A person’s walk can tell you a lot about them. A strong, assured stride speaks to one’s confidence; a flowing and delicate strut may be more representative of a cerebral, introverted or graceful person.
For those looking to enhance their femininity, or to cultivate a more feminine look, your walk is just as important as your make-up, outfit or hair.
In this article, we’ll break down the key elements of feminine walk and how you can undertake practical steps to refine your movement. Whether you’re stepping into heels for the first time or simply looking to add some grace to your gallop, these tips are for you.
A mile in her shoes
If you’re interested in crossdressing in Australia, mastering the feminine walk is an essential step in refining your presentation. However, before we dive into technique, it helps to understand why a walk would be feminine as opposed to masculine.
Here are some telltale signs:
- Swaying hips: Unlike a rigid, forward-moving stride, a feminine walk incorporates subtle hip movement that flows naturally with each step.
- Smaller steps: A feminine walk is often characterised by slightly shorter steps, creating a softer, more controlled movement.
- Foot placement: Instead of stepping with feet wide apart, a feminine walk often has feet landing in more of a straight-line motion, similar to a model’s runway walk.
Some of these elements are derived from biology; they lend themselves to the typical feminine frame. Others are a result of socialisation, designed to attract potential partners through rhythmic motion and signalling.
Either way, mastering the feminine walk is a good step (no pun intended) toward embodying femininity in all its forms.
Step-by-step
- The hips don’t lie: Shakira had it right; one of the defining features of a feminine walk is hip movement. Instead of forcing an exaggerated sway, let your hips move naturally as you take steps.
- A subtle stride: Shorten your steps slightly to prevent a wide, heavy walk. While you don’t need to take tiny, mincing steps, keeping them slightly closer together creates a softer and more elegant movement.
- Arms matter: It’s not all in the legs! Your arms should complement your walk. Instead of keeping them stiff or swinging them too forcefully, let them move naturally with a slight sway. Relaxed arms add fluidity to your movement and balance out the overall look. Think of your arms as pendulums, being gently swung by nothing but their momentum.
- Forget everything: Through repetition, the goal is to embody the feminine walk so deeply that you no longer have to consciously emulate it. Eventually, you want to walk naturally and without self-awareness.
Help with heels
Heels help to accentuate the female form, and over the decades, have become part and parcel with the feminine walk. But, for the uninitiated, it can be like learning to walk all over again.
The key with heels is to start small, and behind closed doors. Begin with a low heel, and walk around your house (away from sharp or fragile objects).
Eventually, build your confidence up to higher heels and longer, more public-facing walks. Once you’re a master, try hills, and an increased pace – although part of the wisdom of heels will be to know when to call it a day. Some buses just aren’t worth tripping over and rolling your ankle for!
Some quick tips with heels are:
- Keep your steps light and controlled
- Land on the ball of your foot before shifting weight to the heel
- Maintain a straight posture to avoid stumbling
- Take your time — rushing can lead to an unsteady walk.
Flats, on the other hand, allow for a more casual but still feminine walk. The same principles of posture, foot placement and movement apply, but without the added balance challenge of heels.
Final thoughts
Walking with femininity is about more than just technique — it’s about confidence. The more at ease you feel in your movements, the more natural and graceful your walk will appear.
Over time, you want to go from being mindful and cautious to carefree and confident, as a result of having developed your feminine stride over weeks and months of repetition. And then it’s time to enjoy!
Whether you’re in heels or flats, at home or out on the town, you can enjoy a newfound confidence in your feminine movement and the way you carry yourself.
After all, it’s not about what you do, it’s about how you do it.