What makes someone look / seem classy?

[scruffyandlockeddown]

Not rich / expensive (although those threads are a great read).

But that more intangible serene class / grace / elegance?

@Iamthewombat

Three pages in and nobody has segued into telling us that rich people wear ancient scruffy clothes and drive around in ancient land rovers encrusted with dog hair! What is happening to Mumsnet???

Ha! That is me but firmly without the rich.

I’m with @MitziK on Liam Gallagher. In fact, I remember thinking whenever he said it in an interview or wherever he did ‘WHAT kind of shoe does he think makes an outfit? Does he not live in rancid Adidas?’

And I think camel coats make virtually everyone look like an upmarket bookie on the razzle.

@PigsInHeaven

I’m with *@MitziK* on Liam Gallagher. In fact, I remember thinking whenever he said it in an interview or wherever he did ‘WHAT kind of shoe does he think makes an outfit? Does he not live in rancid Adidas?’

And I think camel coats make virtually everyone look like an upmarket bookie on the razzle.

You have limited insight. I have never been near a “bookie” in my life. But this must be a feeble attempt to be funny!

@JaneJeffer

That's not a fair description of Liam. He always looked very cool. As you were.

And very attractive.

Money. It’s always money.

And I think camel coats make virtually everyone look like an upmarket bookie on the razzle.

Haha, this is me in camel - it doesn’t suit my colouring at all and makes me look wrong... Kind of shifty and a bit ill. I generally think a decent long, well-tailored wool coat looks elegant though - I have one in navy and it makes me walk taller somehow, certainly more so than when I’m shuffling along in my school run parka

@Janegrey333

I’m not sure being taller than average, unless you are bone thin like fashion models, gives that elegant impression. It can be a bit Heffalump.

Wow at 5 foot 10 I guess I’m a true heffalump! Although I’m size 8, so maybe I’d be considered ‘bone thin’ and therefore not a heffalump? Please enlighten me

I actually think ‘classy’ has a lot to do with demeanour. So being polite and confident, as well as good posture and just a way of carrying yourself - calm and in control, not rushing around or seeming stressed.

I’m imagining seeing a well dressed, well groomed, good looking person with good posture in a queue in a shop. They go to the cashier, there’s a problem, they starts effing and blinding. I couldn’t describe someone like that as classy - being rude just can’t be classy.

On the other hand, someone wearing any old sportswear popping into the shop on the way back from the gym. Good posture, calm, together and polite to the staff. Classy.

Decent jewellery
Cashmere that was possibly your mum’s
Ditto belts, bags
Tasteful dressing in neutrals ime

@DoveGreylove

Following with interest! I need this in my life. I looked at myself in the mirror of a shop a while back and thought wtf do I look like, what's happened to me. I looked like a drowned rat.

I've had this feeling quite often lately.

-Not wearing kitchen broom bristle eyelashes, gaudy glittery nail art, thick makeup or nylon hair extensions.
I watched the television programme about the Shankly hotel and nearly every single woman on it looked cheap and fake due to all of the above.

I know two people that look classy; both wear quality clothes that fit them. They wear natural looking make-up and jewellery. Both have attractive faces anyway so probably don't feel the need to do much extra.
Also they are friendly and confident.

Elegant in flip flops?

😂😂😂😂😂😂

Elegance is relative, clearly.

It is more than just about clothes and appearance. It is also about behaviour.

I would say someone who avoids swearing, shouting and poor use of grammar..

Someone who has their own, timeless style rather than a slave of fashion.

I don't think it is to do with beauty or being thin more about a general attitude of being confident but understated.

Oh dear I'm at work & already managed to use the f word twice & said bloody...
I was very cross & nut my fault in mitigation but am clearly not classy when cross!

Now calming down with a coffee.

There's a woman at my work who sprang to mind when I read the thread title. She's about 5'2", not thin, in her fifties. She wears a lot of dresses/tunics that look like they're from Cos, but often in bold colours like lime or orange. I think she knows what colours and shapes suit her, but she also has a quiet confidence and authority about her that make her look "classy". So I definitely don't think it's about being willowy.

@RonaldMcDonald

Decent jewellery Cashmere that was possibly your mum’s Ditto belts, bags Tasteful dressing in neutrals ime

Pretty much.

Well fitting, flattering, new looking clothes. I think that's key.
It can be Primark, but there will be no muffin top or bra bulges or straining across the boobs. Skimming not clinging. No loose threads or worn heels or bobbliness. Covered from collarbone to elbow to knee. Plain simply cut clothes, prints are fine but no cut outs, dangling bows or embellishments.

@Janegrey333

A woollen camel coat.

In the summer?

Classy to me is no overt designer labels, no statement 'look at me' clothing, subtle make up, few or no accessories, no tattoos on show, a carefree confident body language.

I remember my grandma buying me a camel coat. I was 15 and it was the early 90's, the era of naf naf and ski jackets. I was not impressed despite everyone telling me how elegant and classic it was. Teens are so ungrateful

The women described thus far on this thread might indeed be elegant, but I wouldn’t want to be stuck with them on a Friday night out.

I try not to judge other women negatively based on their looks or clothing. I do judge their actions though and boasting about yourself on the internet, in a way that makes everyone cringe a little bit for you, is definitely not "classy".

I really want to also say flip flops are definitely not classy either, but that would make me a massive fucking hypocrite

I used to be elegant and dress appropriately.
Not any more. I wear tight clothing and have bleached highlights!
I also swear way more now too!
I’m happier like this!

I live in Islington & there’s a distinct Woman of a Certain Age uniform: head to toe in Toast/Cos/Margaret Howell, sensible shoes, cloth tote bag from a literary festival or obscure organic store.

Anyway, most of the time it looks a bit drab & worthy but I saw a wonderful woman this week who really struck as classy - grey graduated bob, well cut but slightly unconventional parka, velvet straight leg trousers & brogues. Everything was well pressed, well fitted & she looked brilliant (and normal).

I think it does ultimately boil down to posture, good but natural grooming and well fitted clothes that suit your shape & personality.