The etiquette requires women to sit with their torso erect and legs together, keeping the hem of the skirt down and hiding their underwear. This posture allows you to be more elegant even when wearing pants. In addition, there are appropriate ways to cross your legs on formal occasions, which ensure that no one can see what you are wearing under your clothes. Practice sitting like this and everyone will notice your class in formal situations and in everyday life.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Sit in a Traditional Posture
Step 1. Get as close to the chair as possible
Starting from this position, you have to move less so it is easier to hide your private parts and avoid missing the chair.
In formal situations, it is good practice for a gentleman to help you. He will pull the chair back for you, wait for you to be ready, then push it forward until it touches the back of your legs. Often it will be your partner, a waiter, or another man sitting at your table to help you out
Step 2. Bring your knees together
Make sure your legs are aligned and tight, not in front of each other. By sitting with your legs together you are sure that no one can see your underwear, regardless of the length of your skirt.
Step 3. Lower yourself gently
Don't lean forward and make sure you keep your torso straight. Without separating your knees, bend them and sit in one smooth motion; the calves will naturally lean forward to the desired position.
Try not to use your hands to stay balanced. Keep your arms straight at your sides or slightly bent at the elbow
Step 4. Extend your skirt under you
If you are wearing a skirt or dress, it may crease when you sit down. By bending over, you will also have raised the hem to your waist. If you don't want your skirt to appear creased or shorter than it is, gently spread it out with your hands.
Step 5. Decide how to hold your feet
You have two choices at your disposal: flat on the ground or crossed at the ankles. If you can't touch the ground, be sure to cross them, without separating the knees. Leave no space between the ankles.
Step 6. Tilt your legs
If you have long legs or have decided not to cross your ankles, you probably need to bend your knees to the left or right. This position makes you look less rigid and more feminine. It is not necessary to remain still in the chair for the whole evening. In fact, it is polite to move your knees towards the person you are talking to.
Step 7. Sit with your back straight
Don't lean back. On formal occasions, this position in the center of the chair is the most appropriate. Likewise, don't lean forward or lean back.
Step 8. Keep your hands on your legs
When not in use, hold them together just above your thigh or grab the handle of your bag. However, if you are attending a formal dinner, be sure to keep them on the table either side of the plate - it is considered rude to keep your hands under the table.
Method 2 of 2: Sit Cross-legged
Step 1. Lower yourself into the chair with your knees together
Keep your torso straight, without bending forward. Although you will cross your legs later on, you must sit exactly as described above.
Keep in mind that crossing your legs is much less sober than keeping them parallel, because it shows them off and raises the hem of the skirt
Step 2. Keep your hands on your legs
Once seated, place them between your thighs. This position also serves to hold the skirt in place, preventing your underwear from showing when you cross your legs.
Step 3. Move your right leg to the left
Start by lifting your right thigh slightly, then place your calf in front of the other. Make sure you don't separate your thighs. Spreading your legs, even just to adjust yourself in the chair, is considered inelegant. Also, even with your hands holding the skirt still, you run the risk of revealing your underwear.
Step 4. Put your right calf over your left
Your right knee should be directly on top of the other. Squeeze your calves tightly, forming a diagonal with your feet pointed to the right or left. You will not be able to keep your legs perpendicular to the floor in this position.
Step 5. Form a straight line with both legs
Keep your calves parallel and very close. Make sure your thighs always stay together when you are sitting, keeping your toes down.
Remember to always sit with your back and torso straight
Step 6. If necessary, change positions gracefully
After sitting for some time, you can decide to put your left leg over your right. You can do it with the right speed and elegance, but not if you wear a particularly short skirt. Just move your legs so they're in the same position they were when you sat down. Then, bring one leg over the other to return to the crossed position.
Remember to keep your hands on your thighs when you change the position of your legs
Advice
- When you are about to stand up, pull down the hem of the skirt to cover your legs. This allows you to hide your underwear.
- Above all, remember that you need to avoid sitting with your legs apart, even when you're wearing pants.
- Remember that this article describes the more traditional and "ladylike" methods of sitting, to be applied in formal situations. In everyday life, women can sit as they like.
