Pursuing elegance, femininity, and grace can sound antiquated in today’s fast-paced world. I remember a post I made online asking moms to identify life skills they were teaching their daughters from a list of life skills that included etiquette and elegance. One mom responded that etiquette and elegance were old-fashioned and unnecessary. It was interesting how we all have different lenses through which we view the world. Of course, there is no right or wrong way. It boils down to what values and standards you want for yourself and your daughter. As Christian women, we approach these matters of elegance, etiquette, and femininity from a godly perspective, looking at what God says and the great women in the bible who exemplified poise and elegance. In this article, we’ll explore how to be a godly, elegant woman, covering essential steps to help you embark on this empowering journey.
1. Seek God First: The Foundation of Elegance
Being a godly, elegant woman begins with seeking God above all else. As Christians, we understand that our primary purpose in life is to know God intimately. This purpose involves cultivating a solid foundation in God’s Word, maintaining a consistent prayer life, and engaging with a community of believers. In the words of Jesus from Matthew 6:33, we are encouraged to seek His kingdom and His righteousness first. This truth sets the tone for everything else in our lives. The bible even says
2. Mind Your Thoughts: The Inner Elegance
Elegance is not merely an external attribute. It begins with our thought life. Philippians 4:8 encourages us to focus our minds on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and of good repute. The elegance we project externally is deeply connected to our beliefs and thought patterns. As elegant women, we prioritize cultivating a godly mindset and heart, which then shows up in our outward actions of kindness, humility, and politeness.
3. Personal Hygiene and Grooming: The Outer Elegance
An elegant woman places great importance on personal hygiene and grooming. Looking your best isn’t about vanity but presenting our best selves to the world. Daily showers or baths, the use of deodorant, well-groomed nails, and clean, styled hair are non-negotiable aspects of this. Furthermore, a signature scent that is uniquely you can add a layer of sophistication to your elegance.
4. Embrace Etiquette: The Art of Respectful Living
Etiquette forms the cornerstone of graceful living. Elegant women treat others respectfully and kindly, being mindful of their manners at home and in public. Simple acts like saying “please” and “thank you,” holding doors open for others, and speaking in a friendly tone demonstrate the basics of etiquette. Beyond these, mastering proper dining etiquette, for example, can elevate your elegance even further. Learning how to get in and out of a car while wearing a dress, sit gracefully, and engage in polite conversation are skills that will serve you well in various social situations.
5. Dress Appropriately: The Elegance of Attire
While dressing well doesn’t necessitate wearing expensive clothing, it does require thoughtful choices that consider fit and appropriateness for different occasions. Creating a signature look consisting of 15-30 outfits that resonate with your personality and values can simplify your dressing routine while ensuring you always present your best self. Cleanliness and well-maintenance of your clothes and investing in a few quality pieces are crucial elements of dressing elegantly. Importantly, as a godly, elegant woman, modesty should be a guiding principle in your wardrobe choices.
6. Confidence and Self-Control: The Elegance of Character
Confidence and self-control are qualities that set an elegant woman apart. We’re not talking about a worldly sense of confidence but rather the kind that comes from understanding your identity in Christ. It’s a confidence that coexists with humility. In your journey toward godly elegance, strive to be confident without becoming needy or manipulative in your interactions with others. Understand that your true source of fulfillment is found in God alone, and channel your energies into purposeful work.
7. Maintain Your Space: The Elegance of Surroundings
Elegance isn’t confined to your personal appearance; it extends to your home and workspace. Keeping these spaces tidy, organized, and adorned with personal touches that reflect your style is a key aspect of your overall elegance. The way you treat your environment is a reflection of your self-respect and self-care. Maintain your home and spaces with the same level of attention and grace that you give to your own grooming.
8. Cultivate Hobbies and Interests: The Elegance of a Holistic Life
A godly elegant lifestyle involves more than fulfilling responsibilities and looking good. It’s about nurturing hobbies and interests that bring joy and fulfillment to your life. Whether it’s gardening, painting, playing a musical instrument, or any other pursuit, these activities enrich your life, making you a more well-rounded and fascinating person.
9. Stay Informed and Self-Educate: The Elegance of Knowledge
Being well-read and informed is an integral part of living elegantly. Make time to read books, watch documentaries, and stay updated on current events. This not only makes you a more interesting conversationalist but also allows you to engage more meaningfully with the world around you. As Christian women, our quest for knowledge should always follow our primary pursuit of knowing God. We want to make sure our spirits are fed with the world of God as we ffed our intellect.
10. Punctuality: The Elegance of Respect
Arriving on time for appointments and events is a simple yet powerful way to show respect for others. Punctuality communicates that you value and respect the time of those you interact with. It’s a small but significant indicator of your character and reliability.
In Conclusion, becoming a godly, elegant woman is an ongoing journey rather than an immediate destination. Perfection is not the goal; instead, it’s about progress. Start with one or two of these steps, gradually incorporating them into your life. Over time, these principles will become second nature, enhancing your elegance effortlessly. Remember that the ultimate purpose is to reflect God’s love and grace in all you do. Embrace your role as a work in progress, knowing God’s grace covers your imperfections.
