Cross-Dressing Tips

As our society becomes more comfortable with alternative lifestyles, cross-dressing is becoming more prominent and accepted.  As well it should!  There is nothing wrong with cross-dressing, and people should never be ashamed to be themselves.   However, not everyone accepts this lifestyle, so “passing” in public is a concern to many cross-dressers.  Here are a few tips on how to successfully pass while out in public.

First and foremost, don’t worry about what other people say in regards to whether you can pass or not.  Just remain confident and know that in time you will be able to pass as well as the best of them.  It is a progression and, although you may wish to be accepted for who you are right away, it is important to understand it will more than likely take time for others to accept you.  It is also a good idea to join a support group. 

Never be ashamed when purchasing women’s clothing.  You have a right to do so without being judged.  If you have larger sized feet, you may have trouble finding shoes that fit properly.  Most large, warehouse type shoe stores in urban areas should have what you are looking for as they tend to have better selections and variety. 

For makeup application, you will need a lighted make-up mirror, preferably with a mirror that magnifies.  This will help you judge how well you will pass in public.  Make sure to not shave the day before you wish to go out, and do so about an hour before make up application. This ensures that you have a close shave.  Beard cover is very crucial to passing in public.  Make sure to use a corrective neutralizer based on the tint of your facial hair if necessary.  As for foundation, test the foundation you are using in the daylight to have a better idea if it works with your complexion and covers your beard, as indoor light can alter what the shade may look like in other areas.  After applying the foundation, powder it to set it and then wait about five minutes or so before proceeding. 

Eyebrow shaping is very important to passing as well.  Be sure to trim your eyebrows, brushing them down then plucking the straggling hairs.   An arch shape is desired here, with the high point just to the outside of your pupil.  With the eyebrows shaped, you can apply the eye shadow.  Be conscious of your eye size and shape. The idea here is to enhance your eyes.  The same goes for the eyeliner.  When applying mascara, remember that it is better to have too little than too much.  Curling your eyelashes can also open your eyes up. 

Before applying lipstick, line your lips with a color similar to the color of the lipstick.  Fill in the lining with the lipstick being careful to not go outside of the line.  It helps to blend the lining into the lipstick afterwards. 

With blush, like mascara, too little trumps too much.  Never bring it below the level of the bottom of your nose.  Be sure to blend it well to avoid looking like you have stripes on your face. 

When going out it is very important to dress for the occasion.  Although you might want to jump into your high heels and mini skirt and hit the town, remember that being inappropriately dressed for the occasion just makes you stand out. And drawing more attention to yourself increases your risk of not passing.  Just as with clothing, wear the appropriate level of makeup for where you are going.  Getting decked out just to go to the laundromat is out of place and can put you under unwanted scrutiny. 

Since the average woman stands at 5’4”, it may not be a good idea to wear heels if you are tall.  You do not want to draw attention to your height if you are tall, as standing out due to your height can also put you under unwanted scrutiny. 

Purchase a wig and don’t skimp on it.  If you buy a cheap wig you will lower your chances of passing.  Comb it out each time after wearing and wash it regularly to keep it looking good.  If you don’t know how to wash it, don’t risk it and take it to a professional to have it cleaned. 

How you carry yourself is a largely contributing factor to whether you will pass or not.  Be confident!  Being nervous can make people wonder why you are nervous and hurt your chances for successfully passing.  This sounds like it should go without saying, but act like a woman!  Study how other woman act: their posture, their arm movements, how they walk, and their mannerisms.  Just look at the difference between how men sit and how women sit; since men never wear skirts they never have to worry about how they sit, whereas women tend to be more conscious about it.  Therefore, you should be more conscious about it as well.  Practice talking with more feminine inflection to your voice.  If you are having difficulty, try to limit how much you talk when you are out. 

If you have hairy arms, and you can’t shave them, stay away from short sleeves.  If you do wear short sleeves, try to trim the hair down with a beard trimmer.  If you cannot shave your legs, wear two pairs of pantyhose.  Trimming with a beard trimmer beforehand is a good idea as well, if at all possible.  Never forget to trim your ear and nose hairs, either.  Whether you grow your nails long or not, keep your nails well manicured and cleaned up. 

Before going out, try to avoid drinking too many liquids to limit problems that may result from having to use the restroom.  If you are at a place with a unisex or family restroom,  lock the door, the restroom should not be a problem.  But if you cannot find a unisex or family restroom, it is important to note that if you use the ladies room you run the risk of breaking local laws of indecency.  Avoid any ladies room that has a line, as you run the risk of being discovered while in line.  Never waste time in the restroom.  Do your business and leave.  You can check hair and makeup elsewhere that is safer. While in a ladies room, make sure to sit down while using the toilette. Should someone notice feet facing the wrong way under the stall, their suspicion will most certainly be aroused.   Using the men’s room is also not a good idea, as you run the risk for confrontation in a cornered area.  If you are scoping out the bathroom situation, do it from an inconspicuous location so you don’t appear as if you are lurking. 

Finally, it is never a bad idea to be knowledgeable of the place you are going, especially if you are alone.  Even if you aren’t looking for it, trouble sometimes it finds you.  Always be prepared in case of an emergency as well.