Who is the classiest woman you know? What makes a woman classy?

[bisous]

I just had lunch with my SIL who is kind of obnoxious really. She wears all the name brands, writes out engraved thank you notes and went to charm school. But she brags constantly about money/name/status you name it. She is always annoyed with someone else's lack of protocol and very easily offended. I don't think she is classy. (This post is kind of mean--sorry!)

I'm not sure that I'm classy either. I'm a consummate Target shopper and I send out evites but I do try to be gracious and courteous.

What is classy in today's world? Is this something you strive for?

[ThreeofUs]

My grandmother was the best lady I knew. She could make anyone - and I do mean anyone - feel at home and appreciated. The other lady I really admire (or I guess "admired" is the right tense) is Katherine Graham.

Now, my grandmother (and Mrs. Graham, I daresay, though I know she was a Madeira girl) went to finishing school. There they learned about social duties and about what it meant to be responsible for not only their own home and family, but for many other people as well. Courtesy and graciousness were pillars of their code of conduct, and they were both very successful, powerful women.

But I think in any socioeconomic strata, any where, any time, you'll have people who are boorish, or wanna-bees, or both, you know?

ETA: The more I thought about your post, the more annoyed I felt - but not at you, OP! Anyone who thinks that using engraved stationery, wearing name brands, and name-dropping make one a gentlewoman or gentleman is seriously mistaken. My goodness.

[crayonblue]

I would say my MIL. More times than I can count, I've seen her strike up a conversation with a total stranger and suddenly the other person is laughing and answering her questions. MIL isn't big on clothes or jewelry and I doubt she has written a thank you card since 1970. But, to me, she personifies class because she can make everyone feel great about themselves.

I asked her one time how she is so at ease with everyone. She said she isn't but that she learned a long time ago that people like to talk about themselves. So, she starts with non-threatening questions and pretty soon she's having a great conversation. And she said she finds people so interesting and knows she can learn something from everyone.

[Elilly]

My MIL. She is nice to everyone, bites her tongue at the appropriate times, aways dresses nicely but without costing a small fortune, writes thank you notes, and is just an honest and warm person who is gracious and loving. I wish I was more like her in some ways.

[eagle]

lady gaga?

[Jo]

Susan (ChunkyNicksChunkymom) is seriously the classiest woman I've ever met. She's super thin, has a polished lovely hairstyle, and dresses very well. She smells great, her nails are pretty, and she has an air of dignity about her. She has an easy laugh, great wit and wisdom, and a warm smile.

She is just very very well put together, carries herself well, and I feel like a smelly hillbilly when I am near her.

She is going to slam me for posting this if she sees it. She's also humble and modest, and probably doesn't realize how classy she is. :love5:

[hellokitty]

Lol, I started snickering when I read the title of this thread, b/c my mil CONSTANTLY brags about how, "classy" she is. She thinks that she has good taste in fashion (she is obsessed with brand names, even if the outfit looks horrid, if it is XYZ brand, she thinks it is classy) and decor (she doesn't, her taste is often tacky), and she has bragged to me that she could have married a doctor if she wanted to {snort}. Keep in mind, this woman has absolutely NO social grace, like she will flat out ask ppl how much $ they make, or worse, she tries to brag to ppl about how much her sons make. Classy? Nope. She's also extremely ignorant in general, I don't think she got more than a elementary school education and it shows. She's also rude and never says thank you, can barely read and invades on your private space. So, the OP's description of her friend completely reminded me of my mil.

As for the classiest person I know, I have a friend who I consider very classy. She doesn't care about material stuff, BUT she is such a kind and caring person. She can make even the grouchiest person soften up. I consider her classy.

I think it is really funny that the ppl who brag about being so classy, seem to miss the point that REAL classy ppl are humble, not braggarts.

[StantonHyde]

My mom was a class act. Down to earth, kind, gracious, diplomatic, knew all the social graces, made everybody feel at ease etc etc.

