For the history nerds, this is describing “spruzzatura” as described in The Courtier by Castiglione in the 1500s. He defined good style six hundred years ago and, honestly, it hasn’t really changed. I love that.
Absolutely. Spruzzatura is the backbone of this idea! Effort disguised as ease. Six hundred years on, the concept of good style is remarkably unchanged. Fantastic reference, thank you so much for bringing it in
A crisp white shirt! I thrift them all the time 🤩. And big yes to menswear being great quality! A lovely essay, I hadn't thought about "effortless" in this way before. 💛✨
Ahh yes, the crisp white shirt club 🤝 thrifted menswear truly never misses. There’s something about that structure and quality that just behaves better on the body. And the fabric?! It's like you don't need to iron it half the time. Perfection. And I love that this shifted “effortless” for you, that makes my whole day!
Another wonderful post, written in simple language with a clear message. And you are absolutely right “effortless” is the result of someone having found an effort that worked - the best haircut, the best skincare, the best black sweater. French women are often considered the masters of effortless. Having lived in France for decades I can tell you its because they put in the effort to find the best solutions, and then they just keep using them.
"There’s nothing wrong with intention. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look a little put-together" - I wonder if this has something to do with this generation. One of my grandmother's is 85 and the other one is 80. They both tell me that their generation was all about looking your best and putting your best foot forward. You dressed how you wanted to ne adressesed. There was no let's be effortless. It was very much I'm paying attention to how I dress and making a choice to look good.
A good haircut is everything.
100%. Spend your money on a good haircut and anything you put on your body looks intentional
can't agree more. Give the hair a little treatment a little life and you're automatically glowing
Brilliant!!!
For the history nerds, this is describing “spruzzatura” as described in The Courtier by Castiglione in the 1500s. He defined good style six hundred years ago and, honestly, it hasn’t really changed. I love that.
Absolutely. Spruzzatura is the backbone of this idea! Effort disguised as ease. Six hundred years on, the concept of good style is remarkably unchanged. Fantastic reference, thank you so much for bringing it in
A crisp white shirt! I thrift them all the time 🤩. And big yes to menswear being great quality! A lovely essay, I hadn't thought about "effortless" in this way before. 💛✨
Ahh yes, the crisp white shirt club 🤝 thrifted menswear truly never misses. There’s something about that structure and quality that just behaves better on the body. And the fabric?! It's like you don't need to iron it half the time. Perfection. And I love that this shifted “effortless” for you, that makes my whole day!
Finding a knit that “behaves” is KEY. 🔑
Right?! One that magically doesn’t pill and wrinkle
Exactly! My most reliable knit that isn’t too pricey is from the Cash Soft line at the Gap! I would recommend for sure
Oh gosh! Girl! Twinning! I have the cable knit and I love her 🤍
I love love love the idea that effortlessness is a result of good editing. I couldn't agree more.
Another wonderful post, written in simple language with a clear message. And you are absolutely right “effortless” is the result of someone having found an effort that worked - the best haircut, the best skincare, the best black sweater. French women are often considered the masters of effortless. Having lived in France for decades I can tell you its because they put in the effort to find the best solutions, and then they just keep using them.
"There’s nothing wrong with intention. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look a little put-together" - I wonder if this has something to do with this generation. One of my grandmother's is 85 and the other one is 80. They both tell me that their generation was all about looking your best and putting your best foot forward. You dressed how you wanted to ne adressesed. There was no let's be effortless. It was very much I'm paying attention to how I dress and making a choice to look good.
What a gorgeously perfect and truly helpful post! Snapped a screenshot of the gray sweater outfit for inspiration. Thank you!!