the incredible world of cross dressing

If you’re a larger CD and would like some helpful fashion advice, you’ve come to the right place. The average genetic female size in the US is a 14, not a size 8, but most importantly, we want everyone to feel comfortable in their own skin when dressing en femme. If you do happen to be in a larger body, please don’t feel like crossdressing isn’t for you – we stock sizes all the way up to 3XL, so there’s plenty of choice for those living in a larger body. You can look fabulous at any size!

We appreciate that if you are a size 8 then the likelihood is, that you probably find it much easier to shop for clothes than us larger gals. In store, smaller girls do have more choice when it comes to clothing styles. But with new fashion trends every season and fashion stores becoming more inclusive, people in larger bodies are slowly getting more choice in their favorite stores.

On the other hand, bigger girls are still somewhat limited. Since many clothing lines are still not made in plus sizes (even in 2022!), we don’t have as many trendy choices to choose from. However, as you grow with your wardrobe it’s essential to cultivate your own sense of style. That does not mean having to be a slave to the latest fashion. Far more important is understanding your own body shape and what garments work to emphasize your best bits and neutralize the bits you wish to be less obvious.

Many girls use shape-enhancing products, like: breast forms, corsets, girdles, padded panties, etc. These products help create a more classic feminine hourglass figure. However, some find it can make fitting into clothes even harder with the added curves, like broad shoulders. There are ways around this by using breast forms. It’s important to study your basic body shape in a full-length mirror and then consider what you want to achieve. Here are the basic male body shapes for reference:

• Rectangle: shoulders, waist and hips are roughly the same size.
• Triangle: shoulders and chest are narrower than your waist.
• Trapezoid: shoulders and chest are broader, and you have narrower hips and waist.
• Oval: You carry most of your weigh on your tummy.
• Inverted triangle: shoulders are much wider than your waist and hips.

Defining your shape will help you begin addressing appropriate sizes and fits that will flatter your frame for the most effective feminine look.

The correct cut and style of garments together with color coordination will enhance your feminine figure and look flattering, no matter how big and beautiful you are. Take care with the right choices to define a feminine waist and achieve an attractive silhouette so that you show off your best features and help disguise the rest.

If you are a big voluptuous girl try to stay away from oversize, ill-shaped garments in an attempt to hide your size. Much better to wear more form-fitting clothing and use tricks like a wide waist-cinching belt to help give shape and visual focus to where you want it to be. Empire waist dresses that cheat the waistline up and flare out from the waistline can help take attention away from your tummy and at the same time give an illusion of having curvy feminine hips. If you like to wear jeans or trousers, try a straight-leg or a flared leg, rather than a tapered leg.

We’re big believers in wearing whatever color you like, but sometimes, darker tones can in fact be quite flattering. You can always color through accessories like scarves, belts, jewelry, bags etc. The reason we’ve mentioned darker colors is that they absorb light and that can give the illusion of being slimmer (if that’s the look you want to achieve).

Adding contrasting colors to your look through accessories, make-up (especially lip color), shoes, nails, and hair color is a real win for anyone, not just us larger ladies. Not only does it look fab, but you can use the color to your advantage and draw the eye to areas of your body that you love. Aside from visual focus, accessories like a good belt will not only emphasize the waist area but should also help it appear smaller.

These days it is easy for bigger girls to find baby dolls and gowns that flatter with the clever use of layers of fabric or flattering fit such as higher waistlines. This is an area where you will be instantly feminized and will feel much less constrained by size.

If you like garments with pattern/detail we find them to be a flattering option for larger ladies, but just be mindful about what you choose. A pattern in one area of the garment is great for drawing attention to one place, whereas an all-over pattern can emphasize size instead. It’s worth noting that horizontal stripes on tops, skirts and dresses do tend to highlight a person’s girth/width. A lace hem though will give focus to one area and is certainly in keeping with an overall look.

We recommend sticking to hosiery that is plain sheer or opaque. It’s a classic look at any szie that you can’t go wrong with. If you want to be adventurous add in seams, Cuban heels or a bit of color!

VPL, or visible panty line is something most people want to avoid at any size! However, if you have put on a few extra pounds but have a favorite pair of pants, dress or skirt you want to squeeze into, be mindful that you might be showing off your panty line! Ways to avoid this is to either use a longer line panty-girdle instead of your regular underwear or if dressing on a budget, cut the legs off (just below the darker area on each leg) a pair off snug-fitting control top pantyhose. Wear this garment instead of panties and you will do away with your VPL.

