How to Look More Feminine: A Step-by-Step Guide for Crossdressers

It’s frustrating to want to embrace your femininity fully but get lost on where to start. Girl, same! The struggle is real, and I say that ’cause I’ve been there. But guess what? You’re in the right place! Looking more feminine is easier (and more fun) than you think!

A crossdresser can look more feminine with the right wardrobe, grooming habits, and, of course, mindset! Whether you’re a befuddled newbie or a veteran crossdresser, this guide will help you own your feminine power!

So go ahead and settle in! I’m about to spill all the tea on how to level up your femme game!

Understanding What It Means to Be Feminine

Before I push you down the rabbit hole of crossdressing and femininity, let’s understand what it means to be feminine first. Being “feminine” doesn’t mean you have to be “perfect” or copy someone else’s style.

Simply put, what femininity means will depend on YOU! Its diverse nature is the whole reason why MTF crossdressers love it. Femininity encourages self-expression. It’s the power to feel authentic with your definition of what it means to be feminine.

The fun thing here is that your chance to explore and experiment is endless! There’s always something fresh to try!

Dressing the Part: Clothing Tips for Crossdressers

What you wear is the easiest aspect to change and transform into your feminine version. Clothes make or break your look— that is true especially in crossdressing!

Here’s why you should slay your wardrobe game:

The Power of Feminine Clothing

Sure, clothing drastically affects your feminine appearance. It’s your best tool to express your femininity. But femme clothes aren’t just to feast your eyes and others’ eyes.

When you’re a crossdresser, clothes have and give you major, major power. The right ensemble of tops, bottoms, and shoes can make you feel unstoppable. That’s why finding the right pieces is crucial. They bridge you to the best version of yourself!

My Crossdressing Tips

Your feminine clothing gives you power! But this doesn’t mean you must go all out and be bold all the time. There are days when you want to be loud and go the extra mile to get everyone’s attention. But there are also times when you want to keep it low-key.

So remember this: Your crossdressing outfit is your canvas. As you’re the painter, you get to do whatever you want with your clothing!

Here are my femme wardrobe staples:

• For bold outings: Sequin mini-dresses or hot pink skinny jeans
• For chill dates: Pastel blouses or chunky sweaters
• For the minimalist’s capsule wardrobe: That LBD (little black dress), a classic cardigan, and a statement jacket

Choosing Feminine Clothes to Flatter Your Body Shape

Let me burst your bubble now so you can save time and money. Not every piece of clothing you like will look good on you. And my dear, you can blame it all on shapes— body shapes, to be exact.

Understanding your body shape and how clothes fit you is science. It’s a skill you’ll be thankful for all your life. Once you get the relationship between your shape and clothes, all your outfits will be perfect 10s!

Here are my tips to look more feminine with your body shape:

• Generally, avoid baggy clothes. You have to emphasize your figure.
• If you’re on the curvier side, show what your Mama gave you! If you’re on the leaner side, borrow the magic of butt and hip pads.
• For example, if you have a rectangular (aka Rectangle) body shape, use a belt to emphasize your waist. If you have broader shoulders, add some meat to your hip area to make your waist look smaller.

Not sure about your body shape? Time to get some selfies! Start with a full-length mirror and play around with different fits. Snap some pics to see what works best. It’s all about trial and error.

Skirts and Dresses: The Feminine Staples

Skirts and dresses are iconic for a reason. As they’re (usually) just for the ladies, MTF crossdressers ought to have them in their closets.

Not all skirts and dresses are the same. Their differences will help you pick what best matches your vibe. Common ones include:

• A-line dresses and skirts flatter all body shapes. It’s simply anything that’s fitted at the waist and gets wider as it goes to the hem. It’s the most versatile of the group.
• Pencil skirts will give your curves the tightest hug. They’re perfect if you’re after polished outfits. Dresses with pencil skirts include bodycon, peplum, and even tight qi pao or pegged dresses.
• Fit-and-Flare is the glam version of the A-line. The “fit” part extends above the knee area, then the dress or skirt flares below it.

About Fabrics and Colors

When talking about clothes, you also need to be savvy about the fabrics they’re made of. Not only that, but you will also want to know how the colors reflect your skin tone. Now you know why color analysis was the talk of the town recently!

• Often, soft fabrics make MTF crossdressers feel and look more femme. Think silk, chiffon, lace, and satin.
• As for colors, pink is obviously more ladylike. But lighter tones, such as pastels, neutrals, or muted colors, are safe choices.
• Don’t be afraid to go bold too! Jewel tones or even neon accents can look just as good as long as you know how to work your way around them.

The whole goal here is to experiment with combos that make you feel like the main character because you are!

About Accessories

Accessories are the cherry on top of your whole look.

• Delicate jewelry (pearl earrings, dainty necklaces, studs, etc.) adds instant elegance.
• Structured handbags are a must if you’re going to be out for a long time. Think of them as your emergency kit! You’ll want to have something to stash your powder or an extra set of eyelashes.
• During the cold seasons, scarves and shawls add more heat. But they’re also perfect for that “effortless chic” touch.
• When it comes to shoes, heels are iconic and clearly the most femme of all. But flats and wedges are fab, too. If you’re new to heels, start small and practice your walking at home first. You’ll be catwalk-ready in no time!
• Hats are making a comeback! Try a floppy sunhat for summer or a beret for colder months. You’ll feel cozy and look cute!

Makeup: Enhancing Your Feminine Features

There’s much to learn about makeup. But once you get the hang of it, you won’t get enough! They’re the modern sorcery tool for that total glow-up!

