When I think of someone who oozes class and sophistication, I see self-assurance and a confident personality.
I also know that it’s all good and well to talk about elegance and confidence, but what exactly does this mean, and what do you do if you want to be seen as a classy person?
It’s all in the way you move.
Everything from the way you talk and dress to simple gestures are all cues to your attitude and the impression you create when communicating with those around you.
You only need to look at the following 8 body language signs that signal class and sophistication to understand how to create a positive and lasting impression.
Once you know what’s expected of you, you’ll know just how to be classy in any circumstance.
1) You wear a genuine smile
Nothing trumps a beautiful and authentic smile, and when you’re a sophisticated person, it’s the one thing that you never go without.
While most of us are under the impression that you’ve got to be prim and proper to be classy, which you should, there’s another side to behaving elegantly. Elegance is about being pleasant and inviting, which means drawing people in without having to say a word.
A smile of sophistication comes naturally, so how should you show your pleasure and positivity?
You may or may not show your teeth, and your eyes should wrinkle at the corners with a soft look about them. It’s called “smiling with your eyes,” and it instantly brightens your face. Research shows that people perceive this type of smile as warm, and they associate it with positive emotions.
So, if you want to be seen as sophisticated, don’t forget to wear a smile that’s genuine because a fake smile doesn’t look good on anybody.
2) You hold good posture
When I see slouching shoulders, the first thing that comes to mind is laziness. Yes, this could be an unfair assessment of someone’s personality and attitude, but when your body language says that you have no confidence, I wouldn’t describe you as sophisticated.
Poise creates a beautiful frame that makes you feel better, and when you feel good, it filters into every aspect of your behavior and personality.
We don’t like to think that we’re judged based on the way we look, but our posture tells people that we take pride in who we are.
Sitting or standing with your shoulders and spine in perfect alignment automatically lifts your head and gives you a self-assured appearance.
The problem with constantly sitting with curved shoulders or a slouched back is that it looks as if your clothes don’t fit and that you don’t take care of yourself. These body positions are also associated with shyness and low self-esteem, as you look like you’re heavily burdened or ready to quit.
To avoid creating the wrong impression, focus on maintaining your poise by correcting the position of your back and shoulders when you notice that you’re slouching.
Remember that good posture is associated with confidence, elegance, and assertiveness. So take the time to work on your posture, and you’ll show your friends, family, and the people you meet just how classy you are.
3) You have excellent etiquette
Sitting quietly at a table drinking tea while holding your little finger in the air is the image that comes to mind when you think about the meaning of etiquette.
It’s about much more than this. Yes, it’s necessary to have good table manners, but etiquette is how we conduct ourselves socially. When you have good etiquette, you don’t forget your manners; you greet, say “thank you,” and show your consideration for others.
It’s those unspoken rules we follow to treat others with respect while behaving graciously wherever we go.
When you treat others well and behave politely, you’ll always be seen as a class act.
4) You’re not touchy-feely
How can anyone see you as sophisticated and classy if you’re constantly touching someone when you speak to them?
Touch is a major form of non-verbal communication.
When we laugh and lightly touch someone we’re interested in, it’s a sign of affection, but there’s a fine line between using touch as a sign of endearment and just making someone downright uncomfortable.
If you generally reach out and touch someone while talking to them, it’s time to rein it in.
There are appropriate moments when you can touch the other person’s arm or shoulder, and this is about context. If they’re going through a hard time and want to share their experience with you, then touching them on the shoulder shows empathy and warmth. Sharing a funny story while laughing and touching their arm is another natural interaction.
Other than that, be mindful of your physical space and refrain from physically reaching out if you don’t need to.
Some people don’t feel comfortable with touch and find it an invasion of their physical space. If that’s the case, you certainly wouldn’t be perceived as sophisticated.
5) You dress immaculately
Whether you’re a man or a woman, when you look stylish, you turn heads wherever you go, and for all the right reasons.
Your appearance and the way you carry yourself communicate your level of class and sophistication.
When you exude elegance, it reflects in your choice of attire. Tailored suits, pressed shirts, and form-fitting clothes indicate refinement. Rather than follow the latest trends, a classy person will invest in the classics and create their own sense of style.
For men, fitted shirts, well-fitting trousers, and clean shoes are a must. For classy women, clothing suited to the season, along with complementary accessories such as a beautiful pair of earrings and a smart clutch bag, can instantly transform her look.
There’s a song called “She’s a Lady” by Tom Jones that perfectly sums up a classy and sophisticated woman: “She’s got style, she’s got grace, she’s a winner.”
I couldn’t have said it any better.
Just remember that what you wear is only one part of signaling class and sophistication. Along with your appearance, maintain your poise, embrace your style, and your confidence will shine through.
6) You speak slowly and use minimal gestures
An important part of being seen as classy is maintaining the appropriate tone of voice and cadence when speaking to someone.
You don’t rush when you speak; you think about what you want to say, and you don’t dominate conversations.
People who speak too fast or too loudly come across as egoistic and attention-seeking. They might even be thought of as inconsiderate because you just can’t get a word in.
Another form of body language associated with grace is the appropriate use of gestures.
When you see someone talking with their hands up in the air while making all sorts of frantic gestures, you certainly wouldn’t think of that person as classy.
Class is about exercising self-control and acting graciously.
Maintain a fair tone of voice, speak slowly, and don’t use over-the-top hand gestures if you want to be thought of as refined and polished.
7) You keep your palms open
You might not think much about your hands when you communicate, but the positioning of your palms can tell someone whether you’re open or closed.
People who are considered cultured and classy will have relaxed hand gestures with open palms that are perceived as honest and not withholding information. Pay careful attention to the positioning of the palms the next time you speak to someone you consider suave and confident.
According to body language experts, an open palm indicates truthfulness and authenticity. The biggest question is: how should you position your hands and palms so that you’re viewed more positively?
The first step is to avoid covering your hands when you talk to someone by placing them on your lap or holding a closed fist. Don’t cross your arms, and don’t point your fingers, as this is an “attacking” gesture.
Being relaxed improves your communication, and whether you’re telling a story or asking for advice, show the upside of your palms. It’s a gentle body language sign that says a lot.
8) You’re positive and confident
It might seem a bit strange to have positivity and confidence as body language signs, but when you feel strong and confident, it influences every aspect of your behavior, and it’s most definitely worth mentioning.
When you have strong self-esteem, you know what you want out of life and accept who you are. You walk with your shoulders back, have an upright posture, and you show impeccable manners.
You smile naturally because you’re self-assured and have a positive attitude. In addition to keeping hand gestures and the tone of your voice under control, you’re incredibly well-groomed.
It’s easy to see why self-assurance and working on your confidence are crucial when it comes to exuding class and sophistication in your body language.
Final thoughts
The best way to show the world that you have grace is by incorporating these body language signs into your daily life.
Most importantly, work on your confidence, brush up on your etiquette, and always be mindful of your posture!
Slouching and faking your smile are definite no’s if you want to be seen as having class and sophistication.
The more you practice, the more these behaviors will come naturally to you. Just don’t forget to have fun along the way.