Carolyn Byssette Kennedy
According to Wikipedia:
“Elegance is the attribute of being unusually effective and simple. It is frequently used as a standard of tastefulness, particularly in the areas of visual design, decoration, the sciences, and the aesthetics of mathematics. Elegant things exhibit refined grace and dignified propriety.”
Elegance is such a positive term. When I hear a friend describe someone as elegant, my eyes dart to look at what this woman is wearing to be granted such an elite compliment. Given the allure of elegance, let’s ponder what it is and the common misconceptions around it. And so we are all on the same page, our focus is elegance in fashion.
A woman who masters an elegant look, is one step ahead because elegance adds another dimension to the overall look.
When it comes to fashion the are the 3 common myths about elegance.
Myth 1 – A woman must be beautiful to be elegant.
Reality - Not necessarily…Many beautiful women are not elegant. Elegance is similar to style, it is what you choose to wear. Although many elegant women are beautiful, beauty is not a prerequisite for elegance. Clean lines, discipline, and an eye to create simple looks are.
Myth 2 - To look elegant you must buy expensive pieces.
Reality – Elegance is not about how much you spend. It is about editing pieces that we wear to come together in a clean, simple, and often architectural look. To create an elegant look, mix inexpensive pieces with high-end pieces and look to create . Each piece must compliment the other and contribute to an overall look.
Myth 3 - To look elegant one must dress up.
Reality – Elegance is not specific to an occasion, it is balancing pieces to come together to have clean lines, subtlety. It can be created whether you are going to the office, opera, or wearing a pair of jeans. There is chic elegance, casual elegance, and dress-up elegance.
Myth 4 – Elegance is only about the clothes you wear.
Reality - Elegance is about a whole package – good posture, intelligent eyes, gracefully wearing your clothes.
Here are a few looks from the iconic women who mastered elegance with flying colors.
Jane Birkin
Jackie O – Dressed Up
For more on elegant looks inspirations, check out Jane Birkin and Gwyneth Paltrow.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This is such a wonderful post. It is a great reminder of what makes women, well women. Thanks for sharing!
Deepa
great post! i’d add that you don’t have to be “born” elegant, you can always cultivate your own sense of elegance