Once in a while, I wake up and feel like putting on my “fat pants” and sweatshirt and call it a day. I imagine we all have these days… When I have those days, I end up dressing extra well and looking extra good, because I imagine running into my godmother Dominique in that “fat pants” outfit. And I imagine her disapproving look. After all, she is the one who taught me so much about style… Here are my favorite style and grooming lessons from her, the ones I cherish and refer to on a daily basis.
- Perfect manners are the most elegant accessory any woman can have.
- Great posture gives any woman class, elegance and a slimmer look.
- Leaving things to the imagination is more elegant than putting it all out there. Think backless dresses rather than low-cut dresses.
- There is no excuse for imperfect grooming.
- Nails (hands): The most elegant nail length is short; the most elegant shape is a slightly square oval; the most elegant polish color is clear; and there is nothing French about a “French manicure.”
- Feet: take care of them daily with a good moisturizer in the evening; but no socks in bed, please.
- Groomed eyebrows make any face look more elegant; overly-groomed eyebrows will age you.
- Don’t save your jewelry for special occasions. Wear your diamonds, pearls, chunky necklaces to celebrate the fact that it is Tuesday.
- You always look more elegant holding a champagne glass than a beer mug or a shot glass.
- You never look elegant smoking (no matter that Audrey Hepburn might disagree).
- You never sound elegant swearing.
- Drink water. Lots of it. Ideally, Contrex.
- It’s hard to look elegant in cheap fabrics. It is much easier to look (and feel) elegant in fabrics such as linen or cashmere. Buy less, but better quality.
- It’s hard to look elegant in an outfit that doesn’t fit; fit is everything; find (and be kind to) a seamstress you love.
- Elegance is not about trendy outfits; it’s about finding styles, shapes, fabrics and colors that work for you and sticking to those.
- If you find the perfect pair of pants, buy three.
- If you find the perfect pair of heels, buy two.
- On the shoe note, don’t walk around in heels that need TLC or shoes that need polishing.
- Pay attention to your weight and don’t let pounds creep up on you.
- It is always elegant to smile and be kind.