Modern Day Etiquette: 5 Ways to Approach Life With Class (2024)

Not everyone has the fortune of being born into wealth and privilege, but with a little effort, you can adopt certain behaviors that make you appear more posh. Here are 5 tried-and-true tactics for seeming more upper crust:

Proper manners and decorum have long been hallmarks of genteel society. Follow these etiquette pointers to mimic posh comportment:

• Make eye contact and smile when greeting others. Offer a firm, confident handshake.
• Always say “please” and “thank you.” Use “sir” or “madam” when referring to strangers.
• Avoid cursing, slang and excessive vocal filler like “um” or “like.” Speak in clear, measured tones.
• Chew with your mouth closed. Avoid speaking with food in your mouth. Place your. napkin in your lap upon sitting down.
• Wait to be seated before eating. Use utensils starting from the outside in. Taking small bites helps avoid looking ravenous.

Impeccable etiquette signals you were raised in circles where formality and decorum are highly valued. With consistent practice, good manners will begin to feel second nature.

An emphasis on style and quality in your wardrobe immediately signals affluence to others. Try these strategies to emulate posh dressing:

• Opt for classic, timeless styles over trendy cuts. Natural fabrics like linen, cashmere and wool exude luxury.
• Stick with the color palette of wealthy aesthetes: navy blues, camel tones, greys and creams. Avoid bright colors.
• Invest in a few high-quality, versatile staple pieces that become the foundation of your wardrobe. High-end brands give an aura of wealth.
• Pay attention to details like matched buttons, tailored seams and quality finishes. Well-made garments signal you can afford to be particular.
• Accessorize minimally and elegantly. Select just a few fine jewelry pieces and leather goods in understated styles.

Appropriately styled, even off-the-rack clothing can give the illusion of old money when fit and texture signal care, sophistication and calm refinement.

The self-assured ease with which the aristocracy carry themselves is a product of their financial security and privilege. Mimic these signals of calm confidence:

• Make eye contact and speak at an even, measured pace. Remember: posh people have nothing to prove.
• Avoid flamboyant gestures or loud vocal tones. Allow silence after speaking; you don’t need to fill it.
• Do not overexplain or repeat yourself. Your time is valuable; the right people will understand you the first time.
• Move with grace; avoid abrupt transitions. Sit up straight with shoulders back to project possession of space.
• Greet people with a smile, not exuberance. Express interest in others but do not pry.

The quiet confidence of the posh comes from endless material comforts that breed invisible self-assurance. With practice, you can adopt a similar pose of graceful self-possession.

Handling restaurant transactions with finesse is an art form possessed by those raised in privilege. Follow these pointers to signal your poshness:

• Memorize terms like “aperitif,” “entrée,” “beverage” and “hors d’oeuvre.” Avoid. colloquial words like “food” and “drink.”
• Review menus in advance if possible. Ask about specials and recommendations confidently.
• Place your order concisely, making confident eye contact with your server. Avoid filling every pause.
• When toasting, confidently ask for a few moments of attention or say, “I’d like to propose a toast.”
• Pay the bill promptly without needing to review it closely. Simply say “That should cover it, keep the change.”

Casually handling the ordering and payment process without fuss shows you are accustomed to fine dining. Obviously, this is second nature to you, built up over years of being comfortably waited on.

The vocabulary and syntax of the posh is marked by precision rather than prolixity. To refine your speech:

• Replace filler words with deliberate pauses. Speaking slowly gives an air of authority.
• Use proper diction and avoid slang. Replace “gotta” with “have to,” “kinda” with “rather.”
• Choose exact words that precisely convey your meaning, eliminating redundancies. Say “vehicle” instead of “car or truck.”
• Avoid oversharing details. The posh do not overexplain – they know what truly matters.
• When telling anecdotes, keep them brief and focused. Lengthy stories are gauche.

Speaking with precision while avoiding gratuitous detail signals a cultivated intellect finely attuned to what deserves being said. With practice, you’ll emulate the refined manner of speech of the upper class.

While inheriting wealth and the accoutrements of privilege certainly helps one appear more posh, implementing the behaviors discussed in this article can also give the illusion of coming from “good stock.” With consistent practice of:

• Impeccable etiquette
• Well-tailored, understated wardrobe
• Quiet confidence and poised body language
• Comfort handling restaurant transactions
• Precise yet concise speech

you can begin to develop the unforced grace and calm self-assurance that characterize the upper classes.

Ultimately, the end goal is to cultivate an aura of being right at home in the finer things in life – showing that you belong without needing to prove it.

Become known not for ostentatious displays of wealth such as flashy logos but rather understated elegance from a place of inner richness and self-possession.

While emulating certain posh behaviors may get you in the door of high society, what truly matters is staying true to the values that define you as a person – values like kindness, generosity, and authenticity.

With practice, you’ll find your own version of elevated excellence rooted in what truly elevates the human spirit, regardless of social class. Implement the tips in this article to enhance confidence and enrich your interactions – then let go of any need to “seem.”

Simply be the very best version of yourself.