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41 Suave Secrets & Traits to Be a Classy Person who Exudes Grace & Charisma

Learning how to be classy and not trashy isn’t difficult. You just need to know the things to avoid and what you should do instead. 

How to Be Classy

We live in a world that bombards us with bad behavior. Reality shows feature people who lie and backstab each other, while in society, un-classy behavior seems to be the norm. But learning how to be classy will make other people see you in a much more positive light.

It’s not that you should care too much about what people think about you, but that you take the high road and rise above it. Instead, you’ll enjoy being who you are and you’ll feel lighter on your feet. It’s about being proud of the person you are, not trying to follow the crowd.

Plus, do you really want to be trashy?

Didn’t think so! [Read: 34 qualities of a good person and big benefits of being a nice human being]

What makes someone a classy person?

Most people get this wrong. They assume classy is all about the way you dress. Or worse, they assume classy is snobby. But that couldn’t be further from the truth!

A classy person is someone who knows how to carry themselves with poise, grace, and elegance. They could be dressed in their worst attire, but their behavior can’t help but make you respect them, and you look up to them.

Being classy means you don’t get involved in drama and other random behavior. Instead, you focus on yourself and try to enhance your life, while making sure that you feel fantastic about how you look and act. [Read: 27 subtle ways to be more graceful and elegant with your body and your behavior]

The benefits of being classy

Learning how to be classy means going on a self-discovery journey, but that’s never a bad thing or a waste of time. You might wonder how classiness can improve your life, but trust us, it’s a fantastic thing. Here’s why:

1. You treat yourself and others differently

Basically, you treat yourself and other people with respect, which will change your relationships for the better. [Read: How to show respect in a relationship and love each other better]

2. People will treat you with respect

A classy person demands respect through their actions; they don’t have to say or do anything else. So, when you learn how to be classy, you’ll notice that people treat you differently and that they show respect and thoughtfulness. [Read: How to respect yourself – 37 secrets of self-respect, self-believe, and self-love]

3. More opportunities will come your way

People will see you as a high-quality person who can be trusted. That means more opportunities will come your way, whether personal, financial, or professional. And also, you get what you give out to the universe, right?

4. Better dating options

You’ll start to repel low-effort and toxic people while attracting more high-value ones, revolutionizing your love life beyond measure.

5. You’ll develop your own style

You’ll step out of the trend-following hamster wheel and have your own unique elegant style that is classy and timeless. [Read: How to be comfortable in your own skin – 20 ways to love being you]

How to be classy: Tips that make all the difference

Usually, our behavior is modeled from childhood. So, if you only saw lying, backstabbing, cheating, or any other kind of bad behavior in your younger years, don’t worry; it’s never too late to transform yourself into a highly classy individual.

Just remember these tips, and try to emulate them in your own life. Start small, and come back to them often. You can’t change all at once.

But every time you make a conscious effort to remember these traits, they’ll become a part of who you are and the way you project yourself to the world.

So here’s how to be classy, in the subtlest and most powerful ways! [Read: Be your own hero – What it means and how to take control of life]

1. Don’t create your own drama

Unfortunately, some people thrive on drama. They will lie, pick fights, and say or do anything to get people riled up. But that’s not classy. If you want to know how to be classy, don’t go creating drama. [Read: Attention-seeking behavior – why some people go looking for drama]

2. Stay away from other people’s drama

Okay, so maybe you’re not a drama creator, but if you even participate in drama, then that’s not classy. Perhaps your friend passes on a story about another mutual friend, and then you both decide to hold a grudge. That’s not classy.

Don’t hang around people who create or participate in drama.

3. Dress tastefully

The media tells women that they need to dress “sexy” or “slutty” to gain a man’s attention. Well, that’s just bull. Sometimes, less is more.

Don’t show up to a job interview or a first date looking like a call girl. Dress like you respect yourself and that you feel like you have nothing to prove with your body. [Read: How to look sexy and be seductive without trying]

4. Be polite

Ahhhh, whatever happened to saying, “please” and “thank you?” What happened to opening and holding doors for random strangers?

These basic rules are slowly becoming a thing of the past *or so it seems*. Don’t be selfish—think about others and show politeness. [Read: How to be nice – 20 easy tips to make everyone love being around you]

5. Be respectful

Just because you are a liberal and your friend is a conservative, that doesn’t give you the right to trash them and their beliefs. Everyone deserves respect.

Treat the CEO of your company just the same way you do the janitors. If you want to know how to be classy, this is definitely one you can’t forget.

