What screams frumpy?

[bradpittsbathwater]

What makes something/someone frumpy? It's hard to define. I know MN can get upset at this word.

Wtf is wrong with ankle boots and skinny jeans. I get perhaps not in fashion anymore but frumpy?

I look sexy as hell in my heeled ankle boots and skinnies.

Me Currently:
unbranded leggings ✔️
black top with black leggings ✔️
comfy trainer shoes from sketchers ✔️
waterfall cardigan ✔️
clothes chosen for comfort rather than style ✔️
no makeup ✔️
radley handbag ✔️
safe shoulder length hair ✔️
(just) over 40 ✔️
(a little) overweight ✔️

Genuinely not sure that there is anything to wear that it is reasonable to parent two under 4 and is not listed somewhere on this thread. Can someone post some examples of opposite of frumpy but on someone real, not on a super-attractive, thin, person with stylists?

Still your subjective opinion.

I expect some posters might think this is "frumpy". It's entirely subjective.

Cabbages and Roses

Yes, pp was asking for you to state what clothing you think doesn't look frumpy. You have had a strong opinion on what looks awful afterall.

Ive lost nearly 6st in weight and do pilates and weight training 5 times a week......you better believe Im gonna wear skinnies and leggings.
Try and stop me!!LOL😂

I always think they dress Kate Middleton as far older than her years. I wouldn’t say she’s frumpy but she looks older and dull. I much prefer Megan’s look.
Its all very subjective imo like I said, I find Breton stripes and tunics frumpy but I wear oversize tees, leggings and converse or gym wear so to others I might look frumpy.

@IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle yes thinking something is frumpy is an IMO definately, and subjective as you say. What I don't agree with, is the blanket statement when it comes to "floral." Alot of styles and prints fall into this category. I get it is people's opinions, but it is too easy to use an umbrella term, and not specify. There are alot of very strong opinions on this thread, yet no examples of what looks good in contrast. It is only too easy to throw insults on a huge list of items.

Long tunic top
Waterfall cardigan
Cross body bag (square shaped, plain leather)
Long chain necklace with a tassel or an owl at the end
Large chunky wooden beads in primary colours
Bootleg jeans
Thick soled shoes
Short padded anorak in mustard or red

Sorry if I’ve ruined anyone’s day. It’s just my thoughts - you do you.

Right? For someone who clearly loves to share their opinions as if they’re fact, they’re pretty quiet on the topic of what ‘looks good’. Odd!

I would never use this word to describe someone, but to me it's more about a person's looks than the way they dress. I can't imagine a very attractive woman being described as frumpy, regardless of what she was wearing.

Me today:-

old Oasis cocoon/car wool coat
Oliver Bonas blue jumper which crosses over at back
nude uniqlo long sleeved top
tu black leggings
tu thermal socks
ugg moccasin ankle boots
black Cord Uniqlo crossbody bag

52 but get told I look mid 30s
slightly overweight
longer hair highlighted
no makeup

If that makes me frumpy so be it. I’ve recently gone for more fitted slightly cropped jumpers.

Hats off to you for saying what you wear. I think you look great!

I’m size 14 and I parent small kids wearing something like this. Barrel leg cotton trousers, plain jumper, boots or loafers and a long wool coat. You don’t have to be skinny to pull this off.

To me that says safe rather than frumpy. You know what suits you and so that’s what you wear. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Bootleg jeans are back in fashion.

I got laughed at in my early 20s by my younger half sister (then 19) for wearing black expensive Bally loafers as she thought that was what our younger 14 year old sister wore to school. I had to politely explain that these were high end loafers and I liked them. They were quite plain but patent and had tassles on them. To my sister they were “boring”.

Me me meeeeee Im frumpy. Terrible hair. Home done bleach on half of it. Fat round face. Fat body. Old clothes with tears in them. When I see myself in the mirror it’s a sad thing. Fat old woman I am.

I’d never dare post this photo of me to day on the what you wear today here thread (I loathe doing selfies) but I really do think it’s the way you carry yourself too. Not confident then it’ll show, 9 times out of 10.

thanks for the compliment! Actually at hospital doing a pre op assessment. grits teeth

If you want any help start another thread, the SABS girls are generally very helpful.

That’s a good everyday outfit but wouldn’t suit me at all. Nice though.

Sad And Bulky Sisters is it?

I love a bootleg jean. They really suit you if you are abit curvy. I wear mine with a vest top or T and some tennis shoes or baseball boots and you have an instant kinda cool 70s style vibe!

But poor waterfall cardigans....they seem to have made it onto everyones' list and not a soul to defend them!!LOL

Didn’t “FunBoy3” sing: 🎵?

”It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it
It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it
It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it
And that's what gets results

… You can try hard (aah-ahh-ah)
Don't mean a thing (aah-ahh-ah)
Take it easy (aah-ahh-ah)
Then your jive will swing (aah-ahh-ah)”

Here I am contemplating the dull fashion - in my mind - of the cream trainer bottoms and matching cream sweatshirt. YET on some young women it is stylish even stunning.

I have a friend who wears colourful Diem‘s, and they look terrific on her. On me, they would just look really strange.

As PPs have said it’s about wearing your own style - time and money and age helps here it must be said - and being confident and true to yourself in that way (some people aren’t interested in this of course).

I feel protective of Kirsty, Alsop, Princess Anne, and even Kate Middleton. I think, especially with the first two, they dress who they really are. Authentically. I think it’s hard to be frumpy if you are being authentic.

Also, the term frumpy barely applies anymore. Because it has to do with a more formal, old-fashioned look, that doesn’t really exist these days.

I have found what some people have said interesting. But it’s also been a negative and judgemental thread (admittedly a car crash, I can’t help looking at) especially to start with.

ps. The only brand I do believe is actually “frumpy” is Seasalt. I’m don’t know why exactly Maybe it just doesn’t suit me. Every other brand does interesting and beautiful things IMO.

That’s a lovely outfit but I think you’d need to be at least tall if not slim

Oh sorry I said "you" instead of "you'll." I don't know you I promise 😂. I hope I'll look in my mid thirties when I'm in my 50s, and have the lovely confidence you do. Good luck for your pre assessment, hope it goes well.

I love that look (bootleg jeans not the cardi).

Indeed waterfall cardigans 😢 what did they do to deserve this?! I luv em. Mumsy, cuddly, delicate and flattering all at once! You can even make a waterfall cardigan edgy too … if you want.