13 Tips To Appear More Elegant

Let’s get this out of the way first: Any woman can learn to be elegant, even if it doesn’t come naturally. Elegance is a skill just like anything else, and honing it takes practice and intention. 

Not sure where to begin? Start here: 

Be Decisive 

We all have that friend who wrings her hands over every minor decision. (Will she go with the chopped salad or the street tacos? Or wait, she’s just now seeing the specials, God bless her.) We love our indecisive besties, but hemming and hawing over minor decisions can come across as flighty. Go with your gut and make a decision without fretting. You’ll come across as confident, in control, and charmingly elegant. 

Show Off Your Wrists 

Want to appear more elegant in two seconds flat? Roll up your sleeves – seriously. Showing off your wrists instantly makes you appear more elegant. A woman’s wrist is one of her most delicate and feminine features, so don’t hide yours under baggy, oversized sleeves. Instead, roll up your sleeves or cleanly bunch them so that your wrist bone is visible. 

Want to highlight your dainty wrists even more? Wear a bracelet or a delicate watch (as in, ditch the Apple Watch. Sorry!). 

Don’t Over Explain

When you go to great lengths to explain a decision you’ve made to a casual friend or acquaintance, it often comes across as defensive. Elegant women trust themselves, so they don’t need external validation for their choices. Instead, seek advice from trusted allies when you need it (your spouse or best friend, perhaps), and don’t overshare with others unless they’ve earned your trust and respect. Keeping things close to the chest makes you come across as self-assured and even a bit mysterious. 

Wear Minimal Makeup 

There’s a time and a place for dramatic makeup, but the most elegant women keep their day-to-day look natural and fresh. Instead of covering up your face, learn how to enhance your natural beauty with less makeup. Most days, a simple routine of concealer, a touch of color for the cheeks and lips, and a few swipes of mascara does the trick. 

Wearing less makeup can be intimidating at first, but over time it becomes liberating. Eventually, you’ll become more comfortable in your own skin, which translates into an air of elegance.  

Stand Up Straight

When it comes to making an elegant first impression, posture is key. Stand up tall with your shoulders drawn back and your chin drawn down just slightly. Resist the urge to stand with one hip jutted out, and try not to cross your arms. Practicing good posture may not feel comfortable at first, but in no time, it becomes second nature. You’ll come across as polished and poised, and your back and abs will become stronger in the process – win-win!  

Treat Others with Dignity

Ever notice how a steaming-hot tea-spilling sesh can leave you feeling a little…cheap? That’s because when we gossip, we’re not treating the person we’re dishing about with dignity, which is something classy women always do. Elegant women who know their worth – and the worth of others – don’t gossip. Instead of talking about someone who’s not there and can’t defend themselves, find ways to elevate the conversation. Change the subject and move on.   

Wear a Signature Scent

Elegant women have a certain je ne sais quoi that leaves people wanting more. Part of what makes them so irresistible is having a signature scent. Our sense of smell is directly linked to our emotions, so choose a go-to fragrance with fresh and floral notes with a just touch of musk for a blend that’s feminine and elegant. 

Wear Neutral Lipstick

Yes, I was just championing the merits of a minimal makeup look, but hear me out: A well-defined lip – even when it’s a neutral – flatters your features and pulls together your entire look for a more elegant appearance. For optimal elegance, always line your lips and steer clear of ultra-shiny finishes.  

Need help finding the perfect shade? Believe it or not, your ideal neutral will match the color of your areolas.  

Smile and Say Hello

Don’t mistake elegance for snobbery. It’s easy to have a caricature of a cold, uppity woman in mind when pondering the word elegant, but it’s possible to have an air of class and still be personable. Consider Audrey Hepburn’s electric smile and Grace Kelly’s poised gratitude and tell me they’re not both elegant and warm. Don’t be so concerned with appearing sophisticated that you neglect your inherent sense of feminine hospitality. 

Style Your Hair 

We all have days when an easy, breezy, air-dried look is all that the schedule allows. But if you’re going for elegance, doing a little something extra with your hair is key. Your style doesn’t have to be complicated: A few minutes with the curling iron or a well-placed hair accessory can work wonders. Have two or three simple go-to hairstyles in your repertoire for an elegant look in a snap. 

Wear Clothes That Fit

Back in the day, I used to keep items that almost fit, just because it was too much of a burden to return them. Nowadays, I only keep clothes that flatter me and make me feel incredible in terms of color and fit. Doing so boosts my confidence, so I can come across as self-assured and elegant. 

Knowing what silhouettes work for your body type is essential, so do some internet research to find out what flatters your figure the most. Or better yet, go on a shopping excursion and try on as many things as you can – even cuts that you’ve never considered before. You never know until you try! And don’t be afraid to take your clothes to a tailor. A few nips and tucks of excess fabric can be magic. 

Keep Your Nails Fresh 

Nothing can sabotage your elegant aesthetic like grungy-looking nails. Overgrown nails, fraying cuticles, and chipping nail polish instantly cheapen your appearance, so treat nails to regular maintenance. That’s not to say you need to book a trip to the nail salon every 3 weeks. Instead, learn how to give yourself flawless manicures at home, or simply trim, shape, and buff your nails and leave them au naturel. 

Stop Playing the Victim

Playing the blame game feels good at first, but it diminishes your elegance and makes you come across as weak. Instead, learn to see your setbacks as lessons and rise above your circumstances with confidence and poise. Don’t let the external world determine your lot in life.  

Presenting yourself with poise and elegance is within reach for anyone. Like any skill worth having, it may take some practice, but the results will speak for themselves. 

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