topic Re: The term “frumpy”.... in Fashion

The term “frumpy”....

Trinity11 — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:49:22 GMT

I keep reading on this forum clothing described as being frumpy. Just about every line QVC sells, there will be posters claiming it looks frumpy. What exactly constitutes a garment being frumpy? Thank you....

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Nancy Drew — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:52:20 GMT

The term frumpy is subjective. I know it when I see it. A young super model could wear something and look good and then my old tush wears it and walla frumpy.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Effie54 — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:53:00 GMT

Large prints that look like grandma's curtains, outdated styles; something you wouldn't wear that would be considered stylish. You must be referring to Denim & Co.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Trinity11 — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 14:58:55 GMT

@Effie54 wrote:
Large prints that look like grandma's curtains, outdated styles; something you wouldn't wear that would be considered stylish. You must be referring to Denim & Co.

No, I was actually thinking of Linea, a line of clothing I wear @Effie54 . I have seen it being referred to as frumpy and wondered why. I confess to wearing some prints from his line and perhaps that makes me look frumpy? I am tall, slender and late 60's. Quite frankly, I don't see anything but jeans, leggings and sweats on the ladies in my neighborhood.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

BlueFinch — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:33:00 GMT

There are definitions for 'frumpy' online and in the dictionary. It includes just about everything that is the opposite of stylish. Attire that is unflattering, dated, dull, drab, boring, etc. That's about half of my wardrobe. And, I don't care, since I dress for me, not the fashion critics .

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Lucky Charm — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:49:18 GMT

My idea of frumpy is atleast one of the following: wrinkled, ill fitting, tattered/worn and just a bad overall look.

So a top model could wear something frumpy.

I think of an old bathrobe, or a pair of worn out sweatpants, or an oversized wrinkled shirt.

Something brand new could look frumpy, just because of it's oversize and shape/style. How it's worn....

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Mominohio — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:04:30 GMT

That term has been used since I was a kid and before, and it the context I've heard it used, it means the garment or the outfit is ill fitting (usually too big or baggy in either size or style) it is old lady looking, and gives the image of being a bit unkept (wrinkled, etc.), as well as being outdated looking.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

alicedee — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:18:18 GMT

Everyone has their own definition. When I think "frumpy" I think of that Ruth Buzzi character on Laugh-In with the big brown sweater and the hair net!!

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Foxxee — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:26:29 GMT

What is called "frumpy" today may be a trend tomorrow.

I'm all too aware of the fashion industry enticing women to buy the latest styles. It's how fashion houses and retailers stay in business. "Last year's styles look so outdated, now."

For me, it's not so much outdated dressing as it is wearing flattering colors, styles, sizes, and accessories. Women can look frumpy in the latest styles when they don't wear something that looks good on them.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

silkyk — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:26:03 GMT

I'll always remember one time my Mom came over and when she saw me in my Susan Graver outfit she said I looked MATRONLY! (aka frumpy). Donated that outfit the VERY next day. Mom could be brutal.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

SilleeMee — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:50:33 GMT

To me frumpy clothes are plain with no style, out-of-fashion, baggy-fitting garments. It has nothing to do with matronly where frumpy stuff comes in all ages. The worst is looking matronly (looking old-aged) with a frumpy outfit.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Buffalogal47 — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:51:28 GMT

I think frumpy describes a person's attitude and general appearance rather than the clothes she wears. Some people can look stylish in a shower curtain; others couldn't look good in the most expensive designer outfits. Frankly, to me, women in too-tight leggings and baggy pajama pants look frumpy and slovenly. It's the attitude: when you dress like a slob you look like one.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

chrystaltree — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:52:58 GMT

it's subjective, it's just one person's opinion. Not even worth thinking about. I do think many women on this board go out of their way to criticize the merchandise QVC sells and the things that other women buy. They just like being negative.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Trinity11 — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:56:15 GMT

@silkyk wrote:
I'll always remember one time my Mom came over and when she saw me in my Susan Graver outfit she said I looked MATRONLY! (aka frumpy). Donated that outfit the VERY next day. Mom could be brutal.

We must have had the same mom @silkyk . LOL

Re: The term “frumpy”....

ALRATIBA — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 16:57:48 GMT

@Trinity11

Google - "frumpy images."

Re: The term “frumpy”....

KingstonsMom — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:02:31 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@Effie54 wrote:
Large prints that look like grandma's curtains, outdated styles; something you wouldn't wear that would be considered stylish. You must be referring to Denim & Co.
No, I was actually thinking of Linea, a line of clothing I wear @Effie54 . I have seen it being referred to as frumpy and wondered why. I confess to wearing some prints from his line and perhaps that makes me look frumpy? I am tall, slender and late 60's. Quite frankly, I don't see anything but jeans, leggings and sweats on the ladies in my neighborhood.

@Trinity11

Linea is definitely not 'frumpy' in my opinion, they're more classic, refined and great quality.

To me 'frumpy' is something that is ill fitting with no 'shape' and with huge, in-your-face florals (Grandma's couch) and an old fashioned style.

IMO, that does not describe Linea's designs at all.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Trinity11 — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:04:18 GMT

Interesting replies and thank you.

The reason I brought up the topic was I was at the retinologist's office and wore Linea dress pants and Jaque's floral commemoration blouse in black. My young physician kind of giggled after she told me I looked "bright and sparkly." The vibe was I looked like an older lady. The office was full of women in leggings and puffer coats. I wore a camel hair Brooks Brother's wool coat. I guess I need to do a wardrobe overhaul. LOL.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

KingstonsMom — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:13:50 GMT

@Trinity11

I wouldn't change the way you like to dress and what you feel looks good on you!

It could be that the comment made by the young physician was because it was refreshing to see some 'style' versus leggings and puffer coats!

Re: The term “frumpy”....

Trinity11 — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:21:30 GMT

@KingstonsMom wrote:
@Trinity11

I wouldn't change the way you like to dress and what you feel looks good on you!

It could be that the comment made by the young physician was because it was refreshing to see some 'style' versus leggings and puffer coats!

Thanks @KingstonsMom . That's a very kind response.

Lately, I have questioned myself in what I can wear and not look matronly. I enjoyed the glam of the 80's and with the trend to wearing more casual clothing, I am lost.

Re: The term “frumpy”....

MomCat — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 17:22:45 GMT

If you purchase most of your clothing from QVC, you might be looking frumpy. LOL. Some of the pieces might can be salvaged by mixing it up with other lines. I made so many mistakes with QVC purchases. I finally gave up because of the poor quality and styles. The one thing that can age a woman is anything with bling. I have never purchased that, thank goodness.