the essential guide to elegant style
“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.” – Audrey Hepburn. Well said Audrey, and if there is anyone out there who can break down elegance for us, it’s her! Elegance is a bit of a balancing act, isn’t it? We want grace, not stuffiness. We want inclusivity, not exclusivity. But sometimes the two get a bit muddied and it’s hard to navigate. What is a quick way to bring elegance into your life? Through the majesty of fashion, of course! Here are some quick tips about how to achieve The Elegant Wardrobe.
Shop My Elegant Essentials
Timeless silhouettes vs. Trendy items
Don’t get me wrong, did I lust after the Bottega Chain Pouch when it came out? Yes of course (who didn’t) but there is an argument to be made about choosing pieces that will last your lifetime. It will A. Be much less expensive and B. Be better for the planet in the long-run if you choose pieces that aren’t too seasonal. A timeless silhouette is ageless and can often be dressed-up or down with the switch of a pair of shoes. So not only are you looking effortlessly chic, but you are saving money, time and the planet. Not a bad argument for elegant style, right?
Shop My Elegant Summer Fragrances
SCENT
OK so this one isn’t distinctly fashion related, but I think it plays a role in the overall aesthetic of your elegant look. Nothing is more elegant than having your own scent that is effortlessly you. There are certain detergents that you can use for your clothing that I really can’t get enough of like Lenor Outdoorable fills your entire wardrobe with the most beautiful scent and I love AERIN Mediterranean Honeysuckle In Bloom perfume, especially for this time of year. It’s one of the first things people notice about you, and it sets the tone.
The queen famously drank from her finger bowl after seeing one of her foreign guests drink from it accidentally, thinking that it was part of their meal. She wanted to make him feel comfortable, and not embarrassed by the social blunder. That, my friends, is class and grace. Elegance is about making other people feel at ease, and this is something I always strive for in my business and social life.
What are your top tips for an elegant wardrobe? I’d love to know your take on it so let me know in the comments below.
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Hosting a very special breakfast for my girls in honour of @princestrust and @thebrilliantbreakfast to raise money to help young women turn their lives around through work, education and training. A donation of £5 can enable a woman to simply travel to an interview which could go on to change her life forever so I would absolutely love it if you would join me in hosting your own Brilliant Breakfast between the 9th and 15th October, whether it’s simply coffee with a close friend, or encouraging your entire office to get involved, the funds raised will go towards helping young women, aged 11-30 create better futures for themselves.
And thank you to my angel @hello.petal.flowers for giving her time and creative flare to bring my vision for the breakfast to life, of course you don’t have to go with florals like me, but if that’s something you enjoy this is the perfect opportunity to throw a lovely breakfast with your girlfriends with a cause that will help so many other women, front and centre!
Ad Because being old fashioned is always fashionable
Such an honour to drive to @goodwoodrevival with the @astonmartin team in the iconic DB5 to celebrate 110 years of the brand and 60 years of the DB5.
Outfit
Dress @dior
Hat @aavelleofficial
Gloves @cornelia_james
Jewellery @garrard
Ad I felt like a princess and I know my caption should probably be more cool than that but then 10 year old in me wins every time.
Thank you so much @secretspauk @beautypie @officialntas @bellepr_ @milla
@nickandrewsphoto @lensaction
Ad Blush dreams at the National Television Awards with @secretspauk wearing @milla such a wonderful evening!
Ad a dream come true few days in Norfolk & Stamford with the @fairfaxandfavor team meeting so many of you and immersing myself in the beautiful brand. Full video is on my YouTube
Wearing
The Beatrice blazer, Buckingham bag and Molton belt all from @fairfaxandfavor
Paid partnership
The oldest English retailer of fragrance and still to this day is family owned. The @florislondon flagship on Jermyn Street was a real treat to experience recently. I purchased their Together Fragrance Customisation as a double gift for both Ali and I. I gave my overall thoughts on the experience in a recent YouTube video but overall we would highly reccomend! It was an incredible experience and I will continue to repurchase my custom fragrance for many years to come no doubt.
A simple thank you and a quick question.
What do you use to steam your clothes? I need an alternative to always taking out the big iron and board 😀
Lydia, I am So IMPRESSED with your YEST for Improvement and Continual Growth in you Career Endeavors! I am 56 years of age and I follow you on ALL of your Sites, especially your Vlogs. I just lost my Little Guy(HENRY James) on Dec.14th who was 15 and 5wks old and I love watching not only yours and Ali’s
Like you, I prefer neutrals, muted tones, black or white, as opposed to brights. My top tips for an elegant wardrobe would be to buy into good quality classics. Silhouettes are important, as are fabrications – steer clear of polyester!
Warmest wishes, Adele x
Timeless silhouettes are everything! You are right x
Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Aren’t they just! x
As always, I am speechless. Lydia, you are glowing and you look absolutely stunning! That Zimmerann dress looks beautiful and more beautiful on you. When I see a piece I like, I always ask the same question: does this come in beige, taupe or cream? I find a neutral wardrobe to be perfect for every occasion and getting dressed is easier even though we never really have anything to wear. lol As for scents, I fell in love with a brand called Oakcha. They’re extremely inexpensive, but they are luxurious and long lasting. This was such a wonderful read! x
Darianne | http://www.romancealacreme.com
You are so so kind Darianne, thank you for your positivity! I will have to check out that brand x
Thanks alot you inspire me alot , I am 45 and I thanks for all your content , I will try to runn and have your green Juice, I always change like you my deco and in love with my mini green house in my kitchen .you made my winter lovely Thanks alot !!
Thank you so much Valeria! x