Foundation and Concealer

A smooth base is everything. Skincare will save you heaps of trouble. But you also will need to match your foundation to your skin tone. Color correct those blemishes and use concealer to cover any imperfections. Blend, blend, and blend some more. Your now blemish-free face will thank you!

How you apply your foundation is also important. Some are okay with their fingers. Personally, I use a makeup spatula and pat my face with a makeup sponge.

For a natural look, try a BB or CC cream instead of a foundation. It’s lighter but still evens out your skin tone.

Mascara, Eyeliner, and Eyeshadow

Your eyes tell your story! You have to do a lot of work in this area if you want to look instantly feminine. There are many products you can use, but let’s stick with the basics first.

Want eyes that slay? Mascara is your MVP for long, flirty lashes. Eyeliner adds drama, and eyeshadow lets you play with color and sparkle. All of these products help create those defined, feminine eyes.

Your eye makeup will depend on your preference and the occasion you’ll attend.

Here’s my pro tip: Start with neutral tones and build your way up to bolder looks. Practice makes perfect, and YouTube eye makeup tutorials are your besties here.

Feeling adventurous? Try a cut-crease eyeshadow look or winged eyeliner for that Insta-worthy finish.

Blush and Highlighter

Blush adds life to your cheeks. This makes you look younger and more femme. Meanwhile, the highlighter gives you that glow-up, very awake moment. Use highlighters to any face features you want to, well, highlight.

Ideally, the safest places to apply blush are on the apples of your cheeks. Add some shimmer of the highlighter on your cheekbones, and et voila! You’ll look radiant AF.

Look up suggestions on where to put blush and highlights depending on your face shape. This will help make your face look softer and balanced.

Lips

Lipstick ties everything together. Neutral pinks are beginner-friendly. Red lipsticks are a classic and get the attention of your puckers.

Depending on the finish, you can get a glossy or matte one. Glossy lipsticks are best if you want that moisturized, sticky feeling. A matte finish is best if you don’t like any shine on the surface.

Lip liners can define your lips and make them pop. Try overlining slightly for a fuller look. Note that not everyone should use lip liners. Be careful not to look like your lips have just been injected with fillers!

Grooming: Hair, Skin, and Nails

Ladies are goddesses of cleanliness. So, as a crossdresser, good grooming is non-negotiable!

Hair: Soft, Silky, and Feminine

Whether you’re rocking a wig or your natural hair, choose styles that suit your face shape. If you’re more likely to change your hairdo often, I recommend starting your collection of wigs.

Natural-looking wigs don’t come cheap. But they’re worth every penny, so invest in a good one if you can.

Hair accessories like clips, headbands, or even ribbons are also great to add a youthful vibe to your femme presentation.

Skin Care: Smooth and Radiant

Healthy skin is essential. Trust me, it makes everything else easier. So develop your own skin care routine. One that addresses the issues of your skin and makes you feel real glowing from the inside out.

Cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize like your life depends on it. Don’t forget SPF! Sun damage is not cute or safe.

Another tip: Sheet masks are a quick way to pamper your skin and boost hydration.

Nails: Elegant and Polished

Keep those nails on point. A clean, trimmed manicure with soft pinks or nudes is always a win. They’re also practical. But if you want to go for long fingernails with glitters or cat eye design, go for it!

To save some money, know that DIY nail art is all the rage now. Grab some stickers or stencils to create your own designs at home. You might even discover your talent for nail design and start your own nail salon!

Body Hair Removal

Smooth skin = instant femme vibes. You might be into shaving, waxing, or depilatory creams. All of those are fine. Just find what works best for you. Exfoliate to avoid ingrown hairs and keep your skin silky smooth.

For a longer-lasting solution, consider laser hair removal or epilators. They’re pricier, yep. But they’re so worth it if you plan to crossdress in the long run.

Behavior: Acting Like a Lady

Your femme look might be on fleek. But don’t give yourself away by skipping out on the ladylike mannerisms and behaviors!

Graceful Movements

Good posture and smooth, almost flowy movements are key. Stand tall, but don’t overstretch your neck and back. Simply roll your shoulders back, and that’s their natural position. If you’re not feeling it, there’s nothing wrong with practicing at home until it feels natural!

Learning a few basic dance moves can also improve your grace and fluidity. And no, you’re not required to dance in front of anyone else but your mirror!

Voice and Speech

A soft, clear voice adds to your feminine charm. Practice raising your pitch slightly and focus on enunciating your words.

Oh, and being polite and kind in your speeches? Always admirable (and ladylike).

Try reading aloud or singing to develop vocal control and confidence.

Being Playful and Lighthearted

Femininity is about fun, too! Embrace your playful side, crack jokes, and don’t shy away from a little flirtation. Energy is contagious, so let your femme energy shine.

A playful attitude can also help you handle awkward situations with charm and humor.

Nurturing Your Feminine Energy: The Power of Self-Care

Self-care is the ultimate femme flex. When you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Stay zen, babe. Meditation, yoga, or scribbling quick gratitude in that pretty journal can help you feel more centered and graceful. 

Many phone apps and online videos are there to guide you through mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques.

Self-Love and Acceptance

Kind of cliche, but self-love is important when you want to embrace your feminine side. Love yourself, perfections and imperfections included. After all, femininity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real.

Creating a Feminine Space

Surround yourself with things that make you feel feminine. Decorate your space with soft colors, cozy textures, and pretty details. A feminine environment can inspire and uplift you. It also makes it easier to get to the right headspace.

Conclusion

Looking more feminine as an MTF crossdresser is no easy task. It may take you a while, but I promise it will be worth it! You’ll learn a whole lot about yourself as you appreciate this transformative journey.