I just turned 50--and refuse to give into the stereotypically boring clothing that I see so many of my age group settling for. I find that the frump factor comes into play when we fail to have fun with out clothes! Frumpy is an attitude not a style--how many of us can actually were normcore and get away with looking super stylish? It can be done but not it's not easy or for the faint of (fashion) heart.
That being said, I am certainly glad to hear that I am not the only one who actually likes Talbots! I have several animal print skirts and a reptile faux wrap dress that makes my husband drool when I wear it. Definitely not frumpy! That being said I also shop at Banana Republic (on-line, retail, and factory outlet stores). I find that Old Navy is great for basics, and love Lucky for their Sienna Cigarette Jeans (for my curvy figure/athletic legs.) Marshalls is great for deep discount fashion pieces but I truly think that Talbot's has very high quality basics that can we incorporated into most wardrobes regardless of age.