Table of Contents
How to Dress Classy & Elegant
If you want to give your style a classy upgrade, here are some tips to consider when putting together your outfits:
Classy School Outfit Ideas
Forget the sweats –– why not dress classy for class? If you want to elevate your classroom look, try these polished school outfit ideas.
Classy School Outfit #1
Products: Turtleneck, Dress, Earrings (sold individually), Hair Bow, Loafers, Bag
You may not go to Constance Billard, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t dress like you’re in Gossip Girl (old or new version) with a cool, classy school outfit.
Tweed lends a luxe vibe to clothing items like this shift mini dress, which looks adorable when worn over a simple black turtleneck (this lightweight one is perfect for layering) or a basic white t-shirt. Plus, layering this wide-strap dress over a top makes it more school dress code-appropriate and gives it a more casual feel.
Loafers are a major trend this season and have a classy vibe, making them the perfect shoe for this outfit. This particular pair of loafers is chunky without being too chunky, and they feature a gold metallic chain which adds to their chic look.
Give the ensemble a girly touch with a sweet satin hair bow barrette and some cute letter stud earrings that you buy individually, allowing you to pick the initials of your choice.
And while you can totally carry a backpack, this black faux leather quilted tote bag is an elevated school bag option to consider instead.
Classy School Outfit #2
Products: Sweater, Blue Light Glasses, Pants, Backpack, Necklace, Sneakers
For a more laid-back yet still classy school outfit, try some stylish trouser pants with a straight-leg fit. Though these trousers look polished, their relaxed fit makes them almost as comfortable as sweatpants (keyword: almost), and you can totally pair them with some neutral-colored lifestyle sneakers for a day spent walking around campus.
This combination goes with button-down shirts, fitted basic t-shirts, and sweaters, making it a go-to look for the school year. Since polo tops and black and white striped sweaters are both majorly in style this fall, wearing this classy striped knit polo top will have you looking right on-trend.
Keep the rest of the ensemble simple and chic with a dainty gold pendant necklace and a sleek backpack, along with some blue light glasses.
Classy Work Outfit Ideas
In need of some work outfit inspo that looks classy and chic? Look no further. These elegant work outfit ideas are perfect for the office.
Classy Work Outfit #1
Products: Coat, Shirt, Earrings, Skirt, Watch, Pumps
If there’s one piece that will instantly make you look chic and put-together, it’s a beige belted longline coat or trench coat. This elegant item can be worn with so many different looks and is especially perfect for the workplace thanks to its refined silhouette.
For an upscale office look, pair a black pencil midi skirt –– this one looks streamlined and features a stretchy cotton material that is just the right amount of dressy –– with a satin button-down shirt or blouse. The shiny satin fabric adds a luxe touch that can be accentuated with some pearl stud earrings and a mixed metal watch.
Bring the look together with some classic black suede pumps with a pointy toe, which are super versatile (you’re sure to wear them outside of the office, too).
Classy Work Outfit #2
Products: Sweater, Pants, Earrings, Bag, Loafers
Is your office more laid-back, but you still want to dress classy? Try this outfit combination. A pair of pleated beige wide-leg trousers can be worn dressed up or down, but always look polished. Style them with some black faux leather loafers and a notch-neck sweater. The sweater’s polo collar gives it a classy look while also being very on-trend this season.
A pair of small gold hoop earrings add just the right amount of shine to the outfit, while a black faux leather work tote (complete with a dedicated laptop compartment!) is functional yet stylish.
Classy Casual Outfit Ideas
Want to give your casual looks a classy upgrade? Try these casual, classy outfits for women that are perfect for your downtime, whether you’re grabbing coffee with your friends or brunching with your fam.
Classy Casual Outfit #1
Products: Shorts, Top, Sunglasses, Earrings, Mules
Wondering if shorts can be classy? Yes, they absolutely can be! These houndstooth print shorts with a brown crocodile embossed belt have a refined look while still being casual.
Wear them with a white mock neck sweater vest and some chic tortoise cat-eye sunglasses, along with a small pair of silver hoop earrings.
This pair of brown faux lizard print mules that feature a silver chain link match the shorts’ belt perfectly and tie the whole look together.
Classy Casual Outfit #2
Products: Shirt, Jeans, Belt, Earrings, Watch, Flats
You simply can never go wrong with a white button-down shirt. This crisp, classic, wardrobe essential is going to elevate any outfit, even a casual one with denim. Tuck the shirt into your jeans, and cinch your waist with a black belt.
Speaking of jeans, consider a pair with a darker wash and classic cut, like these high-waisted ankle-length jeans. They are flattering and their ankle length works well with flats including a polished pair of ballet flats (another major trend this fall).
Complete the look with understated yet refined jewelry like a square face watch and some small gold hoop earrings.
Classy Clothing Items to Add to Your Wardrobe
These classy clothing items will have you looking polished, and make for timeless additions to your wardrobe. Investing in these elegant pieces is a surefire way to upgrade your style.
Tailored Pants
CLICK TO SHOP AT ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
Tailored pants and trousers are one of the classiest bottoms you can wear, besides skirts and dresses. They have a dressier look than denim, and their tailoring makes them timeless.
Tailored pants are also very versatile: you can wear them with a t-shirt and sneakers for a laid-back look, or wear them with a crisp button-down shirt for a more elevated look.
Trench Coat
A trench coat is as classic as it gets, especially in a beige or tan color. This outerwear staple automatically elevates any outfit (seriously, you can even wear it over a sweat set or leggings and you will still look put-together).
BTW –– if you’re going to invest in a trench coat, consider buying one that is actually water-resistant, like this tie-belt trench that comes in tan, light beige/gray, and black.
Blazer
A blazer, particularly in black, tan, or a plaid print, is a classy wardrobe essential that makes every outfit look chic, including casual outfits.
I love the look of a blazer worn over a feminine dress, like in the classy styling example above. Plus, blazers never go out of style, so you can feel confident about investing in a blazer (or two), as you’ll be able to wear it for years to come.
Midi Skirt
While mini skirts and maxi skirts can certainly look classy, there’s something about midi skirts that just always hits the mark. A midi skirt is appropriate for almost any occasion and has a fit that flatters every physique.
This wrap-over midi skirt with a subtle beige checked print is a polished piece that will look elegant with button-down shirts, blouses, turtlenecks, and more.
Button-Down Shirt
A button-down shirt is one of the classy clothing items that you can wear oversized and still look polished. Whether you opt for an oversized fit or a regular fit is up to you, but a button-down shirt is a wardrobe essential that every girl should have in her closet!
It doesn’t get more classic than a simple white button-down or a blue striped button-down. Both of these options will give you a smart look that is ageless and can be styled in countless different ways.
Collared Top
Collars = classy. Also known as polo tops, tops that feature a collar have a more polished look than tops that don’t. A collar just creates a dressier vibe for some reason, which means you’ll want to stock up on collared tops for a classy wardrobe. Plus, polo tops happen to be trending this fall, giving you more options than ever.
Turtleneck
In addition to collars, turtlenecks and mock necks are classy must-haves. Not only do these elegant styles keep you warm(er) when it’s cold outside, but they make you look refined.
Anything Tweed
Tweed is arguably one of the classiest materials you can wear. It evokes the classic Chanel aesthetic that is the epitome of class and elegance.
Try a tweed dress or skirt for a posh look –– and get bonus style points if it features oversized gold buttons, like this cute sleeveless dress.