https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 09 May 2026 17:10:15 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-917498 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:15:02 +0000 Angie 917498@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I vote take off the belt and add casual shoes. Nice palette, Sarah! I like the length of the top and toppers on you. You pull it off with the full skirt :)<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-917461 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:56:50 +0000 Sara L. 917461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks for the suggestions everyone!&nbsp; I really appreciate the help.&nbsp; The skirt has always been a bit big on me and&nbsp;with the longer hemline (so it doesn't get too short as it moves up my torso) it should fit for a couple more months.&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to be able to put together some outfits with it that don't feel so uninspired (trying not to use the word&nbsp;frumpy) and you've given me lots of ideas to try.<br /><br />Suz, Shannon, Rachylou - it could very well be the silhouette with the cardigan.&nbsp; Almost every outfit I put together with a cardigan doesn't appeal to me anymore.&nbsp; I'd get rid of them all if they weren't so useful for layers in spring and fall when the weather is&nbsp;inconsistent (example:&nbsp; it was 34 degrees F when I when into work yesterday and 72 when I left).&nbsp; Although maybe tossing them all would still be the best idea since that would force me to find different toppers that I like better. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-917390 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:23:38 +0000 Beth Ann 917390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sara:<br />I like Suz's suggestion of a banded top.&nbsp; I also think replacing a jacket for the cardi would change it up.&nbsp; <br /><br />I don't read "frumpy" either, but I know that I like to feel a boost from my clothing choices, and sometimes they are more or less inspiring.&nbsp; Life is too short to not feel fab!<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-917384 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:18:56 +0000 Transcona Shannon 917384@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm wondering if Suz is on to something Sara and you are tiring of this silhouette? I don't see frumpy at all but maybe you are wanting to change things up a little?&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-917377 Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:14:20 +0000 T-Rex 917377@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ If it were mostly black with orange, I think the Halloween connection might be a problem. But if the top underneath is white, I think you will have enough lightness to avoid looking like you are waiting in the pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin. :-)&nbsp; The halloween association also varies according to the shade of orange. A more citrusy color looks springy or summery. A darker orange looks more autumnish.<br /><br />Essentially, I think the longer, fuller skirt with the feminine shoes&nbsp;reads as&nbsp;50's retro to me, which is a look I really like. A shorter cardi and top&nbsp;would fit into that theme, and would work better with the shape of the skirt. Another possibility I thought of would be a button up blouse, hitting no longer than mid hip, with some waist definition. You could pick any color, but I think brights would look the freshest. <br /><br />The black shoes work in my opinion, but they look safe. A shoe that matches or coordinates with the color you wear on top would freshen up the outfit.&nbsp;If you don't have shoes that will work, consider matching toenail polish to the orange cardi, or whatever color you choose to wear on top. I find that a fun or funky pedicure makes even the most conservative outfit more fun. <br /><br />I would love to see how the orange cardigan works out. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916741 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 20:00:55 +0000 Sara L. 916741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ T-Rex - I have an orange cardigan that is a shorter, but I worry sometimes that black and orange will end up looking like Halloween.&nbsp; I might give that a shot next time and see how it comes out. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916737 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:55:33 +0000 T-Rex 916737@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Yes, not feeling the belt, either. If the belt were wider, and contrasted with the top, then maybe it would add something to the outfit. <br /><br />I also wonder if accenting the black and white with a brighter color would help. I love black and white worn with red. Or a bright yellow. Any primary color, really. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916661 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:09:13 +0000 rachylou 916661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a sweater just like that. I put it in the donate pile yesterday. I think it's the sweater - expiration date reached.<br /><br />Also, I'm not sure the belt is doing anything...<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916657 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:07:03 +0000 T-Rex 916657@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't think it's frumpy, but I do think it looks safe and conservative. <br /><br />I agree with the others to try a lower neckline for the top. And/or a more fitted&nbsp;silhouette for the top. <br /><br />Another option would be to change out the cardigan for something different. Maybe shorter, or more fitted. Or maybe a jacket that's nipped in at the waist. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916654 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:05:49 +0000 RoseandJoan 916654@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Congratulations Sara, I missed that news. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916651 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:04:15 +0000 texstyle 916651@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like the idea of a V-neck under the cardi and Kitty seems to be looking at the shoes. Or maybe you could button up the cardi and wear it like a sweater with the belt over (no need for the tee in this case).<br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916650 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:04:05 +0000 Sara L. 916650@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I never thought about the neckline in relation to the skirt length before.&nbsp; That's a good observation and something to experiment with.&nbsp; I have a tank&nbsp;that I could try. &nbsp;Normally tucking might be an option, but with the burgeoning baby bump, tucking doesn't look so&nbsp;good right now https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916646 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:59:24 +0000 Suz 916646@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think you are just bored with the silhouette. How about trying Angie's idea of a looser banded top over the full skirt? Not sure what you have for footwear, so can't suggest that.&nbsp;<br /><br /><br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916625 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:35:00 +0000 Glory 916625@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't find it frumpy but if you feel that way you could try a denim vest with the skirt? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916583 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:01:35 +0000 unfrumped 916583@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It seems&nbsp;pretty okay, &nbsp;but I can see you might want to refine the look.<br />I agree with neckline change if another top is an option. I think that style and length of skirt really like a lower (not super low) neckline--a V or mild scoop. As the skirt moves wider and lower, the neckline sort of needs to move down. Whereas, short skirts and pencil skirts tolerate higher necks. Do you have a tank or cami that you could use as an experiment? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916550 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:31:34 +0000 RoseandJoan 916550@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My hunch is the top is slightly too long for the skirt, could you tuck the top? https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916546 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:25:49 +0000 MsMary 916546@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think it might be the two kind of "meh" necklines competing with each other.&nbsp; I think I would replace the necklace with a scarf (maybe some pattern-mixing fun to be had here -- polka dots, maybe?), and yes -- some edgier shoes for sure!<br /><br />All of which are just nitpicks because you look adorable as usual! https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/wiw---frumpy-or-not#post-916543 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:21:56 +0000 Sara L. 916543@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Help!&nbsp; I think this outfit is borderline frumpy but I can't figure out what to change to make it better.&nbsp; Is it the length of the cardigan with the skirt?&nbsp; Maybe different, edgier shoes would help?&nbsp; But I can't quite visualize what those would be.&nbsp; <br /><br />Please give me your honest opinion because I've had this problem in the past too and I'd really like to avoid it in the future.&nbsp; Thanks!<br />