Developing Good Social Graces
Speak politely to others. Be thoughtful during everyday conversations and choose words that show respect and consideration. Using simple, polite phrases like “please” and “thank you” may not seem like a huge deal. However, these basic social graces are a big part of being classy and sophisticated. For example, when you meet someone for the first time, don’t just say “Hi.” Shake their hand and say something like, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Be kind and considerate in your actions. Look for simple ways to be kind and helpful in your day-to-day interactions with other people. This can include simple actions like giving someone a sincere compliment, holding open a door, or offering to help tidy up after a meal. Part of being considerate is being punctual and reliable. If you’re ever unable to meet an obligation or be somewhere on time, let the other person know and apologize to them right away. Although it can be frustrating if you feel like your kindness is not appreciated, practice being kind for its own sake. Don’t expect or demand anything in return.
Develop strong listening skills. Taking time to actively listen to others is not only gracious and considerate, but will also help you be a better communicator. When someone else is speaking, give them your full attention. Make eye contact and let them finish what they have to say before you respond.Tip: When listening to another person, focus fully on understanding what they’re saying instead of planning what you want to say next. Try asking questions or rephrasing what the other person said to make sure you understand them. You can show that you are listening by nodding or using verbal cues, such as “Right,” “Mm-hm,” or “I understand.”
Avoid excessive slang and cursing. There’s nothing wrong with cursing or using slang and informal language when you’re goofing around with your friends. But when you’re trying make your image more sophisticated, keep your speech clear and clean. For example, if someone asks you if you’re going to an event, don’t say, “Oh yeah, I’ll totes be there, it’s gonna be awesome!” Instead, try something like, “Yes, I’ll be there. I’m looking forward to it!”
Try to keep your cool if you have an argument. It’s natural to get upset and have disagreements with others from time to time. If you get into a confrontation, keep it classy by being the bigger person. Do your best to stay calm and avoid lashing out or putting the other person down. If you’re struggling to stay calm, excuse yourself and go take a few deep breaths before you continue the conversation. Use “I” language to let the other person know how their actions affect you without attacking or blaming them. For example, say something like, “When you show up late to our study sessions, I don’t feel like my time is being respected.”
Practice good etiquette in social situations. Whether you’re at the dinner table or attending a school dance, do your best to use appropriate manners for the setting. If you’re not familiar with the situation, take time to study proper etiquette beforehand. For example, if you’ve been invited to a formal dinner, find out about the dress code before you go. Brush up on modern etiquette for a variety of situations with a book like Classy: Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady by Derek Blasberg.
Becoming More Cultured
Read books on lots of subjects. Reading is a great way to learn new things, expand your horizons, and become more sophisticated. It will also give you an edge in social situations, since you’ll always be able to talk about what you’ve been reading! Make it a goal to read books in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and classic literature. Don’t just stick to literary classics or books you think you “should” be reading. Read about whatever you find interesting!
Take time to learn something new every day. Building your knowledge and skills will help you become a more cultured and sophisticated person. Try reading an article about an unfamiliar subject each day, taking a few minutes to get caught up on current events, or working on a new skill. You can also try signing up for classes on subjects you find interesting. If you’re not in school, look for classes you can take online, at a community center, or at a local college or university. Try taking up a new hobby, like painting, crocheting, archery, or rock climbing.
Get to know people from different backgrounds. Step outside of your own familiar setting by spending time with people from different cultures and social backgrounds. Try getting to know people of different ages, too. You may be surprised by what you can learn from them! Traveling is a great way to get to know people from other cultures, but it’s not always practical or affordable. If you can’t travel, try connecting with a pen pal from another country.Did you know? Having a diverse social circle can broaden your perspective and may even improve your problem solving and creative thinking skills!
Try new foods. A big part of becoming cultured is getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing new things. Try new foods from different cultures to expand your horizons and develop a more sophisticated palate. Visit a restaurant that serves a kind of food you’ve never tried, or invite a friend from another cultural background to swap recipes with you. Eating new foods is a great way to learn about other cultures and connect with other people who share your interest in good cuisine!
Learn to appreciate the arts. Make time to learn about some artists or styles you’re unfamiliar with, or learn more about art you already know and admire. Cultivating an interest in the arts, whether visual or performance-based, will help make you a more well-rounded and sophisticated person. Try visiting a museum or art gallery, going to the theater, or attending a dance performance. Taking a class about art history or criticism can help you understand and appreciate the arts on a deeper level.
Creating a Sophisticated Look
Wear neat, well-fitting clothes. To look sophisticated and put-together, dress in clothes that are clean, wrinkle-free, and flattering. If you’re not sure how to pick clothes that fit you properly, go to a tailor or a lingerie store for advice and a professional measurement.Tip: You can instantly make a casual outfit look more polished by tucking in your top and cinching your waist with a belt. You don’t need expensive designer clothes to look sophisticated. Wearing clothes that look tidy and fit you well is more important! Structured pieces, like a fitted blazer or an A-line skirt, can give you a classic, elegant look.
Dress appropriately for every occasion. Whether you’re attending a school dance, going on a job interview, or having dinner with family friends, choosing the right attire can make a big difference in the impression you make. Choose clothes that are modest and not too dressy or casual for the occasion. For example, if you’re going to a formal wedding, a silk dress (knee-length or longer) or pantsuit would be a good choice. Just avoid wearing anything white or overly flashy so you don’t upstage the bride! For a job interview, a suit is a good bet, but you can also look sophisticated and put-together with a blouse, pencil skirt, and fitted jacket.
Keep your style simple and timeless. Stick to a simple, minimalist style to help keep your wardrobe from becoming quickly outdated. Choose a few basic, high-quality clothing pieces in neutral colors. To liven up your look, pair your neutral wardrobe staples with some bold accessories. For example, you might pair a classic little black dress with a colorful, chunky statement necklace. Simple pieces in solid colors are great for mixing and matching to create a variety of different outfits.
Choose a flattering and elegant hairstyle. Put a little effort into styling your hair each day. This will give you a tidy and well-groomed appearance. Your hair is likely to be one of the first things that other people notice about your appearance, so choose a style that reflects your cool, sophisticated side. For example: Go for a short haircut if you want to look more confident and professional. A sleek updo is a great way to create an elegant look, especially for a special occasion. Your hair color can also affect how others perceive you. For instance, studies show that many people see brunettes as more serious and mysterious than blondes or redheads.
Put on some subtle makeup if you like. While wearing makeup isn’t a must, it can help you look more stylish and sophisticated. To create a simple, classic effect, put on some mascara, blush, and a bold lipstick. If you’re going for a radiant, glowing look, stick to highlighters and eyeshadows with a subtle shimmer rather than obvious glitter.
Practice good personal hygiene. Keeping yourself clean, tidy, and nice-smelling will definitely help you maintain your sophisticated image. Shower daily and establish good skin and hair care routines to keep yourself looking your best. Remember to care for your nails, too. Having well-manicured nails can make a big difference to your overall appearance. Keep your nails relatively short or medium in length, and stick to clear or nude polish for a classy and mature look.
Adopt proper posture. To make yourself look more confident and poised, stand tall, keep your head up, and push your shoulders back. In addition to helping you appear more sophisticated, having good posture will also prevent wear and tear on your body as you get older. If you spend a lot of time in front of computers or other devices with screens, keep them at eye level to prevent hunching. Doing yoga can improve your posture, strengthen your joints and muscles, and help you become more attuned to what your body is doing.
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