One of my favorite coffee table reads is The Little Dictionary of Fashion by Christian Dior. It’s an adorable tiny mauve book with simple black type face that takes you through the ABCs of fashion as told by Dior. It’s sweet and short and packed with sage advice for the modern woman. It’s message? Haute Couture is not just for the wealthy - it’s about elegance and the rules of fashion. So read on for my top five favorite pieces of advice for living elegantly from Christian Dior.
O N E: Good Planning is Very Necessary to Good Dressing.
I’ve mentioned before how I plan my outfits out about a week ahead of time and how it saves me hours in the morning when getting ready. My planning comes from not being a morning person, but I think there is something to be said about someone who puts careful consideration into their outfits. The whole idea of a power suit or “power look” isn’t just a myth. You feel better in certain outfits. Now just imagine if we all took that mindful approach to dressing every day.
T W O: A Good Dress is First of All, a Well Fitted Dress.
I cannot speak enough to the power of good tailoring. Let’s face it, we aren’t all Kate Middleton who can have clothes made just for us. But what else does Kate have? An amazing tailor. So even when she wears a $50 ASOS dress, it still looks amazing because it fits her so well.
T H R E E: Elegance Must be the Right Combination of Distinction, Naturalness, Care and Simplicity.
Dior’s message is powerful - the key to elegance lies within the person not within their pocketbooks. His point most emphasized? Care. Care for your clothes, care in choosing them, care for your appearance, care for yourself.
F O U R: Individuality Will Always Be One of the Conditions of Real Elegance.
I love the emphasis Dior puts on truly knowing yourself as a key to obtaining elegance. The book discusses at length the importance of studying yourself and knowing what colors, lines and looks emphasize your best features. He also cautions avoiding trends, especially if they are not flattering for your appearance. Only wear what suits you and your personality.
F I V E: You Can Dress to Suit Yourself - and Therefore Your Age - But This Does Not Mean You have to Wear Clothes that Make You Look Old.
This is one of my favorite pieces of Dior’s advice. We live in a culture obsessed with youth and youthful appearances; however I think nothing is more elegant that a person who can successfully act and dress their age. Alternatively, a personal gripe of mine is someone who ages themselves in their demeanor, act, and dress. Can’t we all just agree to embrace our age [[and ourselves]]?
