You would never wear clothes that were dirty or torn. So why do so many people wear shoes that are scuffed and run down at the heels? Such a simple thing – looking better, and having shoes last longer too.
And of course polished has a larger meaning – attention to detail, and a certain “finish” about one’s appearance.
Quiet, to me, means not screaming for attention. Recently, I saw someone in a blouse which combined leopard print, paisley, flowers and appliqued rhinestones. Trying too hard…
Relaxed is not synonymous with sloppy, or slouchy, or messy. I think relaxed means being comfortable in what you’re wearing – both physically and mentally. And being able to move around without hindrance helps a lot; avoid the awkward shoe or the skirt that needs constant adjustment.
An absence of clutter, or extraneous ornamentation, or zippers that don’t unzip and buttons that don’t unbutton. If someone has to study what you’re wearing in order to figure out what’s going on, you may want to scale things back a bit.
I agree with everything but I have to take exception to buttons that don't unbutton. Buttons can be very decorative!
Ah, duly noted. Something that's intended as ornamentation is always acceptable!
thanks for helping me remember that,
Janice
Along with scuffed shoes and worn down heels, I would like to add chipped nail polish. I have seen several online tutorials where the person had very chipped nail polish – how tacky, especially if you are showing your hands in a video. Just remove it if you don't want to fix it!
Great choice of words! I agree with them, particularly simple. I'm not crazy with having extraneous ornamentation. They just look so tacky to me, even a tiny pocket on t-shirts. Ugh!
You know, I agree with you, Janice, except when I don't. I already tend to dress this way – and will keep these "alphabet tips" handy to remind me of what makes me uncomfortable in clothing/shoes. And I expect many of your readers already aspire to dress this way as well.
However, I worked with a lovely woman who was the exact opposite of quiet, relaxed or simple – she was polished. And somehow, she always looked just right – for her. I didn't aspire to dress the way she did – too much going on – too many ruffles, too many buttons, too much hair, but it suited her to a "t" and she always looked like herself and comfortable dans sa peau!
Ah, she's the perfect exception to all rules! If you're dressed exactly like YOURSELF, then you make your own rules. Thanks for helping us remember what's really most important – being our own unique and glorious selves.
Janice – thank you for making the time to both write this increidble blog and then to respond to your readers' comments/wishes.
You are always gracious and positive – I admire your blog, and your ability to respond so well.
Very nice. Wise, well thought out, thought provoking and inspirational. I agree with all of it. Combined they could be considered another way of saying "elegant" (my current sartorial goal). That understated, effortless look of refinement…
Your sense of style has inspired me to complete my look, after decades of trying. I've been able to streamline my wardrobe to one that finally suits me. Until I discovered your blog I had closets bursting with clothes but nothing to wear. I now have far fewer items that mix well together. I feel great every day and I'm so grateful that you are available to so many.
Yup, I'm with you on those ones. I've recently started ironing viscose t shirts. It's a pain, but they look so much better than how they used to be i.e. crumpled from being washed and dried on the line. I'm now trying to avoid buying viscose as it's so prone to creasing and I don't love ironing.
It's quite difficult to find easy care clothing. So much of it creases, need hand washing etc. Long live polyester!
Would you be so kind to tell us more about "a certain "finish" about one's appearance"? It can be images before and after "finishing", to be clear what that actually means. Thanks Janice for all your work!