How to Be a Lady

A lady out and about dresses nicely and has good posture.
A lady out and about dresses nicely and has good posture.

From its roots in British nobility as the female equivalent of "Lord", the term "lady" carries a connotation of elegance and class. If you'd like to be thought of as a lady, they key is to mix traditional feminine ideals with modern reality in a way that works for you.

[edit] Steps

  1. If you want to become ladylike, you should become familiar with one word, namely "elegance". Elegance is elusive and depends on the person in question but you can get an idea if you watch Breakfast at Tiffany's or read Jackie O's biography. They are well known as persons who define elegance and that is what being a lady is all about.
  2. Dress the part: You don't have to wear a suit or dress but a lady always wears clean, coordinated clothing - free of wrinkles. No sweat pants! All clothes should fit properly - not too baggy, not too tight. Always wear underwear and a bra. One is not usually considered classy if she exposes an intimate body part. A lady will dress for her body type and not try to get ahead using her physical attributes.
  3. Cleanliness is key: Shower on a regular basis. Blow-dry and style hair before leaving your house. Apply a subtle amount of perfume. Apply a modest amount of make-up or just enough to cover skin imperfections and to accent your strong points. Your beauty should look effortless. Smile!
  4. Choose your words wisely: What you say and how you say it are two very important factors in exuding class. Always speak at a soft to moderate tone--you shouldn't need to raise your voice. If you're dealing with a person who won't listen unless you speak forcefully, then they aren't worth dealing with. If you have nothing good to say then don't say anything at all - take that to heart! Cursing is also inappropriate.
  5. Actions speak louder than words: Now that you look the part, you should act it too. For example, pull your skirt under your legs when sitting down. Always sit with legs crossed or together. Do not overindulge in food or alcohol at a party or business function. Gluttony or drunkenness shows one's lack of self-control and can cause a loss of respect or potentially embarrassing moment in front of your peers. Burping or passing gas in the presence of others is bad etiquette as well.
  6. Sharpen your mind: Keep yourself informed of world events, politics, selected movies, plays, and music. Being cultured expands one's knowledge and interests, while opening doors to stimulating conversations with new people that can develop into meaningful business or romantic relationships.
  7. Practice martyr-free modesty: In everything she does, a lady will acknowledge those who helped her before she takes any credit for herself. A lady will not flaunt herself, her valuables, or her accomplishments. A good reputation can surpass all of those things. Do not correct others unless they ask your advice. Do not act like you are better than anyone else. A lady is not self-absorbed. But be careful not to seem overly modest--do not be weak and submissive. You are too intelligent and classy for that.
  8. Never lose your cool: Don't let people get under your skin, no matter how much they try. Keep your composure. Express your surprise or disappointment at someone's behavior in a gentle way to show that their actions have affected you and to show that you have feelings, or else people might think you're cold.
  9. Be well mannered. Manners are a necessity to being ladylike. Read up on books that teach etiquette and always be nice to everyone, but at the same time, don't be a doormat. Saying "Welcome to Our Home" all of the time is boring and your texture would be unpleasant.


[edit] Tips

  • Many women follow these steps part-time. For example, you might need to be confident and assertive at work, but enjoy being ladylike at home. Or, you might be wild and crazy at home, but prefer to be ladylike in public. How you break it down is completely up to you.
  • Talk and act like a lady especially in the presence of a man. A lady never engages in conversation that includes language or gestures of profanity or language or gestures that carry sexual overtones in the presence of a man or gentleman.
  • In an effort to say the right things, think positive and realize a better thought or response to, "whether or not the glass is half empty or half full", is always that the glass is half full.
  • Don't be a complainer, be a "doer". Complaining and talking about what you want to do or what you plan to do and never do it, can get to be annoying. In other words, don't sound like a broken record. If you need help ask for help or suggestions from someone who can help you solve it. Write it all out, or talk it out with someone who can help put it all into a good and positive perspective. Doing something about what ever problem you may have shows spunk and makes you feel better and gives you a sense of empowerment. Don't be afraid to give yourself credit when it is due.*Confidence is a good tip when being ladylike. Stand up tall, and show the world you are beautiful and that nothing will bring you down!
  • If you are a virgin stay that way most lady-like women are ones that men respect and women want to be. and if you are having sex with every guy you meet it will be hard for men to hold you in high esteem, and girls don't aspire to be sluts either.


[edit] Warnings

  • Some people still carry the archaic notion that the more traditionally feminine you are, the more help you need (i.e. less capable). Be prepared for this. Show them that a woman can be ladylike and help herself at the same time.
  • Don't take being a chaste & ladylike girl too far. You can speak up when someone says something rude, and you don't have to wash your hair every single day of your life. Just have fun and stay beautiful!


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