We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fashion

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Can I Be Less Frumpy?

By M. Chambers
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 12,740
Share

Many people strive to be less frumpy and more fashionable. The term "frumpy" is used to describe a person, generally a woman, who wears old-fashioned or dowdy clothing, doesn't style her hair, and wears little or no makeup. Someone who just has a homely, drab appearance overall may also be called frumpy. Both young and old individuals can be frumpy, but these qualities tend to be more common in older persons. There are several ways one can combat frumpiness and achieve a more fashionable and hip look, but it will take effort and a more style-conscious attitude.

An individual's choice of clothing is one of the most important aspects of achieving a stylish look. Frumpy people tend to choose outfits that are outdated, poorly-fitting, or just plain unfashionable. Clothing that is too big or baggy can also make a person appear frumpy, even when this was not her intention. To avoid giving this impression, it is best to choose outfits that are up to date and sophisticated. Outfits should fit the body and should be neither too big nor too small.

Someone who is style-conscious will take pride in her appearance and will put effort into choosing her daily outfits. It is often easier and more convenient to throw on a pair of sweatpants and an old tee-shirt to run to the grocery store, but doing so often results in a sloppy appearance. When an individual does not put any effort into her appearance on a regular basis, she may be seen as frumpy and may be assumed not to care about how she looks. For those who want to avoid looking plain or dowdy, it is therefore important to dress fashionably and put effort into clothing choices.

A person's hairstyle can also make her appear unfashionable or dull. Although not everyone has the time or patience to spend hours fussing with a hair style, it is best to at least groom the hair so that it looks polished and tidy. Hair that is unkempt, frizzy, or otherwise sloppy can make a person look outdated or lazy. In addition, old-fashioned haircuts and styles can make a person appear unstylish. For this reason, many who strive to be less frumpy often choose more modern haircuts.

For women, the use of properly applied makeup can enhance the appearance. Not everyone needs to pile on loads of makeup to look fashionable, but using a small amount of foundation, powder, blush, and mascara can brighten up the face. It also shows that a person takes pride in her appearance, which is important for those who want to look stylish.

Share
BeautyAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By Drentel — On Feb 17, 2015

I have to agree with the part of the article that talks about the importance of makeup for women. Being a man, I don't fully understand the importance of makeup, but boy it is amazing how a little makeup can almost totally alter a woman's look. My wife looks great either way, but there is a difference.

By Laotionne — On Feb 17, 2015

When I think of frumpy I don't only think of the clothes and the lack of makeup. I have friends who seldom if ever wear makeup and they wear loose fitting clothes that don't show their shapes in the least, but they are anything but frumpy. If you take care of your body and exercise then this shows through regardless of the clothes you are wearing and regardless of whether or not you have your face made up. Physical fitness is a big step in avoiding that frumpy lifeless look.

By Sporkasia — On Feb 16, 2015

I will be the first to admit that I could do a much better job of taking care of my appearance on the weekends. However, in my defense, I work in an office for three to five days a week, and I have to dress appropriately and present a modern lively appearance. On the days when I do not have to go to the office, and I am planning to be at home most of the day I automatically revert to my sweat shirts, sweat pants, shorts, oversize T-shirts and those other comfortable clothes.

By Animandel — On Feb 15, 2015

I was running my daughter to soccer practice last weekend when she told me I looked frumpy. Granted, I had just hopped out of bed and into and out of the shower before throwing on a pair of old jeans and one of my husband's old shirts, but I was still a little hurt to have my little girl tell me I looked frumpy. I didn't even know she knew that word. No one wants to be the frumpy mom.

Share
https://www.beautyanswered.com/how-can-i-be-less-frumpy.htm
Copy this link
BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

BeautyAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.