How to Wear Feminine Clothing as a Trans Woman

Expert fashion and styling tips for transitioning women

Co-authored by Inge Hansen, PsyD and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: January 26, 2023 References Approved

Finding Your Style

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Outfit Basics

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Styling Your Hair

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Applying Makeup

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Tips

When you’re first starting to express your gender as a trans girl, finding the right look can feel tricky and maybe a little overwhelming. You want to show off your own unique style while also presenting the version of you you’re most comfortable with. We’ll help you out with tips on finding your look, some outfit pointers, and crucial hair and makeup basics. Remember, these are only suggestions to help you get started; you do you! Now let’s show off the woman you are.

Things You Should Know

Determine your body shape and bust size to find clothes that best accentuate your figure.
Wear A-line skirts and dresses to compliment your body shape, and go for maxi dresses or tunic tops for comfier options.
Opt for boot-cut pants or other styles that flare at the bottom to accommodate larger feet.
Wear a wig or style your natural hair down, in a ponytail, or in more elaborate styles to complement your outfit.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Finding Your Style

1
Determine your body shape so you can accentuate your best features. Every woman looks different, and identifying your unique qualities will help you figure out how to dress to enhance your natural beauty. Look at yourself in the mirror to see which shape your body resembles:^{[1]
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- Inverted triangle: Your shoulders are wider than your hips. Balance your proportions by adding volume to your lower body. Great options for this include A-line dresses, patterned pants or skirts, and boot-cut jeans.
- Column: Your shoulders, hips, and midsection are all about equally wide. Choose clothes that accentuate both your hips and shoulders, and draw attention away from your midsection, like moderately flared dresses, and avoid bodycon clothing.
- Apple: You have a wider waist and an average-sized chest, with a wide back and somewhat shorter arms and legs. Draw attention away from your midsection, with A-line dresses.
2
Measure your bust and find a bra that fits. A bra is by no means required, but if you have breasts or want more curves up top, a great bra can help you achieve your best look. To help you choose a bra, wrap a measuring tape horizontally around your chest, just beneath your nipples—this is your band size.^{[2]
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- To find your bust size, try on a bra with your band size, and fill it as you would for everyday wear. Then take another chest measurement around the widest part of your bust. Finally, subtract your band size from your chest size—this is your bust size.
- Generally, a difference that’s less than 1 in (2.5 cm) is an AA cup, a 1 in (2.5 cm) difference is an A cup, a 2 in (5.1 cm) difference is a B cup, and so on.
- It takes a little trial and error to find the perfect bra, so try on a few different bras until you find one that’s not too snug, not too loose, and feels natural on your body.
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3
Play up your best features so your natural beauty shows. The secret to looking gorgeous is highlighting your unique beauty. Stand in front of a mirror and pick out what you love most about your body. For instance, maybe you have long, lovely legs or a clearly defined waist. Choose outfits that accentuate your favorite features so everyone’s eyes are drawn to them.^{[3]
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- Let’s say you have great legs. You might wear shorts, tailored pants, or short skirts and dresses. If you like your waistline, show it off by belting your clothes, by wearing a cropped jacket over a longer top, or by wearing a cropped top. If you’ve got nice arms, go sleeveless when the weather permits.
- Use dark colors to minimize areas you want to hide and wear light colors to draw attention.
4
Take a cue from how other girls or women your age dress. You can wear anything you like, so don’t worry too much about fashion “rules.” At the same time, you might be struggling to figure out where to start when it comes to building your wardrobe. Check out what your peers are wearing to get style inspiration. Consider which types of outfits you love, as well as what doesn’t fit your personal style.^{[4]
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- “Younger” styles might include things like graphic tees, short shorts, or accessories like chokers or colorful bracelets, while “mature” styles might include things like blazers, pants, blouses, or jewelry with stones. Play around with your style until you find something that suits how you want to present yourself.
5
Remove your body hair if it makes you more comfortable. Many girls and women shave their underarms and legs, but that doesn’t mean you have to do so, too. If you do prefer a smooth look, apply a shaving cream or shave bar to your skin. Then, carefully shave the area until it’s smooth. For best results, apply moisturizer to your legs after you shave for softer, smoother skin.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Inge Hansen, PsyD
Transgender & Diversity Specialist
Expert Interview. 19 November 2019.}
- If your hair is very long, you might trim it with a pair of scissors first. You can use regular scissors or manicure scissors. Be careful that you don’t cut your skin.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Outfit Basics

