I am not Audrey Hepburn, but when I think of the word Etiquette she pops into my head. A woman with style, well groomed, well dressed for the times and for the weather. A woman with class and a natural beauty.
Where did it all go I sometimes wonder. I try not to be a judgmental person. Actually I consider myself to be very understanding and accepting of all styles and classes. I don't differentiate and I dislike status labels. I don't like to think of myself as a snob either....that is not what I am. Snobbery annoys me at the best of times. I am usually flexible in my dress sense, I don't always get it right and by no means am I a fashion expert. However I believe there is a time and a place for everything and then there isn't....
Here's what I mean: When I was growing up my parents always expected us to be clean, well dressed, on time and ready to go. We were usually the first one's to arrive. Upon arriving it was droned into us that we had to shake everyone's hand or kiss them on the cheek 3 times. Depending on whether they were family or friends would depend on the handshake or kiss. If someone older then us walked into a room and you were sitting, you had to stand and shake their hand and introduce yourself. At big functions we had to say hello to all the people we knew and were my parents age or older and then we could go off with our friends and enjoy our evening. During meal times we had to sit at the table and eat everything on our plate using cutlery according to each course. We could not leave until the plates were removed. We were also told to ask questions if we didn't understand something and to participate in conversations as it was impolite to sit there and say nothing.
When it came to what we wore it had to be weather appropriate. No opened toe shoes in winter. Usually for me it was stockings a skirt a few layers underneath my jumper or coat. A hat or beanie was optional and gloves too. In summer it was tasteful dresses and nothing above mid thigh. My father did not like me wearing a lot of make up in my teens...but I would always sneak in some eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara and lipstick...sometimes using the lipstick as blush. We were also taught to be respectful of others, to learn what other nationalities find acceptable or not and to never offend. Every country has rules regarding etiquette. Hand gestures, eye contact, bowing, hugging and even kissing all have a different meaning. In Europe men kiss on the cheek, here in Australia its not the case unless your family is of European background. So its important to know these things especially if you travel.
These days I still carry with me all of what I was taught in that regard. If you speak to my child hood friends they will tell you I was always well groomed. That no matter what my circumstance I always took the time to comb my hair and wear some make up. I also hate being late. I actually hyperventilate when I think I'm going to be late. When I see people wearing thongs (flip flops) or sandles in Winter with no stockings but a scarf and a hat I don't understand what the thinking process was behind this. Do you think your going to be warm if your half naked from the waist down? Then come Summer I find that you get all sorts of things showing up that your eyes may find it a bit too much...
You don't have to be naked to look good. There are some great dresses out there. Maxi dresses look great on nearly everyone. (Unless your a man).
Not all of us were born with size 0 figures. But some people dress as if it really doesn't matter. There is nothing wonderful about having bits hanging out and drawing attention for all the wrong reasons..I have many friends in all shapes and sizes. There are so many places you can now go and buy clothing that suits your body shape. Its not about trying to look wonderful or trendy, its about looking comfortable and happy. Nakedness should be reserved for behind closed doors. Semi nakedness to the beach in a bathing suit and even that has its limits. I think trying to look like a street walker is not attractive.
I also don't understand women who are obviously in the twilight of their lives dressing like they are 19. Recently I saw what I think was an 80 year old wearing shorts almost to her throat. It was not a good look and that image is still in my mind. That is what triggered my inspiration for this blog today. What happened to those sweet grandmother's that make you treats and hug you in their big bosoms wearing clothes right down to the floor. I miss my Grandmother and could not imagine her wearing anything past her ankles. When I think of her I think of freshly baked bread, a warm fire and her big laugh. I think I would be mortified if I arrived and she was wearing a mini skirt and dancing on tables. But we live in a crazy world. I'm just glad my Grandmother wasn't part of it.
I will most likely get told off for writing this blog. But I wanted to say that no matter what your shape or size or age, gender, or background. You can still look amazing without trying to be someone your not or without trying to follow fashion that does not suit you. Accentuate your best points and for goodness sake in Winter wear a coat or a jumper. A singlet top and shorts does not count as a Winter wardrobe staple!
I really like the style's they had back in the 1920's, 30's and 40's. I love it that men wore hats and suits and women had beautiful hairstyles with exquisite clothing. But most of all the behaviour towards people at that time was also different. The way someone would look you in the eye, pull out a chair for you and women would just glide. Even I need to improve in some areas but most of all I think we all need to take a bit of time to show respect not only to other people but to ourselves.
If you can start with YOU then everything else will fall into place.
The 1920's Bowler hats and drop waist dresses and skirts. Hair was neat and tucked away.
The 1930's Butterfly sleeves, shoulder pads for men and women, elegant coiffed bob hairstyles.
1940's Vintage Suit. Hats were popular for both men and women. The fashions of this time were all about accentuating the hour glass figure and most skirts were to the knee with cinched in waist lines.
“Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners”
― Laurence Sterne
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