Tell us a bit about yourself!

I am a third-generation etiquette instructor and the founder of Mannerly™ - a modern etiquette company rooted in timeless principles. In September 2025, I stepped away from a 17-year corporate career to fully pursue a lifelong calling: helping others live and lead with greater intention, honor, dignity, and grace.

I am the mother of three wildly imaginative children and consider parenting my highest calling. It’s there—around our family table and in everyday moments—that my philosophy of modern manners comes to life. I believe every child—and every professional—deserves the confidence that comes from knowing how to show up in the world with kindness, presence, and respect.

I am a proud UNC Chapel Hill alum and earned my MBA from Queens University, where I studied alongside my husband, Drew.

This work is deeply personal to me. My late mother and grandmother both taught etiquette for more than 30 years, and it is with great joy and deep purpose that I now carry their legacy forward—reimagining it for a modern world.

Today, I teach modern etiquette to new learners (beginning at age five), middle school and college students, and seasoned professionals. I teach in Charlotte, virtually, and travel regularly for pop-up classes—always with the same mission: to help people move through the world with empathy, confidence, and genuine presence.

Elizabeth Anne wears the Drew Metallic Crew-Neck Sweater and the Seville Midi Skirt

How would you define “modern etiquette” today, and which traditional rules are actually worth keeping?

Modern etiquette isn’t about rules. It’s about how we make others feel.
It’s not about perfection or performing. It’s about presence. It’s about treating others with honor, kindness, and respect. I see modern etiquette as the practice of moving through the world with empathy, awareness, and intention so that the people around us feel seen, valued, and welcome. Traditional etiquette rules that places others before ourselves, rules that share gratitude and kindness – those are the rules we need to keep.

What are the most common etiquette mistakes you see people making right now, especially in social and professional settings?

Scrolling.  It’s everywhere—at parties, social gatherings, even in business meetings. One of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is our presence. Our full, undivided attention. When there is a device between you and someone else, you’ve placed a barrier where there should be connection. And in doing so, you’ve missed a moment to truly see, hear, and honor the person in front of you. Greatest advice – let’s never give a phone a place at the table or any social gathering.

Has social media changed the way we think about manners? Are there new rules we should all know by now?

I actually think manners are having a bit of a moment right now. We’ve come through a period where public correction often delivered as criticism or even ridicule has become normalized, especially online. I hope we’re beginning to move back toward a culture of respect and composure. Social media has certainly changed the way we interact, and it’s reminded us why manners matter more than ever. Disagreements will always exist, but civility should never waver. The real “new rule” is remembering that there is a human being on the other side of every screen and choosing to respond with the same restraint, kindness, and dignity we would hope to receive ourselves.

From weddings to dinner parties, what’s your best advice for being a gracious guest in any setting? 

Something to remember is to read the room—or as my mother used to say, “enter in the spirit of the party.” Take a moment to understand what the host is inviting you into. Is it black-tie? A casual potluck? A themed dinner? Whatever the setting, honor it. Embrace the style, the tone, and the intention of the host with gusto. When you do, you’re not just a well-dressed guest, you’re also gracious one. Also, SEND A THANK YOU NOTE. I cannot emphasize this enough. If something invites you to a gathering or hosts you for a meal, take a few minutes, pull out an ink pen and practice gratitude. This not only will spark joy for you, it will also honor the person who welcomed you. I feel so strongly about thank you notes as a way to both honor others and practice gratitude that I started a stationery company Mannerly Paper.

Hosting can feel intimidating. What are your top tips for hosting with ease (and without perfectionism)? 

Start small and be consistent. Invite a few close friends over regularly and let hospitality become a rhythm rather than a performance. Over time, you can slowly expand the circle. Remember: no one notices the tiny details the way you do. What people remember is how they felt in your home. Connection is the real goal—and the greatest gift you can offer. A little planning goes a long way. Walk through the flow of the gathering in advance, use place cards to make guests feel thoughtfully welcomed, and imagine the evening going well. And one of my favorite, often-overlooked tips: plan plan a few conversation topics ahead of time. It’s a simple way to spark meaningful connection and help everyone feel at ease.

When hosting at home, how should personal style play a role—especially when you’re the host, not the guest?

