30+ Tips on How to Always Look Elegant and Classy – IN AN ELEGANT FASHION (2024)

Do you always want to look elegant and classy no matter the occasion? Get exact ways on how to dress chic every day. Stop wasting your money on trendy and unflattering clothes. Looking expensive doesn’t require you to take out a second mortgage on your home. There are simple guidelines that you can follow so that you strategically pick the items for your elegant wardrobe that make you feel confident every day.

You can look elegant by wearing neutral colors and simple jewelry and makeup. Dress classy by choosing fitted, modest styles and flattering silhouettes. Opt for timeless pieces and expensive-looking materials, like a silk blouse and structured bag. Your garments should be well-maintained without wrinkles or rips. Polish off the look with styled hair and nails.

The number one way that you can instantly look more elegant is to incorporate neutral colors as much as possible into your wardrobe. This may sound like a cliché – but not without good reason. You see, while colors, especially brights, can be worn in a classy fashion, they can also easily go wrong. Neutral colors like white, beige, gray, camel and especially black, can be effortlessly paired together– and with any other colors – in endless combinations and look chic. While certain other colors go in and out of fashion, neutrals endure the test of time.They are perfect for your year-round, winter and spring capsule wardrobes.

Solid colors are the way to go when curating an elegant wardrobe. These are timeless, while most logos and prints eventually become outdated. So just avoid these hyper pieces –AlexandrasGirlyTalkhas a great video explaining what hyper pieces are. Of course, you can wear patterns, but you first need to make sure that you have a solid (pun intended) foundation to pair them with. It’s the easiest to combine solids neutrals with each other. Make your outfit look effortlessly chic by coupling black and white solid pieces or go for an all gray monochrome look. The options are endless and it couldn’t be simpler!

Monochromatic looks are one of the easiest ways to look put together with minimal effort. Plus, it will never go out of style. This works best with neutral colors like an all-black, all-gray, all-beige or all-white outfit. However, the beauty of this style is that it can be done with practically any color, even brights and pastels like an all-red or an all-dusty-pink outfit. Try your best to find the same shade and tone of the color to give it the most uniform look. Pant suits and jumpsuits are an even easier way of pulling off monochrome.

Although it’s not rocket science, many tend to ignore the basics of color theory. It’s super easy to combine colors once you learn what colors work together with a little practice. As a general rule of thumb, no more than three colors should be used in an outfit (excluding patterns and jewelry). Of course the same colors in different shades and hues look great together like beige, camel, white, cream and brown. But all of the neutrals look great together. Black especially matches absolutely every color and classic pairings include black and white; black and camel/beige; and black and gray.Read more about classic and beautiful color combinations.

Although it’s not rocket science, many tend to ignore the basics of color theory. It’s super easy to combine colors once you learn what colors work together with a little practice. As a general rule of thumb, no more than three colors should be used in an outfit (excluding patterns and jewelry). Of course the same colors in different shades and hues look great together like beige, camel, white, cream and brown. But all of the neutrals look great together. Black especially matches absolutely every color and classic pairings include black and white; black and camel/beige; and black and gray.Read more about classic and beautiful color combinations.

Simplicity is key to an elegant look. That’s why you should keep your jewelry very simple. Go for classic metals like gold, silver or rose-gold. Alternatively, you can opt for diamond-like stones like diamond studs . These are a great investment, especially if they are the real thing. Once you’ve decided on the type of metal, then aim to get each piece of jewelry in the same metal with the same, minimalistic style. This way you can easily mix and match the simple pair of earrings, necklace, bracelet, watch and ring(s). This will absolutely match your entire wardrobe andwill take out a lot of the thought process when getting dressed.

While colorful eye looks and hair can be fun and look elegant if pulled off correctly, your best bet of looking classy is going for more neutral hair and make up. Opt for morenatural make uplike nude lips and browns, like bronzer on the cheeks and in the eye crease. This just enhances your natural beauty and complements the rest of your neutral ensemble. Stick to natural hair colors and just play around with soft highlights and balayage during the seasons to spice things up.

Elegant style is all about clothes that fit your body. While oversized or tight clothing can look modern at times, these trends come and go and they can easily look unflattering if done wrong. Your clothes shouldn’t give you enough wiggle room for another person to fit in, neither should they make you feel so constricted that you can’t move. Your clothes should flatter your shape and ultimately make you feel good about yourself. Remember, your clothes should fit your body and not the other way around. So don’t pay as much attention to sizes rather to the fit. If it doesn’t look good on, then put it back, return it or don’t buy it inthe first place. If you really want a particular piece and can afford it, get it tailored to fit your body like a glove.

