Saw myself on home security cameras- need help with fashion makeover

[FrumpyMcFrumpFace]

We’ve just put some new cameras up that look down our front path and driveway. I was reviewing the clips earlier and saw myself going out . I was dismayed at how frumpy I looked. My mum is staying for a few days, she’s 78, and I actually thought it was her first of all, and had to do a double take.
I’m mid fifties, size 14, 5 ft 6. My whole wardrobe is Seasalt or White Stuff. I’m rurally based and no longer work, so I don’t need work clothes, just a few outfits to go out for a meal etc.

please could I have your suggestions for some fashionable outfits or fashion brands that I might not have come across.
I’m getting my hair restyled this week, so I’m totally up for a rethink.

Ah yes, I had a similar experience. What helped was avoiding stretch fabrics and getting more structured shapes (even if some of my Cos dresses are slightly more tent like, the fabric is stiff enough to give structure). Also putting on a blazer (the style can change to look more current) rather than a cardigan to pop out.

Try Community Clothing, @RoundandSad:

https://communityclothing.co.uk/collections/curve

There's loads of YouTubes on this topic.

I definitely agree on posture.

Comments upthread got me thinking about what makes something 'frumpy'. I think it's the combination of being older and the item. You need both.

So if you are in your twenties and wear something that maybe isn't objectively too fashionable like a cowl neck or a White Stuff notch T-shirt or a pac a Mac, you look kooky or cute or like you're at the vanguard for bringing it back, whereas an older person looks like they are still wearing it from the time they were kooky or on trend, or have sunk into comfort and have as a pp said 'been left behind'. I think that really sums up why I take steps not to look frumpy, I want to come across as current and in touch with world I'm living in.

Well, I am not setting myself up as a fashion guru, but I like Cos, Poetry and plain things from Uniqlo. I think patterns can sometimes look a bit cheap. I think White Stuff, Seasalt etc are aimed at the over 50s who think they want ‘a twist’ but actually end up looking 80.

I am a few years younger than you. I hate florals. I mostly wear very plain things from Cos, Arket, Uniqlo. Mostly things with structure as pp said. I also love Community Clothing but those models posted upthread for their Curve range do not appeal to me.

I am slim-ish, but my waist has disappeared in menopause, sadly. Trying to get it back but in the meantime, I need to do a wardrobe clear out. Tshirts often do not suit me; shirts look better.

Cos but only fitted stuff
Toast but only well structured modern shaped trousers and Ts.
Primark and Tu and Cos are good for jeans but you really need to try modern shapes like wide leg or barrell/horseshoe
Shoes should be trainers, check out modern looks, and some boots for the winter.
You need one good coat. I wear Toast but have hit Primark at the right time for one or two.
Tops should be fitted, you need a couple of good vests/ts, and jackets to throw over the top. I have a navy Toast one i love.

It's all about the shapes. You can be classic, but with a nod to fashion.
Skinny jeans never look good on anyone over 12 and never wear florals, they are very aging and frumpy.

Following Melissa Murrell on You Tube.
Posted the wrong Melissa !

I do break the style rule of wearing only black, navy, greige, taupe. I wear a lot of colour. It suits me as am olive skinned.

Trinny has some good stuff on YouTube about putting clothes together ❤️

Me too! I look awful in beige and taupe, just washed out. I have that tone of skin.

Jeans and trousers: I wear wide leg,but I think horseshoe is a step too far and looks mostly awful on everyone. I think even straight jeans are ok really if wideleg and baggy do not suit you.

White Stuff, Seasalt etc are aimed at the over 50s who think they want ‘a twist’ but actually end up looking 80.

My mother is over 90 - and would not be seen dead in either of those.

Skinny jeans never look good on anyone over 12 and never wear florals, they are very aging and frumpy

let yourself down there, skinnies look fantastic on many women, and florals can also look good done right.

I mean, to be fair, I've seen multiple people suggest hikers sandals for a poster wanting some tips for her upcoming trip to Rome 🤣

One thing, @FrumpyMcFrumpFace - you mentioned you no longer work, so I don’t need work clothes?

Quite honestly, if you, as I do, found yourself still working in a competitive profession, often now with people not half but a third of my age, you’d soon regain your dressing mojo. I’m not the least bit interested in looking ‘young’ - but I do need to look alive and alert and as if I can both create and embrace novelty.

I enjoy clothes anyway, and always have - but there’s no way I’m settling into a comfy zone when I’m out of the house. And I’m happy to spend money. (Whether for new or pre-owned items.) Fabulous clothes make great company as one ages.

Nearly every occasion dress suggested on here is a floral, but they just make me feel itchy and sofa like!

Just shop somewhere else- Seasalt and Whitestuff are horribly frumpy because they have a particular look- that slightly bohemian fisherwoman style is never going to look glamorous. I associate them with people who home-school, don't wear makeup and like to think of themselves as outdoorsy and like camping

,

When did cowl necks go out?! I love cowl necks. Is it all cowl necks or the knitted jumper kind? I've got a cream silky sleeveless one that I wear with skirts or leather trousers. I had no idea! Love asymmetrical necklines too. Are these still OK?

I’m my opinion cowl necks are acceptable in terms of being “on trend” (that saying makes me cringe), but it depends how they’re styled. A cowl neck top with wide leg jeans, chunky leather sandals, a small suede shoulder bag and some chunky gold hoop earrings, for example, would be a “fashionable” look.

I would recommend spending a bit of time on Pinterest just gathering images of stylish looks you like, then go shopping with ideas in mind.

Really wish I could grasp the point of Pinterest. (Or maybe not!)

Why not just browse fashionable shops online, regularly, so you have a constant mental picture of what is current? Any price point - Zara’s as good as Net-a-Porter for this - then choose clothes according to your budget. Just don’t loiter around unfashionable shops wondering why you look a bit crap.

I’ve discovered Shirred bodice dresses,midi length generally but. Shorter in the summer. Comfy,give a bit if shape without feeling too structured and can get them cheap from Simply Be/ New Look/ Asda. I mostly wear with neon bright Sketchers trainers. Many compliments received,am 59 this year. Just got this dress
https://direct.asda.com/george/women/dresses/bright-tropical-leaf-shirred-puff-sleeve-mini-dress/GEM1129366,default,pd.html?cgid=D1M1G20C1
I’m 5ft 5 sits just on my knee.

The word "frumpy" is used with abandon on here. What does it mean? Unfashionable, dingy, crumpled?

We may not be able to articulate it in words but we know exactly what it means when we see it in the mirror or on other people.

Oh and a great pair of trainers - white converse look good with most things on most people!
They don't look good on anyone.

Crikey much to my embarrassment, last year I bought 2 Seasalt dresses and a cropped cable knit cardigan: the dresses because they are long, a lot of so-called 'maxi' dresses are midi on me, stop at midcalf but these are longer.
But: wore one for the first time recently: fits a bit snug around arms and ribcage, it is not comfortable to wear all day, so I suspect will make it's way to charity shops before long.

And all those saying plain, block colours: I have tried many times and block colours in dresses do not suit me, I really wish they did!
Not interested in 'ditsy floral' though!
Like that French lady, so may watch more of her to get tips..