Many of us love a good baggy jean or lots of layers, especially as we move into the fall-winter season. But there’s something celebrity stylists want you to remember as you start cold weather dressing. There are certain fashion choices that can make you look frumpy without even realizing it—sorry! On the other hand, there are so many ways to make an outfit look more polished and expensive, and luckily, they’re pretty easy and don’t cost a ton of extra money.
I also know what you’re thinking: what exactly does “frumpy” even mean when it comes to fashion? It’s a broader term because there are a lot of elements at play here. There isn’t just one specific thing that makes an outfit appear dated or unstylish.
Don’t worry, though: celebrity stylist and Style Club founder JenniLee spoke with Parade to break down exactly what makes an outfit look this way so you’ll know what to avoid. She also shares her best tips on how to fix these issues, a few easy styling hacks that can elevate any outfit and more. If you’re looking for simple, practical advice on what to do and what not to do when building an outfit, read on ahead.
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The #1 Reason Clothes Look Frumpy, According to a Stylist
While the word “frumpy” might feel like a blanket term, let’s look at what exactly this means a little more.
“Frumpy happens when your clothes are wearing you instead of the other way around,” JenniLee says. “The outfit reads sloppy, bulky and dated, even when every individual piece is fine on its own.”
To break this down even further, an outfit might look frumpy if there’s too much fabric everywhere—think an oversized top, wide pants and bulky shoes. It can also apply to an outfit that lacks shape with silhouettes that are too similar.
Clothes that just fit poorly (they’re too short, too long or they bunch up) can make you appear frumpy as well. Awkward proportions for your height also won’t do you any favors. If a skirt or top is too long, it can shorten your legs, creating an undesired effect. Some clothes often just need a bit of tailoring as well—without it, the outfit can look cheap or dated.
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6 Fashion Choices That Make You Look Frumpy—And How To Fix Them
1. Wearing too many layers
Don’t get us wrong, layering can be great, especially during the colder months when it’s necessary, but JenniLee says to do so sparingly. If you’re not careful, too many layers can make you appear frumpy.
The fix? “Remove one,” she says about an item of clothing you’re wearing. “Ask yourself: are you wearing the clothes, or are the clothes wearing you?”
This could mean removing a long-sleeved tee you have under another shirt or tights under a skirt if it’s looking like a bit too much.
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2. Wearing too many heavy textures stacked together
Again, heavier textures aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s how you wear them and with what. What are considered heavier textures? Fabrics like chunky knits, tweed, wool, corduroy, velvet, faux fur, suede or leather.
All of these work great individually and for cooler weather, but JenniLee shares that combining too many of these in the same outfit can make you appear frumpy.
“Check your fit,” she says. “Are you drowning in stiff or bulky material?”
3. Wearing worn-out, wrinkled fabric
If your clothes are overly wrinkled, it’s a surefire way to look frumpy. Luckily, the fix for this one is easy.
“Take care of your clothes,” JenniLee elaborates. “De-pill your knits, steam or iron what needs it and hang pieces properly so they hold their shape.”
4. Wearing too many dull or flat colors
Wearing too many similar colors can make an outfit appear flat and frumpy. JenniLee shares her best advice for this.
“Add one point of contrast,” she suggests. “A bright shoe, a bold lip, a printed scarf—anything that breaks up the flatness.”
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5. Missing important outfit details
Sometimes, especially if you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to miss those small details on your outfit, but it makes all the difference. If your zipper is down or your jeans are bunching awkwardly around your shoes, it may seem like a small thing, but it’s easy to notice.
“Step back from the mirror before you walk out the door,” JenniLee says. “Buttons, collars, zippers—take the extra ten seconds to check.
6. Wearing proportions that don’t align
Getting your proportions right in fashion is important. Truly, it can make or break your outfit. While we love a baggy look, wearing too many loose items at once immediately gives frumpy. JenniLee says there’s an easy way to get your proportions right.
“Think of your outfit as a triangle,” she explains. “The pyramid is: wide leg, fitted top. Inverted: strong shoulder, slim leg. Pick one and commit to it.”
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The ‘Rule of Thirds’ in Fashion: How to Instantly Balance Your Outfit
The rule of thirds as it applies to fashion is another tool to help you balance an outfit.
“This means splitting your outfit into three visual sections,” JenniLee says.
Basically, an outfit looks more visually balanced when you divide your outfit into unequal proportions rather than just cutting it exactly into halves.
“A bold collar necklace or strong shoulders for the top section. A belt higher or lower on the waist that lands closer to a one-third, two-thirds ratio and the eye reads the outfit as longer, more intentional and more put together,” she explains. “A pop of color for a bag or shoe will hit the third visual point.”
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3 Quick Stylist Hacks To Elevate a Simple Outfit
1. Invest in great shoes, and buy them on resale
The right shoes can really take your outfit to the next level. Wearing the right pair of boots, sneakers or oxfords can pull together the perfect look. Even if you’re on a budget, JenniLee says that there are easy ways to find high-quality pairs at a great price.
“Shoes are one of the first and last things people register head to toe,” she shares. “Resale gets you the quality without the price tag.”
2. Add one statement accessory
Accessorizing is another easy way to make an outfit look better.
“A bold bag, a strong sunglass shape, a standout piece of jewelry gives the eye somewhere to land and turns ‘basic’ into ‘intentional,” says JenniLee.
3. Get your clothes tailored
While many people often skip this, trust a celebrity stylist; this can make all the difference.
“Fit reads as expensive no matter what you paid,” JenniLee says. “A well-fitted twenty-dollar tee will always look better than an ill-fitting two hundred dollar one.”
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Source:
- JenniLee is a celebrity stylist and founder of Style Club who has worked with clients like Chris Pratt, Scarlett Johansson, Lauryn Hill and Greta Gerwig.