Guest Editor: The Art of 'Getting Ready'
Jamie Windust sits down with four trans creatives to find out how they explore the joy and ‘art’ of one of the most intimate and creative parts of their days - getting ready. Behind closed doors, what does it look like when your only goal when deciding what to wear is to have fun and be completely and utterly yourself?
Getting ready for the day ahead for many of us is the only time we have to ourselves. The bedroom door firmly closed, we get dressed or throw on our make-up quickly (or lavishly) to get ourselves feeling our best. Sometimes that means wearing pyjamas on the sofa, sometimes it’s wearing our finest garments into the world, feeling like we could give Margot Robbie a run for her money.
Whether we think it plays a big part in our lives or not, fashion and the way we present ourselves to the world are intrinsically linked to our identity and status in the world. Our work uniform, casual glam, or even what we wear to the gym - it’s all linked to how we see ourselves. Our clothes are an extension of that.
For Trans Day of Visibility, curator of the in store LGBTQ+ library Jamie Windust spoke with four trans creatives to find out what getting ready looks like for them including artist Freddie Lewis, actors Mary Malone (Doctor Who, Missing), star of the upcoming BBC Drama What It Feels Like For A Girl, Alex Thomas-Smith, as well as American Intersex activist, writer and star of American thriller Ponyboi, River Gallo.
Whether we think it plays a big part in our lives or not, fashion and the way we present ourselves to the world are intrinsically linked to our identity and status in the world. Our work uniform, casual glam, or even what we wear to the gym - it’s all linked to how we see ourselves. Our clothes are an extension of that.
For Trans Day of Visibility, curator of the in store LGBTQ+ library Jamie Windust spoke with four trans creatives to find out what getting ready looks like for them including artist Freddie Lewis, actors Mary Malone (Doctor Who, Missing), star of the upcoming BBC Drama What It Feels Like For A Girl, Alex Thomas-Smith, as well as American Intersex activist, writer and star of American thriller Ponyboi, River Gallo.
Freddie Lewis, Artist (He/They)
What part of your process when getting ready feels the most affirming? Is it the beauty, or is there a specific garment or piece of clothing you have that makes you feel supremely confident?
There’s a really gorgeous sweet spot, fresh out of the shower and I’m all clean, where I put my big fluffy dressing gown on and sit in front of the mirror to sort my hair out, moisturise, and listen to something on a Bluetooth speaker. I choose my earrings, put SPF on (important), and usually speak out loud what I’ve got on for the day. At the risk of sounding like a chardonnay Mum, it’s my ‘me-time’.
When you were creating your own sense of style and image in the world, was there a moment when you realised how integral it was to your sense of identity as an LGBTQ+ person?
I think my identity is and always has been synonymous with a sense of agency. As in, I choose to be me, as in, I choose to wear what I like. I think a lot of people go through life wearing what they ‘should’, and doing gender/sexuality as they ‘should’, I want to do things because I want to. In that way, my style is about choice.
What do you say to yourself on days when you get ready, but feel fearful or less confident to go out into the world?
I say comfort first. Colour-coordinated comfort for sure, but comfort. Maybe this is an unfashionable answer, but I give myself permission to make my body feel good. I think I walk through the world better when I feel deeply comfortable. A really soft white tee and blue jeans. I remind myself neither I nor my outfit have to (or even can) say everything I am at all times.
What's the best starting point for someone who's LGBTQ+ and wants to find their own sense of style and share it with the world?
Lead with desire. Have faith in your desires! Don’t worry about the greater meaning. I used to get so concerned with what things mean. The first time I wore a skirt, I was so aware of the weight of that decision, but I wanted to wear one. So I did. Wanting is really simple like that.
What part of your process when getting ready feels the most affirming? Is it the beauty, or is there a specific garment or piece of clothing you have that makes you feel supremely confident?
There’s a really gorgeous sweet spot, fresh out of the shower and I’m all clean, where I put my big fluffy dressing gown on and sit in front of the mirror to sort my hair out, moisturise, and listen to something on a Bluetooth speaker. I choose my earrings, put SPF on (important), and usually speak out loud what I’ve got on for the day. At the risk of sounding like a chardonnay Mum, it’s my ‘me-time’.
When you were creating your own sense of style and image in the world, was there a moment when you realised how integral it was to your sense of identity as an LGBTQ+ person?
I think my identity is and always has been synonymous with a sense of agency. As in, I choose to be me, as in, I choose to wear what I like. I think a lot of people go through life wearing what they ‘should’, and doing gender/sexuality as they ‘should’, I want to do things because I want to. In that way, my style is about choice.
What do you say to yourself on days when you get ready, but feel fearful or less confident to go out into the world?
