soigné

Soigné is a French adjective meaning well-groomed, carefully styled, or elegantly refined. In English-language usage, it describes a refined, meticulously presented appearance or presentation, often in fashion, design, or performance contexts. The term carries connotations of discipline, polish, and sophisticated restraint, rather than flashy ostentation. It can describe a person’s attire, a space's decor, or the execution of a movement in dance or art that is precise and controlled.

Origin: from French soigner, "to care for, attend to." The past participle soigné literally means "taken care of" and has come to signify a polished, cultivated quality. In French, the feminine form is soignée; in English usage, the masculine form soigné is commonly used as a static loanword; accents are preserved in formal writing but often omitted in casual text.

Usage notes: In fashion criticism, "soigné" may imply a cohesive look with careful tailoring, grooming, and understated accessories. It contrasts with casual or untidy styles. In the performing arts, a soigné performance suggests precise, deliberate technique rather than improvisational flair.

Examples: "She appeared in a soigné black suit and polished shoes." "The choreography was executed with soigné lines and controlled dynamics." The term is occasionally used pejoratively to indicate affectation when over-elaborate.