Is Elegance Boring?

This is a major misconception. People have an image of elegance as haughty or simply being boring. Many look back at history to reference what elegance is. Certainly, women and men today do not behave like that anymore. As a society, people are changing into a more casual street-wear style. However, this does not mean elegance can not adapt to the modern world. Elegance isn't just for my beloved ladies out there. Gentlemen have got to step it up a notch too. The most immediate assumption is that if you are elegant, you must be old-fashioned. No! There are multiple ways of expressing both your elegance and personality.

So then, what is elegance? Elegance is an aura of self-respect you send to others; it's about the way you talk, your body language, your personality, and your physical appearance.

Let me first touch on physical appearance, since that is the first thing someone notices. 1. You do not need to dress extremely conservatively. Now, my ladies, do not get it twisted, there is a difference between sexy and elegant. And sexy can go onto borderline trashy. In this world, there are plenty of sexy women with their pouty Kim K lips, long falsies and skin-tight dresses. This type of woman will incite unwanted attention under the assumption that you are easy and/or desperate (not a good look on anyone.) For my gentlemen, the first step to being elegant is looking well. Grooming and hygiene are a priority. There is no other way around it. You must show that you respect yourself before you can expect others to in the past few decades, the street-wear style marks this era. Men wear baggy sweatpants and beanies. As a young person, I know that E-boys are the ongoing trend for teenagers and, possibly, young adults. But, is hanging giant silver or gold chains around your neck and waist really elegant? Listen up gentlemen, I'll put it out plain and simple: elegance does not come from this type of "swag." This style intimidates others and drives them away; it's not charismatic. For example, baggy sweatpants that hang low display a sense of apathy and do not earn you any respect whatsoever. Similar to how a woman can turn from sexy to unsophisticated, a man can easily turn swag into gaudy as well. In other words, elegance is a rarity, so treasure it.

Now onto personality: 2. You do not need to be stiff or cold (or BORING). There are many negative connotations to what an elegant personality is. Society has evolved and allowed women and men to have more flamboyant, outspoken personalities. You do not need to be Miss/Mr. Goody Two-Shoes to have elegance; let this become an integral part of your elegance. Instead, I would encourage you to refine yourself by removing bad habits that do not benefit your image. The whole objective is to let your personality flourish, not suffocate the basis of yourself. This is your magnetism! Educate yourself so that you can hold an interesting conversation with almost anybody. The worst type is what I like to call the "Baby, Don't Talk" person. These people may appear gorgeously graceful, but once they open their mouths, their image comes crashing down. The physical appearance makes you noticeable, while your unique personality makes the surrounding people stay.

Also, something you should know is that elegance is not perfection. Like anything in life, we strive to be perfect, but it is totally fine if you slip up. Some people believe that elegant people follow a strict etiquette protocol and God have mercy if they mess up and are labeled as classless. You have to understand that these protocols were made to show consideration towards others and not built as a cage. Nevertheless, by understanding etiquette, you will feel more comfortable and confident in showing your personality in a refined area (ladies and gentlemen, think of etiquette as a skill), because you are respecting yourself.

My beloved ladies and gentlemen, the final takeaway from this blog is that elegance should be sustainable; it's a lifestyle rather than a temporary show. The main goal here is to bolster your self-esteem and know your self-worth. Elegance is not associated with socioeconomic status, race or gender. All you need to do is to amend the details that are holding you back. Then, you can empower and elevate yourself.

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