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Seasalt..is it all considered frumpy?

214 replies

RejectedFleece · 19/09/2022 10:55

I have developed a particular love for Seasalt clothes..not the patterned things, but the basics like knitwear, trousers (the wide legged cords), the boots, the more tailored blazers etc..is it all considered frumpy? I'm also a Dr Marten, Kin etc kind of girl, so I try and mix it up a little.

OP posts:
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ArabeI · 19/09/2022 12:27

I see an occasional thing I like in there. Usually a cardigan, and I bought a lovely one (wool mix) last year. My most recent purchase was a cord mini skirt.

It's worth a look, as it's good quality, though there's a lot of sludge colours generally, which seems to be a common criticism, and some of the lengths, for example, of the dresses aren't flattering (I'm only slightly above average height). I've looked in there since my late 20s.

I've really gone off Boden, similar to another poster. The quality is better at Seasalt in my opinion anyway.

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RudsyFarmer · 19/09/2022 12:25

Grapefaced · 19/09/2022 12:12

It does have a particular 'look' or 'image' to it. Middle class mum in her 40s who had kids in her late 30s and is far too busy taking little Teddy and Elsie to all of their extra circular activities to care about anything as frivolous as fashion anymore.

See also Joules, Boden, Fat Face and White Stuff.

I'm not a dedicated follower of fashion by any means. I'm also in my 40s. But it all just screams middle class aspirational wannabe to me.

That post does sound a little catty.

you could also say that all young women buy PLT and ASOS clothes and you’d probably be mostly right. As you age your taste changes. I don’t want to wear short skirts and crop tops anymore. I want elegant, classic and tasteful with a twist sometimes.

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Grapefaced · 19/09/2022 12:25

woodhill · 19/09/2022 12:16

What do you wear though?

At the minute jeans with a sweat shirt, checked shirt or jumper with trainers or DMS
Or a short dress with tights and boots
In the summer, I'd wear a maxi dress

Like I said I'm not particularly fashionable. But it's what I like.

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RudsyFarmer · 19/09/2022 12:22

I have the most simple Seasalt dress that is the most beautiful fit when on. It’s quite Mormonesque but beautiful. I bought a snood recently too so I think it’s going to become a brand I buy more of (I’m nearly 50 so certainly not in the cutting edge of fashion 🤣🤣).

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moggerhanger · 19/09/2022 12:22

I have the turtle neck jumper dress twice over, in navy and brown. I care not a jot if others would deem it frumpy, I feel great when I wear it (and it's so warm!)

Not a fan of the very patterned dresses though.

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RejectedFleece · 19/09/2022 12:21

For added context I'm 52, and I don't wear joules, or raincoats or scarves. I do like a clumpy, good quality, sometimes a bit different boot.

OP posts:
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woodhill · 19/09/2022 12:16

Grapefaced · 19/09/2022 12:12

It does have a particular 'look' or 'image' to it. Middle class mum in her 40s who had kids in her late 30s and is far too busy taking little Teddy and Elsie to all of their extra circular activities to care about anything as frivolous as fashion anymore.

See also Joules, Boden, Fat Face and White Stuff.

I'm not a dedicated follower of fashion by any means. I'm also in my 40s. But it all just screams middle class aspirational wannabe to me.

What do you wear though?

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woodhill · 19/09/2022 12:15

I used to love Boden, I suppose Seasalt has replaced it for me. The sizes are more generous

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pictish · 19/09/2022 12:15

I love Boden fit and quality. Haven’t seen anything there that has enticed me to part with the cash for a long time though.

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woodhill · 19/09/2022 12:14

The tops keep their shape and are cotton which is what I want

The easel tops are good for layering

Their trousers don't fit me particularly

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pictish · 19/09/2022 12:13

I’m not sold on Joules (don’t like spots or florals) or White Stuff (insipid).

