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Definition of elevated

Runcarla

Veteran

I’ve been struggling to find an acronym, persona, or style words that match a shift I’m feeling in how I put myself together, so I’ve been watching a lot of style vlogs on the subject.

One vlogger, Signe of ‘Use Less’ provided a definition of ‘elevated’ (when applied to a garment) and I had an ‘aha!’ moment. This isn’t exactly what she said, but my take:

‘Elevated has something in common with classic. It’s usually clean cut with a minimal aesthetic but with a spin. It might be a classic cut blazer with cut-outs, or a top with contrast fabrics like leather or sheer sleeves, or piped lines on pockets. It might be a ‘basic’ item in an unexpected fabric.’

Does this make sense to you? What else would you add to the definition?

FWIW, I don’t plan on using ‘elevated’ as one of my style words, but I am going to make a concerted effort in seeking out basics that have a little something-something going forward.

General

19 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

SarahD8

Veteran

Hmm. To me, "elevated" connotes better than average quality, often as seen in thoughtful details of the garment that are easily overlooked, corners that are easily cut. So if I were looking for "elevated," I wouldn't be looking for the blazer with sheer sleeves necessarily, but one with sleeves fully lined in a nice fabric, maybe silk. Maybe the lining would have an unusual color or pattern, so that when you turn up the sleeves of the blazer you get a bit of extra interest -- so in that way, the detail increases the versatility of the garment or the different looks you can create with it. To me, that's elevated.

unfrumped

Veteran

I think more as Sarah said. While it could have a bit of twist, I think more as higher quality FOR the ITEM, perhaps luxury. A twist should not take the item out of the “ basic” category and make it unwearable for common occasions.

Whoa, this does get twisty! Maybe it’s best defined by the types of items one wears, and lifestyle.

An example I ran into is at a local boutique that carries a small amount of a variety of brands not commonly available elsewhere in town. Scotch & Soda, Yoanna Baraschi, oh gosh, I’m blocking on many others. So they would look intriguing on the rack but then turn out to be have low cut back, or with big studs, or very sheer, or big wide arms— something. So they were more like “ trendy basics”, if basic. OTOH over several years I found a couple of classic items like a pencil skirt, a short coat, that were lovely but very wearable.

Dee

Veteran

When I think of the word elevated in terms of fashion, I feel it means something that adds elegance or sophistication to the style which upgrades it from the ordinary.

Sal

Veteran

I love Signe!

I probably lean to Dee’s definition. Features could include silk fabric instead of rayon, piped edges, perfect tailoring. It might or might not have a twist. A twist or feature might make it elevated and might make it trendy.

I think of these three pieces of mine as elevated- they are quite classic but of nicer fabric and details than the norm. The jacket is a bit trendy, the dress modern and the shirt classic?

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Lisa

Veteran

To me elevated style is the use of high quality fabrics worn in outfits that strive for sophistication. It's classic taken up a notch.

Irina

Veteran

For me, too, elevated would mean better materials, better cut, construction and execution of an item. I own very, very few of these.

LJP

Veteran

I agree with Sarah here, and don't connect the word elevated with the details you mention . Which means nothing here other than I see it in a different way. Elevated to me means one step better or above - and maybe slightly forward in design ,direction or influence.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I think of elevated in 2 ways: an elevated item or an elevated look.

For an elevated item, I think of a basic or casual item that is better made, more interesting or more dressy than the usual version. A textured t-shirt or t-shirt with a mock neck (as opposed to the usual crew neck) would be an elevated tee. A long sleeve layering top that has thumbholes or is made out of velvet or mesh would be an elevated layering top. I don’t usually apply this term to items that are intrinsically elevated, like blazers, button down shirts, wool coats, pleated skirts, cashmere jumpers.