There is nothing less classy than a muffin top or a whale tail (a.k.a. thong showing). The most flattering type of waist for almost any body type is a high rise. It cinches you in at the top, flattens your tummy, accentuates your curves and elongates your legs. You can also wear a midrise as long as it leans more towards high waisted. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to sit comfortably without worrying that you’re going to show skin on your backside. Opt for high waisted everything from pants to skirts tobikini bottoms.

Of course a low V-neck can look classy at times but it is much harder to pull off correctly. When in doubt, opt for a top with a high neck as this will always look classy no matter the occasion. There are still many styles to choose from whether it’s a basic crew neck, blouse collar, high V-neck, mock neck or turtleneck. The goal is to just make sure that when you bend over, your cleavage isn’t there for the whole world to see (when you weren’t planning on it of course).

Long versions of most clothing pieces instantly elevate any look. Opt for skirts and dresses that are just above the knees or longer (midi / maxi) and go for cardigans, blazers and coats that cover at least your bottom. Extra-long coats are especially chic. Contrary to belief, a modest/conservative fit is not prudish or boring. It ensures that you don’t accidently show your underwear and instead, it elongates your shape as it draws the eye down a longer silhouette. Longer cuts are perfect for any age and you’ll be able to wear these pieces for years to come, cropped pieces are usually more trendy.

If you want to look elegant every single day, it is time to start only investing inflattering pieces and silhouettes. Although it may take some trial and error to figure out what suits your body shape, you’ll feel great once you do. There are some general guidelines that apply to most. Go for clothing that accentuates your curves by cinching in your waist and flaring out like anything A-lined, belted and wrap. Also flowy pieces flatter most people like loose blouses and shift dresses.

Nothing will ruin an elegant outfit faster than a visible panty line. Elegance starts at the base so ensure that no lines or underwear are visible. You can do this by investing in nude, seamless panties and bras that match your skin tone. If you can, try good quality strapless bras. A bonus is that this type of underwear tends to be more comfortable since it doesn’t have seams digging into your skin. If you want to go all the way, shapewear will help flatten your tummy and accentuate your curves for that dress you’re planning on wearing.

Another tip that many neglect to follow when the warm weather comes around is opting for tank tops and dresses with thick straps. The straps should be wide enough to cover your bra strap since showing it is not a cute look. Spaghetti straps look cheap unless you can manage to wear them without a bra or straps – which is usually not the case for most women.

While bottoms with a longer length usually look the most elegant, sometimes the weather is just so hot that you need to wear a pair of shorts. In this case, you need to go for shorts which are loose enough around your thighs they aren’t squeezed like a sausage. In the best case, they should be high waisted and long enough to at least reach your fingertips when your arms are by your sides. Shorter than that and your bottom will be hanging out.

When in doubt opt for opaque clothing, no matter if it’s shirts, bottoms, dresses or even tights. Although there are very few intentional exceptions, being able to see your underwear through your clothes is the opposite ofclassy. Just check whether you can see your handthrough the garment when holding it underneath and/or try it on under strong lighting. For added security, you should wear a camisole under all of your outfits.

Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it goes without saying that balance and symmetry are aesthetically pleasing. A rule of thumb in fashion is that if one part of the outfit is voluminous, then the other looks best if it’s streamlined and fitted. For example, if your top is tighter, then opt for a looser pair of pants. If your pants are fitted, then pair it with a voluminous top or sweater. On the other hand, a symmetrical outfit with a cinched waist, like a belted dress, is also pleasing to the eye.

This is a big one because the thing about elegance is that it is not bound by time. That’s why you need to invest intimeless pieces, rather than in trends andhyper pieces. Timeless pieces are perfect for any age and will last you a long time if you choose right ones. Then you’ll reach for them again and again like carrot pants or a trench coat all-year round. You can pair these timeless pieces with each other for a classic aesthetic or with modern items to keep the look fresh.

While solid, neutral colors are always elegant, opting forclassic patternsis a way to spice up your wardrobe. Certain patterns like stripes, plaid or animal print are timeless since they never really go out of style. This is because many of these patterns have neutral colors – like leopard print, which is comprised of black, camel, beige and white. You can never go wrong with a floral dress or a leopard print blouse as long as they are on classic silhouettes. Just make sure you choose original and neutral colors of the prints.

Of course, an elegant outfit needs a matching makeup look. Why not add a red lip and/or winged liner to add sophistication instantly and effortlessly? Just be sure to choose theright red shadesand to not make your wing too thick. These classic styles take out the guessing work so that you can complement your classy aesthetic, yet not to distract from it. Along with red lipstick and winged eyeliner, there are certain othertimeless makeup looksthat will forever be stylis

Clothing made out ofexpensive-looking materials– like fur and leather – and anything with a sheen, shine or sparkle – like metallics and silk – are historically associated with wealth and a glamorous aesthetic. Luckily nowadays you can opt for less expensive and faux versions ofthe materials. Choosing items with fur or gold detailing will always look more expensive. Theywill still give the effect as long as you go for high-quality and realistic-looking options.

