Things That Are SO CHIC (That You Need to Incorporate)

These aren’t rules or requirements; they’re simply observations about what makes me stop and think “now that’s chic” when encountering someone on the street or scrolling through inspiration.

1. The Art of Outfit Repeating

The chicest people? Outfit repeaters, every single one. Do some investigating – observe your favorite influencers, celebrities, style icons, or that one friend whose wardrobe you covet. Notice the pattern? They’re not wearing identical outfits daily (though the Steve Jobs uniform approach can be extraordinarily chic), but they’ve mastered their style uniform.

They follow consistent outfit formulas and simply rinse and repeat, mixing pieces, adding accessories to create variation without abandoning their foundation.

This repetition creates a through line – a recognizable signature. When someone’s perpetually in leather jackets, people associate that with them. It generates familiarity, ease, effortlessness. That’s magnetic. There’s minimal trend-chasing or keeping-up-with-the-Joneses anxiety.

They know what works intimately well and play variations on that base formula to maintain interest within their style without losing themselves. That’s profoundly chic.

2. Minimal Makeup + Red Lip

Specific but universally stunning: barely-there makeup paired with a bold red lip. It’s classic, lived-in, cool – just beautiful on everyone. A bare eye without mascara, maybe slight glow to the skin, then either a statement red lip or something tapped on and effortlessly worn in. I can’t articulate why this combination works so perfectly, but it absolutely does.

3. Strategic Ease in Your Outfit

I’m drawn to outfits featuring deliberate ease somewhere. That slightly oversized button-down that looks borrowed from a boyfriend. Jeans with subtle slouch that feel genuinely lived-in, molding naturally to your body. The blazer that’s just marginally oversized and relaxed – not drowning you (easy to go overboard; I’ve done it), but creating movement and breathing room.

When clothing has roominess somewhere – not everywhere, just somewhere – it suggests you threw everything on and left without overthinking. That’s effortless style personified. It allows actual movement through the world rather than feeling constrained. There’s definitely occasions for form-fitting slim-on-slim styling, but ease consistently reads as remarkably chic to me.

4. Big, Lived-In Bags

Oversized bags are reclaiming their rightful place after that useless micro-bag trend. I appreciate things with slouch and relaxation, and big bags communicate exactly that while being functionally practical.

You can actually carry your life around instead of struggling with decorative miniatures. Plus, people personalize them with scarves, trinkets, bangles – expressing personality through accessories.

The more lived-in, the better. Scuffs, scratches, wrinkles from actual use? Chef’s kiss. Using your things rather than treating them too preciously – that’s genuinely chic.

5. The Button-Down Moment

Something inherently sophisticated about button-downs – they’re clean, classic, versatile. Sharp and tailored reads beautifully, but paired with denim or trousers in slightly oversized proportions? Even better.

My favorite iteration: several buttons undone, sleeves rolled up. It’s the ultimate chill-yet-polished aesthetic – relaxed but maintaining structured richness. You honestly can’t go wrong.

6. Pointed-Toe Kitten Heels

Feminine, beautiful, practical. They work with dresses and skirts but also wide-leg trousers and heritage denim. Pointed toes create elongating leg lines, while kitten heels maintain wearability – you can actually walk and live your life versus stilettos’ stiff impracticality (gorgeous but less functional).

I personally use pointed kitten heels to add sharpness and elongation when wearing oversized elements like wide jeans or relaxed blazers, balancing proportions beautifully.

7. Statement Eyewear

I got laser eye surgery years ago but genuinely miss wearing bold fashion frames. Cool glasses worn daily or exceptional sunglasses – sharp, bold, or classically rugged – immediately communicate style sophistication. We underestimate accessories’ power in conveying personal style. Great eyewear, particularly signature pieces, instantly telegraphs coolness and chicness.

8. Layered, Signature Jewelry

Like exceptional eyewear, jewelry moments elevate everything. Layered necklace stacks, daily ring collections, bangle assemblages – they become style uniform elements, quirks people recognize and associate with you.

When people-watching or seeking inspiration, I always notice jewelry because it communicates so much about personal style and daily mood. Even minimal aesthetics benefit enormously from signature jewelry stacks – it’s where personality truly shines. Fine jewelry mixed with bold vintage statements? Perfect. Just really, really good and so chic.

9. The Draped Blazer/Coat

Layering blazers or coats over shoulders, especially for formal or evening occasions – there’s something about it.

The hair peeking out if you’re wearing it down feels eased-out and elevated versus actually wearing the jacket, which can read corporate. For relaxed sophistication without sacrificing your layering piece, shoulder-draping looks beautiful.

10. Monochromatic Everything

All-black, all-cream, all-white, all-neutral, or even bold single-color statements – effortlessly chic. It’s simple yet impactful. My go-to when feeling good but outfit-uncertain: dress monochromatically. Bold color palettes worn tonally immediately signal confidence and fearless style. So good.

11. Masterful Layering

Whether minimal – simple, understated depth – or bold and avant-garde like voluminous dresses over pants, layering creates dimension that inspires creative thinking. It’s genuinely one of effortless styling’s keys, and witnessing it done well consistently reads as chic.

12. Vintage and Secondhand Pieces

When someone mentions thrifting, vintage sourcing, or upcycling – or mixing modern pieces with secondhand finds – it creates uniquely effortless looks. Shopping secondhand forces styling creativity since you can’t simply purchase complete outfits off racks.

It requires time, searching through mountains of clothing, developing discernment about quality pieces complementing your existing wardrobe. It’s admirable, and I’m actively working on incorporating more secondhand shopping myself. For truly one-of-a-kind style, it’s unbeatable.

13. Wearing What You Love Without Apology

The ultimate chic factor: wearing what you love unapologetically. You communicate this without words – through how you carry yourself, how you move through the world. It’s visible even without conversation. That’s personal style’s peak goal – knowing yourself and your style so intimately that it becomes your most authentic communication.

It transcends flattery rules or trend cycles. When people genuinely know themselves stylistically, it’s the coolest, most attractive, most chic thing imaginable.

I’ve definitely missed things – let me know what you find impossibly chic in the comments. What makes you immediately think “ooh, style” when you spot it? I’m genuinely curious about your observations.