Recently I've been exploring ways to incorporate my desire for dressing in clothes from the women's rack with the practicality of not having the time to go all out with makeup and a wig. I still love to do that, don't get me wrong! The problem is that I get frustrated by wearing a skirt and some cute pumps when I can't go out and show them off!
I've put in thousands of miles dressed that way, but what happens at the gas station? I don't choose to pump gas as a man in a skirt, so I always end up pulling into a parking spot first to switch back to my Dockers and Doc's. In cold weather I can at least leave the bra and blouse on and just cover up with a coat. But I always wish I could just stay dressed as I feel most comfortable...
To solve the dilemma, I've invested in some ladies slacks. (no hate mail please!) Well, about 30 pairs so far, only about 120 more to go to match my skirt collection! Dress slacks, jeans, capris, even shorts I guess would qualify as 'non-skirt' attire. To go along with these I look for tops that aren't too dressy, but certainly feminine, along with proper footwear.
The reason I'm writing is that I spent the entire day dressed like this. I had on some stretchy, sand colored jeans, with cute little pockets front and back, some black "loafers" that have a small buckled strap and a 1" wedge heel, and a striped, long sleeved button front top. I felt at ease as I went about my day, which is probably why I had such a great day of shopping! I enjoyed being out among others, being accepted for whatever they saw in me.
Two particular interactions made my day! (year? lifetime?) At a resale shop I hauled an armload of clothing into the changing room and had at it. Usually I guess about fit, but not any more, just too big of a hassle to return/exchange! When I was just about done, I heard a couple of SA's discussing if the cart outside the room was a shoppers, or theirs to put away. I went out and claimed the cart, and they asked if the items were keepers, or if they should put them back. We all knew that there was only female clothing in the cart, but I boldly stated, "They're keepers, I like them all!" One SA went on her way, the other stayed and struck up a conversation with me.
"You're lucky to have found such good stuff here, the guys are starting to spread the word about our store," she said.
"I did find some great clothes, I stop by here whenever I'm in town, and you really do have some good finds!"
We spent a few minutes talking about how other towns I visit differ in their selection, along with her plans on finishing school to get a new job etc... All the time I stood there with a dress, skirt, slacks, and a few blouses that I had just tried on in the dressing room.
She didn't bat an eye, and today, neither did I.
I then hit up a Payless store and when asked if I was looking for anything particular, I admitted that I was! Size 11W or 12, on "this side of the aisle." Big smile on her face as she spent a minute showing me what she thought were the current cute styles. As I was modelling some Mary Jane pumps she came back with some "just off the truck" boxes and we discussed heel height... and my height... She assured me I wasn't the tallest "guy in heels" she had seen!
...cloud 9...
So, I'm becoming more comfortable with presenting as a guy who prefers feminine attire. I'm sure that someone, somewhere today took offense at that, but they didn't let me know about it. Instead, I feel like I made two new friends, and will stop back at those stores and spend more money at the next chance!
Thanks for reading, I just had to let someone know.
-Hugs-