What does CHIC mean to you?

[classic1908]

I see a woman in a simple black dress, black court shoes, a red/orange Hermes bag and oversized black sunglasses. She also has on a pearl necklace + pearl bracelet, and her hair is pulled back in a bun/chignon. Is she chic, classic or boring?

Also, what do you call a person who does not have an inborn sense of style but copies the look of those that people generally regard as chic?

Chic, of course, is subjective. The woman you describe would be chic to me, but also classic. If you're an avant-garde dresser, which I am not, she'd simply be boring.

 

[voodoo_mary]

i think a sense of personal style or the "process of finding one's style" is a combination of time, experimentation, experience, a sense of self-awareness (but not too much!), imitation (borrowing from other people/incorporating some trends),

agree with laika. sari's are the traditional female costume/dress in India.
i think maggie cheung in a knee length cheong sam with big hair can also look chic as she did in In the Mood for Love. to me, wat made audrey an enduring icon of chic was the unexpected details too- her oversized sunglasses in breakfast and tiffany's and the white socks and pulled-back pony tail in Funny Face.

 

[lata]

On the sari question:

chic is a western concept, so I don't think a woman in India would necessarily describe or see herself as chic.

But, I have seen women in India looking extremely chic in their saris, because they have incorporated a surprising or non-traditional element into the look--i.e., they have short hair, or cool glasses. Or simply an unexpected grace about them.

That, to me, is an example of modern chic, because it transcends the original, french sense of the word; and takes into account the huge variety of influences and traditions that are available in the world.

I agree with your description Laika. I wear mostly western clothing and a lot of people regard me as chic/stylish/a smart dresser. But now and then I break from this mould - especially for occassions like weddings - and wear more 'traditional' attire (what we call Afro chic). I would still like to be regarded as chic/stylish if the pieces I'm wearing warrant that description. I will admit though that during my Afro chic days I do tend to be more colourful than usual

 

[DernierCri]

Classic, but with a sense of self and a unique twist.

 

[stilettogirl84]

Classic, but with a sense of self and a unique twist.

Like vodoo-mary said, what made audry hepburn's outfits in "breakfast at Tiffany's" Chic was the added flamboyant element to an otherwise conservative look.

The big sunglasses, the huge hat- even the long cigarette holder added uniqueness and made it special

 

[SophieKawaii]

Effortlessly feminine with a little spice..

 

[model_strut]

chic... high heels. bows. black. looking classy, girly, pulled together. that's what I think of. 'chic' is the opposite of juicy couture, distressed jeans, matted "Mary kate' hair, etc. the way things used to be, basically.

 

[Diorling]

Chic is about being comfortable in yourself so that you dont have to show off in any way, like showing off your body, wealth, etc. Chic is about classic but without any stodge or tiredness to you clothes. Effortless. Oh, it's also about well-fitted clothes.

 

[realitysucks]

a girl who dress boring like everyone else but thinks she's unique.

i hate the word.

 

[pifpafpouf365]

...elegant...hot...confident...french woman...in red heels and tight black dress...but not vulgar...

...that's how i imagine chic...

French woman ?!

 

[sanrio]

^...for sure...

 

[Whitelinen]

Someone who's appearance screams quality. Someone who wears her clothes and does not let the clothes to wear her. Someone who looks effortless.

 

[Tatika]

a girl who dress boring like everyone else but thinks she's unique.

i hate the word.

nice to know...

 

[Lissis]

a girl who dress boring like everyone else but thinks she's unique.

i hate the word.

Ehh, excuse me ? Please clear up !

 

[jennifer~]

i hate the word.

And I don't really like it...

 

[Tatika]

i find selma blair to be quite chic....

one of my favorites.. ..but Chanel always seems to be my favorite for some reason...


photocredits; wwd.com

 

[boulevardier]

Chic is...

Chic is it.

Chic is what we'd all like to achieve.

Chic is style that transcends style.

Chic is Jane Birkin's original Birkin bag, a mere straw basket. Carried entirely unselfconsciously, haphazardly, jingling with housekeys and handkerchiefs as photographers blast flashbulbs trying to capture the translucent mini-skirt she's wearing.

Chic has to do with elan... I'd look a fool in your chic.

 

[Jetsetgirl]

Paris and French style came to my mind when I think of "chic"!

 

[Tatika]

i think chic is the air or impression of you looking absolutely "fantabulous" but at the same time its almost like " oh, this old thing? i just threw this on because i had nothing to wear"...i hope that makes sense

 

[Alejandro]

whatever, im so effin' chic.