What to Bring | TransWeek

Being well dressed is not a question of having expensive clothes or the ‘right’ clothes—I don’t care if you’re wearing rags—but they must suit you.

—Louise Nevelson

Wardrobe Planning for Trans Week

What to wear, what to wear? It’s an eternal question which becomes even more challenging when packing for the fickle weather of Cape Cod in October. Here are some guidelines that can help as you assemble your week’s attire.

A Word to First-Timers

Some first-time attendees have little or no experience wearing the clothing of the “other” gender or even dressing in an androgynous fashion. For many, the Trans Week marks their first appearance in public. Walking out of your room into the world for the first time requires an enormous amount of courage. Even registering for Trans Week and coming to Provincetown might have pushed your limits. Please understand that just about every Trans Week attendee once had the same self-doubts and apprehensions. They walked out that door, and so can you! You are not required to crossdress at Trans Week, but if you do, you won’t be rejected or looked down upon. Rather, you will be celebrated and congratulated. We urge you to take the plunge, but we will understand if you don’t. You might consider bringing along a change or two of the clothing you usually wear, just in case. Big brothers and sisters are available to help you work through your apprehensions and assist you with your wardrobe. If you want help, tell someone at the TransWeek office. The most important thing of all? Be yourself and have fun!

Dress for Cool Weather

It can be chilly on Cape Cod during Trans Week. The average daily high is 62 degrees Fahrenheit (16.6C) and the average daily low is 46F/8C. The week is generally mixed, with some days sunny and some cloudy, and sometimes it rains. Occasionally a nor’easter blows in and makes for a chilly, wet day. No two years are the same. You’ll want to pack for cool weather. Bring sweaters, a jacket or light coat, long-sleeved garments, and an umbrella and raincoat. Some days are warm, so bring at least one short-sleeved top.

Stay Hydrated

Many of the towns on Cape Cod have banned bottled water sales in the past few years. If you like to drink bottled water to stay hydrated, it is best to purchase before you reach the cape or bring a reusable bottle for yourself.

Bring Comfortable Shoes

You’ll want to bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking, but by all means, bring your dressy footwear. You’ll have plenty of chances to wear it. And if you plan to ride bikes or engage in other outdoor activity, bring biking or hiking shoes.

How Are You Traveling?

If you’re arriving by personal vehicle, you can obviously bring as much as you can stuff into your car, van or eighteen-wheeler However, if you’re car pooling or arriving by air, you might need to conserve space and make some critical decisions.

Bring Something Dressy

There are two banquets, so you should pack two formal outfits (or bring one and plan to accessorize differently), Bring also the jewelry, shoes and accessories your outfits require.

Bring Something Casual

You might decide to go whale watching or hiking on the dunes, and you you wouldn’t want to do those things in a tuxedo on organza sheath and stiletto pumps (or would you?). In any case, jeans, flats or walking shoes, a sweatshirt, and a warm jacket will prove invaluable.

Bring Something Fabulous!

If you plan to take part in the Fashion Show or our Fantasia Fair Follies talent show, don’t forget to bring everything you’ll need. There are marvelous clothing stores in P’town, but not much in the way of stage or costume apparel.

Some Tips

By choosing a variety of tops, slacks, or skirts, you can create multiple outfits. Select colors that coordinate (and make you look teriffic!), then mix or match to create outfits for day and evening. Remember to pack all those little things: grooming supplies, cosmetics and beauty products, sewing kit, jewelry, accessories, extra shoes, stockings or socks, undergarments, and something to wear at night. If you wear heavy makeup, please bring a half-dozen or so washcloths. Your innkeeper will thank you! Bring a bathing suit! Even if your inn doesn’t have a hot tub, you might find a friend whose inn does! Most of all, bring clothes you plan to live in, because this is YOUR week!