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Welcome to Issue 3 of The Elegance Edit — your weekly space for timeless elegance, body language refinement, and cultivating grace in every part of life.
Last week, we explored the delicate art of balancing femininity in professional settings — and discovered a powerful parallel: as in investing and body language, less is often more. This week, we leave the boardroom behind and enter a more intimate space — one where many high-achieving women feel uncertain: how to express romantic interest in a way that feels true, soft, and sincere… without feeling exposed or misunderstood.
Because here’s the quiet confession I hear all too often:
“When I go on dates, I don’t quite know how to behave. I want to show interest, but still remain elegant.”
These words often come from women who excel in every area of their lives — yet struggle to soften their presence in romantic contexts. Directness, efficiency, and control serve them in meetings. But on a date, they crave something else. They want to feel feminine. Warm. Desired. But not performative.
This is why today’s issue is devoted to something deeply feminine and often misunderstood: Elegant Flirting.
As always, I ground our conversations in both experience and science. A fascinating study from McMaster University (Tisdale & Sheldon, 2018) found that the heart of effective flirting lies in something they call strategic ambiguity.
This is the art of giving just enough — inviting curiosity, offering subtle signals — while allowing space for the other person to lean in and pursue. Not too obvious. Not too distant. Just… graceful.
And perhaps, this is where many women hesitate. Because behind our guarded confidence often lies fear — of rejection, of being misunderstood, of losing control. But femininity was never meant to be controlled. It was meant to be expressed.
So what actually draws someone in?
It’s easy to think it’s all about physical beauty. And yes, first impressions do matter. But research reminds us that lasting romantic interest has little to do with appearance alone.
In a study by Regan et al. (2000), researchers found that:
So while we’ll explore posture, gestures, and subtle cues, remember — your essence will always matter more than your outfit or pose.
According to Tisdale & Sheldon’s research, men consistently responded to women who engaged in what was described as “timid flirting” — marked by three consistent nonverbal cues:
These cues are powerful because they feel real. A confident, feminine woman who smiles from within — when she actually feels something — creates connection far more deeply than any scripted move.
Touch, interestingly, was more divisive. Participants described “very touchy” flirters as “too aggressive,” while subtle gestures — like accepting a gentleman’s extended hand or lightly brushing past him — felt more refined, natural, and inviting.
The lesson here? Let your interest be known, but never pushed. Make eye contact when it feels right. Smile when you feel it. Don’t perform — connect.
Another charming insight comes from a 2021 study (Chang et al., McMaster University), which found that high-groove music — jazz, soul, or soft funk — increased the desire to see a romantic partner again. This is likely due to its emotional warmth and the sense of openness it inspires.
So when planning a date, choose environments that support elegance: gentle lighting, calming music, and just enough energy to spark connection without overwhelming it.
Elegance is not something you switch on for a date. It’s something you embody — and practice.
This is why I always encourage my students to refine their body language before they step into the moment. When nerves are high, we tend to revert to habits. But when elegance is practiced, it becomes second nature.
If you're in New York, I invite you to join me for:
And for my ladies online — we’ve just launched our 10-Day Online Marathon. A journey of transformation through daily lessons in graceful movement and presence. By Day 10, your elegance will be felt before you speak. And someone, somewhere, will say…
“Her walk is so elegant.”
And only you and I will know why.
The internet is filled with advice on dating. But elegance is found not in noise, but in wisdom. I highly recommend a recent episode from Mel Robbins featuring dating expert and behavioral scientist Logan Ury.
She explores modern dynamics like ghosting, breadcrumbing, and why practicing small talk in everyday settings is the best training for meaningful romantic connection.
Watch here: Mel Robbins x Logan Ury – YouTube
Refinement begins with awareness.
This week’s featured lesson offers a simple tip to elevate how you enter any room — gently and gracefully.
Watch the tip →
We’re continuing with our in-person and online series this month:
Heels 1.0 – Foundation
Heels 2.0 – Red Carpet Ready
Reserve your spot and join a global sisterhood of women walking with intention, elegance, and beauty.
Elegance lives not only in how we speak or dress—but in the places we choose to be.
One such place is the Tribeca Film Festival—a cultural cornerstone that began as a symbol of resilience and now celebrates global storytelling and refined creativity.
For the elegant woman, this event offers more than cinema. It offers connection—through conversation, beauty, and shared vision.
June 4–15, 2025
Explore Tribeca →
Last week’s question was: What is the most elegant way to show interest?
The correct answer: Eye contact. It’s the simplest, clearest signal of openness and connection.
This week’s question:
How to elegantly position your legs in a sitting-down picture?
We’ll reveal the answer in next week’s issue.
Until then—smile softly, walk gracefully, and flirt with intention.