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WIW - Frumpy or not?

Sara L.

Veteran

Help! I think this outfit is borderline frumpy but I can't figure out what to change to make it better. Is it the length of the cardigan with the skirt? Maybe different, edgier shoes would help? But I can't quite visualize what those would be.

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. Thanks!

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17 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

MsMary

Veteran

I think it might be the two kind of "meh" necklines competing with each other. 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!

All of which are just nitpicks because you look adorable as usual!

RoseandJoan

Veteran

My hunch is the top is slightly too long for the skirt, could you tuck the top?

unfrumped

Veteran

It seems pretty okay, but I can see you might want to refine the look.
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?

Glory

Veteran

I don't find it frumpy but if you feel that way you could try a denim vest with the skirt?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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.

Sara L.

Veteran

I never thought about the neckline in relation to the skirt length before. That's a good observation and something to experiment with. I have a tank that I could try. Normally tucking might be an option, but with the burgeoning baby bump, tucking doesn't look so good right now

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

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).

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Congratulations Sara, I missed that news.

T-Rex

Veteran

I don't think it's frumpy, but I do think it looks safe and conservative.

I agree with the others to try a lower neckline for the top. And/or a more fitted silhouette for the top.

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.

rachylou

Veteran

I have a sweater just like that. I put it in the donate pile yesterday. I think it's the sweater - expiration date reached.

Also, I'm not sure the belt is doing anything...

T-Rex

Veteran

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.

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.

Sara L.

Veteran

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. I might give that a shot next time and see how it comes out.

T-Rex

Veteran

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. 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.

Essentially, I think the longer, fuller skirt with the feminine shoes reads as 50's retro to me, which is a look I really like. A shorter cardi and top 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.

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. 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.

I would love to see how the orange cardigan works out.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

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?

Beth Ann

Veteran

Sara:
I like Suz's suggestion of a banded top. I also think replacing a jacket for the cardi would change it up.

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. Life is too short to not feel fab!

Sara L.

Veteran

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I really appreciate the help. The skirt has always been a bit big on me and 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. I want to be able to put together some outfits with it that don't feel so uninspired (trying not to use the word frumpy) and you've given me lots of ideas to try.

Suz, Shannon, Rachylou - it could very well be the silhouette with the cardigan. Almost every outfit I put together with a cardigan doesn't appeal to me anymore. I'd get rid of them all if they weren't so useful for layers in spring and fall when the weather is inconsistent (example: it was 34 degrees F when I when into work yesterday and 72 when I left). Although maybe tossing them all would still be the best idea since that would force me to find different toppers that I like better.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

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