Nothing is worth investing in more than structured pieces like a sleek coat and a structured bag. Structured bags are a must in any elegant wardrobe since they keep their shape for a long time. As a general rule of thumb, it is structured enough if it can stand up on its own on a surface without tipping over. Small shoulder pads in coats and blazers often created additional structure. Dresses and skirts can also be structured if they are good quality, tailored to fit your body like a glove and/or made out of thicker, stiff material. Also, certain styles like pleated skirts and sheath dresses have a structured look.

It goes without saying that dirty and worn out clothing is a no-go if you want to look like a classy lady (or man). Put-together people don’t have holes, lint, piling, rips, wrinkles or dirt on their clothes, accessories and shoes. Keep your clothes looking good as new by properlystoring, cleaning and repairing them.

Elegant blousesare timeless and universal. They are one of the best options for a classy look all year round. They are absolutely flattering for all body types and there are so many styles, cuts and patterns to choose from. You can easily go from day to night in a blouse. They look good with any pair of bottoms from jeans to pants to skirts. They are a more beautiful alternative to a T-shirt in the spring / summer and can be layered with a blazer in the winter / fall. Silk (satin) and tie neck blouses are especially fabulous.

Blazers are great for when you don’t know what to wear. You can look instantly put together by just throwing on a blazer with any outfit. It is such a versatile piece that can also serve as light layer or jacket. It can elevate a T-shirt, jeans and sneakers for a casual chic look and it can be worn for work with pants / skirt and heels. You can even dress up a fitted turtleneck with it during the cold months. A blazer can last forever if you take care of it and the right one never goes out of style. Go for a looser and longer blazer for a more comfortable fit. Capes and ponchos are great alternatives if you want to step up your game a notch.

A pair of proper pants are always a more elegant alternative to jeans. Opting for a pair of loose carrot pants which can be just as comfortable and very versatile. Dress your pants down with a T-shirt / long-sleeve shirt and flats or dress them up with a blouse, blazer and heels for a power suit. These pants also look great in the winter with tights underneath, a sweater and sock booties. A slimming pair of black pants should be a staple in yourelegant capsule wardrobe.

Although this might seem so obvious, you might have forgotten this tip. Dresses and skirts a more feminine, dressy (pun intended) alternative to pants not matter the season.Elegant dressesare a whole outfit in themselves and don’t need much added to them. That’s why they are so easy to slip on when you’re pressed for time.Elegant skirtsare even more versatile since you can pair them with any top from a blouse to a sweater if done right. Choose timeless styles to get the most wear out of your dresses and skirts.

Elegant high heelsare a fool-proof way of instantly elevating any look, especially ones with a pointy toe. Heels can come in all styles and heights so they can be worn for any occasion in any season. Wear strappy heels in the summer or heeled boots, like knee high / over knee boots, with a sweater dress for one of the chicest, winter looks. You can wear black pumps all year round with a basic pair of jeans or with black, opaque tights for a super classy aesthetic. But don’t feel intimidated about wearing heels. You don’t have to wear the high stilettos that you see on Instagram. Actually, elegant ladies wear what they can walk properly in. So opt for more wearable block heels up to 3 inches (8 cm) or kitten heels that look just as cute. Choose heels with a more pointed toe for timeless elegance.

If you feel like your look needs a little something extra, try accessorizing. Believe it or not, a single statement accessory can really upgrade an outfit. Adding a pair ofchic sunglassesor topping your ensemble off with a stylish hat can really make a big difference. There are endless options like tying a silk/satin scarf around your bag/neck, belting your jacket with a gold buckle belt or adding a beautiful watch that speaks for itself. Accessories are abudget-friendly way to add eleganceto your wardrobe.

Styled hair can really make you look more polished because it shows that you put in effort. There are manydoable elegant hairstyleslike a slicked back ponytail or low bun. Sleek straight hair also always looks put-together, especially with a straight middle part. Or try flipping your ends inwards or outwards for a more retro style. Experiment with these hairstyles and updos to find those that suit you.

Nice nails are the perfect final touch to a polished look (pun intended again). Something can often look off if everything else is put together – outfit and makeup are on point – but your nails aren’t done. They are one of the most noticeable areas since you use your hands a lot to talk and do other things. A manicure is can even be the only necessary accessory. In addition, pedicures are a must if you’re wearing open toe shoes. To match your whole wardrobe, opt for neutral and timeless nail colors like nude, white, red and black. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go to the salon – there are otheraffordable at-home nail care optionslike gel kits, glue on nails or good quality nail polishes that don’t chip.