To ask how not to be frumpy

[Moomoomango]

I feel like total mum frump. I'm overweight (working on it) I rarely put on make up and I generally feel like a frump. I'm only 29, two children 5&1. Please tell me how mums at soft play look so put together and gorgeous- whilst I am just straggling along delighted we've made it out the house? What simple routines / things should I do / buy to look less frumpy?!

Wow, some of the posts on this thread! The mind boggles at the nastiness directed at both ends of the spectrum of stylishness.

For the OP: experiment with the shapes that suit your frame best. This can take some trial and error (in my case quite a few fashion errors that I'd prefer to forget). Texture, pattern, colour can give an outfit visual interest. I agree with PPs that a good structured jacket can bring an outfit together. Also visit a variety of shops to find the ones that have clothing lines that suit your body shape and style. For instance, I have found some brands of trousers fit me very well, whereas other brands simply don't, despite being ostensibly the same cut and style.

I don't wear makeup so can't help in that area.

Ana, you're son will get older and grow out of it and it does get easier, you're probably just knackered and got some low self esteem going on.

You can absolutely look stylish at any weight, and if uou look grey then maybe some tinted moisturiser or something, I know I look grey without my make up, but simply shoving a light foundation on and it evens up my skin tone and I look human again

Horatio, prob uour waist makes them wearable where as for me, being waistless I just look like a big block from the waist down.

And that was block not bloke. 😂

Washed hair looks nice
Lose weight (for health and style)
Well fitting, capsule wardrobe, ditch clothes that don't fit/are worn, then when you're shattered and can't be bothered, you can't grab something frumpy

But how?? Shopping is soul destroying- not that I have time to do it, but the thought of trying stuff on in shops... urgh. Even at home is bad enough. I honestly can't face shop fitting rooms. I look so so awful.
Nothing seems to fit or flatter. Other people just look so well put together. I never do. I hate my hair getting pulled or being on my face so regardless of style it's getting pulled back.

I have no idea where to start. No time, no decent shops here (not in the uk.) I'm back to work in a few weeks and I need to get some work clothes... urgh. Hideous.

Jeans... I just don't get them. None ever seem to fit. I am 5'3" and I am too tall for petite and far too short for regular jeans. To make my point I made dh hold a pair up against him at the shops the other day and they were way too long for him and he is 6'1"!! Surely the most frumpy thing ever is jeans which have been shortened.

Incidentally I see that bootcut jeans are back in - so all the "frumpy mums" will be in the vanguard of fashion.

The age old problem is finding clothes which are comfortable and stylish. Mum boots are darned comfy, especially if you are traipsing backwards and forwards to school. Fleeces are washable and dry quickly. It's all very well style gurus suggesting a naice jumper but there's no way I'm wearing my best jumper every day. Plus of course in the UK it's mostly dull, indifferent weather and frankly the most necessary item in anyone's wardrobe is an anorak. Actually pensioner gear is the best ever: stone-coloured anorak, fleece, nice pull-on trousers and some really comfortable Hotter shoes. Get me to that garden centre!

ana

Online shoppping? Grab a friend and tell them to make you go shopping?

(Hire somebody to do it for you, if that's an option.)

I'm sure there is some advice for an apple shaped body.

A lovely braid? There are so many braid hairstyles that can look really nice :)

I like a crown braid? No hair getting stuck, nothing on my neck etc..,

I would love braids! Ive tried several tutorials online and I just can't do it - you need an extra hand or six! My hair would hold them too ... any you recommend?

It has to be online really - I don't know many people here and don't have anyone I'd say was a friend per se.

Yes it's winter here, minus twenty the other day so warm is essential.... I'm just frumpy I think.

Is there a Facebook style page a bit like Mrs gloss but for clothes? I need clothes help but also where to buy. Pinterest doesn't say where to buy thanks!

ana

What I recommend for the hairstyles? There's this YouTube I really like. She helped me to finally know what to do with my hair (I only ever wore braids growing up...). But I'm not sure if I can name her or if it will be flagged as spam, sorry.

I dont think it would...

As ops have said - simple makeup, simple hairstyle and simple coordinated outfits are the key.

My makeup consists of 2 items - Clarins BB tinted moisturiser and a matte Mac lipstick. These take less than 1min to apply and stay looking good most of the day.

Sort out a good haircut that works for you. Go to a good hairdresser to get an easy style and some advice about blow drying and styling so it's easy to get it looking good each morning in minimum time.

Well fitting jeans/trousers, good boots and flattering long line tops are a must. I wear mostly black and dark grey - everything goes together then and looks clean and sophisticated.

You can do it!

Kayley Melissa.

She has quite complicated stuff but also things like 7 days of ponytails, wet hairstyles, and the 'braid encyclopedia'. Watched this video when I was in uni and started to learn what do with my hair. I'm still amazed that I can actually do formal updos now ;) (I was a really tomboyish teen)

A pair of earrings and clean hair.

I know bluntness But this thread has made me think that maybe there are times when I don't have to wear baggy jeans and a fleece!

I hate skinny jeans as I can't move in them and when I bend down they always always give me a builders bum!
Hate leggings too as I feel like I'm too exposed or going for a run, plys constantly concious that my bum is saggy!
It's baggy jeans only I reckon!

High waisted skinnies are what you're looking for nameforsaken!

I love skinny jeans but always wear a belt with them so no builders bum. But I'm keeping my black leather boots, even though they are apparently frumpy.

I suspect I'm deeply unfashionable, but i don't really care. I'm clean, presentable and look professional when I'm at work.

Can you move and sit down comfortably in them though whata?

You certainly can nameforsaken!

I'm a sahm and wear mine all day, get on my knees to build lego in them, sword fight, dog walk, school run etc etc. No hoiking them up or flashing your pants!

Cool. Thanks what

I too have evil non sleeping children and it's hard to get the motivation but I'm really trying.

• always shower, hair wash every other day (blow dry day one- hair up day 2)
• make up even if staying in
• nice clothes but stick and apron on at home so it does get coveted in snot/ginger nuts etc
• hair cut every 2 months
• pluck eyebrows everyday when putting make up on

Which brand of high waisted skinny jeans do people recommend? I've tried M and S Which I found still quite low cut and white stuff, which fit ok but wear through in a month or two. Any tips?

I wear top shop 'joni'.