How to dress like a socialite

[Umm Zain]

From brooksbrothers.com

Some of these are very pretty, I think:

 

[Umm Zain]

Ralph Lauren at www.polo.com

This is nice and classic too:

 

[Umm Zain]

More classic Ralph...

 

[Josephine]

invest in a rope of pearls

 

[stilettogirl84]

Two accesories vital to the look

1. Manolo Blahnik Carolyn Slingbacks
2. Hermes Birkin

neimanmarcus
ebay

and one of the most important aspects is restraint. Wear very expensive things that only people who have a refined eye will realise the value of. Dress well, and appropriate for the occasion, but never look like you're trying to impress anybody- because you don't have to- you're rich! And be extremely clean- and well groomed.-

it can be a pain to do this look because it's not about the big fun statements, but is about constantly making sure all the details are perfect

 

[Josephine]

this isn't about dressing like a socialite but it's just a tip to help get the look...
imo it is vital to take care of your hands - u want that whole "never done a days work" look going for them....so:
-wear rubber gloves when doing the dishes/housework etc
-use hand lotion religiously - the brand doesn't matter, what matters is that you use it enough (also, try and use it after washing to restore moisture)
-use an orange stick to get rid of any dirt under the nails and to restrain cuticles

 

[ilovepositano]

i agree w/ most of you...details are key, and behavior is as important as looks. a few more i'd add:

1. perfect teeth- whitening trays once a week and spend way more on veneers than on clothes

2. perfect brows groomed w/ clear gel

3. medium to long straight hair pulled into a med-low ponytail

4. buy calf leather accessories and keep them really polished (this one i find strange b/c most euro's and asians seem to desire exotics more than "shiny" shoes and box calf birkin's...)

5. this drives me crazy-- talk always like you're in a small gallery or library even if you're out at a loud restaurant. do not move your head or toss your hair ever. do not engage in PDA or canoodle in public. you can kiss on the cheek in greeting, or press someone's hand firmly in conversation...do not share food. don't talk about money. don't talk about anything unpleasant. if someone brings up something sad or mad, change the subject discreetly and quickly.

6. glossy lips, never frosted, preferably with a pencil skirt, choos/blahniks, and nice coat

7. press your clothes so they always look immaculate-- don't wear a seatbelt if you're going to lunch in a black car. it's not worth it.

 

[Diorling]

My sister says Ive been dressing like a WASP as of late. I wore a black Ralph turtleneck with jeans, black loafers and my draft tote to go to the mall, loafers is what is really odd. Looking back on it, I did look like a Worthington Helmsley IV, all I was missing is a grey streak in my hair and a Cartier tank.

I agree with your rules Postiano, except Id get exotic accessories, it breaks up the monotony. Like a black Croc Birkin with everything else calf, or black Python pumps.

Sharing food I think is very ghetto (for lack of a better word), I cant stand it!!

 

[Josephine]

may i suggest a book to anyone interested in this look...
better than beauty: a guide to charm by helen valentine and alice thompson

it's fantastic - first published in 1938 and i think it is still relevent information

it's divided into two sections - how you look and your interaction with others
basically it includes info on:
-posture
-shaking hands
-clothing
-make-up
-cleanliness
-converational topics
-weight
-grooming
-being a good listener
-eating in public
and much more

it is the perfect manual for anyone interested in looking like a classy socailite or anyone who wants to be more charming

 

[Swati]

This thread is very amusing, because a lot of the advice is aimed at creating what may be a classic caricature of a moneybags socialite. Dripping pearls and wheezing "dah-ling"!

Please do check out the New York Social Diary, which has numerous pictures from exclusive, upper crest New York social events, and it's a relief to see how diverse the styles of the women attending these events are. Also, there are numerous style horrors, and outfits I wouldn't ever consider wearing. The very fine and dearly departed Nan Kempner wears quite a few outfits that would be at odds with the socialite that's being described here.

Moral of the story: There is no one sort of "socialite" that you should aspire to. And for the record, Carolyn Besette Kennedy was hardly to the manner born. She just married a privileged man. Ergo style and class are independent factors in this case.

 

[kissmesweet]

Audrey Hepburn. Holly Golightly.

Cami. Blazer. Knee-length skirt

 

[kissmesweet]

think less is more - for makeup. neutral tones.

because. classy socialites always look put together.
but not trying hard. as if it comes natural to them.

 

[Bella_Lass334]

Bump

 

[pink.nails]

Umm, arent those polo ralph lauren polo tops classy.
Anyway, I think one rule is not to go over the top with trends, dont where to much skany eye makeup.

But you probably knew thatt!

 

[shimmer]

Aah. All of this makes me feel like i'm attending a class on how to be a 'socialite' or something lol.

sometimes i get inspired by jackie, audrey, grace, etc, when i'm dressing simple and formal for an occasion.. but i say that has only happened about three times.
for some reason i find some of these things contrived, or maybe restricting is the better word. good posture is good and is good for maintaining your health, being gracious and mannered gets you far, being well-read and educated is good for you.. so is good grooming. but the classic styles and stguff always make me feel bored. it's like.. never branching out for something new.. never daring.. always the same, play it safe, classics. sometimes i think it's overkill i don't know any socialites and i myself am far from being one, but if being a socialite is really being all boring restrained i wouldn't want to be one. every time i read about classic styles, it always strikes me as boring. classic pieces are great, but it seems like this elegant classy thing is overkill.
then again i'm the girl who pranced around in a colourful ensemble with a scraped knee

 

[Bella_Lass334]

Yeah, sometimes it can get way too overdone, but for the most part, I admire this look.

 

[classic1908]

I love the "elegant classy" look and rarely tire of it. But I do my own twists to the basic look. For instance, I will switch it up in color -- such as a lilac silk sheath and matching jacket, which look good on my skin color (I'm a cafe au lait AfAm).
Also, many people won't copy the elegant classy look. It's too subtle for them. I'm in my early 40s, am curvier than the standard woman most design for and don't have a huge clothing budget (I work in media/publishing for a weekly newspaper. You don't get rich working at a paper like mine, but I digress)
I would rather take my time and shop for pieces that are soigne, refined and timeless.

 

[GabiChic]

I have been reading these repelies and I realize I already dress this way. Well, minus the Manolos and the high end designers.

 

[stilettogirl84]

I love the "elegant classy" look and rarely tire of it.
don't have a huge clothing budget [&] I would rather take my time and shop for pieces that are soigne, refined and timeless.

Absolutely. Quality over quantity. i'd rather have an easy set of classic basics- I don't waste my money on trends that i'll look back on and feel stupid about wearing. and i don't get anything unless I can wear it with many things, and that i would wear it many times!

Plus, by not buying that many clothes, i can save my money for superfantastic shoes!

 

[laboheme]

Audrey Hepburn. Holly Golightly.

Cami. Blazer. Knee-length skirt

wasn't it hinted(in the book and more vaguely in the film) that 'Holly' was an escort/'pro'/wannabe? the clothing for the film was fun and chic but i can't say the character of Holly G. is a great role model for class. she was doing the best she could considering her humble background.

OTOH. A. Hepburn was elegant and worth admiring. rare for actresses.

sawry, but just a little needling point/my 2.B)