18 Things I Find Tres Chic

And a 5 very un-chic things I love very much too

Nope, not re-writing the wheel with this one but I’ve enjoyed seeing everyone’s take on this very demure, very mindful TikTok trend that’s made it’s way to Substack for meatier deep dives into the topic. I loved Jess Graves take on this - yes to dog-people being the chicest of all! So I thought why not throw my keys into the bowl if you will and do my own little tongue-in-cheek take on this trend, along with an additional section of wholly un-chic, unrefined things I’m obsessed with none-the-less. Also worth noting it’s very boring to be chic all the time so if like me you’re not hitting the mark with all of the below most of the time, that’s just fine if not preferable.

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1. Well-thumbed paperbacks with broken spines and the pages turned down. Books are there to be read and I love a book that has really been well-loved and clearly been thrown in many a bag and back pocket. Preciousness about pages is not the one for me.

2. Hoop earrings. I can’t remember the last time I wore a stud earring smaller than the size of a large walnut. I’m a hoop girl through and through. Big, small, chunky and fine, I love what a hoop does to an outfit. They instantly say something about the person wearing said hoops which to me normally implies a sense of confidence and fun and confidence and fun are always chic.

   

   Les hoops c’est chic

3. Flying with only carry-on. Here’s one I can only aspire towards. If this is chic, I am trashy as hell. A weekend city break maybe but in the summer when suncream, aftersun and vats of conditioner are required to keep me from frying from top to tail? No chance. If you can travel for a 5 days plus with just carry-on you are officially chic and my hero.

4. Things tucked into mirrors and frames. Notes, cards, invitations, old hotel room keys… I love memorabilia like this tucked into the frames of mirrors or propped up on mantlepieces and dressing tables. Maybe it’s because it reminds me of the scene in Titanic that pans across Rose’s dressing table as an old lady and who doesn’t want to be a bit more Rose.

5. Flipflops. Ok hear me out. I’m talking simple, classic black flip flops only here. I swear you can put simple black flip flops with anything and look instantly chic. I’ve realised recently so many pictures I’ve pinned or saved are rooted by black flip flops. Maybe it’s the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy effect or maybe it’s my long-standing penchant for 90s minimalism. Long silk dress & flip flops? Suddenly that dress is nonchalant and barely trying. Tailored black trousers and t-shirt with flip flops? It says fashion but definitely not victim. Maybe it’s because it implies you’re just popping out and happened to throw this on and that’s always kind of chic if you ask me. This could be controversial but I acutally think flats as a rule are chicer than heels. There I said it.

6. Oxford pillow cases. And if they’re ironed too? Oof that’s fancy.