[MmeSunny]

Dixie Carter in Designing Women. She was smart, sassy, well-dressed and knew how to decorate a house or dress down anyone who got in her way. Classicly classy.

[crayonblue]

Susan (ChunkyNicksChunkymom) is seriously the classiest woman I've ever met. She's super thin, has a polished lovely hairstyle, and dresses very well. She smells great, her nails are pretty, and she has an air of dignity about her. She has an easy laugh, great wit and wisdom, and a warm smile.

She is just very very well put together, carries herself well, and I feel like a smelly hillbilly when I am near her.

She is going to slam me for posting this if she sees it. She's also humble and modest, and probably doesn't realize how classy she is. :love5:

Your description is EXACTLY how I have always pictured Susan. I would add a great sense of humor also.

[Mommy_Again]

well, I will say this: class has NOTHING to do with how much money you have or where you shop. Some of the tackiest people out there have very deep pockets (cue up any of the Real Housewives shows).

And if someone describes themselves as being classy, they probably aren't.

Off the top of my head, a few things I'd use to describe a classy lady:
- Makes others feel comfortable and welcome, no matter how awkward, different, or un-like her the other person is
- Is humble and gracious, doesn't brag or draw attention to herself
- Takes the high road and doesn't get caught up in petty drama or gossip
- Can rip you a new one and leave you thinking she's your new best friend when she's done with you

[mommy111]

- Makes others feel comfortable and welcome, no matter how awkward, different, or un-like her the other person is
- Is humble and gracious, doesn't brag or draw attention to herself
- Takes the high road and doesn't get caught up in petty drama or gossip

:yeahthat:
I would add, can keep a secret, knows how to be a good friend. Has nothing to do with dressing or engraved stationary. At all.

[citymama]

Susan (ChunkyNicksChunkymom) is seriously the classiest woman I've ever met. She's super thin, has a polished lovely hairstyle, and dresses very well. She smells great, her nails are pretty, and she has an air of dignity about her. She has an easy laugh, great wit and wisdom, and a warm smile.

She is just very very well put together, carries herself well, and I feel like a smelly hillbilly when I am near her.

She is going to slam me for posting this if she sees it. She's also humble and modest, and probably doesn't realize how classy she is. :love5:

That's awesome! But no fair with the BBB handle if you're skinny, Susan! You had us fooled all these years! Next you're going to tell us Nick is thin as a rail too! ;)

I've never met them but I always find maestramommy and brittone2's posts to be very gracious, polite and helpful. Something about the way they come across makes me feel they're a class act too!

IRL, I've had the good fortune to know many " classy" women - none of whom wore brand names or had their nails done
or went to finishing school. The "classiest" person I ever knew is my grandmother. She was born into a well-off family and found herself in incredibly tough circumstances in her life due to no fault of her own - but rose to every occasion without grumbling and helped change her family's circumstances. Through it all, she has always been gracious,
immaculately dressed, humble, proud, strong and with a pitch perfect sense of right and wrong. She is still alive and I hope well, and I'm so honored to have her as a role model in my life.

[bisous]

I love reading these. There are so many common threads about what makes someone classy. It seems a large part of it is about how this person makes others feel. It seems it is about who someone really is, versus all of the outer trappings!

[ChunkyNicksChunkyMom]

Oh my goodness, Jo you so totally shocked me here! As I am getting ready for my 30th reunion this weekend, doubting all about myself, you totally made my day, thank you! The fact that I am sporting the world's largest pimple directing between my eyes (think BINDI) at age 47 is totally bumming me out. Thank you for your kind words, however biased they are.

[klwa]

Until a year ago, I would have said my SIL was the classiest woman I knew. She was always put together, nice clothes, great makeup. Even when she'd get her clothes from Goodwill, she made them look like designer clothes. Friends with everyone. Always gracious.

