dress

[Tiff W.]

OK so I'm sorry if this is not the place to post this but I'm looking for a dress and I do not want to show my upper arms BC of a tattoo that i feel dont look good while in fem and have no clue what size I am and I'm to scared to try it on in a store so if u have one that I want to get rid of or any info on how to size myself it would help and again sorry of this isn't where to post this

[Robyn]

Hi Jojo,

Here's a simple chart to figure out your size. Take you're measurements, and Voila!: http://www.womenssizechart.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Things can get a bit more complicated, but given that you need a starting point this will help. Also, I too have a lot of ink; both my arms, shoulders, back, ribs, leg, and lower stomach. None of my tattoos are very lady like and all hail from a rugged lifestyle, which I still fancy at times. However, given that I adore sun dresses I usually opt to wear a cropped cardigan, lightweight button up blouse, a duster, etc. over my dresses.

[Alisa]

A bolero sweater jacket can also work well... it covers the arms and back but does not take away from the dress. Here is a casual example http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc77 ... Y-MAIN.jpg but you can get very elegant ones as well suitable for formal occasions. They can be really cute.

[Sarah Beth]

If you look online at the various web sites for clothing they almost all have a size chart to go along with their clothing. The trouble is they don't really use a standard size all of them so you have to check each one. I know I have trouble with long sleeves even in my drab clothing because of my arm length which the don't consider in women's clothing.

Not sure where your tat is on your arm but the bolero jacket is a good idea or some other type of cover up. It depends on the look you want. You might want to figure out sizes and then try a couple of dresses from ebay. I have gotten some nice used dresses at good prices from there.

Good luck starting out and figuring out sizes is not really fun.

[DonnaT]

The string method:

Measure your waist with a string, wrap it around your waist and mark the two ends where they overlap. Then take the string to the store, and match the marked string to the waist of the skirt.

Measure other parts as well, shoulders, arms, wrist, ankle, legs, etc.. with the string and mark your various sizes using different color markers.

Not sure about dresses, but a lot of times the body length (waist to shoulders) for men differ than that for women, as do shoulder width, so I buy mostly skirts and blouses.

As for tattoos, there is cover-up makeup that can help, like dermablend. http://www.dermablend.com/leg_and_body_cover.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Even drugstore makeup will work. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0K_L4EaFLrc" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CukxjO0l67w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kelly]

JoJo dear,

A big hurdle (one of many, sigh) is being in a store, taking a few items off the rack, and heading for the changing room.

Heaven knows I started down this path several times just to turn chicken. But when I finally did it - what a thrill. And you know what? Nobody cared.

Now, I still won't do it in a busy store. First thing in the morning seems to be the best time. And I am a good distance from home where the chances of running into someone I know are slim to none. Ok, still skittish, no longer chicken.

I have learned more in these adventures than any other sizing (or fashion) activity. Work up the nerve and go do it!

If you want to be more stealth, Donna's string method works like a charm. Also, carrying a cloth tape measure (and knowing your measurements) works.

The problematic thing for me (I have the skeleton of a fullback) is shoulders, which is rarely mentioned in the standard sizing charts. Often a show stopper with the really pretty tops . Oh, well.

Kelly.

[Eileen (SO)]

Dear JoJo,

Use a size chart like Robyn provided, or any woman's wear catalog, as a start. Do you have some woman's clothing collection yet? If this is brand new for you, consider separates. Bigger shoulders require a larger size than your hips might need. Dresses tend to present as more formal, separates will look just as feminine and may fit better.
Once you have a reasonable size guess, consider buying at a resale shop like Goodwill or Salvation Army. The return policy is easy, nobody cares what you are buying anyway. For a few dollars each, you can try on at home and get a sense of not only sizes, but certain styles that suit your desires.

Eileen