What makes a women look frumpy

[Wherecanitbe]

I am considering an overhaul of what I wear and my hairstyle. I am feeling a bit down and frumpy at the moment so thought this would be a positive change.

My overhaul is not going to be a drastic change , I cannot afford to purchase a whole new wardrobe of clothes,shoes and accessories. So please could you give me your items of clothing and / or hairstyles that in your opinion makes a women look frumpy.

This post is not meant to be offensive in anyway, I believe a person should wear whatever they wish regardless of whether another person thinks it's frumpy.

It has. It’s particularly nice now the inevitable bitchiness seems to have stopped.

I think Christine Lagarde looks elegant. I like her short white hair, and she has well cut jackets and trousers. She's wearing a scarf in this picture, but I think we can excuse her!

Maireas she is such a striking woman. Beautiful skin. I like her scarf.

I like a scarf.

I like that a thread meanders. I like that we go from what makes a woman look frumpy to what makes a woman look great. Feel great.

That is what is important. It really looks as though it comes from a love of yourself. Confidence in yourself.

Christine Lagarde looks fabulous.

So does Allison Janney. A striking woman anyway but now she looks utterly magnificent. In a satiny looking blazer no less. Gorgeous.

That's a really chic look - short hair can really look fantastic. I love the blue satin top.

Any examples of curly haired women with short hair?

I've always worn mine long because it weighs the curl down.

Do you remember Christine Cherry, the Pottery Throwdown finalist? She has beautiful curly hair, often tied up in a scarf when working, but looked gorgeous down, quite short. She always looked good, often strong colours or patterns in her clothes. She'd had cancer, and was such a beautiful and determined person.

How could you forget a woman like that maireas?

She was gorgeous and an inspiration. And she always looked beautiful in an apron ☺️

Oh for goodness sake all I meant was a dress ‘dresses things up’ and unless you’re very slim or young shorts can show up your perfectly acceptable less than perfect body. I’m talking cargo pants here, which I live in btw.

I also had no idea so many of these places were frumpy.

The reason I have not been back, is because I am genuinely shocked at the amount of nasty comments I have received.

My confidence is at an all time low and i just wanted some advice. I apologise for the use of the word frumpy , I had no idea how offensive the word is.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie- ok Miss Maple !

Wish I'd read this thread when I was 1: when my mother told me I was frumpy with my choice of clothes. Self confidence took a nose dive at the same time

*The reason I have not been back, is because I am genuinely shocked at the amount of nasty comments I have received.

My confidence is at an all time low and i just wanted some advice. I apologise for the use of the word frumpy , I had no idea how offensive the word is.*

OP post in Style &Beauty? It would probably be more tuned in to what you are looking for.

*Marple!

Wherecanitbe

there have been some good tips in this thread. Top tip I think has been to get a good bra, wear what you love with confidence and good posture, make sure your clothes fit your shape and fit you well. Wear colours which suit your skin tone and hair colour. Great bag, good shoes. Things do not have to be expensive you just have to find your style.

And much much more

It can also help, if you can find 15 minutes the day before, to sort out what you want to wear in the morning.
I hang the lot on one of those torso mannequins on a metal pole then have a good look at it-there's almost always something to change.
But no matter what you wear, if you have a crap bra-it will undermine the lot.

Well I am:
Fat
Don't wear a 'good' bra (too expensive)
Box dye my hair, not had it cut for ages.
Wear elasticated trousers (see 'fat' above.
I wear comfortable shoes!
Do I tick enough frumpy boxes?
The funny thing is, even with so many of the above sins I am regularly complimented on my outfit by colleagues and friends. They must just be being polite!

You're not frumpy. You're a woman living her life. Are you 29 and a size 8 with pert boobs? - unlikely. It doesn't matter and I'm sure you look great!

I was pondering this as I got dressed this morning. Often "frumpy" is a feeling I think. I put a combination of clothes on that felt totally wrong, changed to a different top and felt better but not right. Added my chunky canvas trainers and a denim jacket and I feel good.

I dress so that I feel good or "right" rather than following any rules.

this thread is just full of contradictory opinions - wear this... no, don't wear that! It's pointless to try and follow so called "rules" I think.

Take the "good bra" advice. It doesn't matter how "good" it is if it doesn't suit your shape. A cheap bra from Primark that first well and flatters your body is far better.

First = fits

I like that we go from what makes a woman look frumpy to what makes a woman look great. Feel great.
Hallelujah to that!

Dresses always make me feel/look better than jeans and trousers, although I'm as guilty of anybody of just sticking jeans and a t-shirt on.

My mission over the next few months -

• one pair of jeans that fit perfectly and look good, rather than four pairs that don't particularly


• black dresses that fit properly in good fabric


• ditto for a couple of black tops

Well I am:
Fat
Don't wear a 'good' bra (too expensive)
Box dye my hair, not had it cut for ages.
Wear elasticated trousers (see 'fat' above.
I wear comfortable shoes!
Do I tick enough frumpy boxes?
The funny thing is, even with so many of the above sins I am regularly complimented on my outfit by colleagues and friends. They must just be being polite!

TBH
good bra = one that fits/ not about expense
lots of great shoes are comfortable

You must be doing something right for the regular compliment s. Why not share for the OP?

Find an active hobby that you like. Preferably one that is not just exercising for the sake of it. Enjoy the feeling of being in your body. Get as deep into your body as you can. Enjoy the feeling of the sun on your skin and the wind and the rain, your feet on the grass. Put clothes on your body that allow it to move with as much ease as possible and don't nip bits in. Celebrate it for what it can do and has achieved. Talk to yourself nicely.
Any thoughts of frumpiness will go in time.

Lovely buzz 😊

The problem asking what's frumpy vs what's stylish, apart from the acknowledged problem with the word, is that many of things identified as frumpy can look fab on the right person. Wide leg linen trousers with a top - I think Meghan Markle looked amazing in something similar about 2y ago (you might remember maireas ;) Personally I find dressing in summer time so much easier, prefer bright colours, maxi dresses suit me and I have one (!) really good pair of sunglasses. Team them with bronzer, mascara and a pinkish lip colour and I feel good! If someone sees me and thinks frumpy I don't care cos I like how I look. Hair reasonably well maintained, a nice bag, favourite shoes/trainers, nice earrings can all give you a boost. Pick your thing and spend wisely if sparingly. I agree the slightly too big or long skirt can be unflattering on someone that looks amazing another day. Oversized, like anything, is not for everyone, I am small and look lost/shapeless in anything Cos like.