If you read my experiment with skirt length and top tightness last June, you probably felt like I had a long way to go in my fight against frump. So did I, and I found the comments on that post to be super helpful. As a result, I’ve spent more time in the petites department, where I found this Lauren Ralph Lauren polka dot faux wrap top in size Petite Large. Although I liked Malica’s suggestion to change the shape at the bottom of my denim skirt, it was simpler to have my skirt taken in by two inches at the waist.
The pictures below don’t exactly compare melons to melons–the pose and shoes are different, plus I’m tanner and a few pounds lighter–but I think it’s instructive. What makes the biggest difference in fighting frump? The same answer we’re told over and over again: fit. Besides that, what else do you think helps? And what more should I do?
Add a watch, it finishes the look as now you seem a tad under accessorized. Watch is sharp but if you want something softer, than a bracelet. As you like the lovely natural look on your feminine face and you don’t really need makeup, although a little color on the lips and cheeks always compliments anyone, I do feel that this outfit calls for some accessories.
LOVE the shoes btw! They look amazing with your ensemble.
I agree that accessories help. I was told by a stylists that you should have a statement piece that goes with everything and is uniquely you. I’m still looking for mine so for now I am focusing on bracelets in general.
I also think that color choice is very important. Certain colors can just “read” as drab and need something to spice them up. With that being said, I love wearing all black and want to find the perfect white shirt to wear with a white jean (with a funky colored shoe i.e a turquoise or bright orange pump)
Bright colored shoes are my favs with all black! I’m too scared to wear all white as any stain will scream out and I’m messy… 🙂
This advise on WhoWhatWear is a bit general but I found it helpful and made me think about how it applies to me:
http://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-look-put-together/slide25
Excellent suggestions about accessories, and I hadn’t even considered a watch or bracelet. I prefer necklaces, but certain metals give me a rash, so I tend to avoid them. I’ve always thought that bracelets made minimal impact and wondered if they were worth the hassle–they always interfere with my typing on the computer. However, when wearing something this simple, they sound like a good idea. Glad you like the shoes, Tina! Aerosoles. Found them 2 weeks ago on the spur of the moment. Usually I would have bought practical black or tan, but I loved these navy with ivory.
I always avoid the bangles that make sound. Go for a solid bold piece and it’ll give a put together look that a necklace can’t give to this outfit. Necklaces work for solid color outfits the best.
I love the shoes, too!
I think I’d try a thin belt – see how it looks higher or lower, and a necklace. Out of my own stash, I’d pull out a choker of 3/4″ white plastic beads that were my grandmother’s. They’re chunky enough to be noticeable against the darker shirt. Or maybe one of those necklaces where the stones are wired into a cascading triangle in the front?
Meri, I’m late responding, but I love these necklace suggestions. I think I need to make a shopping trip that is only focused on necklaces. Personally, I can’t stand belts, but I could be persuaded to give them another try. I like the way they look, but they feel constricting and sweaty when they’re big, and they don’t want to stay in place when they’re thin.