A smile goes a long way to drawing focus up to the face level and when you force people in a room to focus on the face the focus stops being side to side. Always be confident, smile and look people in the eye. Eye contact, smiling and listening are a guaranteed formula to have others engage with you face to face. Furthermore, their first impression will be one of an open, friendly and attractive, fashionable gal.

Now you have identified your body shape, you’ll be sure of your favorite or best features. It’s time to make the most of them! If you have great legs, for example, then make sure you present them well so that people notice that great feature. Be sure to wear heels that flatter the shape and spend a little extra on some stylish hosiery that shows them off to their very best. Ensure you have practiced your walk and you’ll feel a million dollars when you walk into a room smiling and full of confidence.

As we’ve previously mentioned, the average size of a genetic female is a size 14, but we’ve found that our average selling size is actually a 16, so larger sizes are becoming more the norm. As this progression continues the trend of available, fashionable garments and accessories will continue to open up for larger girls.

Dressing can be such an adventure for many due to the variations in cut, color, material etc to choose from as compared to male clothes. We are all different shapes and sizes and these days with a few tricks and tips it is quite possible to be fashionable and feel fabulous no matter your height or weight. Look around at what’s available and what will suit you and love yourself for who you are. Dress the part and be confident in how you look no matter your size and you’ll be amazed at the feedback you receive.

If in doubt, follow these simple tips and talk to those in the know to get advice. Be sure to look around you too and see how larger girls dress, whether that’s when people-watching or on social media – make a mental note of what looks you love. Most of all though, have fun!

A question we are asked repeatedly is ‘what are the most important aspects to help me pass? Since we are all different shapes and sizes with some more blessed with female attributes than others, this can be difficult. Also, not everyone wants to ‘pass’ or to blend in as we prefer to say. However, for those particularly at the beginning of their crossdressing adventure, we thought a top 10 List would help one and all to maximize their feminine appearance would be helpful.

Depending on how you are built and how adept you are methods to enhance your femininity (like makeup), then you will place more or less emphasis on the tips but they are all important considerations when it comes to blending in.

Where to start? Face, legs, arms, hands and the list goes on for most. Hairy legs are a dead giveaway so either shave those legs and keep nicely moisturized or if that is not a possibility wear good quality opaque hosiery to block the hair and even blemishes and veins. We know many girls that undergo electrolysis for the face in particular but this is an expensive process and takes time. For most, a good close wet shave and good skin care are a must together with the appropriate cover using good makeup. Other considerations are hands and arms where for some there is an abundance of natural hair. Of course long sleeves are a great ally, but for hands try to rid yourself of hair and keep finger nails looking clean and healthy even in a short state. Eyebrows need to be trained but gradually so that your male self is not called upon to explain the sudden lack of brows to family and friends. If you are not adept at using tweezers for plucking then seek out a professional to thin and shape the brows over time.

If you can’t afford a session with a makeup artist used to working with CD’s, then checkout the many clips on YouTube to help cultivate a look or looks you are happy with. When starting out, don’t get frustrated as it’s all about practice and takes most girls years to be able to put on their face in a convincing way. Eyes and lips are very important so spend time practicing just those facets until you get it right and make it fun and relaxing when you practice. Particularly for novices, think ‘less is more’ when it comes to application and you won’t go too wrong.

Arguably the hardest part of blending for most is the voice. For those who try we normally start by talking in our upper register. But there are so many more differences to a lady’s voice from that of a male. For example, general phrasing and even the day to day language and delivery. Don’t get tied up just with talking in a higher voice as without the other subtle female nuances it can and will seem false. There are specialist speech therapists that deal in this area, but if you cannot get to one then there are online resources and CDs and DVDs to help you. If money is a factor then you can start by studying a female friend or even a favorite actress and try to mimic their speech patterns.

This is another area where you can only do so much depending on your natural body size and shape, but the secret is to get the basics right. If your ideal female shape is an hourglass, then what must you do to develop an approximation of this? For most males we lack the hip measurement and our shoulders are usually considerably wider and for those of us unlucky enough our waist is a little too thick. Try to narrow the waist so it is less than the hip and the bust measurement – we are not looking for perfection here just an approximation. If needed use a steel-boned corset to draw in the waist 3+ inches. If just a little smoothing is needed then use a simple girdle or rubber shaper/cincher to take maybe an inch off.

