Mature crossdresser’s are seen more and more out among the mainstream public. The Friday night before our monthly CHIC meeting affords an opportunity for some members to go out 2 nights in a row. Some travel a great distance to attend meetings and like myself get a hotel room for the weekend. Wanda and some others joined joined me for the January Friday B4. She and I are in the lounge of one of our favorite restaurants in Long Beach. The only crossdresser wife attending that night was Wanda’s who took the picture.
SEASONED CROSSDRESSING
The member ship of CHIC ranges from 42 to 93 the average being about 60. We are a fun group who look forward to our monthly get together’s. The knowledge attained over decades is willingly passed along to the younger members if they are receptive.
I like many mature crossdresser’s prefer to dress on the conservative side without being dowdy or fuddy duddy! I love this jacket and skirt combo that I purchased separately and paired together. The look is timeless which is my goal when ever I purchase something. Only dressing a couple of days per month means if I buy something trendy I may only get to wear it once before it goes out of fashion.
I have some shorter skirts slightly above the knee but mostly prefer the hem mid knee. They will always be in style if not fashion and don’t send the wrong message to those I encounter while out and about. The last thing I want is to give the impression that I am available to some boozed up dude looking for action. I always wear the wedding rings my wife bought me in case anyone looks but that doesn’t always deter people.
When I am approached in public it is typically from women curious about my being dressed as a woman. Some notice my ring and inquire whether I am married to a man and some are shocked to find I am heterosexual and married to a woman. I have enjoyed many enlightening conversations with these women and even their husbands on occasion. I am sure the conversations would not happen if I was dressed in a manner that made them uncomfortable.
Crossdresser colors you say! What is that? Years ago, I found out quite by chance at California Dreaming a San Francisco crossdressing event. I was wandering around the vendor area looking at all the wares available when I came upon the Donna Fujii Cosmetics booth. There wasn’t much going on during the day in that most everyone was in the city shopping. As I was talking to the lady in the booth she asked if I wanted my colors done. I replied to crossdresser colors. She explained that everyone should know their colors especially crossdressers.
COLOR CONSULTATION
I sat down in the chair, and she explained the difference between cool colors and warm colors. My skin is medium, and I was wearing a dark brown wig so while my skin says warm my hair said cool. She started with cool and placed a piece of silver metallic cloth on my shoulder and asked me to look at my face especially my makeup. She then placed a gold metallic cloth on the other shoulder again asking me to look at my makeup. When she then removed the silver cloth it seemed like my makeup changed looking much more complimentary or warmer. She advised switching to warm tones like blond wigs and warm palette colors for makeup.
Clothes such as red really pop when worn with a blond wig.
Micki Finn crossdressed in red jacket.
Finding anybody wearing much color is difficult today women, crossdresser’s or anyone else. Yes, black is slimming but gets old seeing everyone dressed that way.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
The most important colors to get right are makeup and hair so if possibly get the makeup right for your skin, then do the wig color and style. The ideal would be to try on wigs dressed in your correct makeup on. Shorter styles are easier to work with because you don’t get distracted with the style and concentrate on the wig color complimenting your makeup. I think you will be surprised pleasantly and please purchase a wig if you take advantage of the Solon’s expertise.
Another possibility is to attend a crossdresser convention / conference where there is a wig stylist exhibiting but again, if at all possible, purchase something from them. Diva Las Vegas this spring should have a wig company working with them.
We have all done it, everyone pretty much starts out that way unless someone dresses you as a joke or experiment. Most of us indulged in our fascination with women’s clothes all by ourselves. Many men will always be crossdressing alone away from prying eyes and the possible negative repercussions of others.
21ST CENTURY CROSSDRESSING
Thankfully there is much more acceptance of crossdressing today and there isn’t the stigma that existed in years past. I go out today to all kinds of mainstream businesses and entertainment venues without getting much more than a glance. It wasn’t always that way though.
GROWING UP
I grew up crossdressing alone and just had an article published in SisterHouse based on my early crossdressing experiences. Actually lack of experiences would be more accurate combined with lack of knowledge of crossdressing. You can follow this link the the article GROWING UP ALONE. Tasi says it is somewhat sad in the beginning which is true but don’t feel sorry for me I have moved far beyond that time.
GROWN UP
I am firmly invested in 21st century crossdressing and only look back only to share with others especially the younger ones what it could have been like for them.
Forget about using the ladies room you were more worried about being the scourge of the community and shunned by virtually everyone. Mothers would not want their children playing with you and you would never get invited to a birthday party. If discovered you would be immediately mistrusted and you’re motives questioned. It was against the law to impersonate a female in public and you could be arrested. I guess they assumed you were trying to trick some unsuspecting lad into being attracted to you.
Follow the link to SisterHouse for more growing up in mid 20th century California and crossdressing alone.
Overdressed is a term heard often when people contemplate going somewhere and have concerns about how others will be dressed. Crossdresser’s are no exception and you here it all the time especially when people are going to Trans or Crossdresser events.
