cder because I don't know any other way.
I feel our perception does change over time, I recall at one time thinking if I saw a nicely dressed woman in the street as soon as I get home I will soon be looking like her.

Now that I go out I've found my perception has changed, I've developed my own look with the clothes that I feel suit me, and women have complemented me on it, so I feel I'm on a level with women and at the same time developed a respect for them , knowing how much it takes to get makeup and clothes right and the good and bad of wearing heels. When I see a good looking women now I think at times they might be having a bad day but looking good for a few hours might have given them that lift, I can appreciate that far more now.

[Anne K]

I have noticed that as well. I have also become sensitive to men leering at women. I can feel how uncomfortable it may be for some women. A few times i have even thought, "I wish I could wear that outfit!".

[DIANEF]

I look at women all the time, mainly to see what they're wearing, how they walk and move, how they act. My wife sometimes gives me a dig in the ribs if my glance lasts ever so slightly longer than it should, but I cant help it.

[Karine]

Since as I started crossdressing, I definitely look at women in a different way. I look at their outfits, heels, makeup. I try to imagine if their styles can fit me (especially taller women). And sometimes, I can send a wrong message. I mean once I was looking at the eye makeup of a woman and she thought that I had interest to her.
Furthermore, being in couple from three hours, even if I have to admit I am still sometimes just appreciate to look at attractive women (nothing more), I don't look at women with anything in mind except admiration.

[Kellitgdet]

When I'm in drab mode I notice all the details all women do that are uniquely feminine, what works and does not. I use to complement women on different things I liked about there look. Just keep it to myself now, I'm already pushing the boundries with my look and I'm not ready to be out to all. Now when I'm out and about as my fem-self, I love to talk to women about there look and ask questions, were did you get that or how did you do your eyeshadow....
It's amazing how open and friendly so many women are, that normally it would be hard to even be noticed.

[Lana Mae]

I am late to CDing (64) and after wife died!! Started CDing and thought I was looking at women with a lust thing going on but one day realized it was otherwise!! I observe women everywhere I go!! I was at an in-house concert and the lead singer had on an above the knee red geometric dress with black stockings and boots! I left because I thought I was being lustful and after thinking about it, I was jealous and wanted to be her!!! I thought this was absurd, but it was true!! As the song says, "I'm a girl watcher!" Hugs Lana Mae

[Krisi]

Yes, I might notice a woman's outfit, hair, jewelry or shoes a little more than when I was younger. Or that might just be because I've aged and sex is no longer the main thing on my mind.

[NancySue]

Absolutely 👗👠 ! I'm incurable and have been from my young beginning. I not only enjoy looking at what women are wearing, I browse through women's catalogs even check out store maniquins, I figure, the store will put the latest fashions for everyone to see and go on line often. I see what the local, current dress is. Unfortunately, it's pretty plain, almost sloppy, casual. I hardly ever see hair combed, makeup, earrings, or my favorites...heels & hose. When I go out, I really have to tone it down a lot to "blend" in. Our community is very conservative...very. Being "read" would not be good.

[rockerreds]

I see women as fellow travelers.

[suchacutie]

I'very married for a long time and am quite happy with our relationship. As a result, before Tina arrived, women other than my wife were just other people, not that I didn't appreciate beauty, but that was it. Now, I always am looking at what works or doesn't work in the fashion sense.

BUT, the biggest change is the understanding of the world from a perspective I didn't have before. My wife and I have extensively discussed the emotional, psychological, sociological, and expectational aspects of growing up as a girl and then living in the world as a woman. WOW! Frankly, most men just don't get it. Sometimes I think the world would be a better place if all 18 year old men were required to live as women for a year, and have a girl mentor for that time. Perspective is an amazing thing!

[Gretchen_To_Be]

Hi Nicole

Absolutely! In the past--before I began to actively CD, I would look at them with a combination of envy and attraction. I'd examine their clothing, and naturally my eye was drawn to heels and especially sheer hose, but I really had little first hand experience and wasn't aware of all the style options and terminology. Because I was younger and my "male" drive was still quite strong, I'd park the CD thoughts, not wanting to drive away a potential date or GF.

Once I met my wife and we married, I didn't CD for 13 or 14 years, but it was enjoyable to live vicariously thru her by shopping with and for her.

