https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 16 May 2026 02:14:34 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488673 Fri, 08 May 2015 01:02:41 +0000 catgirl 1488673@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also think context matters. My Jambu Mary Janes are cute in a casual gear outfit, not so much for date night. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488659 Fri, 08 May 2015 00:28:36 +0000 K. Period. 1488659@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was so happy to read Angie's first response because it highlighted something I'd just been thinking about. &nbsp;Sometimes frump also comes from how the sandal fits your foot. &nbsp;We acknowledge that our body shape affects flattery for clothing, but I don't think we often think of how it affects flattery for feet, other than length. &nbsp;Sometimes a shoe can stumpify your foot oddly, or lengthen it, or cut in, or just generally not flatter your foot, and that contributes to frump too. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488593 Thu, 07 May 2015 23:11:34 +0000 Aziraphale 1488593@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>(Thanks for the kind words, Gaylene).</p> <p>Also chiming in to wholeheartedly agree with Angie's last post. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488589 Thu, 07 May 2015 23:07:00 +0000 elpgal 1488589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I knew. The same Birkenstocks were frumpy a few years ago, now they are trendy. Granted there are some updated styles but I see a lot of the original styles on people. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488553 Thu, 07 May 2015 22:16:38 +0000 Tania 1488553@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you for the helpful responses! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488406 Thu, 07 May 2015 18:03:57 +0000 Anonymous 1488406@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of the advantages of getting older is that no one bats an eye at your frumpy shoes. Fussy feet can give you no choice. Like Suz, I need a shoe that I can wear comfortably for long walks but if it ties or has a high vamp like most sneakers, tie or slip on, it has a good chance of rubbing a nerve on top of my foot after awhile. A frumpy athletic ballet flat is usually my best choice. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488395 Thu, 07 May 2015 17:51:39 +0000 Angie 1488395@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Two more thoughts:</p> <ul> <li>Frumpy is in the eye of the beholder.</li> <li>Items can be frumpy right up until the moment that they are fashionable.&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488335 Thu, 07 May 2015 16:56:41 +0000 Gaylene 1488335@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>See, this why I hate the term "frumpy". My new Munro sandals that I recommended to Suz definitely tick most of Aziraphale's "frumpy" boxes but I think they look fresh and modern. I hesitated to mention my Romika mules when Angie asked us about comfortable sandals because I was positive they'd be laughed off the YLF forum as irredeemably frumpy. I fell off my chair when Angie pronounced them on-trend. </p> <p>I think "frumpy" is defined by the viewer and often is more about a personal poison eye than the design of the item--sort of an "I don't like it and wouldn't be caught dead in it" or (my favourite) " I wouldn't be caught dead wearing it because it looks like something my mother would wear" (why do I hear an adolescent whine accompanying that statement?). </p> <p>Designs do become dated, and, if it's important to feel on-trend, I can see dismissing a style on those grounds. But it would be nice to see the commenter explain why the design of the toe box or heel is not on-trend (which Angie, by the way, does so very well) instead of just going "ooh, FRUMPY!" It was also nice to read Aziraphale's detailed description of what makes something "frumpy" TO HER. That way, we can agree to disagree. But calling something "frumpy"" and offering up up the "I just know frumpy when I see it" rationale bewilders me if the commenter is intending to be helpful. </p> <p>Whew, felt better to get that off my chest. Signing off as a old lady resigned to wearing her comfortable sandals which she probably mistakenly feels are cool and stylish. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488331 Thu, 07 May 2015 16:45:30 +0000 kkards 1488331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>if the sandal (or shoe) makes me feel like i've aged 10 years, than its frumpy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488319 Thu, 07 May 2015 16:23:17 +0000 BlondeAmbition 1488319@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Although there are some classically frumpy sandals, on the most part it depends on the whole outfit and the way the shoe fits and highlights the foot. &nbsp;You can buy the most hip and expensive peep toe shoe but if your toes are folded over and sticking out over the front edge then you've got some serious frump going on. &nbsp;Similarly I've seen shoes that in the store window look frumpy, yet on the right girl with the right outfit they look amazing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488293 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:52:50 +0000 Diana 1488293@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't mind the low wedges when they're paired with a delicate upper part.&nbsp; What I don't like is when they are paired with a chunky or thick upper - it's like the designers were all, "let's just put all the comfortable elements in one shoe, design be damned."&nbsp; Personally I prefer a platform because the very thin bottom at the front tends to make the balls of my feet hurt.&nbsp; Also, I think I am weird in that I prefer a detached heel to a wedge, I always find wedges wobbly unless they are 1" or less.&nbsp; </p> <p>ETA: I'm actually wearing a 1" wedge today but to my point, the uppers are delicate and pretty minimal (just a front strap and an ankle strap).&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488271 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:23:21 +0000 Aziraphale 1488271@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz, it's very true that low wedges are among the most comfortable shoes for many women. Also, they don't HAVE to skew frumpy. Look at these gorgeous low wedges, for instance (not my legs, btw -- just a random web pic): </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488263 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:15:37 +0000 Angie 1488263@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That's a good question, Lisa. I walk with Greg for exercise too (on top of shopping appointments with clients), and I wear the sneaks below.