Subject: dlvorg First draft ... dress suggestions ...
From: Annie (annie)
Date: Wed Dec 26 2001 - 23:57:18 CST
This is a bit rough, I know, but here's my first attempt.
Comments, ladies? (gentlemen?)
. . . . .
Notes on style and manner of dress:
Introduction:
Even though when DLV was started, it was not thought of as "an
opportunity to dress", many of our people use it as such, and that
is well within the scope of the current intent and purpose.
While there have been what appear to be two opposing schools of thought
regarding dress at Diva Las Vegas, a consensus is forming, and can be
observed in two comments, the first coming from Tina, written on her
finest stationery, and received in a wax-sealed pastel envelope:
+The mere name Diva implies glitz and glamour. While daytime dress is
+normally casual, and casual dress will certainly fit in at any evening
+activity as well, many DLV girls use the night activities to strut
+their finest sequins and silks. This is a trend that should be
+encouraged.
The second comes from Denise (Densie), composed on a Palm Pilot and
e-mailed:
+My opinion is presented only as a suggestion, and only to those who are
+actually concerned about blending in with the crowd and not being
+noticed; after all, we dress for a lot of different reasons ...
+I've always agreed with Annie's ideas on this, casual during the day
+and optionally formal to dressy for a show or dinner. I think that
+this is the best way to enjoy all of the activites.
+You might want to take a good look at yourself in a full-length mirror
+(perhaps even before you pack your bags) and ask yourself, honestly, if
+the look really suits you. It should flatter your figure and be
+consistent with your age.
+I would suggest dressing comfortably because, after all, you are on
+vacation.
.....
Dressing for Diva Las Vegas:
Most of this document is intended primarily for those who are new to
going out in public, especially in real-life settings such as Las Vegas,
but it might be good for all of us to review it. GG's have the advantage
of having years of experience regarding what is appropriate for any
given circumstance. TG's often do not.
There's a tendency in some people, often those who are new to public
exposure, to want to go all out and put on the dog. I would suggest to
those who don't yet have a style of public presentation to go easy,
observe others, ask for advice and feedback, and please be patient.
Oh, and yes, there *will* be opportunities at DLV to put on the dog,
if you should choose to wear one. :)
That being said, let's discuss what does and does not work for most
people, and what may and may not be appropriate for DLV.
Those who don't have much public exposure frequently try to dress in
public as they have in private. Sometimes this works, often it does
not.
There is no dress code for Diva Las Vegas, but everybody is asked to
please dress and act in good taste, and in a manner approprate to each
activity.
For those who would like some explicit examples and some DOs and DONTs,
here are a few:
An evening gown is appropriate for an evening on the town, such as a
nicer production show, a limo tour, an elegant restaurant, a formal
party, or, even such things as our welcome get-together or annual mixer,
if you wish to dress up for something like that.
It's not appropriate for daytime casino/strip/tourist activities, nor
for casual restaurants, buffets, shops, etc.
A cocktail dress is primarily intended for an upscale early evening
activity. It's often appropriate for dinner in a nicer restaurant, an
evening party, or an evening show.
It would be appropriate for such things as our pre-DLV party and our
annual mixer, if you prefer to wear something like this.
It might be appropriate for the more elegant buffets in the evening,
but again, most people dining in these will be casual.
It's not appropriate for daytime casino/strip/tourist activities, most
buffets and coffee shops, mall shopping, etc., nor is it appropriate for
breakfast/brunch/lunch.
Bluejeans, shorts, cutoffs, t-shirts, etc., are appropriate almost
anywhere in the daytime, and most places in the evening, but are not
appropriate for such things as the nicer restaurants, evening production
shows, etc.
Casual separates and coordinates are appropriate most places in both
daytime and the evening, as well as for many of the nicer activities,
if you should choose to (pardon the expression) "dress down" for them.
Such items as spandex, PVC, leather, underwear-as-outerwear, crop tops,
miniskirts, bare midriff, bare tummy, etc. do not work unless you're
fortunate enough to be under 30, under 130 and have a high fitness
level.
