Awesome Weekend; Looking Forwards

[RebeccaV]

This weekend my SO and I went out clothes shopping for the first time. We walked gabbed looked at things that might look good might not: the works. We went into the changing rooms I was able to try everything find goods and bads there was even an older woman that wore what looked like a genuine smile when she saw me so I was less alert. We ended up getting a few things for me and a few for my SO. It was just a phenomenal experience. I suppose my question will deal with next time. This time I was mostly in boy mode but if I/we wanted to do the next shopping trip with me a little dressed up what would be some good pointers you could all give? I'll definitely keep it more 'conservative' my first outing don't want to attract the bad kind of attention. If there aren't enough details shout and I'll do my best to provide them. :doh:

Thanks all!!!

[Patience]

Bring a pair of sunglasses, even if you think you won’t need them. They will help you avoid unwanted eye contact and allow you to be more discrete when scanning your surroundings, even though it’ll be less of an issue when shopping with another person.

[docrobbysherry]

U won't bother most SA's. It's other shoppers that may give u the eagle eye!:Angry3:

But, shopping with your SO will give u a legitimacy and free pass with most folks that make u!:thumbsup:

[Beverley Sims]

I like the idea of sunglasses, breaks up your face.

Dress smartly jeans and top work well forget the skirt unless it flatters you.

Practice walking in small steps and keep your legs together.

Wear flats or really low heels, appropriate for a casual look.

Smile, don't look like a deer in the headlights.

[Helen_Highwater]

Rebecca,

So, are we talking forms, wig, makeup, in other words the whole nine yards?

Certainly now higher heels. You're feet and legs will suffer if you do. Better to be physically comfortable and not have any unwelcome distractions. I'd say don't wear a dress. If you want to try on tops then it's a case of stripping it off and on again. That becomes a nuisance. Skirts with elasticated waists can make life easier.

Be confident, especially with the SA's. They will treat you like any other customer if you do and engage with them. Say hi, how's your day. I get the feeling for some having someone to have a quick chat to brightens their day.

If you're in a department store with a cafe, stop and have a bun and a drink. It'll give you a few moments to sit and relax. Enjoy just being there.

[Crissy 107]

Some very good shopping tips here, I love the sunglasses idea. The SA’s have seen plenty of guys shopping for themselves so just enjoy the experience. The small talk works well and they don’t mind it at all.

[Krisi]

If you wear sunglasses indoors where the sun isn't shining, you will attract unwanted attention to yourself. My thought is, if I'm shopping where people don't know me, I don't really care if they think I'm a crossdresser.

Now as for actually shopping, if you're going to be wearing hip pads and breast forms when dressed (I do), then you won't be able to try clothes on in stores unless you're wearing them or bring them along. Bringing them along would be a big bother and store employees might not let you take them in the dressing rooms anyway. What I do is shop at stores with an easy return policy. I try the clothes on when I get home and return anything that doesn't fit.

[Majella St Gerard]

My advice is to wear something that is easy to take off and put back on while in the changing room. Other than that dress appropriate.

[RebeccaV]

Rebecca,

So, are we talking forms, wig, makeup, in other words the whole nine yards?

Certainly now higher heels. You're feet and legs will suffer if you do. Better to be physically comfortable and not have any unwelcome distractions. I'd say don't wear a dress. If you want to try on tops then it's a case of stripping it off and on again. That becomes a nuisance. Skirts with elasticated waists can make life easier.

Be confident, especially with the SA's. They will treat you like any other customer if you do and engage with them. Say hi, how's your day. I get the feeling for some having someone to have a quick chat to brightens their day.

If you're in a department store with a cafe, stop and have a bun and a drink. It'll give you a few moments to sit and relax. Enjoy just being there.

Helen. The logical next steps are a wig and maybe makeup that ill borrow from my SO. Forms and other more "advanced" materials we will discuss I know she has feelings about that but that's not a topic for here. So maybe 6 of the 9 yards or so. I will definately be more personable with other SA's because Helen (hahahahaha) was amazing. I'll have to look for a cafe or two and see what I can find out here.

@everyone that recommended it I will definitely be trying sunglasses. Might have to borrow my SO's if mine aren't "unisex".

[Eemz]

That does sound awesome :)

I agree with previous posters. The worst thing you can do is sneak around like you're doing something wrong. By doing that you're giving people the message that you believe you are, and they'll agree. Walk in like this is a perfectly normal thing to do, which it is, and people will agree with that instead.

Krisi is right. Some people might think you're a crossdresser. As long as they don't hassle you - who cares. First - they're right, and second - you'll never see them again as long as you live so their opinions of you are irrelevant.

You gotta own it.

[Sometimes Steffi]

I'd suggest wearing leggings, even if you wear them under jeans. It's easy to try on clothes over leggings, and it wouldn't be unusual to see a GG in leggings trying on clothes.

[Patience]

If you wear sunglasses indoors where the sun isn't shining, you will attract unwanted attention to yourself. Suuuure, a male going out and about wearing women’s clothing can be certain that s/he won’t attract unwanted attention as long as s/he isn’t wearing sunglasses.:BS:

I don’t know where Krisi is, Rebecca, but IME, folks in the U.S. wear sunglasses everywhere for a variety of reasons.

Just be sure to leave the parasol at home. :roflmao:

[Micki_Finn]

I’ve gotta agree with Krisi. Hiding behind sunglasses when they aren’t called for is a good way to DRAW attention to yourself and not DEFLECT it. It all goes back to dressing for the occasion.

[Eboni Robinson]

Wearing sunglasses is a great idea. I have been to quite a few places in the US, and I have literally never seen sunglasses draw anyone's attention. I agree with Patience, they have been a valuable tool. Especially for those crossdressing in their town or community.