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Original poster

To ask if I look frumpy

237 replies

keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 12:00

Do I look frumpy in this outfit? I’m early 40s. Also do I look like I’m slightly pregnant?

To ask if I look frumpy
OP posts:
Thread gallery
10
Starling7 · 19/10/2025 18:53

JurassicPark4Eva · 19/10/2025 18:30

Oh how I miss Bay Trading 😂

But I totally agree. This is exceptionally dated and unfashionable advice.

Show quote history

Ah but that's where we differ darling

Classic styling using flattering shapes never dates.

You can then use the advice to adapt to current fashion that appeals to you.

That's why so many people look so awful - desperation to be trendy rather than dressing for their shape.

Arraminta · 19/10/2025 18:51

Starling7 · 19/10/2025 13:58

I worked as a stylist for years and also have a similar figure.

As you have great legs, keep skirts / dresses short and wear with thick tights or leggings if you don't want to show too much.

Long sweaters are fine but no high necks only deep V or scoops.

Alternatively wear a cardi over a deep V dress or tunic - darker colours on top.

If you are shy about deep V necklines wear a vest in contrasting colour underneath.

A statement necklace brings the eye up and lifts the outfit.

Have fun xx

Eh? No, just no. Unless you're hoping to telephoto back to 1995?

Your last outfit is better. But the top is too long and there's too much fabric under the arms.

Starling7 · 19/10/2025 18:49

manicpixieschemegirl · 19/10/2025 18:18

Sorry but this is terrible advice. Leggings under skirts, tunics and statement necklaces?

OP, please don’t do any of this unless Bay Trading circa 2005 is the look you’re going for.

Show quote history

Not at all darling. You are getting yourself confused with being a slave to trend as opposed to dressing to flatter the body.

Classic styling using shapes and pieces that flatter different body types never changes.

Trendy looks do.

WLnamechange · 19/10/2025 18:48

Million times better!

Princessfluffy · 19/10/2025 18:47

Dropped shoulder tops are making your shoulders look very wide OP. I think the v neckline is good though. Try raglan or set in sleeves. A sweater vest could also work well.
melissa murrell on YouTube might be helpful to take a look at, she does style master classes for women of different shapes and sizes.

Camelcarpet · 19/10/2025 18:47

keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 18:41

Is this any better?

100%

Starling7 · 19/10/2025 18:44

keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 18:41

Is this any better?

Absolutely ❤️

rebecca2727 · 19/10/2025 18:43

That’s better , maybe wear the top tucked in ? x

Original poster
keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 18:41

Is this any better?

To ask if I look frumpy
OP posts:
rebecca2727 · 19/10/2025 18:35

Yes it frumpy , maybe wear with jumper with jeans and cute trainers ?

JurassicPark4Eva · 19/10/2025 18:30

manicpixieschemegirl · 19/10/2025 18:18

Sorry but this is terrible advice. Leggings under skirts, tunics and statement necklaces?

OP, please don’t do any of this unless Bay Trading circa 2005 is the look you’re going for.

Show quote history

Oh how I miss Bay Trading 😂

But I totally agree. This is exceptionally dated and unfashionable advice.

manicpixieschemegirl · 19/10/2025 18:18

Starling7 · 19/10/2025 13:58

I worked as a stylist for years and also have a similar figure.

As you have great legs, keep skirts / dresses short and wear with thick tights or leggings if you don't want to show too much.

Long sweaters are fine but no high necks only deep V or scoops.

Alternatively wear a cardi over a deep V dress or tunic - darker colours on top.

If you are shy about deep V necklines wear a vest in contrasting colour underneath.

A statement necklace brings the eye up and lifts the outfit.

Have fun xx

Sorry but this is terrible advice. Leggings under skirts, tunics and statement necklaces?

OP, please don’t do any of this unless Bay Trading circa 2005 is the look you’re going for.

babasaclover · 19/10/2025 18:05

keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 17:59

Ok so where can I buy non iron ladies shirts? Also thanks for all advice. I’m gonna try on a different top later, tuck it in and post a pic once I’m back home

Bravissimo originally made for big boobs is good cause you can choose bra size and then body type as well eg curvy / super curvy which is helpful. Not sure about non iron though

Starling7 · 19/10/2025 18:03

PadamPadamPDoom · 19/10/2025 14:27

I’m afraid I have to disagree with much of what @Starling7 suggests.