Activities like shopping and where you will be going typically dictates what you will be wearing. Shopping at the mall in Las Vegas in hot temperatures sees thongs, shorts, tank tops or short sleeve blouses. Unfortunately some “T” people wear the same thing to dinner like so many non “T” people do.
SHOPPING
I very seldom go out shopping when I travel largely because most of my shopping is done on the internet. I also hate daylight preferring night time lighting which is much softer. Besides I can buy anything I want in DUKE mode and nobody cares.
Therefore I live for the night and overdress to my hearts content. I looked like a parade float when I went to Diva Las Vegas this year but did not care. I have been dressing up not down since I was a little boy and have no plans to stop now. Being dressed to the hilt is what I enjoy so that’s the way its gonna be. I accept the label of Glamour Pussproudly!
Overdressed
Last weekend I went out in Long Beach Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday nights and overdressed every single night.
Friday night I met friends at a very hip mainstream restaurant in downtown Long Beach.
Saturday night was our CHIC club meeting night so I joined 14 other members at a different main stream favorite.
Monday & Tuesday nights I went solo at favorite pubs on Naples Island near Long Beach.
I did not fool anyone not passable and do not care nor did anyone else. My Uber driver greeted me opened the car door and took my hand when I exited the car. Present like a lady, act like a lady, and be treated as a lady.
I went to a lovely party last Saturday night hosted by two of my fellow CHIC members in their new home. Their home overlooks the ocean but it was about 40 miles from where I was staying for the weekend. I decided to rent a hotel room close by rather than drive back to where I was staying. Several things contributed to my decision besides drinking at the party. I was wearing a red blazer and high heels which would not help my field sobriety test although I would look great.
CHOICES
The big decision was do I get ready then drive to the party dressed or pack everything I need and get ready at the hotel? Knowing it was a virtual certainty that I would leave at least one crucial item behind I opted to get ready then drive to the party. Where the “You’ve come a long way baby” comes in is that I did it in broad daylight. Twenty years or so back I would never have considered it but, my confidence has steadily grown over the years.
I wore a black knit skirt with a black vee neck tank under a red one button blazer. Black patent 3 1/2 inch pumps and nude stockings with an over sized black patent purse. I also wore by Godiva’s Secret short blonde wig with roots. Most CHIC members attending wore red dresses along with the hosts. After checking the bag of guy stuff I was taking for the morning after the party 30 times to make sure I had everything I was off. I strutted through lobby of hotel #1 around 4:00pm waving at the desk clerks as my heels clicked on the floor.
The drive down went great toll booths and all and now it was time for another decision. Do I check in to hotel #2 first then go to the party of wait until after the party. Even though my confidence is at an all time high checking in around eleven thinned out the guests in the lobby and made more sense.
CHECKING IN
After the party I headed for the hotel found a parking place and walked to the front door. I had to stand there waiting for a minute or so because you need either a room key or wait to be buzzed in. They opened the door and welcomed me in saying hello mam can I help you. I replied yes and gave them the name the reservation was under along with a credit card in a fem name. He then asked for me ID and I complied giving him my real driver license. He glanced at them both then returned them saying “sign here sir”. I thought about correcting him but I thought it was so funny that he switched pronouns without missing a beat.
MORNING AFTER
The next morning I showered and left as Duke meeting up with two other CHIC members for a round of golf as guys. I think the hotel staff is still looking for the attractive blonde to come down stairs.
For years my wife and others suggested my wearing a short wig for various reasons. I know many CD’s that wear short wigs but never liked them for me.
A few years back I purchased short wig from a wig ostensibly for my wife. The woman dutifully sold me the one I liked in the wrong size and color for me but, then again it was for my wife right? I took it home, tried it on and scared the hell out of myself.
Had I been honest with the sales person and told her I was a CD she might have suggested something else. Maybe she would have told me that a jet black page boy would show every wrinkle in my pale skin. She might have told me it was too small making me look like a gear shift knob.
Do it right
She would have measured my head for the correct size and chosen a color to compliment my skin tone. She might have talked me into a short wig properly sized and shaped for my head. I was too embarrassed to tell her it was for me back then so I did it the hard way. Also the wig was parted down the middle so the hair covered part of my eyes and the curved ends kept falling in my mouth. I tried again some years later with a color that was better but the style looked like a football helmet on me.
Fast forward 30 years and I found one that I liked so I bought another one in a different color. The style is Freedom by Godiva’s Secret Wigs located in Southern California but they have a website. I am now a confirmed CD wearing a short wig all the time.
What I like about the wig besides the cut is it comes in a large size (23 inch diameter) the length I need. The nape down the back is is about 2.5 inches and there is enough hair on top to style it high. Increased height adds length to my face and gives the appearance of narrowing it. The wig is also their own brand and very good quality. It is the only brand that they sell.