I say comfort first. Colour-coordinated comfort for sure, but comfort. Maybe this is an unfashionable answer, but I give myself permission to make my body feel good. I think I walk through the world better when I feel deeply comfortable. A really soft white tee and blue jeans. I remind myself neither I nor my outfit have to (or even can) say everything I am at all times.
What's the best starting point for someone who's LGBTQ+ and wants to find their own sense of style and share it with the world?
Lead with desire. Have faith in your desires! Don’t worry about the greater meaning. I used to get so concerned with what things mean. The first time I wore a skirt, I was so aware of the weight of that decision, but I wanted to wear one. So I did. Wanting is really simple like that.
Credits: Image 1 & 2 - Photography: David Reiss, Image 3 - Photography: Dave Bennett
Mary Malone, Actor, (She/Her)
As an actor, fashion plays a huge part in who you are in your performance, but as Mary, what's the most important part of getting ready for you? Is it the glam, is there a specific look or outfit that makes you feel the most 'you'?
Do you know what, I’m still figuring it out? I feel like my look is always evolving and changing, and what feels ‘me’ changes everyday. Getting ready isn’t always easy for me. Being on time, weather appropriate, feeling yourself, and feeling safe and confident is a lot to achieve. I battle this pressure with a poppin’ playlist and embracing spontaneity when creating a look. The most important part of getting ready for me is (being able) to take the pressure off (of) being perfect and allowing myself the freedom to play.
Do you have a memory from a time when you explored fashion in an affirming way as a trans woman - something that felt memorable for you?
A recent memory is from this year when I walked at London Fashion Week for the first time. I modelled an amazing deconstructed suit by designer Yuhan Ao, styled with a stunning hat by Howard Atelier. The garments explored the fluidity of fashion, playing with feminine and masculine shapes, and creating characters with the clothing. I felt so empowered to wear clothes that were so much more than signifiers of my gender identity, but were also part of a story and creative expression. I love that fashion is a place where this kind of freedom can exist for me as a trans person.
For people who are exploring their gender identity right now, fashion can feel intimidating. What's a piece of advice that you can share to help them see fashion as their friend and not as something scary?
I know how scary it can feel. I remember being terrified to walk outside in a skirt for the first time. I swore I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I did, and now I rock a mini skirt all the time! My advice would be to use safe spaces as a place to experiment and explore with fashion. There is nothing more powerful than feeling connected to what you’re wearing, and (for me) that has been worth the initial discomfort.
What's the ‘date night look’ for Mary Malone? If you're going all out when you get ready, what’s your go-to?
Ooo, I could go a million ways with this! But right now… I’m probably wearing black, can’t go wrong. Love a fun nail, shoes and cute accessories that would make my inner child happy.
As an actor, fashion plays a huge part in who you are in your performance, but as Mary, what's the most important part of getting ready for you? Is it the glam, is there a specific look or outfit that makes you feel the most 'you'?
Do you know what, I’m still figuring it out? I feel like my look is always evolving and changing, and what feels ‘me’ changes everyday. Getting ready isn’t always easy for me. Being on time, weather appropriate, feeling yourself, and feeling safe and confident is a lot to achieve. I battle this pressure with a poppin’ playlist and embracing spontaneity when creating a look. The most important part of getting ready for me is (being able) to take the pressure off (of) being perfect and allowing myself the freedom to play.
Do you have a memory from a time when you explored fashion in an affirming way as a trans woman - something that felt memorable for you?
A recent memory is from this year when I walked at London Fashion Week for the first time. I modelled an amazing deconstructed suit by designer Yuhan Ao, styled with a stunning hat by Howard Atelier. The garments explored the fluidity of fashion, playing with feminine and masculine shapes, and creating characters with the clothing. I felt so empowered to wear clothes that were so much more than signifiers of my gender identity, but were also part of a story and creative expression. I love that fashion is a place where this kind of freedom can exist for me as a trans person.
For people who are exploring their gender identity right now, fashion can feel intimidating. What's a piece of advice that you can share to help them see fashion as their friend and not as something scary?
I know how scary it can feel. I remember being terrified to walk outside in a skirt for the first time. I swore I wouldn’t be able to do it, but I did, and now I rock a mini skirt all the time! My advice would be to use safe spaces as a place to experiment and explore with fashion. There is nothing more powerful than feeling connected to what you’re wearing, and (for me) that has been worth the initial discomfort.
What's the ‘date night look’ for Mary Malone? If you're going all out when you get ready, what’s your go-to?
Ooo, I could go a million ways with this! But right now… I’m probably wearing black, can’t go wrong. Love a fun nail, shoes and cute accessories that would make my inner child happy.
Credits: Fay Summerfield
Alex Thomas-Smith, Actor (They/Them)
What part of your process when getting ready feels the most affirming? Is it the beauty, or is there a specific garment or piece of clothing you have that makes you feel supremely confident?
