From Paris to St Andrews: ‘Chic’ Gets a New Look

For as long as I can remember, my idea of chic has been centered around one location: Paris. From instagram accounts like @parisiensinparis, to coffee table books about Coco Chanel, chic has always been something inherently French. Characterised by Breton stripes, messy hair, and flowing trench coats, french “chicness” can be easily identified by the effortless nature it exudes.  So, why is it so hard to emulate?

Most recently, what feels like half of the population tuned in every Wednesday to watch  Belly from the hit series The Summer I Turned Pretty turn effortlessly French-chic after a messy summer deciding between her love for two brothers. Inspired by her Parisian landscape and the need for a personal reinvention, we see her shift from her usual East Coast oversized tees and matching coords to Sezane cherry red cardigans, beige Massimo Dutti stripes and, of course, a blotted red lip. It’s easy to see why she would turn to such elevated classic silhouettes and easily matched outfits; sticking to what we know works and looks sophisticated is an easy way to show maturity and a put-togetheredness. But this got me to thinking: although her Parisian makeover is undeniably and universally chic, isn’t her old Zara-cami-top-wearing self also chic in its own way? Maybe, in a way, the simplistic nature of her Victoria Beckham off-white slip wedding dress and the Staud blue midi dress that she wears in Season 2 can also personify something effortless and chic. 

For me, a chic outfit is not so much about the item itself but is about the ensemble it is part of. For example, flip flops would never cross my mind as something to invest in but when Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy wears them with dark indigo Levi’s, I can’t think of anything more chic or effortless.

Over the summer, my TikTok for you page was littered with slides from fashion influencers telling me the oddly specific things that they found ‘extremely chic’. These suggestions included linen in the summer, silky scarves, eclectic jewelry with mixed metals and a messy handbag that shows off your personality (think à la Jane Birkin). But chic did not stop at fashion and accessorising. They continued to suggest that things like a curated collection of makeup, a messy sink, espresso, and even maintaining eye contact during conversation, had a certain oddly specific and effortless vibe. 

Here in St Andrews, I think we have our own kind of chic. With a student population spanning so many diverse cultures, we have such a unique patchwork of style. Without realising it, we’ve created a universal language of things that we find chic. Think wired headphones and embroidered or patchwork quilted jackets, classic jeans with fun studded details, and a pop of colour or metallic ballet flats. Furthermore, things like having a go-to coffee order in a smaller independent coffee shop and the classic dinner party staple of well used wine bottle candle holders dripping in old wax feel as though they carry personality and something that we could perhaps describe as being our own oddly specific St Andrews chic. What do these things all have in common? Not only do they appear to be effortless, but they ooze originality.

I see this St Andrews chic all around me. Even though they may not define themselves as such, when I look at my friends, I admire the things that I find chic about them. One has a handmade crocheted laptop case with colourful ribbons and another has vibrant blue nails that look so casual and cool. Long, sweeping coats from brands such as ARKET and ba&sh showcase the Scandinavian take on the cold Scottish winters– whenever someone makes the 3 degree weather and battering wind look chic, I am always impressed. They host casual dinners and drink from mismatched wine glasses with posters and art on their walls with niche references or personal connections– individuality is always chic.

Somehow, over time, though a Breton stripe and a no-effort red lip will always remain classic, they have been overtaken by a more localised and personal sense of chic that I think is heavily defined by the place in which you live and the people that you are surrounded by. At the end of the day, the idea of chic is so subjective. CBK’s flip flops may seem lazy to some, but I couldn’t disagree more. Ultimately, confidence in your own style is the key to creating your own personal chic.

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