Falsies or breast forms will help fill the top portion of the hourglass whilst at the same time softening the look of the male shoulders. To start, you may want to just stuff a bra to find the right size and whilst some girls do like very large breast forms, just remember if trying to pass as a female, opt for a more proportional size for your size and shape rather than a huge pair. For hips, use padded panties or just add your own foam padding to the inside of your pantyhose or a girdle so they are held securely in place.

If you study females who dress elegantly or even look at older movies on a channel like Turned Classics, you will see how differently they stand, sit and move to the males. An elegant female dresses in well-cut clothing and heels, and will stand upright with their chest pushed slightly out. There is an effortless grace to their movements. Whilst not as common these days, if you look there are still plenty of women who are feminine in their appearance. Whilst it may seem extreme, try to study such ladies and emulate their posture and deportment including how they drink and eat. There are some self-help devices like a traditional corset. As well as shaping the waist it also makes your posture much more upright rather than the modern-day slouch that many of us develop. People-watch or watch movies and study the female form and you will pick up many tips on improving your own female posture and deportment.

If you are trying to blend-in/pass, be conscious of how old you look and how ladies your age will dress. If you are a 50 year-old male and like to wear mini-skirts and tight low cut tops then the chances are unless you are blessed with incredible genes you will not blend well if out afternoon shopping at the local mall. There is nothing wrong with dressing ‘young’ – it’s a lot of fun, but just be aware of the restrictions if you do want to be authentic. Develop your own sense of style by trying different colors and cuts of materials, study fashion magazines for age-appropriate stylish looks and look for garments that will make you look more feminine. If you have a bit of a pot-belly then perhaps think of a dress with an ’empire waist’ which lifts the waistline above the thick part of your waist to emphasize a waist but then the dress flares out to hide the belly and create an illusion of hips. Broad shoulders? Try finding a deep v-neck cut top or dress to draw focus to the cleavage/bosom and away from the shoulder area. As with many things, try to keep it simple and age appropriate and you can’t go wrong.

This is a difficult one for most since our hands are considerably larger, and are ‘masculine’ looking with sausages for fingers rather than elegant fingers but there are some solutions. Of course, nail tips help and even gloves or long bell sleeves on a dress or top are good distractions. Above all, try to keep your everyday hands and nails in good shape. Even if your nails are short keep them well-manicured and clean and begin to moisturize your hands regularly to improve their appearance. Many males do this nowadays anyway and it’s not unusual for men to have clear nail polish applied – well-groomed hands and fingernails look much more attractive.

If your objective is to ‘pass’, then do practice walking in heels as this is an area that is a big giveaway for many. Give yourself a chance though by first finding a pair of shoes that are comfortable. If a novice, then we recommend opting for a pair of 2 or 3-inch heels and even go for a wider ‘block heel’. Get the fit right and you can then practice cultivating a feminine, graceful walk. Take small steps – higher heeled shoes tend to make you do this naturally and so don’t fight against it and walk from heel to toe, i.e. naturally. When you have mastered simply walking the length of the room and back, start to think of your whole body when walking: stand tall with your chest slightly out and shoulders back and down in a relaxed position, and keep the legs close together (some say the calves should ‘kiss’ as you take steps). Look directly ahead with confidence and not down at the ground. Again, a little ‘people watching’ of ladies in heels at the local mall is both an informative and pleasurable way to spend 10 minutes of your hectic day.

There’s nothing more authentic than having your own hair. If you are lucky enough to have long natural hair in your male guise then you are at a big advantage with your crossdressing. Most persons do have to rely on the use of wigs. Again, when attempting to blend, try to purchase good-quality hair pieces that have natural-looking cuts and colors. Cheap wigs tend not to be blended colors and so do not look as natural – they also dull easily and can tangle a lot if you are not careful. Spend a little more on a quality hair piece and you will not only look better but your investment will last much longer.

Confidence in the male and female guise is a very attractive quality. Try to exude confidence in your female self. We are not talking false confidence here that may come across as ‘showy’ or ‘arrogant’ but an inner confidence. If you dress well, have a pleasing feminine appearance, and have mastered your walk then you should be confident in the feminine ‘you’ that you’re projecting. Often the physical ‘tricks’ we use like good posture and deportment give us that confidence, and then it’s just a question of enjoying playing that part of you.

