Rather than reinvigorating a post from 4 or 6 years ago I thought I might as well post this.
Over time I've often wondered about going outside dressed. I've been thinking about it for a long time (I'm sure we all do) and definitely more so since I left my hotel room (with no makeup) last Christmas to take some pics of me dressed on the hotels Grand staircase. Since then I've joined the Leeds First Friday (a monthly Trans event in Leeds, obviously 😁) FB page with the intention to attend an event in a safe environment and had another makeover. I'm not a spring chicken anymore so it's about time I took the plunge. The urge is constantly gnawing at me.
I'm not nervous. I'm actually looking forward to it. What is.surprising is what I don't have, if you know what I mean, in being prepared to step out of the door. I've just dressed inside so have had no need for any 'outside' accoutrements that others may take for granted.
I have no coat, I have no handbag and I will have to check my costume jewellery to see if I have anything suitable. I will definitely be wearing a pair of block heeled boots to walk in but I've not yet decided on the colour or style (I have several.pairs that are comfortable). I have a couple of ideas for outfits and I have booked a 'Makeup and Go' appointment at the Vixen Vault in Southport. I have a coat off eBay on the way as I write this (a long, black, faux suede 'glam rock' style). It's liable to be mid to late afternoon by the time my makeup appointment is done so there will be a bit of 'cover' in the fading light, but I do want to shop or get a coffee etc. I also know I will be clocked so I am prepared for it but it's not as if I'm going off the beaten track in New York. I'll be on main roads in Southport so I'm not expecting a kicking, more the odd comment.
Has anybody any suggestions? I'm looking for any tips or tricks. Am I missing something? What else should I take? What style handbag will work best? Do I need to practice putting lipstick on? I'm interested in all your comments so please fire away.
Done it. Love it...
I started just leaving the hotel when away with work.. was actually dared to chatting to another t girl on tvchix then Skype..
Popped out of the room went outside came back in..
Next time I was there happy in my room make up immaculate nice dress my highest heels stockings etc and realised I'd left my phone charger in the car.. wasn't undressing and taking makeup off so went to the car and got my charger past reception and the smokers then back in..
I went to Tescos once when away with work and a few times for a walk.
First proper time out was with my wife in London both if us dressed and that time a jacket and handbag in it lipstick, gloss, mobile phone and I think that was it.
Her confidence has continued to soar and she goes beyond her own expectations and ours but we are ther to support her always
If I remember correctly my bet friend and Iwent with Rachel to our 24 hour local Asda to boost Rachel’s confidence and she was nervous but loved it as her first social experience
For a first time you could try a 24 hour supermarket to go and browse the shelves as a female shopper and take your time
Before getting into stuff just be aware of your male voice. If you’re going to interact with people as you said you will be. This is the hardest thing in my mind to accept that you can’t really hide unless you are a gifted vocalist. I suggest just try slightly talking in the upper/higher part of your natural register. Don’t do falsetto / LA girl or “gay”. You have said you will be cllocked so just own it. Shoulders back - head up straight and be proud. Enjoy the attention. You are representing this community and well done for doing so. The more people are exposed to it the better.
In terms of stuff - just think about what normal women take with them - tote type handbags - I have a mid-sized dark blue one that works well. Practice using it - it seems odd to say but it’s not normal to get stuff out of that rather than your pockets! If you don’t have much real stuff to put in it the. Just put a book or something to weight it down a bit
A scarf? What about gloves if it’s cold?
Will you use female loos or find somewhere that is gender neutral? Plan this out.
I hope you have a positive experience- my times doing it have been great. Yes some looks but they don’t know you so what do you care. Most people are glued to their phones and their own lives. Shopping assistants are helpful and really don’t give a f**k.
Rightly or wrongly I take the view that when I’m out en femme that I treat Emma as trans - rather than a crossdresser.
Most importantly let us know how it goes
Emma
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