Now that I am out to her, and can enjoy my feminine wardrobe openly, my knowledge of fashion and makeup has expanded dramatically. I find myself definitely checking out small details of women's makeup and attire, wondering how things would look on me. I can still appreciate a beautiful woman, and I still feel the envy.

[Jane G]

100% the out fit and look first then the woman. Still most definable notice the woman though. LoL

I am very conscious of this trait in the office. Many is the time I have started a conversation with a female colleague about fashion and then had to deliberately act the dumb waiter, so as not to give too much away about my reason for asking.

[Helena J]

Since I started dressing I have realised how much effort women put into what they are wearing and the time they spend on looking good. For some reason I have started complementing women if I love there shoe's or makeup etc i will just complement some women that i love there eyeliner or winged eyeliner and eyeshadow and it looks awesome so far they all have smiled when I do - secretly though if I see a really atractive women in public I tend to look at the way she moves walking to be able to emulate it and some times I would wish I could be her to be free to be able to walk into department stores and try on clothes shoes that will fit me and try makeup testers etc getting makeup openly and not be scared to ask for help from the makeup counter.just a day dream some times

[Ceera]

Definitely. Since I started expressing my own feminine side I look at women and almost immediately note the details of their clothes, how they walk and move, how they did their makeup and styled their hair, and how they talk and interact. I still appreciate it if they are attractive, since I'm still attracted to women in either presentation mode. But I definitely am mentally 'taking notes' on what works for them and why, and on what fails for them and should be avoided.

In male mode, I'll sometimes complement a lady on her clothes, shoes of other details, and it usually goes well. Can't say I've ever had a particularly bad reaction that way.

In female mode I complement other women a lot, and trade info on where we got an item of clothing or shoes or jewelry or nail polish. I was in a mall food court en-femme and a lady at a nearby table complemented me on how cute my shoes were. I told her where I got them, and a moment later I slipped one off to check the brand. She saw me looking at the inside of the shoe and commented to her male friend, "Oh! She's going to tell me what brand they are." She was quite pleased.

[Leslie Langford]

Absolutely! I see it as an occupational hazard that we need to be aware of, and one that we have to contend with on a daily basis. I think it actually appears in the CD Job Description somewhere... ;) :heehee:

That said, I would add that it probably also brings us closer to women on some level - although that's a level that some might not appreciate too much as they may consider it as detracting from their "feminine mystique" and overall sex appeal.

We totally "get" the concept of a closet full of clothes and shoes but declaring "I have nothing to wear!", the time and effort it takes to put together a "look" that we favour, how wearing a bra and heels might be considered uncomfortable and onerous, and how insidious and financially challenging an addiction to makeup or shoes can be. :eek: :doh:

What I don't "get" (actually, I do ;) ) is their almost universal disdain for pantyhose ("tights" to my non-North American Commonwealth friends). Personally, I love them and they are one of the cornerstones of my crossdressing. Seeing a GG in the wild wearing hose these days is akin to catching a glimpse of the Loch Ness monster or the Abominable Snowman, so when I come across one who is doing so, it is all the more rewarding and makes me that much more appreciative of her effort to accessorize in that way. :daydreaming:

[Micki_Finn]

I for one have always had the utmost respect for women (probably to a fault) so I don't know that it changed the way I perceive women, but it has really opened my eyes to how poorly women are treated. I can't believe when I'm in girl mode how many men talk to me like I'm stupid or a child. OH MY GOD... It's pretty amazing how condescending men can be. My wife has complained about it for years (we both have to work with the public) and while I never doubted her that it was bad, I'm shocked just how pervasive it really is.

[LilSissyStevie]

I don't dress in any way that an average or normal woman would care to dress. So I'm not trying to emulate women in any way. When I see an attractive woman I am more curious about what's under her clothes than I am about wearing them. My wife never wears makeup or heels and rarely wears dresses (and still looks damn good!) so it's her that has to try to understand why I put in the effort I do to achieve a look. I can honestly say that my crossdressing provides absolutely no understanding of women, what they go through or why they do what they do. I have to look elsewhere for that.

