Not the first coppers to take on American style (8)
I believe the answer is:
elegance
'style' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
(Other definitions for elegance that I've seen before include "Gracefulness" , "Refinement in taste and dress" , "Polish - distinction" , "Chic" , "Fashionable grace" .)