So what are some non-frumpy looks for AW

[BriarRainbowshimmer]

...that busy mums can wear, and can also be worn outside in the rain?

I looked at those others threads and basically everything including the standard trendy mum uniform was seen as frumpy. I want some examples of non-frumpiness for normal people!

I wear the parka, breton, slim jeans with boots combo. Apparantly this is normcore (??) What should I be wearing instead, S&B?

I thought the consensus was that trendy mum uniform is not frumpy at all, it's just not particularly interesting. It still looks well put together and is fairly easy to do and still be comfortable.

What you wear is fine. If that's what you feel comfortable in then go for it. Frumpy is about attitude, more than anything else.

I'm not even a mum but I bet anyone can find time for my autumn uniform: flatteringly cut dress in good material (silk/wool crepe/thick jersey), opaques and knee boots, diamonds or subtle jewellery in gold/platinum/metal that suits your colouring. Add cashmere wool coat when it's colder.

Yes dresses really are quite good. A ready made outfit.

Must get one or two for autumn.

trainers'

I saw a trendy young thing wandering round shoreditch today in a loose-fitting 90s floral dress, white mid-calf sports socks and pool sliders.

So that, I reckon. Probably.

snort

I would feel a complete idiot walking around in the daytime, when not at work, wearing a dress and diamonds. Would rather be wearing skinnies and Converse tbh - don't see how it can be either 'mumsy' or 'frumpy' if everybody, male or female, from 9 to 90 seems to be wearing it too.

When not wearing this abominable frumpy outfit, I tend to wear mini skirts with opaques and ankle boots.

To clarify I both wanted to know what S&B thinks is non-frumpy + get some new ideas.

Hmm dresses are a nice idea. So what kind of boots are non-frumpy

But it all depend on the individual doesn't it. Different things suit different people. And it depends on where you live and what circles you move in. Whether or not you work and if you do, what position you hold. Whether or not you're slim or big busted, slight or tall, etc etc.

I don't have any diamonds so i won't be wearing any..

Confidence is the key, I reckon plus dressing to suit your body shape.

I like biker boots for casual wear. But they have to be cool ones, they can't be too try-hard.

Oh these things are so hard to qualify.

A parka is fine, honestly. And the skinnies.

Has the frump thread made you feel self-conscious somehow? Because it seems as if you are worried that people out and about will judge you. I really don't think that's the case.

If you do feel like there is room for improvement, the easiest way to make a better impression is a good haircut and well looked after nails, IMO.

remus why on earth do you think dresses in the daytime are ridiculous? Or did you mean just on you? I can't wear converse and skinnies I'm curvy and it doesn't look any good as I go in and out too much...

The frump threads are just a laugh - well I think so anyway. They shouldn't make people feel bad and anyone who has small children and manages to get dressed every morning is doing better than I ever did. Once, when my son was tiny, I went into work wearing my pyjama top I've got my fashion mojo back now but that's because he's 16. Don't beat yourself up about it.

I guess it did make me feel self-conscious, Holger. I'm also quite tired of my practical parka.

And after those thread about what is frumpy I wanted to hear some talk about what is stylish!

I went into work wearing my pyjama top

You win, Floisme

So how do you define your body shape and what's good for it?

depends what you do and where you are.

if you just move from shop to school to cafe in a city then you'll dress one way. If you have to go outside for any length of time or walk any distance, then dressing for the first situation will make you a laughing stock - and a damp, cold, footsore one.

I still wear my skinny jeans all the time though I am getting a bit bored of them. I wear a sweater dress in winter from Cos and ankle boots with opaque tights. I really don't care I like it.

Ok. First things first.

Get a new coat and a new bag, and a new pair of boots. These are the things that make the most impression when you're out and about in the winter.

I tend to just go onto the websites of the brands I quite like and have a look at their styling trends. All saints, mint velvet, hush, plus fashion retailers like atterley road and asos and so on and so forth. Then I expand it to fashion magazines (once in a while) to see what they're pin pointing as new season trends. Finally I go to the shops that I can actually afford to shop in, to see what there is that I can pick out to show I'm with it in one way or another for the new season.

If you're tired of the parka it's time to mix it up a little. You don't have to spend a lot, just pick something different to what you would normally wear. Make it more on the smart side than the very casual. Camel always looks chic in the winter, I think. Python is going to be big through A/W. So maybe a python wallet to go with your new handbag that you'll be picking out?

I'm liking the pointy ankle boot trend at the moment. However although there are lots of high heels about, I need to make sure that whatever I choose has a low heel, one inch or so, because I already have enough boots that aren't particularly comfortable to walk in. So I shall wait until I see the right thing. But it'll be pointy for sure because I've noticed that's in at the moment.

I'd stick with the skinnies if they suit you. A couple of dresses, maybe a leather skirt?

Oh yes I forgot cos!

And baukjen. Although I only use it for inspiration as it's a little too expensive for me.

Saw a loooovely burgundy leather skirt of theirs that I want for winter!

if you just move from shop to school to cafe in a city then you'll dress one way. If you have to go outside for any length of time or walk any distance, then dressing for the first situation will make you a laughing stock - and a damp, cold, footsore one.

Well you see I need to do both :/ Look a bit stylish and be practical at the same time.

Nice ideas Holger

But a leather skirt though? Haha I'm afraid I would look ridiculous! What to wear with it?