Dressing for Diva?

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Jamie
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>. Discussion of dressing for DLV activities, and specific dress
>suggestions for each DLV activity.

Would it be possible to send this out early again this year. I've got
much more of an idea on what to wear this year, but I've just got time
to order things I need. Thanks and keep up the good work.

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(This posting was entered by Jamie, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: annie
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> >. Discussion of dressing for DLV activities, and specific dress

> Would it be possible to send this out early again this year. I've got

Let me do a quick clean-up of the working copy and I'll post it here,
most likely later today. It may change slightly between now and DLV but
it's mostly complete.

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(This posting was entered by annie, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: annie
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You might consider this a second draft and working copy at this time.
. . . . .

This file discusses general guidelines, suggestions, and hints for DLV
dress, as well as specific suggestions for each activity.
. . . . .

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 activities.

+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:

This next part 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
occasion. 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 general dress code for Diva Las Vegas, but some activities
may have one, set by the organizers of the activity or the management
of the facility in which the activity happens. These will be clearly
noted below. Look for "**DRESS CODE**".

For all activities, everybody is asked to please dress and act in good
taste, and in a manner appropriate 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 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 welcome celebration 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.

Clubwear is appropriate for private parties in the evening and some
nightclubs, and that's about it. Definitely not for anything during the
day, and not for many things at night. This would be appropriate for our
two dance outings, and some clubwear items may be ok for our Welcome
Celebration and Annual Mixer, but not for other DLV activities.

Such things as cheerleader outfits, schoolgirl outfits,
transgenerational items, nurse uniforms, fetish outfits, etc.,
are appropriate for a costume party, but not for mainstream public,
and not for DLV activities.

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, 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 or 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

Please remember that your dress and behavior in public as an individual
does reflect on the group as a whole. Over the past 6 years we've built
up the reputation of being decent and well-behaved (but fun-loving, of
course) ladies and gentlemen. Let's do what we can to keep this image.
. . . . .

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 the styles that were popular during their teenage years.

Retro is cool (when appropriate), dated is not. A suggestion by
one of our vendors is "Try to remain within one decade of current
fashion." :)

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 2003 as the 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 such things as 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. (Ask me, I'll point out a few examples. :)
. .

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 attitude, 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 any 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.
. . . . .

Specific activity suggestions:

Optional side trip to Area 51 and A-Le-Inn, Monday: **DRESS CODE**
Casual, boymode or girlmode, with comfortable shoes. Although the staff
of A-Le-Inn is aware of who we are and welcomes us, we will be driving
for over 2 hours each way through sparsely-populated desert and mountain
terrain with only a few small towns, all having unknown attitudes. Dress
in a mode and an outfit you're comfortable with for 6-7 hours or so.
. .

Brunch with (or without) Tina, Daily, Sahara: Casual, boymode or
girlmode. Don't be shy to do boymode! Don't be shy to do girlmode! :)
. .

Happy Hour and Dinner at Hamburger Mary's, Tuesday evening: Anything
from very casual to moderately dressy, boymode or girlmode, will be ok.
This is still a weekday afternoon, so most of the (non-DLV) people there
will be casual.
. .

Welcome Celebration, Flex, Tuesday evening: Flex is very t-friendly.
About anything from casual to dressy, even formal if you wish, will be
fine. Clubwear that is not too extreme will be ok.
. .

ADAM (Dancing) at SRO, Tuesday evening: Casual to dressy, boymode or
girlmode. Clubwear and such will be fine.
. .

Primm Valley Mall shopping, Wednesday morning: **DRESS CODE** Casual
required, boymode or girlmode. Comfortable shoes. If you plan on trying
anything on, wear something that comes off easily. Do not congregate or
hang around in groups. Shop individually or in pairs.
. .

Hidden Woman Open House (Wednesday afternoon) and Glamour Boutique
Open House (Thursday afternoon): Their business is T* people, so about
anything goes. If you plan to try anything on, you might want to wear
something that comes off easily.
. .

Happy Hour, Dinner, and DD&D show at Sasha's, Wednesday evening: About
anything from nice casual to moderately dressy, boymode or girlmode,
will be appropriate. Red shoes are optional but encouraged for Wednesday
evening activities.
. .

Karaoke, Wednesday evening: Just about anything from casual to
moderately dressy, boymode or girlmode, would be ok, but most non-DLV
people will be casual. Red shoes are optional but encouraged for
Wednesday evening activities.
. .

Air tours, Thursday/Friday morning: Casual, boymode or girlmode. These
are small planes (Piper/Cessna) and will not be spotless, so don't wear
anything that will get damaged easily.
. .

