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How Not to Look Frumpy
- Elinor Salter
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
Style Tips For Women Over 50
How to Use the Golden Ratio in Dressing — And Why It Keeps You From Looking Frumpy
There’s a secret Italian women seem to know instinctively when they get dressed in the morning. It’s not about wearing the latest fashion, and it’s certainly not about having the “perfect” body. It’s about balance, harmony, and proportion.
The secret? The Golden Ratio.
What is the Golden Ratio?
The Golden Ratio (also called the “Divine Proportion”) is a simple mathematical principle that appears everywhere in nature — from the spiral of a seashell to the structure of Renaissance paintings. Our eyes are naturally drawn to it because it feels harmonious and balanced.
When applied to style, the Golden Ratio helps us create outfits that flatter the body, elongate the silhouette, and avoid that dreaded “frumpy” look that can happen when proportions are off.
Why Proportion Matters More Than Size
Often, women over 50 tell me they feel their body has changed and they don’t know how to dress for it anymore. The truth is: it’s not about size — it’s about proportion. Even the most beautiful clothes can look heavy or awkward if the lines and balance aren’t right.
How not to look frumpy? - When you use the Golden Ratio, you instantly create elegance — no matter your shape, height, or age.
How to Apply the Golden Ratio in Your Wardrobe - how not to look frumpy
Here are three simple ways to bring this principle into your everyday dressing:
The ⅓ to ⅔ Rule
Instead of cutting your body in half (which can look boxy), aim to divide your outfit into a one-third and two-thirds ratio.
Example: A cropped jacket (⅓) over a longer dress (⅔).
Or:
A tucked blouse (⅓) with high-waisted trousers (⅔).This creates a longer, leaner line and feels instantly more elegant.
Half and half can leave you looking frumpy 1/3 on top and 2/3 on bottom - looks much better
Play with Lengths
Hemlines, sleeves, and layers can all follow the Golden Ratio. Try three-quarter sleeves instead of full length, or choose skirts and dresses that hit at visually pleasing points (just above or below or above the knee, rather than cutting at the widest part of the calf).
Accessories as Proportion Tools
Accessories are powerful when it comes to balance. A longer necklace can elongate the torso, a belt can break up proportions at the right place, and a scarf can shift the visual focus.
Italian Women Do This Naturally
If you watch Italian women in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, you’ll notice something: they’re not dressing to hide, they’re dressing to celebrate their form. Proportion is the quiet magic behind it all.
They know that elegance comes from balance, not perfection.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need to chase trends or buy an entirely new wardrobe. Start by looking at what you already own and playing with proportions. Tuck, layer, belt, adjust — and watch how the Golden Ratio transforms your everyday outfits.
Because true style, like true beauty, is timeless.
Want to discover how the Golden Ratio — and other Italian style secrets — can bring your wardrobe back to life? Book your free Style Soul Snapshot with me today. Let’s explore the woman you are now, and the style that will celebrate her.
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