Crossdressing as a senior

I'm 67 years old, and, reading the posts on here, I see several other ladies who would qualify for senior discounts at most establishments.

As a male, I'm not concerned about the effect aging has on my appearance. When I visualize myself as woman, though, I tend to think of someone younger and more conventionally attractive. I'm at a loss about how to bridge that gap. Of course, I haven't yet started on the journey of learning makeup, and I don't yet know how a dark wig instead of my head of gray hair will change my looks.

Do any of you who are in this age bracket have any thoughts, comments, opinions on this topic? Are there other concerns that effect us?

I'm 66 and I wear what I want. Add make up and proper wig does tend to make you look 10 to 15 years younger people say.
Get a wig with a salt and pepper look to it and you should be fine.
A lot of your look will be trial and error so you will find what looks right eventually.

There are many members over 60 Darci, in fact there are more older members than younger, from what I read.

The clothes are one thing - but make up and a wig are what transform us. It's astounding what a difference they can make- we're talking decades.

You'd think that our maturity (late-50s me) would mean we're more got-together than younger members, but it isn't necessarily true. Many of us are still struggling with issues stemming from childhood, and young people today find themselves in a far more accepting world than we did.

Good luck and don't be afraid to experiment!

Like others have said a wig carefully selected and makeup will assist you well.

Wear appropriate clothing so as it does not clash with your outward appearance.

Do enjoy and read what others have to say all the time.

"Wearing appropriate clothing" would instantly identify me as the proverbial little ole' lady. T'aint going to happen. I enjoy colorful and non appropriate clothing too much. So I forget about make up and wigs, I avoid mirrors and remain a closeted crossdresser. Uh, make that a "crossdresser-in-residence.":battingeyelashes:

That is my choice, at 85.

Ineke

I'm 70 and have gone shopping a few times and I think dressing age appropriate will draw less attention, but I'd really rather dress in something flashy (oh well). I also have a ash blonde wig with a little gray. Confidence is the biggest thing, if you feel good and smile you will look good and have a ball!

Darcilin,
I'm the same age , all I can say is don't let age hold you back . I've been out full time since February without a single problem .

To me the basics were , get a skin colour check for makeup and bite the bullet to go to a decent wig outlet and try on different styles and colours . To be truthful I don't even give my age a thought , it's all too easy to talk yourself into the pipe and slipper brigade but I have so much living to catch up on as Teresa it will be a while yet before I put my heels up !

Age isn't a barrier , it shouldn't close any doors for us .

I'm in my mid 60's so in choosing what to wear I look at GG's in my age bracket. This generally means being more conservative however that doesn't mean I can't dress both smartly and with an eye to elegance.

There are many mature females who remain youthful and dress well portraying a stylish look without resorting to being a slave to current fashion.

With so many hair colourants on the market many mature ladies banish any hint of grey so opting for a wig that's a warmer tone isn't pushing the boundaries beyond what's normal.

Keeping makeup subdued but sufficient to cover up beard is a trick that needs mastering. YouTube and close observation are two good tools to use and for want of saying the same thing over and over, getting a foundation check and general advice from one of the beauty counters will take you a long way(and it's exciting too).

One last thing. A well tailored coat or jacket sets off any look but remember, more mature ladies will also favour functionality over out right fashion. Something warm for the winter!

Age should not be a drawback. Obviously I cannot dress at 64 as I did at 25. However, I exercise daily and eat healthy. I do this for my personal well being; not for presentation purposes. But the effect is a more youthful appearance. Now eventually father time will catch up to all of us but let's try to stay ahead as long as possible.

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I'm at a loss about how to bridge that gap. Of course, I haven't yet started on the journey of learning makeup, and I don't yet know how a dark wig instead of my head of gray hair will change my looks.

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Makeup - I've noticed that each GG over 40 sticks with the same makeup that they believe works for them. It's the same for many CDs. Makeup can get complicated and time consuming. I've met CDs that spend over 1000 hours per year experimenting with makeup. They are then ones that have mastered the art. So, get started and learn from a few youtube videos.

And will a dark wig be best with your complexion? Most of us have best results from trying on wigs at a wig salon rather than buying from websites. Wigs aren't returnable which is another reason to go to a wig salon. If I only had the nerve to apply makeup before going out to try on wigs. Just don't get the right look without it.