Of course, she was also messing around with my brother's best friend, so, there went classy out the window.

[maestramommy]

Wow, I'm learning a lot from this thread, it's a good one! I had to really think because when you consider the qualities it's not always easy to come up with someone who has "all that" in one package. I'm sure there are more, but off the top of my head:

1) former coworker, she was also an alumni at the school where I used to teach. Very polished, well dressed and groomed all the time, even if we were doing something that might get us messy/dirty. In my younger days I would've found her very intimidating because she was also super skinny, and all that glamour would've been too much for me. But she was also an extremely genuine and generous person. A lot of fun to hang out with. She had all the social graces but in a natural way, y'know? When I got engaged I asked her to be my wedding coordinator because I knew she was the one who could pull it off. Someone to basically tell everyone what to do but make them feel great about it.

2) Audrey Hepburn.

[Melaine]

I think I know quite a few women who really are classy. But the first one who comes to mind is an old family friend and the women who planned my wedding. She is always beautifully put together. Her nail polish is never chipped. Her hair is always perfect, even though she cuts it herself it never looks "just cut". She is also a kind and gracious hostess. She is one of the most artistic women I know, she can do every craft under the sun.
The real reason I feel she is classy, is that she has a true heart of gold, is humble, kind and such a goldly woman. She made a huge impact on my life as I grew up. If I could be more like her, I would be thrilled!

[KrisM]

well, I will say this: class has NOTHING to do with how much money you have or where you shop. Some of the tackiest people out there have very deep pockets (cue up any of the Real Housewives shows).

And if someone describes themselves as being classy, they probably aren't.

Off the top of my head, a few things I'd use to describe a classy lady:
- Makes others feel comfortable and welcome, no matter how awkward, different, or un-like her the other person is
- Is humble and gracious, doesn't brag or draw attention to herself
- Takes the high road and doesn't get caught up in petty drama or gossip
- Can rip you a new one and leave you thinking she's your new best friend when she's done with you

I like this description.

I am surprised how many tie being classy to the way someone looks. Why does someone have to be thin, have nice hair and nails, and dress well to be classy?

[elliput]

well, I will say this: class has NOTHING to do with how much money you have or where you shop. Some of the tackiest people out there have very deep pockets (cue up any of the Real Housewives shows).

And if someone describes themselves as being classy, they probably aren't.

Off the top of my head, a few things I'd use to describe a classy lady:
- Makes others feel comfortable and welcome, no matter how awkward, different, or un-like her the other person is
- Is humble and gracious, doesn't brag or draw attention to herself
- Takes the high road and doesn't get caught up in petty drama or gossip
- Can rip you a new one and leave you thinking she's your new best friend when she's done with you
Exactly. Especially the last line. Classy is about personality and deportment. Fashionable seems to be confused with classy quite frequently these days.

[BillK]

Susan (ChunkyNicksChunkymom) is seriously the classiest woman I've ever met. She's super thin, has a polished lovely hairstyle, and dresses very well. She smells great, her nails are pretty, and she has an air of dignity about her. She has an easy laugh, great wit and wisdom, and a warm smile.

She is just very very well put together, carries herself well, and I feel like a smelly hillbilly when I am near her.

She is going to slam me for posting this if she sees it. She's also humble and modest, and probably doesn't realize how classy she is. :love5:

I KNEW my bbb'crush on Susan wasn't unfounded! :love5:

[hellokitty]

I am surprised how many tie being classy to the way someone looks. Why does someone have to be thin, have nice hair and nails, and dress well to be classy?

Me too. I think that some ppl confuse, "classy" with, "fashionable." Like I will hear ppl say, she looks really classy. However, just because you may LOOK classy, it doesn't mean that you ARE classy, kwim? I've known plenty of women who aren't dressed to the nines and perfectly groomed with the perfect body, that I would consider classy. I also know a lot of the women who DO look like that who are very far from ACTING classy, even though they may consider themselves classy, JUST b/c of their looks. My mil thinks that, "classy" is mostly about looks, so she completely missed the point.

