15 Ways To Cultivate A Modern Classic Life

The concept of a modern classic life is more than just the aesthetics of what one may find on a search through Pinterest. It’s about choosing a life of intentional sophistication. A life where quality is paramount, where style is timeless, and where luxury is felt…not displayed. The essence of living a modern classic life is: simple, refined, enchanting, and deeply personal.

I believe things that are timeless endure for a reason becoming a classic that transpires in many areas of life such as classic style, classic meals, classic music, classic art & film, classic elegance, a classic home, etc. But we also live in the present world and therefore we look to blend the classic sophistication with a modern sensibility. We want to live in the present with ease, beauty, and pleasantries to decorate our surroundings so that we may live well in our everyday life.

Cultivating a classic modern life takes intention, planning, and executing, but the effort is well worth the results of creating an elegant life where the everyday is romanticized and life itself is its own enchanting story.

CREATE A TIMELESS WARDROBE

Investing in high quality, well tailored pieces is a worthwhile endeavor as no matter what the day may bring, one will always have to get dressed, so why not have a wardrobe of modern classic pieces that is tailored to your personal style? Some items to consider are classic white and blue button down shirts, cashmere sweaters, trench coats, loafers, trouser pants and classic flats. Choose clothes that are timeless in style but that still fit the modern silhouette.

PRIORITIZE REAL WORLD EXPEREINCE OVER DIGITAL NOISE

Limiting screen time and actively seeking meaningful, tactile experiences is a modern day luxury. Read physical books, attend live symphonies or theater, host in-person dinners, write hand written notes, explore beautiful gardens and estates and visit real shops instead of online stores. While being online can provide some escapism, don’t forget that there should be a balance of living in your life versus watching people live theirs. Work towards a 90/10 split of living in your life 90% of the time and visiting others others online 10% of the rest.

MASTER THE ART OF CONVERSATION

In life we are always meeting new people, whether through a new job, a move, social gathering’s, or even family gatherings, and being able to confidently have a small conversation is an artform that every sophisticated lady should try to master. Cultivate a rich vocabulary, be genuinely curious about others and ask probing questions, and also practice active listening. Read widely so you always have something thoughtful to say and are able to articulate yourself in a refined way.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH QUALITY OBJECTS

Regardless of the life that you create for yourself there are always going to be objects that we bring in to enrich our lives. From the cookware we use, the books we read, the containers we use to organize, the linens we need for sleeping and dining, decorative objects to delight, and so much more. Choosing fewer but better possessions is paramount to creating a classic modern life. A fountain pen, a mechanical watch, a leather bound journal, good glassware, silk scarves, linen napkins, beautiful coffee table books are just a few examples. Let form and function guide your choices, but always invest in quality as you are able.

DEVELOP A SIGNATURE DISH AND DRINK

Hosting dinner and drinks at your home is one of life’s simple pleasures. It’s a sophisticated way of getting to know people better and to have the pleasure of showing hospitality to those we care for. Having an elevated signature dish and drink keeps you well prepared for hosting with ease. Whether it’s a perfectly cooked steak, a creamy risotto, an elegant Negroni or a beautiful Bellini, master something that reflects you personal taste and share it generously.

CREATE A HOME THAT REFLECTS CALM AND CHARACTER

While there are many design options to choose from in home decor, to create a modern classic feel you want to start with the designs that speak to you. A home should feel bespoke and cozy, not like a showroom. Try mixing modern lines and textures with vintage pieces. Incorporate a mix of art, books, plants, and subtle lighting. Find inspiration on Pinterest or interior design books, but at the end of the day take the inspiration and create a home that reflects your unique interests and loves.

CULTIVATE A SOPHISTICATED MIND

There are so many subjects out there in the world that one can be curious about and delve deeper into. Cultivating a sophisticated mind should start with your natural curiosities of what you are drawn to. Become a student of culture, history, food, and the arts. Take a class on classical music, visit museums, learn a language, do a tasting menu, and/or explore philosophy. Pursue lifelong learning for your own sophisticated character development and as an added bonus you will never be short of something interesting to talk about with others.

