I am the epitome of frumpiness! HELP!

[runningandjumping]

I was sorting out my wardrobe and looked on Mumsnet for ideas of what to discard or continue wearing. To my shock and horror I discovered that I have a lot of items considered as frumpy on Mumsnet: compy mum boots, skinny jeans, Breton tops, denim skirts, some clothes from Boden, a weatherproof jacket etc. etc. I have the same hairstyle since 15 years. I have 3 small kids AND work from home but I still want to look at least a bit stylish. What are the things which are considered stylish but still "mum-friendly"?

You don't sound very frumpy. So skinny jeans are frumpy now are they? That's a shame because they are so easy to wear

Surely skinny jeans, breton tops, denim skirts, etc, are what 'normal' people wear day-to-day. You have to have bottomless resources of time and money to keep up with the leather-legging type of fashionable mum, and indeed the inclination to give a toss.

This whole 'frumpy' thing really annoys me, If you are a mum, who does day to day things with small children and works from home, you need clothes to suit your lifestyle. Skinnies and boots sound absolutely fine for that.

What's wrong with jeans and a Breton top?

herbaceous I think I love you!
The inclination to give a toss is going to be my life motto from now on.

OP, you sound like you wear what suits your life and if you are happy with it- Why worry?
You have 3 small children and work from home, I think that is pretty bloody amazing.

If it really bothers you, go on Pinterest and search 'Jeans and Breton top' - plenty of absolutely non-frumpy, but sensible for normal people on a normal day outfits on there.

If you are frumpy, I want to be frumpy! Your wardrobe sounds great.

Well, I do think that my clothes are a bit boring but on the other hand I don't have the time and money to follow all the trends. I do "give a toss" a bit and what I'm really looking for is an online shop which has on-trend and hard-wearing clothes. I'm bored of Boden as I find that their clothes got less sophisticated with years, and I'd like to find something a bit more fashionable. I usually shop online because I have no time at all!

Is there anyone you see whose style you like and ask them?
Most people are flattered when you compliment them and are willing to share.
I can't recommend any really, as I like white stuff etc and that seems to be on the dreaded list.

Frumpy schmumpy. If something is considered frumpy or uncool on mumsnetland then it's likely to be on the verge of coolness in RL. I've seen threads about Uggs, denim skirts, bootcuts/flares, sheer blacks tights, all declared uncool on mumsnet, all contradicted on fashion pages/mags re what's cool for next season. Hilarious! Don't get me started on mum boots..........

I feel quite smart in skinnies and a breton top (as long as fitted/nice-ish quality).

You can experiment a bit, and try something new. I now love wearing tweed mini's with black tights and knee high boots and fitted turtle neck. Very 60s, (possibly frumpy as not fashionable), but it is a style that suits me as I am leggy and I always get compliments...so there! It is nice to vary a bit. I wear black leggings a lot as I walk the dog and they are easy in wellies, and then do sport (just change my shoes), just played tennis in a storm, I'd look silly if fashionably attired doing muddy walks or outdoor pursuits IMO.

Dress for your life.

Try things out in the shops, try things you normally might not try. You have to be in the right mood and have time (and no tots in tow!).

Mint Velvet and Hush can be nice and are wearable, comfy yet not frumpy or mumsy or dowdy.

Personally I can't wear Boden at all.

Why on earth are Breton tops frumpy? As someone whose age and stage in life ( not to mention weight gain) rule out certain "cool" clothing items I have to fight the frump in other ways....hair and makeup mostly. So I don't go for cool....just a bit of understated glamour, I suppose. So wear the clothes that you like and that fit in to your lifestyle and budget...then maybe add funky sunglasses outdoors (if we ever see the sun), update the hairstyle and makeup and keep wearing skinnies and Breton tops...you'll look great, OP. Online...I really like Esprit at the moment.

I really care what I wear, I don't give a stuff what anyone else wears. It's much more important to me that people are interesting than stylish.

If your clothes work for you, don't give it another thought.

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