Another thing to thing about is walking in heels somewhat gracefully. Always have a pair of flats handy in case the heels aren't working. All of this stuff really applies to all age groups.

Ressie,

That bit about the heels is the truth! I tried to wear mine to walk the dog a few days ago (pre-dawn darkness, nobody around to see me) just to get the practice. But I found walking down the sidewalk is not nearly the same as walking down the hall, where I can brace against wall if I start to lose my balance. Ended up falling and practically breaking my neck (well, not literally, but scraped my hand and bruised my butt)!

A pair of flats would be helpful. I've got that on my list for my next shopping excursion.

I'm nervous about going to a wig salon, for a couple reasons. One is I don't know enough to know what I don't know, i.e., what questions to ask. Second is I have no idea what to expect in terms of price (being retired, I'm on a limited -- practically non-existent -- budget). And third is that I still haven't worked up the nerve to shave the goatee, so I'm not really ready to buy one yet. I've been thinking about buying a cheap one ($12) on Amazon, figuring it's probably going to be a throw-away, but just for having something to experiment with as starting point.

Thanks for your reply, and all the other ladies that have posted.

Women age, much like men. If you don't want to look like a fool (either in public or in your own home), you should dress your age. Some folks might take that to mean "frumpy" like folks in a nursing home. You don't have to do that, you look at what women your age wear and wear the same sort of clothes, hair and makeup. The time has passed for you to try for that "young hot chick" look.

I'm 71. I'm an in home cross dresser who does on occasion take evening strolls. Before marriage almost 50 years ago my six foot one height was a great assets. Attracted lots of women, and, unfortunately for shorter guys being tall was a business asset. Now the height is not an asset. There is not too much I can do to get rid of those distinguished aging line on my face. Applying tons of makeup liked I was plastering a wall is not my cup of tea. I've always worn dresses. I dress age appropriate which means knee length =/- two to three inches and midi calf. I'd say the dresses would be worn in the thirty five to fifty years old age group. I have no idea was 'frumpy' means. I am not my grandmother, rest her soul! Of course that male pattern baldness is dealt with by wearing a shoulder length grey wig. I do have two other wigs; blond and brunette. I've been thinking of getting a brunette with greying in it. When it comes to footwear I do have narrow heels up to five inches, but, rarely wear those. When I do it is around the house. Outside I choose to wear a wedge with a two inch heel. I am fortunate that I have never had hair follicles on the back of my thighs and calves. What hair I ever had on my shins was fine and light. Never had hair on my underarms. My wife gets irritated since she still has to shave. She says it is 'wasted on a guy!' No need to shave other than my face. That's one benefit of the aging process, and, being in the diabetic pool.

Advice for the younger set; watch your diet from a young age. It is a lot easier to keep it off than take it off.

I'm 75, Darcy. I consider myself a closet dresser because my regular friends don't know I dress and I NEVER dress in public near home.:thumbsdn:
But, I attend many T events out at clubs, T friendly venues, and in Vegas. Most of my T friends say I look 50's. Because of my figure and style of dress, I think? I don't "dress to blend" very well!:heehee:

Of course, Sherry presents as a woman in her 20/30's!:battingeyelashes:

I think you're as old as u feel! U can match that age with your looks if u really want to. I'm wearing a beard and stash in this, and most of my pics by the way!:daydreaming:

Attachment 298068

I'm not too far behind you in age.
I started with a grey wig thinking that it was appropriate since it matched my current hair color. However. most women our age color their hair. Not necessarily the same color as their natural color when they were young, but often a little lighter.
My hair was mousy brown before it went grey. i found a wig (appropriate length for my age) in that color with a few grey hairs throughout. I think that it fits me well appearance wise.
I'll echo most of the other advice here. Practice with makeup, get undergarments to present appropriate curves, and dress your age.

Just because we age doesn't mean we have to dress frumpy but dressing like a pre teen or a hooker is probably not a good choice.
If you have great legs and a slim figure play them up to your advantage tastefully and with style of course.
Skirts and dresses are popular here and look great on many members.
A good wig salon will help finding the color that works for you.

turning 65 this month i love my mini skirts and heels as much as anyone,
but i would NEVER wear them out. make up does make me look younger
so i dress age appropriate, conservative and to blend. :)

I'm 69. My only advice is don"t wear fishnet stockings.

