Unflattering lines are usually the cause of frumpiness, I think. Clothes do not have to be straight up and down, even at our age - we've all got an outline, for goodness sake! And I think that calf-length-anything (trousers included) can look frumpy, especially with flat shoes - unless of course you've got the height and legs for it. I haven't got either, so I don't wear calf-length-anything, ever. I also wish older women wouldn't resort to wearing calf-length pleated skirts, either. I've made a pact with myself that I will never go down that line and that my skirt/dress length will always be a flattering one for me.
Dulciana - I totally agree re calf length pleated skirts
However, we're all different.
On or just below the knee skirts look truly awful on me.
(Well, I feel they do, I feel a bit mutton dressed as........)
But, loose flowing mid calf skirts do work and I feel good.
Elegant, is the comment I've received, unbidden, honest