5 Things That Define My Chic Aesthetic

When it comes to fashion and beauty, the list of trends and chic "IT girl" must-haves is relentless, making it nearly impossible for anyone to catch up. Firstly, I genuinely believe in wearing whatever you want, and secondly, by the time one has acquired their desired piece, it often no longer qualifies as "trendy" (whatever that means). Instead, I take great pride in my personal style, which is a reflection of who I am and not just a fleeting trend. Comfort is a necessity for me, and I believe that to truly look chic, one must feel at ease in what they wear. Here are 5 timeless essentials I swear by to exude chic sophistication:

1. Short, painted nails

I can't help but be utterly obsessed with painting my nails, not only because it's a therapeutic activity for my busy little brain but also because it looks effortless and chic. To some, this may appear to be a rather mundane activity, but for me this is part of my routine. They convey a sense of refined simplicity, an understated elegance if you will, which boast that essence of "I've got my s*** together". It can be hard to achieve a polished look without being overly flashy, but whether you consider yourself a maximalist or minimalist, this art demonstrates your attention to detail and personal grooming.

2. Having a signature bag

A girl can never have too many bags, a statement that strongly resonates with me as someone who owns a copious amount of clutches, crossbody bags and handbags, but with this being said, i believe there's nothing that screams class more than having a signature bag. When I say signature, I don’t just mean a bag you wear every day—I mean a bag that is uniquely personalised by you. I'm talking charms, key rings, scarves, bows, ribbon, necklaces, bracelets- anything that is carefully curated by you as a form of self-expression and identity. Here's my bag that you will never see me leave the house without:

3. Messy plait

What screams "I just woke up like this" more than a messy, effortless plait? Associated with a bohemian style, whilst still maintaining a polished look, a messy plait's slight disarray adds a touch of femininity and playfulness. Along with the style being more natural than a perfectly neat braid, it is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to either dress it up with accessories or leave it natural for those days when you're feeling stylish yet lazy.

4. Pointed flats

One of my favourites—if not my absolute favourite—is a pair of pointed flats. With an elongated, tapered toe, this shoe creates a sleek and elegant silhouette that visually lengthens the legs, adding a refined touch to any outfit. Whether you pair them with a skirt or a pair of suit trousers and a slouchy jumper, you are guaranteed to be the epitome of timeless style. Here is my favourite pair of pointed flats and how I like to style them:

5. Buying yourself flowers

Buying yourself flowers is the ultimate act of self-care. There is something rather elegant about choosing a bouquet that speaks to you and placing it in your favourite vase at home-it adds beauty, fragrance, and a touch of effortless sophistication. It's not about waiting for someone else to gift you flowers (we don't do that around here)- it's about embracing your self-worth and celebrating life's little luxuries. A classic bouquet of roses? A playful mix of wildflowers? Whatever it is, this simple ritual reminds you that you deserve joy, beauty, and a moment of self-indulgence

These are just a fraction of the things I deem chic and there are countless more out there I love, but the thing to remember is that if you, like me, get overwhelmed by the vast production of micro trends, step back and remember that you already have a sense of style that's your own. Trends come and go, but true chicness lies in confidence, authenticity and wearing what makes you feel best.