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Grapefaced · 19/09/2022 12:12

It does have a particular 'look' or 'image' to it. Middle class mum in her 40s who had kids in her late 30s and is far too busy taking little Teddy and Elsie to all of their extra circular activities to care about anything as frivolous as fashion anymore.

See also Joules, Boden, Fat Face and White Stuff.

I'm not a dedicated follower of fashion by any means. I'm also in my 40s. But it all just screams middle class aspirational wannabe to me.

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UserNameNameNameUser · 19/09/2022 12:08

I think there is a dichotomy to Seasalt.

Their basics in plain colours are good quality stylish staples.

However a lot of their patterns would be equally at home in Bon Marche.

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Comfyslippers74 · 19/09/2022 12:08

BTW I agree that "mumsy" and "frumpy" are really sexist words. Never seen a man described as "dadsy".

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Comfyslippers74 · 19/09/2022 12:07

I think dressing head to foot in ANY brand is a bit much. Seasalt isn't exactly cutting edge but I like some of their jumpers and coats. They're well made and practical without looking too much like an actual outdoor brand.

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pictish · 19/09/2022 12:06

I wear Seasalt to work and have bright red hair. I’m not quiet either.
The sailor tops are brilliant for colour clashes. Olive cropped cords, navy and turquoise stripes, cherry docs and bright red hair. It’s far from a blending in thing.

These items wash and wear, wash and wear and just keep going.

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Shiningstarr · 19/09/2022 12:03

I think Seasalt is frumpy. The same way I think Joules is frumpy. I used to wear a lot of Joules, until I caught my reflection and realised it was a very 'mumsy' and 'frumpy' look.

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ImAvingOops · 19/09/2022 11:59

Honestly (and without judgement) I think their clothes are for people who want to look presentable and 'nice' but who have little interest in style or fashion - they want to fit in and not stand out. The clothes will look acceptable for shopping or going to work or doing a school run, so are the kind of thing you can put on and forget about.

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Silverpossum · 19/09/2022 11:58

I wasn't keen on the fit of the tops but I have a couple of wide legged cords that I love. I wear them with docs, Adidas or Converse. I don't think they're frumpy personally. I have their brogues for work too.

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Purplecatshopaholic · 19/09/2022 11:57

It’s defo a ‘look’ that you either like or you don’t (if you wear a lot of the brand). I personally do find it a bit frumpy (and I suppose I am middle aged for whoever made that comment), but that said, there are wardrobe ‘basics’ that would work with anything, like the striped sailor top, etc

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woodhill · 19/09/2022 11:57

20 something dds also like some things as does my dm

And the men in my family all appreciate the socks

I started liking it with the face masks

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woodhill · 19/09/2022 11:55

I love Seasalt

I think some of the patterns are not really me but the tops I have are excellent and I bought a dress this Summer. Also liked the jumpsuits

Always have my eye on something

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ChilliPB · 19/09/2022 11:55

I think most shops - even ones that are marketed for a particular age/demographic/style - will have individual bits that are more universal or basic. I don’t understand why people are really sniffy about brands. I might not usually shop in one store but they might have a particular item I like, or be really good at something like trousers, or basic tees or whatever. If you like it and it works for you I’d focus on that rather than the brand!

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Suprima · 19/09/2022 11:52

ehb102 · 19/09/2022 11:48

Another sexist word and concept. If you want to look fashionable, of course Seasalt isn't in fashion. Fashion is empty and fast moving. If you want to look stylish and you have a style, embrace it! And if you want to be a person in warm clothes you like then again, rock on.

Man frump exists. We should talk about it more:

shapeless jeans, superdry hoodie, trainers with those knobbly soles that can also go on a hike

or anything surf branded on a man that doesn’t do any surfing

what else?

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Suprima · 19/09/2022 11:49

Depends if you look like Seasalt has thrown up on you. A stripy top or a pair of cords from there, fine. You can find nice stuff anywhere

But the uniform of: a stripy top, a pair of skinny cords, a gilet or that yellow anorak, a floral scarf and pair of sensible boots is not going to look chic ever

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