The 10 things a classy woman never does in public
An etiquette expert has revealed 10 things that classy women never do in public.
Etiquette expert Jamila Musayeva, who's built a massive online following thanks to her thoughtful and practical advice, says being classy is more about attitude than appearance.
With her background in international protocol, she’s showing modern women everywhere that grace is still very much in style.
It's not about changing who you are.
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"Being classy is not outdated," Musayeva explains.
It's about being present, respectful, and composed, qualities that she says truly stand out today.
Here are 10 things classy women never do in public, according to Musayeva:
1. Gossip
"Classy women don't gossip," Musayeva told Parade.
"A woman of class builds others up, even when she's not in the room…"
This applies to personal matters as well, and to avoiding oversharing.
"Classy women understand the value of discretion and save such conversations for trusted confidantes in private settings," Musayeva continues.
2. Cause a scene
A public meltdown or someone yelling at a shop is not classy.
"Losing composure publicly, whether through shouting, arguing or dramatic outbursts, undermines one's dignity, and it is something a classy woman doesn't do," she explains.
"A classy woman knows how to express herself with clarity and calm, saving difficult conversations for private, appropriate moments. For instance, if her order is wrong at a restaurant, she doesn't yell at the server; she calmly and kindly asks for it to be corrected, knowing that respect gets better results than outrage."
3. Interrupt others
Nobody likes being talked over, and classy women understand that.
"Interrupting signals that one’s own voice is more important than another's," Musayeva states.
"Classy women listen with intention and respect, allowing others to finish their thoughts, which is a simple but powerful way to show emotional intelligence."
"Even if a classy woman is eager to share her view about something, she will wait until the other person has finished speaking before chiming in."
4. Dress inappropriately
"You won't catch classy women dressing inappropriately," Musayeva notes.
"Elegance in dress reflects self-awareness and occasion-awareness…"
Whether it's church or a wedding, a classy woman dresses with intention and respect.
5. Belittle others
Even in disagreement, there's a way to stay gracious.
"Whether through sarcasm, eye-rolls or passive-aggressive remarks, belittling others is never graceful," says Musayeva.
Instead of making someone feel small over a mistake, she lets it go with kindness.
6. Ignore people
Kindness costs nothing, and classy women are generous with it.
"A classy woman never walks past a doorman, cashier or hotel staff without a polite nod or saying, 'Good morning!'" Musayeva reveals.
7. Swear/curse
"Vulgar language can undermine poise, especially when used in public," Musayeva told Parade.
"That's why a classy woman chooses her words with care, knowing that eloquence and refinement speak volumes without needing to shock or offend. Profanity is jarring, especially in public or professional settings, and it diminishes the speaker's elegance."
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8. Constantly check their phone
"Being glued to one's phone in public (particularly during meals or conversations) signals disinterest and disrespect," Musayeva explains.
"A classy woman is fully present, giving her attention to the people and experiences around her. If she is having a coffee catch-up with someone, she will keep her phone face-down or in her bag, offering her full attention to whoever she is with, which is a rare and meaningful gesture today."
9. Eat with their mouth open
"Classy women eat with grace," Musayeva says.
"Whether she's at a cafe or a formal dinner, she chews with her mouth closed and speaks only after swallowing, maintaining a neat and pleasant appearance."
10. Participate in attention-seeking behaviour
The loudest person in the room isn’t always the most impressive.
"They don't seek validation through attention-seeking behaviour. A classy woman lets her presence, not volume, do the talking.
True elegance whispers, it never shouts. For example, if she's at a party, she doesn't dominate the conversation or speak over others to impress. Instead, she listens attentively and contributes meaningfully, letting her presence speak for itself."
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