How to Look Classy & Elegant Every Day: The Ultimate Guide

In a world where fashion trends are as ephemeral as autumn leaves, there exists a timeless allure that transcends the capriciousness of style. It is the art of looking classy and elegant, a quality that never goes out of vogue. But how does one actually define classy style? Well, if being completely honest, the definition is going to vary from person to person. For some, it may be the images of Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly. Others may define classy style as basing one’s wardrobe on timeless pieces. There’s really no universal definition of “classy” out there.

I’ve personally always believed that classy and elegant style is not just about how you dress, but also how you present yourself. Because here’s the thing. No matter how perfect, or expensive, your outfit may be, it won’t radiate elegance if you don’t feel confident wearing it. However, this isn’t my only tip for you. In fact, I’ve got quite a few. From selecting the right wardrobe essentials to mastering the art of subtle details, here are my top 10 tips to look classy and elegant every day.

1. Invest in Quality Basics

Foundation of any classy wardrobe begins with quality basics. These are the items that form the backbone of your style, and it’s crucial to invest in pieces that are well made and designed to last. Think of classic items like a well-tailored blazer, a crisp white button-down shirt, a little black dress, and a pair of straight-leg pants. Quality basics are the canvas upon which you are going to be building your outfits.

2. Favor Natural Fabrics

When building your wardrobe, prioritize materials like cotton, silk, wool, linen, and cashmere, instead of synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon and acrylic. The thing is that synthetic fibers typically don’t last very long. They often start falling apart right after the very first wash. Not even to mention that they have that “cheap” look to them.

3. Embrace Neutral Colors

Neutral colors are the backbone of any classy and elegant wardrobe. These include hues such as black, white, navy, gray, and beige. I know, these may sound a little boring, but hear me out – these are the easiest colors to style and wear! But it isn’t like your outfits should rely solely on neutrals. In fact, don’t hesitate to incorporate subtle pops of color through accessories or accent pieces.

4. Pay Attention to Fit

No matter how fashionable or expensive your clothes are, if they don’t fit well, your overall appearance will suffer. Well-tailored pieces, on the other hand, can elevate your style to the whole new level. Whether it’s a perfectly fitted blazer, a tailored skirt, or trousers that slim your silhouette, investing in tailoring is worth every penny. Or simply don’t buy the pieces that don’t fit you perfectly.

5. Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle-free

One of the often-overlooked aspects of maintaining a classy and elegant appearance is the simple act of ironing your clothes. Wrinkles can instantly detract from the overall appearance of an outfit. Impeccably ironed clothes, on the contrary, demonstrate the attention to detail and your commitment to always looking your best. So, don’t neglect ironing your pieces!

6. Don’t Over-accessorize

As Coco Chanel herself has famously said: “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one accessory”. And truly, less is more when it comes to accessories. A single statement piece, such as a classic wristwatch or a pair of diamond studs, can make a more significant impact than multiple pieces that compete for attention.

7. Invest in Timeless Footwear

It’s no secret that the choice of footwear can have a significant impact on your overall appearance. And that’s why it’s incredibly important to choose it with caution. My best advice when shopping for footwear is to stick to timeless styles that transcend trends, such as leather loafers, pointed-toe pumps and ankle boots. Classy shoes won’t just complete your elegant looks, but will also add a touch of sophistication.

8. Pay Attention to Grooming and Personal Hygiene

No matter how elegant your clothing is, poor personal grooming can undermine your efforts to look classy. So, make sure to pay attention to details like a well-kept hairstyle and neatly trimmed, manicured nails. If you are someone who likes to wear makeup, wear it, but remember: less it more. A little bit of lipstick, some mascara and a stroke of eyeliner is more than enough to complete your look. The same applies to perfume.

9. Develop Your Signature Style

While embracing classy dressing is crucial in the pursuit of elegance, developing your signature style is equally important. Elegance isn’t about mimicking someone else’s style; it’s about expressing your unique personality through your fashion choices. Take the time to discover what silhouettes, colors, and styles suit you the most. Then curate a wardrobe that reflects your individuality while staying true to the principles of elegance.

10. Confidence is Key

As I’ve mentioned in the beginning of this blog post, the ultimate key to looking classy and elegant is confidence. No matter how perfectly your clothes fit or how luxurious your accessories are, without confidence, your outfit won’t radiate elegance. So, keep your back straight, chin up high, but most importantly, take pride in your appearance. When you feel good about how you look, others will notice it too.