Just because you like your legs does not mean you’re going to look anything approaching stylish in a short dress and thick leggings.

Nor is wearing a deep V neckline if you’re so nervous you need to add a contrasting vest beneath.

And seriously, do not add a ‘statement necklace’. Just don’t.

Tried and tested for this type of figure for over 20 years darling.

Definitely the most flattering casual shapes for someone with good legs, a larger bust and a bit of a tummy.

A deep V with a contrasting layer underneath always looks good, as do shorter lengths with tights or leggings or boots.

Statement necklaces change every season but are always good to lift the eye with a casual outfit.

Original poster
keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 17:59

Ok so where can I buy non iron ladies shirts? Also thanks for all advice. I’m gonna try on a different top later, tuck it in and post a pic once I’m back home

OP posts:
zingally · 19/10/2025 17:48

The jumper would be nice with some jeans or thick leggings, and the skirt would be nice with a pretty top/blouse, but together they don't really work. The jumper is drowning the skirt and has completely removed any waist or boobs you might have. That's totally cool if you're doing a casual Autumnal look - baggy jumpers are popular. But as workwear it doesn't work.

Sheknowsaboutme · 19/10/2025 17:11

Very frumpy. That jumper is awful, please bin it! I think you have a nice figure under that.

and perhaps get a bra fitting? They need lifting. It will do wonders to the figure

MrsMillyFluff · 19/10/2025 15:53

You have a lovely figure, but I don't think this outfit does you any favours. Maybe a different, shorter, more fitted top?

outerspacepotato · 19/10/2025 15:48

The sweater, too big, stretched out, arms too long and balloony, and you need a good bra. That does nothing for you.

With that skirt, hem it shorter, a tighter top, and tights and boots. If you're worried about your belly, buy some shape wear.

That silhouette, the oversized sweater and midi length skirt, isn't flattering on you. Try fitted tops and straight pants.

If you have an alterations place near you, take some pants and get them tailored to you. They're more comfortable and look so much better. Your tops, get your sleeves tailored as to volume and length.

PadamPadamPDoom · 19/10/2025 15:25

You could scroll back to my first post, @thecatneuterer…

thecatneuterer · 19/10/2025 14:53

PadamPadamPDoom · 19/10/2025 14:27

I’m afraid I have to disagree with much of what @Starling7 suggests.

Just because you like your legs does not mean you’re going to look anything approaching stylish in a short dress and thick leggings.

Nor is wearing a deep V neckline if you’re so nervous you need to add a contrasting vest beneath.

And seriously, do not add a ‘statement necklace’. Just don’t.

But all of that would at least be an improvement on the current look. What would you suggest?

usedtobeaylis · 19/10/2025 14:49

^^ crisply, not crispy 🤣

usedtobeaylis · 19/10/2025 14:41

keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 12:30

@JurassicPark4Evai have DM boots. Don’t really have any shirts just tshirts. Have a couple of smart tops which I guess I could have tucked in. So ill try that later (out now) and post again to see if that looks better.. I’m just so conscious of my pregnant looking belly

A crispy ironed t shirt with a cardigan or blazer would be fine with the skirt you're wearing. With your DM boots. Wear what is comfy, ultimately.

PadamPadamPDoom · 19/10/2025 14:27

I’m afraid I have to disagree with much of what @Starling7 suggests.

Just because you like your legs does not mean you’re going to look anything approaching stylish in a short dress and thick leggings.

Nor is wearing a deep V neckline if you’re so nervous you need to add a contrasting vest beneath.

And seriously, do not add a ‘statement necklace’. Just don’t.

Silverbirchleaf · 19/10/2025 14:17

NotMeNoNo · 19/10/2025 13:52

This is a good account on Instagram for illustrating how to style things a bit differently mylifeafter_50. I mean all the posing around gets a bit annoying but sone useful ideas

Yes. She shows how simple changes can quickly update a look, even with the same basic clothes.

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