Fancy Seeing You?

What is it 

that makes an outfit "fancy"?

It's actually kind of an interesting question.

My first response 

would be to say money.

Denim and canvas are cheaper than silk.

baddabingbaddaboom

But I'm pretty sure that there's more to it than that.

I mean, when it comes to menswear, I think it often becomes a bit of a uniform,

but it seems like, for women, there's a lot more wiggle room in terms of what flies (outside of Capitol Hill, of course).

For example: Light, baggy denim with Converse is typically out.

But dark, tailored denim with heels is typically in (repeat on the Capitol Hill comment)

But why?

Dark denim costs the same as light, and oftentimes a pair of heels can actually be cheaper than a pair of sneakers (case in point - those seen here. $19, folks)

So what is it about certain ensembles that makes them unquestionably classy?

Is it the fit?

But boxy shift dresses can still look nice. 

Is it the color?

I think white and black are equally as appropriate.

Is it the material?

I'm certain that polyester can be made to look as formal as silk without much difficulty.

Is it heel height?

Tory Burch flats, anyone?

So what IS it?

Maybe it's just the way that we do our hair, our makeup,

and most importantly,

 the way that we carry ourselves.

Especially nowadays, with this "comfort" trend usurping all walks of life, 

it's now more than ever about how the individual wears what they're wearing,

rather than what they're actually wearing. 

But maybe I'm wrong. 

Maybe I am missing something.

Maybe it's sparkle, maybe it's leather, maybe it's the height of your heel. 

It just seems to me that these criteria can just as easily pass for trashy as they can classy, 

so doesn't there have to be some other determining force??

why does a denim shirt tied around the waist make the fancy unfancy??
dress: Anthro, shirt: vintage, shoes: Michael Antonia (site),  

Maybe I just like asking questions with no answers.

Cheers.

photos by Shoaib