For an elevated look, I think of basic or casual items being combined with other items in a way that elevates the basic items (and takes the outfit up a notch from standard casual). So wearing a blazer with jeans is a classic way to elevate the look of jeans.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Interesting conversation! I like what Brooklyn says here. But I'd add to that what Sarah said -- so that a classic item like a blazer could be elevated by better fabrication or drape...Maybe that's "top floor," ha!

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I also have a different connotation from the idea of elevated in relation to style. Closer to what LJP and Brooklyn said - more about making an outfit or piece out of the ordinary. Possibly by better materials, but could also be more interesting design or, maybe most likely, interesting styling.

LaPed

Veteran

For me, elevated connotes a step up in formality and/or quality. You could elevate a jeans-and-tee outfit by wearing dressy shoes, or by choosing items with impeccable construction. I don’t think there needs to be a twist, necessarily, for an outfit to be elevated. I’d probably call those elements unexpected, distinctive, or playful, depending on what exactly the twist is.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I like what you’re looking for Carla but don’t use the word “elevated” myself. Think I look for “interesting”. Just because then I don’t have to define the word!

Jules

Veteran

Similar to others I would probably call those types of details ‘unexpected’ rather than ‘elevated’. But I don’t have any meaningful definition of elevated. I think for me it’s just not a word that resonates.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Jules, Jenni, that is an interesting point. I don't think I would ever use the word myself in reference to an item or an outfit, either -- though I might have a sort of vague internal definition of it. Hmmm. What would I say instead? I might say, of a particular item I was considering, simply that the quality and construction are fantastic. Sometimes that's evident in the details, and sometimes more evident in the fabrication.

What might I say instead of "elevated" about an outfit? I am not entirely sure!

Jules

Veteran

Ideally quality construction would be the default - I know it’s not anymore, but you can still find items that are well-made in good fabrics if you are selective about it. So to me that’s not ‘elevated’ per se, it’s just how things should be. Maybe there is another level of quality out there that I can’t afford or appreciate, but then it’s not relevant for my life.

Dee

Veteran

I rather like the word elevated, as I mentioned earlier in this post, it takes a basic outfit and upgrades it in some way. As both LaPed and Brooklyn mentioned, simply adding a blazer or dressy shoes to a basic jeans and tee outfit elevates it. It adds more sophistication to the look, I don’t see it as any more complicated than that

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Interesting, Jules. I get what you are saying, that ideally, quality construction should be a given. Maybe I mean something more than that. It's the difference between a well constructed jacket and a beautifully constructed one, LOL. You can see it if you look at very high end stuff sometimes (not always -- sometimes it's downright shoddy, especially for the price point!). But I mean, if you compare an item from a solid mid-range maker that is decently made to a higher end piece -- you can usually tell the difference. The way it is cut, the way it drapes.

I think what Lisa said earlier is also relevant. A designer item (or higher end item) will sometimes be fashion forward and thus have considerable staying power. So that could be considered "elevated," in a sense. I am thinking of my consignment purchase of the Dries van Noten pants. They are from a 2013 collection but still look fresh today. I didn't get to wear them for a decade....but if I had owned them, I would have. I have had them 2 years now and I predict I'll still be wearing them at least 4 years from now, maybe longer. Will only stop if pants go very very narrow again, I expect. They won't wear out and they won't date. I don't know if I would consider that "elevated" per se -- I don't think I would -- but again, I don't think in terms of that word. Still, I get what Lisa was saying. A piece like that, with such staying power, can make an outfit in a way that others can't.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I like what Jules said, for me I feel it doesn’t resonate. I look for other things. I look for interest or tweaks, I guess. I don’t own a usual white T-shirt, for instance. I’m sure there could be many women who would look for an “elevated” version of that- better quality or construction or fabric or fit? But I’m not going to be searching for such a plain item because it’s not my style.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What Brooklyn said.

ELEVATED Casual is a big trend.

Its flip side is RELAXED Glam - another big trend.

Opposite sides of the same coin.

Juxtaposition is key to an elevated look.

Quality and garment detailing in design, fabric, and trim is key to an elevated item.