The Elegance Edit: Issue 9

Olga’s Note
Dear Ladies,

Welcome to Issue 9 of The Elegance Edit – your weekly guide to body language, elegance, and timeless style. Each edition offers thoughtful insights to help you feel more poised, confident, and graceful in every part of your life.

Last week we unpacked how to walk into any room with confidence, whether that's a personal or a professional networking event. Today, we’re looking at what happens after you enter the room, specifically when it comes to the work environment.

The Boardroom Ballet
Mastering Professional Etiquette with Grace

When we think of business etiquette, we might imagine rigid rules or outdated formalities. But watch closely as any truly accomplished woman navigates a boardroom, a client dinner, or a networking event, and you'll witness something far more sophisticated: the seamless integration of professional excellence with personal elegance.

This isn't about following protocols for their own sake. It's about understanding that in professional settings, your etiquette becomes your silent ambassador, communicating your values, your respect for others, and your commitment to excellence before you ever present your first idea.

The Architecture of Professional Grace

The Language of Arrival Your entrance into any professional space sets the tone for all interactions that follow. Whether you're entering a conference room, approaching a networking conversation, or joining a client dinner, arrive with purposeful presence. This means punctuality that respects others' time, posture that conveys confidence, and energy that invites engagement rather than demanding attention.

The Art of Gracious Introduction Professional introductions are your opportunity to create immediate connection. Stand when introduced if the setting allows, offer a firm handshake with appropriate eye contact, and speak clearly when sharing your name and role. The goal isn't to impress but to establish the foundation for a meaningful professional relationship. In my experience, the most memorable professional encounters begin with introductions that balance warmth with appropriate formality. You want to be approachable yet professional, friendly yet focused on the business at hand.

The Etiquette of Engagement Professional conversations require a different rhythm than social interactions. Listen more than you speak, ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate genuine interest, and contribute insights that add value to the discussion. Avoid interrupting, even when excitement about an idea makes you want to jump in immediately.

The Follow-Through Foundation

Professional etiquette extends far beyond face-to-face interactions. Your email communication, your response time to requests, your attention to commitments made, these details create the foundation of your professional reputation.

Business dining presents unique opportunities to demonstrate professional refinement. 

• Wait for your host to begin eating or indicate when to start. 

• Keep your phone completely away from the table—not just silenced, but invisible. 

• Engage in conversation that balances professional topics with appropriate personal connection. 

• The goal is to create an atmosphere where business naturally unfolds through genuine relationship building.

What I've witnessed in the women I work with is that mastering professional etiquette transforms more than external perceptions, it enhances internal confidence. When you understand the subtle language of professional grace, you can focus entirely on your expertise and ideas rather than worrying about social navigation.

Because true professional etiquette isn't about perfection, it’s about intention.

To master the art of Business Etiquette, join us for our July Elegance Weekend Classes.

Ready to Transform Your Presence?

If you've found yourself nodding along to today's insights, perhaps it's time to take the next step in your own refinement journey. Inside of my Elegance Refinement Mentorship which is where I offer you personalized, tailored and detailed approach to help you reach your goals faster.

Book your consultation through the link below to speak to my Elegance team member and discover how we can elevate your natural elegance together.

https://calendly.com/leleganceny-info/eleganceconversation

Upcoming Events
NYC BUSINESS ETIQUETTE WEEKEND

JULY 26, 2025
10:00AM - 12:00PM: BUSINESS ETIQUETTE
12:30PM - 2:30PM: BUSINESS DRESS CODES & COLOR PSYCHOLOGY
3:30PM - 5:30PM: BUSINESS BODY LANGUAGE
(Can be purchased as singular or as a pack of 3)

NYC HEELS CLASS 1.0

JULY 25 6:30PM - 8:30PM
HEELS 1.0: FOUNDATIONAL

Olga’s Tips
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Olga’s Recommendations
Dressing Appropriately

Those who have been following me on social media might have see me talking about the importance of dressing appropriately in the professional environment. Building an office-appropriate but still elegant closet isn’t difficult if you start with the basics. An elegant collarless blazer like this one from Nordstrom is proof that femininity and corporate dressing can go together.

Events
Revisiting Timeless Practices from Previous Elegance Edits

As we refine our professional presence, it’s also important to recognize the value of practicing elegance in more relaxed, social settings.
Just last week, we delighted in the tradition and grace of the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament—a perfect example of how sport can be both dynamic and dignified. Now, that same energy is crossing the Atlantic, with tennis season soon arriving here in New York for the US Open.

Whether attending in person or simply following along, these world-class events offer a delightful opportunity to embody poise amidst the excitement—a reminder that elegance is just as relevant at a stadium as it is in the boardroom.

August 24 – September 7, 2025

https://www.texworldusa.com

Game
The Elegance Game

In the following week, we will share the answer to this question. Click the answer that you think is right.