What we consider chic often lives somewhere between personal instinct, taste, and intention. I find it's one of those qualities many people can recognize instantly, yet struggle to fully define. In many ways, it feels like a moving target, shaped by mood, setting, style, and the person embodying it. That elusive je ne sais quoi has always felt a little less about accumulating things and more about personal instincts: a quiet confidence, an ease, an understanding of self. And yet, I’d be lying if I said an impeccably styled look or a signature fragrance couldn’t get you at least half of the way there.
So, the following list was inspired by a fun trend I kept seeing floating around on socials, but it immediately transported me somewhere more personal. I was also reminded of my childhood, watching my mom and women around me, and quietly taking note of the way they carried themselves. At the same time, I was just as captivated by Audrey Hepburn movies, completely absorbed in the old-Hollywood sense of style and grace her characters embodied. Then there were the hours spent scrolling endlessly through Pinterest and Polyvore, saving outfits and curating little worlds of what I thought chic looked like at the time. Looking back, those influences evolved over time, shaping my personal style and what I’m drawn to.
Ahead, I’m sharing the fashion, beauty, and everyday essentials that feel incredibly chic to me. I’d love to know what makes your list, too.
- Kindness and gratitude
- A curated collection of things you enjoy (books, fashion magazines, vinyls, match boxes, etc.)
- Having signature fragrances
- Vintage shopping
- Slow living
- Wrap coats
- Handwritten letters
- Heels and ballet flats
- Lighting scented candles while getting ready (DW home, Diptyque Paris, and Ralph Lauren have some of the best candles)
- Vintage watches
- Well-made clothing staples in cashmere, linen, organic cotton, and silk
- Peonies
- Daily reading
- Tortoise accessories such as sunglasses, claw clips, barrettes, and headbands
- Hobbies (ballet, drawing, baking, journaling, etc.)
- Smart money habits
- Having personal/niche taste in music, art history, nature, science, etc.
- Clean and/or polished nails (adore a micro-French manicure, sheer neutrals, or deep red nail colors)
- Asymmetric gallery walls at home (love a blend of gold and black frames for family photos and black and white art prints)
- The skinniest stemmed wine glasses
- Elegantly monogrammed accessories such as toiletry bags, a compact mirror, hair brushes, lipstick cases, stationery, and hand towels
- Knowing multiple languages
- Monochromatic outfits with varying textures
- Music boxes
- Dermaplaning followed by an everything shower, finished with an intricate body care routine
- High-quality jewelry and skincare products
- Self-care rituals
- A blazer and straight-leg denim combo
- Jazz, soul, and classical music (on repeat: Sade, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Olivia Dean, Andrea Bocelli, Snoh Aalegra, and Jorja Smith)
- Hosting friends and family
- Tailored straight leg trousers
- Antique sterling silver serving trays
- Well-loved leather black bags
- Home libraries
- Fluffy, hotel-style bedding
- Thank you notes
- Suede shoulder bags
- Physical planners and to-do lists
- Candlelit dinners
- Satin or velvet hangers
- A color-coordinated maximally styled coffee table
- Tennis bracelets
- Tea sets
- Pops of animal print at home (rugs, accent chair, wall art)
- Seasonal home decorating
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