If you want to be more classy, stop doing these 9 tacky things

Classiness is more about how you carry yourself than what you own. It’s about respect for others and for yourself, and it’s far removed from anything tacky.

Being tacky, on the contrary, is a sure-fire way to leave a less than stellar impression. It’s those little habits and behaviors that can instantly lower your classiness quotient.

I’m here to help you navigate this tricky terrain. In this article, I’ll share nine things that could be detracting from your classiness.

Remember, the goal isn’t to belittle or shame; it’s to bring awareness so you can make conscious choices about how you want to present yourself to the world.

Let’s dive in and explore what not to do if you aspire to be more classy.

1) Over-sharing

There’s a fine line between being open and over-sharing. In our world of social media and instant communication, it’s easy to cross that line.

You know those people who seem to share every minute detail of their lives, from what they had for breakfast to their latest argument with their significant other? That’s over-sharing, and it’s definitely not classy.

Being classy is about maintaining a certain level of mystery and privacy. It’s about understanding boundaries and respecting the personal space of others.

When you reveal too much, you can come across as desperate for attention or validation, which certainly detracts from your classiness.

When you’re about to spill all the details of your personal life, take a moment to consider if it’s really necessary.

Less is often more when it comes to sharing information about yourself. 

2) Dressing inappropriately

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Dress for the occasion.” But how many of us actually take it to heart? I learned the importance of this the hard way.

A few years back, I attended a friend’s wedding. I wasn’t sure about the dress code, but I thought it would be okay to wear my favorite casual dress. After all, it was a summer wedding in a park.

Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong. As I walked into the beautifully decorated area, I was greeted by a sea of formal attire. Everyone was dressed to the nines in suits and elegant dresses. I felt out of place and embarrassed in my casual dress and sandals.

Dressing appropriately for an occasion is a sign of respect for the event and the people involved. It shows that you’ve put thought into your appearance and that you care about making a good impression.

Since that wedding, I’ve made it a point to always check the dress code before attending an event.

And if I’m not sure, I err on the side of dressing up rather than down. It’s a simple change, but it’s made a world of difference in how classy I feel and appear to others.

3) Being rude to service staff

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat those in service positions. From waitstaff at restaurants to cashiers in grocery stores, how you interact with these individuals speaks volumes about your character.

Interestingly, etiquette expert Emily Post once said, “Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others.” This statement rings true especially when dealing with those who are serving us.

If you’re dismissive, impatient, or outright rude to service staff, it not only reflects poorly on you, but it also makes those around you uncomfortable. On the other hand, showing kindness and respect towards everyone you interact with is a sure sign of classiness.

When you’re out to dinner or shopping at your local grocery store, remember that everyone deserves your respect and kindness. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in enhancing your classiness.

4) Using profanity excessively

Language is a powerful tool. The words we choose can leave a lasting impression and speak volumes about our character. One habit that can instantly detract from your classiness is the excessive use of profanity.

Now, I’m not saying you should eliminate all swear words from your vocabulary. Sometimes, a well-placed curse word can convey strong emotions effectively. However, when every other word out of your mouth is a swear word, it can come across as crass and unrefined.

Using clean and respectful language not only makes you appear more classy, but it also shows that you have a strong command of language and are capable of expressing yourself without resorting to vulgarities.

Next time you’re about to drop an F-bomb, consider if there’s a more eloquent way to express your thoughts. Your reputation will thank you for it.

5) Neglecting personal hygiene

Let’s talk about personal hygiene. It’s one of those things that we all know is important, yet sometimes, it can slip through the cracks in our busy lives.

Whether it’s forgetting to brush your teeth before leaving the house or skipping showers for days, poor personal hygiene is a sure-fire way to detract from your classiness.

Good personal hygiene not only makes you more pleasant to be around, but it also shows that you respect yourself and those around you. It’s about taking care of yourself and presenting your best self to the world.

Make sure you’re keeping up with your personal hygiene routines. Brush your teeth, take regular showers, and ensure your clothes are clean and fresh. It might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how others perceive you.

6) Being judgmental

We all have our own unique journey in life, with different experiences, perspectives, and challenges. It’s what makes us who we are. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to judge others based on our own standards and experiences.

Being judgmental, however, is not a trait of a classy person. Classy individuals understand and appreciate the value of diversity and the richness it brings to our lives. They treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their background or lifestyle choices.

When we judge others harshly, we not only harm them, but we also close ourselves off to the possibility of understanding different viewpoints and growing as individuals.

When you find yourself making snap judgments about others, take a moment to reflect. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand their perspective. It’s a small shift in thinking that can elevate your classiness and enrich your life.

7) Interrupting others

In my early career, I struggled with listening. I was always eager to share my thoughts and ideas, often interrupting others mid-conversation. I believed that my eagerness showed enthusiasm and initiative.

However, I soon realized that my habit of interrupting was not well received. It made others feel unheard and disrespected, and it wasn’t long before my relationships at work began to suffer.

Interrupting others is a behavior that can quickly diminish your classiness. It sends the message that you believe your thoughts are more important than what the other person has to say.

Instead, practice active listening. Allow others to finish their thoughts before you respond. Not only will this make you appear more classy, but it will also improve your relationships and communication skills.

Since I’ve made a conscious effort to stop interrupting and start listening, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in both my personal and professional relationships. It’s a change that requires effort, but trust me, it’s worth it.

8) Being a gossip

We’ve all been there. You’re at a social gathering, and the conversation turns to someone who isn’t present. It’s tempting to join in, particularly if you know a juicy detail or two. But here’s the thing – engaging in gossip is far from classy.

Gossip not only hurts the person being talked about, but it also harms your reputation. It shows a lack of respect for others’ privacy and can make those around you uncomfortable and distrustful.

Instead of spreading rumors or discussing others behind their backs, try focusing on positive topics or sharing interesting ideas. This not only elevates the conversation but also enhances your image as a classy individual.

Your words reflect on you, so choose them wisely. Being a person of integrity and respect will always be more classy than being a gossip.

9) Lack of gratitude

Above all else, a classy individual is appreciative. They understand the value of expressing gratitude, not just for big gestures, but for the little things in life as well.

Gratitude shows humility, respect, and kindness. It acknowledges the efforts of others and makes them feel valued and appreciated. And these are the hallmarks of a truly classy person.

So, always remember to say thank you. Appreciate the efforts of others. Even if it’s a small act of kindness, don’t let it go unnoticed.

Your sincere expression of gratitude can leave a lasting impression and elevate your classiness to new heights.

Final thoughts: Classiness is a journey

Embarking on the path to becoming more classy isn’t about overnight transformation. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth, rooted in respect and kindness towards oneself and others.

Renowned fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.” This statement rings true particularly when we talk about classiness.

Being classy isn’t about wearing expensive clothes or flaunting wealth. It’s about embodying grace, respect, and kindness in every interaction.

It’s about making people feel valued and heard. It’s about being the best version of yourself.

So, as you reflect on these nine points, remember that each step you take towards eliminating these tacky habits brings you closer to becoming a classier version of yourself.

It’s a journey that requires patience and persistence, but one that is undoubtedly rewarding.

Embrace this journey with an open heart and mind, and watch how it transforms not only your image but also your relationships and your perspective on life.