In her book on ELEGANCE, Kathleen Tessaro describes many different elements of elegance, coming closer and closer to the essence of the meaning of the word.
The most interesting points for me were her following observations:
Elegance is more art than science.
It is impossible to copy - it is unique.
Fashion does not equal elegance.
For an individual to be elegant may require that he or she decides against conforming to fashion dictates, deciding to develop their own taste, style and form of expression, instead.
Fashion may indeed be the opposite of elegance. True elegance easily lives on when fashion has come and gone.
As Kathleen puts it:
"Fitting in is for school-girls. Being different is not a crime, but an asset."
Discretion is the cornerstone of elegance - a discerning spirit that decides swiftly, precisely and wisely.
And sometimes wise decisions are based on learning from our worst mistakes.
Ultimately, elegance means naturally being your true self right now.
Not following the latest fashion, nor ascetically simplifying your life to death.
But being your very best you - right now.