Being classy is more than just wearing fancy clothes and having the right connections.

It’s about how you carry yourself and the actions you take, especially in public.

The truth is, certain behaviors can instantly ruin the image of classiness you’re trying to project.

And often, we might not even realize we’re doing them.

In this article, I’m going to share with you 9 things that you need to stop doing in public if you want to be seen as classy.

It’s not about being pretentious or aloof, but rather cultivating a sense of elegance and grace that others can’t help but admire.

Get ready to step up your game and project a more classy image.

Let’s dive right in.

1) Chewing with your mouth open

We’ve all heard this one before, right? But you’d be surprised how many people forget this basic etiquette rule when they’re out in public.

Chewing with your mouth open is not only unappealing to look at, but it also gives off the impression that you lack basic manners.

And trust me, that’s not the kind of image you want to project if you’re aiming for classiness.

Being classy is all about being mindful of your actions and how they affect the people around you.

When you’re enjoying a meal in public, make sure to keep your mouth closed while chewing.

It may seem like a small thing, but it can make a world of difference in how others perceive you.

In essence, keep your dining etiquette in check.

Because nothing says ‘classy’ more than a person who respects others’ dining experience by eating politely.

2) Speaking loudly on your phone

Now this one, I’ve been guilty of on occasion. We all get caught up in our conversations, especially when it’s something exciting or important.

But here’s the thing, in a public setting, not everyone wants to be a part of your conversation.

There was this one time when I was at a coffee shop, deeply engrossed in a call with a friend.

We were discussing something really exciting and without realizing it, my voice kept getting louder.

It wasn’t until the barista politely asked me to lower my volume that I realized how disruptive I was being.

Mortifying? Absolutely.

A lesson learned? Definitely.

Being classy is about being considerate of the people around you.

When you’re taking a call in public, be mindful of your volume.

It’s a simple change but trust me, it goes a long way toward showing respect and maintaining that classy image.

3) Littering

We all know that littering is bad for the environment, but did you know it also reflects poorly on your personal image?

Discarding trash carelessly shows a lack of respect for the community and for the planet.

In Singapore, littering can even result in hefty fines of up to $2000 for first-time offenders.

Why?

Because maintaining cleanliness in public spaces is a shared responsibility.

Being classy is about showing respect – not just to people, but to our environment as well. 

When you’re about to toss that empty can or wrapper on the ground, take a moment to find a trash bin instead.

It’s a small action that speaks volumes about your character.

4) Interrupting others

There’s nothing that screams ‘unrefined’ more than someone who constantly interrupts others.

It’s a clear sign of disrespect and can make others feel like their opinions aren’t valued.

We all have that urge to jump in and share our thoughts the moment they pop into our heads.

But being classy is about having self-control and valuing the input of others.

When you’re in a conversation, try to hold back and let the other person finish their thoughts before you speak up.

Not only will you appear more classy, but you’ll also likely learn something new by listening.

5) Being rude to service staff

How you treat people who serve you says a lot about your character.

Whether it’s the waitstaff at a restaurant, the cashier at a grocery store, or the barista at your local coffee shop, treating them kindly and respectfully is a sign of class.

This means saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, being patient if things go wrong, and generally treating them as equals, not as inferiors.

Being classy isn’t just about looking good, it’s about making others feel good too.

And showing kindness to service staff is a great way to do that.

6) Making fun of others

We all have our moments of fun and laughter, but when it comes at the expense of others, it’s not so funny anymore.

Making fun of others, especially in public, is a clear sign of disrespect. It can hurt people’s feelings and lower their self-esteem.

And trust me, there’s nothing classy about causing pain to others.

Being classy means treating everyone with kindness and respect, no matter who they are or what they look like.

So instead of making fun, try to lift others up. Compliment them. Encourage them. Show them that they are valued.

Because at the end of the day, being classy is about more than just appearances.

It’s about having a good heart and showing kindness to everyone around you.

7) Neglecting personal hygiene

This one is a bit touchy, but it needs to be addressed. Personal hygiene plays a significant role in how others perceive us.

There was a period in my life where I was so caught up with work that I neglected my personal hygiene.

I didn’t think it was a big deal, but I started to notice changes in how people interacted with me. It was subtle, but it was there.

The realization hit me hard. I realized that being classy isn’t just about what you wear or how you speak, it’s also about taking care of oneself physically.

So, don’t neglect your hygiene. Shower regularly, brush your teeth, and wear clean clothes.

You’re not only showing yourself respect, but you’re also showing respect for the people around you. 

8) Dominating conversations

We all have stories to share and opinions to voice, but dominating conversations can come off as self-centered and inconsiderate.

It’s essential to understand that communication is a two-way street. It’s as much about listening as it is about talking.

Being classy means valuing the opinions of others and giving them the space to express themselves.

When you’re in a conversation, make sure to listen actively and engage with what others have to say.

It shows respect and makes the conversation more enriching for everyone involved.

9) Showing off

If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: true classiness doesn’t need to be broadcasted.

It’s not about flaunting your wealth, achievements, or connections. In fact, doing so can often come across as arrogant and off-putting.

Being classy is about humility and grace.

It’s about being confident in who you are without feeling the need to prove yourself to others.

It’s about letting your actions speak louder than your words.

So, keep it low-key. Let people discover your worth over time, through your actions and behavior. That in itself is the epitome of classiness.

Final thoughts: It’s about respect

The essence of being classy boils down to one simple principle: respect.

Respect for others, respect for our surroundings, and above all, respect for ourselves.

It’s about understanding that our actions have an impact on the people around us, and making a conscious decision to navigate the world in a way that exudes grace, consideration, and dignity.

Legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel once said, “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.”

And she was right. Being classy isn’t about the clothes you wear or the car you drive. It’s about how you treat others and the values you hold.

So take a moment to reflect.

Are there areas in your life where you could show a little more respect? Are there habits that might be tarnishing your image of classiness?

It’s never too late to change.

In the grand portrait of life, being seen as classy is about painting a picture of respect – one brushstroke at a time.