1
Opt for A-line skirts and dresses. An A-line fit is one that flares down and out at the hips. It’s great for balancing a body shape that’s wider up top, or accentuating body shapes that are wider down below. In short, it’s perfect for many trans women of most, if not all, body types.^{[6]
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- Of course, you’re not restricted to only A-lines. Maxi dresses are another key dress type in a woman’s wardrobe, and come in a variety of styles.
2
Choose tops that minimize your shoulders. Many trans women are self-conscious about the width of their shoulders, and while we want you to feel comfortable in your body, we get it. To get a narrower look up top, go for long, deep necklines, darker fabrics, and more delicate fabrics and straps—avoid bulky fabrics or thick shoulder straps.^{[7]
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- Longer tunic tops are a great way to achieve a feminine shape in a looser, more comfortable style that goes well with things like leggings.
3
Go for loose, boot-cut, or bell bottom pants. When in doubt, shun the skinny jean. Looser cuts with flared legs give you more room in the crotch, and deftly downplay a larger shoe size. This goes for everything from jeans to business pants.^{[8]
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- If you want to wiggle into some skinnies, go for it! They can be a great look with a big, loose top like a sweater or breezy blouse.
4
Choose women’s shoes that are about 2 sizes larger than your men’s size. Shoes can be pretty tricky if you have larger feet, since options are limited. The important thing here is wear what’s comfy—don’t force yourself into too-small shoes just to downplay the size of your feet. Remember, work with your body, not against it!^{[9]
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- For heels, start with a low or block heel to help you get the hang of it. Heels are fabulous for lengthening your legs and accentuating your butt.
- For casual looks, don’t be afraid to grab sneakers, flats, or even sandals. Heels aren’t the end-all, be-all of a woman’s shoes.
5
Accessorize with bags and jewelry. You can choose to skip accessories if you prefer, but they’re a fun way to express your sense of style. And as a bonus, they add points of interest other than your body. At first, try adding 1 or 2 accessories to your look. As you develop your style, you might try adding more.^{[10]
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- For instance, you might wear dangly earrings to draw attention to your beautiful face or bangle bracelets to show off your wrists.
- Necklaces may not be the best option if you’re trying to hide your Adam’s apple. Try on a necklace before you buy it to see how it looks on you.
- Carry a handbag or purse if you like.
6
Wear what makes you comfortable! Remember that the best outfit is the one that makes you feel like your best self. That might mean ignoring some of this advice and doing your own thing—go for it! And hot tip: thrift stores are your best friend. There’s no better place to break down gendered clothing and remix an outfit than your local thrift store.^{[11]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Styling Your Hair

1
Wear wigs if you want longer or more customizable hair. If you’re still growing out your hair or want to keep your natural hair short, buying a wig or 2 is a great option that lets you achieve a number of styles without waiting for long hair. Find one that speaks to your personality, and style it to your liking.^{[12]
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- Synthetic wigs tend to be cheaper, but don’t last quite as long as a more expensive human hair wig, which also allows for more versatile styling.
- Of course, long hair is by no means a requirement! Plenty of women rock a short ‘do.
2
Wear your hair down or in a ponytail for a simple, easy option. You don’t need an elaborate hairstyle to look great. Leave your hair down for a cute, everyday style. If you feel like you’re having a bad hair day, tie your hair back in a ponytail.^{[13]
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- If your hair is chin length or longer, you might try curling it with a curling iron.
- You can have any hair length as a girl, so don’t feel like short hair is masculine.
3
Experiment with braids and up-dos for more elaborate styles. You might want to try something fun with your hair. Try braiding it or putting it up in a bun. Play with your hair to see what looks best on you.^{[14]
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- Practice a new hairstyle in the evening or on the weekend so you have plenty of time. It might take a little practice to get it right.
4
Accessorize your hair with clips and headbands. Hair accessories can be a fun addition to your look. Put on a headband to dress up your style and keep your hair out of your face. Use cute hair clips to hold your hair back or to just add a girly touch.^{[15]
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- Clips and other accessories also work well in short hairstyles, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
5
Visit a hair stylist for a new, professional look. Now that you’re fully expressing your gender, you might want a whole new hairstyle. Make an appointment with a stylist to get your perfect style. If you know what kind of cut you want, bring photos for your stylist to use as inspiration. If you’re not sure what cut will flatter your features, ask your stylist for advice.^{[16]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Applying Makeup

1
Cover dark areas with a concealer that has peach or orange undertones. Dark circles and beard shadows are no biggie! To apply concealer, use your fingertips to dab an orange-tone concealer over any problem areas to cover up and cancel out the blue tones. Then blend it all in with a blending sponge.^{[17]
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- Let the concealer dry for about a minute before you put on your foundation.
2
Use liquid matte foundation to even out your face’s color and texture. Bumpy skin? Red spots? Don’t worry, just use a liquid, matte-formula foundation a shade lighter than the natural color of your face, and apply the foundation over your concealer, covering your entire face with sparing layers, while avoiding your eyelids and eyebrows.^{[18]
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- It may take some experimenting to find the right shade, but look for one that blends naturally into your neck, and doesn’t cake up. Avoid powder foundations, for that exact reason.
3
Apply eyeliner and eyeshadow to add some flair. Eye makeup brings focus to your eyes and is the cherry on top of the perfect outfit. Start with your eyeliner and mascara, then go in for the eyeshadow. Do a nice smokey eye, which is easy and perfect for a sultry feminine look, or experiment with color for more pop.^{[19]
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- Of course, feel free to play around with makeup to find a look that screams “You!” Makeup can be the most fun and versatile part of a woman’s appearance, but as with anything, it’s not a requirement.
4
Shape your eyebrows so they frame your eyes. Great eyebrows can change the entire look of your face. Pluck excess hairs to create the eyebrow shape you desire. As another option, get your eyebrows professionally shaped by a makeup artist or brow technician.^{[20]
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- You can find YouTube videos to help you learn how to shape your brows easily.
- If you like playing with makeup, you might try filling in your brows or reshaping them.