Fashion

[Trinity11]

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....

[Nancy Drew]

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.

[Effie54]

Large prints that look like grandma's curtains, outdated styles; something you wouldn't wear that would be considered stylish.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. 

[Trinity11]

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@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Large prints that look like grandma's curtains, outdated styles; something you wouldn't wear that would be considered stylish.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. 

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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. 

[BlueFinch]

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 .

[Lucky Charm]

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....

[Mominohio]

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size or style) it is old lady looking, and gives the image of being a bit unkept (wrinkled, etc.), as well as being outdated looking.

[alicedee]

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!!

[Foxxee]

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.  

[silkyk]

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.