10 Things Classy Women Never, Ever Do in Public, According to an Etiquette Expert

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10 Things Classy Women Never, Ever Do in Public, According to an Etiquette Expert originally appeared on Parade.
Classy women have long captivated the world's imagination—figures like Audrey Hepburn, Michelle Obama and Queen Charlotte have become symbols of a certain refined presence that transcends trends and eras. Their names evoke a sense of elegance that feels both inspiring and aspirational. Whether from history, culture or fictional universes, these women remind us that true grace leaves a lasting impression. If you want to be more like them, we rounded up a list of things classy women never do in public, according to an etiquette expert.That way, etiquette expert Jamila Musayeva, who has over one million followers on her YouTube channel, can help you cultivate the same poise that defines these iconic women. With her background in international protocol, Musayeva proves that being classy is not outdated—it's about being intentional, respectful and quietly confident in any setting, which isn't as hard as you might think. In fact, the rules aren't about memorizing complex social codes or require you to have a dramatic transformation and behave like someone you're not—just a shift in awareness. They're surprisingly simple and rooted in everyday choices—how you speak, how you treat others, how you carry yourself. It's not about perfection, wealth or having a polished exterior 24/7. Rather, it's about small, consistent actions.You don't have to take our word for it, check out what Musayeva says below. Once you do, you'll see that anyone can begin practicing being classy today, in any environment, without needing anything more than a willingness to be thoughtful, gracious and intentional.Related:
'Classy women don't gossip,' Musayeva tells Parade. 'A woman of class builds others up, even when she's not in the room. This is a quiet, but powerful form of integrity. For example, a classy woman won't join in when her coworkers start speculating about a colleague's love life. Instead, she might change the subject or excuse herself, preserving both her integrity and the dignity of others.'This goes for her personal life as well. 'Classy women understand the value of discretion and save such conversations for trusted confidantes in private settings," Musayeva continues. "She won't bring up the details of something like a recent breakup she is going through in a group lunch setting. Instead, she will save those intimate conversations for trusted friends in private.'Related:
According to Musayeva, classy women aren't people who like to make a scene and have all eyes on them for the wrong reason.'Losing composure publicly, whether through shouting, arguing or dramatic outbursts, undermines one's dignity 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.'Related:
'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.'She says you might notice this during a dinner conversation. '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.'Related:
When it comes to classy women, you can usually identify them by their outfit, says Musayeva.'You won't catch classy women dressing inappropriately,' she notes. 'Elegance in dress reflects self-awareness and occasion-awareness and a classy woman honors the space she enters, be it a place of worship, a workplace or a wedding, by choosing attire that is appropriate, tasteful and never distracting.'Musayeva adds, 'A classy woman wouldn't wear a revealing or overly casual outfit to a wedding or church. Instead, she chooses attire that matches the formality of the event while expressing her personal style.'Related:
'Whether through sarcasm, eye-rolls or passive-aggressive remarks, belittling others is never graceful,' Musayeva explains. 'A classy woman uplifts, even when she disagrees, understanding that how you treat others, especially in public, reflects your own character. If someone forgets a name or makes a social faux pas, she will gently move past it instead of making a public joke at their expense.'
'A classy woman never walks past a doorman, cashier or hotel staff without a polite nod or saying, 'Good morning!'' Musayeva reveals. 'She knows recognition is a powerful form of respect and that even small acknowledgments, eye contact, a smile or a 'thank you' shows grace, so she won't ignore others. A classy woman makes others feel seen instead."Related:
You can usually tell if someone is classy by how they speak and the vocabulary they use.'Vulgar language can undermine poise, especially when used in public,' Musayeva tells 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.'So, instead of swearing in moments of frustration, what will a classy woman do? 'Say she spills coffee on herself, she will maintain composure and swiftly moves past it,' Musayeva states.
Nowadays, it seems like everyone is addicted to their phones, but Musayeva says you won't find a classy woman choosing social media over a real-life conversation.'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.'Related:
'Classy women eat with grace, mindful of their surroundings and always avoid behavior that disrupts the ambiance of a shared space,' Musayeva states. '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.'Related:
'From speaking too loudly to dominating every conversation, trying too hard to be noticed often has the opposite effect that a classy woman wants to give off,' Musayeva says. 'They don't seek validation through attention-seeking behavior. 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.'
Up Next:10 Things Classy Women Never, Ever Do in Public, According to an Etiquette Expert first appeared on Parade on Jun 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.