How To Be Classy — 21 Characteristics of an Elegant & Sophisticated Woman

Cultivating how to be a classy woman is a characteristic that every feminine young lady should refine.

That’s because although many societal trends may come and go, being a classy, elegant, and sophisticated woman is something that will never go out of style.  

But in a society where it’s normalized to fly in flip flops, reapply lipstick at the dinner table, or curse someone out for cutting you off in traffic — a sophisticated woman must perfect the art of confidently embodying how to be a classy lady all the time.

The word classy is defined as sophisticated — very stylish and elegant. 

How to be classy?  To be classy one must embody and personify exquisite elegance, etiquette, sophistication, and grace. One can be classy in a manner of dressing, for example, or speaking. To be a classy individual, however, is an overall way of being — and not just any one thing that one does. 

Because formal class structures in our society largely don’t exist anymore, on the surface at least, any woman can be classy. There’s a fascinating book named Class: A Guide Through the American Status System on Amazon that I highly recommend reading on the topic.

Even if you come from humble beginnings or are on a tight poor girl’s budget, being classy in no way is defined by how rich you are or how much money you have.

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You can “refine your classy” every day at home, in social settings such as work and school, or in your characteristics and personality traits. 

How to Be a Fabulously Classy & Elegant Woman

A high-value classy woman is always cultivating herself and her life in every aspect and at every stage (in her teens, 20s, 30s, and beyond). With that said, here is a step-by-step guide on exactly how to cultivate your classy. 

1. Be Kind

A classy woman embodies many traits. One personality characteristic she does not display however is being a mean girl.

Whether she is at school, at work, or at home, a classy woman is always kind and gracious to everyone she encounters, all of the time.

2. Nurture Your Intellect

A classy woman is intelligent. To nurture her mind, a sophisticated woman reads a variety of literature often and stays abreast of current events and news. She also may enjoy audiobooks, podcasts, online courses and TED talks that stimulate and nurture her mind. 

3. Dress Tastefully

A classy woman is always appropriately dressed for any occasion. Whether she is running to the supermarket to grab a baguette, or attending the most fabulous black-tie gala. She dresses neatly, elegantly, and with dignity at all times.

A classy woman dresses as if life is a fabulous movie — and she is the star. 

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4. Never Swear

You may be able to cuss with the best of em, that doesn’t mean you should, however. As a classy woman at least that is. A classy woman is refined and sophisticated enough in her language to get her point across without using vulgar or offensive language. 

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5. Nurture Your Interests

A classy woman is a woman of substance.

She may enjoy reading or writing. Perhaps she enjoys cooking or painting, playing the piano, or playing a sport. Her interests and hobbies are varied and many. She is talented in many areas and pursues things that spark joy in her soul.   

6. Be Well-Spoken

A classy woman is articulate. Opting for “yes” as opposed to “yea, yup, nope, nah or um”. For “pardon me” as opposed to “huh or what”? And never forget that old saying “hey” is for horses — opt instead for “hello or hi”.

Additionally practice refraining from “ums” and speaking clearly, confidently, and respectfully. 

7. Travel

A classy woman is well-traveled. Even if she doesn’t have any money to travel to fabulous faraway foreign destinations, she enjoys exploring as far as her budget will allow.

She has a healthy curiosity for learning about the cultures and perspectives of different people in her own community and from around the world.

8. Be Punctual

A classy woman is always on the go, up to things and going places. She still somehow manages to be on time (as opposed to fashionably late) where ever she goes.

A graceful woman is always respectful of other people’s time. And hence, is always punctual. 

9. Practice etiquette

A classy woman practices etiquette and is well-mannered by being courteous. She is polite and makes the people around her feel respected and special in her presence. 

10. Say what you mean

A classy woman is honest. She doesn’t like to beat around the bush or lie. If something isn’t pleasant to say, a classy woman approaches politely and with grace — but always with truth.

11. Mean What You Say 

Be a woman of your word. A classy woman always keeps her promises and upholds her obligations. She’s not flaky or wishy-washy. She has a reputation as someone who is trustworthy and dependable.

12. Practice Gratitude

In addition to being kind, a classy lady is gracious and never entitled or snobby. She practices having a heart of gratitude and is always considerate of others. A simple way to embody this characteristic is by always using those magic words “please” and “thank you”. 

13. Practice Good Posture

A classy woman walks, stands, and sits elegantly and gracefully. She doesn’t drag her feet when walking or slouch when sitting or standing. She exemplifies chin up, shoulders back, and walks as if a string is pulling her up from the top of her head.

14. Don’t Complain or Gossip

You know that old saying — “If you don’t have anything nice to say…”. It’s better not to say anything at all. Although one should always say what you mean and mean what you say, it’s never necessary to complain or gossip.

Don’t like the food? Unless it’s absolutely inedible, just order something else next time. 

15. Keep Your Home Clean & Chic

A classy woman’s home is her sanctuary. And she always keeps her sanctuary as she does everything else in her life — in tip-top shape and style. 

16. Do Things for Others

As a classy lady, it nurtures one’s essence to do things for others without the expectation of anything at all in return. Offer to help someone do something.

Host dinner parties to wow your guests, write a handwritten thank-you note to make someone’s day and remember birthdays — an elegant lady makes a habit of making others feel special.

17. Listen

A sophisticated woman is a fantastic conversationalist. She engages and listens intently to others. She also listens much more than she speaks. 

18. Develop Your Style

Taking pride in one’s appearance is important for a classy woman. An elegant woman is always refining her appearance and style to ensure she always looks her very best. Furthermore, buying expensive clothing, for the sake of it is not at all her priority.

19. Be Dignified

Oh sure, classy women get upset. Everyone does. But a classy woman always manages to control her emotions and can always stay cool, calm, and collected in any scenario. When she must react, she responds to the issue and not the person.

20. Respect Authority & Elders

Some may think it’s a bit old school, but it’s respectful to always address elders or people in an authoritative position (your boss at work, a professor at school, or a police officer) as “sir” or “ma’am.”

A classy woman addresses elders as Miss, Mrs, or Mr until they’ve been green-lighted to do otherwise.

21. Disconnect

Here’s one for the 21st century. A classy woman knows how to disconnect — from the phone that is. A classy woman is not caught up 24/7 on her phone or social media.

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