Living Elegantly: Even If You Don’t Have Much Money

When I think of living elegantly, three women come to mind: Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis, and Audrey Hepburn. Of course one might say that it was their wealth that attributed to their elegance. Maybe in part. They certainly could afford the nicer things in life. However I would argue that the essence of their elegance wasn’t just the beautiful clothes they wore and their obvious outer beauty, but more from their beauty within. It was how they carried themselves. It was also their style, portraying themselves as tasteful and lady-like with poise and grace. With Grace Kelly, you saw her elegance in how she walked across a room.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had a soft voice with an accent like she just left finishing school.

Audrey Hepburn handled every situation she was in with tact, charm, and finesse.  

Elegance Is A Lost Art Form

I consider elegance a lost art form. When I was much younger, I flew to San Francisco frequently to peruse the shops on Union Square and the Business District. I recall seeing women in gorgeous suits and fancy hats, carrying themselves with poise and grace, shopping for the latest fashions. In fact, I even joined in with my high heels and faux mink coat. You would never see that in today’s age. I also remember the fancy evening attire and diamond and pearls worn by some women at the gaming tables and the entertainment shows in Las Vegas during the 70’s. Times sure have changed. Hundred and fifty-dollar designer jeans, Jimmy Choo’s, and little self-control are what you see in this day and age. Times certainly have changed.

How to Live An Elegant Lifestyle

This is definitely a different time, but elegance still has its place. Elegance is defined as  the quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner. You don’t need to be wealthy or even have a modest income to live elegantly. Furthermore, Living elegantly can be done on a shoestring budget. Here are some things you can do to live an elegant lifestyle. 

• Choose quality over quantity
• Carry yourself well. Have confidence in who you are.
• Display good table manners, Slurping your drink or raking in a mountain of food does not illustrate elegance.
• Savor each meal. Enjoy it with a lovely bottle of wine, Treat yourself to a fine restaurant.
• Keep your nails well-manicured.
• Cut out all slang and curse words from your vocabulary.
• Learn French.
• Ditch the electronics at the dinner table.
• Send written personal notes on pretty scented stationery.
• Maintain a good beauty regimen.
• Exercise regularly
• Cultivate self-care rituals, such as journaling, bubble baths, foot soaks.
• Maintain good posture.
• Live purposefully and passionately.
• Place vases of fresh flowers and books throughout your home.
• Put your hair in an up-do.
• No need to buy an entire new wardrobe. Invest in a few staple pieces. You can also build an entire outfit around just one expensive piece. Use jewelry to accessorize.
• Keep your composure in public. 
• Fragrance lingers, not just on clothes, but in the memories of people. Find your own signature fragrance. 
• Appreciate the beauty of life
• Love yourself
• Develop a taste for the “finer things”, such as good food, classy romantic music.
• Become financially free.
• Keep clutter in check.
• Avoid colors that are harsh.
• Invest in your education.
• Travel as much as you can and also become versed in different cultures.
• Be authentic.

The Benefits of Living An Elegant Lifestyle

The benefits of living elegantly, and these are just a few, are that it allows you to respond to life on your own terms. It commands respect from others. It also opens you up to the beauty all around you. There may never be another Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy, or Audrey Hepburn, as a matter of fact, I cannot think of anyone currently that aspires to their image of grace and poise. If you can think of someone, please post below. I would love to add them to the list. However, it is possible to strive for an elegant way of living. Elegance is timeless and definitely has a place in today’s woman. 

You might also want to check out The Elegant Woman blog.  This blog is noteworthy. The woman who authors it lives in Singapore and writes about all things elegant. She certainly has written a lot about the topic.

(Featured top image credit: Photo by Pexels.com under the Pexels.com license).