https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 30 Apr 2026 01:57:42 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1014189 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 22:07:47 +0000 Joan Joplin 1014189@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think it looks frumpy in the picture, but it would in real life. For me, the context makes the difference. Seeing the picture online, I know that this look was chosen deliberately, someone liked it enough to post it, and so on. Once I know that, I can look at it as fashion: what style elements do I like or dislike, what are they "going for", why did they choose each piece. But if I saw this in real life, I might be tempted to think it was just a granny ignoring style altogether. How the person carried herself might help, but without the fashion-y context I probably wouldn't give it any thought. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1014122 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 19:01:30 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1014122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's context.&nbsp; &nbsp; The background + the outfit makes me think of "Roman Holiday".&nbsp; &nbsp; The model has a Hepburn-esque figure.&nbsp; </p> <p>I also think it might be a trick with the lens. &nbsp;&nbsp; The proportions are 'right' with her figure, and with the architectural elements behind her.&nbsp; It is entirely possible that, in person, she has on a true "I Give Up" outfit.</p> <p>If I put that outfit on, with the exception of the heels, I would be a sad sad sack of frumpy potatoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1014117 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:34:37 +0000 Thistle 1014117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So, I wanted to answer before I read all of the other responses.&nbsp; I think the sleeves and the very high heels injects a bit of&nbsp;style into the outfit, but that this would look frumpy in real life on anyone that was not very young, very pretty, and very trendy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1014113 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:31:51 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1014113@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>"Frump subverted" is a great way to put it. All the fabrications and colors feel repetitive, but the proportions have been played with - white blouse but with very wide sleeves, white grandma pumps but in a platform high heel, tan full skirt but it hits above the natural waist and in a mid-calf length which is not that common for 'regular folk' these days. It all adds up to a very interesting photo but it's not something that seems very wearable for most of us. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1014101 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 18:15:25 +0000 unfrumped 1014101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This photo makes me Grumpy. All marginal kinds of outfits are shown with high-heeled pumps and most clothing ads feature high heels UNLESS they're advertising the low-heeled shoes specifically. It's like they're the great elevator (pun intended) for any kind of look.</p> <p>OK, rant over--for now. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1014038 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 16:58:31 +0000 rachylou 1014038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it *is* the sky high pumps in white - and that they're platforms. And the shirt sleeves give a kimono effect. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013842 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 13:25:59 +0000 Diana 1013842@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it's chic because it's frump subverted. The high, tight waist, super high heels, wide sleeves, and clutch all serve as little details that signify style. So the overall impression is chic, even though the pieces might seem frumpy on their own.<br /> And, yes, I think it takes tall and skinny to pull this off. I'd look dumpy in it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013791 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 11:45:38 +0000 Archer 1013791@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it looks pretty fab with the whole outfit looking Japanese Modern, hair, line etc. &nbsp;The setting of the shot, is adding graphics&nbsp;and the&nbsp;colour scheme modernises it and the shoes well, make it fabulous. &nbsp;I agree though, on a its of the clothing items without the picture, it would sound frumpa dump. Also her dimensions are tiny which adds to the angles. &nbsp;I love the photo and the image. Cheers&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013777 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 10:13:37 +0000 rute 1013777@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The secret is on details! A nice styled hair, heels, make up and&nbsp;a nice clutch. A look like this can become frumpy with old flats, dated hadbag and no hair style at all.<br />I don't see granny here. This look is on trend now! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013775 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 09:53:44 +0000 Deborah 1013775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>While I am not convinced that someone with my height and build could carry this off (though I would like to try), I do think her height has a little to do with it. I don't find this frumpy. i would describe the look as edgy ladylike:). The pumps and white shirt are classic and the high waist and sleeves look very fashion forward. I find it very appealing. My expectation when I look at the outfit is a cropped modern hair do but the fact the cut / style is a little non descript adds a little something. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013771 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 09:28:59 +0000 Lyn D. 1013771@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the heels and the deliberate extra high waist modernise this outfit. