I have a classic style, so my weak spot is understanding the difference between boring and elegant/modern. Your advice here was great and gave specifics on how to tell the difference. Would love even more examples of the characteristics of solid color dresses, blouses and skirts that aren’t boring or frumpy. Loved the horrible styles delivered with your signature sense of humor. So funny!
When you do this type of video, please show the frumpy version and then show something similar that’s modern. I think this will help us train our eyes & learn what NOT to wear. Thanks for all you do!
I really like when you critique clothes in catalogs & some online sites. I have several tunic length lightweight sweaters that I've worn with skinny jeans/pants. Now that skinny is out, any ideas for using those tunic sweaters? I'm 5' 2" and wear size 8, sometimes 10 pants. Re imagine tunic sweaters, great idea for a video!
I used to love print dresses that hit mid thigh length. Being 5’3” too many dresses hit the mid calf that make me look dowdy and bottom heavy. Now I don’t buy dresses anymore. High waist pants and slightly cropped tops are better for me and more versatile.
I was holding my breath watching this video lol. But I totally see the point of everything you pointed except the boring dress. I love the boring dress….but yes, unless jazz it up it does look frumpy.
I like videos like this because they make me laugh helplessly... some of the clothing is just sooooo bad I get the giggles. I do think a boring sheath dress is an opportunity to show off a gorgeous silk scarf. So the dress becomes the background so it doesn't compete with the scarf.
Oh my! I have that first top except mine is not tapered in the front! But mine is the same brand. I bought it this Spring and have worn it 1 time. I couldn’t figure out why I don’t like it but that’s it! It’s SO frumpy! I LOVED this video, I’ve watched it 3 times!! ❤
Lots of frumpiness on display in this video and I’m not a fan of the black vinyl Courreges outfit at all, but that black Theory dress is really gorgeous!
I'm sorry Julia! It sold out right away but I've replaced it with other similar options. Check the catalog for more! Here's one! rstyle.me/+4EbPHiyF-rDXLq2kyDBErg
Yes the garment has to do the work to make YOU look good, not you doing the work to try to make it work. 100% agree those midi dresses were so matronly
Hi Nada . I am 67 a pensioner petite and shop online in Marks and Spenser here in Ireland. I hate brown, green and love bright colours. I wear MIDI tiered dresses, jeans, love maxi lengths too. My wardrobe is completely stocked now. I’m unable to shop in USA . Limited budget and UK size 22. Thanks for all your videos. Am learning so much. Applying advice where possible. On Bootcamp xx
I really enjoy your videos. They are so fun and so on the money. No to the the crotch framing tunics, barrel leg pants, exaggerated shaped anything…What the hec are they thinking? I just received a catalog in the mail, I won’t name them, everything in it would’ve hit your frumpy list. 😂
With the dresses, I think when you wear a midi, which resonates back to a time of affected morality with a nod to isolated communities, and you find it suits your mood, it MUST at least light you up colour wise, or show some more skin at the neckline.
Love most of your recommendations. Thank you! ❤. I happen to love the triangle silhouette. It looked better in the 80’s when I had a tiny waist the examples you show have wide waists. You need the waist more nipped in.
Hi Nada love all your videos. This one was great but I have a question can you do a video for a modern mother of the bride dress, I am 48 and everything looks either very matronly or to much like a bridesmaid would wear. What would a modern mother of the bride dress be for a fall/winter wedding?
I need to add a classic dress to my wardrobe, and I loved a couple on your “good” list. My question is if my neutrals are brown and cream, do I still need a classic black dress in my wardrobe, or should it be a dark brown?
Great question! It should be YOUR dark neutral, so dark brown would be great. In the wardrobe from scratch video, I discuss picking a dark neutral that works for you (usually navy, dark brown or black) and making sure your dark staples are in that color. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you for doing the hard work to show us things that we might be missing with our wardrobes so we can improve upon and not make bad investments. This way at least we’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons before we make that purchase or choice but now with more information. 🙏🏽✨😎🕺🏽
Barrel shaped pants are AWFUL! I see other influencers promoting these and saying how flattering they are. What are they thinking? Also, the exaggerated shoulders will never happen on this girl. I love wearing jeans with a cool and pretty blouse. So much more interesting and elevated than a simple tee . Button ups too that gave interesting details are great.
