What's your definition of frumpy?

[stripytees]

I don't know if this is an MN thing but I'm always seeing people saying clothes from brands like Boden and White Stuff are frumpy.

I don't understand.

My definition of frumpy is someone who dresses very plain and quite old-fashioned - like black or navy work trousers (probably badly fitting) with a plain t-shirt that was bought 10 years ago and got a bit out of shape, with a cardigan that is slightly too big and probably in an unflattering colour, worn with very sensible shoes like those from the Clarks UnStructured range.

Boden and White Stuff and other similar brands on the other hand sell short, colourful dresses and skirts, scoop neck tops, bright prints, high heels and colourful flats... the opposite of frumpy! But maybe I'm odd because I don't even consider M&S clothes frumpy although I think it's also possible to buy frumpy clothes from M&S.

FWIW I'm in my early 30's.

To continue the Formula One analogy, no, I don't follow motor racing but I'd recognise a racing car if I saw one. And likewise although I'm not particularly a follower of fashion I do get if something is frumpy.

Most of the time I wear clothes for comfort and warmth and I couldn't care less. But, however, if I were to go out for dinner somewhere nice - or- aaggh - to meet up with an old schoolfriend I hadn't seen for 20 years - then I would make a great effort not to look "frumpy". It wouldn't mean I'd had a lobotomy and had nothing to talk about - it would just mean that I would feel under those circumstances I'd like to look the best I could feasibly manage.

Takver, LOL, I thought I described an accurate picture.

ok ok ok ok

so I wore the same things today, I always include a T-shirt (long length fitted long sleeved) a bra (Calvin Klein) and knickers (M&S Brazilian style thingies) and...socks (cream coloured to match my hat...look at me!)

But you can't SEE any of that, all you see is wax coat, hat, wellies and ruddy cheeks from stomping cold wet fields with dog.

I must say, I feel entirely suitably dressed for the occasion, so pos not frumpy at all. Actually. The wax coat is fitted and belted. But 8 years old.

I love a frumpy debate.

can we do "dowdy" next? please?

Despite the 13 pages of comments and arguing over 'what is frumpy' it's all rather academic; frumpy people are unlikely to read it because this is Style & Beauty.

I read Style and Beauty all the time. Some of my frumpy clothes I have found through reading posts on this section. A lot of the section is about clothes and skincare etc in general, not all about a fashionable look.

Hmmm... does anyone think that frumpy and dowdy are the same thing?

Did totally unscientiific survey today(during two bus rides,coffee in
JohnLewis,wander /shop round our middling size well -to -do- local town ,visit to library and four hours volunteering in charity shop)Agree with pinkfrocks ,hair is everything ..closely followed by shoes/boots ,well fitting trousers(nearly every woman I saw was wearing them)that are not too short .Sadly about 80% of women I saw were frumpy IMO (purely personal view of course but guilty of one more of previous ,often all) .Of those who weren't vast percentage were at a guess 55+ Saw one fabulous looking woman would must have been about 75 .Could be a reflection of disposable income/time I suppose
Have decided to conduct similar survey next time I am in London/abroad .Would hate to think it is a UK thing .In the Great Scheme of Life of course it doesn't matter one iota ,but I find it fascinating .

Despite the 13 pages of comments and arguing over 'what is frumpy' it's all rather academic; frumpy people are unlikely to read it because this is Style & Beauty. LOL.
I think being frumpy is about a lack of style - you can be frumpy in designer labels. Whereas dowdy is about looking down-at-heel and a bit shabby.

Oh Jesus wept, not this topic again. Hasn't it been done to death and beyond over the years?

I'm plenty frumpy, I just like to check into S&B occasionally to see what you lot are saying about me

Thanks for the link you posted Sat night, Trills, that was really interesting.

I also read S&B occasionally for the amusement factor & sheer amazement at what some people spend on clothes, handbags, appearance etc . Que lots of posters telling me that you don't have to spend much money to be 'stylish'.

I am really tempted to change my name to frumpilicous.

You don't - and in fact you can spend a huge amount of money and still look frumpy if you've got no style as any flick through a gossip magazine in the hairdresser's will show you.

Fishandjam topics come around time and again with new members :)

Oh Jesus wept, not this topic again

my thoughts exactly.

Next week someone will start a thread in S&B asking "what looks mumsy?" and the same posters will give the same replies and there'll be lots of references to mum boots!

Well, anyone who would like to celebrate their inner (or outer) frump can come and reanimate this thread.

White stuff is pretty frumpy. Boden is a mixed bag. Some of it is lovely but some is a bit frumpy. But I think it aims to span a lot if age ranges.

Glad you liked it Boulevard.

Clothes that make someone look non existent, don't have any style, need a wash, or fit badly and look as if they are from another planet, along with poorly cut hair and dirty shoes.

Hello, this is my first post but I feel compelled to add to the discussion.

I have to wear orthopedic shoes, which I assume are entirely unacceptable, and I would aspire to being frumpy but clearly wouldn't be able to afford it.

Having learned of the existence of mumboots, though, I feel they would be just the thing for me.

(Hope this doesn't sound too grumpy; trying to multitask!

Ok so what are Mum boots? They've had a few mentions and now I'm wondering... nervously stares at closet

I read the thread and there was something in almost be very frump list that might describe me. I'm off to weep quietly in a corner over my irretrievable frumpiness!

*every. Even my typing is showing frumpy tendencies!

Dido - Me too.
I've decided that frumpy is just an opinion, and we all have different opinions. One gal's frumpy is another gal's chic/style.

I wasn't aware White Stuff was considered frumpy! In my post baby body my white stuff dresses over leggings and ugg boots are part of my staple wardrobe (along with slim fit jeans and tops).

To me frumpy is the ankle flapping boot cut jeans and mum boots. I guess because it looks like nothing has changed since about 1995. As much as I like Next for jeans I find a lot of their clothes are quite dull. It's a bit safe, trying to be fashionable but not too much.

If white stuff is frumpy what on earth am I supposed to wear that hides all the baby fat? I'm short and used to be a size 8. Now I'm not and I have no idea what suits me.

I wore White Stuff-style clothes in the 90s after my DCs were born -- clothes in that style/category have not changed since 1995. I was in the US, and it wasn't 'White Stuff' brand, but the style was the same. I think the problem with it and with that style in general is that it is designed to hide post baby bodies or any bits of flab, stay safe in terms of colour and shape, and overall to ensure you are not noticed.

By the same token, after having babies I liked not being noticed and felt very comfortable in practical clothes that helped me make the most of myself and I would do it again in the unlikely event of ever having another baby.

The post baby body is one that is changing, and the post baby period is a time of major adjustment and anything that helps and requires little thought or effort is ok by me.

Mum Boots:

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