How not to look frumpy

How Not to Look Frumpy - Avoid the matronly look

By: Cynthia Nellis (overheard on Style goes strong)

Source: Left, Lee Celano,	Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Marie Osmond, left, in 2003 was only 44 at the time but looked more matronly because of her hair, clothing and body type. Six years later -- and 45 pounds lighter -- Marie Osmond looks amazing.

My new friend and I were discussing a local boutique we both frequented, when I confessed that I usually pass up the front-of-the-store, age-appropriate stuff and head straight to the back where the contemporary goods are stashed.

She agreed that she, too, often bypassed stuff she "should" be wearing because "The last thing I want to do is look frumpy."

The problem that many of us women of a certain age face is twofold: our bodies have taken on a matronly vibe (expanding middles, wrinkle-softened facial features) and we feel conflicted about whether we should be trying to keep up with the trends or just dress for the bodies we now have.

The definition of frumpy includes dowdy, unattractive and unfashionable (all of which I hope to avoid.)

Here's how not to look frumpy:

Lose weight. Notice how Marie Osmond goes from super-frump to svelte in the photos? (OK, overlook the bad hair in the "after" pic.) Even a few pounds will help you lose the matronly vibe.

Dress to look thinner. If you can't lose weight or are in the process, use visual tricks to look thinner. One of the easiest: head-to-toe dark neutrals (black, charcoal or navy.)

Have an updated haircut. I think the entire tone of your look is set by your hair. Do you have old lady hair or is it modern? By modern, I mean is it in a flattering shape and color – no hot rollers and gobs of hairspray.

Avoid pieces that look matronly like tweed skirt suits, cardigan sweaters, strands of pearls, sensible shoes, mom jeans, fanny packs, velour tracksuits, etc.

Opt for pieces with some construction. So much of what we're offered consists of layers of unstructured items (like soft jersey, knits, etc.) Sure, it's comfy, but it's really unflattering. A better bet is to wear something that is semi-fitted (a jacket with seaming, a pair of pants that hang straight from the hip) instead of just wearing baggy pieces.