How to avoid looking frumpy
/If I’m honest, I hate the word frumpy or Mumsy. My usual mantra when trying things on (that perhaps don’t fit well) is that it’s not you, it’s the clothes. But I think that any piece of clothing can be turned around if it’s:
styled the right way and
worn by the right person.
What was considered frumpy five or ten years ago (say, a midi skirt and cardigan) is now the look of the season, so I don’t think that any one item of clothing is particularly frumpy (well I do have two possible exceptions).
On me, ballet flats and a crew neck cardigan would look pretty frumpy because it doesn’t suit my personality or my bodyshape. But I have clients who would look fabulous in this kind of outfit. A patterned maxi smock dress might not be the right look for some people, but it’s a look I happen to like on me.
So if it’s a list of clothes to avoid, then scroll down to see my short list of two, but if it’s a list of possible reasons why you might be looking and feeling frumpy, then read on:
Not knowing your style personality
The number one key to style is knowing your personality - it trumps any other rule or notion - and making sure that you’re reflecting your personality in the clothes you wear. It truly is the secret to good style. It stops you from imitating others or dressing for other people in your life. It gives you confidence to be yourself and it’s something I spend a lot of time talking to my clients about in my online Style Consultations.Not keeping your wardrobe up to date
I don’t mean that you need to be up on all the latest trends, but adding an injection of more modern cuts is never a bad thing. A higher waisted jean as opposed to a low waisted 2000s cut for example. The midi skirt and cardigan is another prime example that is a great look for 2020 (styled well and on the right person) but 20 years ago would have labelled you frumpy, Mumsy and even Gransy (if that’s a word).Wearing tatty old clothes
Likewise, ditching (recycling) anything that is so old it has holes, bobbles, pills or is irretrievably misshapen is also important - yes, I know you might need something to decorate in one day, but you don’t need to wear it for any other occasion and you also only need ONE decorating outfit).Your clothes are too big
Hiding your shape under baggy, shapeless clothing is one sure-fire ticket to Frumpsville. Buy clothes that fit you well - obviously if you intentionally love the oversized look and you’re styling it like Emma Hill, then there’s clearly nothing frumpy about that. But I mean baggy t-shirts worn unstyled with baggy trousers, just because you want to hide your body. The rule of volume is to only have one voluminous item at a time and pair it with something slimmer (think oversized shirt with slim jeans). You can totally ignore this rule and play, but only if it’s done with intention.The wrong shoes
Here’s a prime example of how something considered frumpy can become non-frumpy, if it’s an up-to-date look. The ‘Dad’ sandal and the ‘Dad’ trainer are being sported by the coolest street style stars. For me, this isn’t something that I think would suit my personal style so again - it’s all about being worn by the right person and styled the right way. Fashion aside, the wrong shoes can make or break an outfit - again, they need to fit with your style. Trainers aside, a very rounded toes can make you look girly or Gransy (it is a word now), so that’s something to look out for. An almond toe is more universally flattering and still just as comfortable.The wrong proportions
Here’s a ‘rule’ that I tend to stick by and advise my clients to as well. The rules of proportion state that you should be looking to make an outfit create thirds (or fifths) as we look at it. The universally worst place to end the hemline of your top is just under your bottom (with jeans and trousers) - this will cut you in half. Come over to my Facebook group to watch my video explaining these rules in more detail. Again, there is nothing wrong with playing with proportions but it is all about intention.The wrong print
No print is wrong, but it might be wrong for you. For example, a ditsy print someone with a dramatic personality or a large bold print on a smaller frame with a feminine personality. If you’re wearing the wrong colours or the wrong contrast, then a print can overwhelm and ‘wear you’. What you might call a “Granny” print is not necessarily frumpy!
So the list of two items of clothing are here, but I am always prepared to be challenged and proved wrong - and when these items hit the catwalk, then I will be eating these words!
For now, here are my pet hates:
A fleece of any kind - if you’re climbing a hill, camping or possibly walking more than 1 dog, I might let you off, but there are other options. I challenge you to show me a woman in a fleece who looks good.
Capri pants - slightly more controversial and I’m not talking just cropped here, but a pair of 3/4 length trousers that cuts you off at the widest point of your calf is a no from me.
I’d love to know how you’d define frumpy and if you’d add anything to this list. If you’d like some help defining and understanding your personal style, then I’d love to help. My Style & Colour Consultation is a great place to start your style journey.
