Elegant fashion, well 'Style' itself, has never really been just about the outward dressing. The appearance of Elegance in the Fashion World, that began with the natural decorum of inner grace, or in the very least, it has always perpetually made one appear as though they have it.
So what is it really then, what is elegant fashion. What has made it become so overwhelmingly embraced by every fashion admirer, and what had made it earn its place in the circles of genteel and classic beauty. It is for sure, undeniably a dress code with a strong celebration of femininity. Yet it goes on to give that femininity a posture adorned with a sense of demure but unapologetic attitude of exquisite class! All the while adding a timeless quality, to its beauty.
So, when I started writing on this topic, I struggled for a while, trying to find the best short phrase, or sentence to define it. I had to in the end, give in to the fact that, to try and define Elegant Fashion, using a short phrase or sentence just wasn't going to cut it. I came to the understanding that such a way to define it, would be undercutting the true value of it.
In a manner of speaking it would be like taking a beautiful abstract painting, then try to describe it to someone who is blindfolded. In the end when that blindfold does fall away, whatever description you may have been given them, will seem, somewhat, disappointingly flat, in comparison to the painting itself.
So, when I delved into this subject, I surmised that, it is better looking at it from different angles :- i) the journey through becoming an admirer of Elegant Fashion, to ii) searching and shopping for Elegant Fashion, then, iii) becoming a wearer of it.
Looking at it from all these angles, I learnt that it is a journey of unparalleled fashion experience, and therefore in writing about it, I must also look at it from all such perceptions.
i) The admirer of Elegant Fashion:
So, let us begin here, first with the person observing elegant Fashion on the street for example, the admirer of elegant Fashion. To this observer, Elegant fashion, from the first instance encapsulates immediate thought provoking elements of both class and beauty! Elements of quality, and originality, in relation to the fashion ensemble itself (what the person is wearing).
It has the effect of having the observer view the wearer's dress as smart, unique, inventive, and simply put just, beautiful. The effect would never be any less whether one is viewing the outfit on a mannequin, or hanging on a shop carousel.
If there is such a thing as fashion etiquette, then Elegant Fashion is at the epitome of it. As it is a style that has earned so much universal acceptance as being beautiful, across many cultures. All of them together appreciating the various styles, dress and decorum emanating from Elegant Fashion across centuries, from different traditional dress.
From just this so far, One can truly say, it is simply a timeless style whose beauty defies the ins and outs of fashion trends, overcoming the aging of the decades.
Although it has taken different forms and shapes from the historic decades, with different designs from different cultures and over changing times, Elegant Fashion is a style of fashion ensemble which universally ensnares each observer with the same appreciation: it stuns them every single time with its classic beauty.
Elegant Fashion is thus to an observer, a style which has an embodiment of sophistication though endowed with gracefulness, leaving a stamp of seemingly effortless lasting beauty that is simply classic and reflects an unforgiving touch of luxury.
Whilst to the one who adorns it, Elegant Fashion is the living experience of wearing that very embodiment. Let's move onto the next angle of defining Elegant Fashion.
ii) The Search & Shopping for Elegant Fashion:
What then, can one be on the look out for in looking to shop for Elegant Fashion.
To embrace the floweriness of words, Elegant Fashion, can be an ensemble of clothing which reverberates, quality, originality, the vibrancy of colors and luxury of textures in fabrics, or other materials. On the one hand it is the clever and imaginative contrast of these elements which creates a harmony. On the other, it is a design of style so ingenious, yes (clever, original, inventive), that even when presented in its simpleness still embodies the ability to stop any observer in their steps, or thoughts. Creating an unforgettable pleasure to the senses of admiration.
This is simply what to look out for when searching to shop for Elegant Fashion.
What to Buy:
When it comes to the clothes what sets them apart as elegant? What to wear that is elegant in fashion?. It is not easy not to go broad on this one.
