Class is a matter of attitude. You don’t need to be dressed in an Armani or a Gucci to look classy. Nor do you need to have lots of money. It is not just fashion but also your general demeanour that can make you leave a classy impression. Surprised? Don’t be. Here's a way to get out there and be your ‘classy’ best!
What do Amitabh Bachchan, Sushmita Sen, Sonia Gandhi, George Clooney, David Beckham, Barrack Obama and Martha Stewart have in common? The answer is ‘class’. While they are hailed as leaders in their respective fields, the world is awed by the charm of their strong, empowered personalities glazed by refinement and politeness. Truth is you don’t need to be well dressed or have a lot of money to look and be classy. Class is an intrinsic quality that comes from within. A classy person is elegant, sophisticated and well presented. They tend to dress and look clean and smart, thus exuberating connotations of the wealthy.
The ladylike style and the chivalrous stance are not just attitudes of the past. They make you what you are and go a long way in making you classy. Your actions, facial expressions, ability to give and receive compliments and how you carry yourself are but a few things that make you define your own class.
Surely, a lot of extremely wealthy people are typically deemed as classy. However, beautiful but brash women and attractive but arrogant men do not fall in this category. Instead, it is those who are polite, kind, helpful, sensitive, have a pleasant facial expression and friendly gestures that make you feel comfortable who know how to be classy, with or without money.
Want to know how to be classy without puncturing your pocket? Read on.
Posture – Do not slouch while sitting or standing. Be confident and move with the flow. Stand up straight with your head held high to show that you are sure of yourself.
Receive compliments with pleasure – Do not shrug off from a person’s well-meaning comment about you. Learn how to take a compliment. Be it work, beauty, wardrobe, home or accomplishments, learn to accept compliments as generously as you would give them. Thank the person politely and feel good about yourself, just like a celebrity receiving an Oscar!
Don’t be a fishwife – Now this one is for the ladies who yell at their husbands at dinner, shout at her children and rant until everything is in place. Ladies, that behavior of yours is unappealing. No matter what life throws at you, replace your negatives with softness and grace. Don’t fake who you are but move in a direction that exudes class and respect for those around you.
Don’t be profane – Abusing is not cool! Classy women do not swear and definitely do not sound like a drunken waste. Use positive, creative vocabulary and tone down your mood swings, no matter how mad or panicked you are. Instead of using bad language and showing them the finger, be calm and composed and deal with bad times as smoothly as they would pass. Abusing is neither lady-like nor man-like. It is plain rude.
Watch your drink – Don't get drunk. Popping the bubbly and celebrating a good time with family and friends is not a sin, as long as you can handle it. Getting drunk in a party and dancing on a table-top is not cool. You would definitely not like people to recall what you did and have them repeat what an utter fool you made of yourself when you were in ‘high spirits’. Is it really worth it? Classy people know their limits, and when they think they have reached them they simply replace their poison with sparkling water, soda and lime. Plus, remember; classy people mix with the society. They do not cause an accident on their way back home!
Be eloquent – Speak loud, clear and correct. Slangs are not synonymous with class. It doesn’t matter if you cannot speak proper English. Do not be ashamed to converse in Hindi. Make the best use of your vocabulary but do not sound grotesque and alien. Accent or no accent, people want to know what you are saying, not where you come from.
Turning down a request – There is nothing wrong in saying ‘no’ and turning down a request. Take time for yourself to ensure that you turn down the invitation in a pleasant manner. Do not commit if you can’t make it.
Be proud in your shoes – walk proudly and with grace. Whether you are entering a room, buying your weekly grocery or ordering a burger, keep your head up, shoulders back, spine lengthened and tummy tucked in. Always remember, you are no less than anyone else out there. This will portray you as strong, confident and proud and you’ll be amazed at how many heads turn in your direction.
Nail your nails – Dirty fingernails are a big turn-off. They reflect poor sense of personal and social hygiene. Yellowed, chipped or ragged nails are not good either. Keep your nails well-trimmed, filed and buffed and at a good length. Keep a nail-cutter and a file always handy. Go for regular manicures or do them yourself at home. The same holds true for the toe-nails.
Be squeaky clean – Classy people are not dirty. They do not sleep with their faces made up like a birthday cake, like our soap-opera stars. They brush, floss and shower regularly. Do not get paranoid about cleanliness but do take proper care of your personal hygiene.
Develop a style – Finding a style that suits you the best depends largely upon your body type. Do not follow fashion blindly. Look around, mix and match and develop your unique style. Wear clothes that fit your body and make you look more sophisticated. Expensive brands aren't always better, but if you can afford it, they often wear well in the long run. A classy person is never overdressed or underdressed. Keep a few ensembles always in store to be worn at a sudden event. Follow dress codes at formal events. Remember that while you want to be noticed for your individual style, you don't want to look vulgar or profane. Dress up in an appropriate way while not sacrificing your own fashion sense. Anyone can be classy at any age, that's the beauty of classiness. It is a matter of having a timeless wardrobe, a classic wardrobe. You can match all your clothes to each other. However you do need to dress appropriately for your age.
Wardrobe matters – Learn to take pride in whatever you own. It doesn’t matter if it’s not a Gucci or an Armani. Put on your best face and go out into the world. Wear clean, pressed clothes with no threads, rips, stains or fades. Donne the outfit that you think makes you look your best, touch it up with some make-up and voila, you are ready to hit the town!
Make-up and accessorise – Being classy is all about exuding your natural beauty so do not hide it with layers of concealers and blush-ons. While men should keep make-up at bay, women should keep it to a minimum. Mineral powder is great to cover up flaws and a blusher to enhance your natural flush. A little bit of mascara and a lip-gloss that goes with your attire is all you need to have a classy appeal. Do not go overboard with your accessories. That will only makes you look like you’re walking right out of a fancy-dress competition. Match your dress with accessories – bags, jewellery, and sunglasses, etc and wear proper fitting shoes. All in all, try to be tasteful while accentuating the good features of your face and body. There you go ladies and gentlemen! It’s simple and effortless to look classy!
Be modest – A certain degree of modesty is necessary to exude true class. But you should know where to draw the line. The key is to be alluring and not obvious.
Behave! – Finally, a note on general demeanour. Bear good manners in mind. Always be considerate and polite. Say please and thank you. Mingle, without being haughty or rude. After all, you should not just be remembered for your impeccable taste and good fashion sense, but your warm and pleasant personality too.
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