For me, it was all about learning to love my body and figuring out which styles made me feel like my best self. Getting ready, I love to dance around in my underwear and try on loads of different options. Over the years, I’ve discovered that high-waisted jeans and a cropped top, especially one that’s either form-fitting or has some structure, just gives me real gender euphoria. It’s about finding what makes you feel like you’re putting out the image you want to present. Honestly, I feel my most confident self when I’m strutting down the street in square-toed, high black boots.
When you were creating your own sense of style and image in the world, was there a moment when you realised how integral it was to your sense of identity as an LGBTQ+ person? Do you feel like your relationship with style and fashion is still linked with your identity in that way?
For me, breaking the binary and rejecting all those societal expectations has been like giving the world a big middle finger. A lot of my queerness is rooted in protest and the freedom to be unapologetically myself, and I love expressing that through clothing. Of course, I’m not always in the most ‘gaggy’ looks, sometimes a trip to Tesco calls for something more chill. But when I have the chance to really serve a look, it’s about so much more than just putting on an outfit. It’s a statement to the world that lets them know, I see what you want me to do, but I’m having none of it.
What do you say to yourself on days when you get ready, but feel fearful or less confident to go out into the world?
‘No one is as worried about you as you are.’ Remembering that has been a real game changer. The realisation that everyone is wrapped up in their own world has saved me from so many moments of anxiety. You think people are staring at you or judging you, but in reality, they’re probably not even noticing. When I catch myself stressing about how I might be perceived or feel like I should play it ‘safer’ with my outfit, I remind myself ‘no one is as worried about you as you are’.
What's the best starting point for someone who's LGBTQ+ and wants to find their own sense of style and share it with the world?
Try EVERYTHING! I’ll never forget when my best friend Tansie let me play dress up in her wardrobe around 10 years ago. All these different pieces and silhouettes, all completely free from judgment. It was such a turning point for me in how I dressed when going out into the world. So if you can, grab a bestie and try out some looks! It just might be what you need to truly realise how liberating expressing yourself can be.
What part of your process when getting ready feels the most affirming? Is it the beauty, or is there a specific garment or piece of clothing you have that makes you feel supremely confident?
For me, it was all about learning to love my body and figuring out which styles made me feel like my best self. Getting ready, I love to dance around in my underwear and try on loads of different options. Over the years, I’ve discovered that high-waisted jeans and a cropped top, especially one that’s either form-fitting or has some structure, just gives me real gender euphoria. It’s about finding what makes you feel like you’re putting out the image you want to present. Honestly, I feel my most confident self when I’m strutting down the street in square-toed, high black boots.
When you were creating your own sense of style and image in the world, was there a moment when you realised how integral it was to your sense of identity as an LGBTQ+ person? Do you feel like your relationship with style and fashion is still linked with your identity in that way?
For me, breaking the binary and rejecting all those societal expectations has been like giving the world a big middle finger. A lot of my queerness is rooted in protest and the freedom to be unapologetically myself, and I love expressing that through clothing. Of course, I’m not always in the most ‘gaggy’ looks, sometimes a trip to Tesco calls for something more chill. But when I have the chance to really serve a look, it’s about so much more than just putting on an outfit. It’s a statement to the world that lets them know, I see what you want me to do, but I’m having none of it.
What do you say to yourself on days when you get ready, but feel fearful or less confident to go out into the world?
‘No one is as worried about you as you are.’ Remembering that has been a real game changer. The realisation that everyone is wrapped up in their own world has saved me from so many moments of anxiety. You think people are staring at you or judging you, but in reality, they’re probably not even noticing. When I catch myself stressing about how I might be perceived or feel like I should play it ‘safer’ with my outfit, I remind myself ‘no one is as worried about you as you are’.
What's the best starting point for someone who's LGBTQ+ and wants to find their own sense of style and share it with the world?
Try EVERYTHING! I’ll never forget when my best friend Tansie let me play dress up in her wardrobe around 10 years ago. All these different pieces and silhouettes, all completely free from judgment. It was such a turning point for me in how I dressed when going out into the world. So if you can, grab a bestie and try out some looks! It just might be what you need to truly realise how liberating expressing yourself can be.
Credit: Alexandra Isabella
River Gallo - Actor, Writer, Filmmaker (They/Them)
Your style and energy are unmatched. What part of your process when getting ready feels the most affirming? Is it the beauty? A specific garment?
Oh, make up 100%. Doing my own glam - the full hair and makeup transformation, feels like painting a masterpiece that inevitably gets washed away. There’s something magical about that impermanence. But beyond that, it’s the mask I present to the world, in the most archetypal sense of the word. There’s power in that. It’s armour. It’s storytelling.
