Elegant woman

Author: Lin Jiajing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: The climate of Taiwan is warm, humid, and pleasant, much like a woman, giving one a sense of comfort. Every day, I give myself some personal space to enjoy this kind of air. After a busy day or during a leisurely afternoon on a holiday, I need a moment of complete relaxation. Take a deep breath, and you'll feel a sweet, happy aroma. Elegant living begins this way. Some people think elegance is the privilege of the wealthy, often associating it with noble temperament. In reality, elegance is no longer such a concept. A new elegant woman is one who understands life, is wise, polite, empathetic, and loves herself. Even if not wealthy, she can still live elegantly—as long as she experiences it with heart, she will find that everything around her makes her feel elegant.
From a young age, my mother had a great influence on me. She was a full-time homemaker who occasionally enjoyed making me beautiful clothes. People around me envied me because my clothes were unique. Though not a fashion designer, she was meticulous about clothes and home decor, making everyone who saw them feel a sense of comfort and ease. Gradually, I attributed this feeling to elegance.
While studying in the United States, one of the happiest things was traveling to France with a few friends. When it comes to which women are considered elegant and charming, almost every woman knows it's the French. What qualities do French women possess that captivate the world? They love to dress up and highlight their beauty, being sexy yet never lacking elegance. In every gesture, they exude an aura of grace. Though they live in a country leading global trends, they do not blindly follow fashion; instead, they stick to their own style. They believe: "It's better to be a woman than a good mother or wife." For a woman to achieve elegance, the most important thing is to set some basic principles for herself: never wear clothes heavily advertised in magazines; choose clothes that suit you and stick to your own style; it's better to wear one comfortable set of underwear than ten cheap ones; at all times, be responsible for your makeup and clothes, whether day or night; once you find the right shoes and bags, don't give up on them easily; any personal items at home should be carefully selected and cherished. Even when alone, take the time to groom yourself—women need to treat themselves well. Though it may be easier said than done, always remind yourself not to shop carelessly because of time constraints, and not to ignore others' feelings because you're too busy.
A truly elegant person does not only show elegance in their free time but in every moment, every second, acting with grace and composure. Elegance is the eternal theme of fashion. Whether in the East or the West, there's a law: when a person wants to succeed or has already succeeded, the one thing they focus on is how to become more elegant. Elegance is not innate; as long as you are willing to learn, anyone can become elegant. From the basics of dressing to flexible application, from a fair complexion to meticulous skincare, from a simple lifestyle to an elegant one—all can be absorbed and transformed into your own "intellectual property" through learning. With continuous practice, you can cultivate true elegance that belongs to you, rather than being drowned out by mainstream trends.
During this process of practice, beauty and confidence grow daily, while the burden on your wallet and wardrobe decreases significantly. This joy is hard to describe in words—you must try it to understand! Elegance is the highest realm of a beautiful woman. It is not just about appearance but about radiating a bright sunshine and a clear stream from within. An elegant woman doesn't have to be exceptionally beautiful, but she exudes a charm that neither men nor women can resist. A woman may not be beautiful, but she cannot afford to be without elegance!
Author: Lin Jiajing
Spring 2005, Taipei