Anybody out there feeling kind of frumpy? 🙋♀️ Me, me… anybody?

Yeah, I get it. We’ve all had those days where you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror—or worse, in a random photo someone tags you in—and think: “Wait… when did I start looking like this? Is it my age? Do I need to lose 10 pounds? Should I throw out my entire closet?!”

Cue the dramatic inner monologue:

Starting tomorrow, I’m eating salmon and asparagus, drinking nothing but water, exercising my booty off… or maybe I’ll just buy a whole new wardrobe… or maybe… surgery?! 😳

Okay, deep breath. None of that is the answer. (Well, unless you really love asparagus. In which case, go for it.)

Here’s the truth: it’s not about dropping a paycheck on new clothes, and it’s definitely not about punishing yourself into a workout frenzy. It’s about styling the pieces you already own in a way that makes you feel powerful, polished, and yes—un-frumpy.

And the secret? 🥁 The Rule of Thirds.

What’s the Rule of Thirds (and why does it matter)?

Photographers, artists, and designers use it all the time: if you divide an image into three sections, the eye is naturally drawn to the 1/3 and 2/3 lines. It’s more pleasing, more flattering, more balanced.

And guess what? Your outfit works the same way.

When you dress in a way that highlights your body in thirds (instead of cutting yourself in half), the result is instantly more stylish, more flattering, and way less frumpy. The waist—yep, even if you think you don’t have one—is one of the most flattering places to draw attention.

“But Ada… I don’t want to highlight my tummy.”

I hear you. Loud and clear. A lot of women tell me the same thing:

• “I don’t really have a waist.”

• “My middle is the part I like least.”

• “I just want to wear a loose top and hide everything.”

Here’s the thing: you can work with your body without squeezing it into something uncomfortable. It’s about illusion, proportion, and distraction (in the best way).

Easy Anti-Frumpy Tricks to Try Today:

• Half-tuck your shirt → instantly breaks up your silhouette and gives you shape.
  

• Add a belt (my favorite trick 😉) → creates a waistline where you want it.
  
  

• Layer with a cropped jacket, cardigan, or vest → adds that “third piece” and draws the eye up.
  
  

• Try a peplum top → no waist? No problem. The top makes one for you.
  
  

• Use prints or color blocking → strategically placed patterns can visually carve out a waistline.
  
  

• Go high-waisted → pants or skirts that rise above your hips make your legs look longer and your shape more defined.
  
  

• Play with accessories → a long necklace or pendant directs the eye to your best spot.
  
  
  

Here’s your homework:

Go experiment. Pull a few pieces from your closet and try one (or all!) of the tricks above. Stand in front of the mirror, snap a selfie, or ask someone to take a quick pic—because sometimes the camera shows what the mirror doesn’t.

And please, please remember: this isn’t about having a “perfect” body. It’s about styling the body you have right now in a way that makes you feel confident, seen, and a little more like your best self.

Because you don’t need a new wardrobe. You don’t need a new diet. You just need a few styling secrets—and now you’ve got them. 😉

Ready to feel powerful (and zero percent frumpy)?

Start with one accessory that changes everything.

 Discover ADA belts

...and see how easy it is to create your confidence closet.