Glamour, good manners, neatness and beauty achieved through simplicity and discretion are the bases of elegance.
Elegance is a word belonging to the Spanish language that refers to that which is, or is, elegant. In the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) there is a second meaning, in this case linked to a beautiful way of expressing a thought.
As can be seen when analyzing both the theory and the applications that this concept has in daily life, it is a notion connected mainly with the universe of fashion , decoration , trends and aesthetic issues .
It is usually indicated that something or someone has elegance when that element or being adjusts to parameters of harmony , good taste and distinction .
Elegance over time
Over time, and on a global scale, the interpretation of elegance has evolved.
The customs and culture of each town influence this idea, but in all cases it is associated with sophistication , refinement and grace .
At one time, for example, as a demonstration of power and social superiority in the West , they opted for attractive clothing and accessories, giving space to huge wigs, ostentatious designs, glitter, shiny pieces of jewelry and fabrics of the highest quality.
With the period known as the Enlightenment, a simpler, more practical and useful concept of fashion arrived for men. With the outbreak of the French Revolution, the search for an elegance based on simplicity deepened. In that scenario, a political sympathy , inclination or identification began to be expressed through clothing and there were styles or looks that became representative of each side, movement or militancy. Those who fervently wanted to differentiate themselves from the aristocratic caste and royalty, for example, avoided haute couture even though, under the gaze of multitudes, this type of artisanal, exclusive and tailored textile creation was a guarantee of elegance .
The influence of the Londoner George Brummell in the Regency era also deserves special mention. This gentleman is described as a dandy who managed to transform himself into a great reference of good taste and fashion . For him, elegance encompassed an authentic, sober and discreet essence, as well as neatness and hygiene to achieve an impeccable appearance.
A distinguished hairstyle, subtle makeup and a designer dress in their case, and a tailored suit and neat appearance in their case, generally guarantee the elegance of the protagonists of a wedding.
What is meant by elegant
Being elegant encompasses much more than habits or clothing styles . There are those who describe elegance as a philosophy of life that transcends clothing or an image built on accessories, footwear and outfits .
If good manners are not cultivated or values and rules of courtesy are not implemented to behave appropriately in public, many people believe, there is no elegance possible. It is, in a way, an art that demands virtues to complement what is seen (that is, appearance or external grace) with examples of education , personal care , posture and inner beauty .
From the perspective of many people, money does not ensure elegance , but rather it is achieved with a correct aesthetic criterion added to the attitude with which one wears what one wears and the way one chooses to conduct oneself through life displaying one's inner wealth. .
Elegance can be reflected, for example, in the rigorous movements and sophisticated techniques of a classical dancer, as well as in the environments of a home. Regarding this last point, some choose to decorate their home with sculptures and paintings developed by talented artists, while lovers of vintage fashion choose to decorate with antiques and retro objects . Architecture , meanwhile, aspires to elegance through balance , visual aesthetics and minimalism .
Good dressing and elegance do not distinguish genders, ages or nationalities.
Tips to achieve elegance
Fashion experts and design specialists often take advantage of their participation in the media or disseminate content via the Web in order to provide advice on achieving elegance .
In everyday life, maintaining personal hygiene, having nails and hands in optimal condition, and choosing a look that is compatible with personality and comfort are enough to demonstrate class and distinction .
For special occasions (such as a gala evening or a professional meeting), business meetings or exclusive events , however, you must prepare well in advance and take care of even the smallest detail of the code or rules associated with dress. formal . It is always advisable to get advice on etiquette protocol to get the outfit right without sacrificing authenticity . Subtle makeup , fine footwear , an exquisite fragrance and a suit or gala dress never clash at celebrations or dates marked by luxury and exclusivity .
Showing respect , addressing others with a soft voice , enhancing femininity in the most natural way possible or behaving like a gentleman as appropriate in each case and trying to permanently have a distinguished bearing all contribute to elegance .