While discretion is the better part of valor, it is the total sum of elegance. It is impossible to be elegant without also employing discretion. Elegance, of course, may not be your primary goal. There are some very stylish invidviduals who are remarkable at wearing extreme fashions; but stylish though they may be, they are not elegant, and it takes a very special genius and flair to pull off an extreme look without appearing either ridiculous or contrived, or both.
Discretion, then, should be your byword unless you are 100% confident in your fearless ability to "pull off" an outre look. And discretion, incidentally, should not be equated with "dull." Take a look at the classic examples of Cary Grant and Gary Cooper, two gentlemen who amply demonstrate the allure of discreet masculine elegance:
Note how every article of clothing works together to create a unified whole; no jarring effects or unnecessary, fussy details. No one piece "stands out," but the whole look presented is undeniably eye-catching and elegant. Once again, if you are shopping on a budget, discretion should always be your guide. One simple, impeccably-made piece will outlast and give you more value in the long run than a dozen gaudy, cheaply-made pieces; and even if you are paying a huge sum of money for a designer piece, you will probably soon tire of that hand-dipped ombre shirt, whereas a beautifully-cut navy blazer will carry you through multiple seasons and purposes.
After all, which compliment would you rather hear: "You look terrific!" or, "Wow, that shirt is really funky!"?
Of course if helps to be as flamboyantly handsome as those two,I mean really....who needs a fussy detail with those jaw lines?
ReplyDeletebut discretion is vital.
You know, a discussion of the looks of either Cary or Gary is completely superfluous, because they're so delicious, but if you REALLY look at them, they're not "classically" handsome in a very traditional sense. They're prime examples of making the utmost of your best assets, camouflaging your flaws (Cary always hid his bull neck, for example), and using style and charm to dazzle the viewer.
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