Style liberation: figuring out your personal fashion as a transgender person

Your fit on a budget

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of revamping your wardrobe? Take a deep breath and remember: fashion is your playground. One of the first things to know about fashion, regardless of gender, is how the fit of clothing achieves a certain look.  Fit is a word that describes the way clothing hangs on the body. 

Start by taking your measurements. Knowing your measurements is key when it comes to finding clothes that fit well. When shopping for clothes, focus on the fit and cut of the clothing, not just the size. Notice how your body looks and feels in the garment.

As you are figuring out the basics of your wardrobe, a good place to start buying clothing would be a thrift store or consignment store. When you buy things you like at a lower cost, it might feel like less of a commitment. You’ll have the freedom and flexibility to try out a variety of styles and see what resonates with you. 

Masculine & feminine fashion

In fashion, the fit of masculine clothing is based mostly on silhouettes and shapes, not the brand or color. Masculine clothing tends to be more square and broad, as opposed to feminine clothing which is loose or flowing. Wearing sharper silhouettes can help with gender euphoria because a sharper shape can create the illusion of a masculine build. If you want to look and feel masculine, try on hefty and thick T-shirts. Wearing a heavier shirt might help you feel comfortable when you’re wearing a binder or using other chest-binding techniques. Well-fitted pants can keep you comfortable when packing. Scarves, watches, jewelry, and hats can help you show off your masculine style with a pop of color, exciting fabric, some metal or bling, or an accessory that is meaningful to you.

Feminine clothes tend to drape and flow on the body to enhance certain body characteristics. Feminine clothing tends to be bold, out there, loud, and memorable. Often, feminine clothing is based on the way it hangs on the body, you can find pieces that accentuate the parts of your body you love most. If you love your hips for example, try finding a skirt to wear with more of a cropped shirt might be something you add to your outfit inspiration. If you love your arms, try out a tube top or tank top. You can add layers and different accent pieces to spice it up and add more of your personality. Jewelry, watches, bags, body jewelry, and other accessories can help personalize your look!

Basic rules to remember

There are no rules — have fun and don’t stress! If you’re struggling with ideas, start a research board! Sites like Pinterest can be a helpful tool that many people use to build inspiration and mood boards. You can use it to design your look, too. As you are on your personal fashion journey, some questions to reflect on that can provide a sense of direction are:

• What makes you feel most comfortable? 
• How do you want to show up in the world? 
• Are you more interested in style, comfort, or utility?

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try to focus less on whether something is masculine or feminine, and more on if it makes you feel good! Test out different styles, mix and match patterns, and let your creativity run wild! Whether you’re browsing online or exploring thrift stores, embrace the fun of discovering pieces that speak to you. Fashion is a journey of self-discovery, and every outfit is a step towards embracing your true self. For trans folks, finding the right clothing is about empowerment, self-expression, and embracing what makes us feel beautiful.