Age Appropriate Dressing

[Guest Patricia]

Hi all,

Dressing “age appropriate” seems to be one of the major CD rules for success. I have, however, often come across postings from CDs who at least at times like to dress a generation or more below their chronological age. I definitely fit into this category and have no problem doing so. I never dress in accordance with my chronological age. I like the feminine look of the “younger styles,” the short skirts and dresses and the brighter colors. I feel very much alive dressed this way and hence can express the vibrant female aspect within me.

I feel that the dressing “age appropriate” rule can be violated and can lead to a much fuller expression of our female aspect, which in the end result a major reason that we CD. Dressing in a way which best enables us to express our femininity in turn leads to greater confidence, and greater success. I cannot help but wonder if dressing “age appropriate” is actually a kind of straight jacket, needlessly limiting the satisfaction which CD should be giving.

The question is, how really important is dressing “age appropriate?”

Wishing you al the height of success,

Patricia

[Guest Louise]

Hi Patricia,

I think that how you dress has to be a matter of just how you feel at that particular time, and is totally fine if you are younger, though when you attain My age (65) I feel that it has to be Age Appropriate, for you to fit in with the crowd, and not stand out like a sore thumb, and I have to say that I have no problems at all, (LOVE My life), love yourself, be happy.

[Guest sara ann]

I think that "age appropriate" dressing is important to be able to "blend" in however, I also think that some variations can be OK. For example, I think that hip huggers, micro mini's, etc. are inappropriate for us older girls. We usually can appear younger than our actual age when made up properly and attention is paid to "tasteful" dressing. When I was younger I loved to wear mini skirts and show a lot of leg, now that I am older I am more cautious about wearing clothes that are not to short or to tight. I do however usually wear my skirts and dresses 2 to 3 inches above my knee and I often get compliments on what nice legs I have. What girl wouldn't like flattering comments if they can get away with it? I almost always wear high heels and while shorter heels might be considered more "age appropriate" I do feel like I blend in well the way I dress.

Bottom line, I agree that it is important to dress age appropriate but if you can get away with showing a little more leg or a little more cleavage, why not?

[Guest Mrs. Miniver]

As someone who has a lot of self control and a number of years experience in dressing I've learned to dress appropriately for one's age. Too often we become over zealous and in our excitement have a tendency to over do it! Think of it this way when dressing. Do you want to stand out or blend in. Over doing can bring more negative attention to you than good. Learn to apply makeup appropriate for your age and your outfits. Remember your outfits should flatter you, not accentuate the negative. Know your body type. In my case, for instance I have short stubby legs and don't dare wear a short skirt. Its either knee high, below or slacks. If you're young and lean more power to you, You will be able to get away with more.

Remember it takes a lot of practice and research to pass. If it is that hard for the fairer sex to make themselves beautiful it is doubly hard for those of us that are trying to transition.

[Guest Patricia]

Some of the comments have been interesting. What I am trying to suggest is that the physical build of the CD should a deciding factor in deciding the type of attire selected, and that there is no need to be bound or constricted by the concept of age appropriate.

I am about 5’7” (165cm) tall and weigh about 130 pounds (60 kg). I am therefore slightly built and have, so I am told, long slender legs. My face is, however, typically masculine but not particularly lined or wrinkled. Physically, I can pass for a person much younger than my chronological age.

Of course I could wear attire appropriate to my chronological age but I really like the styles of the younger set. I see no reason to be automatically bound to the principle of age appropriate at all and choose these styles. I do avoid gaudy colors, or even the sexy look, preferring a soft, feminine appearance which suits my female aspect. I dislike duller color long skirts, and dresses and don’t consider slacks as being feminine at all. If I were to dress in styles such as these I could not express my feminine aspect at all. I would feel only slightly better than being en drab.

As for blending in, there is a very thin line between blending in and being ignored. In any case, how long can a CD truly blend in or be ignored? Not long I would think. As I mentioned in a another posting on passing, CDs in general don’t really pass and at some point are wind up being read. I am not at all interested in blending in, being ignored, or even passing. Let’s be honest about this. In the vast majority of cases, these are not really attainable on a long time or regular basis. So why worry about this?

Dressing age appropriate if your physic requires this, or dressing younger than your chronological age if you can or are of a mind to is fine. The idea should be to express your feminine aspect, and get the enjoyment and satisfaction which comes from this.

I go out and about in attire that is tasteful but very much in style. Just like the GGs, I want to be noticed and get admiring stares, especially by the GGs. They tend to have good taste and seem to be more favorably inclined toward CDs. I find that by dressing in a nice, snazzy fashion, not overly done at all or sexy, I can achieve this. I often hear kind remarks made among themselves by people who see me, even among males at times. It is not rare for GGs or older women to complement me in person.

In the end result, one of my goals is not to blend in, be ignored, or pass but to be accepted for what I am, a male en femme. If you dress well and behave appropriately, you can achieve this. This is also one way we can contribute to having CD become accepted by society.

Wishing you all the greatest success,

Patricia