Fighting the Frump

Haha, I have to say, that when I am pregnant, I get soooooooo many compliments on my clothes. Because they are new and stylish. While my normal clothes are ridiculously outdated!

I get my clothes at Old Navy or Kohls. I find both to be really reasonably priced and you can always find a sale!

Consider a new hair style.
If the only time you have for make up is a few minutes.. just use eye liner and mascara.. Maybe a lip glass..

Find some cute flats (get 2 different pair) they do not have to be expensive, but get those tennis shoes off your feet.. Tennis shoes are a mom give away every time..

Honestly I buy most of my clothes second hand. You wont' find a cartfull every time you go, and you may have to dig through a LOT of stuff, but I have gotten more compliments on things I have purchased second hand than on things I purchased brand new. And the best part is, it's super cheap! I purchased 6 walmart sized bags of clothes and shoes for my two daughters, myself and my spouse for less than $70 a few weeks ago. And it all looked brand new.

what's important is that clothes fit you properly.. stylish or not, if they don't fit... then they just don't look good..
you can get some pretty decent jeans these days at old navy that don't cost a bundle.. not sure what your body type is.. but cute jeans, and blouse with a button down sweater (as oppose to hoodie) look more dressed up..
also, I agree with the flat idea... nowadays, with those, you can wear without socks and when it's cold, wear some tights... plus, with all the variety in tights these days... wear the flats, tights, skirt .. it's simple. .but put together..
also, throw on a bracelet or earrings..a cute haircut always helps..
you being 28.. you can get away with a lot in terms of style..
with those skinny jeans, you can wear a longer blouse and add a belt..
it needn't cost a fortune... get interchangeable looks.. a fitted jacket can be worn with jeans and or a cute skirt.. even a wrap dress can be fun.. with a cute pair of boots or flats and even heels..

I love fashion bug, you can get great deals and cool looking clothes. Also try consignment shops

I usually will find a style or manufacture taht I like that fits will and then shop online to save time and money. If you have a little time try Marshalls. You can throw on clothes and a little makeup to avoid the frumpy look - and as another post said - hair makes a huge difference. Go for simple hair and simple makeup - but a little brown or grey smude of eyeshadow around the outside corners of your eyes, mascara and blush / lip gloss can make a huge difference and will take about 4 minutes.

I really love New York & Co's clothes. I only go there when I have a coupon in hand (they send out their "City Cash" passes for deals like $25 off $75 purchase) and I am usually able to find some great things in their clearance section. They also often do buy-on-get-one sales on their pants. They have amazing pants and really cute tops. You will certainly look age-appropriate if you get your clothes there.

I have been loosing weight myself and looking for some "New" clothes for me. Along with that - I took a drastic change to my hair -from a toss my hair into a scrunchie messed up bun to the A-line style cut. I chopped of 10 inches off my hair this summer and I have gotten so many compliments on my hair - it gave me a boost of confidence and small price to change too. I needed to do something to hair because I felt it was dragging me down to frumpy mode. I do a lot of shopping at JC Penney's with their coupons and my sister works at a department store so she buys some of my clothes too. ;)

try a thrift store and outlets.. good luck..

I shop a lot at forever 21. I love their clothes and their prices (especially their fabulous find section!) I also love target! (I use to work there and had a hard time not spending my whole paycheck there!) I love american eagle Jeggings. however my fav place to shop on a budget is plato's closet. they are a used clothing store that only buys recent fashions. I can get two huge bags of clothes for under $70. I have to dress nice or I feel really depressed about how I look.

I usually shop at J C Penney for new clothes (because I have a store card and work in an office with a dress code), Target (affordable and I like their tops), or Kohls if someone gives me a gift card (sometimes for Mother's Day, Christmas, or my birthday). Check out local consignment shops, too. I have been finding some cute and affordable maternity items on ebay, so that is also an option for gently used clothing on a budget. (You could also sell things that you have "undergrown" that are nice to fund your new wardrobe.) I am 27 and find that the Misses departments usually have clothing that is appropriate and stylish at the same time. If you find a few fits and styles that are really flattering, stick with those. If you are breastfeeding, though, wait a bit before buying too many shirts. I dropped too many sizes in the year after I had my younger son and it seemed as soon as I replaced everything I had to do it all over again. (And then when I weaned, some things were still too baggy.)

Just to try not to feel frumpy, I recommend finding at least one or two pairs of jeans you love (you can get them cheap--I also LOVE jeans from Victoria's Secret. Depending on your figure they are very flattering and can get to clearance prices around $20). Keep a few basic t-shirts that are also slightly fitted (not trashy) and cute (Target is great for this because you can get them on sale for anywhere from $4 to $10 and they are fun and relaxed). Get a pair or two of flats for weekends and errands at least. I avoid wearing my husband's clothes because that will instantly make me feel nasty. So, stick to a few basics that fit your budget and gradually expand as you can afford it.