Fashion has notably taken a turn down the minimalist road, where wardrobe essentials such as plain white shirts and classic black blazers reign supreme. Both of those closet essentials reached new heights on the runway this season, from Burberry’s deceptively chic trench coat iterations to the effortlessly polished finishing touches at Loewe. And what better way to jump on the minimalist bandwagon than reiterating some good old sophisticated elegant ensembles?
Elegant chic is a sophisticated fashion aesthetic that features sleek silhouettes, understated glam, and high-quality, well-tailored pieces. It typically features neutral colours, classic pieces such as tailored blazers, little black dresses, and elevated basics. The fashion aesthetic is different from other fashion styles in that it emphasizes simplicity and quality, rather than bold and flashy trends. With this style, the focus is on high-quality, well-tailored pieces, timelessness, and neutral colour palettes, which create a sophisticated and refined look.
With that said, if there was ever a good time to adopt the adage less is more, it certainly feels like now.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up ten elegant style montages from some of the most stylish personalities that graced our Instagram feeds in March 2024.
Black-tie – but make it glamorous
When it comes to elegant chic, there are many aesthetics to explore, with the most obvious choice being the ever popular black-tie dress code. This is mainly because both aesthetics have timelessness in common, with each style boasting classic pieces. However, there are a few stark differences. For example, a black-tie soirée would call for a floor length column gown whereas a chic mini dress would be the better option for sophisticated elegance.
R 699,00
Tailored to the T
Opting for well tailored pieces is arguably the most effective way to achieve sophisticated elegance. The trick it to find a good balance between which items need a tighter fit and which ones would work better as oversized layers.
R 2299, 00
Classic Silhouettes
Fashion trends come and go but one thing remains consistent in every cycle – timeless pieces, with the black dress being at the top of the list. As cliche as it may sound, you can never go wrong with a little black dress. Whether you’re heading to dinner, brunch or a fashion show, an elegant black dress is always a great option.
R 875,00
Sophistication meets gender neutral fashion
The current minimalist fashion dispensation pairs well with the gender fluidity that we’ve been seeing in fashion since the 2010s. Instead of stylising blazers with scarfs, sophisticated elegance pushes bounds by adding chic ties instead.
R 299,99
Modernity with a timeless twist
Despite its classic roots, sophisticated elegance is still modern, with most of its pieces being a reflection of current fashion trends. For example, pieces with modish cutouts are packaged in neutral colours to create an elegant effect, while appealing to the modernity. The same is true for the chic iterations of denim such as floor length dresses and skirts.
R799, 00
