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.

I own a pair just like #6

Ahhhhhhh thank you math!! So where do we stand on Ugg boots? Not mumsy?

I couldn't care less if ugg boots are mumsy or not, I love mine. They keep my feet so cosy.

I saw a lady in a restaurant last night wearing the worst jeans ever. They were coral coloured, badly fitting, and made her arse look huge. I must admit I thought she looked v frumpy. To me frumpy is when you're not that arsed about looking your best, so you go purely for warmth and comfort. Or
When you think oh what a pretty colour, I'll buy those jeans.

Cake I'm considering investing in my first pair - they look so comfy, and far from mumsy in my opinion, but they ain't cheap, hence my hesitation. Are they waterproof?

No they aren't waterproof, not sure if you can spray them maybe? I have a knitted pair and a normal pair and love them both.

I have a suede pair that I sprayed. I tend not to risk them on really wet days however. Plus you need to re-spray if you expose them to heavy rain according to the bottle of spray I used (so I am not sure what the point of the spray is, really). They are definitely very comfortable and warm without making the feet sweaty.

Oh shite. According to every list I've read I'm a total frump...

I think about 99.9% of the population are in the same boat Dreaming.

I'd love to hear what the S&B mob think ISN'T frumpy. Because whenever one of these threads crops up, every brand and style of clothing on the planet seems to get tarred with the frumpy brush.

I am 32 and have a wardrobe full of lovely clothes that suit and flatter me.

BUT - I also have circulation issues, which means I spend half my life wearing 42 sweaters at once. I also walk 5 miles to work - and back - so need warm clothes, comfortable shoes and a hat.

My hair is in good condition, my eyebrows are groomed and I'm slim, so when I make an effort I scrub up ok, but it's just not practical to sashay about in nice heels and clothes in everyday life.