“Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money.” – Christian Dior.
Do you think stylish women have some special secrets that make them “stylish”? Why some women manage to look effortlessly chic, no matter the occasion or the weather?
No doubts, money makes it easier to be stylish. However – “It is not money that makes you well dressed: it is understanding.” – Christian Dior. Is it really so?
If you have all the money in the world what would you wear? Let’s remember the images of two fashion icons of all time which did have money.
Two style icons of all times
Audrey Hepburn
Photo of Audrey Hepburn by Bud Fraker
A fashion icon and female screen legend, Audrey Hepburn was known to the world not only for her exceptional beauty, but also for her elegance and excellent taste, graceful movements, smile, friendly facial expression and “beauty of the soul” that was noticeable without makeup.
Brilliant Audrey knew how to choose and wear the simplest clothes to look like a queen. Her fashion style was sophisticated simplicity. The character she created in the famous “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is considered one of the best-known in American cinema, and a defining role for Hepburn. The dress she wears during the opening credits has been considered an icon of the twentieth century, and perhaps the most famous “little black dress” of all time. The dress was designed by couturier Hubert de Givenchy and “Givenchy” became Audrey’s favourite brand.
Audrey Hepburn’s outfits were (and still are) the epitome of style and elegance. Beside her “little black dress”, her other timeless looks were:
- Head scarf + turtleneck + straight pants + socks with loafers
- Hoop earrings + long sleeve shirt + button-up
- Striped sweater + strait pants + loafers
- Classic trench + pants + ballet flats
Hepburn typically chose black, white, and beige. These three colors don’t go out-of-style and can work in most occasions. Hepburn also wore pink for a splash of vibrancy and to emphasize the darker shades of her eyes and hair.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Mrs. Kennedy in the Diplomatic Reception Room, 05 December 1961 White House, Diplomatic Reception Room
Jacqueline Kennedy, wife of the 35th US President John F. Kennedy, became a global fashion icon during her husband’s presidency. She was a Frenchwoman and went down in history primarily for her impeccable taste and elegance. In 1961, during a visit to France, the press called Jacqueline “Her Majesty Elegance.”
Jacqueline wore very simple things that became her signature style: a box hat that emphasized the beauty of her face and luxurious hair, dresses with an open collar, and earrings that lengthened the neck. She disliked prints and loved “terribly simple, covered-up clothes” giving special preference to pale pink.
Jacqueline preferred French couture, particularly the work of Chanel, Balenciaga, and Givenchy, which are considered classics of elegance.
“Don’t buy much but make sure that what you buy is good.” – Christian Dior.
During the day, the president’s wife wore clothes with large buttons, in the evening she attached a bow to her belt or shoulder on a simple dress. Her favorite street outfits were a beret, a simple woolen coat, and jewelry without stones. A string of pearls, a bow and gloves became the Jacqueline Kennedy’s hallmarks.
When Jacqueline Kennedy became Onassis, she began to wear straight pants with sweaters and T-shirts, and she was still considered a stylish woman.
10 Fashion secrets of stylish women
1
Stylish women take care of their things.
They keep their closets organized and their clothing in good condition. No missing buttons or dirty shoes.
2
Stylish women plan outfits the night before.
They know that in the morning rush last minute scrambles are often the death of style.
3
Stylish women keep an eye on the weather forecast.
They show up and dress up according to the weather. There’s nothing worse than ending up too hot, or too cold, or drenched!
4
Stylish women don’t fixate on fashion trends
“Fashion fades, style is eternal,” said Yves Saint Laurent. Stylish women know the latest fashion trends but they also know the trends come and go quickly, whereas style is something that is enduring. Coco Chanel’s pantsuits and Audrey Hepburn’s “little black dress” are classic examples.
5
Stylish women focus on fit and comfort
What’s the use of beautiful shoes if they are too tight?
6
Stylish women avoid inappropriate age or event oufits
If at your “over forty” you still prefer the Lolita’s outfit then you will not cause anything but pity in those around you. If you are not sure, choose a good role model for yourself, such as Kate Middleton or Meryl Streep.
7
Stylish women always have an “emergency” outfit
What are you going to wear if you are in doubt, if the weather or your mood have changed, or if you are just late for any reason?
8
Stylish women accessorize wisely
“The detail is as important as the essential is. When it is inadequate, it destroys the whole outfit.” – Christian Dior
9
Stylish women take the time to groom
Head to toe, but especially hair and nails. That is something that everyone notices and something that can ruin your entire outlook.
10
Stylish women shop strategically
“Don’t buy much but make sure that what you buy is good.” – Christian Dior