By Reece McGowan
If you’ve kept up with the TikTok trends recently, chances are Elli Freeman’s viral video – or one of the countless other videos – has landed on your FYP, sharing dozens of opinions on what really counts as chic. Freeman’s video, That Girl, But Make Her Grown-Up, showcases the easy switches to elevate your fashion. She suggests swapping oversized Stanley cups and yoga pants for kitten heels, matching pajamas, and a perfume collection so perfect they begin oxidizing.
Wanting to know more hot takes, I canvased some members of the Look team to see what they considered chic. Spoiler alert: nobody mentioned cashmere throws or brand-name tote bags. Instead, they crafted a feeling of posh that is actually attainable. Here is the debrief, that reads like a group chat between Carrie Bradshaw and your most put-together friend.
Meet one of the most stylish members of the SMU Look team and ringleader of the digital team, Tyler Martin. He swears that the first step to achieving a chic state of mind is a meticulously organized schedule or to-do list. His daily formula: loafers with a casual outfit. After hours, he encourages a matching pajama set – the final luxe flourish before bedtime.
Arden Eiland channels her inner chic through old-school charm. A leather notebook is always at hand – perfect for jotting notes before it disappears back into the depths of her tote. Eiland emphasizes the chicness of a real address book because contacts deserve ink.
Sophia Pardo’s non-negotiable item is a tube of Jo Malone hand cream in every handbag. For her, moisturized hands are the ultimate essential – a small, simple way to add luxury to every day with zero effort.
For Bella Stryker, chic isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about timeless sophistication. She believes that writing in cursive is a graceful practice to automatically makes you feel more chic.
Tessa Trivax believes that chic starts with simplicity. She views short, bare nails as peak elegance, the perfect nod to quiet luxury. When it comes to a brand, she’s loyal to Chloé for its effortlessly refined aesthetic.
Carrington Miller believes the chicest looks emerge from mixing casual and dressy pieces. Her style centers on denim classics elevated with polished staples: full-length jeans with sleek pumps, or jean shorts offset by a sharp blazer. For Carrington, true elegance lies in blending laid-back comfort with a refined finish.
So, what’s the common thread between all of these takes? Intention. Each hot take turns a tiny, simple choice into a signature move – proving that chic isn’t just about clothes or trends but about curating rituals that help you feel like you. Trend cycles may spin fast, but a personal style built on thoughtful details is always chic.
