Seasalt..is it all considered frumpy?

[RejectedFleece]

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

What do you wear though?

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.

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.

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 🤣🤣).

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.

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.

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.

Most of my clothes are from New Look, Next (because they make jeans for short people) and my absolute favourite dresses cost me £14 from Asda. So I bought one in every colour. 😀

Have to say, I also have a simple green linen Seasalt dress with pockets and three quarter length sleeves. I slip it on for cba days and get compliments on how nice it is, every time.
Their fabrics hang well.

I agree that a lot of it is the cut and length of things. Most of the dresses and skirts are that not quite knee length/not quite midi that would make even the tallest and thinnest woman look awful.

I

For my pear shape their dresses work well for me for work.
I'm aiming for tidy and comfortable rather than chic though so don't mind if anyone thinks me frumpy.

I don't think fashion is "empty". It reflects the cultural trends and zeitgeist. It can be powerful and empowering. It's not un-problematic but calling fashion empty is a bit reductionist.

Anyway, my 71-year old MIL loves Seasalt so I do see it as appealing to older women. I'm not a fan of the prints but the said MIL did gift me some seasalt socks and they've lasted brilliantly well.

I have gone off it quite a lot since realising my MiL wears it at 77.

Clothes are a lot more 'ageless' though now. Obviously there are still brands that are associated with teenagers and ones associated with older people but these days everyone wears converse, and buys things from Zara or Primark. When I was a kid there wasn't really much that crossed over all generations.

It's considered a frumpy shop but noone is going to look at you in plain basics and know you got them in Seasalt and think, "gosh, what a frightful frump."

It's a make that fits me. I need smart/casual stuff for work

I still by the odd thing from White stuff and Fatface

Most trousers from M&S

I used to like Laura Ashley

A ‘frumpy’ shop. Charming!

@Grapefaced sour grapes maybe!