Reclaiming Elegance in a Very Casual World

Faith and Femininity
Mar 12
6 min read

In today's fast-paced and relaxed culture, where sneakers, hoodies, pajamas, and leggings have become wardrobe staples, the notion of elegance often feels so far fetched. It kind of makes you sad because people don't even try anymore. Even doing one's hair seems so out of reach. This idea, that it doesn't matter how you look is so absurd and lazy at it's core.

Extreme casual attire dominates streets, businesses, and social events, leaving many wondering if elegance has been relegated to the annals of history. However, that couldn't be further from the truth. As someone who loves fashion, modesty, elegance, class, and is a certified Image Consultant their is some good news. I'm a firm believer that personal style will aways and should always trump trends. We have the capability of wearing what we want within reason.

There is nothing stopping you from dressing like the elegant woman you want to emulate. You can also do this by being comfortable and practical as well without looking like you just rolled out of bed. This post dives into how to embrace elegance in a casual world, offering practical tips and insights that will inspire you to have a renewed appreciation for sophistication in our everyday lives.

Understanding Elegance

Elegance, is supposed to embody grace, simplicity, and a timeless quality that transcends trends and time. I'm not sure how or why we ended up with the mentality that it is so old school that it's not even worth embracing anymore. Why is anything that is considered old school and traditional such a crime? Elegance is not solely reserved for a specific time period, formal events, or high-fashion settings. It can be seamlessly integrated into daily habits, reflecting personal style and attitude. There is no crime in being polite and soft spoken. It's not a crime to be well mannered and to have proper etiquette. It is not a crime to embrace being feminine.

Many people confuse elegance with opulence, limiting its accessibility. In reality, elegance is more about how we present ourselves through our poise, confidence, and authenticity. It’s about making intentional choices in our wardrobe and overall appearance that convey thoughtfulness and respect for ourselves and those around us.

A Shift in Perspective

As society moves towards a more casual and classless approach, there’s an opportunity to adopt a new perspective on elegance. Instead of fearing the loss of formality, we can embrace it and not be afraid and to stand out from the crowd. Ask yourselves, is this really the crowd you want to be accepted by? If the answer is yes, then their is something seriously wrong because we shouldn’t spend our time caring what other people think. If the answer is no, then what is stopping you from embracing elegance and femininity?

Let's start reclaiming elegance in this casual world. If this means you have to be more creative with your wardrobe and think more on how to elevate everyday outfits and moments, transforming the mundane into something special then so be it. It will be worth it in the end because not only will you look better but you will fell better about yourself.

Indeed, a casual outfit can embody elegance when considered and thought out. For instance, pairing high-quality fabrics with minimalist silhouettes can create a refined look even in a relaxed setting. For instance, Audrey Hepburn who was known for her fashion and elegance dressed very casual on a regular basis. Many of her casual outfits usually consisted of a polo, slacks, and an ascot. Her style was know for its elegance, simplicity, polished, and sophistication.

The reality is that while clothes may seem like a small part of it, it's also how you represent yourself while wearing them. Clothes become a bigger issue because they are an overall representation of who you are and even where your beliefs align. Many women might say they are Christian or conservative but if they were in fact Christian or conservative they would dress with modesty and grace. When you keep your wardrobe simple and elegant it becomes a small part. The rest depends on how you represent yourself by the way you act and treat others.

Emphasizing Quality Over Quantity

In a world filled with fast fashion, elegance finds its roots in authenticity and quality. Investing in timeless pieces made from high-quality materials can significantly enhance your wardrobe. Look for fabrics that breathe well, age gracefully, and maintain their shape over time. You also make sure to read labels to know how to take care of the items in order to preserve the item itself.

When curating a casual wardrobe, focus on a few staple pieces that can easily be mixed and matched. Items such as a tailored blazer, a beautiful blouse, a classic pair of pants, pencil skirts or a little black or navy blue dress that can easily be transitioned from day to night, proving that elegance can co-exist with comfort.

The Power of Subtle Details

Details are where your elegance will truly shine. It’s not always the outfit that speaks of elegance, but rather the thoughtful embellishments that will also speak volumes. Consider incorporating accessories such as:

Jewelry: A simple pair of earrings or a delicate necklace can elevate an outfit without overwhelming it.
Stylish Footwear: Shoes can make or break a look. Try a pair of elegant flats or low-heeled shoes that provide comfort without sacrificing style. You can also stick with normal height heels that you can walk in. Don't go for the ridiculous five inches. That is not elegant at all.
Well-chosen Fabrics: Rich textures and sophisticated colors, especially colors that suit you. As I've mentioned in previous articles a color analysis will change everything. You will save more time and money only buying colors that actually look good on you as oppose to colors that look terrible on you and make you look washed out.

Simple tweaks like these can transform a basic ensemble into something visually stunning, therefore, demonstrating that true elegance lies in the details.

Proper Grooming

No elegant appearance is complete without proper grooming. Taking a few moments each day to attend to personal care can significantly impact how one is perceived. This doesn’t have to mean elaborate and expensive routines; even simple steps like a fresh haircut, maintaining clean nails, or a bit of natural makeup can convey elegance.

Always have your hair and nails done. I don't you have to spend hours and so much money on both. However, a simple blowout or an extra 10 minutes on curling your hair even if it simple loose curls they will still exude an elegant look. When it comes to having your nails done you can paint them and stick to elegant colors or you can keep them short and unpolished. However, you should buff them, file them, and shine them. Then top off with a clear top coat. Having your hair and nails done goes along way.

Additionally, presenting a well-groomed appearance is a form of self-respect and an implicit message of regard for others. Being presentable—even in a casual setting—reflects a thoughtful approach to life.

Confidence and Etiquette are Essential

Confidence also plays a critical role in this equation. When one feels good about themselves, it naturally translates into how they carry themselves and relate to others. Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back. However, elegance is not just about clothes; it’s about the way you present yourself to the world. While you shouldn't care what people think that doesn't mean you shouldn't be polite, kind, or respectful towards others. You should treat people the way you would want to be treated. You should have respect for the place you work in, the venue you are in, and the occasion you are dressed for.

To cultivate confidence, and elegance embrace your personal style by choosing outfits that resonate with who you are. When you wear clothing that feels authentic, it reflects in your posture, attitude, and demeanor, making you appear more elegant.

Creating an Occasion for Elegance

To truly reclaim elegance in a casual world, one must find the right context by setting an example. Certain occasions provide unique opportunities to showcase elegance, even in casual settings. Why not create one yourself and set the trend for your peers?

Consider hosting an intimate gathering where you encourage guests to dress with a hint of elegance. You could choose to host an elegant brunch or picnic, where guests wear their favorite dressy-casual outfits. Inviting them to embrace elegance in a relaxed environment fosters a collective appreciation for sophistication and they may follow in your footsteps. Let's normalize being positive trendsetters.

Conclusion

Redefining elegance in a very casual world begins with the understanding that elegance is not an exclusive concept. It is not a concept that only a certain group of people can incorporate. It’s all about the choices we make, the details we consider, and the mindset we cultivate. By reclaiming this idea of elegance, we not only enrich our own lives but inspire those around us.

As we move forward, let us embrace the elegance that exists within the surrounding casualness, allowing it to shine brightly through our choices. In doing so, we honor ourselves and those we share our lives with, contributing to a culture that values both sophistication and comfort.