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

179 replies

FrumpyMcFrumpFace · 21/07/2024 19:36

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.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
23
captainsudoku · 23/07/2024 11:49

CointreauVersial · 23/07/2024 11:46

@JimNast - no, she actually corrected her OWN point!

Thank you. I've asked for my posts to be deleted now. I was just trying to offer a suggestion that has helped me and didn't expect to be attacked.

Tel12 · 23/07/2024 11:54

There's this little old lady who keeps scurrying up and down the path on my security camera. Oh to see ourselves as others see us! I'm going to have a look at some of the recommendations. I'm definitely not the cool Nana.

JimNast · 23/07/2024 11:57

Oh Ok. My wobble board is already out.
@captainsudoku , apologies, I mistook you for someone dissing a pp.

WhatWillIWear · 23/07/2024 12:03

It would be nice if we could get back to focusing on the OP … Grin

@FrumpyMcFrumpFace I wonder if

Plümo

might appeal to you. They’re in the middle of a sale at the moment but come autumn they always have the most lustrous jewel coloured velvets and silks - and just one piece could transform your wardrobe.

Luxury Women’s Clothes - Luxury House & Home by Plümo.com

Official Plümo Website - Women's clothing, accessories and homeware. Exceptional range of dresses, shoes, knitwear and more.

https://www.plumo.com

captainsudoku · 23/07/2024 12:07

Thank you. I replied to my own post because I didn't want anyone to think that I worked for the Round Wooden Wobble Board Company, but I just ended up causing confusion. I'll get my wobble board out too now. It really does help.

JimNast · 23/07/2024 12:16

It's really difficult. I have to be within reach of something stable to hold on to.
My board is plastic and from Tiger (via charity shop)
Wood is preferable.

captainsudoku · 23/07/2024 12:59

JimNast · 23/07/2024 12:16

It's really difficult. I have to be within reach of something stable to hold on to.
My board is plastic and from Tiger (via charity shop)
Wood is preferable.

Same here. If I miss a couple of days, it shows. DH and I were referred for physio at the same time, and we were recommended wobble boards, so we sprung for a wooden one.

WannabeHealthier · 23/07/2024 13:26

I’m really confused why the chat about wobble boards when this thread is about clothes 🤔please don’t explain though and clog the thread up more!

following for any more recommendations for non frumpy clothes for middle age

CointreauVersial · 23/07/2024 13:45

Wobble boards help posture.....to address that middle-aged stoop, and make clothes look better.

Floorbard · 23/07/2024 13:50

WhatWillIWear · 23/07/2024 11:33

@FrumpyMcFrumpFace It’s difficult to pick clothes for someone else with little information other than their size and height and enviably retired status - but here are a few photos of things I might consider if I needed more ‘off duty’ clothes. Variously from & Other Stories, Cos, American Vintage, Massimo Dutti. High St prices, and of course they all have sales. (I particularly like the Stories crocheted cardigan which would smarten up any casual trousers and vest / t shirt for lunch out.)

See, I find those clothes very frumpy!

Sunnyandsilly · 23/07/2024 13:56

Floorbard · 23/07/2024 13:50

See, I find those clothes very frumpy!

But if a wide statement, those sites cover a multitude of styles,

magicmushrooms · 23/07/2024 14:04

I am aiming for a capsule wardrobe following French style tips to try and avoid the skinny/frumpy look. I like the simplicity of it.. https://midlifeglobetrotter.com/french-wardrobe/

KirstenBlest · 23/07/2024 14:11

@Floorbard , they had me thinking that I'd look less frumpy in Damart or Cotton Traders.

Floorbard · 23/07/2024 14:45

Sunnyandsilly · 23/07/2024 13:56

But if a wide statement, those sites cover a multitude of styles,

I meant the picture the poster I replied to had attached in her comment, apparently it doesn’t show up in quotes, which I didn’t realise!

Somepeoplearesnippy · 23/07/2024 15:00

I hate it when people recommend a white shirt. I am size 8 but I have huge boobs -30FF. A white shirt makes me look like a top heavy hospital matron
from a seventies sitcom.

Even when I was bigger @FrumpyMcFrumpFace I found more fitted clothes suited me and flattered me.

ChopSue · 23/07/2024 15:50

Somepeoplearesnippy · 23/07/2024 15:00

I hate it when people recommend a white shirt. I am size 8 but I have huge boobs -30FF. A white shirt makes me look like a top heavy hospital matron
from a seventies sitcom.

Even when I was bigger @FrumpyMcFrumpFace I found more fitted clothes suited me and flattered me.

I hate it more when they say “crisp white shirt” 😂

Again, definitely not for those with usual menopause symptoms for sure.

WhatWillIWear · 23/07/2024 16:02

But where, exactly, are people’s links and photos to assist the OP???

Hmm
mathanxiety · 23/07/2024 16:22

Burn your flowery frocks and never buy one again.

Go and get styled by a personal shopper.

mathanxiety · 23/07/2024 16:26

KateDelRick · 22/07/2024 11:11

The word "frumpy" is used with abandon on here. What does it mean? Unfashionable, dingy, crumpled?
No point in camisoles and linen shirts if you're not the kind of person to wear one. Think about lifestyle and budget. If you're living rurally and don't go out to work, so think about your lifestyle. Better trousers? Nicer sweaters, trainers, boots? Think about what would pull you together, plus what colours work.

What does "not the kind of person to wear" X or Y or Z mean?

Breaking out of a sartorial comfort zone can be very liberating and energizing.

KateDelRick · 23/07/2024 16:39

mathanxiety · 23/07/2024 16:26

What does "not the kind of person to wear" X or Y or Z mean?

Breaking out of a sartorial comfort zone can be very liberating and energizing.

I don't know what you mean. I never said X, Y or Z.

Sussurations · 23/07/2024 17:54

mathanxiety · 23/07/2024 16:26

What does "not the kind of person to wear" X or Y or Z mean?

Breaking out of a sartorial comfort zone can be very liberating and energizing.

Surely it simply means they don’t suit your body/and or your vibe/ and or lifestyle!

BigBarm · 23/07/2024 18:18

Somepeoplearesnippy · 23/07/2024 15:00

I hate it when people recommend a white shirt. I am size 8 but I have huge boobs -30FF. A white shirt makes me look like a top heavy hospital matron
from a seventies sitcom.

Even when I was bigger @FrumpyMcFrumpFace I found more fitted clothes suited me and flattered me.

Same - I am 8, short and 30HH. Shirts make me look matronly. I realised that it’s the collar that doesn’t suit me. But collarless shirts and blouses look fine, as do slash neck tops. I have a nice slim neck and collar bone so it’s better for me to show that area. Not saying I have all the answers - took me until late 40s to realise that… ☺️. But sometimes it’s the small details that make a big difference to looking “frumpy” and it’s about finding those details that work for you. (Not always easy!)