I’ve just bought a pair of black barrel trousers and love them. The fitted waist&hip and wider leg are ideal for my shape. It’s a good thing we’re not all the same 😅
I will only wear straight leg pants. This year's trends leave me cold. I will be just living out of my closet and not purchasing anything this year. Stylists love frump.
Thanks for the comment! Definitely wear what is the most flattering for you! Straight will always be in style in my opinion. I don’t know about other stylists, but I definitely do not like frumpy clothes lol.
Neda, I love your videos and advice. I need help with choosing a long, wool winter coat to wear over work clothes. The issue is being short (5'1") with an athletic build. I do not need yet another trench coat as I have have both long and short versions. I live in a northern climate and really need a long dress coat and one that can handle both work casual as well as work suiting styles. Everything I try just overwhelms me. Help.
@@NadaManley I'm a 2/4 typically but, I am broad in shoulders. I think I'm one of those multiple body types. I watched your video and I think I'm a red but definitely with a strong shoulder. Being 5'1" makes heavy coats so hard.
At only 5 feet tall I certainly don't need anything that makes me look shorter and wider. Say NO to barrel pants. Same thing for midis. Thank you for your sage advice.
Hi I am loving your videos. With the print blouses... a common denominator also seems to be a "matched" print, meaning the print continues thru the seams. It denotes quality and attention to detail, lining up the printed pattern instead of conserving the quantity of fabric. Maybe you mentioned it and I missed it. Thank you for what you do. My entire adult life I have avoided wearing the fashion that called to me from my soul. My reasons came from weight issues and large breasts and the mini models just wore the clothes differently without breasts. (They flow across the body closely but without the need of a belt to emphasize the waist. I often find the belts can interfere with the flow I desire, yet I don't want my waist to disappear completely) About 6 months ago I said f@#k it and started purchasing the pieces that made my heart sing. I use discernment. I love wearing my new clothes which sit towards the classic quiet luxury in more affordable options. I work in a teaching/creative/health care environment and have decided to wear a protective robe when necessary so I can continue to wear my favourite clothes every day. I guess I've finally embraced my femine softness instead of my tomboy(dressed like my boyfriend lol) laziness. I started watching your channel because I can only fit half of my clothes in my closet after removing those that did not fit. You are a great help during the painful process of shedding clothes. Namasté 🦋🤍🦋
that long white dress with the puffy sleeves looked like a nightgown from the 1800s. The quilted dress would have looked cute on a 5-9 year old. No older!! The football player shoulder jackets look like a teenager is wearing daddy's jacket - ugh!!
Lots here I would have never considered wearing. As far as sweatshirts you'd never see me wearing one out. I do not like them as I feel they make me look too bulky on a short frame. I did however, like the V-necked one because it would deemphasize a larger bust. Crew necks are supposed to be great for soft gamines, which I am, but I rarely would rare them because I think it makes a bust look larger, especially on a short torso.
I thrifted a pair of barrel jeans that fit me perfect in high waist and are actually long enough. I love them but I’m upper body heavy have smaller hips now and very long legs. If I keep the top small they actually help balance me out and I’ve had compliments. Wouldn’t have purchased if hadn’t thrifted though even though I was looking so imagine my surprise to find brand new at thrift store. I think they are Levi’s. Someone bought and they didn’t like how they looked on them is my guess
Mass market brands and Costco/Walmart/Kohl’s put out way too many terribly designed clothing items. It’s like, you have wild imaginations, we give you wild clothing for real.
