We have Christian Siriano to thank for the popularization of “hot tranny mess”—and maybe for the fact that all things drag queen are suddenly in. Forget natural beauty—Angelina Jolie, move over for the likes of Danity Kane. Now the nighttime look is all about vampy, over-the-top female sexuality, accented with big hair, false eyelashes, and platform heels as young women (including a few celebs) appropriate tongue-in-cheek tranny chic for themselves.
Drama Queen
Beauty might seem like the icing on the cake, but honey, you’re never going to look like a drag queen without some serious product. Whip up some big hair with Pantene’s new Pro-V Ice Shine Mousse (1) ($4.49), which not only volumizes but gives hair a glossy sheen. These fun gold eyelashes by Lacey Costume Wigs (2) ($4.20 on sale) have been making an appearance on stylish eyes about town. And just in time for tranny fabulousness, Maybelline is launching the Colossal Volum’ Express (3) ($7.47 at drugstores in July), an incredibly volumizing mascara. Give your eyes Danity Kane’s sultry, shimmery look with MAC Gulf Stream Eye Shadow (4) ($14) from their new Cool Heat collection paired with L'Oreal's HIP Color Truth Cream Eyeliner (5) ($7.20 on sale). Don't forget breasts! If you don't have them, pop in some of these new Cleavage Cupcakes (6) ($44) for the ultimate va-va-voom decolletage.
Walk This Way
If you’re gonna dress like a street walker, you might as well do it up with Betsey Johnson’s Evening Boulevard Dress ($410). For true tranny chic, shoes should add major height—even (especially?) if you’re tall. We’re hot for sexy, sophisticated L.A.M.B.’s “Shauna” Sandals (7) ($280) with a subtle zipper trim. Rhinestones are a girl’s best friend in these recessionary times, so top off the look with a Iosselliani Diamonte Crystal Collar (8) ($625) on a tough silver chain.
Hot Tramp
Notice anything familiar about Carrie’s dress in the first scene of that-movie-that-shall-not-be-named? The big flower appliqué was taken straight from the pages of costume-y drag queen dressing. Talk about tranny chic! Now you can get the same dress in black at Patricia Field (9) ($398). It doesn’t pay to have legs up to here unless you can deck them out with Hue Fishnets (10) ($8.75) in the latest cotton candy shades like Ballerina. No drag queen worth her tiara can ever have too many fabulous platform heels, so look to L.A.’s Parisa & Co. for rare finds from emerging designers, like these Gil Carvalho “Tramp” sequined platforms ($595).
As fashion trends go, tranny chic may seem radical. But please, girlfriend, anything’s better than that old “jeans-and-a-cute-top” outfit. Do yourself a favor and get glam.