So for those ladies looking to blend in, take care of the basics and you will be on your way to passing when out and about. Take time to master each element, do your research and you will continue to learn a lot. Continue to practice all the elements that require work and you will only get better and more accomplished, making you feel more at ease and confident in your female self.

Image courtesy of Leland Bobbe

For most crossdressers or TG girls, there is a need to have a dual wardrobe for both male and female clothing. When building your femme wardrobe, it is important to get some clothing essentials that will offer you some flexibility in your dressing choices. Since Glamour Boutique is your top source for all your crossdresser and transgender clothing options, we wanted to help our girls out. So whether you are exploring the world of crossdressing or already have made the transition, here are some essential clothing items that you will definitely want to invest in that will offer both style and comfort.

No matter what season you are in, you always want to have a casual go-to dress that you can feel both comfortable and fabulous in. Once you find that perfect dress, you will know it. If you are a little lost on where to begin, a good place to start would be to find a silhouette that best suits your shape. For example, a tight-fitting dress may not work best for everyone, but once you see yourself in a flared dress, you will see how amazing you can look. The same could be said for the reverse. If you are super skinny you may get lost in a flared dress but the tight dress, along with some shaping for your hips and butt, will have you looking like a million bucks. If you find a dress that looks so good during the summer but may not work in winter, try changing it up a bit with some leggings and a pair of knee-high boots to make the transition to the cold. Versatility is key here so you can get use out of your go-to dress all year round.

Tank Tops are super handy to have around and are part of a woman’s basic clothing selection. You can wear them underneath sheer tops or blouses as part of your outfit which makes them a clothing essential when it comes to layering. In the colder months, they are great for giving you some extra warmth. In summer, tank tops are a must as they can keep you cool and show off a little extra skin. Plus they look great with a pair of shorts or tight jeans and sandals. Be sure to have a variety of colors on hand so you can mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe.

As the colder months are starting to set in, it’s time to put your sandals and open-toe shoes away and get those boots out. If you haven’t got a pair of boots to get you through the cooler weather yet, they’re a clothing essential that you’ll certainly want. You should have a pair of flat, super warm and comfy boots on hand like UGGS for those freezing cold days to keep those toes nice and toasty. It is also a must to have a pair of heeled boots so you can up the ante and keep your sexy looks going all winter. We’ve already published a post on 5 of our favorite crossdresser boots for Fall, so take a look and find a pair that’s best for you. Once you have some boots, you can switch back and forth through the seasons as you will now have something for every climate.

One bummer that girls experience is that when the colder weather comes they put away a lot of their warm-weather clothes. Well, there is a way that you can extend those summer outfits into the cooler months. Investing in some good pairs of leggings and pantyhose means you can wear them under your dresses and skirts throughout the winter. Another great choice is a nice pair of leggings with a big heavy sweater. Add some knee-high boots and you have a fun and sexy look. Plus leggings can help keep your butt tight giving you a nice looking booty. Some girls also prefer their leggings with a blouse and a big winter coat. No matter which way you go, leggings and pantyhose are a must and a wardrobe essential for all women!

In the past, we’ve mentioned the importance of having a Little Black Dress in your wardrobe. The LBD is a must-have in any woman’s closet and can be worn in just about any situation. The little black dress is a staple for a night out as it always exudes class and elegance, and is a fine addition to any wardrobe. When you talk about perfect go-to feminine outfits, there is almost none better than the LBD.

A comfy cardigan is a great addition to your wardrobe because it is so multifunctional. Since a cardigan is not too heavy but adds warmth, it is a great top for the spring and fall months or even those chilly summer nights. You can throw it on to sit around the house and be nice and comfy. If you want to go for a coffee, it is great to throw on with a pair of casual jeans to go sit and have your java at the shop. A cardigan is simple and can go with a plain white tee shirt or the above-mentioned tank top and a number of different bottoms like jeans or leggings which is why we’re classing it as a clothing essential for women. A black cardigan is a great go-to, as it can go with just about anything. If you are going for more of a statement look, have some bright colors on hand and really shine.

These six items are essential parts of any crossdresser or transgender clothes closet. Not only are they all functional, but with just these six basics to build off of, you will have a great foundation in your closet that can carry you through any occasion. Whether you’re new to all of this or someone who has been dressing en femme for a while, these clothing essentials are all you need to get out there and be the woman you aspire to be.