Why You Think You Look Frumpy, and How to Fix It

A stylist’s guide to making small changes that have a big impact.

Because comfy doesn’t have to mean sloppy.

Ever catch yourself thinking, “Ugh, I look frumpy in this”? You’re not alone. But tossing the blame on fabrics won't fix it. Try these style refresh tips instead.

Vintage fish earrings, skirt, linen trousers, sunglasses, necklace, seashell earrings, leather bag, hand steamer, shoes.

1. Fit > Fashion

Forget chasing every trend, prioritise clothes that fit. Trends come and go (and come back with worse stitching), but a good fit is timeless.

The truth is, most people look “frumpy” not because of what they’re wearing, but how it fits. Baggy in the wrong places, too tight in others, it’s less “effortless chic” and more “why does this shirt hate me?”

A few things that make all the difference:

• Know your body shape, but don’t obsess over it. Use it to guide you toward cuts that work for you, not whatever Zara thinks everyone should be wearing.

• Don’t be loyal to sizes. Wear what fits, not what the label says. Sizing is chaos and nobody else can see the tag anyway.

• Get things tailored. Seriously. Hem those trousers. Bring in the waist on that great blazer. Even the simplest adjustment can turn “meh” into wow, where’d you get that?

Buy less, but buy better. Prioritise fit and suddenly even the most basic outfit looks sharp, put-together, and 100% intentional.

2. Love Your Clothes Longer

Washing carelessly is basically a coffin for your wardrobe. You’re not “freshening up” that dress, you’re committing textile manslaughter.

Look, your clothes don’t want to be scrubbed, scorched, or spun into oblivion every time you wear them. Treat them with a little respect, and they’ll stick around (and look good) a lot longer.

Here’s how to not ruin everything:

• Only wash when necessary. A day of desk-sitting is not a reason to launder a perfectly clean blouse.

• Separate your colours and fabrics. Whites, darks, delicates, keep them apart like exes at a wedding.

• Cold water and low spin. Especially for denim, knits, or anything you actually like.

• Skip the tumble dryer. Unless your goal is to shrink everything into Barbie clothes. Hang dry instead—it’s gentler, and your electricity bill will thank you.

• Air things out. Sometimes a bit of fresh air or a mist of fabric refresher does the trick.

• Spot clean instead of full-wash panic. A little soap, a cloth, and a calm attitude can save the entire outfit. Great for food mishaps, makeup stains, or mysterious marks that appear like ghosts.

And here’s a little behind-the-scenes trick: when I’m working on set, we often don’t have time to wash every single piece before the next day. If something isn’t actually dirty, we spray it with a mix of vodka and water (yes, really) or a tea tree oil solution, gently brush out any marks with water and Marseille soap, and let it air out on a hanger. It works surprisingly well, and keeps the wardrobe from collapsing under aggressive laundering.

3. Embrace the Steam

Wrinkles are the fastest way to make a great outfit look... sad. But don’t panic, there’s a fix that doesn’t involve rethinking your entire wardrobe.

A hand steamer is your secret weapon. It’s quick, easy, and far less risky than dragging out an old-school iron. I use mine constantly, on set, at home, even on clothes that just need a little refresh before running out the door.

If you do prefer an iron, power to you. Just take it slow and always ALWAYS check the fabric label. Even if you think it’s going to be ok, triple check, I have seen it all!

Bonus tip from the styling trenches: if you don’t have time to iron, hang the piece up in the bathroom while you shower; the steam helps relax the fabric enough to smooth out minor creases.

4. Accessorise Like You Mean It

You don’t need designer bling. Just one thoughtful accessory can rescue an outfit from feeling flat or unfinished.

A waist-defining belt, standout sunglasses, or a statement earring can instantly take a basic tee-and-jeans combo from default setting to “I actually planned this.”

The goal isn’t to pile things on; it’s to make your outfit feel considered. That could be a silk scarf tied around your bag handle, a bold cuff worn over a rolled-up sleeve, or earrings that make you feel like you have somewhere better to be (even if it’s just the post office).

Charity shops and vintage shops are gold mines for affordable, one-of-a-kind finds. I also do a lot of digging on Etsy and eBay, and honestly, you wouldn’t believe some of the gems I’ve come across. One of my recent favourites? This bag that’s still in stock at & Other Stories, and I found it for a fraction of the price. Proof that a little second-hand digging goes a long way. It’s not just about saving money, it’s about finding that perfect piece and the thrill of the hunt.

Build up a little collection of jewellery, belts, sunglasses, scarves, bags, the kind of stuff that sparks joy and compliments. Then sit back and wait for the inevitable:
Where did you get that?

(You’re allowed to say “Oh, just something I’ve had forever” and pretend you didn’t dig for it like a treasure hunter with great taste.)

5. Rewear with Confidence

Seeing yourself in the same dress twice? That’s not a crisis, it’s called style consistency.

If an outfit works, let it work. Repeat it. Celebrate it. Take photos. Make it your signature. Some of the most stylish people out there have a uniform, a look that they know suits them and makes getting dressed easier, not more stressful.

Try building a mental file (or even a photo album on your phone) of outfits that made you feel amazing. You’ll be surprised how often you go back to them. It’s not about being boring, it’s about knowing what works and wearing it with confidence.

The most stylish people don’t constantly reinvent: they refine. They wear what they love, again and again, and they do it with conviction. Go with your gut. Repeat the look. Add a twist if you want, or don’t. Either way, it’s your style, own it.

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Need help figuring out your own style?
I offer free consultations to talk through your wardrobe, what’s working (or not), and how you can feel better in your clothes. No pressure, no weird vibes, just a chat.