Same goes for such paraphernalia as upper-arm bracelets, ripped tops or
jeans, fake tattoos, obvious bra straps, see-thru tops, nipple
enhancers, body glitter, etc. Most women over 30 do not do those things.
Those who do will not attract the type of attention they desire.
Remember, women (both GG and TG) come in all shapes and sizes.
(Including yours!)
When somebody dresses in something not appropriate to her size,
shape, and age, the public reaction is NOT to the effect of "oh wow,
whatababe", but more along the line of "jeezyougottabesh*tting me"
or "heythatsadude".
Yes, it's a common misconception that something tighter will make
somebody look more slender and more appealing. Nope, it doesn't work
that way.
Although many of our people have a very good feel for what is to be worn
to what activity, some of our people who may be new, or aren't yet
comfortable with the casual femme look tend to overdress. Casual is the
norm for daytime wear in Las Vegas. (Yes, you can dress **UP** in the
evening. :)
We also ask that you please refrain from dressing and acting in a manner
that is intended to flaunt transgenderism or call attention to yourself
or the group. (Many of our people want to have as little attention as
is possible.) This includes obvious out-of-place outfits, partial
crossdressing, and such things as "skag drag", an example of which would
be a full beard and an evening gown. When you are with the group, we ask
that your outfit and presentation be a serious attempt at either
complete girlmode or complete boymode.
"Skag drag is a political statement." -- Lee G. Brewster
.....
Common blunders:
>From observation, those new to appearing in public often fall prey to
one or more of the following:
1. Overdressing. I think we've discussed this enough, but it is a very
common mistake, especially by those new to going out in public.
2. Dressing one generation behind. Many of our community seem to like
to dress in a style that was popular during their teenage years.
Retro is cool (when appropriate), dated is not.
Those girls you knew and admired in your teenage years have adapted to
the times and have a style that is far different and much more up to
date. Use their style in 2002 as an example to follow.
3. Dressing one generation ahead. Someone in her 40's looks grossly out
of place dressing as her teenage daughter. Many of those outfits you see
in the single-digit shops just don't work for somebody who is over 40
and not as fit as a teenager. Ditto for t-shirts and tank tops with
cutesy sayings "Hot Stuff", "Yes I am a model".
4. Not considering size, height, weight, and fitness level in selecting
an outfit. GG's who are 6'3" do not wear 5" spike heels to the mall.
(Most of them don't wear spikes anywhere!) Likewise, BBW's who are over
200lbs don't wear bare-midriff outfits, period.
5. There is a certain kind of look, which is somewhat difficult to
describe, but if you've seen it you recognize it. I call it the
"groupie" look, from its prevalence at t* groups and mainline t*
conventions, and one of my esteemed colleagues calls it the "Walter
Matthau" look.
6. Being TOO natural! Unless you are youthful and have no facial hair
and flawless skin, yes you need at least SOME makeup. This attempt at
being ultra-natural seems to be common with those who have recently
shunned the label of CD/TV and adopted the label of Pre-Op or No-Op.
Likewise, the average male body does need at least *SOME* padding and/or
control to assume a feminine figure. Girlmode dress with a boymode face
or figure just doesn't work!
Is passing important? Some swear it is, others swear it is not.
One opinion is that passing is 90% attitude. Many agree. It may be
difficult to get out of that "guy in a dress" mindset, but developing
a degree of attitide, style, and poise is important to anybody who
plans to venture out in public. Attitude in passing also pertains
to your desire to dress and behave in public as is expected of a
lady of your age, height, and body type.
.....
Bottom line:
When selecting an outfit for a DLV activity, consider all of the
following:
* Your personal style, your likes and dislikes, your comfort level.
* Your age, height, weight, body type, and fitness level.
* The time, place, and circumstance of the activity.
.....
Oh, one major exception. Rocky Horror Picture Show. For that, you
may feel free to ignore this entire document! :)
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