In Rogers Park, a unique styling service known as Dress Your New Body is transforming the way newly transitioned transgender and nonbinary individuals approach fashion and self-expression.
Founded by Missy Thrasher-Lyon, a Rogers Park native, this free service opened its doors last November within the New To You Thrift Shop, located at the United Church of Rogers Park.
Mathis, 26, is among those who have found solace and empowerment through this initiative. Originally from Kansas City, she recounted her journey of stepping into the women’s clothing section for the first time, a daunting experience made easier with the help of Thrasher-Lyon’s service.
“I’ve spent my entire life in clothes that don’t fit with my body, and I’m still starting out in my transition,” Mathis expressed during her late May consultation. “But during this, it really hit me that I could find my voice through fashion. That clothing could play a big part in my journey.”
Dress Your New Body offers a supportive environment for clients, addressing the multiple challenges transgender, nonbinary, and intersex individuals often face when shopping for clothes. Many have difficulty finding clothing that fits well due to sizing issues, while others struggle with the lack of availability of gender-neutral options in mainstream fashion.
Thrasher-Lyon, who has personal experience shopping on a budget while growing up, understood the importance of fashion in establishing identity. After marrying a transgender woman, she was inspired to create a space where individuals could explore their style without judgment.
In collaboration with the United Church of Rogers Park, a predominantly queer congregation, Thrasher-Lyon launched the service, which also serves as a venue for creative expression.
The dress consultations occur every first and third Tuesday of the month, where up to four clients receive styling advice each session.
Clients range in age from as young as 11 to those in their 50s, and the clothing provided is either free or costs no more than $15.
Community support plays a crucial role in the success of Dress Your New Body. Local businesses, including barber shops and cafes, provide discounts on services to clients while promoting the styling consultations.
Diego, a transgender man, discovered Dress Your New Body through a flyer at Twisted Scissors, a queer-owned barber shop. Intrigued by the presence of transgender visibility, he reached out for styling support, confirming the power of visibility in affirming one’s identity.
Upon arrival for his consultation, Diego was greeted with a curated collection of outfits that he described as professional yet playful, representative of his personality and desired expression. Thrasher-Lyon collaborated with Judas Rotter, a member of the transgender community, to ensure an inclusive approach to styling.
Diego shared how the right outfits help him present himself in accordance with his gender identity. “People always go like, ‘Trans people are perverts,’” he remarked. “But I’m like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m so scary with my everyday flannel and kitty cat t-shirt.’”
Experiences like Diego’s highlight the transformative role that fashion can play in solidifying one’s identity in the face of societal challenges.
Thrasher-Lyon expressed her enthusiasm about witnessing individuals evolve in their self-concept during consultations. “One of the things I’ve seen that means the most to me is watching people figure it out on the spot, watching their self-concept evolve right in front of your eyes,” she stated.
This initiative is timely, especially considering the shifting federal positions on LGBTQ+ rights under the Trump administration. Actions taken by President Donald Trump, such as issuing an executive order to eliminate references to “gender ideology” from federal policies and limiting access to gender-affirming care, have raised significant concerns within the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite these challenges, the queer community has historically embraced fashion as a powerful tool for expression and defiance. From underground drag balls to contemporary clothing swaps, the significance of apparel in asserting identity cannot be overstated.
Andrew Reilly, a fashion design and merchandising professor at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, emphasizes the importance of fashion as a statement for queer individuals: “And clothing itself can be used to show that we [queer people] do exist, that we are here.”
As the world grapples with issues surrounding gender identity, initiatives like Dress Your New Body are crucial not just for individual clients like Mathis and Diego, but for the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Thrasher-Lyon believes that the joy experienced through fashion is integral to resilience. “There’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s just a playful, enjoyable experience,” Rotter said, echoing Thrasher-Lyon’s sentiment.
The consultations at Dress Your New Body offer individuals the space to explore their identities through fashion, fostering a sense of community and belonging within Rogers Park.
As the mission to promote acceptance and understanding continues, dress consultations serve as a reminder of the importance of visibility and affirmation in the lives of transgender and nonbinary individuals.
Ultimately, with the right resources and support, countless individuals can find the confidence to express themselves authentically through the clothes they wear—and as the growing popularity of Dress Your New Body illustrates, it is a journey worth embracing.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/05/dress-your-new-body-helps-trans-chicagoans-find-their-style/
