Where should I go dressed the first time en femme?

[alisa63]

I think tomorrow is the big day and I will have a chance to go out dressed during the day. I still see a guy in women's clothes when I dress but I may just be critical of myself. So my question is where should I go? The easy one is a McDonald's drive through but I want to get out of the car and walk around downtown or go shopping at Walmart or maybe goodwill. I really dont care what people think but would like to see what type of reaction i receive. I am open to any suggestions

Kisses

[I Am Paula]

Anyplace but Walmart. It is the home planet of narrow minded redneck inbred bottom dwellers. Always avoid anywhere that you find nascar hats and tube tops in the formal wear section. There is one saving grace. You will most likely be the most beautiful woman there. If you decide to go, dress as the locals- Pajama bottoms and crocs. Baseball hat over dirty hair. Spongebob t-shirt. Barbed wire tattoo around arm.

Best of luck. Where ever you go, have fun!

[Beverley Sims]

In answer to your question I usually say "out".
Mind you window shopping is always good to get a feel of what you are doing and shopping malls are a great place to wander through.
Unlike others I do not find Walmart intimidating.

Celeste,
You do have a good description of Wal Martians, they bear no resemblance to the real ones from Mars that have a higher intelligence quotient.
They can be easily identified as they are green.

[Fran Moore]

Hey Alisa, I agree with Celeste, and would not do Walmart. Target would be a better choice if you are looking for a box store experience. I don't know if you are in the city, burbs, or small town, but you could also do a museum, or similar public venue like a park, waterfront, or any open space that allows you the freedom to move around and feel feminine and enjoy yourself without the pressures of being restricted in a building while under camera surveillance. Wherever you decide to go, keep your head up, smile, and MAKE it a good day. The first time is a special time!

[TxCassie]

Dear, you forgot about the Honey Boo Boo smock

[Kelly Smith]

Go get a makeover. Ulta is good but the MAC counter at Macy's is even better. Shop for shoes at Macy's then go to Victoria's Secret and buy a Bombshell bra and some pretty panties. You will have SO much fun

Love and hugs,
Kelly

[Eryn]

For your first outing most prefer a situation where you have to do minimal interaction with others yet are still in public. I like to go strolling at a mall. This allows you to adjust your activity to match your level of comfort. If you just want to walk you can cruise along and windowshop. If something catches your eye you can go into a shop and look at it. Salespeople tend to be very tolerant as they just see a customer. When shopping do it at a GG pace. One of the "tells" that seems to give CDers away is flitting from rack to rack rapidly. Take your time and enjoy the experience. If someone gives you a second look it doesn't mean you've been made, but your reaction can give you away. If someone looks at me I now tend to move toward them rather than away. Showing confidence seems to carry the day.

I also like shopping at Kohls as they tend to be friendly, uncrowded, and the dressing rooms are unattended. The prices are such that I don't break the bank if I buy a few things. I like DSW and Off Broadway shoes for the same reason.

One place I don't recommend is an LGBT bar. While they may be accepting, the combination of alcohol and flexible attractions may put a hesitant CDer in an uncomfortable position. Save that venue for after you get some experience.

[CassandraSmith]

Anywhere with minimal sexual competitiveness going on like a Hallmark store, Florist, Antiques shop, or even a pet store.

[Kalista Jameson]

Lol, tgirlceleste just described the Walmart where I live, in Washington. The pajama bottom thing....don't get it at all.

Hit the local casino if you have one. You can actually do something fun while out.

Cheers,

Kalista

[Tracii G]

Pet stores are a great place believe it or not and so is Goodwill for your first time.
Malls are Ok too just act like you belong there wherever you decide to go.
Day time is best and yes bars are not a good idea.

[PaulaQ]

Go get a makeover. Ulta is good but the MAC counter at Macy's is even better.

I'm going to have to agree with this one, even though I'm too shy to go out yet. Before I could admit to myself that I am a crossdresser, I have, over the years, bought lots of makeup for my wife as a gift. The first few times I did this, frankly, it all scared the hell out of me, because I didn't know *anything* about makeup, and oh my gosh, some of the sales associates use a LOT of product. (Little did I know that someday - *I* would use a lot of product...)

