What makes a person frumpy?

[Ladyfoxglove]

I'm feeling decidedly frumpy at the moment. Whilst trying on some old clothes the other day, I caught sight of myself from the back in a full length mirror and I look just like my mother did twenty years ago horrors!

The trouble is, although I'm looking at all the nice new clothes around about now I can't decide what to get. I get my hair cut and highlighted regularly (shoulder length, straight) and I'm 5' 7" and reasonably slim, instead of the effect I'm after (sophisticated, slightly edgy but natural), I'm more average 46 year old frumpy, boring woman from the Midlands. I can't pinpoint where I'm going wrong.

I look similar to Kate Winslet but I'd rather look like kristen taekman (sorry for Real Housewives reference but that's the look I like).

Any suggestions?

Bunbaker - I hope you wear clothes as well!

I wouldn't want to scare the locals Rivercam

I bumped into a woman I know at the local agricultural show today. She must be late 60s and she looked fabulous. She was wearing brown trousers with a fancy brown cardigan, a top that I couldn't really see, a brown patterned scarf and some bronze pumps. She also had a bit of make up on and some gold earrings.

Seeing all that written down makes her outfit sound hideous, but the colours were different shades, all went together and really suited her. She looked positively glamorous.

Well I did it. Off to my evening class in a dress, hair down and lipstick on! I didn't quite portray the image I wanted as I realised I have no shoes Just summer sandals, Converse Dunlop rip offs or winter boots. So I wore the Converse which matched my cardigan. Felt a bit kids tv presenter ish. Still, onwards and upwards. It was a massive class, not what I was expecting but mainly filled with older women. There were LOTS of crumpled blouses, shapeless t shirts and beige linen trousers. One woman stood out, beautifully dressed in rolled up jeans, leopard print ballet flats and grey and black layers (simple jumper/tee). She had a simple long pendant necklace and her hair was in a neat long bob. And another lady had a white tee shirt, denim jacket and patterned blue a line skirt. Basically, the simple uncluttered looks were great.

Well done JC!
Do you think you'll be able to carry it off in 'real life' now that you've tested the waters in evening class? Maybe introduce the new you gradually so people you know don't get too much of a shock and act like dicks.

What are you studying btw? I'd love to do a class, maybe in something creative, don't have the balls though

What shoes would you be looking at? What size are you?

And should have said -go you!

Thank you!

It is an art class for beginners. A complete change from the norm for me.

I want some ankle boots or some of those high heeled lace up brogues (are they frumpy?)

I will be keeping the beautifully dressed lady in grey in mind, she looked amazing!

Reading this thread confirms that I am a total frump.

Who wants to help defrump me? Can I chat here or should I start a new thread?

I've just read this entire thread from start to finish, and have established that at the advanced age of 41, I am in fact the Mayor of Frumptown.

I am (hopefully) seeing an HoC consultant wot also does style advice in the next couple of weeks, so there may be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Until then, I shall be wearing my bootcut jeans (because my saddlebag thighs don't work with skinny jeans - I don't want parsnip legs), my colourful knitwear (I am a Bright Spring, I can't wear neutrals all the time, it makes me do a cry), and the occasional fleece jacket with walking boots.

In the spirit of defrumping myself, I shall do my best to avoid wearing polyester 'slacks' with my boobs tucked into the elasticated waistband.

We'll done Jimmycork. I had someone complement me on my shoes today (nude patent loafers from Next). It made me feel in-frump like.

Bun. I love to see older ladies taking pride in their appearance.

Young perhaps start a new thread.