We felt like the hip width shirts were another psy- op against us by the CIA. We must've said shirts that length were bad so they make it in style. Also, the cross over style is a psy-op because we said they cross over in the homeless shelters in D.C. So we felt it's psy- ops that they do on us all the time. It's called cross over shirt tunics that one. Cut out's seems like a psy op, too maybe we said something about burn out we're a burn out so burn out was a style now cut out. We said we didn't like wrap front blouses so they're on sale all over now. it's ballet and we don't like ballet. Sometimes some of the fashions really are psy- ops like shirts with weird writings on them. The ugly x-mas sweater trend last year was a psy - op. All of those flag t-shirts around are a CIA thing or government thing that they do to make people think they are supporting war veterans so they don't oppose the wars and get on TV doing it and make the enemy want to fight. But many things are psy-ops on us personally. It's not only in fashion, but all over with the psy-ops. Dishes to home decor stuff, x-mas decorations... everywhere. Actually the old fashioned flowers we said we didnt like so now they're all over everywhere - a psy op. The ankle boots and fit and flare dresses we said about then it's everywhere it's a psy- op. Tu-tu's all over's another psy- op. We always call these kinds of dresses ugly dresses. Frumpy. Ugly dresses. Like designers make old lady dresses. Maitronly.
So not true. We absolutely CAN NOT wear all kinds of things and get away with it. We have all the same challenges others do. Lengths are too short, proportions are too short, extensive tailoring has to be done and it remains difficult to look feminine.
I’m sorry it’s confusing. I did throw a lot of information out in this video. I would encourage you to look through a couple of pages of tops on the contemporary brands on Nordstrom.. those are going to be modern tops. I hope that helps.
Please do not repeat yourself soooo much. I love your advice that would be better if you would just slow down your speech and emphasize your points by tone of voice.
I have a classic style, so my weak spot is understanding the difference between boring and elegant/modern. Your advice here was great and gave specifics on how to tell the difference. Would love even more examples of the characteristics of solid color dresses, blouses and skirts that aren’t boring or frumpy.
Loved the horrible styles delivered with your signature sense of humor. So funny!
Thanks Lynn! That means so much to me! More on the difference between boring and classic coming up!
I would like more on boring vs. classic-tough for a petite older woman!
I’ll do that! Great idea!
When you do this type of video, please show the frumpy version and then show something similar that’s modern. I think this will help us train our eyes & learn what NOT to wear. Thanks for all you do!
@@lisahill5744 thank you! Ok! I did that a little bit with this video, but I can definitely do more
@@NadaManleySo good to know!
So true! Carole
I absolutely luv your expressions and how simply real and down to earth you are!
These frumpy videos are some of my faves for the comedy. :D
I never get tired of how direct you are lol - here for it 24/7 lol!
Helpful video. Thank you! I’m starting to understand that middle area that I need to avoid. And I hate the barrel pants. 😅
Is it me or do the barrel leg pants make the models look bow legged? 😂
Don't know how some of the frumpy stuff even gets beyond the Drawing Board?
They notice what some people wear and know some will stay in their comfort zone.
I really like when you critique clothes in catalogs & some online sites. I have several tunic length lightweight sweaters that I've worn with skinny jeans/pants. Now that skinny is out, any ideas for using those tunic sweaters? I'm 5' 2" and wear size 8, sometimes 10 pants. Re imagine tunic sweaters, great idea for a video!
Great video Nada I need to be careful with the midi dress and boring sheath dress. Thanks for the advice!
Thanks Kath! So glad you liked it!
Sheath dresses look great with longer blazers, especially monotone ones.
@@americafirst9144 yes if it’s the right sheath!
Just because it's trendy, doesn't mean it's cute! What do you think of these frumpy trends?
I used to love print dresses that hit mid thigh length. Being 5’3” too many dresses hit the mid calf that make me look dowdy and bottom heavy. Now I don’t buy dresses anymore. High waist pants and slightly cropped tops are better for me and more versatile.
I appreciate these videos because I always know that something looks frumpy on me, I just don't know why.
great job!
Thank you for this video. Would love your opinion of the super expensive brand Magnolia Pearl.
Love you and your channel. Have lost almost 40 pounds, whole new wardrobe!
Love your passion for fashion ❤
I've always been cautious about prints as they can easily look like table cloths or curtains. Another great video Nada!
