The Vivienne Files

Capsule wardrobes inspired by art and nature

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Articles
    • Starting From Scratch
    • Common Wardrobe
    • Packing
    • Start With Art
    • Project 333
    • 4×4 Wardrobes
    • Weekly Timeless Wardrobes
    • Archives by Date
    • Archives by Categories & Tags
  • Support The Vivienne Files
    • Books, Clothes & more
    • Templates & Color Planners
  • Contact
Home » The ABC’s of Chic Sightings: Polished, Quiet, Relaxed, Simple

The ABC’s of Chic Sightings: Polished, Quiet, Relaxed, Simple

You would never wear clothes that were dirty or torn.  So why do so many people wear shoes that are scuffed and run down at the heels?  Such a simple thing – looking better, and having shoes last longer too.

And of course polished has a larger meaning – attention to detail, and a certain “finish” about one’s appearance.

Quiet, to me, means not screaming for attention.  Recently, I saw someone in a blouse which combined leopard print, paisley, flowers and appliqued rhinestones.  Trying too hard…

Relaxed is not synonymous with sloppy, or slouchy, or messy.  I think relaxed means being comfortable in what you’re wearing – both physically and mentally.  And being able to move around without hindrance helps a lot; avoid the awkward shoe or the skirt that needs constant adjustment.

An absence of clutter, or extraneous ornamentation, or zippers that don’t unzip and buttons that don’t unbutton.  If someone has to study what you’re wearing in order to figure out what’s going on, you may want to scale things back a bit.

Tweet
Pin2
Share
2 Shares

08.12.13 11 Comments

Tags: ABC's of Chic Sightings
<<Transition Summer to Fall: Tan and Brown AccessoriesChic Sightings: Grey and Green>>

Comments

  1. Carol says

    August 12, 2013 at 1:21 pm

    I agree with everything but I have to take exception to buttons that don't unbutton. Buttons can be very decorative!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      August 12, 2013 at 4:01 pm

      Ah, duly noted. Something that's intended as ornamentation is always acceptable!

      thanks for helping me remember that,
      Janice

      Reply
  2. Unknown says

    August 12, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    Along with scuffed shoes and worn down heels, I would like to add chipped nail polish. I have seen several online tutorials where the person had very chipped nail polish – how tacky, especially if you are showing your hands in a video. Just remove it if you don't want to fix it!

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    Great choice of words! I agree with them, particularly simple. I'm not crazy with having extraneous ornamentation. They just look so tacky to me, even a tiny pocket on t-shirts. Ugh!

    Reply
  4. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2013 at 3:35 pm

    You know, I agree with you, Janice, except when I don't. I already tend to dress this way – and will keep these "alphabet tips" handy to remind me of what makes me uncomfortable in clothing/shoes. And I expect many of your readers already aspire to dress this way as well.

    However, I worked with a lovely woman who was the exact opposite of quiet, relaxed or simple – she was polished. And somehow, she always looked just right – for her. I didn't aspire to dress the way she did – too much going on – too many ruffles, too many buttons, too much hair, but it suited her to a "t" and she always looked like herself and comfortable dans sa peau!

    Reply
    • Janice Riggs says

      August 12, 2013 at 4:00 pm

      Ah, she's the perfect exception to all rules! If you're dressed exactly like YOURSELF, then you make your own rules. Thanks for helping us remember what's really most important – being our own unique and glorious selves.

      Reply
    • Anonymous says

      August 12, 2013 at 7:24 pm

      Janice – thank you for making the time to both write this increidble blog and then to respond to your readers' comments/wishes.

      You are always gracious and positive – I admire your blog, and your ability to respond so well.

      Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    Very nice. Wise, well thought out, thought provoking and inspirational. I agree with all of it. Combined they could be considered another way of saying "elegant" (my current sartorial goal). That understated, effortless look of refinement…

    Reply
  6. Anonymous says

    August 13, 2013 at 2:51 am

    Your sense of style has inspired me to complete my look, after decades of trying. I've been able to streamline my wardrobe to one that finally suits me. Until I discovered your blog I had closets bursting with clothes but nothing to wear. I now have far fewer items that mix well together. I feel great every day and I'm so grateful that you are available to so many.

    Reply
  7. birdybegins says

    August 18, 2013 at 6:54 pm

    Yup, I'm with you on those ones. I've recently started ironing viscose t shirts. It's a pain, but they look so much better than how they used to be i.e. crumpled from being washed and dried on the line. I'm now trying to avoid buying viscose as it's so prone to creasing and I don't love ironing.

    It's quite difficult to find easy care clothing. So much of it creases, need hand washing etc. Long live polyester!

    Reply
  8. Allure says

    August 29, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    Would you be so kind to tell us more about "a certain "finish" about one's appearance"? It can be images before and after "finishing", to be clear what that actually means. Thanks Janice for all your work!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

logo
The Vivienne Files is a unique personal style blog with carefully-selected capsule wardrobes based on color palettes drawn from works of art, nature, and more. It helps women buy less clothing, and to love what they buy. Read more...
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

STAY UP TO DATE

Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

  • Build a Warm Weather Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art Drei Häuser By Paul KleeBuild a Warm Weather Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with Art: Drei Häuser By Paul Klee
  • Wardrobe of the Week: March 19 – 25, 2023
  • Build a capsule wardrobe starting with a bracelet in aquamarine and amberBuild a Travel Capsule Wardrobe by Starting with a Bracelet: Forget-Me-Not Bracelets by Fierce Lynx Designs
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 The Vivienne Files | All Rights Reserved - Built with ♥ by RockFort Media

THE VIVIENNE FILES IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR US TO EARN FEES BY LINKING TO AMAZON.COM AND AFFILIATED SITES.