As for clothing, I have this fringed leather jacket that I always wear on plane rides (weather permitting) because, let’s be real, no one messes with someone in a leather jacket at the airport. On a broader level, I love structured, tailored jackets. They bring out those classic “masculine” fashion traits, but I love pairing that hardness with something soft. That contrast, the mix of sharp silhouettes with fluidity, makes me feel powerful.
When you were creating your own sense of style and image in the world, was there a moment you realised how integral it was to your identity as an LGBTQ+ person? Do you still feel that connection?
Fashion and style didn’t just evolve with me, they helped shape me. I was literally voted ‘Best Dressed’ in high school, back when I was rocking velour tracksuits one day and full Abercrombie/Hollister the next. People might’ve called me a fag, but even they had to admit… I had style.
As I got older and explored gender nonconformity and femininity through style, fashion became a way to negotiate, accept, and celebrate my androgyny. My two biggest style icons are Diana Ross (queen of disco glamour) and Diane Keaton (queen of effortlessly tailored menswear - whatever menswear even means). Diane Keaton made me realise I could be fun and playful while also stepping into my Capricorn rising and being a badass business bitch. I love mixing bold patterns and colors with structured, refined silhouettes. It’s how I visually express my gender - non-binary, trans femme, intersex. I want the world to see that I am never just one thing.
What do you say to yourself on days when you get ready but feel fearful or less confident about going out into the world?
Honestly? I’m easy on myself when I get dressed. My number one rule is that if I’m comfortable, I can do whatever I want. At the same time, I’m mindful of my safety depending on where I’m going. So, on days when I feel a little shaky, I reach for my go-to pieces - the ones that make me feel like I have armour.
What’s the best starting point for someone who’s LGBTQ+ and wants to find their own sense of style and share it with the world?
Start by paying homage to your style icons. There’s power in realising that the people who inspire you have already carved out paths before you. It’s not about copying them—it’s about remixing, discovering, and making something new through your own lens.
Be willing to mess up. Try things that no one else thinks are cool. Try things you think might be cool, but aren’t sure yet. Bottom line: don’t listen to people. Listen to that inner icon screaming to be let out. Fashion is a spell—it shapes how you see yourself, how others perceive you, and the energy you put into the world. So cast a spell for the future you want and dress for the outcomes you desire.
Your style and energy are unmatched. What part of your process when getting ready feels the most affirming? Is it the beauty? A specific garment?
Oh, make up 100%. Doing my own glam - the full hair and makeup transformation, feels like painting a masterpiece that inevitably gets washed away. There’s something magical about that impermanence. But beyond that, it’s the mask I present to the world, in the most archetypal sense of the word. There’s power in that. It’s armour. It’s storytelling.
As for clothing, I have this fringed leather jacket that I always wear on plane rides (weather permitting) because, let’s be real, no one messes with someone in a leather jacket at the airport. On a broader level, I love structured, tailored jackets. They bring out those classic “masculine” fashion traits, but I love pairing that hardness with something soft. That contrast, the mix of sharp silhouettes with fluidity, makes me feel powerful.
When you were creating your own sense of style and image in the world, was there a moment you realised how integral it was to your identity as an LGBTQ+ person? Do you still feel that connection?
Fashion and style didn’t just evolve with me, they helped shape me. I was literally voted ‘Best Dressed’ in high school, back when I was rocking velour tracksuits one day and full Abercrombie/Hollister the next. People might’ve called me a fag, but even they had to admit… I had style.
As I got older and explored gender nonconformity and femininity through style, fashion became a way to negotiate, accept, and celebrate my androgyny. My two biggest style icons are Diana Ross (queen of disco glamour) and Diane Keaton (queen of effortlessly tailored menswear - whatever menswear even means). Diane Keaton made me realise I could be fun and playful while also stepping into my Capricorn rising and being a badass business bitch. I love mixing bold patterns and colors with structured, refined silhouettes. It’s how I visually express my gender - non-binary, trans femme, intersex. I want the world to see that I am never just one thing.
What do you say to yourself on days when you get ready but feel fearful or less confident about going out into the world?
Honestly? I’m easy on myself when I get dressed. My number one rule is that if I’m comfortable, I can do whatever I want. At the same time, I’m mindful of my safety depending on where I’m going. So, on days when I feel a little shaky, I reach for my go-to pieces - the ones that make me feel like I have armour.
What’s the best starting point for someone who’s LGBTQ+ and wants to find their own sense of style and share it with the world?
Start by paying homage to your style icons. There’s power in realising that the people who inspire you have already carved out paths before you. It’s not about copying them—it’s about remixing, discovering, and making something new through your own lens.
Be willing to mess up. Try things that no one else thinks are cool. Try things you think might be cool, but aren’t sure yet. Bottom line: don’t listen to people. Listen to that inner icon screaming to be let out. Fashion is a spell—it shapes how you see yourself, how others perceive you, and the energy you put into the world. So cast a spell for the future you want and dress for the outcomes you desire.