I was holding my breath watching this video lol. But I totally see the point of everything you pointed except the boring dress. I love the boring dress….but yes, unless jazz it up it does look frumpy.
I like videos like this because they make me laugh helplessly... some of the clothing is just sooooo bad I get the giggles. I do think a boring sheath dress is an opportunity to show off a gorgeous silk scarf. So the dress becomes the background so it doesn't compete with the scarf.
Oh my! I have that first top except mine is not tapered in the front! But mine is the same brand. I bought it this Spring and have worn it 1 time. I couldn’t figure out why I don’t like it but that’s it! It’s SO frumpy! I LOVED this video, I’ve watched it 3 times!! ❤
Would you show us your wedding ring set? It’s gorgeous, please show it to us!
The white English Factory dress reminds me of a nightgown.
Yes! I'm pretty sure I had an Eileen West nightgown like this back in the 80s!
I really love this video!
Omg u r so right on these ‘bad’ clothes. Shame on the buyers.
Lots of frumpiness on display in this video and I’m not a fan of the black vinyl Courreges outfit at all, but that black Theory dress is really gorgeous!
Help! I can't find the Lucky Brand blouse you referred to in your catalog! Many thanks
I'm sorry Julia! It sold out right away but I've replaced it with other similar options. Check the catalog for more! Here's one! rstyle.me/+4EbPHiyF-rDXLq2kyDBErg
Here's another option too! rstyle.me/+kVJe3jdB3px-KeDQ7La5SQ
Many thanks! @@NadaManley
Yes the garment has to do the work to make YOU look good, not you doing the work to try to make it work. 100% agree those midi dresses were so matronly
Hi Nada . I am 67 a pensioner petite and shop online in Marks and Spenser here in Ireland. I hate brown, green and love bright colours. I wear MIDI tiered dresses, jeans, love maxi lengths too. My wardrobe is completely stocked now. I’m unable to shop in USA . Limited budget and UK size 22. Thanks for all your videos. Am learning so much. Applying advice where possible. On Bootcamp xx
Unbelievable frumpy stuff out there
I really enjoy your videos. They are so fun and so on the money. No to the the crotch framing tunics, barrel leg pants, exaggerated shaped anything…What the hec are they thinking? I just received a catalog in the mail, I won’t name them, everything in it would’ve hit your frumpy list. 😂
With the dresses, I think when you wear a midi, which resonates back to a time of affected morality with a nod to isolated communities, and you find it suits your mood, it MUST at least light you up colour wise, or show some more skin at the neckline.
Yes color and balancing all that extra fabric is essential
excellent observation!!!!
Love most of your recommendations. Thank you! ❤. I happen to love the triangle silhouette. It looked better in the 80’s when I had a tiny waist the examples you show have wide waists. You need the waist more nipped in.
😂😂😂You make me crack up. Its safe to say that these designers utterly irk you!
Hi Nada love all your videos. This one was great but I have a question can you do a video for a modern mother of the bride dress, I am 48 and everything looks either very matronly or to much like a bridesmaid would wear. What would a modern mother of the bride dress be for a fall/winter wedding?
I feel you on this! It’s so hard! I have a video on this coming up and have done a couple in the past. I’ll link them!
Can't wait to see it! I may be an MOB soon and I'm dreading shopping for a dress.@@NadaManley
I need to add a classic dress to my wardrobe, and I loved a couple on your “good” list. My question is if my neutrals are brown and cream, do I still need a classic black dress in my wardrobe, or should it be a dark brown?
Great question! It should be YOUR dark neutral, so dark brown would be great. In the wardrobe from scratch video, I discuss picking a dark neutral that works for you (usually navy, dark brown or black) and making sure your dark staples are in that color. Thanks for the comment!
A lot of Sezane stuff is also very frumpy on an older woman. They do have some lovely pieces, but choose with caution!
