Inside out

Elegance. It’s one of those elusive terms, isn’t it? Often used, but rarely understood in its full depth. When we think about elegance in the context of clothing, it’s not just about what you wear, but how you wear it. It’s about the ease with which you carry yourself, a quiet confidence that radiates from the inside out. Elegance, for me, is simplicity, naturalness, and distinction—an almost magnetic quality that’s hard to replicate. It’s reflected in your manners, in your posture, and your overall approach to life. It’s a state of being that naturally shapes the image we project to the world. And, at its core, it is deeply connected to the idea of education and personal refinement.

An elegant person is someone who embodies grace, nobility, and simplicity. There’s an effortless charm about them, a sense of beauty that leaves a lasting impression. With the right amount of interest and dedication, anyone can cultivate this trait. Being a true gentleman is less about following rigid rules and more about embodying a certain ethos, a kind of inner elegance hat naturally manifests outwardly.

When it comes to dressing, an elegant man knows how to choose clothes that work for him—he’s in tune with his physique and knows exactly what suits his body type. It’s not just about hiding flaws, but highlighting strengths, making the most of what you have. His wardrobe is always in order, and his clothes impeccably cared for. Every detail, from his shoes to his cufflinks, is deliberate. Clean, polished shoes, the perfect tie for the occasion, a classic watch, even his socks—every accessory speaks to his taste. And it doesn’t stop at the clothes. An elegant man takes care of his physical appearance too. His skin has a healthy glow, his hair is always clean and styled, and he wears the kind of fragrance that becomes a part of his identity. But here’s the key: while these are common traits of elegance, it’s not a checklist you have to follow to the letter. Elegance is something that transcends rules—it’s a natural expression of who you are, and it’s felt even when everything isn’t perfectly in place.

Now, let’s talk about what I’m wearing today, which is my own version of this timeless elegance, blended with a dash of personal flair. I’ve gone for a classic vintage charcoal suit with a subtle pinstripe. The double-breasted blazer adds that bit of traditional structure, but I’ve kept things modern by rolling up the tapered trousers at the bottom. Underneath, I’m wearing an ivory knitted polo with navy details, tucked neatly into the trousers, giving the whole look a polished, yet relaxed vibe; and to the fun part: my footwear and socks. They’re without a doubt the statement pieces of this outfit. My retro socks feature the playful face of a woman, with an explosion of prints and colours—adding a vibrant pop to an otherwise subdued look. And the loafers? Classic in design, but bold in colour—blue, red, yellow, and a touch of green. They bring an unexpected twist to the ensemble, effortlessly blending quirky with refined. A blue sporty belt gets the perfect contrast to the sober tone of the suit, while the ivory cap ties back to the casual vibe of the polo. To balance things out, I’ve added a vintage brown briefcase and retro sunglasses, keeping the look rooted in classic elegance with just enough retro flair.

Elegance, after all, isn’t about rigid rules. It’s about knowing yourself, expressing your individuality, and adding that personal touch that makes you stand out without even trying. That’s where true elegance lies—in the effortless balance between tradition and personality.