What is frumpy?

[hiddenhome]

I often follow links on threads that lead to various types of clothing and then people will come on and say "oh, that's frumpy, I wouldn't wear that".

Some of the clothes on the links look okay and then I'm wondering what it is about them that means they're frumpy.

I understand that polyester granny blouses are universally frumpy, but can't really judge much else.

People say that Boden and Seasalt are frumpy, but to me, they look quite nice and the models are all young and they still look nice.

What do none frumpy people generally wear?

Can anyone elaborate?

[BoysAreLikeDogs]

I think frumpy is a state of mind

[bleedingheart]

I think it's when someone dressed a certain way because they think they should be inconspicuous and plain. As though they hav forgotten or subsumed their real tastes and interests.
Dressing for comfort and ease with no thought to style, pairing inappropriate items e.g: fleece jacket, blouse, jeans, trainers and ladylike handbag. Dressing with very little consideration for how it looks!

[bleedingheart]

Apologies for typos.

[Suzieismyname]

Frumpy is not wearing the latest fashion. I'm a frump and I couldn't care less. I don't have the time, money, body or inclination to change!

[Somethingyesterday]

It's a really interesting question OP. And there are a million different answers - partly because we all see things so differently but more importantly we all wear our clothes in conjunction with our own attitudes.

Take your example. On someone of any age who has absolutely no interest in clothing or "style"; who doesn't (for whatever reason) "take care of themselves" or see dressing as part of communication, that polyester granny blouse might be hideous. On another person, of any age, who knows exactly what they want to convey - even if only to themselves in the mirror, the same item could turn any street into a catwalk. It really isn't about the things themselves but why they were chosen and how they are worn.

If someone says to me that they buy most of their clothes at Boden - I would tend to feel that we probably won't have many interesting conversations about clothes. But I'm perfectly aware that the most stylish person in a room full of style might well be wearing one or two Boden items.

I do think one element of non-frumpiness is the willingness to (horrible phrase) move out of one's comfort zone. Literally and metaphorically.

[dexter73]

Frumpy is not wearing the latest fashion
I disagree. On me a pleated midi skirt could definitely look frumpy but on someone else could look amazing. It doesn't even have to be a young person, just someone for whom that look is right.

[Fairyliz]

I think of frumpy if you are wearing something that would normally be worn by someone 20 years older than you and mutton if you are wearing something worn usually by people 20 years younger.

[hermioneweasley]

Leverette, that link is vile. Taking the piss out of people for needing mobility aids, WTF?

I am frumpy - dress for comfort, size 14 pear shape, wash & wear hair (brown). Couldn't care less.

[alemci]

Hayley Cropper look?

[alemci]

quite like the Wolf Jackets.

[missbopeep]

Frumpy imo is when you stop feeling like a sexual person and wear nothing that accentuates your assets- in other words you hide under clothes instead of them being your friend. I don't mean you get your tits out or wear minis. I just mean you take a long hard look at yourself, consider what is 'fashionable' at the moment and make some small adjustments to you look the best you can, rather than just throwing on something to cover up your nakedness!

My examples of frumpy include : ( here we go :) )
-women over 50 -ish and older who have very mannish hair cuts - short and almost shaved up the back.

• fleeces worn almost all the time eg in the supermarket.
  
• jeans that don't really fit but are a daily 'uniform'- often worn with a baggy jumper and a fleece.
  
• no effort at all to use a bit of make up, have a good hair cut and generally bother with some grooming.
  
• calf length skirts which aren't long enough to be maxis - on middle aged women.
  
• what I can only describe as 'droopy dresses'- no waist, no shape, long length, usually a floral pattern.

[Suzieismyname]

I think it's all subjective... I am frumpy but would never wear a wolf fleece, that's hideous!

Reminds me of when I used to watch the Apprentice and they were on one of the shopping channels. They completely misunderstood the audience and were anazed that the wolf fleeces sold kike hotcakes!

[WipsGlitter]

I agree frumpy is partly a state of mind. And the inappropriately paired clothes.

I know someone who's really sweetn great figure but just looks frumpy - dodgy (old lady) hairdo, pop socks, polyester trousers. It's hard to put your figure on it. She just seems to get it "wrong".

[missbopeep]

figure ( finger?)- typo or freudian slip - but whichever!

[missbopeep]

Young and pretty women can wear anything and look lovely ( as in models in Boden catalogue.)

But put the garments on your average size 16 45+ woman ( Boden demography I suspect) then it's a different look.

Nothing against Boden, size 16 or women ages 45+ ( I tick 2 of those boxes!) but you get the idea.

[invicta]

Frumpy is wearing clothes with no style, or are too big or baggy, or lack colour.

Its also wearing clothes that are wrong for your shape. What suits one person doesn't suit another.

[hiddenhome]

Thanks for these insights. I kind of get what people mean.

[missbopeep]

One yardstick for me is ' would my mum and her friends wear it?' if the answer is yes, then I swerve. The rules out most of Per Una as my mum is 86.

[Wishihadabs]

I think I look frumpy at work , safe, sensible, below the knee and flat shoes.

[Wishihadabs]

Outside of work I am a minx I tells ya. Definitely veer towards the mutton (I am 37).

[Corygal]

Frumpy isn't bad style - it's no style.

You're looking for unflattering clothes with their evil twin, not caring.

[Arisbottle]

A word used to belittle other women , strangely often used by other women.

[ouryve]

I have no objection to being frumpy, since I'm one of those people who hit middle age before I started primary school, but I rock the short, mannish hair and fleece thing - only my hair is very well cut and flattering to my angular features and my fleeces are usually purple and fitted and I usually dress like I'm going walking (even though that walk is most usually from one end of the village to the other with the kids)

[internationallove985]

I think it laymans (hope I've spelled that correct) it means when a person has no pride in their dress sense or appearance. x