7 Investments for an Elegant Lifestyle

“Elegance is the only beauty that never fades.”  Audrey Hepburn.

“Elegance.”  It’s a word we hear and see a lot.  It is usually connected to phrases like “elegant fashion,” “elegant excellent,” and for the title’s sake, “elegant lifestyle.”  Why is it that, and why should we even consider incorporating it into our lifestyle?  There are so many things that are of necessity in shaping our lives to what we envision.  There are finances, education, career, and social decorum.  Adding another element to our lifestyle may seem restrictive. Afterall, isn’t being elegant boring?

Maybe not?  It may be posed that this addition can help us create a life that is as beautiful as we want.

Elegance is more than a lifestyle and a way to please onlookers.  It’s a way of life.  While elegance is classy and refined, it extends to a specific attitude, life standard, and appreciation for quality, authenticity, and dignity, which truly makes elegance beautiful.  It is the surest way to upgrade your life.  So, if you are looking for a transformation through elegance, here are a few investments to consider for an elegant lifestyle.

Etiquette class or finishing school.  Do you think this is outdated?  Here me out for a moment.  More and more young business-minded individuals and entrepreneurs are taking the time to enroll in classes, schools and institutions of the like.  In the business world and high social settings, the knowledge gained from these institutions is still important.  They also serve as an additional distinguisher of character.  The value in these classes and courses are immeasurable.  The basic premise for enrolling in such courses is being publicly respectful and polite to others and one’s self.  There’s nothing wrong with knowing how to correctly set a table.  It keeps you from drinking out of the wrong glass.

While modern society may be progressing quickly with evolving social norms and advancing in technology, the business environment is slowly coming along, and traditional values are still maintained in various social circuits.  Furthermore, large businesses based in traditions or heavily influenced by cultural practices, value possessing basic etiquette, manners, and awareness of social decorum.  This does not even touch on those societal cliques and classes where a clear distinction in behavior and values or standards can be observed.

There is an appreciation for tradition and refinement that sets a person apart from the rest.  In this respect, one may consider elegance as the highest form of consideration for others and self.  This is a beneficial outcome of embracing elegance in one’s lifestyle.

Personal style.  Unfortunately, most people receive their first impressions from how we look.  This societal habit requires us to manage our appearance appropriately.  So, we must dress how we want to be addressed.  

Does this mean we should dress based on what people will think of us?  Not at all. 

How one dresses is viewed as a form of self-expression.  Keeping this in mind, you do not have to restrict yourself to traditional styles.  Dress, foremost, in what is comfortable for you and allows you to express yourself beautifully and respectfully.  When you dress in this way, you feel good and at the same time look presentable, which will leave a good impression.  Consider it in this manner:  Your body is a temple how are you adorning it?  If you would like to express elegance, dress in a timeless, sophisticated manner and, of course, feel free to make it your own.  That’s what personal style is all about.

Health and beauty.  Feel as good on the inside as you do on the outside.  Beauty begins within, so if you are not taking care of your health, it doesn’t matter how much you bake your face, you’ll walk out your front door looking like a baked potato. 

Develop an exercise routine.  Keep up with annual physicals.  Regularly schedule beauty appointments such as facials, hair removal, manicures and pedicures.  If we want to consider mental health care, regularly take monthly personal days, talk to trusted friends and family members, journal, or take a retreat.  These are just suggestions and I would only recommend including activities or appointments that do not inhibit your normal lifestyle.  Also, it is important for me to note, if you feel the need for professional help it is always beneficial, either way, to pursue.

Travel.  While luxury travel is wonderful and I do recommend it for maintaining an elegant lifestyle, do more than that.  There is more to travel than that nice poolside bar.  You cannot truly experience the world around you only through luxury travel, so you must get down to earth. Travel like a local. Travel for enlightenment.  Travel for exposure.  Traveling is a sure way to expand one’s global view, learn on a curve and become cultured.

Knowledge.   Currently, knowledge is a valuable market item and it’s important to grow and enhance it.  For some this means getting certifications and degrees or apprenticeships and coaches.  For others, this may mean the University of YouTube, the ever-faithful “trial-and-error,” and self-teaching.  Whatever it is, a wise person understands that they do not know everything, and life is a journey of learning and continuous improvement.  Continually grow, harness, and refine your knowledge.

Classic jewelry items and accessories.  Costume jewelry is great for a time, but it goes in and out of style and does not last.  Most importantly, it does not have value, in fact, its value decreases after purchase.  You ought to make valuable purchases and like with your clothes, experiences and education, jewelry and accessories should be no different.  Invest in classic items that will last a lifetime, save you money in the long run and can be passed down through the family.  I particularly, encourage investing in jewelry because those are precious items that do not lose value.  In fact, depending on what you purchase, the value may increase.  Heaven forbid something might happen; jewelry can also be used on rainy day since its value is more stable than paper money.

Home décor.  You come home or to a dwelling place every day.  Such a place is sacred and, in a way, intimate.  It’s a personal space that reveals characteristics about the person who lives there.  It is important to make your home a beautiful, welcoming, and refreshing space.  Be mindful of small details like throw pillows and accent chairs.  Set the atmosphere with candles.  Bring life into rooms with indoor plants.  Look for ways to achieve balance. Add thoughtful touches and most importantly show you.  If you decorate your home with things you love and in a style you like, visitors are sure to see you in your home.