Thank you for doing the hard work to show us things that we might be missing with our wardrobes so we can improve upon and not make bad investments. This way at least we’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons before we make that purchase or choice but now with more information. 🙏🏽✨😎🕺🏽
Barrel shaped pants are AWFUL! I see other influencers promoting these and saying how flattering they are. What are they thinking? Also, the exaggerated shoulders will never happen on this girl. I love wearing jeans with a cool and pretty blouse. So much more interesting and elevated than a simple tee . Button ups too that gave interesting details are great.
Slight padding can really balance out a pear-shaped woman.
Yes. Minor padding is fine. We are talking about these line backer shoulders which flatter no one!
I’ve just bought a pair of black barrel trousers and love them. The fitted waist&hip and wider leg are ideal for my shape. It’s a good thing we’re not all the same 😅
I agree barrel pants make you look bowlegged even if you aren’t! 😂
@@lisahill5744that was my immediate thought 😂
I agree with all your dos and don’ts
That white midi dress looks like a old fashioned nightgown. Everything is covered and you can wear it all the way through your frequent pregnancies!
It's suddenly very hard to find flattering bootcut/fitted flare pants and jeans again - those barrel pants are terrible
You can find everything I talked about here: hueandstripe.com/catalog/306H&SaXts?s=620212
I will only wear straight leg pants. This year's trends leave me cold. I will be just living out of my closet and not purchasing anything this year. Stylists love frump.
Thanks for the comment! Definitely wear what is the most flattering for you! Straight will always be in style in my opinion. I don’t know about other stylists, but I definitely do not like frumpy clothes lol.
BLECH! The tablecloth midi dress was terrrrrrible!
Neda, I love your videos and advice. I need help with choosing a long, wool winter coat to wear over work clothes. The issue is being short (5'1") with an athletic build. I do not need yet another trench coat as I have have both long and short versions. I live in a northern climate and really need a long dress coat and one that can handle both work casual as well as work suiting styles. Everything I try just overwhelms me. Help.
Thanks Kristine! Happy to help! What size do you wear?
@@NadaManley I'm a 2/4 typically but, I am broad in shoulders. I think I'm one of those multiple body types. I watched your video and I think I'm a red but definitely with a strong shoulder. Being 5'1" makes heavy coats so hard.
I'd choose a coat that is not longer than knee length and not too bulky.
Yeah, I don't understand why they design tunic styles and then bring the top up in front, showing the area you don't want to show! Don't get that one.
Love your lippie color please and brand
At only 5 feet tall I certainly don't need anything that makes me look shorter and wider. Say NO to barrel pants. Same thing for midis. Thank you for your sage advice.
Hi
I am loving your videos.
With the print blouses... a common denominator also seems to be a "matched" print, meaning the print continues thru the seams. It denotes quality and attention to detail, lining up the printed pattern instead of conserving the quantity of fabric.
Maybe you mentioned it and I missed it.
Thank you for what you do.
My entire adult life I have avoided wearing the fashion that called to me from my soul. My reasons came from weight issues and large breasts and the mini models just wore the clothes differently without breasts. (They flow across the body closely but without the need of a belt to emphasize the waist. I often find the belts can interfere with the flow I desire, yet I don't want my waist to disappear completely)
About 6 months ago I said f@#k it and started purchasing the pieces that made my heart sing. I use discernment. I love wearing my new clothes which sit towards the classic quiet luxury in more affordable options.
I work in a teaching/creative/health care environment and have decided to wear a protective robe when necessary so I can continue to wear my favourite clothes every day.
I guess I've finally embraced my femine softness instead of my tomboy(dressed like my boyfriend lol) laziness.
I started watching your channel because I can only fit half of my clothes in my closet after removing those that did not fit. You are a great help during the painful process of shedding clothes.
Namasté
🦋🤍🦋
Hi there. loved the video. New subscriber
Love your lip color
that long white dress with the puffy sleeves looked like a nightgown from the 1800s. The quilted dress would have looked cute on a 5-9 year old. No older!! The football player shoulder jackets look like a teenager is wearing daddy's jacket - ugh!!
