Are You in the Frumpy Zone?

There is a fine line between looking chic, polished and pulled together and looking frumpy.  While no one actively seeks to be frumpy, sometimes women resign themselves to the frump factor simply because they give up – they get tired of trying, they are too busy or they just have no idea what to wear and how it should fit.

While it can seem elusive to create a perfectly flattering outfit, it doesn’t have to be as hard as you might think.  In fact, sometimes it just takes one or two small changes to take your look from fabulous to frumpy and I want to enlighten you to some of those changes so that you can look chic each and every day and steer clear of the frumpy zone:

1/ Hemlines – Take a look at the skirts pictured.  The first style is primarily for younger women with great legs.  My best recommendation for skirt and dress hemlines is somewhere between the top and bottom of your kneecap.  Once your skirt length starts hovering around the mid-calf area that’s when it ventures into the frumpy zone.  The same is true for cropped pants, so beware!  This look will make your legs appear shorter and heavier so steer towards lengths that end at the slimmest part of your leg and see how fabulous you look!

2/ Fit – Trade in your big, baggy tee shirts and opt for something that skims the body and shows your shape.  Yes, I say this all the time but it’s so true.  Big and baggy may be comfortable, but body-skimming can be just as comfy without visually adding pounds or creating a sloppy appearance.

3/ Neatness – Take a look at your outfit and determine how neat it is.  Does your shirt need to be ironed?  Are there holes in your sweatpants?  Have your shoes or jacket seen better days?  These all add up to work against you and keep you in the frumpy zone.

4/ Unfinished Business – If you throw on a top and pants and head out the door chances are your look is unfinished, meaning you’ve left off the finishing touches.  What accessories could you add to give polish?  Sometimes just a belt, a watch and a pair of earrings are all it takes to transform your look from frumpy to fabulous.

5/ Go the extra mile – What else could you add to your look to take it up a notch?  Try a chic trench coat, a pretty cardigan or a scarf to give it that third layer that sends the message that you’re confident as well as chic and you know how to look fabulous!

Your assignment: When you get dressed have a checklist using the tips above.  If your look doesn’t pass muster take the necessary steps to get it up to par and see how not only your image is boosted, but your confidence will be too!

Need help? Email me at michele@onechicmama.com to set up a Find Your Style Inquiry session and learn how my StyleFinder™ System can help you to dress for who you truly are, in all aspects of your life.  Michele@onechicmama.com or 919-828-7529.