• A pretty sundress with wet hair. Preferably straight from the ocean or after a dip in the pool, but a shower can work in a pinch. For dresses, I like this smocked, strapless dress from Faithfull, this lemon-colored, gauzy option from J.Crew, and this Banana Republic open-back linen dress.
  • Hand-painted or hand-written anything. It adds such a nice, personal touch, whether it’s on a menu, card, or invitation. I like to do it anytime we host special occasions like holidays, and enjoy pulling out old menus to relive those memories.
    • Left: Also a great way to commemorate your typos. | Right: Summer dining at its best. Credit @camillestyles
  • When someone has the perfect music for every occasion. A summer playlist to listen to in the car with the windows down or to play throughout the different stages of a dinner party.
  • Baby’s breath in a vintage vessel. Baby’s Breath has gotten a bad rep for years, but I love how it looks when several bunches are placed together in a vintage ceramic vessel.
  • Subtle monogramming. I’m not one to monogram larger things like welcome mats, towels, and bedding, but I love a subtle moment that sort of suggests you have your life together. When you catch a glimpse of someone’s initials on their shirt cuff, receive personalized stationery in the mail (I have a set from here), or spot someone’s monogrammed cosmetic case (I own these leather cases in red), it’s a humble brag in the best way.
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  • Perfectly imperfect vintage-inspired serving dishes that coordinate but don’t look matchy-matchy. I have dozens of pictures saved of dreamy, outdoor European tablescapes with air-dried linens and a plethora of platters that all look like they’ve been plucked from various flea markets and estate sales. I typically like sticking to one general color palette, and this platter from Crate & Barrel would look cute paired with this scalloped one from Williams-Sonoma and this ticking striped tray from Juliska.
  • Canvas totes from coffee shops/farmers’ markets/restaurants, etc. I’m a sucker for good merch, and sometimes all a precious outfit needs is to be offset by something casual with a IYKYK vibe.
  • White t-shirt and vintage Levis. Nothing groundbreaking here, but anytime I see a girl in this uniform, I immediately assume she’s equal parts chic and unpretentious. It’s the ideal base that I often use as a starting point anytime I’m feeling stuck and then add just a few touches - a strawberry tinted lip, black sunglasses, a stack of bracelets, a straw bag, and a spritz of perfume.
  • Floral wallpaper in a small, sunlit bedroom. Bed & breakfast vibes will forever have my heart.
    • Left: Such a sweet room. Credit: @elizabethhaydesign | Right: Simple & chic 🎀
  • Wine served in casual drinking glasses. I always feel like an imposter anytime I have wine in a fancy glass that I’m expected to swirl around, sniff, and do that weird little puckering thing to taste. I always appreciate when people have stemless options (that look like they also may double as juice glasses come morning) to offset some of the ostentatiousness that comes with wine. My favorites, which we sell in our shop, have sold out more times than I can count.
  • Restaurants that have custom matches. I wish there were a way to grab matches from the front of a restaurant without feeling like I’m stealing them, but it’s honestly one of my favorite things to collect. I keep mine in a large vintage ashtray on our coffee table, so I always have matches nearby to light candles.
  • Girls who have a sheer nail polish combo they swear by. I never remember writing down nail polish combinations that work, but I have a soft spot for girls who do and request it every time they go in for a mani/pedi. I screenshotted a picture of barely-there polish that looks clean and simple, and apparently, it’s “Put It In Neutral” + “Baby Take a Vow,” both by OPI.
  • Leaning art (on bookcases, mantles, kitchen counters, etc). My first job out of college was at Condé Nast, and I still remember the moment I first saw the office of Lisa Love, the then-West Coast editor of Vogue. A thin, black floating shelf ran around the entire room, holding up dozens of gorgeous photographs in black frames and large white mattes, all leaning against the wall.
  • Understated wrapping. I have a large collection of wrapping paper filled with the brightest, sparkliest patterns, with bows and ribbons to match. But if you’re someone who uses butcher paper with twine and a dried flower to wrap, just know I think you’re infinitely cooler.
  • Large wooden bowls with lemons.
  • Super-organized travelers at the airport. I always feel like a mess when I’m traveling. Not just in my state of mind (when I’m most stressed) but also in how I look. Sure, I no longer show up in sweats after my best friend intervened with me, but most of my belongings are half-haphazardly tossed everywhere, spilling out of bags if they’ve gotten packed at all. With this in mind, I’m always quick to spot that girl - who has everything neatly organized - pouches within pouches in her monogrammed tote (this one, in Extra-Large, gives old money energy).
  • Seagrass/sisal rugs + white furniture. I’ve always dreamed of having sunlit rooms with wall-to-wall seagrass rugs and white linen furniture. That will never be a reality for me, thanks to my cats, who’d use the said rug as their scratching pad, and an unwillingness, on my part, to stop eating dessert on the couch.
  • The combo of a newspaper, a cup of coffee, and a croissant. Extra points if enjoyed on a balcony overlooking a quaint European city.
  • Signature pens. I find it appealing whenever someone has a go-to item - perfume, nail polish, white T-shirt, etc. and the same goes for pens. I always keep a large stash on my desk (mine is the black Muji .05).
    • Left: Bedside table goals. Credit: @amberinteriors | Right: Forever my favorite ponytail!