6. Don’t be jealous

Jealousy is a natural human emotion, however, that doesn’t mean you have to talk about it or act upon it. Classy people keep it to themselves or share it with a very close friend. They don’t go raging on about their jealousy.

That’s just not cool. Or classy. [Read: 25 secret signs of a jealous friend and how to deal with their envy]

7. Be happy

You might not think happiness is part of learning how to be classy. But happy people have no need to prove themselves to others.

And because of that, they don’t have to resort to doing anything that might embarrass themselves just to get attention. [Read: 70 true secrets to happiness to have a happy life and enjoy everything you do]

8. Have passions

If you want to know how to be classy, have some passions! If you don’t have any, then just try things out. Everyone will find a passion eventually.

Classy people have a sense of purpose, and they follow their passions.

9. Watch your body language

Many times, people aren’t even aware of the messages they send to others via their body language. But classy people are more conscious of it.

They restrain themselves from rolling their eyes or getting too touchy-feely on the first date if it’s inappropriate. [Read: The classy girl’s guide to be more attractive to men]

10. Don’t jump on the bandwagon

There will always be fads and trends that are cool and fun to try. But just because all of your friends are doing something, wearing something, or saying something doesn’t mean you have to as well.

Be your own person and think about your actions before you follow the crowd.

11. Don’t post too many thirst traps

Posting selfies and keeping everyone updated on our personal lives via social media has become a norm these days. [Read: Thirst trap – what it is, why it screams “I want attention,” and how to ace it]

But are you taking it too far by posting regular thirst traps?

If you want to know how to be classy, then stop making it all about yourself.

12. Have empathy

Speaking about making it all about yourself, classy people have empathy for others. Even if they don’t agree with what other people say or do, they still express that they understand their point of view.

When learning how to be classy, this is one of the vital characteristics you must possess.

13. Have self-confidence

Many people think that being self-confident is cocky or arrogant, but it’s not. The people who come across as cocky or self-loving are the ones who really don’t feel good about themselves.

Classy people just have a vibe they give out to the world that shouts, “I’m a great person, I love myself, but I have no need to announce it to the whole world.” [Read: 55 secrets and self-love habits to build confidence and realize your worth]

14. Don’t ever lose your cool

Emotions are hard to control, and some find it more difficult than others. But even when you are angry at someone, remain calm so you don’t say or do something you will regret. Take a break and walk away if you can’t do it in the moment.

Don’t let your emotions rule your life and your relationships

15. Be authentic

Everyone can spot a fake person from a mile away. And being fake isn’t classy. If you’re always trying to be someone you’re not, ask yourself why.

Be yourself. Be honest. These things are vital if you want to know how to be classy. [Read: 33 secrets to be true to yourself and 15 signs you need to unfake your life]

16. Be true to yourself

You should stay true to your values and beliefs, and don’t do anything you don’t want to do.

Don’t be a people-pleaser or a doormat. Know your personal boundaries, and don’t be afraid to kindly and gently tell people when they have crossed the line.

17. Surround yourself with positive people

Positivity breeds positivity. And classiness breeds classiness. So, if you’re hanging out with a crowd of people who don’t love themselves, create and participate in drama, and always lose their cool, chances are that you will end up being like that.

You need to find people who are classy, so you can all be classy together. [Read: Bad friends – 25 types of friends you must delete now]

18. Think before you speak

Your mom probably told you this a hundred times growing up, but it’s true. Once you say something, you can’t take it back. We all get upset, but that doesn’t mean we have to blurt out every negative thing that comes to mind.

19. Don’t gossip

Gossip is potentially hurtful. Whether the gossip is true or false, you are still talking about other people, and they may not appreciate it.

So, don’t listen to gossip, and for heaven’s sake, don’t pass it on even if you do hear it. [Read: How to be classy – top traits that command respect]

20. Take personal responsibility

If you want to know how to be classy, this one is the foundation of it all. Don’t blame other people. Instead, look within yourself and own up to your actions and words.

It’s not easy for a lot of people to do, but it sure is classy. [Read: 18 ways to have high self-esteem and start winning at life]

21. Pay attention to the details

Most people tend to focus on the bigger picture and don’t look at the smaller details. However, it’s classy when you see the whole picture instead, and pay attention to everything.

That applies to everything from being prepared for most scenarios at all times to matching your jewelry and accessories to your outfit.

22. Invest in good accessories

While classiness isn’t necessarily about what you wear, you can show other people that you’re a person who cares about how they come across to the world with the accessories you adorn.