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013763 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 08:43:59 +0000 RoseandJoan 1013763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This reads as very Celine or Jil Sander to my eye, it's simple, elegant and has an edge but I really dislike the&nbsp;hue of the skirt&nbsp;against her muted colouring. A different color of skirt would elevate this look to a whole other leve IMOl.</p> <p>I have to admit I do not see granny chic at all. I see ladylike which to my eye can be worn by all ages. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013686 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 02:24:36 +0000 Jaime 1013686@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I prefer the Zara lookbook look. I don't think she looks frumpy but I do think this look could easily be lost on a non-urban, non-fashion oriented crowd. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013636 Mon, 26 Aug 2013 00:32:12 +0000 Suz 1013636@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Change up her hair and I think I might love it. But I do believe body type plays a role. Probably more than age.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013607 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 23:29:39 +0000 ironkurtin 1013607@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Damn.&nbsp; I feel pretty good about how I look, then.</p> <p>But I'm going to go back to body type and not age for what carries this look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013603 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 23:25:22 +0000 cciele 1013603@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>She's 40. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013598 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 22:51:32 +0000 ironkurtin 1013598@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, isn't that woman in her 50s?&nbsp; I thought she was.</p> <p>I think it's body type and not age that makes this work.&nbsp; As much as I hate to say it, in today's mind if you are slim and willowy, you can wear just about everything. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013596 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 22:47:31 +0000 Gaylene 1013596@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>@ironkurtin, I'd love to think that the cut and proportions would be enough to say fashionable, not frumpy, but I still think those details might be obscured by the age of wearer if the outfit was worn by someone in their 50s and 60s. Many of the people I know would probably just think the blouse was too big and the rest of the outfit similar to what they were wearing. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013589 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 22:22:28 +0000 ironkurtin 1013589@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The proportions make it fresh, especially the blouse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013584 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 22:10:48 +0000 Gaylene 1013584@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Actually, I think age has something to do with the frumpy vs. modern effect. With a young face, the look comes off as an ironic nod to "what my mother wore", and that attitude keeps frumpy at bay. </p> <p>With a more experienced(?) face, the intent can be a bit more ambiguous and harder to discern. Is she <i>trying</i> to be ironic? Did she just give up and raid the back of her closet? What does she think is fashionable these days? Is she ahead of the curve in her style choices? Unfortunately, on an older woman, I suspect the last question might not be the first thought that enters into an observer's mind. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013576 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 21:42:25 +0000 Jonesy 1013576@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The overall silhouette and shirt sleeves, in particular, are fresh and modern-looking, IMHO. Modern /= frumpy. I don't think looking modern has anything to do with age, build, or height :). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013575 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 21:40:16 +0000 cciele 1013575@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the look is borderline frumpy. The drapiness of the blouse and skirt save it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013574 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 21:40:11 +0000 Suz 1013574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Raisin said, I think...but, well, she doesn't look all that fab to me. The colours wash her out for one thing.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013573 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 21:35:40 +0000 Raisin 1013573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well I think most of us would look pretty frumpy in that. &nbsp;But I guess she has the height and build to make it look a little more "grandma-chic". &nbsp;Haha! &nbsp;I guess the wide (bell?)&nbsp;sleeve and high heeled pumps make it a bit more edgy.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013568 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 21:25:25 +0000 CocoLion 1013568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know what you mean. &nbsp;There are several looks that would be very frumpy on me in this Zara Look Book. &nbsp;They look cool on a 5'11" 21 year old model. &nbsp;But not on a middle-aged woman like me, even though I am fit.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.zara.com/us/en/lookbook/woman/august-september-c474501.html">http://www.zara.com/us/en/look.....74501.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/why-is-this-not-frump-a-dump#post-1013562 Sun, 25 Aug 2013 21:14:21 +0000 annagybe 1013562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Image #3 in the slideshow, in case link is wonky.<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.refinery29.com/2013/08/52153/white-shoes-outfits#slide-3">http://www.refinery29.com/2013.....ts#slide-3</a></p> <p>White blousy shirt with pleated high waisted khaki skirt, conservative hair cut. Is it the sky high white pumps? Or is granny chic firmly entrenched? </p>