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If you’ve recently come out as a girl, you might be curious about how to express your true self and let others recognize your authentic gender. Presenting yourself as a woman and dressing in a way that brings you joy can be a delicate balance to achieve. This article will guide you in looking more like the person you truly are inside.
Steps
Makeup and Hairstyling
Learn how to apply makeup. A friend or family member might be willing to assist you. You can also explore online makeup tutorials. Some women prefer minimal or no makeup (e.g., just concealer, mascara, and lip gloss), while others view makeup as an art form. Start with simple techniques and master the basics before experimenting with bold looks.
- Begin with basic makeup and gradually build your skills. Once you’re comfortable, you can try more dramatic styles. Jumping into heavy makeup without practice might result in an unflattering appearance!
Shape your eyebrows. You can soften your brow line by asking a female friend for help or plucking them yourself with guidance from online tutorials. Well-shaped eyebrows can enhance your facial balance.
Experiment with your hair. Play around with different hairstyles to discover what suits you best. If your hair is still short, accessorize with cute clips and headbands. Growing your hair longer opens up more styling options, such as braids and ponytails. Remember, you have plenty of time to explore various styles and find your favorite.
- Long hair isn’t always feminine, and short hair isn’t always masculine. How you accessorize can make a big difference.
- Take good care of your hair. Wash it regularly and consider using hair growth products if your hair appears thin.
Highlight your best features
Focus on your most striking physical traits. Do you have slender calves, a graceful neck, or delicate wrists? What features on your body appear most feminine? Identify these highlights and think about how to dress in a way that accentuates them.
- If you’re unsure about your standout features, ask a supportive friend or family member to help you identify them.
Determine your body shape and skin tone. Not all women are the same, so understanding your unique qualities will help you dress in a way that complements your natural beauty.
- Find out which "season" you belong to. "Spring" represents bright and warm colors, "Summer" represents bright and cool colors, "Autumn" represents dark and warm colors, and "Winter" represents dark and cool colors. Once you know your season, you can choose colors that enhance your skin tone.
- Identify your body shape. Choosing clothes that fit your body shape can highlight your natural beauty. Many transgender women have an inverted triangle shape and look stunning in outfits that emphasize the hips, such as A-line skirts and flared jeans.
Pay attention to how girls or women around your age dress. You can learn a lot from your female peers. The next time you’re out, observe what people are wearing and take mental notes.
- If you dress much younger than your age or in a retro style, people might notice and wonder why. To avoid drawing attention, focus on how women your age typically dress.
Take care of your hands and nails. Moisturize your hands with lotion before bed. Keep your nails clean, and consider painting them.
Choose a well-fitting bra. Finding the right bra size can be challenging, whether you’re transgender or cisgender. Some transgender women look stunning in padded bras.
Discover your personal style. When shopping, look for outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident in your appearance. Your clothes should bring you joy.
Kalee Hewlett
Fashion Expert
Fashion Expert
Expert Tip: If you're just starting to explore feminine fashion, create a Pinterest board to visualize your style inspiration. Pay attention to your body type, as outfits that look great on one body shape may not suit another. Remember, fashion is a fantastic way to express your true self, so experiment and have fun with it.
Wear well-fitting clothes. Some transgender women try to squeeze into clothes that are too tight, but this won’t make you look slimmer and can appear awkward. Instead, invest in clothes that fit comfortably.
- Loose-fitting outfits can make a transgender woman look more charming.
- Donate any uncomfortable, tight, or overly revealing clothes that don’t align with your personal taste. If you feel uneasy, it will show. These clothes might suit someone else better.
Choose a swimsuit that makes you feel comfortable. The pressure to have a "sexy figure" is a challenge for all women, and it’s even harder for transgender women. Opt for a swimsuit that feels comfortable and covers any areas you’re self-conscious about.
- Swim skirts are flattering and can ease concerns about your lower body if you haven’t had surgery.
- Look for modest swimwear, especially if you’re not comfortable showing too much skin. A one-piece suit might feel more secure.
- A cute cover-up can boost your confidence. A feminine robe over your swimsuit is perfect when you’re not in the water.
- You can even wear a thin T-shirt over your swimsuit. If anyone asks, simply say, "I’m a bit shy about showing my body." Anyone understanding will respect that.
Accessorize. There are countless ways for a girl to add something special to her outfit! Accessories can make you feel more beautiful and confident. Look for cute items to enhance your look.
- Earrings
- Stylish shoes
- Handbags and wallets
- Belts
- Nail polish
- Women’s watches
- Perfume
Seek advice from other transgender women. Reach out to friends or family members and ask if they can help with makeup or styling. They’ll have useful beauty and fashion tips, and being pampered will make you feel more feminine.
- Connect with other transgender women. They’ve been where you are and can offer specific advice on transitioning.
Expert Advice
- Set your own rules for expressing femininity. As a transgender woman, you have the same choices as any other woman to express your femininity, though you might need to explore these options yourself. Femininity is unique to each person, so there are no fixed rules.
- Decide how you want to express your femininity through clothing. Consider what hairstyles suit you and how you feel about makeup. Also, think about whether certain fabrics or clothing styles make you feel positively feminine. Reflect on whether you want to shave any body or facial hair.
- Think about how you present yourself holistically. Beyond appearance, expressing your gender includes how you walk, talk, sit, and carry yourself. It also involves how you experience and express emotions, attitudes, and interests.
- Set boundaries with people who make you feel comfortable. If you’re dating or in a relationship, consider how you want to express yourself, such as how you wish to be treated as a transgender woman and what kind of physical touch you’re comfortable with.
Tips
- Don’t hesitate to ask women, including transgender women, for advice!
- Some stores offer professional makeover services. If you can afford it, visit a shopping center and request a makeover.
- Remember that not all transgender women have masculine traits. Cisgender women can also have broad shoulders, small chests, large feet, or bigger body frames. While this is normal, it’s less common for cisgender women.
- Some retailers offer shoes and lingerie specifically designed for transgender women.
- For transgender women who haven’t had lower surgery, wearing underwear is optional, especially with loose clothing.
- Many yoga classes are women-only, and participants often wear tight, attractive outfits. This is a great environment for transgender women to blend in, express femininity, and meet other women.
