To ask if I look frumpy

This is much better. Very relaxed, comfortable. The underwear looks adequately supportive for what looks like some relaxed / leisurely time outdoors (if it feels comfortable/good to you).

@keepcalmanddance Bentalls used to be very good but not been there in years. I would try John Lewis too.

The key with a good bra is the support should be from the band not straps do measure tight around your underbust and start with band size that matches that.

I live in a similar area OP and I went to the John Lewis in Kingston and got professionally measured there. They were good but it’s hit and miss depending on who you get!

Can’t help with bra shop locating but, just for reference perhaps, with regard to dresses you could purposefully browse these by:

Cos

Not saying you have to like them all, but as you’ll observe - they each have a definite, determined shape which is intended to flatter the wearer as a whole person, not just one part of her body.

You look nice but I think the dress could be a bit longer and it doesn’t fit you that well. Agree with pp that it needs to be more structured to flatter you. What about spending a bit more on a similar style dress but better quality? It would be worth it as it’s the kind of thing you would wear a lot.

You look lovely OP. So much better than the first photo. A flattering wrap style dress that hugs nicely under your boobs 👌🏻

Honestly get measured for a new bra, it will change your life. Don't go to marks and spencers have a look at boob or bust.

Much better than the knitwear ensemble in your OP.

Again, it needs more supportive underwear. A well fitting bra would give you a visible waist.

The same dress with long, narrow sleeves to the wrist, and no puff at the shoulders, would be a hundred times better. As would an increase in length to just below your knees. The skirt part is sadly indeterminate. Ideally it should either form a tulip shape - tiny waist, rounded hip shape and narrowing in at the hem; or it could swing out widely, with lots of fabric, to an exaggerated A line.

Essentially the dress needs to be much bolder and more ‘intentional’ in its structure.

Op your bra is what jumped out at me- I went and got a push up bra and it’s definitely changed my outline. Also I always think baggy means loose and flattering but tighter clothes can also be more flattering whatever your size, it’s all about fit

@keepcalmanddance - this is the kind of outfit you should be looking for:

Lounge trouser suit

Once again - it doesn’t matter that you like your legs. Showing them off to the detriment of your whole appearance isn’t how one gets to look stylish. You need a balance between top and lower halves, which this outfit provides with shoulders, hips, and wide trouser hems creating an hourglass. (And with any top or jacket you may want to size up to accommodate your largest measurement and then have the rest of the garment tailored to fit you.)

Dresses are easier OP than skirts and tops. It’s one decision. Get a pencil dress.

If your concerned about stomach area pop a jacket / suit jacket over the top and off you pop.

Sorry op. I’m early 40s and wouldn’t dream of wearing it. Yes it does make you look frumpy. I don’t like the jumper at all.

It’s not to do with age is it? I have friends in their 60s, 70s and 80s and they look fantastic and still like to wear a version of the current trends. It does take some effort though. You can’t just stick on an old shapeless jumper and a dated skirt and expect to look good.

I would start from scratch op and you have had some good suggestions. Save the outfit for gardening or chuck it. I think the second top is too big and too much of a contrast with the tight skirt and the skirt is the wrong length. Just because you have nice legs doesn’t mean you should wear a short skirt but if you do, get a whole new outfit that looks good together.

I think the jumper and skirt are dated. The jumper is too long and not a nice colour. I’m 70 and would not wear either item! I agree with pp invest in a good bra and some magic knickers. I don’t think skirt and jumper combos look good on many people. Try a skirt with a nice blouse with a jacket or cardi over the top for a layered look. Send the current outfit to charity.

Get some good shapewear from M&S.
The whole look is very frumpy and needs to be sent to the charity shop immediately.
I’m 54 and could not imagine wearing any of these colours or items. Sorry OP!

Sorry to say this, but yes to frumpy. The jumper is baggy, shapeless and unflattering and the skirt is dated. You need a bit of a revamp and bringing into 2025 🤗 Have you considered personal styling at John Lewis? If you like your legs, how about dresses? There are some nice shift dresses that you could wear over a thin jumper.

The skirt teamed with black tights are fine…….but NOT with that sweater! You need a much ‘smaller’ top to complete the ensemble, perhaps a fitted shirt or a long sleeved smart tee shirt thingy??
The sweater would look better teamed with slim jeans - think walking the dog, playing with the kids in the park, slobbing on the sofa on Sunday afternoon.

Non - iron shirts rarely exist and again, it’s a short cut, if you want the crisp shirt look, you’re going to have to iron.

Have you heard about polyester? It's quite new, only invented in 1941. It can make you a bit sweaty, but that's rarely an issue with a lightweight, loose-fitting shirt. Wash it and hang it to dry. Miraculous stuff!

I think part of the issue OP is you’re looking for quick wins. I totally get this in today’s busy world. Non - iron shirts rarely exist and again, it’s a short cut, if you want the crisp shirt look, you’re going to have to iron.

And if you want your top half to look slimmer, there are absolutely better outfits to wear (as others have suggested) but ultimately you’re always going to have the boobs and belly you have - there’s no way of avoiding that. Changing your diet and lifestyle will eventually reproportion you but I get that’s not the objective here.

I personally think the most attractive body shape, and easiest to dress, is hourglass - well proportioned whatever size always looks great. A size 16 hourglass usually looks better than a size 10 apple for example. Therefore, your aim isn’t to show off slim legs despite a big bust and waist as that’s going to send your body shape off - you need to view your body as a whole and not individual parts.

As another poster said, I think you should try a knee or just about the knee length A line skirt. With a slim V neck blouse and pretty undone cardigan or casual blazer or jacket.

V necks because it breaks up your chest area so it doesn’t look like one big visual chunk (people with small busts can get away with round neck but larger busts need V neck). Slim fitting so that when your cardigan is falling over the top, your top is faking a smaller waist.

But there’s only so much fashion can do. I have a smaller apple shaped body and it’s a nightmare to dress. The only real way of making it easy to look good is to shift the tummy weight (which im currently working on as I’ve had enough of it!).

It does seem to work for people who actually do have a waist! Side-to-side works slightly better on me than front-to-back, but it still only works from one angle. And looks stupid, basically.

This is because I have no discernible waist. Can't show something that isn't there (see also: belts to define your waist).

If I wanted to fake a waist via clothing, I'd need a bloody enormous, bloused top cinched in to an even more enormous gathered skirt. I'd look like a circus tent lost a fight with a medieval peasant costume.

If you’ve got good legs then get them out! I would wear a jumper like that with a mini skirt. You’re quite busty so I think a v neck or cardigan shape would suit you better. I’m a similar shape and I find v necks a lot more flattering. The chunkiness of the jumper just makes you look bigger than you are. Have a look on Instagram. Emma Paton is a good one to follow off the top of my head.

Knee length skirts are coming back into style, so contrary to some of the other posters I don't think the skirt is the problem here. Knee length can look more fresh and current than midi/maxi if styled properly. As others have said, the proportions of the outfit are wrong and the skirt would look much better with a more fitted, structured blouse or top.

Sophie Clare White on Instagram is great for outfits for sizes 12 and up.