What it the classic elegant style about?

A woman wears a classic elegant style outfit: A turtleneck sweater with a trench coat over it

The classic elegant style is a type of classic style. Somehow it is still different from the classic style though. But what exactly is classic elegant style?

As a general rule, the classic general style emphasizes elegant and sophisticated looks and simplicity. Well-tailored pieces in neutral colors like navy or black define classic elegant style. Typical clothes are blazers, button-down shirts, pencil skirts, or shift dresses. 

This may define the classic elegant style but for a separation from the classic style and some more information, you should read on!

Introduction

The classic elegant style evolved similarly to the classic style in the early 20th century. Moreover, it always was and will be a type of classic style that is inspired by it but interprets it in a more elegant and sophisticated way. Generally speaking, it uses many clothes of normal classic style but adds some other, sometimes more formal features to it.

A key influence on the classic elegant style was the Art Deco movement which emerged from 1920 to 1930. The Art Deco movement is a type of design that emphasizes luxurious elements, functionality, and modernism at the time of the 1920s. 

Classic elegant style managed to combine luxurious items with functionalityminimalism, and modernity at that time.

A man sits on a block and wears classic elegant clothing: White chinos, dress shoes, a white button-down shirt and a blazer on top.
Source: Freepik/halayalex

Key features of classic elegant style

Now we will look at the key elements that make the classic elegant style unique as well as how to style it: 

  1. One of the most important things is the quality of the clothing. High-quality clothes are a must-have for this style. If your clothes have holes or something else in it, you will look sloppy.
  2. Another thing that will make this style look sloppy, is wrinkles or spots. Always try to keep your clothes smooth and clean
  1. The clean lines, this style lives off, are as essential as the neutral colors it portrays. Navy, black, white, beige, or grey are typical colors. If it gets warm during the summer, classic summer clothing incorporates more light colors. 
  2. As with almost any classic style, you will try to keep it simple. No extraordinary experiments or combinations should be done to look good with this style. 
  1. The clothes you will want to wear, typically tend to be timeless and versatile to combine them in many different ways. 
  2. Therefore, this style likes to lay an eye on proportion and fit. Not only clothes but also accessories should be tailored to create a good-looking outfit. 
  1. Speaking of accessories: The classic elegant style likes to accessorize with understated high-quality accessories. Things like gold- and silver jewelry as well as handbags, hats, or belts are typical for this style.
  2. Lastly, try to keep things rather formal. If you use them, use classic patterns like polka dots, houndstooth, or plaid to create a contrast.

These key elements make the classic elegant style how it is today. You will look great if you style them as a portrait in this paragraph. 

Difference between classic elegant and classic style

Even though, the two style have a lot in common, there are still some differences we will discuss now:

Classic elegant styleClassic style
Uses more modern and sophisticated piecesTends to focus on a more timeless approach
Focusses on simplicity and qualityFocusses on extravagance more but also on quality
Is the more formal styleCan be worn in a wide variety of settings
Uses more neutral colorsUses more vibrant colors
Empathises more natural elegant materialsEmpathises more luxurious materials
Uses understated accessories made from luxurious materialsUses more statement accessories
Overall, more minimalist and elegantOverall more opulent and theatrical

If you want to know more about different types of classic style, check out my article about it.

Different classic elegant clothing for men and women

There are some classic elegant clothes that both men and women can wear but mostly, they differ from each other. We will now look at some typical clothes for men and women. 

A man wears a forest green wool sweater and a polo shirt underneath. On top, he wears a blazer.
Source: Freepik

Men

For men, there are some typical clothes when it comes to this style. If you want to get a detailed look at a classic style for men, check out my article about it

  • Suits: A well-tailored suit in colors like navy or black is the perfect option. 
  • V-neck sweaters: A nice V-neck sweater in a neutral color will look great with this style.
  • Button-down shirt: If underneath a Blazer or as a top on its own, a button-down shirt will look great on you either way. 
  • Blazer: A blazer in a color like grey, navy, or black is a great piece of clothing to level up your style. 
  • Dress pants: If you want to look formal but don’t feel the need to wear a full-on suit, dress pants combined with a button-down or a T-shirt will be perfect.
  • Dress shoes: Similar to dress pants, these shoes can be worn with a suit but also on their own for a rather formal occasion. 
  • Loafers: Apart from dress shoes, loafers are a great shoe to wear for the classic elegant style. 
  • Trench coat: A classic trench coat is a great option for layering your clothes
  • Accessories: For accessories, watches, leather belts, pocket squares, and silk ties are a good option to complete an outfit. 

Women

For women, the typical clothes vary from the ones for men. If you want to know more about classic style for women, check out my article about it

A woman wears a suit in navy blue. She also holds a purse and looks classical.
Source: Freepik/marymarkevich
  • Black dress: A black dress has an elegant look to it and fits this aesthetic perfectly.
  • Blazers: Just as with men, blazers are a great way to layer and dress up your outfit.
  • Cashmere sweaters: A cashmere sweater will make you look elevated. Try to opt for neutral colors like, navy, black, beige, or white. 
  • Wrap dresses: If you don’t want to wear a black, rather tight dress, wrap dresses are a great alternative. 
  • Cardigans: A cardigan will make you look great. You can even wear a button-down shirt underneath it.
  • High-waisted pants: A pair of high-waisted pants can be combined perfectly with a cardigan or a sweater. 
  • Midi skirts: A midi skirt leaves you with a variety of different ways to style your outfit. It is a perfect choice for many outfits from casual to formal. 
  • Pumps: For elegant or formal occasions, pumps are great shoes that will make your outfit look bossy and sophisticated. 
  • Loafers or ballet flats: Loafers and ballet flats are great shoes for any occasion. They should match the outfit and shouldn’t stand out too much.
  • Sandals: Especially in the summer, sandals are a perfect addition to your classic elegant outfit. 

Classic elegant style in other areas

The classic elegant style may define a certain type of fashion but there is more to it than just that. You can find it in interior design and home décor as well. 

For the classic elegant interior design, neutral colors like white, cream, beige, or grey are typical. Moreover, it features high-quality and luxurious materials like wood, silk, or glass for its designs. 

As a referral to the antique, some elements contain ornaments and classic artwork to show sophistication and elegance. Overall, the classic elegant style in interior design emphasizes symmetryclean lines, and a room flooded with light. 

This picture shows a room with a classic elegant interior design. The dominating colors are white and brown/gold.
Source: Freepik

Complementing classic elegant interior design, classic elegant home design follows similar rules. Also, high-quality materials, a sense of symmetry, and neutral colors are typically featured in this home décor style. 

On top, fine art and accessories add a little something to the home décor as vases, paintings, or porcelain figures do. 

Summary

Overall, classic elegant style can not only be found in the fashion industry but in many other aesthetic elements of life. The fashion aspect focuses on elegant and sophisticated but more formal looks. No matter if man or a woman, with the classic elegant style you can surely put together great, timeless outfits. 

If you found this article helpful or want to give me some inspiration for another blog post, don’t hesitate to write me a comment down below.

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