lucaiah’s great big fashion post for trans women and transfem people: version 1.0
hi my name’s lucaiah and i love fashion, so i wanted to help my trans sisters navigate the confusing world of women’s clothing! i’ll be covering things like clothing and shoe sizes, fashion tips, where to buy clothes, and what sort of essentials you might want to have in your wardrobe!
this primarily applies to Americans since i am American, just so you know! also i spent two hours writing this so, you know. reblog it perhaps.
1. Clothing and Shoe Sizes
- women’s shoe sizes in the US can be measured by taking your shoe size in men’s shoes and adding 2. for example: i wear a men’s size 8 and a women‘s size 10/11.
- zappos is a wonderful site for buying shoes! they have lots of sizes, and if your shoes don’t fit, you can return them with free shipping!
- payless also has women’s shoes in-store for up to size 13 or 14!
- women’s clothing sizes, however, vary wildly from brand to brand. most websites provide a size chart, fortunately. therefore, you WILL need to know your measurements. here’s what to do: get a measuring tape. it is a worthy investment.
- ok, now for BRA SIZES whoo! here’s how to get your bra size. feel free to hmu if you don’t understand it.
- underwear/panty sizes: i’ve found a men’s XL corresponds roughly to a woman’s size eight. don’t take my word for it, though: here’s a handy site for undie measurement.
2. Fashion Tips
i believe in wearing whatever you want to wear, fuck what cis people think. however, i also believe that wanting to “pass” as cis is a totally valid thing to want–especially if your safety is at risk. here are some tips:
- want to slim your shoulders? peplum designs, V-necks, and long necklaces are your friends. in fact, think “long” everything–long jackets, long shirts, long necklines. avoid structured shirts, shoulder pads, cropped shirts/jackets, and shirts with loud patterns.
- want to draw attention to your breasts? get a bra that fits. it makes a world of difference. aside from that, wear statement necklaces that show off your boobies and bright, patterned tops. also, stand up straight! good posture=nice boobs. i promise.
- want to narrow your waist? belts are your friend. wear a thinner belt if you’re thin and a wider belt if you’re not. corsets work too, if you’re into that, i guess. peplum tops and wrap dresses are another way to go.
- lolita clothing costs are sky-high, but if you can afford it, EVERYONE looks good in it! ;)
please consider it i love lolita so much- for my tall girls: http://www.buzzfeed.com/juliegerstein/21-very-necessary-style-tips-for-tall-girls#.cn03yMxn9
3. Where to Buy Clothes
time to be honest: skinny girls have more options than fat ones, and rich ones have more than poor ones. this fat poor person is going to list stores that carry plus-size options alongside smaller ones.
- walmart. yes, really. you will find hidden treasures here. cheap ones. buy the essentials here, too.
- target. i’m serious. trust me.
- maurice’s is a little pricey; be sure to use coupons + sales + clearances to your advantage. they go up to a size 24.
- forever 21 and forever 21+ tend to have great online sales, too. they go up to a 3x, occasionally 4x.
- kohl’s has nice clearances and some plus-size options. check out their bra sales.
- fellow fatties: don’t buy from torrid or lane bryant unless you have to or you have some really good coupons. there are better, cheaper clothes elsewhere.
- check your local waterfront mission/goodwill/thrift store/dollar store/what-have-you. they have good things, nice things. make sure to buy essentials here.
- modcloth has some cute clearance clothes!
4. Essentials
speaking of essentials, here’s what i recommend to have in your closet if you can afford it:
- 3 bras, one skin-tone if you can find it, one white, one black. maybe a sexy colorful bra, too. sexy bras make you feel good. alternate wearing a different bra every day to avoid undue wear and tear, and hang them in your closet instead of folding them up in a drawer. buy a good brand, your boobs will thank you.
- two pairs of basic dark-wash jeans. look good on everyone, you can wear them almost anywhere.
- a pencil skirt, black or grey.
- a white button-down.
- a black tank top, a white tank top, and a colorful tank top. they can be paired with many things, and are also good for preserving your modesty if that low-cut shirt is a little too low.
- as much underwear as you can afford. here’s a thread on the best types to buy for tucking.
- whatever you feel like i mean hon i ain’t the fashion police
5. You Look Beautiful
i mean it. girls? all pretty. i love you. you’re amazing. go kick ass!
everyone feel free to add on to or correct this post, especially with options for international stores and for makeup! (i have no clue how to makeup. i am sorry)
i also recommend the subreddit “ABraThatFits” because they have resources/advice/guides specifically for trans women and transfemme people!!
