Class apart

A recent visit to a majestically-rated restaurant was destined to be a blissful experience with loved ones, till the classy ambience rang with a loud and crude cacophony of harsh male voices. It was a group of rowdy young men slandering the waitstaff.

The men who would pass off as “rich and sophisticated” in their branded attire, sadly showcased their “not-so-sophisticated demeanour”. We are after all best judged by our behaviour towards our subordinates and situations that don’t seem to be steering to our dictations. The four basic elements of class are how you look, how you behave, what you say and how you say it. What you do is the substance of class and the way you do it is the style of class. Class is an inner quality that does not relate to financial status. It is the essential qualities of integrity, intelligence, sophistication, generosity of spirit, grace under pressure and ambassadorship skills. 

Though class is inherited, it can be achieved… at least to a degree. Class, through the way you dress, is not about wearing the latest fashion trends. It is about wearing what looks good on you based on your skin colour, hair, body size and type.  

Less is boring

Women can add a point of class to their basic attire by way of fancy trimmings, jewellery, belt, scarf, handbag, coloured or textured stocking, and shoes. Less is boring; more can be over the top.

Be known by your signature pieces

Men can make a classy presence in a dapper suit, in the right fabric and a crisp patterned or coloured shirt. A well-coordinated tie and pocket square, well-crafted cufflinks or a tastefully-selected boutonniere, add finesse to a well-groomed presence. 

Announce your presence

Whether it’s the whiff of your perfume — so people know you have entered the room, or whether it’s an heirloom piece of jewellery –announce your presence! I personally use beaded necklaces as my signature look. I have strings for every ensemble and a few extra stones that simply needed to be in my collection because of their exquisite beauty or stories of acquisition. 

Shoes and handbags are another great attention-getting strategy. However, do you really want people looking down at your feet? I want people to be looking at my face. A classy turnout and impressive manners, attract attention and opens doors to an upgrade on a flight, a better table in a restaurant and better customer service. How gracefully you behave under pressure, show respect, say please and thank you, avoid prying questions- add polish, posture and poise to your chic turnout. And, I feel no embarrassment in repeating the adage — “It’s not what you say but how you say it”. Be articulate. Speak eloquently and avoid slang and filler words. Use words with two, three or four syllables. You are known by the places you frequent and the people you associate with. In your personal and professional quest for greatness you may outgrow people, friends and family, but you may never be able to belie your reputation. So leave a positive and classy impact on the people who you come across with.

(Chaudhary is a Chandigarh-based image consultant)