Pearl Nash
When we think of the word “sophisticated”, we tend to think of a classy, elegant individual.
The kind of person who never wears sweatpants, always orders expensive wine, and speaks in an eloquent manner.
But sophistication is more than that. It is also about how you treat other people, and what you stand for.
Sophisticated women never treat anyone as “less than” or “below” them.
Whether it’s in business, the gym, or their social life, sophisticated people always rise above the situation and never condescend.
There are certain rules that sophisticated people live by, which help them accomplish this goal.
Here are 10 of them:
1. Be Kind…Always
It’s easy to be mean.
We all have bad days and negative thoughts, and we all have moments where we would prefer to lash out, to put down, to demean others in some way.
Kindness takes effort, but sophisticated women understand that class and kindness come hand in hand.
A sophisticated woman understands the importance of spreading positivity to those around them, even if they don’t deserve it.
2. They Watch Their Language
The way someone speaks can give a peek into their personality; the words they use shape their identity and vice versa.
Language is a form of self-expression; letting others know what’s on their mind and in their heart.
A sophisticated woman believes there are more appropriate and specific words to express how she feels or thinks.
Vulgar language has no place in formal events or business meetings, which are places she finds herself in often.
A sophisticated woman has developed for herself an extensive vocabulary to help her share her thoughts without having to swear like a sailor.
3. Count on Yourself
Being self-sufficient and independent tends to be a common guiding principle of sophisticated women.
They don’t rely on men to pay for their dinner or even take care of them.
She can stand on her own and take care of herself.
There’s nothing wrong with depending on other people from time to time, however.
Classy women are still people after all, and they have their moments of struggle and hardships.
In those times, she might have to count on her family or closest friends to help her get out of the rut.
It’s just that she understands she’s capable of pushing through it.
4. Always Listen
Being sophisticated means being open-minded, and being willing to hear out other people even when it’s the last thing you want to do.
Too many people these days simply talk over everyone else, never actually engaging in a real conversation.
Class means respecting other people, and there is no more basic and simple way to respect another person than by hearing them out.
But of course, listening doesn’t mean never giving your own opinion; it simply means giving others the chance to be heard.
5. Her Fashion Sense is Refined
She isn’t the type to just “put something on”.
All her outfits are planned and they’re of high-quality material.
Even the clothes she wears just lounging at home already make you think she’s getting ready for a magazine photoshoot.
She may take most of her fashion inspiration from the covers of Vogue, Anna Wintour, or Princess Diana.
The fit of her jeans is just right, and the colors she wears compliments her skin tone and her eyes flawlessly.
As striking as her outfits are, they’re never loud. They’re subtle.
She knows how to style herself, whether it’s a luxury brand or thrifted pieces.
6. They Stick to Their Beliefs
With everyone judging you 24/7 on social media, it’s a million times easier to bend in the wind and say whatever you think will make people happy, instead of having your own beliefs and fighting for them.
A classy woman does the latter.
You’ll never see a sophisticated woman flip flop on ideas that are important to her because she’s not in it for the social clout; that’s beneath her.
A sophisticated woman cares deeply about the things that are important to her, and won’t sell out for any kind of currency — financial or social.
7. A Sophisticated Woman Has Standards
How many times have you looked at a relationship and thought, “Wow, she could do so much better.”
A classy woman knows what she’s worth, and won’t let herself be swayed away by a smooth talker.
This kind of woman will look for a life partner, not one fling after another; someone who deserves to be in her life.
The same goes for her friends.
Sophisticated women don’t keep up with thousands of superficial acquaintances.
They keep a tight inner circle of people they know they trust and give those people the love and time they deserve.
8. She Doesn’t Fight You; She Discusses
While disagreeing with other women could easily escalate to shouting matches, tantrum-throwing – generally not having a productive conversation.
This is not the case with a classy and elegant woman. She doesn’t express it in the way you’re most used to.
Instead of getting into a shouting match, she may instead try to understand where you’re coming from.
She listens to your side of the argument and shares her side directly and clearly. And if she’s wrong (which may rarely happen), she’s willing to admit it.
9. She Knows How to Keep Conversations Engaging
Sophisticated women understand the art of good conversation; there are rarely awkward lulls in conversation.
When you’re talking, conversations feel like they seamlessly transition from one topic to the next.
She alternates between teasing you and getting to know you. She’s quick-witted in her comebacks as well.
When you’re talking, you can feel her energy; she gives you her full attention because she really wants to get to know you.
10. She Lives an Experience-Rich Life
She’s not the type to have two days in a row that look exactly the same.
One day she might be painting a majestic tree in her garden, then the next day she might be off visiting the sights of her city.
She loves to try new things, which means she might be multitalented: she can play the piano, dance, and even speak a third language.
When you ask her about her life, she always brings up fantastical stories about her travels around the globe, meeting different people, and having memorable experiences.
