5 Mistakes that Make You Less Ladylike

What do you think of when you hear the word “ladylike?” Beauty, poise, and class? Or outdated ideas of femininity?

To me, being ladylike means being classy, gracious, and elegant. No matter what your idea of femininity might be, I’m sure we can agree that those are great traits to have.

So what should you do to present yourself as a lady? I think the best way to answer that is to talk about what NOT to do… Here are 5 common mistakes that make you less ladylike:

Mistake #1: Showing too much skin

Being ladylike definitely doesn’t mean being a buttoned-up prude. However, good taste goes a long way when presenting yourself as a woman.

It can be tricky to know how much is too much, so here are some simple guidelines to keep in mind:

• Show off one part of your body and keep the rest covered. A little mystery is sexy, so show off your legs, breasts, or back – just not all at once.
• Flaunt the right amount of cleavage. A good rule of thumb is to reveal 20%-40% of your bust. This gives you sex appeal, while keeping it classy.
• Try the finger length test. To determine the proper skirt length, stand up straight and put your arms to your side. If your fingertips fall past the hem of your skirt, it’s too short.

Mistake #2: Not minding your manners

Good manners and etiquette are dying arts in today’s world. Saying “please” and “thank you” are simple ways to elevate your ladylike status.

Mistake #3: Being sloppy with your grooming

Grooming can make or break your feminine image. In fact, studies show that grooming has more of an impact on your attractiveness than the physical features you were born with.

Mistake #4: Losing control

One of the most important qualities of a lady (and of any respectable human being) is self control – especially when you’re out in public.

In other words, no diva acts, angry outbursts, or public displays of drunkenness. It seems obvious, but if celebrity tabloids are any indication, it’s not.

Mistake #5: Poor posture or body language

Finally, don’t forget that your posture and body language communicate more about you than anything you say. Here are some major no-nos:

• Slouching
• Biting your nails or playing with your hair
• Not making eye contact
• Crossing your arms