I don't go out dressed anyway, so I wear what is FUN---Hang my age.---My Wigs and makeup make me look 20 years younger though. I CAN dress my age(late 60s) (grey hair etc.) see pics below, but I prefer YOUNGER (I LOVE fishnet stockings---I've got great legs)

I also am 75. I used to always wear dark wigs. Then I switched to short salt and pepper. I still occasionally will wear the dark wigs. I then to pick out the wig that best go with the outfit. I now wear shorter heels because I am having balancing problems (Medically).

Attachment 298071 or Attachment 298072

Some times I even just wear my own hair.

Attachment 298073

I have used all three of these as an avatar.

Please don't forget to use body lotions and moisturizers. It is important for young people but especially so for us seniors.

Similar to what has been stated I feel younger and more alive when dressed. I'm pushing 70 and have to be more careful doing a lot of things. I try and eat right and keep my weight down. I've noticed the balance thing is declining some and it has crossed my mind what if I fall trying to get my tights or hose on and walking in my tallest high heels I'm finding myself much more careful. I feel 25 but am starting to look like my age faster, time really flies by the older one gets. I'm gonna keep on until I can no longer dress though.

Age is just a number. We all age differently. I say just dress in what you feel good in and what you think looks good on you. I'm 60 and I don't dress how people think someone my age should be dressed. I dress to make myself feel good about myself and in things that I think look good on me. I have no problem wearing clothes that are typically worn by people younger than I am, or some what revealing. I even gone as far as wearing a string bikini when I go to the local pool when it's warm enough and haven't felt out of place or drawn any disapproving looks. I have to say that I disagree when people say you should dress for you age. I deal with hundreds of people a day and I see people half my age that look older than I am. I shudder to think what I'd be seeing if everyone was dressing for their age.

Paula some of us just do not have that youthful look like you do in your Avatar.

I'll see my 70th birthday next summer and go out on a regular basis. A good wig is a real benefit, but I've been out with my own long, thinning hair after it's been styled a little. Dress to the activity and your apparent age and things are fine. And I say "apparent age" because once you do the makeup and wig, you may end up looking younger than your years. Enjoy yourself, you've earned it!

That part about going into a wig shop. My first wig was bought at a wig shop I waited till they where not busy and got fitted for my first wig. So exciting, see asked my why I want a wig and I told her I was a cross dresser. The reply was comforting. Oh I do this all the time. It was the greatest time and she was great. Made me feel right at home. By the way I am 64 and flound that shorter wigs work great. Look around and see how many old ladies have long hair.

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Originally Posted by DarciInTx

When I visualize myself as woman, though, I tend to think of someone younger and more conventionally attractive. I'm at a loss about how to bridge that gap.

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I would say the first step is to adjust your expectations. I don't care how good one's makeup and wig are, we are not going to compete with the attractiveness of a 20-something (or even 30-something) Victoria Secret model. It's a bridge too far (if that is what "someone younger and more conventionally attractive" means to you). (Not including Sherry who defies aging) You and I have fifty years of testosterone going against us.

I ask what do you want to do? Circulate un-noticed in public or just feel good about your presentation at home? You have a lot more latitude if it is the latter.

Taylor beat me to it... you’re never going to look 20 again, so have realistic expectations. To reiterate what others have said: wig and makeup will take 10 years off if done properly. Also skincare is incredibly important (and expensive). Lastly, don’t judge yourself against other girls. Some (like myself :battingeyelashes:) are just blessed with more feminine bone structure and features.

I'm 67 but I don't go out ever. I do tend to dress much younger. I have some conventional skirts and tops, but I also have some very short skirts and dresses. I do have the legs for them, if I may be a tad immodest for the moment. :heehee:

Out & About as a Senior Girl -not too often-- but no problems or issues. Just another Lady in the mall. As I have stated in my posts- I dress appropriately, since Im a Senior living in a retirement area- filled with senior GGs, snowbirds. Athleisure/casual is the "wardrobe-of-choice" here in Cactus Land--- so that's what in Toni s Closet. Some may think that unless its miniskirts & clubwear- that you are "not dressed" But for going out in public, for routine activities-- those items are like "road flares" that will get you clocked for sure. IF you are a senior--- don't be afraid to go out and give it a try. Dress age-appropriate for the venue- and have fun. Keep Blending. Toni G..

