Fashion

Are You a Frump ? 

We all have days when we don’t feel like getting dressed, fixing our hair, shaving or putting on make-up.  That’s fine from time to time. But when it becomes a lifestyle, then it may be a problem.    You may have ventured into the frump zone.  Frumps can be men or women.  Those of us with disabilities or limited mobility tend to let our appearance take a backseat.  We can be so focused on the fact that we have a disability or mobility issues that we forget how important our appearance is to our psyche.  If we look good, then we will feel better about ourselves in general.

Answer these questions:

1. Do you wear baggy ill-fitting clothes all the time and you don’t care what you look like when you leave your home?
2. Do you neglect combing your hair? Getting it cut? Getting it colored?
3. Men, do you fail to shave daily?
4. Women, are you neglecting to shave your under arms and your legs?
5. Do you neglect your nails?

So, if you answer yes to any of the questions above, you may be a frump or at least boarding on frumpiness.  I have been there and looked like a frump at various times during my illness, but I always come to my senses and I choose to be fabulous.

Choose to be Fabulous

Just because we’re disabled or have mobility issues doesn’t mean we can’t be and look fabulous at home and when we are out and about.  Being fabulous is truly  a state of mind.  And it’s not something that pertains just to women.  Men should be handsome too. No matter what your disability or mobility issue, you can look great even though you may not feel great.  As the saying goes “Fake it till you make it.”

I have mobility issues; I walk very poorly even with a cane.  My gait is not cute at all…I have lost my switch( a “switch” is what Southern women call the way their hips move back and forth when they walk). I had a wonderful switch in my 20s and 30s and lost it as I had more and more trouble walking. So to compensate, I try to dress nicely when I’m in public and even at home. I never leave the house looking frumpy or disheveled.

It’s important to me that I look my best. Looking good is a wonderful boost to my confidence and my self-esteem, especially when I’m not feeling well.  Having MS, there are days that I don’t want to get out of bed, let alone get dress.  But I make myself get up, shower, do my hair and put on a nice outfit. Some days it takes longer than other days, but I do this every day.  This process can be exhausting to the point that I may spend the rest of day doing absolutely nothing, but I feel good that I got up and got dressed. My husband truly appreciates the effort and the compliments I receive about my appearance.

Looking fabulous doesn’t require expensive clothes.  All it requires is a willingness to give  some attention to your appearance.  Bathe.  Wash and style your hair.  Wear clothes that are flattering to your body type, yet comfortable.  Women, put on some lip gloss and mascara when you go out.  Feel and be pretty or handsome. It’s not that hard.   Yes, it may require some effort.  You may have to rest between task, but I guarantee you will feel better about yourself.  And feeling better about yourself might actually make you feel better physically.  So strive to be fabulous!