[Karinyc]

The "classiest" person I ever knew is my grandmother. She was born into a well-off family and found herself in incredibly tough circumstances in her life due to no fault of her own - but rose to every occasion without grumbling and helped change her family's circumstances. Through it all, she has always been gracious,
immaculately dressed, humble, proud, strong and with a pitch perfect sense of right and wrong. She is still alive and I hope well, and I'm so honored to have her as a role model in my life.

:yeahthat: Same for me.

[citymama]

IMHO it has nothing to do with appearance. Classy is as classy does.

[sunshine873]

DH & I just discussed this last night when we saw a car with a vanity plate that said "CLASY1". We both agreed that if you feel the need to tell people you're classy...you're not. ;)

[cono0507]

IMHO it has nothing to do with appearance. Classy is as classy does.

:yeahthat:

[Jo]

I like this description.

I am surprised how many tie being classy to the way someone looks. Why does someone have to be thin, have nice hair and nails, and dress well to be classy?

For me it was because it was a package deal... Everything from how she looked to the way she acted just screamed class.

If someone was frumpy, overweight, unkempt, and smelled bad, I bet they could still be a complete class act depending on the way they acted. I was just relaying my personal experience and overall impression.

My DH's Mom was also very classy at one point...warm, friendly, made me feel right at ease, could talk to anyone, made everyone feel at home. However I'm not sure if that is classy or good old southern hospitality.

FWIW she also smells very good. :rotflmao:

[sste]

Well, the best example I can come up with right now is fictional - - the wife character in The Namesake as portrayed in the movie (not so much in the book) was very classy imo. I think of classy as someone who hardly ever gives in to the base impulses we all have to be unkind, dishonest, inconsiderate, and abusive.

And, Jo, I must note that I have noticed a few posts by you laughingly downplaying your appearance. Seeing your two absolutely beautiful children in your avatar I am extremely skeptical of your self-assessment. :)

[alexsmommy]

Susan (ChunkyNicksChunkymom) is seriously the classiest woman I've ever met. She's super thin, has a polished lovely hairstyle, and dresses very well. She smells great, her nails are pretty, and she has an air of dignity about her. She has an easy laugh, great wit and wisdom, and a warm smile.

She is just very very well put together, carries herself well, and I feel like a smelly hillbilly when I am near her.

She is going to slam me for posting this if she sees it. She's also humble and modest, and probably doesn't realize how classy she is. :love5:

I'm so jealous. I so want to meet Susan in real life! She comes off classy/funny as hell/gracious and generous. Our politics are very, very different and her approach makes me want to have a conversation and really hear her point of view.

Also, every picture I've even seen of her house makes me green with envy at her taste - even the chairs decorated with maxi-pads!


Classy to me is about making people feel good and comfortable. You know - hostess of the new girl is way overdressed for the occasion who makes her feel completely comfortable and puts her at ease to a point that the new girl stops feeling self-conscious? Classy hostess. Someone who puts others first, makes them feel welcome and safe to be themselves. Being gracious, and modest, kind and generous in all senses. Class.

[maestramommy]

Classy to me is about making people feel good and comfortable. You know - hostess of the new girl is way overdressed for the occasion who makes her feel completely comfortable and puts her at ease to a point that the new girl stops feeling self-conscious? Classy hostess. Someone who puts others first, makes them feel welcome and safe to be themselves. Being gracious, and modest, kind and generous in all senses. Class.

This reminds me of a convo DH and I had last year. For Christmas he wanted Emily Post's book of Etiquette! He once visited the Post museum. The guide was a family member. The main point about Emily Post's book is that everything you do, whether you are a host or not, is to make the other person feel at ease. And the guide was a prime example of that. It's not just about being polite and polished. But apparently it's a practice that takes time and effort to cultivate.