I had several great experience in several different Dress Barns (RIP). I got Steffi posted on the door, I got zipper help, I got design help, I got check this out help. Once, I had several GG SAs bringing me different sizes and different outfits to try on.
I also met a bunch of girls for dinner in Denver when I was on a business trip. The afterparty was a private group shopping trip with all the girls from dinner at Maurice's.
Last edited by Sometimes Steffi; 01-11-2025 at 08:58 PM.
The reality is not better than the fantasy. But it is good.
The first time I ever became brave enough was at the mall in a small store. I was far from home. While browsing around, I asked an employee a question at one point and she answered. Later, I walked up to her again and asked, "Do you allow men to try on clothes?" I guess I assumed that she would be as uncomfortable about the idea as me. But, it was my first time, not hers. She said, "Sure, and looked toward the changing rooms and found an available room. Another employee joined in and they started bringing clothes to me to try on. I was too scared to step out of the dressing room, but I did open the door and get their feedback. It was kind of a non-event, like trying on men's wear. But it was amazing for me.
I did this again and again over the years at various stores. Eventually, I became brave enough to walk out to the 3-way mirror in a dress, etc. Once, a young lady was in the changing area waiting for her friend to come out of a changing room. The sales person was checking on me and I opened the door. The young lady looked on with interest, but not in an entertained way as I had feared.
Eventually, I became brave enough to walk into the store wearing a dress that I had tried on. I was so scared. I was in a dress in front of people for the first time. One couple looked at me, because they walked by where I was in the store. Most people did not notice because they were busy or because the racks were between them and myself.
Only a few times have I had a negative experience, where it was clear that the sales person was not comfortable. Only once was I told that I could not try on clothes. She said that their dressing rooms were only for women. (I was presenting male for all of these.)
I have been complimented while trying on outfits. Sometimes, it was obvious that the outfit was a bad fit for me (figuratively and/or style-wise). In one case, in particular, the sales person said it looked SOOOO good on me. She was lying and trying to make a sale. The best is when the sales person says, "That's not good for you. Let's try something else." That's when you know you have found an honest person. That's a store worth visiting again!
Joey
I am a man who presents male and wears feminine clothes.
I blog about my outings: https://joeypress.wordpress.com/
That has to be one of my favourite times. My wife at times will have me try on dresses to see how they look from someone else wearing them. I wrote about New Years and she was trying on my dresses and her dresses and she was giving me the ones she didn't want. We were both trying on dresses and zipping and unzipping each other and making comments on how they look on us. It really is fun almost like two girlfriends trying on clothes together.
I feel like a common theme here is being seen and accepted while trying on clothes. While not specifically “dress” trying on. I have had multiple photo shoot experiences. You would be surprised how much a good makeup artist, hairstylist and photographer can make you look your best.
The whole time they are chatting away with you like you’re one of the girls. They compliment you, assist you with your outfit, help you pick out jewelry, touch up your makeup, help you pose to look your best. It really was some of the most fun I’ve had dressing up. If I had endless money I would hire a full time team to keep me looking pretty.
Rebecca Bas
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