“If you are sad, add more lipstick and attack” – Coco Chanel
When a woman has everything to flaunt but chooses not to – that’s the real definition of class. She knows her worth and won’t stand for being downgraded. Every compliment she receives will be graced with a “Thank you”, and every critique will be cut down in its root – with a smart comment and a calm tone. This woman doesn’t create drama, watches her tone and is in control of her mannerism. She is graceful in all her ways.
A word
The 21st century has brought about a new type of woman – the one who bares it all calling it “feminism”, i.e. “her right to show her body the way she wants it”. And while this freedom of choice holds some water, it has downgraded women’s worth, portraying them “easy”, “trashy” and “cheap”.
The way to fight the labels is to stay true to timeless codes of being classy; let’s just go back to Elizabeth Taylor, Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Thulin, Janet Leigh, Marilyn Monroe, Vera Miles, Bette Davis, Natalie Wood and many other phenomenal divas of the 60s whose style and sense of elegance still serve as primary inspiration for all things chic. Unlike the naked fashion of today, theirs was based on anelegantly-cover-it-up policy that tempted more and downgraded less, justifying their later-pinned diva titles in every sense of the word.
To quote Elie Saab, elegance is a statement, an attitude. Elegant women are women of character with confidence. If you feel you are this woman, we’re breaking down some of the key aspects of staying classy yet channeling your sexy side at the same time.
Bear with us…
Stay clothed
While baring it all – from the midriff to cleavage and legs (all at the same time) – may be 21st century women’s attempt to express their independence and body confidence, be the type of woman who expresses her value and self-belief by working hard and landing business successes instead of stripping herself naked for statement.
To be classy and elegant, it’s always better to show just one part of the body – whether it be legs, shoulders, cleavage – it’s irrelevant. As long you make just one part of your body a “naked” focal point, you are on the safe side. Leaving something to the imagination can go a long way.
Love your body
Often, following trends atall costs makes us make some very questionable style choices that are disproportional to our shape and size, and therefore look absolutely ridiculous.
Embrace your body shape and learn to work it to your best advantage. Every body shape has a suggested way to dress, so do a little exploring and find the style that would match your figure. That’s the first step to avoiding being labeled “cheap”.
Create balanced looks
Putting together outfits that focus on one sexy area is key to looking phenomenal. As we’ve mentioned previously, it’s all about the right proportions and emphasizing only one segment of the body.
You can create visual interest by revealing your legs while covering the upper body area, and vice versa – show off your bustier but cover up the legs.
An above-the-knees skirt paired with a classy turtleneck, an overcoat and smart shoes is just enough. Or, wearing cocktail dresses in interesting materials/patterns (lace, silk, chiffon, polyester…) that follow the line of the body will create a beautiful silhouette but still keep you looking chic and elegant. Add a blazer over, and you’ll look even more stylish.
Further, you can never go wrong with a little black dress, paired with a statement necklace/pair of earrings and good shoes.
Mind your makeup
Ruining your gorgeous face with impropriate makeup is a safe way to disaster. Too many bold colors in one place simply don’t work (blue+red, green+orange, blue+(hot) pink… and other similar variants); opt for earthy colors and “no makeup makeup” looks for a face that oozes style and elegance. Keep things sexy by emphasizing just one facial segment. For instance, if you want to go with bold lips, choose a neutral eye shadow. If you want to emphasize the eyes – opt for a nude shade on the lips. It’s all about the balance.
Never exaggerate with makeup application; keep things poise and they’ll remember the woman behind that makeup – not the makeup alone.
You are a diamond, dear… so, act (and dress) like one.
P.S : This is a guest post
