The Little Dictionary of Fashion

1. Elegance is About Simplicity, Not Expense

"Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money."

Affordable Sophistication. Elegance is not about how much money you spend, but about understanding fundamental principles of style. Christian Dior emphasizes that anyone can look sophisticated by focusing on key elements like fit, proportion, and personal grooming, regardless of their budget.

Core Style Principles:

• Choose clothes that fit well
• Pay attention to proportion and silhouette
• Invest in quality over quantity
• Focus on classic, timeless pieces
• Maintain your clothes meticulously

Practical Approach. By understanding that elegance comes from careful selection and maintenance rather than expensive labels, women can create a refined look without breaking the bank. The key is to be intentional about every aspect of dressing, from fabric selection to how you care for your garments.

2. Personal Style Trumps Following Fashion Blindly

"No elegant woman follows fashion slavishly. If a particular new line does not suit you, then ignore it."

Individuality in Fashion. Dior champions the idea that true style is about understanding and expressing your unique personality, not mechanically following trends. Each woman should select fashion elements that complement her individual characteristics, body type, and personal aesthetic.

Style Selection Strategies:

• Understand your body type
• Choose designs that flatter your physique
• Select colors that complement your skin tone
• Prioritize comfort and confidence
• Develop a signature look

Personalized Approach. By viewing fashion as a form of self-expression rather than a set of rigid rules, women can develop a more authentic and confident style. The goal is to create a wardrobe that makes you feel beautiful and comfortable, not to blindly chase every passing trend.

3. Quality and Care Matter More Than Quantity

"I will always put quality before quantity."

Investment Mindset. Dior strongly advocates for investing in fewer, high-quality pieces rather than accumulating many cheap items. Quality extends beyond initial purchase to how garments are maintained, stored, and cared for over time.

Quality Investment Principles:

• Choose the finest materials you can afford
• Prioritize craftsmanship over price
• Select classic pieces that will last
• Invest in proper care and maintenance
• Think long-term about your wardrobe

Sustainable Approach. By focusing on quality and care, women can build a more sustainable and economical wardrobe. Well-made, carefully maintained clothes not only look better but also last longer, providing better value in the long run.

4. Understanding Your Body is Key to Dressing Well

"First you must study yourself. Learn to know what suits you and what does not."

Body Awareness. Dior emphasizes the importance of understanding your unique physical characteristics and selecting clothing that enhances your natural features. This involves being honest about your body type and choosing styles that flatter rather than trying to hide perceived flaws.

Body-Conscious Dressing:

• Identify your body shape
• Understand which silhouettes complement you
• Choose designs that balance proportions
• Use strategic details to enhance your figure
• Dress to highlight your best features

Confidence through Knowledge. By developing a deep understanding of your body, you can make more informed fashion choices that boost confidence and create a consistently flattering look.

5. Accessories Make or Break an Outfit

"They are so important to the well-dressed woman. The less you can afford for your frocks, the more care you must take with your accessories."

Strategic Accessorizing. Accessories are not mere add-ons but crucial elements that can transform and elevate an entire outfit. Dior recommends careful, intentional selection of accessories to create a cohesive and sophisticated look.

Accessory Selection Principles:

• Choose versatile, neutral-colored accessories
• Invest in high-quality pieces
• Select accessories that complement multiple outfits
• Balance and coordinate colors and textures
• Use accessories to express personal style

Transformative Power. Well-chosen accessories can turn a simple outfit into a stunning ensemble, proving that style is as much about details as it is about the main garments.

6. Color is a Powerful Tool in Personal Expression

"Colours are wonderful and glamorising – but they must be used with care."

Color Strategy. Dior views color not just as a aesthetic choice but as a powerful tool for personal expression and mood creation. Understanding how to use color can dramatically enhance your personal style and visual impact.

Color Selection Guidelines:

• Choose colors that complement your skin tone
• Consider the occasion and context
• Use color to create visual interest
• Understand color psychology
• Be mindful of color combinations

Emotional Impact. Colors can communicate mood, personality, and intention. By thoughtfully selecting colors, you can create a visual language that speaks volumes about your personal style.

7. Good Grooming is the Foundation of Style

"Grooming is the secret of real elegance."

Holistic Approach. Dior emphasizes that true elegance extends far beyond clothing, rooting deeply in personal grooming and self-care. Every detail, from hair to nails, contributes to an overall impression of sophistication.

Grooming Principles:

• Maintain impeccable personal hygiene
• Pay attention to hair and skin care
• Choose subtle, natural makeup
• Keep nails and accessories neat
• Cultivate an overall sense of refinement

Comprehensive Presentation. Good grooming is about creating a complete, harmonious presentation that reflects care, attention to detail, and self-respect.

8. Choose Clothes That Reflect Your Personality

"Until the time we are converted into robots – and I hope this time will never come – individuality will be always one of the conditions of real elegance."

Personal Authentication. Dior champions clothing as a form of personal expression, urging women to develop a style that authentically represents their unique personality and spirit.

Personality-Driven Style:

• Understand your personal aesthetic
• Choose clothes that feel authentic
• Don't sacrifice comfort for trends
• Let your clothing tell your story
• Develop a consistent personal style

Style as Identity. Clothing becomes more than fabric; it's a medium of self-expression, allowing women to communicate their inner selves visually.

9. Practicality and Comfort Are Essential

"Like everything functional, the simple and necessary lines are best."

Functional Fashion. Dior emphasizes that truly great fashion must balance aesthetic appeal with practical considerations. Clothing should not just look good but also serve the wearer's lifestyle and comfort needs.

Practical Fashion Principles:

• Prioritize ease of movement
• Consider your daily activities
• Choose versatile pieces
• Balance style with functionality
• Select comfortable fabrics

Intelligent Design. By focusing on practicality, women can create wardrobes that are both beautiful and genuinely useful in their daily lives.

10. Adaptability is the Secret to Timeless Fashion

"There's such a lot of talk about hemlines, but, personally, I think it is ridiculous to count in inches how far above the ground a skirt should be."

Flexible Approach. Dior advocates for a fluid, adaptable approach to fashion that transcends rigid rules. True style is about understanding principles, not mechanically following specific measurements or trends.

Adaptability Strategies:

• Stay open to personal interpretation
• Understand underlying style principles
• Be willing to break traditional rules
• Adapt fashion to your unique context
• Develop a flexible, confident attitude

Evolution of Style. By remaining adaptable and confident, women can navigate changing fashion landscapes while maintaining a consistent, personal sense of style.

Last updated: March 28, 2025