[stormy_skyxx]

Hello Nicole and hello girls..
This is a very interesting question in my humble opinion....
To me it definately has changed my perception, and also when i do cd and go out let me see the whole world under another point of view.
That said i do love to look at the way woman and girls are dressed, and it often happens that i envy their dresses or shoes....something that i might have done even before, but since i started to accept my feminine side has definately became stronger and stronger
Gilda

[MelanieAnne]

My thoughts? "Where'd ya get those shoes? I want them!

[Judy-Somthing]

Same here, At work last year a woman came in and after she left I said "wow, her dress was so sexy" the guy working with me said "don't you mean she was sexy?

[Amanda Park]

I love to see a woman who has taken the time and energy to put on an attractive, feminine outfit and who has done a nice job on her makeup. I am always drawn into wondering how she makes it all work to her advantage.

I don't look at women thinking "that one looks really hot" but rather with a wish that I could look as good as that.

[krissy]

I have it bad i love to look at women to see what they are dressing like how they do their makeup nails the whole woman. i respect women love everything about them. i used to look at women just for sex now i see a person and that could be me:hugs::drink::brolleyes::love:

[sometimes_miss]

Has being a crossdressers changed the way you look at women?
It would be hard to tell, because the only time I wasn't a crossdresser was way back when I was 6. So it's hard to remember exactly how I might have 'changed'.

[Zafira Skye]

Great question, complex response. I tend to believe in the concept of personality hard wiring, in that I was predisposed to be a crossdressing male from my youngest days. The rich soil of the nature/nurture of my younger self stimulated a natural inclination of dressing as a girl which germinated, sprouted and flourished into a wonderful flower. Whilst not being overtly effeminate as a regular guy, I recognise layers and shades of who I am which are fascinated to the point of fetish about so many things female. The female shape, look, scent and personality all mesmerise me. I am captivated and absorbed. My perception is so influenced by my crossdressing. I perceive women, in fact most of life, through the lens of my crossdressing. I feel connected to many women in some ways due to my passions for feminine clothing. From my perspective, I feel a deeper appreciation and respect for woman because in some small ways my gender intersects with theirs. I like to think this commonality is why I support feminism and equality so strongly.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Nicole:hugs:, I have been a girl watcher for most of my life, When I see an exceptionally lovely lady
I make a mental picture and dissect her look and how I can try to copy her look when I'm dressing next time...:daydreaming:...

[Jenn A116]

Absolutely! I look at women through two different pairs of eyes. On one hand is the standard male response as to the attractiveness of the woman. On the other hand is Jenn's perspective as to how the outfit looks and how well put together she is. Judging if the outfit is something that would work for Jenn soon follows.

[Sephone]

I don't know when exactly my perspective changed, but it definitely changed. I now look at the outfit, the make-up, nails,...

[GBJoker]

My perception has not changed in the slightest. Guess I'm still thinking that "one thing."

[Amelie]

Unless the woman is a goth/punk/rockabilly style then I don't notice women all that much. So I guess I am in agreement that the answer is, I look at how a woman is dressed and her make up.

[S. Lisa Smith]

I guess I'm like most of us here. I react to women like other women do. Check out their clothes, makeup and shoes. :)

[tammigurl]

As a long time CD, I love and admire GGs/women and constantly (sans creeping them out) examine their makeup first, overt signs of lingerie, outfits, heels, hosiery (or the lack of it), mannerisms and the way they move/walk/. In particular, I observe women of my approx height and weight. I do this to get first hand hints about dressing realistically, makeup and their body language; I also must confess I think about them sexually too (the right type of woman) and making love to them en femme.

[Ressie]

I tend to look at details that I might consider adding to my look when dressing (accessories etc.).

[Gwyneth]

This thread isn't going this direction, but if I ever get the courage to CD (and I'm close) I will be the one wanted other men to get that one thing on their mind. I don't see that on this forum much.

[chris80]

Being a crossdresser has not changed the way I look at females as I have envied their way of dressing since I was 3 or 4 years old. I rarely got the chance to try on a dress as I had no sisters but when I did eventually get to dress fully I was even more envious of the way girls' clothes felt to wear. I have always looked at girls and wished I could wear such clothes without mockery from the world. I have since had such chances and been shopping dressed with my wife without adverse comment. It saddens me that women these days who have the chance to brighten up the scenery wear such drab jeans and tops. I like to compliment women who do enjoy feminine clothing, and hope they enjoy such compliments.