Today I thought I would do an extension on my previous Elegant Value post. Our clothes are only part of the picture when it comes to our elegant style. We certainly need to maintain a level of personal grooming to achieve an elegant look. But we are going to look at some of the fun things first – accessories!
Types of Accessories
I think we can all think of a list of accessories – earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, hair pieces, hats, belts, shoes, bags, watches and scarves. But sometimes we need pick the ones we wear carefully. Little ones can really wreak havoc with fine chains and dangly earrings. Here are some sturdier options if you need them:
Necklaces – a colourful scarf or a choker with a press stud or velcro fastening
Earrings – colourful studs
Bracelets – solid bangles
All of the above have a better chance of withstanding tugging with minimal damage.
Wearing Your Pieces
You can either choose your accessories to go with your outfit or choose your outfit to go with your accessories! Whichever way you do it, think about the colours in your clothes. Are you wearing a bright print? Make the print the statement and keep your accessories as the supporting cast. You have chosen a solid coloured dress? Feel free to add a pair of statement earrings or a brightly coloured scarf. The key is to have something as the focus hero. It could be a dress, a statement necklace, a fabulous scarf or a pair of chandelier earrings. Too many heroes is confusing and not an elegant way to wear your accessories!
High Quality Look
No, I don’t mean you need to sew your own clothes. (Though if you can, that is a wonderful talent!) But whatever you wear should always be wrinkle free, with no loose threads or fastenings. If you see a loose button or a hem coming undone, plan to fix it before you wear it again. You can have the most expensive silk dress paired with a gorgeous diamond necklace. But if it is wrinkled, stained or has loose threads, it can ruin the entire look. We are all busy but any problems are best taken care of sooner than later.
Elegant Grooming
Our last but certainly not least finishing touch is grooming. Grooming is very important as part of looking our elegant best. But, it looks different for everyone. Some women prefer a full face of make up, others lipstick and mascara. Other women prefer to not wear any at all. Some like brightly polished or wrapped nails; some only wear a French manicure. Many women enjoy giving themselves a blow dry or curling their hair. On the other hand, some like to wear a neat bun or a perky ponytail.
It doesn’t really matter your preference. What matters is your grooming is done. Untidy nails and messy hair do not match a beautiful outfit and gorgeous accessories. Neat and clean are the minimum. If your stage of life allows you a little extra time, great! Add some make up or try a new hairstyle. But if you don’t have that time, aim for neatly shaped nails, clean tidy hair and a shower.
If you read my post on My Pet Peeve, you might remember that the essence was all about moms feeling guilty for doing basic personal care. We all have responsibilities, but neglecting our basic self care shouldn’t be part of them. Taking a few minutes a day to do our hair neatly is important. Having a shower is important. We are showing our kids the importance of cleanliness and a tidy appearance.
In summary, have fun playing with some elegant accessories! But don’t forgot the important basics – well maintained clothes and groomed hair, skin and nails. We can have the best outfit but it won’t look elegant if the basics are neglected.
