As men, most of us shun bright colors and prints as too "effeminate". We wear blue, brown or gray suits to work. Usually, we wear solid-color shirts or slacks. Our necktie is the only splash of brightness we're allowed to have, and even that has its own limits.

When crossdressers start to go out in public en femme, they are confronted by a bewildering variety of colors and patterns. Add to that the pressure of having to coordinate shoes, hose, jewelry, purses, makeup and outfits! Genetic women learned this gradually through their teen years, and were allowed to make mistakes. Crossdressers have to learn this all at once as adults and face less tolerance for error. It's no wonder many retreat into the "safety" of black; it goes with everything, so you don't have to make as many choices. Moreover, it's said to be slimming. So many of us are conscious of paunches and broad shoulders.

Yet, if we want to be in public as women, we have to recognize that women aren't afraid to mix and match patterns and use bright colors. A genetic female wardrobe consultant is a must Color analysis is also, an investment well-worth it Also, one needs to spend a lot of time observing how the women around us coordinate colors and prints.

Black may be beautiful, but there's a world of colors out there equally as beautiful.