Many people reduce elegance to clothing, grooming or the overall visual impression a person creates. But true elegance begins far beyond what we see at first glance. It grows from a person’s inner state, from how they interact with the world, from the values they choose to live by. The quote often attributed to Carolina Herrera — that elegance is defined not only by what you wear, but by how you carry yourself, how you speak and what you read — captures this deeper dimension. Clothes can complement elegance, but they cannot replace it.

Elegance is, first of all, a relationship with yourself. It is reflected in the way you choose your words, how you respond in challenging moments, how you hold your boundaries while staying calm and respectful. There is an inner steadiness in truly elegant people. They do not rush to prove anything to others, do not rely on loudness or dramatics, and do not seek approval from every corner. Their presence already speaks for them. This type of elegance is quiet, but powerful. It shows in posture, tone, decisions and even in silence.

Another layer of elegance is how you treat people around you. It lies in the ability to listen, to understand, to show tact, even when the situation is far from simple. It is seen in the refusal to judge others superficially, in the willingness to give space, in the capacity to empathize. Such elegance has nothing to do with perfection; it is about awareness and emotional maturity. You may wear a simple outfit, but if your behavior is graceful, people feel it instantly.

Your worldview also plays a defining role. What you read, what you nurture in your mind, the ideas you let shape you — all of these either refine or dull your internal culture. Constant curiosity, the desire to grow, the ability to think critically and independently — this is what forms a person whose elegance comes from depth, not from imitation. It is impossible to fake this kind of refinement; it reflects years of inner work.

In modern life, where trends change every minute and appearance often becomes a priority, returning to the essence of elegance feels important. Clothing and style are wonderful tools of self-expression, but they are only one part of a much bigger picture. True elegance is what stays when trends fade, what remains noticeable even in the simplest look, and what never loses relevance.

Do you agree that elegance is rooted much deeper than appearance? How do you personally define it?