  • A nice bedside table setup. In the same way I like to see what’s in someone’s grocery cart, I’m fascinated by how people keep their bedside tables. Mine is a hodgepodge of random things - discarded earplugs, mismatched phone cords, and old cards from Sloan. But I’m a sucker for one in which everything has a place - a ceramic-painted dish for jewelry, a tray to corral hand lotion, a candle, a vase with flowers, a small stack of books, and a carafe of water.
  • Silver serverware with unfancy snacks. I appreciate a high/low approach towards everything in life - fashion, interior design, and even my beauty routine (my entire skincare regimen is here, and it’s all very reasonable). There’s nothing better than a dinner party that doesn’t take itself too seriously with things like antique silver bowls filled with grocery store chips (we’re talking Ruffles, not like, truffle chips).
  • Swingy Meredith Grey ponytails. I have thick, coarse, unruly hair, so this is never really an option for me, but I find them so sweet and appealing.
  • Stained pages in a cookbook or notes written in a margin. Though I do most of my reading via the Kindle app on my iPad, I still have a fondness for actual books, mainly ones passed between friends, with notes in the margins. Similarly, cookbooks, with go-to recipes that have stains and spills on the pages, feel particularly nostalgic.
  • A patterned print is, in my opinion, quite chic. The rest of an outfit can be plain or a solid color, but I love it when there is one statement piece. My sister has a pair of cheetah print jeans, and the print is not loud at all. It is more faded, but it still makes the outfit stand out. A patterned or colored pant or skirt feels effortlessly chic and pulls everything together.
  • Knowing the names of flowers. I can identify a rose, a tulip, maybe a hydrangea, but anything more specific and I am lost. Where did you learn the flowers? Who taught you this? It is so chic to know them, especially if you learned them by your own volition. Maybe it is even more chic if the knowledge was passed down to you.
  • Using a butter dish. This year, I am living off campus in a house. We are not using a butter dish at the moment. We take butter straight from the waxed paper it comes in, which is both an eyesore and wildly impractical because the paper rips every time a knife touches it. Taking the time to put your butter into an actual dish is not necessary, but it looks good and improves the general vibe of the fridge (I also believe butter belongs in the fridge, not on the counter). The whole thing feels very chic to me.
  • Wearing heels casually. Wearing heels with pants on a regular day seems glamorous. My younger self imagined that grown-up me would be walking around in heels all the time. In college, I am not quite there. I feel like I would look a little out of place walking into my 10:05 class in a pair of heels. I am not talking about anything sky-high either. A small heel or a heeled boot is chic and instantly elevates an outfit that would look very casual with sneakers.
  • Being in your mid to late twenties. My sister is turning 25 next week (don’t tell her I’m publishing that), and she’s fully in her mid-twenties era. The post-grad stage seems a little scary to me because so much is unknown about where I will work or live, but watching her go through it makes it less nerve-wracking. She lives in New York City, and it seems so fun to have your own apartment with endless things to do at any moment. At twenty, I know I am technically an adult, but part of me does not feel like one yet. I will probably feel the same way in my late twenties, but truly being on your own seems like it creates a sense of independence. That feels very chic.
  • Having a niche hobby. The more niche, the better. One of my housemates is crocheting a hat right now, and I can confidently say that I could not do that. I feel that I lack both the fine motor skills and patience. She can crochet while she is talking to us, almost without thinking, and I find that incredibly glamorous. I play the fiddle, which I guess counts as a niche hobby too. There is something so calming about teaching yourself something that takes effort at the start but becomes a creative habit. It is also fun when people slowly discover this about me because it is not something I talk about all the time. This leads into my next point.
  • Having a hidden talent. It does not need to be a big one. Shuffling a deck of cards, whistling, or playing the harmonica impresses me. I cannot do any of those things, so I feel irrevocable jealousy when someone casually reveals a party trick with almost no effort.
  • Dressing up while traveling. Every summer, I would visit my family in Ireland. Every year, my mom traveled in jeans and heels. I can picture her airport outfit perfectly. It was like her unofficial travel uniform. I think it is chic to look put together in a place where most people choose comfort. I do believe in the idea of dressing however you want, but I also believe in the phrase look good, feel good. There is something glamorous about traveling in jeans, even on a red eye.
  • Accents. My mom is from Ireland, so she has an accent. I love the way she pronounces things and the words she chooses. She always sounds so eloquent when she speaks. It is effortlessly glamorous.
  • Print Media. If you are walking around with a book, newspaper, magazine, anything, you are effortlessly chic. Reading it on a park bench? Even better. I love having physical copies, especially in the digital age of constant screen time (you seriously do not want to see my weekly average). I was raised in an era of romcoms with female leads often being journalists which may or may not have inspired me to pursue this career path. Seeing these characters working in print media seemed so cool to me and had a lasting impact. I love paper copies of everything, I probably have a stack of a million notebooks that never get used, so if you actually write in your notebooks, enough where you are teetering on no more room, you are so chic.
