How To Go From Frumpy to Fabulous

“I want to look frumpy today”, said no woman ever. Sadly, it’s all too easy to feel frumpy as we get older. Changes in lifestyle, retirement and health issues often mean a change in our wardrobes which can derail how confident we feel about our appearance.

When you look frumpy up in the dictionary it’s described as:

• Dressed in an unattractive way
• A girl or woman regarded as dull, plain or unfashionable
• Clothing style that usually consists of bagging, careless clothing, sweatpants, large baggy t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc.

Enough said! We all know it when we see it. More importantly, we know when we want to change it. Today I’m going to share seven ways to help transform your appearance from frumpy to fabulous.

Let’s start with good grooming. These habits can make or break your look, no matter what you wear or spend on your clothes

Hair

Ensure you have a current hairstyle and it is clean every day. This can be hard if you’re struggling with health issues of your own or caring for loved ones, but this step goes a long way to banish feeling frumpy and will increase your confidence. There are tons of wonderful dry shampoos on the market if you need to short step this one. I apply this one to my clean hair  every day because it gives it extra volume.

Makeup

A touch of pretty lipstick and blush can do wonders to perk up your appearance. Our eyebrows often thin and fade as we age so it makes a big difference when you fill them in. They help balance our face and frame your eyes. If you apply only one product to your eyes, brows will make the biggest difference.

This pencil is my all-time favorite. It never needs sharpening and draws tiny, hairlike lines that look very natural. I use the Taupe which is the best, non-orange pencil I’ve found for blondes. There are gels, powders and even brush-on tinted gels with tiny fibers to add volume.

Microblading is a popular option for women who struggle with an eyebrow pencil or powder and offers semi-permanent results. Be sure to do your research and ask for examples of her work because no one wants to resemble Groucho Marks.

Feet and Hands

Your feet can be one of the quickest ways to up your frumpy quotient. Remove chipped and old polish. Clean, short finger and toenails are better than jagged nails with worn-down polish that’s past it’s prime. Check the skin on your heels. Is it cracked and dry looking? If you have athletes foot, treat if. There are lots of great over the counter products to get rid of it. If the skin is just dry, slather lotion on each morning and night until the skin responds.

Clothes

• Ensure your clothes are clean, unstained and well cared for. They needn’t be expensive but they shouldn’t have loose threads, tears or open seams. Buy the best you can afford and focus on chic basics you can mix and match. A wardrobe of basics in flattering colors is a great base to build your wardrobe on.
• Be sure your shoes aren’t scuffed and worn out. Get out of your athletic shoes! Save these for when you’re actually working out.
• Update your bra. No matter what you wear, it will look better if you’re supported by a good bra.

Fit

• Wear clothes that fit you, now. If you’ve put on 10 pounds, don’t cram yourself into tight clothes and expect to look or feel good in them. Either alter your clothes or buy new ones. Great fashion is available at all price points so don’t let budget stand in your way.
• Oversized and shapeless clothing is not your friend. Proportion is the name of the game here. Ditch the baggy sweatshirt for a slimmer sweater. That slouchy sweater needs slim-fitting pants. A loose and full skirt or pants require the balance of a slimmer top which shows your shape.

Color

Drab, colorless clothes can be unflattering on everyone. Choose clothes in colors that flatter your skin tone and bring light to your face. Wear colors that make you happy. If a color is wishy-washy at the store, it’ll be even worse at home. Wear tops that are the color of your eyes. It makes them sparkle and is always flattering.

Accessories

Don’t forget to add some accessories. They needn’t be over the top, but nothing adds polish to an outfit the way a few well-placed accessories can. They signal that you took time with your appearance which is the antithesis of frumpy. Try new combinations and don’t limit yourself to one.

• A statement earring and a brooch are two accessories that instantly project confidence.
• A tiny strand of pearls can look dated so be sure to punch up the look a bit.
• update eyeglass frames to a modern shape that flatters your face. Here’s how to choose.
• Check your shoes and boots for wear. Update to a classic shape or style as needed.
• update your handbag. Skip the canvas backpack. Use those for hiking.

 

Thanks for reading and remember to wear what makes you feel confident and fabulous!