How to feel comfortable wearing a dress in public?

Just wear them. No one will stare. You would be surprised how little people care about what strangers are wearing. If people do look twice it's often because they like the way a person is dressed. And if anyone you know says anything other than "you look wonderful" then call them out of their poor behavior. Rude people deserve to have their rudeness pointed out to them. So just wear them and get over it! After a while other people won't notice any more and if you don't get upset then the rude insulting people will have to find a new target.

WHY would anyone stare at you.
Why are you so important that complete strangers will think Oh she's wearing a dress.
People are not interested in you or what you wear.
You have a high opinion of your importance in the real world.
OVER REACT - to a stranger wearing a dress
Do get over yourself Dear.

I don't understand why you would be uncomfortable.

Used to be very conscious of myself until I understood no one was really watching or paying attention, everyone is busy doing their own thing so you can freely be you :)

As everyone has already said. Wear what you wish.

I think it is pretty conceited to think that you would be so special that people would notice you so much among all the other women wearing dresses. Its nothing special or unusual.

I'm assuming you are male, otherwise you wouldn't be concerned about people staring. Even so, I believe your fears are largely unwarranted. I have a male friend with a "split gender identity" who usually wears feminine clothing (skirts, dresses, etc.) and makes no attempt to "pass" as a woman. He's totally confident in his appearance and that helps him look good in his clothes. He is certainly feminine in his mannerisms and his overall comportment is feminine. From time to time he gets second looks but no one bothers him and he and his girlfriend (also my friend) are able to go about their business just fine. He once observed to me that women have no greater right than him to wear feminine clothes - I agree.

A lot of women don't like them. They make you very self conscious especially if they are short, you always worry about the wind or crossing your legs, and yes, the good old dress stuffed in the panties. Only way to get comfortable wearing them is to wear them. Be confident in being a woman, it is a beautiful gift. Enjoy it!

You need to put on your big girl pants . Go out there and strut your stuff.You are showing that you are in need of some confidence. Only you can come up with that.

maybe you can ease on into a dress, maybe wear leggings with them for awhile

The only reason I can think of that people would stare at you is because you are a guy and not a girl. In any event just wear what you feel comfortable in. People will just have to adjust.

you need too wear what makes you comfortable and happy and need too stop overreacting

Wear shorts underneath them but make sure you can't see the shorts and try wearing maxi skirts that don't show your legs off too much so maybe then you won't feel so uncomfortable