There’s no cutoff age for having phenomenal style. So, why do so many women fall into the frumpy dress code and struggle to find clothes that are both stylish and match their career stage?
From working with clients of all industries, shapes, and sizes, we’ve figured out a first-hand solution to the frumpy question. Keep reading for the eight memorable fashion mistakes that age you and how to avoid looking “old”.
Keep reading to see if you’re making these mistakes and how you can fix them!
Do You Have Frumpy Style?
Table of Contents
1. Not Editing Your Closet
Clean out your closet now. So many people hold on to frumpy dress clothes that don’t fit, don’t look good, and don’t represent who they are today.
Set aside time to:
- Take everything out.
- Try everything on.
- Decide what to keep and what to donate.
Don’t go easy on yourself! Make deep cuts by asking:
- Do I actually need this?
- When and where can I wear it?
- What can I wear it with?
- Does this represent the version of myself I want others to see?
2. Shopping at the Same Stores
Would you still shop at the same place where you bought your prom dress?
Of course not. You’re not the same person you were then, and that’s good! Your fashion should grow with you, not hold you back.
Break out of your comfort zone by trying something new.
Cheat sheet: You can always check out the product recommendations in our blogs for stylish brands we dress our clients in.
3. Buying Oversized Clothing
Aging doesn’t mean resigning yourself to shapeless sacks for the rest of your life. What makes a woman look frumpy is wearing oversized, baggy, sloppy clothes.
Wondering, “Why does structured clothing not look good on me?” It does! You just need to find the right size, pieces, and style.
Instead, own your shape and start shopping for what fits, rather than running away from numbers on a tag. (Take it from our founder, Cassandra, who recently went through a body transformation.)
- Take your measurements.
- Try new brands.
- Embrace tailoring.
We know alterations sound like extra work, but if you have the right tailor, you’ll get clothes that fit you perfectly and boost your confidence.
4. Following Most Influencers
Influencers love a trend, but your style should be timeless. Replace your flavor-of-the-month influencer with carefully selected style role models. Seek out celebrities, ordinary people, or influencers who match up with your goals, ambitions, lifestyle, and practical needs.
5. Forgetting About the Extras
Putting on an outfit without considering your accessories, makeup, and hair is like making a pizza without toppings. It’s incomplete!
The same goes for style; an outfit isn’t just about a top and a bottom, it’s the whole picture.
Fix your frumpy dress code by:
- Trying a new accessory
- Balancing a subtle outfit with a bold accessory
- Balancing a loud outfit with a muted accessory
6. Following Style Rules
Style rules mean nothing. Whether you want to know how to make yourself look older or younger, “fashion rules” are so outdated.
Instead, focus on wearing clothes that are:
- Well-made
- Well-fitting
- Make you feel confident
- Fit your lifestyle and needs
Those are the only “rules” that should matter.
7. Lacking Confidence
Confidence is the secret ingredient to great style. It changes how you walk and talk, and how others view you.
- Start your day with a compliment to yourself on either physical or mental/emotional attributes.
- Wear clothes that boost your confidence instead of those that make you insecure, whether that’s a blazer or a flowy frock.
There’s no cookie-cutter version of confidence, so make it your own.
8. Wearing the Wrong Undergarments
Your undergarments are the foundation of your outfit. They can change how clothes lay on your body or even how things fit. That’s why it’s important to get this right.
Take yourself in for a bra fitting. While in your fitting, ask questions and be picky. If anything feels off, let your stylist know.
AND ask for your measurements. That way, you can have them on hand if you try out different brands with their size guides.
9. Wearing the Wrong Undergarments (Especially Bra)
Your undergarments are the foundation of your outfit. They can change how clothes lay on your body or even how things fit. That’s why it’s important to get this right.
Take yourself in for a bra fitting. While in your fitting, ask questions and be picky. If anything feels off, let your stylist know.
AND ask for your measurements. That way, you can have them on hand if you try out different brands with their size guides.
How To Not Look Old (But Still Dress Your Age)
Leave the frumpy behind and start dressing like the best version of yourself with Next Level Wardrobe. Apply for our styling and image consulting services to clean out your closet, find your style, simplify shopping, and gain the confidence you’ve always wanted.
