“Being female is a matter of birth, being a woman is a matter of age, but being a lady is a matter of choice.”  

I often have conversations with some of my friends about the meaning of a true lady and a true gentleman. Is that just something archaic that belongs to the past, or is it possible to maintain ladylike qualities in the modern times?

Lady in waiting

Times change, and people change, and these are surely not innocent times. But I can’t help myself and think how today we feel strange when someone around us is not vulgar, when he or she is polite and well-mannered.

Are ladies and gentlemen an extinct species? I truly hope they are not – it would be a sad world to live in!

Dress by Arka Hand Made

H&M heels

Ring was a gift from my sister 🙂

Bracelet by Poppy

Handbag – made by myself 🙂

Current self-absorbed culture is not likely to model or promote the qualities of a lady. It is a process for a girl to become a woman and develop into a lady. A lady understands that her appearance, behavior, and way of communicating, provide others with valuable insight into her character.

Hmmm…I wonder what is more ladylike…

A lady understands that her real strength is not found in trying to be like a man, but rather in being gracious, thoughtful, kind, intelligent, self-assured, and poised.

Though the term may seem outdated, there are certain aspects of ladylike behavior that are undying: elegance, courteousness, and a sense of respect toward oneself and others.

A true lady – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

A lady is eloquent and can carry a conversation. This requires being well-read and staying up-to-date on the current events of the world. Having a good posture, standing and sitting up straight are signs of a true lady. It will take some training to get used to this!

Another perfect lady – Grace Kelly

A true lady doesn’t just sit there quietly and let the world pass her by. She engages with other people, carries stimulating conversations, and is a subtle flirt.

Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni Sarkozy – who does it better?

Dressing elegantly means dressing appropriately for the occasion, body type, and age. Use your best judgment to determine what clothes are most appropriate for you, and don’t try to squeeze into clothes that are not.

Audrey Hepburn

While there’s nothing wrong with wearing pants, dresses and skirts bring out femininity and show off curves better than pants do.

Lady Diana, Princess of Wales

When wearing jeans, be sure that they are not torn or otherwise destroyed. Don’t wear sweatpants or tracksuits unless you are at the gym or exercising. Wearing these around all day suggest that you pay very little attention to your physical appearance.

Coco Chanel

Keep your clothing clean and pressed. Iron your clothes to remove any wrinkles, and be sure to wash your clothes if they are stained. Don’t wear excessive makeup or revealing clothing.

Elegance requires minimalism; makeup has to accentuate beauty, not cover it up.

Beautiful Lauren Bacall

Always elegant Meryl Streep

Don’t show excessive cleavage or wear bare-midriff tops. These types of revealing clothes suggest that you are not dressing for yourself, but rather to attract men.

Modern time Ladies:

Dita Von Teese

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Charlotte York, played by Kristin Davis in TV series Sex and the City

Tom Jones – She’s a Lady

Roy Orbison – Pretty Woman

Special Thanks for Pictures and music to Miss Andrea, Miss Nina and Miss Stela