At 71 I just don't wear mini skirts for teenagers. I do try to keep up with fashion. I been doing this for 60 yrs.

My biggest supporter, my wife of 35 years, was critical of the Bimbo look that I was projecting when I dressed. So, she had me go the the mall with a clipboard and pencil and sit in the atrium recording, for each lady over 70, what she was wearing (top, skirt or slacks, shoes, hairdo, accessories, purse, etc.) The little exercise really helped me to tone things down quite a bit, selecting a salt & pepper wig, wearing my breastforms in a bra with looser straps to appear to be sagging ( the resulting bounce is kinda fun) and wearing flats or sneakers in almost all occasions. I also toned down my eye makeup, especially eyeshadow and lashes considerably.

I now feel quite comfortable when going out in public to a shop or dine or go to a theater. I don't feel conspicuous at all and this really helps me feel much more feminine and womanly! Ya'll might try such an exercise where you live.

I am 64 and like a gray medium wig or salt and pepper look wig. I like looking like a 64 yr old attractive lady. In my normal guy mode, i no longer worry about what age i look like.

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Originally Posted by Shybrenda

-- Snip -- Look around and see how many old ladies have long hair.

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Seniors tend to wear shorter hair because it is hard on their shoulders and elbows to comb out the long hair. and the long hair also takes more time to properly take care of it.

I am 37 in real life but Amanda is elderly. I enjoy being able to dress as Amanda who is around 65 years old. I know I am in the minority in the aspect of wanting to get older.

Darci, I am 67 also! I have a short gray wig. I have sat and made mental notes on what women wear! There are a few with day to day skirts and dresses! (not work or church!) Most wear pants or jeans with some kind of embellished top and sneakers! I generally copy what I see! My normal ("undressed") look is jeans, V neck tee shirt, loafers and of course my polished nails and earrings! All my clothing except at work is women's! When going to church or my therapist, I wear a dress or a skirt and top! Make up is down to concealer on a few spots and powder over that and that is it! See my Avatar! Best wishes on your journey! Hugs Lana Mae

I am 70 years old. I have been told that I am cute, but I think they are just trying to be nice!Attachment 298103
Let me know what you think, ok? I do love to be Roxanne. It makes me feel ever so sweet and nice. I woory what I will be like after several more years, but, well, I guess I just need to ignore that, right? Roxanne is divorced, and she lives alone. But she is a very happy girl right now!
Roxanne Lanyon

"The dream is still alive!"

Just a suggestion...…..a dark colored wig on a senior citizen looks unnatural. I would suggest you choose a lighter color like a blonde if you don't want to wear grey. As for the makeup.....don't overdo it. These are things that work for me, a 72 year old. And yes, I get senior citizens discounts and I'm not ashamed to take them.

Worth considering!
Roxanne

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Perhaps I should ask my friend, Sophia Loren. She was born in 1934, and is 84 years now. She wears her lovely hair as Reddish brown, and is still quite pretty. No blondes, grays for her! She is very attractive. Check her out on the internet!
Roxanne, Still Surviving!

I'm 71 and dress my age. My wig is fairly short and gray.

I am sure it is, Mary Lawrence.
Roxanne Lanyon

Now I am back after several months away from the Forum, I think that it is a good time to connect. I am now 70 years old, but I feel and think like a younger lady. But now that I am more able and willing to go out more to be around others both friends and the general public, I strive to look like a classy mature lady that just blends in. I now have only grey wigs and my style of dress is appropriate to the situation. For example stylish but business style skirts, lower block heeled pumps or riding boots, etc. To do this, I have spent countless hours watching real women and how to dress in any particular situation , right down to hem lengths, scarves, jewelry, etc. This is both informative and fun.

I will never be done with twerking the right impression, but it does go a long way to being an acceptable senior.

I'm "only" 52,ive bern told i look younger when dressed but my worry is when I do get to the senior stage, I'm not sure I want to start wearing grey wigs and sedate makeup it might make me stand out too much when I go out and i could then become a parody.I do wonder therefore whether I will still be doing this into my 70s

Sophie

It certainly gets more exciting with age......