Whilst no one is obliged to be interested in what they wear or care what others think, it’s disingenuous to pretend that how you present yourself to the world doesn’t matter. It’s just as misogynistic as the word ‘frumpy’ to imply that women wearing things that make them feel confident and put together is shallow and unimportant.
A lot of people think that good style is a ‘you’ve got it or you haven’t’ thing m. I think much of it is science rather than some sort of innate skill. People who work in creative fields often look good, but I think that’s because they are educated about and then immersed in visual culture - they have learned how to interpret preferences and make things look good.
When I think ‘frump’ I don’t think it’s particular items, although there are some choices that you see often, many of which have been mentioned. It’s about not knowing the right questions to ask yourself when choosing clothes.
For example, I have a senior role in a business that involves a lot of not very glamorous, all-weather work. I’m not usually doing it, but I am often there. It’s raining today and I’m on my way to a job. I have a raincoat on because I don’t want to be wet and miserable.
Here’s where I think the anti-Frump comes in: I’m not in the bright coral waterproof coat I wear for walking, which I own because it’s very waterproof and a nice bright colour that suits me, but also in case I ever need finding/rescuing. I’m not wearing a full length beige mac because that would be impractical. I have a waterproof coat in a colour I like, and that fits with the colour palette I have chosen for my clothes. It’s practical and has a hood and pockets, but the cut is a bit more modern/intentional than a hillwalking coat and a bit less formal than a trench. It fits all of the criteria on a list of words and questions I have that sum up how I like to present myself to feel my best, and is appropriate for being out in the lashing rain with an important client. It probably flatters my body shape too but I’m less concerned about that. I’m no style icon but I have a very clear idea of what I feel good in, how to put things together and what I need my clothes to do for me. Practical and comfortable are very high on my list of non-negotiable requirements, but there are other considerations.
Things look frumpy when you don’t have a clear sense of what you like and how to put that into outfits that make you feel your best and are appropriate for your lifestyle. Not being frumpy is about learning your style and asking questions beyond ‘is it waterproof and do I like the colour?’ If someone looks good it’s not by accident. They’ve worked at it.