Lots here I would have never considered wearing. As far as sweatshirts you'd never see me wearing one out. I do not like them as I feel they make me look too bulky on a short frame. I did however, like the V-necked one because it would deemphasize a larger bust. Crew necks are supposed to be great for soft gamines, which I am, but I rarely would rare them because I think it makes a bust look larger, especially on a short torso.
The ho hum, boring dress can be transformed with the right accessories.
Is Sezane fast fashion please?
No! It’s a sustainable contemporary brand
Watching a video of Paris fashion week. The weirdest clothes ever. Noticed all the top designers were wearing plain black only
Have you seen that giant bag dress Lilysilk has? I don't know who would look good in that.
I thrifted a pair of barrel jeans that fit me perfect in high waist and are actually long enough. I love them but I’m upper body heavy have smaller hips now and very long legs. If I keep the top small they actually help balance me out and I’ve had compliments. Wouldn’t have purchased if hadn’t thrifted though even though I was looking so imagine my surprise to find brand new at thrift store. I think they are Levi’s. Someone bought and they didn’t like how they looked on them is my guess
The problem with most stresses is that they don’t have sleeves anymore
Your too funny..I love it when you say.."why?' Why. ..I don't understand..
Mass market brands and Costco/Walmart/Kohl’s put out way too many terribly designed clothing items. It’s like, you have wild imaginations, we give you wild clothing for real.
I despise the barrel leg & anything oversized because it does nothing to flatter your body, increases the frump factor.
I’m getting rid of all the dresses that look like table clothes blouses that made me look older for an older person.
Hilarious & spot on. However I disagree on the blouses - I thought they were all hideous
The barrel pant looks good on a slim athletic body. Not for everyone.
I ask myself “would my MeMere wear this?” If the answer is yes, I won’t even try it on, lol!
We felt like the hip width shirts were another psy- op against us by the CIA. We must've said shirts that length were bad so they make it in style. Also, the cross over style is a psy-op because we said they cross over in the homeless shelters in D.C. So we felt it's psy- ops that they do on us all the time. It's called cross over shirt tunics that one.
Cut out's seems like a psy op, too maybe we said something about burn out we're a burn out so burn out was a style now cut out. We said we didn't like wrap front blouses so they're on sale all over now. it's ballet and we don't like ballet.
Sometimes some of the fashions really are psy- ops like shirts with weird writings on them. The ugly x-mas sweater trend last year was a psy - op.
All of those flag t-shirts around are a CIA thing or government thing that they do to make people think they are supporting war veterans so they don't oppose the wars and get on TV doing it and make the enemy want to fight. But many things are psy-ops on us personally.
It's not only in fashion, but all over with the psy-ops. Dishes to home decor stuff, x-mas decorations... everywhere.
Actually the old fashioned flowers we said we didnt like so now they're all over everywhere - a psy op.
The ankle boots and fit and flare dresses we said about then it's everywhere it's a psy- op.
Tu-tu's all over's another psy- op.
We always call these kinds of dresses ugly dresses. Frumpy. Ugly dresses. Like designers make old lady dresses. Maitronly.
Tell us what you REALLY think Nada!
The pants all of them would make a catwalk model look two cocktail frankfurts in shoes…horrible.
Tall people can wear all kinds of things and get away with it 😂🎉
Yesssss!!!
So not true. We absolutely CAN NOT wear all kinds of things and get away with it. We have all the same challenges others do. Lengths are too short, proportions are too short, extensive tailoring has to be done and it remains difficult to look feminine.
I'm completely confused about what makes a modern top.
I’m sorry it’s confusing. I did throw a lot of information out in this video. I would encourage you to look through a couple of pages of tops on the contemporary brands on Nordstrom.. those are going to be modern tops. I hope that helps.
No florals especially big florals and tuck in at the waist?
Loud prints are the worst offenders
Try to teach yourself to be objective about whether the item is genuinely flattering, and ignore the fashion trend which will pass
I'm not buying any more prints
Makes a woman look bow legged.
Please do not repeat yourself soooo much. I love your advice that would be better if you would just slow down your speech and emphasize your points by tone of voice.