It is in the textures, colors, a full attire, or even a separate piece which when added to an outfit, manages to suddenly up-class and up-style it. But what of the 'textures', well these would be in the fabrics for example,
Genuine Leather
Leather is undeniably known not only for durability, it epitomizes class, and style. Adding a leather handbag, jacket, skirt, dress, or pants (leggings) - in the right design, will add that touch of class, flatter as well as up-style any attire.
You can dress up Leather to be as versatile and classy as to fit almost any occasion. Whilst its clothing might be dictated to by the weather, the leather handbag on one hand will fit anywhere, any season, any occasion.
Leather in exciting or contrast color, in a flattering style can be used to off-set a dull looking wardrobe. Making it a must have in many closets. Its textures hard or soft textures, which invoke a feel of romanticism in luxury for both the one wearing them and the observer.
What leather brings from its texture, any reveal of a beautiful classic design or combination of pieces, of clothing, shoes and tote bags, other materials and textures embracing the qualities discussed above create not just elegant fashion, but an elegant looking woman.
Accessories and makeup
Accessories can make or break the flow of a style for an outfit. There is classic beauty which can be added by a soft thin neck chain, classic cut ring on the finger, or bracelet. With that pearls have taken the crown of glory on accessories.
The trick with accessories is not to over endow. At times less is more in making your elegant fashion statement. Your accessories, are to complete the look, whereas the simple statement on the makeup is that it is to complement, not overpower and take away from the look.
Style and Combination
What then makes for an elegant woman? Many they have described her as being naturally in part - a woman that dresses elegantly, though not necessarily that being the only item to point out. Many, in a nutshell, emphasize her poise, and mannerisms, smartness, which echo closely to what we have described above on Elegant Fashion - gracefulness, an air of originality and class, perhaps the seemingly portrayal at first glance of some air of politeness, etiquette about them. All this being accentuated by the style and combination of classic style in their choice of colors, textures, design of their fashion ensembles.
iii) Becoming a Wearer of Elegant Fashion:
Elegant fashion, it is such a subject of such splendid fascination that many aspire to living it, but, the sense of creating it, or putting together a fashion ensemble that is of elegant fashion, does not always come naturally to everyone.
So what can one do, if they love seeing those who dress elegantly but are not sure where to begin when shopping for themselves?
It pays to look for help, from past examples who spring to mind as wearers of and have become synonymous with the definition of elegant fashion. The likes of Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn for instance.
It was not that they re-designed fashion per say, they just seemed to naturally put together a fashion ensemble which showcased, class, beauty, quality, originality, inventiveness, which inexplicably surpassed, out-classed what looking beautiful and good fashion might have been envisaged to be. They created fashion ensembles which brought about the stop and stare - the wow factor.
Summation:
I believe Vivien Lauren, should dedicate separate articles in the future to these fashion idols. For it is from them we have learnt that Elegance does not lose its freshness or ability to pleasantly surprise, no matter how many times or how many women replicate it.
That is the one secret of elegant fashion. It is not necessarily governed by trend which wears out, elegance, is style, it outlasts the trends, and is quite simply timeless.
In its visual aspect, elegant fashion creates a lasting impression to the observer. To the wearer, in the very least, it is that same impression which marks the beginning of experiencing it.
Whilst this piece's focus is on defining what is Elegant Fashion, follow the Vivien Lauren's World of Fashionistas, for an even deeper look from an article to follow, on Elegant Fashion - What to wear.
Vivien Lauren is a Fashion Brand, whose designer's focus is to both empower and liberate women in the confidence of affordable luxury, class which is embodied in Elegant Fashion. Our products are handcrafted using craftsmanship handed down over generations. Any growth of the Vivien Lauren brand whilst creating and availing luxury elegant fashion for the woman of any culture, or walk of life, supports the communities of these talented craftsman.
To shop Vivien Lauren Fashion, visit us on www.vivienlauren.co.uk
This article on What is Elegant Fashion, was written for Vivien Lauren by Chloe.
Vivien Lauren. Proud To Style.