How to Be a Classy Lady: 14 Small Details that Define Class & Poise

Class is more than talking politely. It’s something deep in you. You know how to be a classy lady, you just need to harness it.

My mom always told me to act more like a lady. Of course, I would always look at her surprised while sitting on the couch with my legs spread open, eating a bag of chips. I am a classy lady! Just look at me! Okay, I was living in denial. Though I can’t call myself the ultimate classy lady, I’ve cleaned myself up since that traumatic moment. But for many of you, you may wonder how to be a classy lady. [Read: The 20 classy traits that demand awe and respect]

How to be a classy lady

Well, a classy lady isn’t about wearing a knee-high skirt. I mean, it helps, but that’s not the essence of a lady. When you see a classy lady, this vibe comes mostly from how she holds herself. See, you have to believe that you are a classy woman then it shows itself to others.

Remember the movie Princess Diaries? Anne Hathaway didn’t see herself as a princess until she started to develop self-confidence, and, of course, have a hot prince trying to tap that ass. You got style, you got class, girl. Let it out!

#1 You’re not a gossip. This is actually pretty huge when it comes to learning how to be a classy lady. You will meet people that you’re not going to like, it’s normal. But what makes you different from the rest is that you don’t degrade them or talk poorly about them to others. If another woman talks bad about you, you ignore it. That’s what makes you a step above them. [Read: Why some people go looking for drama]

#2 You believe you’re classy. Like I said before, believe that you’re a classy woman. You don’t need to compare yourself to other women, you need to focus on yourself. If you truly believe in yourself, your self-respect shows which is a huge part of how people perceive you. [Read: 15 steps to let go of insecurity and transform your life]

#3 You have manners. You’ll be surprised how far a ‘thank you’ or ‘yes, please’ takes you. I know, these are small words, but they have a huge impact on people. Have you ever helped someone who didn’t say thank you? You were probably pretty offended. If you want to be classy, show your appreciation.

#4 You keep your word. Listen, I’m flaky, I admit it. If you want to be a classy woman, build a reputation for keeping your word. If you say you’re going to help your friend, help them. If you say you’re going to host a dinner, then actually do it. A classy woman is someone dependable. [Read: All the reasons why you should ditch flaky friends who aren’t dependable]

#5 You communicate your feelings. Life isn’t one long Jerry Springer episode where you take off your earrings and deck the person you disagree with. A woman with class is a woman who communicates her feelings whether positive or negative and in a way which solves the problem. You’re going to get angry, it’s normal. But yelling doesn’t solve anything.

#6 You stand with confidence. It’s such a small thing, but it makes a huge difference. When you walk or stand, do it with confidence. It doesn’t take a lot, you just need to keep your head up and your shoulders back. Posture is essential because people judge you within the first thirty-seconds and those seconds are crucial. Hold yourself high and people will see you as that. [Read: 10 fastest steps to instant grace and elegance]

#7 Be genuine. Many people think a classy woman is someone in constant control of her actions and somewhat stiff. But that’s a lie. Being classy is about confidence and a genuine version of yourself. If your dog died, you don’t have to be emotionless, you can cry, you can scream. You’re not a robot.

#8 You dress for yourself. I know what you think when you picture a classy woman. You see her in a pencil skirt and her hair in a tight bun, but that’s not always the case. Being classy simply means you wear clothes which flatter you and make you feel confident. At the end of the day, everything circles back to your confidence and belief in yourself.

#9 Embody empathy. You probably know some women who dress nicely and are polite. However, they don’t come across as genuine or empathetic. A classy lady is someone who, though confident in themselves, puts herself in other people’s shoes and understands what they go through. A classy woman is someone who actually cares about what another person has to say.

#10 You keep up with hygiene. Yes, this is huge. Classy women are hygienic. They shower, they wash their hair. You don’t have to wear fancy perfume or fake nails in order to look clean. This isn’t something that only classy women do, it’s what all people should do. It just makes a world of difference when you don’t smell like a gym mat. [Read: How to pick the perfect perfume and smell great]

#11 Care about your health. Listen, this isn’t just for women, this is applicable to everyone. Take pride in your body. This means trying to live a clean life. You don’t need cigarettes or to get wasted four times a week. You don’t need that, and if you do, take the time to see what you actually crave.

#12 Sweat. I don’t care if you look like a model or not, this isn’t about getting a super hot body. Now, if you want a super hot body, go right ahead, I’m not stopping you. But, if you want to know how to be a classy lady, you don’t need to be a specific dress size. Screw that. But, cleanse your body of toxins and get a good sweat every now and then. Now, you can work out or hit up a sauna.

#13 Know when to swear. I swear a lot, so I don’t advocate not swearing, fuck that. If you’re going to swear, swear. But do know where it’s appropriate to swear. It makes a huge difference. Job interview? I don’t think so. Christmas dinner? Maybe not. When you’re talking to your friends? Go right ahead. [Read: 8 unladylike things that most men love about women]

#14 Don’t come empty-handed to events. This is actually pretty huge. I know, you may not think so. But if you really want to add a cherry on top of the sundae, you should never go empty-handed to any gathering. I don’t care whether you were invited last minute, bring a bottle of wine or chocolates. You’ll see how impressed people are when you show respect in this way.

[Read: The classy girl’s guide to be more attractive]

Okay, so you know now what it takes to learn how to be a classy lady. Trust me, it took me a while to learn not to snort when I laugh or sit with my legs open. But, if I can do it, so can you.