I think your personal style should absolutely show up when you’re hosting—that’s part of what makes an evening memorable. For me, I’m not a chef, but I do love to dress up. My favorite formula is simple: cater the food and set a beautiful table with my mother or grandmother’s china. Always ask about dietary restrictions or preferences in advance. I host formal dinners because I genuinely love them—and because we don’t have enough reasons to dress up anymore. My friends know that when they come to our house, black tie might be requested… simply because it’s fun and we will likely have S’mores for dessert in the backyard over a fire…simply because it’s fun and my favorite dessert from childhood. And when something feels fun and intentional, people relax into it and enjoy it even more.

Follow Elizabeth Anne Russell on Instagram @charlotteetiquette

For weddings and bridal events, what’s your golden rule for guests choosing what to wear? And what styles from Mestiza would you recommend for a formal, cocktail, and black-tie dress code?  

My golden rule is simple: always honor the dress code. If you’re unsure, ask and if you’re still unsure, it’s almost always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. When in doubt, err on the side of a bit more polished and festive. Your outfit is one of the ways you show respect for the couple and the celebration they’ve planned.

And of course—never, ever wear white to a wedding.

Here’s an easy way to think about it:

Cocktail: Think chic, celebratory, and knee-length or midi.

Formal: Think elegant—long or very refined midi.

Black-tie: Think full-length, elevated, and truly evening-worthy.

Mestiza is wonderful for all three because their pieces feel celebratory, timeless, and special—perfect for marking an important moment while still honoring the tone of the event.

Here are my favorite picks from the current collection (and what I’d love to add to my closet!)

COCKTAIL - What to wear:

Perla Midi Dress

One of my absolute favorites – adding this to my wish list!! 

Hampton Convertible™ Midi Dress

Also in love with this beautiful convertible dress – another wish list!

Citrine Convertible™ Midi Dress

FORMAL - What to wear:

Another lovely formal dress –

Bijou Halter Gown

 BLACK-TIE - What to wear:

This Daphne Ball Skirt would be so elegant with the matching Taza Top.

This Eve Convertible™ Gown would be my top choice in the navy silver with the cape – so classic.

 What role does personal style play in etiquette? Can what we wear communicate respect and confidence?

We often dress the way we want to be addressed. What we wear communicates not only our personality, but also our respect for the people and the setting we’re stepping into.

Personal style absolutely plays a role in etiquette—but etiquette isn’t about being fancy. It’s about awareness. It’s about choosing to show up in a way that honors others, signals care, and reflects confidence. When we dress with intention, we’re saying: this matters, you matter, and I’m glad to be here.

Are there any outdated etiquette rules you think we can officially retire?

I think we can officially retire the idea that etiquette is about being impressive. It’s far more important to be considerate. We don’t need to memorize endless rules—we need to live with kindness and intention. With that said, there are still etiquette rules to learn as they serve to guide us in treating others with respect. When people think of “old-fashioned” etiquette, they often think of rigidity or exclusivity. That’s not what I teach or believe in. Modern manners should be thoughtful, human, and inclusive. I do believe we can retire the notion that it is ever too late to send a thank you note. Gratitude is always on time. 

How can young women use etiquette as a tool for confidence rather than constraint?

Etiquette should never feel like a set of constraints—it should feel like a source of confidence.

At its best, etiquette gives young women (and young men) a roadmap for how to show up for themselves and for others. It removes uncertainty, replaces anxiety with ease, and helps people move through the world with assurance. I always say: manners matter more than etiquette rules. Kindness matters more than perfection. Be gracious. Be thoughtful. Be helpful. The old, rigid version of etiquette is out. Modern etiquette is about confidence, clarity, and living with intention.

What do you love most about the Mestiza brand?

What I love most about Mestiza is that it feels timeless without feeling dated. The pieces are beautifully made, thoughtfully designed, and meant to be worn for real life—weddings, celebrations, dinners, and all the moments in between. There’s a sense of elegance and intention in everything they create, and it aligns so naturally with my belief in investing in fewer, better things that last.

How do you feel when you wear Mestiza?

I feel elegant—and very much like myself. I love the versatility and the quality of the pieces. I’m admittedly not much of a shopper, so when I do buy something, it needs to be a true investment—something I’ll reach for year after year. That’s genuinely how I feel about Mestiza. These are pieces that stay in your closet, not trend in and out of it. And I truly love the ones I own.