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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:
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Original poster
keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 12:23

Ideally work with my wardrobe as that’s cheaper for now

OP posts:
JurassicPark4Eva · 19/10/2025 12:21

It's a deeply unflattering outfit tbh. The jumper is a bad length on your body, and the skirt with black tights is very dated.

Leggings are also not a smart look on most people.

What do you want to do? Do you want to work with what you have in your wardrobe or buy new things?

Original poster
keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 12:21

The prob I have is I have nice legs but a big belly which is why I tend to go for bigger tops to disguise that

OP posts:
CarrierbagsAndPJs · 19/10/2025 12:21

pIum · 19/10/2025 12:18

It's a very dark outfit. A lighter jumper might help somewhat, although I agree with others the skirt is a frumpy style.

Put the jumper with jeans and maybe french tuck it in.

pencil skirts are dated. I bought one recently and it is hard to not look frumpy and old fashioned as i also cannot wear a heel.

Sparklesandspandexgallore · 19/10/2025 12:21

It looks like a comfortable outfit rather than a stylish Outfit.
I agree that the jumper is out of shape.
Depends what you want to achieve op.

Teado · 19/10/2025 12:20

I quite like the jumper but it’s wrong for you and it mismatches the skirt.

It may be worth getting a free stylist session somewhere like John Lewis, plus a bra fitting. There’ll be an upfront costs if you buy the recommended clothes, but it’ll work out cheaper in the long run because you won’t waste money on unflattering stuff that you end up giving away because you feel miserable wearing it.

FWIW I don’t think that you have a difficult figure to dress particularly. I reckon you’ll look very good in the right top/skirt combo.

TheTortiePuffinNeedsHerBreakfast · 19/10/2025 12:19

The colour combo of blue, grey and black is a bit drab, and the jumper is unflattering. I would swap the black tights for grey ones that match the skirt - it chops you up less. Then a lighter coloured top that has more shape to it and sleeves that are the right length for your arms.

nosleepforme · 19/10/2025 12:18

No it doesn’t look good.

pIum · 19/10/2025 12:18

It's a very dark outfit. A lighter jumper might help somewhat, although I agree with others the skirt is a frumpy style.

Hayley1256 · 19/10/2025 12:18

I think this outfit would make anyone look frumpy! The skirt is a really odd length amd the jumper has not shape. I'm nearly 40 and love a shorter skirt with knee boots for this time of year (obvs with tights) but I would wear a different top.

I'd wear the jumper with jeans, some nice loafers and probs a shirt under the jumper with the collar and cuffs out

AcquadiP · 19/10/2025 12:15

The jumper is a nice colour but looks one size too big, which is unflattering. Also for me that petrol blue (?) colour isn't working with the black skirt. The skirt is fine but perhaps combining it with a bold, bright coloured blouse, cardigan or cropped jumper would work better.

ApolloandDaphne · 19/10/2025 12:14

I don't mind the slouchy jumper if dressed with jeans but it doesn't work with the skirt. It needs something more fitted, shorter and neater.

HedwigEliza · 19/10/2025 12:14

Yes, and also yes. The long baggy jumper looks ancient.

thisishowloween · 19/10/2025 12:13

It's very unflattering and none of it fits you properly.

NutButterOnToast · 19/10/2025 12:13

Yeah sorry.

Everything is the wrong length.

The jumper is shapeless and too casual for the skirt, it also removes any waist you have and sits too low.

The skirt should be shorter or longer but not knee length. No one wears knee length currently. It will come back but it's not for now.

pictoosh · 19/10/2025 12:13

Yes I'm sorry to say. The jumper is a bad length with that skirt making you look bigger than you are. The jumper is not flattering on you.

SaffronsMadAboutMe · 19/10/2025 12:12

Yes and yes I'm afraid.

The skirt looks fine but the baggy jumper doesn't look great.

raunbowshoes · 19/10/2025 12:12

I like the outfit. I think with a head shot you’d look nice. I love the colour of the jumper.

EuroTour · 19/10/2025 12:11

You need a better bra. Jumper looks like a gardening one.

Original poster
keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 12:11

@AmyDuPlantierhow would I revamp? Any ideas

OP posts:
manicpixieschemegirl · 19/10/2025 12:11

The whole outfit is incredibly unflattering. The jumper is stretched out of shape and not fit to be worn, quite honestly.

alittleprivacy · 19/10/2025 12:11

It is quite frumpy. One, the ribbing (hem) of the jumper is out of shape, so that alone gives a frumpyness.
Two, your bra isn't flattering. It's giving lounge at home shape, which is comfy but frumpy. I work from home, so have a lot of lounge at home bras and the difference to an outfit just from changing my bra is very noticeable.
And Three, the skirt with the long jumper isn't flattering. Long jumper tend to be worn with leggings, the jumper acting as more of a tunic than just upper body wear.

Purplecatshopaholic · 19/10/2025 12:11

To be honest, since you ask, yes. That sweater is not flattering, it’s saggy and looks stretched, it should be sent to the charity shop asap. The skirt is better than the jumper but is not a great length, go either shorter, or longer.

AmyDuPlantier · 19/10/2025 12:10

At early 40s you’re a couple of years younger than me, and I cannot imagine owning those items.

The mid-length skirt is very reminiscent of what my aunties wore in the late 80s.

You could maybe do with a little revamp if you fancy it; but if you like it and are comfortable then it doesn’t matter so much.

Original poster
keepcalmanddance · 19/10/2025 12:10

I do have tighter tops that could be tucked into the skirt but then I end up looking pregnant (I’m not), so I always tend to go for baggier tops to hide the belly but then I do have nice legs so it’s hard

i have lots of leggings but fancies a change today

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