"Style is a personal thing, yet good taste with one's style is like having proper etiquette. It takes education and affects those around you in a positive and harmonious way."
-Amber Szűcs
For me, the foundation of great style is good taste. However, the tricky part of having good taste is this -- you're either born with it or you cultivate it with proper education. Most people need to cultivate it. Good taste, throughout history has been the social armor of the aristocrat. Those with the oldest money. However, today, where the less cultivated masses have trumped those with these family backgrounds (in the media and in popular culture at least), you have to merge the two worlds to some degree to look up to date.
The look of the Kardashian's and a lot of pop-culture Hollywood and European celebrities is what we call "nouveau-riche." Throughout history, this has not been considered a compliment. It's like country singer and actress, Dolly Parton once said, "It takes a lot of money to look this cheap." Those at the very top look down on this style/lifestyle. Most often, if you give a person, who comes from a humble or poor background, suddenly a lot of money -- this is how they would put themselves together -- overdoing it. Too much jewelry, flashy clothes, too many logos, too much makeup, long fake nails, two-inch eyelashes, overdoing sexy, super trendy, etc. It's the uneducated person's version of looking wealthy. Anything overdone or terribly conspicuous is considered bad taste.
The look of the British Royal family is a good example of the style of Old Money. It's very well put together, expensive but discreet in day-to-day duties. However, it doesn't always look up to date and often appears a bit boring, lacking sex appeal. Yet having too much sex appeal in one's clothing style as a royal would be highly inappropriate.
What is the best style? Is there such a thing?
Absolutely! There are styles that are better than others. For me, the best version/style is a place in between (old money/aristocratic and new money/pop culture). A style that merges a foundation of good taste that is also up to date and a little sexy, but not vulgar. There is an important distinction between the two. Many women (and men) do not understand the difference. Overdoing sexy, overplaying the sex card in one's style is absolutely vulgar and creates a very inexpensive look. Also, it is not very chic if one looks too done up or slick. It can look very 1980's.
What trends should I avoid?
For women who want to look chic, expensive and affluent, do not wear obvious-looking fake eyelashes or long nails. Both are terrible. The glue in the eyelashes is toxic and damages your natural lashes, and the same for your nails. Save your money! You're also spending money unnecessarily to make yourself look less expensive to those you may want to impress!
Avoid any trends that will be out of style in a season. Choose classic pieces that have fashion longevity for 5-10 years. This also saves money. To spice up your look, you can add a little color here and there, a fun pattern etc. but wearing a head-to-toe trend will often make you stand out, but not in a good way.
How can I create chic looks on a budget?
I am a believer in less is more and keeping one's carbon footprint low. So, I purposely don't have a large closet and make well thought out choices on what I purchase. Again, keep a foundation of classic, high-quality pieces (natural fabrics, well made, etc.) and add color and flair with a few clothing items and accessories -- jewelry, scarves, a handbag, belt and shoes. If hot pink is the new trend -- do not buy an entire hot pink suit with matching hot pink shoes. Wear a hot pink scarf with a black blazer and jeans, or hot pink sandals with a plain t-shirt and denim shorts. The Parisians are very good at adding a little bit of trend to a classic wardrobe, never looking overdone. It may look amazing on Instagram but in real life you will look ridiculous.
How can I look consistently well put together traveling to different countries?
Every country has its own prevailing styles. In my opinion, again, some are better than others, because of the emphasis on quality, balance, simplicity and proportion. When traveling, I keep my clothes understated and appropriate for every occasion. I also keep in mind that trends in one country may look outlandish in another. On a recent trip to Budapest this past summer, I saw several American and British women wearing enormous puff-sleeved brightly patterned dresses. They stood out like circus clowns. This is a look you can wear in the Hamptons, Palm Beach, Florida, many southern states, beach resorts on the Amalfi Coast possibly and in the UK, but not in a country that is unaccustomed to and not privy to these styles. If you want to do the puff sleeved trend (see pic), choose the understated, classic version.
What handbags do you recommend?
In the US for example, a woman's handbag or purse is one of the first things other women judge you on (sad but true). If you are over the age of 18 and have a Guess, Michael Kors, Kate Spade or Coach bag this is a sign you are in a low social class. Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs and "starter" logoed Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Gucci bags are a sign you're in the middle class. Higher level Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi, Gucci, Valentino, Balenciaga, etc. are signs of an upper-class woman. The 1% often favor Chanel, Hermès, Celine and off-brand names that only the 1% find and can afford or is a trend among this social set. However, if you are bringing your Hermès bag to the beach with your children, this is nouveau-riche and very tacky. Your choice of handbag should be in line with where you are going and what you are doing.
I love a classic Hermès, Chanel and Prada bag. They have great longevity and are truly investment pieces. However, many sustainable, climate conscious brands (Rothy's, Panota Leather Goods in Hungary, von Holzhausen, Cuyana, etc.) are creating really exciting and beautifully handcrafted pieces that women of every social class look chic wearing. Plus, they are much more affordable and eco-conscious.
