How to Not Look Frumpy with this Easy Trick!

by  Janny Watson | Last Updated: 

HOW TO CREATE BALANCED AND HARMONIOUS OUTFITS

Achieving balance in your wardrobe is the key to fashion success. This equilibrium can be attained through proper fitting garments, appropriate color selections, tasteful utilization of prints and patterns, and well-coordinated accessories. 

Our comprehensive guide delves into each of these elements, providing valuable insights to help you steer clear of fashion faux pas and never experience a frumpy appearance or feeling again. Be sure to watch the accompanying video or read the blog post to gain all the essential knowledge required to avoid the frump.

CREATING BALANCE WITH FIT

The aspect of fit holds great importance in the selection of appropriate attire for one's body type. A simple yet effective guideline that applies to a wide range of body shapes and clothing collections is the 'loose versus fitted' rule. To elaborate, when opting for a loose-fitting bottom, it is advisable to pair it with a well-fitted top.

Talbots Poplin Fit and Flare Skirt
If you're wearing a fitted top, choose a loose bottom - be it palazzo pants, a flowy skirt, or even the new, looser jeans. Pair them with a top that's more fitted. 

Loose Bottoms Featured Above:

  • Talbots Poplin Fit and Flare Skirt
  • Talbots Wide-Legged Cropped Jean
  • Lilly Pulitzer Bal Harbour Palazzo Pants

Talbots Wide-Legged Cropped Jean
Wearing a complete set of loose-fitting clothing items, both on the top and bottom, can result in an unflattering and shapeless appearance. On the other hand, if you opt for a loose top such as an oversized blouse or a relaxed-fit sweater, it is advisable to pair it with a more fitted bottom piece, such as a pencil skirt, leggings, slimline pants, or fitted jeans.

Loose Tops Featured Above::

  • Tuckernuck Carlota Black Peplum Top
  • Tuckernuck Majolica Tile Willow Blouse
  • Tuckernuck Blanc Willow Blouse

However, it is important to exercise caution when wearing tight-fitting tops and bottoms together. Unless you have an hourglass figure, this combination tends to disrupt your proportions and draw attention to areas you may prefer to downplay.

ACHIEVING COLOR BALANCE

Maintaining a proper balance of color in your outfit is crucial, despite my personal fondness for vibrant hues. When incorporating lively colors into my attire, I counterbalance them by opting for neutral tones in the rest of my ensemble. My go-to neutrals include white, navy, and denim, as they provide a clean and bright backdrop that allows the main color to stand out.

To further achieve color balance, it is important to consider "color harmony." By utilizing complementary colors (those opposite each other on the color wheel) or analogous colors (those adjacent to each other), one can create visually pleasing and harmonious looks.

PRINT AND PATTERN BALANCE

Prints and patterns have the potential to either enhance or disrupt the overall appearance of an outfit. The key lies in adhering to a single print per ensemble. If you choose to wear a printed top, it is advisable to keep the remaining elements neutral.

For those who are more adventurous and wish to experiment with mixing different prints, it is essential to ensure that they share a common color palette. Additionally, to create a cohesive look, it is recommended to combine one larger print with one smaller print.

ACCESSORY BALANCE

Accessories, though often overlooked as we depart, can greatly contribute to achieving a harmonious appearance. When selecting bold jewelry, it is advisable to designate one piece as the focal point.

earrings review
When wearing large earrings, it is recommended to pair them with a delicate necklace and slim bracelets, or alternatively, forgo the necklace altogether. On the other hand, if you opt for a chunky necklace, it is advisable to pair it with small earrings and minimal wrist jewelry.

To achieve a balanced look, it is also suggested to consider matching all accessories in the same color or tone. This approach simplifies the process of mixing and matching outfits, resulting in a cohesive and harmonious appearance that complements your entire wardrobe.

Featured jewelry items:

  • Tuckernuck Tilly Gold and White Rope Necklace
  • Tuckernuck Raffia Lantern Earrings
  • Tuckernuck Gold Small Flower Cuff

Creating a well-balanced and harmonious wardrobe is an enjoyable journey of experimentation and self-discovery, allowing you to showcase your unique style. By following these tips, you can bid farewell to a frumpy appearance and embrace a more confident and put-together look.

If you have any additional tips on achieving a balanced and harmonious wardrobe, please feel free to share them in the comments section below. Stay tuned for more style tips in our upcoming blog post!