  • Having hard copies of media, whether that be professional publications, or things you make, is just the height of glamour.
  • A silky robe with ostrich feather trim to turn your ordinary self-care routine into a high-fashion moment. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about serving looks and living boldly while being unapologetically fabulous doing it.
  • A silky satin midi skirt here to combine style with comfort. The ‘fit screams “chic” while the elastic waistband whispers, “I’ll treat you better than your comfiest sweats.”
  • An antique decorative mirror tray offering an elegant way to show off your favorite perfumes, makeup, or jewelry.
  • A pivoting lotus lampshade emitting a warm amber glow that’ll make any space a haven for book lovers and old-soul dreamers. Plus, the pivoting design means you can direct the light exactly where you want it.
  • A pair of stylish teardrop earrings if you want the luxe look of Bottega Veneta without the luxe price tag. These earrings are the perfect accessory to elevate your look, and reviewers say they’re so lightweight and comfortable, some even forgot they had them on.
  • A compact mirror small enough to fit in the tiniest clutch. The sleek faux leather exterior screams luxury, and the mirror has 3x magnification on one side for perfecting your winged eyeliner or lipstick. No more squinting or awkward angles — it’s like having a mini glam station wherever you go!
  • A chunky bangle set to add a touch of glam to any outfit, from a basic tee and jeans to a cute sundress. They’re super comfortable — lightweight and not too tight — so you can wear them all day without feeling like your wrist is in a chokehold.
  • A fabulous pair of lace slingback heels that are basically the chic cousin of the Dior J’Adior pump. Designed with elegant mesh embroidery and adorned with a bow detail on the strap (very dainty, very demure), these babies will make you feel like you’re heading to a NYFW after-party.
  • A four-piece set of ribbed coupe glasses giving vintage charm while you lounge on your couch with your pinky up, sipping on a beautiful cocktail (or digging into some Ben & Jerry’s) while watching Emily in Paris.
  • Along with a set of dessert spoons that are so pretty, you almost won’t want to use them?? They’re like whimsical little pieces of art for your kitchen, making your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or that delicious after-dinner pudding feel a bit fancier.
  • An engraved pen ready to turn signing your name into a luxurious experience. Designed in London, this personalized beauty boasts a 24k gold finish. Reviewers are obsessed, saying it writes like butter and fits perfectly in your hand, making every word a joy to jot down. Whip this out in a meeting or while signing papers, and everyone will notice.
  • A versatile satin scarf — you can get super creative with how you style it, like wrapping it around your purse handle for a touch of glam, tying it in your hair for a chic look, or draping it around your neck to elevate any outfit (just to name a few). The fabric is like a dream: lightweight, silky soft, and oh-so-luxurious.
  • An elegant “Thank You” stationery set because in a world dominated by technology, getting something handwritten is just chef’s kiss. The set comes with 36 foiled cards, matching envelopes, and peel-and-seal stickers that make sending out your heartfelt gratitude feel more personal. This little extra flair says, “You’re worth more than a quick text.”
  • A makeup vanity complete with an LED mirror that mimics natural daylight so your makeup is always on point. Plus, it has a power outlet for charging your phone or using your hair tools. And! With seven drawers, you can organize all your skincare, makeup, and hair accessories, turning your beauty routine into a well-orchestrated ritual.
  • A pair of retro oval sunglasses that blend Audrey Hepburn’s classic charm with a modern influencer’s flair, giving chic vibes like you’re strolling through Paris or sipping espresso in Rome. Pair them with a white tee and jeans, and voilà — you’re channeling European vacation energy. Prepare to look cool and mysterious without even trying.
  • A purse hook for when you’re out grabbing lunch with friends but your purse has nowhere to go. Do you awkwardly balance it on your lap, hang it on the back of your chair, or — god forbid — let it touch the FLOOR?! This little gadget hangs your bag on the table’s edge, keeping it clean and within arm’s reach.
  • A sleek and timeless gold-tone watch that’s pure elegance and will elevate any outfit. Reviewers love that the band is stretchy, so it hugs your wrist like it was made just for you.
  • A fitted ribbed knit long-sleeve top, basically the cheat code for instant sophistication! It gives you that classic collared look without the hassle of layering — perfect for those mornings when you’re running late but still want to look put-together. The ribbed knit fabric hugs your body to give a nice silhouette without feeling too tight or looking clunky.
  • A sleek custom embossed iPhone case with a classic design that’s totally timeless. Reviewers love how luxurious it feels and how protective it is of the phone and camera lenses, and the custom engraving is the cherry on top, providing just the right amount of eye-catching detail.
  • A marble board wire cheese cutter elegantly serving as both decor and a full-fledged kitchen tool. Imagine the oohs and ahhs as your guests marvel at the beauty of the marble board and the ease of cutting through the cheese.
  • A stunning filigree wallplate cover that’ll turn your dull light switches and outlet covers into works of art. Who would have thought that such a simple household fixture could be dressed up with so much delightful elegance?

