What makes an outfit frumpy?

This week, we had a mini Scottish heatwave and it was verging on HOT at times.
The thermometer was up to 28 degrees, and I wanted to make the most of it.

I decided to wear this dress again, minus the thermal baselayer!
If I'm honest, it was because this dress has a comfortable built-in bra.
I was enjoying the heat, and could not be bothered with any 'digging in' or sweatiness associated with more structured undies.
{I am lucky to have a small enough bust to get away with this.}

This summer look is a very simple one.

A colourful dress.
Espadrilles.
Plus a few accessories, to add interest.
Nothing to it really.

This dress is a bright (almost neon) colour and I love it!
It feels so fresh and vibrant.

The hemline is pretty short, but wearing the dress with flat shoes stops it looking too cheap and trashy.
These pink espadrilles are a fun, and practical, choice.

Adding a couple of necklaces (a choker length and one longer) provided coverage and interest to my neckline.
My green cashmere cardigan was on hand to fight any sudden chill (the weather can change dramatically quickly in Scotland) and also worked well to protect my pale skin against the midday sun.
{Good cashmere fabric is perfect in all weathers.}
Oversized white sunglasses, a pink belt and some bracelets finished my look off perfectly.

Sundresses.
Simple, and stylish, right?

Well, not always!

Summer dresses can look fantastic but, they can also look very frumpy.

This got me thinking...

10 Easy Ways to look Frumpy, in a Sundress.

{And none of them are to do with your size!}

1. Sticking with trends from previous seasons or (worse) "your day".

This is a big one.
Wearing a certain style because it was in fashion when you were younger is a sure way to look frumpy and dated.

"I love this style....It was all the rage in my day...it looks great on me!"

{Arrrggggghhhhh!}

Wearing the fashions, and trends, of yesteryear is a one way ticket to frumpsville.

{Although, beautiful vintage items (styled well) look amazing.}

No, you will not look younger, like you did 'back in the day'.
You will look like a frumpy middle-aged women in an old dress.

And, while I am on the subject...

It still is "your day".
You are alive, aren't you?
You are able to get dressed, and are free to have fun with your clothes.
Your day is today!

Ditch the trends of your youth, and make the trends of now work for you.
You deserve it.

2. Self tie belts, or 'free' belts that come with your dress.

You know those fabric (or free) belts that come attached to dresses and tunics?
Bin them.
They look cheap and nasty, because they are.

You, on the other hand, are NOT...and deserve to look better.
Popping a good quality belt over your sundress can elevate it from "Whatever" to "Wow!"
Easy.

3. Wearing the Wrong Size.

A dress that is large (and loose) does not make you look slimmer, or hide your lumps and bumps, it just makes you look big and baggy....like you are trying to hide something.
Or, just trying to hide.

A dress that is too tight does not squeeze you into shape and make you look slimmer, you just look even larger and generally lumpier.
Not a great look at any size.

Buy a dress that fits.
If you don't like the size on the label, snip it out.
Looking good is more important than being able to say,

"This dress is a 12, you know!"

4. Frumpy Hemlines.

Hiding away under a frumpy hemline is not flattering.
Don't think because you are over 30 (or 40, or 50) you need to wear a certain length.
Forget about dressing "your age" and just pick something you love!
Style has nothing to do with the numbers on your birth certificate.

If your legs are decent, get them out.

If you would rather cover your pins, go maxi.
{More on that here}

If you do love a (tricky) midi length, then rock it!

5. Covering up your arms/neck.

Yes, covering your body provides comfort (and decency) but choosing a dress just because it has sleeves is not going to make your arms look thin and toned.

If you like the style, and it happens to have sleeves, then great.
But, if you are buying it just because it has sleeves, don't bother.

Choose a shape you love, then style it to suit your body.
You can always pop on a lightweight cardigan/coverup (or a soft denim jacket).

Likewise, covering your neck with a scarf (or high neckline) does not hide your wrinkles.
It just looks like you are hiding your neck, and draws the eye to that area.
Try a V (or open) neck and draw the eye away from your loose skin with a fabulous necklace, and a great bra!

Speaking of which...

6.  Wearing an old bra.

Bad Bra = Frumpy Old Maid.

An ill fitting bra (and pants) can ruin even the most modern dress.
If you are fastening your bra on the tightest hook, or it is looking washed out and a little grey, it is time to ditch it and get a new one.
Those puppies need support to look their best.
Treat yourself.
Your dress (and the rest of the world) will thank you for it!

7. Boring handbags.

Slinging a boring black handbag over your shoulder is an easy way to ruin your summer look.
Give your old faithful, had-it-forever, day-bag a rest and try something more vibrant and exciting.
Try a mini-bag or a tote or something silly!

8.  Ugly shoes (and feet).

Shoes can make or break an outfit.
Great footwear has the power to make a boring dress look beautiful and a beautiful dress look stunning.
Shoes are important.

Yes, I know comfort is key, especially on a hot day BUT there really is no excuse for ugly shoes.

{Although, sometimes an ugly shoe is a good thing!}

There are hundreds of comfortable and funky styles availible.
(See this post from Suzanne if you need some ideas.)

Don't forget your feet!

When feet are neglected your whole outfit can seem neglected, no matter how lovely it is.
It's like leaving the stickers on the bottom of your shoes...just because you can't see your cracked heels does not mean the rest of the world can't either.

It only takes a few minutes to buff and moisturise your feet, paint your toenails and trim any stray hairs off your toes.

9. Overdone hair and makeup

Nothing says "old frump" faster than overdone, lego hair.

Perfectly tonged curls (or flicks) and ironed fringes, frozen into place with a pile of hairspray, look dated and old fashioned.

A slightly undone, messy and ultimately sexy, hairstyle is much more modern.

{Take care to tame any ageing frizz}

Hair should whisper "touch me" not scream "Safety Helmet!"

Caking on the make up is another sure way to look 10 years older.
(Especially if it is the same makeup routine you had in "your day"!)

Not bothering with make up is almost as bad.
Something subtle with defined eyes, glowing skin and kissable lips is much more fresh and fun.

{Check out this tutorial if you need makeup for super-hot (and humid) conditions}

10. Being sour-faced.

This is just for fun, but probably the most important frump-factor of all!
A dour face is ageing.
Everyone looks better with a smile.

We all get lines and wrinkles eventually and crinkly eyes (and laughter lines) are much prettier than a scowls and jowls.


A great sundress, fun shoes and a big smile is the perfect summer look at any age!

What says "Frumpy" to you?
Please share your thoughts in the comments....or contact me.

I love hearing from you!

{ADDED 23/01/2016: I have just read this post, from Anna...my blogging buddy...and she has got the sundress and sandals look NAILED, please check it out.}

SHOES: Mini Boden (these are nice)

DRESS: Charlie Jade (this slip dress is pretty)

CARDIGAN: Boden (very old) This season

NECKLACES & BRACELETS: Various gifts and charity shop finds

SUNGLASSES: Primark (these are cool)

GET the LOOK