I love clothes. Back when I thought I was a boy, though, I didn’t especially care what I wore; adorning my torso with graphic tees was as far as I ventured into the realm of fashion. But now that transitioning has given me a body I actually care about and respect, I’ve begun to take an interest in my outfits.
Photo by Sam Riedel
Often, we choose clothing based on how we want others to see us — but it can also say a lot about our actual experiences and the necessities of our lives. For instance, like a lot of trans girls, I couldn’t afford to get a whole new “girl” wardrobe when I began transitioning, so I’ve had to learn to incorporate my old styles into my new identity. There was a time when I felt pressured to look super femme constantly, mainly out of desperation to be recognized as a woman — but as you’ll see in the following style diary, I’ve started examining more closely how clothes make me feel, independent of others’ opinions.
The Party Look
Photos by Sam Riedel
Preparing to head out for a date’s birthday party, I threw on a denim jacket and jean cutoffs — a regular look of mine from high school, though these days I put a femmier spin on it (I used to be self-conscious about having a bulge in the front of these Daisy Dukes, but that was before the hormones, ahem, did their thing). My flats are from Payless because it’s the only store to ever sell women’s size 11 shoes at a price point low-income trans chicks can afford. It’s the tee in this outfit that I like best, though: a shirt my ex-girlfriend gave me before either of us knew I was trans, featuring our favorite Dr. Who companion — Amy Pond, “The Girl Who Waited.” How’s that for wearable poetry?
The Doctor’s Office Ensemble
Photos by Sam Riedel
The Monday after birthday shenanigans, I had a doctor’s appointment, and I wanted to get a little classy so the staff would be less likely to misgender me. Nurses are a fun bunch, and many have gone out of their way to compliment my ensembles. I’ve never been sure whether they’re being honest or want to feel like they did a Good Deed, but I try to ignore that catty part of my brain and just take the fucking compliment.
While we trans gals often need to work with what we already have, we can sometimes count on friends and loved ones to kickstart our new closets. I found the black shirt and necklace at Target, but the jeans and maroon top came from my ex (it’s amazing the gems y’all cis girls accumulate), who quickly went through a transition of her own into one of my best friends and closest confidantes. These skinny jeans have helped me let go of some lingering feelings about needing to wear skirts to be authentic, plus they make my thighs look tasty as hell.
The Grocery Shopping Getup
Photos by Sam Riedel
I know, I know, my colors are all over the place here — but honestly, I kind of like to clash sometimes! I used to wear this sweater to my last pre-transition office job, which is wild to think about, and this particular skirt means so much to me. This is what I mean when I say that clothes tell stories: I remember grabbing this off the rack at Goodwill, back when I was still figuring out what my gender was, when I needed something material to hang onto; relishing the thrill of seeing it wrap around my hips, knowing I could be a punk rock princess if I wanted (and, God, did I ever).
Even though I don’t feel the need to so thoroughly perform femininity anymore, the sense of comfort and self-affirmation the skirt gave me lingers. I’ve since discarded a number of the selections I made during those early thrift store runs, but this isn’t one of them, and it never will be. It’s just too important a piece of the story of where I’ve been, and where I’m going next.
This was really nice, thanks for sharing! I often think about how people perceive my gender and sexuality through my clothes choices and it’s great to hear about your journey to being comfortable wearing whatever you want ^_^ you look great!
Thank you so much! I should confess I don’t really feel comfortable in ~whatever~ I want, that’s still an issue–but “it’s getting better all the time” :)
Thank you for sharing this. You looks great and happy in all the pictures.
Excited to read this post! I hope it’s the first of many. Time to go buy a new pair of black tights…
This was lovely, great outfits but also loved your words :)
I relate to this so hard it’s not even funny.
I loved your outfits but the last one, yeah the skirt is a little off. Reminds me of a road sign at night the way it stands out.
Standing out is not a bad thing. I love the skirt, and relate super hard to liking to clash sometimes. It looks great.
I like it too! It totally reminds me of something I had a million years ago (in a good way).
I really liked the skirt too!. I believe someone on 30 Rock once called that “power clashing” :D
Payless was the Way and the Life the first few years into my transition
“My flats are from Payless because it’s the only store to ever sell women’s size 11 shoes at a price point low-income trans chicks can afford.” Preach it sister!!!!
I get sick of all my coworkers telling me to go here and there for shoes and I’m like I wish.
I like your style!
Making your existing wardrobe work when your gender presentation changes is super relevant to my interests! Thank you!
I love all of your outfits – I wish I could put clothes together as well as you do
This is the kind of fashion article I’d love to see more — how do we think we SHOULD look and why, and when we sometimes express ourselves differently in different situations (doctor’s office, errands, etc). I think about this kind of thing all the time and I LOVED Sam’s piece!
Obviously it’s a very different experience, but I remember a time when I avoided wearing clothes I really liked because I was afraid of “looking gay” (whatever that means). Thank you for sharing and I’m glad you found a personal style you are happy with!
It’s not altogether different! Passing for cis is essentially the avoidance of “looking trans,” and obviously something many trans folk are super concerned about for various reasons.
The lower half fashion photo shot made my brain think for a sec that this was another one of Erin’s “What I Wore” articles. What a wonderful surprise! Sam, I’ve read your stuff on the Establishment and loved it. So glad to see you here at AS too!! ?
Thanks so much! I’m happy to be here :) and I actually used Erin’s photos as inspiration for mine, so the resemblance is not accidental–I’m totally ripping her off!
I love everything about that last outfit.
That plaid skirt/grey sweater combo is adorable. I wish I could throw money at you so you could punk it up even more with spike bracelets, oversized safety pins, and combat boots.
That is 100% my goal! I think I should cut off the arms of that sweater or something?
Thanks for making me smile, Sam. :)