Club Girl Talk, Thursday: Just about anything casual to dressy to formal
to moderately exotic, boymode or girlmode, will be ok for this.
. .

Jubilee, Bally's, Thursday evening: Nice casual to dressy to formal,
either boymode or girlmode. No slutty/fetish please.
. .

Limo Tour, following show: Dress nicely. Nice casual to dressy to
formal, either boymode or girlmode.
. .

Golf, Friday morning: **DRESS CODE** Fem mode is preferred but not
required, but you will be at a prize disadvantage playing in guy mode
and we may make you play from the "way back tees". Course already knows
about us and is more than welcoming for us. Required attire for fem is
no cutoffs, no t-shirts, but tank tops or sleeveless golf shirts are ok.
Plain fem tops with no art is ok. Shorts or skorts should be of modest
length (they define that as no cheeks showing). Sunscreen!
. .

Happy Hour and Dinner at Carluccio's, Friday: Nice casual to dressy to
formal, boymode or girlmode. No slutty/fetish please. This is a very
nice mainstream (but very t-friendly) restaurant so please dress
appropriately.
. .

Annual Mixer, Goodtimes Lounge, Friday: About anything from very casual
to very dressy, even formal, will be fine for this. Clubwear that is not
too extreme is ok. Note that many will be going directly from dinner to
Goodtimes and then on to dancing (all same general area) so you might
plan your outfit accordingly.
. .

Late Night Dance Night, Friday, following Annual Mixer: Casual to
dressy to glitzy to exotic, boymode or girlmode. Clubwear is ok, even
encouraged. :)
. .

SBS Garden Party, Saturday: About any type of casual to very dressy
daytime outfit, boymode or girlmode, will be appropriate. Swimwear is
ok, but the pool is expected to be c-c-c-cold. Antebellum or Victorian
period outfits are fine. No clubwear or slutty/fetish please.
. .

Happy Hour, Dinner, Showgirls Of Magic, San Remo, Saturday: If you
wanna put on the dog, this is one opportunity to do so. **DRESS CODE**
Anything from nice casual to formal, boymode or girlmode, will be ok.
No clubwear or slutty/fetish, please.
. .

Side trip, Mt Charleston, Sunday afternoon: **DRESS CODE** Casual
required, boymode or girlmode.
. .

English High Tea, Sunday: **DRESS CODE** Summer dresses. Slacks
discourged (ie a nice pantsuit would be ok but jeans or chinos won't
let you in). Hats and gloves optional but hey if we want to make a
statement. A summer suit would be perfect. The big thing seems to be an
outfit that says I'm casual-classy. Almost all the regular ladies have
purses that match the shoes. Makeup is light and manner is very genteel.
. .

Sunday buffet dinner: Casual to moderately dressy, boymode or girlmode.
Most of the non-DLV people will be casual.
. .

Farewell Get-together, Sunday evening. Casual to very dressy, even
formal if you wish, boymode or girlmode. Clubwear that is not too
extreme will be ok.
. .

If you would like more detailed dress suggestions, or an HONEST critique
of any outfit, please see any DLV volunteer.

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(This posting was entered by annie, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Densie
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> Such things as cheerleader outfits, schoolgirl outfits,
> transgenerational items, nurse uniforms, fetish outfits, etc.,
> are appropriate for a costume party, but not for mainstream public,
> and not for DLV activities.

Not even the church service?

> 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.

Nope, it's the other way around.

> the "Walter Matthau" look. (Ask me, I'll point out a few examples. :)

I thought we replaced that with the Mrs. Doubtfire look.

> for over 2 hours each way through sparsely-populated desert and mountain
> terrain with only a few small towns, all having unknown attitudes.

I can see it now..."Whut the hell is thet? Hollister, I gotta give up
drankin' whiskey for breakfast. I'm startin' ta see thangs!"

-Densie

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(This posting was entered by Densie, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Ansie
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>> Such things as cheerleader outfits, schoolgirl outfits,
>> transgenerational items, nurse uniforms, fetish outfits, etc.,

> Not even the church service?

Church of the Subgenius, maybe. :)

>> the "Walter Matthau" look. (Ask me, I'll point out a few examples. :)

> I thought we replaced that with the Mrs. Doubtfire look.

Well, uh, the difference is that Mrs. Doubtfire dresses appropriately
for the activity at hand and could pass. :)

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(This posting was entered by Ansie, an external user of MyDLV.)

[External Poster]

This posting is from: Densie
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Tony and I just saw an excellent example of the Walter Matthau look. In
the movie Cheech and Chong's Nice Dreams, check out the scene where the
two undercover cops dress up as women. It's priceless.

-Densie

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(This posting was entered by Densie, an external user of MyDLV.)