To ask if I look frumpy

You're getting yourself confused darling.
Shorter length skirts and dresses wuth tights, with a little v cardi, a chain or pearls and a cami is absolutely classic styling for this body shape and many others! The French wear it every winter!

You quite literally did mention tunics - at 1.58pm today

No one mentioned tunics darling. As other posters have demonstrated with photos, shorter lengths are better with this figure, and that is what I said.
I suggested thicker tights or leggings for winter under a shorter length for a flattering style and comfort.
Every season has its own statement necklace they aren't a specific and are always in fashion in one shape or form.

please don't go for the shirt idea - soft drape fabric is far more flattering when you have a bust and little belly.

Cool - very si.ilar to what I was suggesting 🙂

Thank you. I suggested the tights or leggings as the op feels comfortable in those.

A shorter skirt over winter tights with a layered deep v top / cardi and vest is pretty classic, the French wear this look every winter!

A statement necklace can be anything from pearls, to a chunky chain, to layered chains etc.

I think the negative reaction has been because I stated that I worked as a stylist for over 20 years 😅

Its actually quite sad

Sigh. If you’re an inverted triangle shape, tight fitting skirts and trousers will only emphasise this and make your top half look bigger and out of proportion.

Anyone with eyes can see that OP’s skirt is terribly unflattering. An a line skirt would balance out her shape and still allow her show off her legs.

You are joking? 😅
A heavy massive skirt that drops from the OPs most unflattering point and covers her legs which are her best feature?
You know, I was a bit upset when some of you came at me saying my advice was dated, but I get it now - trendy wins even if you look like a dogs dinner 😅

The jumper would look much better with slim fit trousers. I also think a v neck would be better suited to your figure, although finding one that isn't plunging isn't always easy!

You need a better bra I think OP and a slightly wider neckline.

The whole outfit lacks balance.

I think that the second outfit makes you look significantly slimmer and I think a more modern wardrobe would make a difference.

It's much better but your top is still too big.

Shorten the skirt, a more fitted dark top and that would look really nice. That sleeve length works for you.

There's a drastic difference between the light top and dark bottom that makes you look a bit wider there.

Yes you do sorry, it’s the outfit the teacher nuns at my school would have been comfortable in. I’m not much younger than you and don’t dress that way at all- you’re 40 not 80!

Not good advice.

A chunky sweater that's 4 inches shorter would be even more unflattering.

Boot cut jeans will also add weight.

Wide Leg or flared jeans?? Hardly.

This is where trendy people go wrong.

If your best feature is your legs then the last thing you do is hide them in bulky trousers.

Boxy sweaters are literally the most unflattering top someone with a larger bust and a but of a tummy can wear.

Tucking in sweaters also just adds to the waistline.

These suggestions were exchanging shapes alone. Ie the OP has stated that she wears leggings, and sweaters but wanted to try something different which resulted in the skirt and chunky Sweater combo.
The shapes I suggested instead will flatter her shape whilst keeping to her familiar staples.

It's better but the skirt just isn't a flattering style or length.

The nineties are calling you.

I think the length of skirt isn't particularly flattering. I'd go with a shorter skirt (and tights) or a midi length skirt with knee high boots. There are lots of black or dark coloured demim/satin/leather look midi length skirts in the shops atm that are flattering and look good with a pair of black or brown knee high boots.

The jumper is too long. If you don't feel comfortable tucking a jumper in maybe try a shorter 'boxy' style jumper, will be much more flattering.

Better but still not a very well fitting top. There's so much material under the armpits.

Tunics, leggings with skirts and statement necklaces aren’t classic hen, they’re dated.

Sorry but it’s still not great @keepcalmanddance - a tight skirt and oversized top is making you look top heavy big bigger than you are. I echo the posters who recommend checking out Melissa Murrell to get some ideas as to how to dress for your body type.

Not a single thing you suggested is "classic styling".

Thick tights and leggings? Cardigans? Vest tops under v necks? Statement necklaces?

Classic styling is dressing for your shape, well made and well cut clothes, good use of colour and shape. Not leggings.

That's a massive improvement. And can you see that the stomach you worried about isn't even visible?

Have you any footwear, @keepcalmanddance? It’s much easier to comment on an outfit if one can see the whole thing, and your choice of shoes or boots could make a huge difference.

From the photos you’ve shown I’d say you’re a bit hung up on making your lower half as tiny as possible - which puts it out of balance with your top half. What you actually need is a skirt, or trousers that have as much presence as your shoulders and upper body.