Things I find chic
So I am completely obsessed with elegance. I read tons of books on etiquette, fashion, etc. I devote an unhealthy amount of time to research on the matter, and my idols are mainly women I consider to be the absolute image of chic. Think Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
But what is chic?
To me, it’s something most valuable. A great characteristic to own. It’s sort of effortless elegance, but it comes with intention. It’s not merely in how you present yourself, but something at the very core of your personality. When it comes to looks, though, it’s about how that look is presented—with restraint, confidence, and a sense of personal clarity. It does not try too hard, nor does it ever look like it’s chasing approval.
Some women naturally have it (like the ones I just referenced), others obtain it throughout life. Whether it’s due to whom they surround themselves with, what they actively engage with, or out of pure admiration for the quality. There’s nothing wrong with that.
The word itself comes from French culture, where style has long been tied to understatement instead of excess. Think of Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, etc. They built an aesthetic out of simplicity and elegance. Then there are icons like Jane Birkin, whose appeal was rooted in almost accidental beauty. In that sense, chic is less about trends and much more about editing.
Essentially, knowing what to leave out.
Less is more.
Chic suggests a person exists comfortably as it is. It suggests ease. There is no visible strain, just harmony.
Having said all this, I’ll now answer the title of this essay.
Handwritten notes
I try not to believe this is a lost art as i’ve seen many people express their love for this act.
I do this a lot, whether it is a love letter, a thank you letter, whatever it is, it’s always chic. I truly think a written thank you note goes a long way, and it’s much more thoughtful than a text or an email.
Minimalistic jewelry
I like to wear some jewelry everyday, it adds to the outfit and can make you look more put together. Especially simple jewelry. Think pearl earrings, necklaces with a small pendant, pearl necklaces, rings without a stone, etc. They go with basically anything, and are great for daytime outfits.
Rooms with imperfect lighting—lamps & candles instead of overheads
This is most likely a popular opinion, or at least it seems to be. Overhead lights can be a lot, sometimes even overstimulating. Lamps & candles are simply calming, they make a room look even nicer, as beautiful as it already may be. This is particularly soothing in the evening, and honestly hides a mess very well too.
Leaving a little early, without making a scene
Okay this is a bit specific, but I have always found a quiet entrance AND leaving quietly to be chic. You’re not making a scene, you’re keeping things peaceful for yourself and others. I’m not saying you shouldn’t say goodbye to those around you, or the people you came with if it’s a bigger gathering, but you can do that quietly and intimately. I find that to be better. But perhaps this point is a bit too personal and tied to my social anxiety...
Worn paperbacks
I can understand when people say they don’t like this due to not wanting to “ruin” their books, but I believe books are meant to be “ruined”. It’s great to enjoy and love a book so much you end up wearing it out this way. Broken book spines are special to me, they just show someone truly loves reading!
Black & brown outfits
This used to be controversial. And I was raised by a mom who thought so too. She later changed her mind, as did I. Black and brown go together beautifully, they just match in a way that suits almost everyone. I think it’s best worn in autumn & winter, sweaters and longer skirts look particularly nice in this combination.
Midi skirts
As seen above!
Someone who listens more than they speak
Being a great listener is a wonderful quality to have, and it’s definitely also great to have someone listen to you wholeheartedly every once in a while. I have to admit I’m still working on this (especially around my boyfriend) but I do love listening.
Also, it’ll keep you from oversharing with people you may end up regretting opening up to!
Thinking before speaking
This kind of goes hand in hand with my previous point. it’s only healthy to do this. It’s easy to say things you’ll end up unsatisfied with, or actually regretting. so make a real effort to speak meaningfully. It’s not only chic, it also saves time and can in fact protect your peace.
Wearing the same ring everyday until it’s a part of you
Wearing a singular ring is chic, very chic. And wearing the same one everyday or almost everyday is even better. It’s also a nice habit to have so you don’t overthink what jewelry to wear every single morning. And it may just keep you from overconsumption.
Again, less is more.
Tea
I honestly just love tea. any tea. I feel I don’t even need to explain this point.
Knowing when to leave something unfinished
This goes for anything & everything. being aware of when something is done is an absolute blessing. A painting, an essay, a poem, a decoration project, an outfit, etc.
Tailored clothes
I love my clothes fitted exactly for my body, because then they really feel like my own. you can do this yourself sometimes, I love to sew and I have a mom who’s a wonderful tailor so I’m lucky. But knowing a professional tailor is also great. it’s just so elegant to have your clothes fit you perfectly.
Carolyn-Bessette is thee example for this point.
Repetition—of clothes, places, recipes, etc.
Speaking of clothes, you don’t need 50 jeans, and 30 coats, and 40 shoes. No one does. give away what you don’t wear and wear everything else out until you need new ones. This goes for many other things, as mentioned in the title. habits make life easier and less stressful.
Privacy
Once again I don’t think this one needs to be explained much. I feel this was almost insinuated in the definition of chic. Privacy is a luxury.
Headbands
I wear one almost daily, it’s so easy to look put together and organised with this accessory. You can also wear them when you’re not in the mood to do your hair, and it’ll still look like you spent lots of time getting ready. I frankly can’t put into words how much I adore headbands.
They’re also stunning when paired with sunglasses! You probably took 5 minutes getting ready and yet you look like the most elegant person ever.
Thank you for reading!
—M