&nbsp;</p> <p>Elisabeth, it's good to have your own list of variables as a starting point.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488259 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:09:35 +0000 Anonymous 1488259@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Suz - I'm curious why you don't /won't wear runners for your walking expeditions. &nbsp;All that mileage and exercise needs an athletic shoe! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488256 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:06:14 +0000 Suz 1488256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha, well ALL my shoes could well be frumpy by Aziriphale's definitions. I don't think Cate Blanchett would wear any of them.&nbsp;</p> <p>Seriously.&nbsp;</p> <p>I demand a lot of my shoes and sandals. I walk for exercise and transportation and when I am walking I do not want to look like I am at the gym. I want a shoe I can walk miles &nbsp;and miles in. Yet look somewhat fashionable.&nbsp;</p> <p>Okay, I ask a lot. But.&nbsp;</p> <p>Low wedges are seriously the most comfortable thing for my feet. Ever.&nbsp;<br />Platforms are tricky because you wobble on them.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488254 Thu, 07 May 2015 15:05:06 +0000 Aziraphale 1488254@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hehehe. To be clear, the "frump factors" I ventured are not <i><b>for sure</b></i> indicators of frump; they just <i>increase the likelihood</i> that the shoe will skew frumpy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488219 Thu, 07 May 2015 14:27:49 +0000 Author Linda 1488219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I wish I could tell you. Then I would be certain I wasn't wearing frumpy sandals myself. &nbsp;Let's just say at one time platform sandals were trendy. Then they were frumpy. Now they're trendy again. Every time I see them, I think they look like throwbacks to the 70s. I may still have a few buried in the back of my closet... and I would haul them out if I could still wear them.&nbsp;</p> <p>What I do is look at what models are wearing. Looking at outfit pictures is fun anyway, right? So I look at what's on those feet and that tells me what's not frumpy. Win! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488216 Thu, 07 May 2015 14:26:26 +0000 always trying 1488216@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>In m yarea there are not a lot of variety in sandals seen on a day to day basis.&nbsp; Nothing with toe posts looks frumpy to me, and they are definatly the most popular kind.&nbsp; Gladiators are popular too. Almost all that look frumpy to me are lower wedge slides. They seem to be the most popular for all older women.&nbsp; Will be more interesting when the tourist season begins to see what they will be wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488212 Thu, 07 May 2015 14:21:59 +0000 Angie 1488212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's in the design of the shoe. On its way to looking dated. Heels and toe boxes are the main causes of shoe-frump. It can also be the shape it creates on the foot.&nbsp;</p> <p>Aziraphale, I do think your frump-factors are extreme. *smiling*&nbsp;</p> <p>Also - the wearer can make a style look frumpy or not frumpy. For example, some pull off the classic Salvatore Ferragamo pump to perfection - while others make it look frumpy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488197 Thu, 07 May 2015 13:50:49 +0000 Diana 1488197@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Aziraphale said. Also, I feel like a lot of frumpy sandals are neither refined nor chunky/RATE but some odd hybrid of the two. And not in a cool, juxtaposed way. Like, it'll have a sturdy sole and thick straps but then a weird feminine looking pointed peep toe or something. Or like that low wedge heel Az mentioned - which is kind of delicate but then the straps are big and thick. A platform which makes the whole shoe chunky might very well save it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488193 Thu, 07 May 2015 13:44:30 +0000 Aziraphale 1488193@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle's right, there's an element of personal opinion to this, and for me it's a bit of a "you know it when you see it" situation. However, here are some qualities that add to the likelihood that a sandal will look frumpy, to my eye at least:</p> <p>- it's got a low wedge heel and no platform at all<br />- it's in a nondescript colour, like beige or putty<br />- it's a dull, nondescript metallic colour<br />- it is made from inexpensive-looking material<br />- it is very middle-of-the-road style wise; it is neither cute nor alluring<br />- I can picture the "stereotypical" retired cruise-goer wearing it<br />- I can picture your 88-year-old granny wearing it<br />- I&nbsp;<i>can't</i><i></i> picture Cate Blanchett wearing it</p> <p>This is all highly subjective, of course. :-)</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488189 Thu, 07 May 2015 13:37:22 +0000 Anonymous 1488189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tanya, no sandal could look frumpy on you. You are too young and beautiful. The closest it could get would be retro. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488186 Thu, 07 May 2015 13:30:49 +0000 Thistle 1488186@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, the frump on a sandal tends to be the shape of the toe box and the shape of the heel, if any. </p> <p>Certain ones right now are trending, such as Birks and Gladiators. </p> <p>Yeah, totally not helpful, I know. But frump is such a personal factor and so dependent on your style. I lean classic and preppy, so things otherwise would find frumpy mesh well for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-makes-a-sandal-frumpy#post-1488178 Thu, 07 May 2015 13:16:19 +0000 Tania 1488178@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm struggling with this question, especially for a flat or comfy sandal&nbsp;.&nbsp; For example, in Suz's sandal thread, I couldn't verbalize many differences between the sandal she posted and some recommended pairs.</p> <p>Can someone break this down for me?&nbsp; I'm looking around for new sandals and am trying to formulate some guidelines.</p>