more chic

  • She’s Passionate About Something Specific
  • She Reads Classic Literature
  • She’s Intelligent—In Every Sense
  • She’s Genuinely Warm
  • Her Style is Effortlessly Classy
  • She Doesn’t Chase Trends
  • She Shops from Little-Known Brands
  • She Can Play a Classical Instrument
  • Old Céline.
  • Guilty pleasure TV.
  • Neighborhood restaurants.
  • Matchbook collections.
  • Homes with tiny glints of niche culture.
  • Diet Coke.
  • Saying “No” and Doing Less.
  • Having a small circle.
  • Tote signaling.
  • Growing things.
  • A bracingly cold gin martini.
  • Vintage watches.
  • A delightfully cluttered vanity.
  • Fine jewelry.
  • Loosies.
  • Dog people.
  • Talking about what you’ve done.
  • The holy trinity.
  • Simplicity and brevity.
  • Sobriety.
  • Playlists as time capsules.
  • A handwritten note.
  • Looking to exciting new runways for cool, older cues.
  • De-centering men.
  • Collected sterling silver flatware.
  • Margiela-era Hermes.
  • Barenaked nails.
  • A huge white couch.
  • Farmer’s markets.
  • Analog newspapers.
  • Entertaining as a practice.
  • Japanese office supplies.
  • A recklessly abundant display of seafood.
  • Vintage exotic skins.
  • Institutional New York/Palm Beach Drugstores and Grocers.
  • 90s Alaïa.

links

more submissions

  • It’s not niche, but I’m always very impressed when women really accessorize—I mean different purses, jewelry, belts, shoes, lipstick for different outfits. I wear the same necklaces everyday, same belts, same lipstick. It’s beyond me to think about pairing multiple different, specific elements simultaneously. The women I know who can do it feel really stylish and chic to me.

  • I love a good tailored pant suit. I think it makes a woman look so powerful and confident. And if you can get one that’s custom made with interesting or unique cuts/designs/patterns/fabrics even better.

  • I really like the fortune-teller-ish look with flowy skirts and a million layers of necklaces and bangles and rings on every finger. Unfortunately, I find rings uncomfortable and I ride my bike everywhere, so this look isn’t very practical for me.

