The term elegance is culture related, time-related and most importantly person-specific, and the relevance of this can be seen as we travel along the Silk Route. As you climb the pathway that connects China to the Arabian peninsula, it doesn’t take long to realize one thing: through cultures, through the seasons, through starkly different landscapes, the term elegance is synonymous with modesty; Long, flowy, beautiful dresses like the Chinese Cheongsam to the modest maxi dresses like Jalabiya, they are all a sight to behold with their radiant colors and their rich textures and fabrics.
This observation isn’t just based on a wanderlust’s diary, rather, it is more often than not an observation that dressing elegantly helps achieve more in life. To be appropriate for any specified event is critical: you cannot dress in rags and expect to achieve something a CEO in a modest, tasteful gown would.
Another example relevant in the corporate world: During an interview, would you prefer a candidate that chose comfort and wore a pair of shorts, or a candidate that wore a tasteful shirt and tie?
All in all, modest yet elegant wear always slams dunks! There is no specific list of how to’s when it comes to dressing elegantly since it is person-specific, and more importantly, is subjected to the rise and all of the different trends. But here are some ways to come close to achieving the generally accepted trends of class and elegance:
1. The idea of minimalism has been a millennial favorite. We can see this with the revolution of fashion from the ’90s to the 21st century. Office parties looked like the VMA’s in the ’90s: low rise jeans, buttoned-down crop tops? They have no place in the Millenials look book. The hype is chic bold classic color blocks like the red, white and black, or graceful grey, beige, navy plum. Emerald green, champagne pink; but whatever color you choose, keep it flowy, bouffant, and sophisticated.
2. The same applies to jewelry: Keep it basic, with the same metals, no heavy ornaments and certainly no crazy trends! ( The SpongeBob Earrings are cute for a playground, not for an official event, sorry). Bronze and gold jewelry don’t go well with each other, and neither does and emerald goes well with a ruby. A great philosopher once said: Whenever you leave your house, always take one jewelry item off, because less is more.
3. Choose good quality fabrics. While common sense would dictate going less on fabric or choosing a more transparent fabric for summer lighter fabric at the expense of it being see-through, the opposite is advised. Though the prior might be comfortable, it comes at the price of coming off as undignified and tasteless.it isn’t always appealing to the eyes and may come off as raunchy and tasteless.
4. Never overdress for the event. You don't want to look like you didn’t get the memo. And try not to experiment with pattern-mixing, it's the type of risk that rarely gives any fruitful results.
5. Keep it classy, and modest. You don't want to show too much of your skin, neither too little. You want your clothes to be tailored to your size so they hug your silhouette but don't bulge your fats in all the wrong places, as dressing like this gets attention in all the wrong ways. The problem with dressing tacky is that it not only lowers your morale internally but in this capitalist consumerism-oriented world where fast fashion is a reality, being up to date on fashion trends at the office the parties isn't just an option, it's, in fact, a necessity.
As anyone who has watched Julia Roberts Pretty Women would know what difference attire can make, as she went from a person who wouldn't get waited on, to someone who was being offered help in the streets, all in one day. You don't need to splurge to look sensible, just use these tips and you will be safe.
And remember to look in the mirror and remind yourself that you don't need to overcompensate as you are the star of the show, and who you are is not what you wear, however, you can be a better version of yourself and feel your most confident with good styling tips.