LIVE WITH INTEGRITY AND DISCRETION

In a world full of oversharing and hustle culture, stand out by keeping your word, staying humble, and moving with quiet confidence. Be on time, stay polite even when others are not as much, return your shopping cart to the proper holder, throw the trash away in a receptacle, wait in line patiently, give people and yourself grace, politely decline to answer if you do not want to share, keep your secrets, and always try to do what is right versus what is easy. When you think of a modern classic woman such Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, or Kate Middleton, what do you think they would act?

SAVOR TIME, NOT JUST SPEED

Take slow walks, travel intentionally (not just for Instagram), and enjoy moments of stillness. While the world itself is trying its hardest to please the algorithm or make money, try instead to enjoy something simply because and not to commoditize it. Modern classic living is as much about how you do things as what you do. Savoring the moments you enjoy versus trying to move along as quickly as you can to the next thing will help you to slow down and calm the nervous system so that your experiences are more enriching and deeply fulfilling.

CULTIVATE A SLOWER, DEEPER AESTHETIC

Cultivating a slower, deeper aesthetic is about aligning you daily rhythms, surroundings, and inner world with a sense of intentionality, beauty, and presence. It’s the opposite of productivity obsession and constant stimulation. It’s about depth over volume, slowing the senses, shaping your space intentionally, honoring small daily rituals, living seasonally, and tending to your inner thoughts. Unfollow fast content, ask fewer, but deeper questions of yourself. Slowness isn’t perfection, it’s presence.

BE A PERSON OF DEPTH, NOT JUST DIPLAY

A modern classic life is about crafting a beautiful life on the outside as well as focusing on the essence of our being on the inside. Invest in your intellect, your integrity, and empathy. Learn to make choices that align with your values and create a lifestyle around those things that you find most important. Read widely, slowly, and often. Think in questions, not conclusions. Practice presence, and let silence be a part of your language. Be curious about yourself and know your joys, dislikes, patterns, and routines. Being a person of depth takes deeper work, but the rewards of living with presence, curiosity, emotional integrity and quiet wisdom is well worth the effort.

ELEGANCE EVERYDAY

Living elegant everyday is about intention and refinement in everyday life. Whether at home, in the office, or out and about running errands or enjoying an event, practicing elegance everyday will help you to create a modern classic lifestyle with sophistication. Practice good posture and movement, keep your space tidy and inviting, keep personal grooming simple and polished, use real dishes and cloth napkins, surround yourself with art and beautiful music, choose quality over quantity, practice decorum and composure, dress with purpose, speak with clarity, and carry yourself with confidence.

PRACTICE THE ART OF SLOW LIVING

Slow living is a luxurious way to bring more meaning and mindfulness into everyday life. It’s about being present, doing less but better, and aligning your pace with your values, not external pressure. Start the day slowly and without your phone, simplify your schedule, take intentional pauses during the day, cook at home mindfully, walk instead of rushing, practice single-tasking, schedule time for stillness and rest, limit screen time, savor simple pleasures, and limit your commitments.

SLOW MORNINGS, QUIET EVENINGS

While our days are filled with obligations and chores, to be able to start the day slowly and then end the evening quietly sets up our days to be bookended with simple pleasures to be savored. In the morning try to start slowly, even if you have to wake up early. Listen to soft music such as calming instrumental to help regulate pace and create a peaceful environment. Stay off your phone to reduce mental overstimulation and to stay present. Enjoy a hot drink and ease into the day elegantly. At the end of the night, try to wind down and transition out of the day gently by taking a warm bath or shower, dimming the lights, reading a physical book, sipping an herbal tea, listening to gentle music and disconnecting from technology.

FINDING JOY IN EVERYDAY MOMENTS THROUGH SIMPLE PLEASURES

Simple pleasures brings us small bursts of joy and gratitude into ordinary moments. To revel in these moments of stillness, comfort, and sensory pleasure is to calm the nervous system and bring us back to the present moment. They feel like a small act of self care and can be deeply soothing. It’s a reminder that beauty is always unfolding and that you don’t need to be on vacation or in some perfect situation to savor these moments and to seek joy. Small things such as sunlight on your face, the first sip of your favorite drink, freshly washed sheets, a bouquet of flowers, getting lost in a favorite song or a scented candle grounds us in the daily pleasures of life. Life does not need to be only an endless to-do list of chores and obligations. It can also be beautiful, pleasant, joyous, still, and dotted with simple pleasures to delight the everyday experience.