You can do this by investing in good-quality accessories, such as a watch, silk scarves, and sunglasses.

You don’t have to spend a fortune, but if they look good, you’ll look good too. [Read: How to look fabulous and appealing when trying to get attention]

23. Nurture your intellect

Classy people don’t rely upon their looks alone; they know their brain counts for more. So, do some reading and learn about subjects that interest you. The more you boost your brain power, the classier you’ll become and the easier life will be!

24. Be punctual

Being late and making people wait for you is super disrespectful, and the total opposite of classiness. So, if you want to learn how to be classy, plan your time and always be punctual. [Read: Proper social etiquette – 19 signs and traits that make you classy and likable]

25. Practice etiquette

This doesn’t mean you have to go back to medieval times and learn all the ways back then, but it does mean that you know the ‘done things’ to make people feel more comfortable and respected.

We’re talking about things like holding the elevator door if someone is coming your way, and always remembering your manners.

26. Keep your home clean and chic

Nothing screams ‘classy’ more than a clean and sophisticated home. Again, you don’t have to spend a fortune, you just need to keep it clean, sparkling, and tidy. That will show people that you care about your surroundings. [Read: High-value woman – 20 traits that make men respect and be in awe of her]

27. Practice good posture

A slouching posture isn’t classy or comfortable. So, stand up straight, put your shoulders back, hold your head high, and walk with pride!

28. Do things for others

Not only will you get a boost of feel-good factor from doing good deeds for others, but people will see you as a kind and generous person who deserves respect. That’s classy. [Read: How volunteer work can help heal depression]

29. Disconnect from your phone

There is nothing worse than sitting with someone and they spend all their time on their phone. It’s rude and disrespectful; the total opposite of classiness! [Read: Phubbing – what it is, 18 reasons why we phub, and ways to stop it ASAP]

Put your phone down and don’t look at it while you’re with another person unless it’s something urgent. Be present in the moment.

30. Send handwritten notes

Anyone can tap out a text in seconds and just press ‘send.’ However, there’s something classy and old-school about a handwritten note, and it’s a million times more personal. [Read: 20 romantic secrets and examples to write a love letter and melt their heart]

31. Maintain good overall hygiene

Nobody wants to be around someone who smells like they’ve forgotten what deodorant is. Maintain good overall hygiene and keep yourself neat, tidy, and smelling delicious at all times. That’s classy!

32. Keep your voice low and speak without rushing

You show the other person that you’re too busy to speak to them if you rush your words, so slow it down. Also, there’s something rather trashy about someone who has to shout to be heard.

Keep your voice low and speak with authority; you’ll automatically demand respect. [Read: Subtle body language moves to appear more confident]

33. Develop a wider vocabulary

But use it wisely! Don’t go peppering regular sentences with long words or else other people will think you’re showing off.

But if you use your new vocabulary at the right time, people will see that you’re a smart person who has a good grasp of the conversation.

34. Know how to listen to others

All too often, people pretend to be listening when they’re really not. But it’s disrespectful to do that. Instead, really zone in on the person’s words and body language to understand them properly.

It’s also good practice to repeat back what they’ve said to show that you’ve heard them. [Read: 19 ways to be a much better listener in a relationship and read their mind]

35. Have a strong work ethic

This doesn’t mean working all the hours in a day, but it does mean caring about your work and putting in the right amount of effort. Your colleagues won’t appreciate you doing only the minimum and leaving the rest to them, but it’s classy to do your fair share at all times.

36. Take pride in your accomplishments

Don’t boast about them, but have a quiet confidence and joy in what you achieve. And why shouldn’t you? If you achieve something, you deserve to be happy about it. [Read: Sense of self – What it is, 36 signs, tips, and steps to raise it and feel great]

How to be a classy person who exudes confidence and charm

Use these tips to transform yourself one day at a time. Don’t ever mistake being classy as all about how you look; it’s a quick trick that’s only one page of the book.

And you’ll find yourself even more annoyed because you’re not getting attention and respect from others.

Instead, try to become a classy person from within. Do that, and no matter where you are or how you dress, you’ll always be the apple of everyone’s eye, and receive the respect and admiration that’ll come your way naturally.

[Read: Self-concept – How we create and develop it to control our happiness]

Taking the high road is always preferable when you want to transform yourself into a classy person. So, if you want to know how to be classy, just follow these tips, and you’ll be on the right track.

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Preeti Tewari Serai
Preeti Serai
Preeti, the founder of LovePanky, is an eternal optimist and believer in the beauty of love and life. With an exhaustive experience in love, relationships, and ...