STYLE WITH ALLURE
The French usually say, ‘Les gouts et les couleurs ne se discutent pas ‘, which literally translates into, ‘Tastes and colors are never discussed’. In other words, they are optional and personal to each individual. Today, I shall be speaking of style in terms of clothing, accessories, and appearance, taking into account all genders.
The English adage, ‘Clothes make a man’ is superficially true, but not in context. I have observed that those who hinge on brands do so for either of 2 reasons: to be distinguishable socially, or to be identifiable because they lack the self-confidence to make a statement, but have the means to do so. The latter usually applies to the modern arrivistes lacking identity, culture, or background. Those are commonly referred to as nouveaux riches.
As individual as we are in terms of our tastes, we should be able to develop our own style hinging it more on age, physiognomy, and season, rather than on trends and brands that come and go, or what we admire in others. What is good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander! Thus, creating our own brand or ‘signature’ rather than validating a well-known trendy brand. Such a self-brand becomes synonymous with our personality and gives us a certain cachet — a certain individual ‘stamp’.
That is where the French terminology kicks in, ‘Habilleur’ i.e., ‘Dresser’. A ‘Dresser’ recommends a statement in the function of a person’s social profile. This includes age and physiognomy, without taking into account what the subject’s personal preference is for color, nor that which compliments his/her personality, making them more comfortable ‘in their skin’. Thereby, dominating their decision. By developing our individual style, we become unique and create our own legacy, which is alluring.
STYLE- A manner or procedure by which something is done. A fashion, method, technique.
ALLURE- Is the quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. A distinction, an appeal, attraction, or glamour.
The former is easy to adopt despite the continuously exhausting upcoming trends, while the latter is constant and classical, by maintaining one particular style through which one will always be identified.
There are 3 major elements that come into play in STYLE. They are:
COLOUR- One has either of 2 choices short of a Bohemian look. The monochrome is a single base
color in various tones and hues; or, the analogous is 2 or more contrasting yet
complimentary colors.
With one basic color, one can still create contrast through form and texture.
FORM- One must acknowledge one’s shape to start with, and then select that which hides our
flaws. It can never be one cut for all. A fitted suit for a slim and young person will not be suitable
for an older or larger person, for example. Fitted trousers may look good on a slim/athletic person,
but certainly not on a large or old person.
TEXTURE- Contrast is creative if done with taste. Several shades of one color may look ideal
on a discreet person. A large and vivacious person may require 2 or more complimentary colors.
Just as a subdued person may prefer wearing a monotone combination, and that is when textures
play a pivotal role.
Accessories are tricky! Usually, trendy and stylish are flashy and costly. The trendier they are, the faster they go out of fashion. Select the functional quality vs. price to suit your budget. When it comes to leather items, I usually stick to the basic colors: maroon, brown, black, or tan. I research Italian designs and go for bespoke or custom-ordered items. It serves a useful purpose and provides quality and durability. However, traditional brands like Asprey, Dunhill, etc., or the more accessibly-priced US brands, will offer both price, functionality, and quality.
I shall delve further into this subject of style over time, by demonstrating how a person’s demeanor influences his/her style and allure. This will further add to one’s captivating style, self-branding, or ‘seal’.
Sammy RNAJ — sammy.rnaj.writer@gmail.com
