Looking for something easy to read on the beach this summer?
“When comfort becomes an end in itself, it is the Public Enemy Number One of elegance.” pg 32.
‘A Guide to Elegance‘ was published in 1964 and this is reflected in some of the authors views  (a bit old fashioned some might say) in light of more modern fashion trends today.
Nevertheless, many of the driving principles of an elegant outlook are still true today – but perhaps more of a rarity amongst the majority.
You may not agree with every little thing the author says, but I think you’ll be hard pressed not to find something in this book that is useful, worth considering, or a principle you already know to be true.
A key theme that stands out in this book: that old chestnut ‘quality over quantity’.
Good quality capsule pieces that can be mixed/matched and accessorised automatically make you appear more well put together. If money is very tight and this is difficult to achieve, it is still a good principle to strive for – choose one key capsule piece to start saving up for (a quality coat, bag, well fitted skirt, etc ) and build your capsule wardrobe slowly.
‘A Guide To Elegance‘ made me smile, not because it was funny, (well actually some of the advice and opinions ‘seem’ a little funny to hear in this day and age just because political correctness and feminism have done a grand job of blowing these sentiments out of the window) but because it really brings home how little regard many of us give to ‘elegance’ these days; though it isn’t really something you think of consciously – instead it is a byproduct of how you groom, present and carry yourself.
When we see elegance we know it, because it is so rare and impressive, leaving a lasting impression behind.
This book is very easy to read, with short chapters divided into handy subsections, and quite nice if you commute as you don’t feel like you’re losing your thread when you keep stopping and starting.
Excerpts from ‘A Guide to Elegance‘
Tilly travel
Oooops, I spotted myself here, 24 hours comfort 52 weeks of the year, I am trainer lady 😀 I will admit to longing for the days when women wore hats and gloves and heels, but lets face it it’s just not practical any more. I do however still ‘dress’ for weddings and funerals and hate when I go to these things and see people in jeans and jumpers/Tee shirts. It just yells no respect to me.
Cherryl
Thanks for reading – most women opt for comfort over heels, but I’m still hanging on there with the heel minority lol. I think you get used to a style and stick with it, I love the comfort of trainers but I feel my best in heels and a skirts. Comfort is definitely leading the way though – but like you I think occasions demand a smarter effort (not lazy jeans and tshirt). x Thanks for reading.
Philip Underwood
Great blog!
Cherryl
Thanks for taking a look 😊
deniellenicol
Oh this seems like something I would def get a lot of enjoyment from reading! Fingers crossed Dxx
Cherryl
It is an interesting read – but this isn’t the book up for grabs on the tweet – it’s widely available on Amazon though 😊📖 , thanks for your entry, fingers crossed!
Karen Richards
I think elegance is looking your best while dressing for yourself, being comfortable in your clothes and knowing what suits you. Carrying yourself in a certain way with confidence but above all having good manners.
Cherryl
Ahh yes, good manners, the icing on the cake 👌
Caroline Signey (@Cazhow33)
I think every lady needs to be able to be elegant at certain points in her life
Cherryl
Couldn’t agree more Caroline 😉 whether we like it or not, the way we present ourselves will affect how others feel and behave towards us.
Susan Williams
Elegance is the knack of understatement carried out with panache.
Cherryl
Very well put, I definitely agree that simplicity plays a big part 😊
Kevin Minihane
I like elegance with their big flappy ears and trunk, sorry that’s elephants. Elegance is when we look right and feel good inside
Cherryl
Elegance is generally a more aesthetic quality as opposed to feelings on the inside – though an elegant dress for example, might make a woman feel more graceful, feminine etc and behave differently as a result of how it makes her feel 😊
Allan Wilson
I think I would be in either the good books or the bad books if I got this for the other half 🙂
Cherryl
Tread carefully…..we don’t want her to think you’re saying she’s not elegant enough!! Maybe buy it and say you won it in a prize draw instead 😉
Empress2976 (@Empress2976)
love a good book to read on a beach holiday!
Catherine Thomas
Not the most elegant 🙂 Looks like a fabby read
Cherryl
It definitely an interesting read 😊
clairew137
I think I need this!
Kirsty Hosty
This sounds wonderful I believe every person have some sort of Elegance within them
Cherryl
100% agree with you – sometimes its just the little things.
janine atkin
i have never been very elegent! i need this book in my life
Cherryl
Awwww, I’m sure that’s not true!! This book might inspire something new though x
Judith Hamilton
Was people watching from a cafe the other day and noticed an older lady (my age!) the other day who was not particularly attractive but was dressed so well though simply with a smart handbag that she stood out from everyone else passing by.
Cherryl
I know what you mean, it’s like admiring a piece of art, that’s the power of dressing well, it can make someone far more attractive to us than they might be – otherwise 😊
isis1981uk
I am pretty much the opposite of ‘elegance’ and it’s not something I’ve ever aspired to – it’s not something men are encouraged to be!
Cherryl
That’s true, I guess it’s a different sort of ‘elegance’ or ‘dapper/suave’ equivalent style for men.
Annabel Greaves
I think elegance comes from within, it is not how they dress or how much they may earn but how they behave and respect others
Cherryl
Yes, e.g. good manners are better than a good outfit.
Ruth Harwood
not really very fashionable, but I try to dress smart and thoughtfully 🙂
Cherryl
I think that’s the key – how you put things together – fashion comes and goes – style is forever.
diveandshine
I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while, as I’ve wanted to incorporate a bit more elegance into not only my wardrobe, but my life! Thank you for the little preview. 😉
Cherryl
I’m sure you will, once you develop an eye and taste for elegance you won’t be satisfied with anything else! x
ksfinblog
I take comfort over fashion everyday 😊
Cherryl
I think most people probably agree, lol