After doing it a few times, it got less scary, and in fact, they frequently tried to sell ME cosmetic products. Mostly ones aimed at men. (They read me apparently better than I read myself!) Anyway, it became obvious to me that as long as I had a credit card, they'd sell me anything I wanted and it did not matter who it was for. They will have no problem doing a makeover, showing you how to use product, etc. Because your good credit buys a LOT of non-judgement at those counters. Do this during the middle of the week, when it's dead - you will have ZERO problems, I would bet.

I am still marvelling at the irony that this all used to terrify me, but now I kind of want to go back sometime. Because I really COULD use tips on how to improve my look. (Or even master really basic techniques... lol)

[Amanda_Robinson]

My first public place was a local casino.

[Rachelakld]

I did McDonalds McCafe for an early morning coffee (6.00-7am when it's all quiet). Also had to use the ladies room while there.
It's also easy to leave if it gets to busy, and I can normally park right next to their entry.

[linda allen]

I think tomorrow is the big day and I will have a chance to go out dressed during the day. I still see a guy in women's clothes when I dress but I may just be critical of myself. So my question is where should I go? The easy one is a McDonald's drive through but I want to get out of the car and walk around downtown or go shopping at Walmart or maybe goodwill. I really dont care what people think but would like to see what type of reaction i receive. I am open to any suggestions

Kisses

First of all, dress like a GG would for the ime of day and place you intend to go. No 5" heels and heavy makeup for a 10:00AM stroll around the mall.

Malls are good, parks are good, the downtown business or shopping district of your town or city is good. I am close to a city that's a tourist destination so the tourist area gives you the opportunity to blend in with people from out of town who won't know you.

I don't think Walmart is as bad as some people make it out to be. I wouln't be afraid to go to one dressed any more than any other store, but as someone else posted, a mall allows you to walk around and shop with little or no personal interaction with other people.

[kimdl93]

I'd suggest a Starbucks or other comfortable little coffee shop. Perhaps a trip to the mall and the MAC counter. My first outing included a trip to my hairdresser

[Stevie]

Have to agree no Wal-Mart. The casino is a good place. Going to the mall is another. Others can be going for a walk in the park. It all depends on what you feel like doing at the time.

[stephNE]

Hi Alisa,
I have found the ladies working at Dress Barn are very CD friendly.
My first time out was a stop in a 7-11.
Good luck and let us know how it went! Steph.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Alisa, Wherever you decide to go try to blend in as much as you can the last thing that you want is to stand out.

[Jillian Faith]

Simple answer is anywhere you want to go and feel comfortable...well at least as comfortable as you can. First time out can be nerve wraking. But this too shall pass! My first time out was Payless, Target and Kohls. As for Walmart it just depends on the Walmart.

Good luck

Hugs
Jill

[Maria S]

A shopping centre is a good place to go. People are more concerned with what they want to look at or where their little kids are running to. Until you are completely confident in "passing" avoid times when school children are out of school. Children can be more observant and less tolerating.

Maria

[kodak82]

My first time out. I went for a drive

[Stephanie47]

My first time out was taking a drive. My first interaction with humanity was on Halloween. I did that twice. Now, I drive to a residential/shopping district and take early evening walks. That limits interaction and gives me the best control over any situation that may arise.

Looking at your profile shot, I'd say you have a better body for passing. I'm six foot even and 195 pounds. I would stand out like a sore thumb in any retail store. I dress for stress relief and comfort which would be defeated for me to strut my dresses in a mall.

I would stay out of Wally World.

[Kelly in OC]

Also looking for going out in public for the first time. I always have the thinking that if people notice, I should go back to my car and leave as soon as possible. Is it not the right thing to do?

[Leslie Langford]

The short answer to that question is like the one for "Where does a 500 pound gorilla sleep?...ANYWHERE you want...

[celeste26]

Its has been a long time since my first time out, I stopped worrying and just go do my business. But one of my first trips out was to a movie. In the darkness no one knows or cares what others wear.