How to Dress Like a Girl (Transgender)
Learn how to apply makeup. A female friend or family member may be willing to help you. You can also watch makeup tutorials online. Some women prefer no makeup, or minimal makeup (e.g. just a little concealer, mascara, and lip gloss). Others like to be very artistic with it. Start small, and master the basics. Start small, and work on mastering the basics. You can experiment with bolder looks and colors once you have more practice.[1] X Research source If you apply heavy makeup when you don't know how, you may end up looking like a clown!
Pluck your eyebrows. You can get them shaped professionally, by a female friend, or by yourself with the help of a few online tutorials. Well-shaped eyebrows can help frame your face.
Experiment with your hair. Play with your hair, and see what styles you like. If your hair is short, you can accessorize with pretty hair clips and headbands. If you grow it out, you'll be able to get more options, like braids and ponytails. Remember that you have lots of time to try out different styles and see what you enjoy. Long hair isn't always feminine, and short hair isn't always masculine. How you wear your hair makes a big difference. Take good care of your
hair. Wash it well. Experiment with hair-thickening products if your hair is a little thin.[2] X Research source
Pay attention to your best physical features. Do you have great calves, a lovely neck, or elegant wrists? What looks feminine? Notice your best features, and think about how you can dress to accentuate them. If you're having a hard time noticing your best features, try asking a supportive female friend or family member to help you identify them.
Determine your body shape and your coloring. Every woman looks different, and identifying your unique qualities will help you figure out how to dress to enhance your natural beauty. Learn which "season" you are. "Spring" is light and warm, "Summer" is light and cool, "Autumn" is dark and warm, and "Winter" is dark and cool. Once you know which season describes your complexion, you can choose colors that flatter you. Identify your body shape. Dressing for your body shape can accentuate your natural beauty. Many trans women have the inverted triangle body shape, and look good in clothes that add volume below the hips, like A-line dresses and boot-cut jeans.[3] X Research source
Notice how girls or women your age dress. You can
learn a lot from your female peers. The next time you go outdoors, look around and take mental notes about what people are wearing. If you dress like you're a lot younger than your age, or wear retro clothes, people will notice, and they may start to wonder why.[4] X Research source If you prefer to avoid drawing attention, pay attention to what women your age wear.
Take care of your hands and fingernails. Moisturize with lotion before bed. Keep your nails clean, and try wearing nail polish.
Find the right bra. Bra sizing can be difficult, whether you're trans or cis. Some trans women find padded bras to be really nice.[5] X Research source
Find your own style. When you shop, look for clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident in how you look. Your clothes should make you feel happy.
Wear clothes that fit. Some transgender women try to squeeze into too-tight clothes. But this doesn't make you look smaller, and you'll look quite awkward.[6] X Research source [7] X Research source Instead, don't be afraid to buy clothes in a larger size. Loose clothes can look lovely on a trans girl.[8] X Research source Donate any clothes that are itchy, ill-fitting, or too revealing for
your personal taste. If you feel uncomfortable, you'll look uncomfortable. They might fit someone else better.
Choose a swimsuit you feel comfortable in. The pressure to have a great "beach body" can be tough for all girls, and it may hit a trans girl especially hard. Wear something that feels comfortable, and covers all areas that you prefer to keep covered.[9] X Research source Swim skirts can look charming, and may help you worry less about your bottom if you haven't had bottom surgery. Try looking for a modest swimsuit, especially if you aren't comfortable baring a lot of skin. A one-piece swimsuit may help you feel more comfortable. A really cute cover-up can also be a confidence booster. It can be nice to slip on something girly on top of your swimsuit when you aren't in the water. You can even wear a thin t-shirt into the water, over your swimsuit. If people ask, just say "I'm a little shy about how I look." Any reasonable person will accept that explanation.
Accessorize. There are lots of options available for a woman who wants to add something special to her outfit! They can also help you feel more beautiful and confident.[10] X Research source Look for fun accessories to
add to your outfit. Earrings Cute shoes Handbags and purses Belts Nail polish Feminine watch Light perfume
Ask other trans women for advice. Reach out to female friends or family members, and ask if they can help give you a makeover. They might have some great beauty and style tips, and being pampered can help you feel feminine. Reach out to transgender women. They've been in the same place as you are, and can offer trans-specific advice.
If you recently came out as a girl, you may be wondering how to express yourself and make your true gender clear to the world. Passing as a woman, and dressing in ways that make you happy, can be complicated things to balance. This article can help you start looking more and more like the person you are inside.