It’s been a trend on TikTok for years now - people making little lists of things they find chic. Lately, the trend has been popping up again, and I keep seeing TikToks of people listing what they find chic (and un-chic… which, honestly, feels a little ‘un-chic’ in itself, let’s be real. I don’t like to yuck anyone’s yum!) Today I thought it would be fun to make my list of chic things, which I’m calling the Chic Sheet (a play on ‘cheat sheet’). Some of these are cheap or free little details, some are more expensive/ big things.
Disclaimer: I also want to say that just because I like these things and find them chic doesn’t mean I don’t like the opposite or think the opposite is ‘un-chic’ (ie. I think short nails are chic, that doesn’t mean I think long nails are un-chic). I also want to be clear that I don’t do all of these. They are just things that I think are so chic and beautiful, and ultimately the goal is to be the girl who does these things. Honestly I think the only ‘un-chic’ thing you can do is judge what others like, so that isn’t what this is about. (please tell me you’ve seen the girl on tiktok saying things like tattoos are un-chic…)
for me:
short manicured nails - and having a go to signature colour
grandma hobbies!!! baking, knitting, gardening, reading
having a signature drink - could be your go to coffee order, a specific drink at the bar, etc.
using SPF everywhere & sunhats - protecting your skin!
a signature lip combo
monogrammed travel bags
mixing metal tones in jewelry
a plain phone case (no phone case is chic too, until the phone is dented/ cracked…)
having a memory box (bonus points if it’s pretty like this one from Curio Blvd. by Chelsey Brown)
tortoise shell - glasses, accessories, home accents, etc.
a small, refined makeup collection
a specific, manageable skincare, haircare and body care routine
outfit repeating!!! having a wardrobe full of staples you wear year after year
having a signature scent wardrobe - a small curated collection of perfumes you wear repeatedly - maybe a going out scent, a day scent, a seasonal scent. (This one is hard for me because I love perfumes so much I want to collect so many! But I think people who have a distinct signature scent is so chic)
clothes & accessories:
perfectly fitted clothing - better yet, tailoring pieces to fit you perfectly (obviously not doable for everything)
a good quality white bath robe for post shower or getting ready in
vacation sweaters - when you go on vacation and get a crewneck of the place at a gift shop. SO summery. Perfect for an evening by the fire.
house dresses!! seriously underrated.
caring for your clothes
a really nice trench coat - bonus points if it has subtle unique features (cute trim, a subtle detail)
matching good quality underwear sets
high quality basics - a white tee, a really good pair of jeans, a knit sweater
having an everyday jewelry stack
a chunky wool scarf
a basic pair of flip flops
having a small but very curated jewelry collection - heirloom pieces, things passed down from family
For the home:
mixing metal tones in a room
unlacquered brass - patinas over time, so stunning
collecting things over time
having a stocked fruit dish on the counter
an organized fridge - doesn’t need to have tons of plastic containers, just clean and neatly organized
flowers weekly
wallpaper
art and coffee table books that mean something to you - could be related to your hobbies, places you’ve been, etc.
having a signature home scent
higher quality / fun light switch covers
having a personal recipe binder with handwritten recipes and family recipes
a nice butter dish/butter bell
personalized stationary - nothing major just some blank cards, a notepad on your desk or counter for list making
a well organized space - functional for you and your life
curating antique pieces, mixing old and new
cloth napkins
PERSONAL clutter - not random meaningless bits but clutter that shows your interests and passions, or things you’ve collected over time from places or people that matter to you
crisp white towels
stylish trays for trinkets, jewelry dishes, etc.
skills:
knowing how to cook and bake - having the staples down, being able to throw a dinner together
in the same vein as that, having the ingredients and being able to throw together a snack plate and drinks last minute when you aren’t expecting guests
being good at wrapping gifts (I need practice with this one)
knowing table settings/etiquette - what each type of glass is for, what each knife and fork is for, proper layout, etc.
making your own condiments
classic games - and having a repertoire of games you know how to play. Think card games, checkers and chess, darts, etc.
keeping your home AND CAR clean (the car tends to slip through the cracks for us)
random extras:
Having a signature party/event - like a personal event thats NOT your birthday that you do every year
cute beach setup - big straw bag, striped towels, an umbrella for shade, vintage cooler
writing thank you notes
cursive writing!!! a dying skill
monogramed anything
bringing a hostess gift & having signature gifts - a wine you always bring, a specific flower arrangement, a baked good, etc.
having your hair done - doesn’t have to be done professionally, but always having it styled in some way
using the ‘good’ things instead of saving them for the perfect moment - burn the good candle, use the good soap
using an apron
being decisive - knowing what you want
shopping at farmers markets and local bakeries
being able to do your own maintenance - manicure, brows, blowout
good posture
having a signature dish - a dish you bring to every gathering and potluck, something you’ve mastered that people know you for and look forward to
an engraved mirror compact
having a nice pen in your bag
a matching set of kitchenware - think le creuset, staub, etc.
writing a diary
quality > quantity
caring and TRYING!!! I find sometimes people think being ‘unbothered’ and not caring is cool, but I think caring is cooler. I also think trying is cool - like putting in effort to do well is chic.
having a defined sense of personal style and embodying it - perfectly fine if its more basic, more edgy, anything!
hair tucked into sweater/ scarf in the fall and winter
navy blue
speaking eloquently - not saying fillers like um, like etc. (this one is HARD)
And thats my chic sheet! A lot of them are just random things that many people do anyways, but I think thats the fun of these lists. Romanticizing moments and things that we have to do anyways, turning them into a little ritual or making them more beautiful. I’d love to hear what’s on your list of things you find chic!
Love, K