  • Etiquette and manners. Sending a handwritten thank you card or bringing a gift for the host at a dinner party. The way you behave and carry yourself can do wonders.

  • Okay, so this might sound funny, but I love when women wear hats. Like, not everyone can pull off hats, but when they do, it’s like instant chic. It’s such a statement piece without being too overpowering. And you don’t even need some big fancy hat, just one that fits your vibe. Also, rocking vintage jewelry? Yes, please! There’s just something about a unique piece that you know has a story behind it. The same goes for funky brooches, they can make anything pop. Oh, and seeing someone confidently sporting mismatched patterns sometimes just gets me. It’s such a bold move. But the one thing that might seem random but always catches my eye is bright socks with neutral loafers. I can’t explain it, it just works! And have you ever met someone who uses a fountain pen regularly? That’s chic as heck.

  • A woman in a man’s suit or tux, like Janelle Monae in the Tightrope video.

  • I love when women wear overalls. I spent years longing for them, thinking I couldn’t pull them off, and now I have like 5 pairs 😅

  • Hats. The world of hats has disappeared outside of Royal Ascot and I think we need to bring back some pretty, dapper hats 🩷

  • When women wear analog watches. I am a huge fan/collector of analog watches.

  • witchbaby420: Women who rock androgynous looks/non-feminine clothes/hairstyles/looks. I could just never because I’d feel so stupid and insecure as I’m a very feminine makeup doll-type, but sometimes it would look comfortable and so nice to do it. But those girls that pulls it off is just 👌🏼

  • Bold-framed eye glasses with a slicked back low bun. Bonus points if they are wearing a bold lip as well!

  • When some women walk by and they leave this perfect fresh scent. Somewhere between perfume and fresh laundry, bit powdery. Never found such scent in a bottle, but would love to be one of those ladies.

  • Silky robe in my opinion.

  • women who know how to poise themselves are always so effortlessly classy. i still use the advice julie andrews gives to anne hathaway in princess diaries about crossing my ankles instead of my legs when i sit lol

  • I love it when women wear clothes that are not tight fit in the elastic-fabric kind of way. I feel the latter makes the look very Zara high school like. I love both fitted and unfitted clothes, but not those that are in 100% just stretched across the body. 

  • Scarves. Some women have the ability to just put on a scarf and wiggle it around somehow ~poof~ it looks amazing and makes them look ever so chic. I do not have that talent…at all.

  • Maybe it’s basic, but I loveee a neutral tone on tone outfit. Texture and thoughtful jewelry to add interest. My favourite kind of outfit.

  • Off the shoulder casual the right way. I don’t even know how to explain it but there is good off the shoulder and bad off the shoulder, and when a woman does it “well” I just get sooo 🥰

  • Showing off good collar bones tastefully.

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  • When they wear skirts and colorful clothes for day to day activities. That’s my style, and I love seeing other girls dress with COLOR, print, texture! Too many people go around wearing wrinkled sweatpants or jeans in greys, blacks and blues. I like when people have fun with their clothing even if it’s simply to go to the grocery store.

  • Always impresses me when someone is able to pull off oversized and draped silhouettes

    Loose, flowing garments that fall away from the body, creating silhouettes that are oversized yet intentional

    Think long, draped coats, wide trousers, and relaxed shirts that obscure the body’s shape while emphasizing comfort, movement, and form

    Asymmetry and unexpected proportions are key, giving the look a quiet, sculptural drama

  • Being entirely makeup free and fully confident

  • when the ones with really nice/big hair sit their big sunglasses on top of their head. certified baddies and they look so effortlessly cool

  • Cool tights I recently came across leopard ones and they look so chic 😫

  • I go to a lot of concerts in the metal community, and I LOVE when women go all out with the emo/goth/alternative outfits and accessories, and when they sprinkle some personality in there. This weekend I went to a concert and complimented a woman on her earring. It was homemade and it was a human tooth. When I complimented it she said “thanks, it is her tooth!” And pointed to her friend. I fucking loved that! Yes girl, wear your besties teeth!

  • Don’t know if that counts but those AMAZING hair of like every black woman and so many kids and also some guys. I love that.

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  • Tall black leather boots.

  • Gracefully twirling a pen in their fingers while on a phone call.

  • Fingerless gloves.

  • Stereotypically childish things like pigtails, bows, ruffle socks, ultra frilly dresses….

  • No makeup + well accessorized + lipstick 🫦