My mannerisms

Katie

Thank you so much for all the lovely, lovely people that contributed to my last post regarding my night out as a girl in a couple of months and my outfit etc. The advice and tips were great and please feel free to offer more.

Something else I need to think about are my mannerisms aren't they?

11 years ago

Body Type

9 replies

Latest reply was from

T-Rex

Veteran

Yes. And all you can do there is practice, practice, practice. Do you have a friend or three who don't mind observing you for a while and giving you feedback? I also suggest practicing even when alone, or when you are with your friends , just hanging out, and they have moved on to other conversation topics. Ideally, it should become second nature.

But *do not* put stress on yourself to be perfect your first night out. This is a process, remember? The butterfly's wings have to dry before it can fly. You are just now working your way out of the cocoon.

Another thing to remember as you try to decide on the most feminine clothing and mannerisms is this...Not all women are feminine in the same way. Some may have a more masculine walk, or may wear their hair in a boyish style. You don't have to hit every single "femme" button to come across as femme.

Can you arrange a couple of mini-outings before the big night? Maybe just a drink with a friend in the afternoon at a bar that isn't too crowded. Or running an errand at a drugstore. Or are you already doing these things?

11 years ago

Katie

Active Member

Yes I hear what you are saying, it's going to be a gradual process but the more I do it, the more fem I will get. I suppose my walk is the main thing and the way I sit etc.

I don't plan on going out as Katie before the big night so yes I can just practice at home.

11 years ago

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

Have you given any thought to the 'who' of Katie? Is she a glamour girl? Girl next door? Southern belle? Surfer girl? Grande Dame? Is there a woman or women who inspire you? How do they move?

I think of how certain women move, and I am always inspired: Marilyn Monroe in Some Like it Hot, Eva Marie Saint when she leans in towards Cary Grant in North by Northwest, Annette Bening in Valmont. And anything Fosse: I love how Fosse dancers move - very feminine, but very relaxed, sinewy, a little snakelike, and very sexy. Some great Fosse films: Cabaret, Sweet Charity, Fosse (the musical which is on DVD), Chicago.

11 years ago

Katie

Active Member

Hiya

Not really thought about it as such but just want to try and be an elegant/chic woman of you know what I mean?

If a guy saw walking and thought 'wow' I would be so chuffed.

11 years ago

Echo

Veteran

I think the most important thing would be not to take things to any extremes. Just like a woman acting like a man will overdo certain mannerisms (like sitting with the legs fully splayed out), many men think they need to exaggerate things like a walk. Instead of thinking about, say, swaying one's hips, try to practice your feet landing on a straight line straight in front of you (instead of a straight line in front of each foot, if that makes sense). That will create an elegant walk with just enough feminine edge without overdoing the sway.

Overall, just make sure that you are genuine instead of acting. To me, that's the difference between cross-dressing (which I view as genuine, and dressing to convince) and drag-queen (which I view as exaggerated and stereotypical). Both have their place, but I get the feeling you aren't going for the second one.

11 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

Do you have a video camera or camera that takes video? It might help to take some footage of your movements and watch them yourself. That way you can decide 100% whether you have the vibe you want. Used to do this back when I had to perform on stage and such. I am sure you will do great!

11 years ago

Katie

Active Member

Oh thanks both and no Echo I am not going for a drag queen walk. But some good ideas here I like them

I suppose when I am all ready to go out I just have to say to myself 'right I am a woman now.'

My parents know I have crossdressed a bit too but never seen me so I am thinking of letting them see me all dressed up just before I go out.

11 years ago

Sunee

(website)

Active Member

If you know of any image consultants in your area, you might reach out to them for a consultation.
I agree that on your first outing, you want to be wary of "over"doing it, as many people do when they first make a transition.
I like the advice of deciding what type of woman you want to be. To take it further, find an example of that type of role model. Movies are great for that!
But most of all remember to be true to yourself and know that you have support. And don't forget to smile, that is every woman's best accessory

11 years ago

Anonymous

I did not see your first thread but I love Rae's idea. You will shock yourself at first, but it truly helps to see yourself and how you look. I used to do it in preparation to oral exams for promotional interviews.
I just wanted to add a side note regarding mannerism. My stylist is a fabulous cross dresser and what I love most about him is that he lets his masculinity show thru. It is almost as is he is asexual, he has this amazing balance of both masculine and feminine, which I find so fascinating , liberating and inspiring. Your goals might be different but I am bringing it up because I wanted to say that you don't need to be too concerned about coming accross as 100% feminine, especially in the beginning of your transition,.. These things take time to perfect. As anything in life, you will be finding out who you want to be as a crossdresser and the personality will mold according to that.
So fab! I am very excited for you.

11 years ago

Category