40 Ultimate Essentials to Achieve Chic Fashion Style

By Liz Flynn Jul 27, 2023

Chic fashion style embodies a sophisticated and polished aesthetic that seamlessly blends timeless elegance with modern trends.

The style emphasizes clean lines and minimalism, focusing on quality and well-tailored pieces.

Chic fashion style is so popular because it combines classic elements with contemporary details, creating a refined and put-together look.

Whether you want to update your wardrobe or create a new minimalist capsule closet, we have the best chic fashion style tips. Here are 40 chic fashion style outfits and essentials to add to your wardrobe.

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High-Quality Classics

Chic fashion style is all styling timeless staple pieces with unique accessories and special designer elements.

If it’s in your budget, it’s worth investing in high-quality classics like chic turtlenecks, tailored jeans, and vintage-inspired dresses. Ensure each piece uses quality materials to ensure they last.

Purchase new and used pieces consciously to reduce your environmental impact. Check out these online thrift stores that can help reduce your fast fashion consumption.

A Modern Pantsuit and Polished Top

Invest in a modern, well-tailored pantsuit for your chic fashion wardrobe.

A monochromatic pantsuit looks professional while remaining feminine and elegant. Layer your pantsuit with a polished top like a pussybow blouse or button-up collared shirt.

Check out our selection of sustainable suits for men and women.

A Slip Dress and Blazer

A slip dress is a modern essential for anyone who wants to look chic and elegant.

Slip dresses are feminine and sexy without revealing too much skin. Finish off your look with a classic or oversized blazer, and you’re ready to wow, day or night.

Explore our selection of sustainable and affordable slip dresses.

A Classic Coat and Statement Bag

A classic coat and sleek statement bag are all you need to create a chic fashion look for fall or winter. You can’t go wrong wearing a timeless winter coat over tights, black jeans, or slacks.

Don’t miss our must-have winter coats.

An All-Black Outfit

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that wearing black automatically makes you look cool.

Put together an all-black outfit to channel your inner cool girl while looking chic, timeless, and unbothered. Black jeans, little black dresses, and black outerwear are all chic fashion style essentials.

Check out our selection of black denim jeans and sustainable black dresses.

An All-White Outfit

Who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day? Compared to a dark all-black outfit, an all-white outfit is a nice way to embrace monochrome in a lighter, breezier way.

Wear a white button-up with a matching cream pantsuit, or pair a white sundress with a cotton cardigan and a matching sunhat.

Dare to be different with our selection of white denim jeans.

A Polka Dot Dress

A polka dot dress is one of the easiest ways to achieve a chic fashion style.

Polka dots are classic, sweet, and timeless. Wear any style of dress you choose with a Swiss dot fabric or a tiny black-and-white polka dot print.

A Black Turtleneck Top

Black turtlenecks bring a mysterious, sleek allure to any outfit. They’re the perfect minimalist piece to have in your chic fashion wardrobe.

Create a chic all-black outfit with black trousers, boots, and smokey eye makeup. Another chic possibility is to layer a cotton turtleneck with straight-leg jeans and a camel coat.

Explore our selection of high-quality cotton turtlenecks.

Cropped Trousers and a Tank Top

Cropped trousers and a tucked-in tank top are a great way to update a classic office outfit.

Wear slim-fit trousers that hit right above the ankle for a modern silhouette. Pair it with a simple black or white tank top for an outfit that perfectly embodies the easy elegance of chic fashion style.

Shop the best organic cotton trousers to achieve this look.

A Blouse and Pencil Skirt

A blouse with a pencil skirt is a simple outfit that automatically looks chic and timeless.

Wear a feminine floral frock or a simple semi-sheer top with a high-waisted skirt for a comfortable office look.

Explore our selection of sustainable and affordable pencil skirts.

A White Button-Down Shirt

A white button-down shirt is a must-have for any chic fashion style wardrobe. It’s classic, elegant, and versatile.

It’s best to go with a high-quality button-down shirt made with organic or sustainable materials. This shirt style goes with so many things, so you’re bound to use it for years to come. Make sure it’s built to last.

Explore our selection of classic button-down shirts.

An Oversized Sweater and Leggings

Try an oversized sweater and stretchy leggings for a casual leisure outfit that still looks chic.

The shape of an oversized sweater balances nicely with the form-fitting silhouette of leggings, creating an effortlessly cool and chic look that never looks sloppy.

Check out our selection of the best bamboo leggings that are sustainable and affordable.

A Long-Sleeve Top and Matching Pumps

A long-sleeve blouse paired with matching pumps is an easy way to add elegance to an everyday office look.

Start with a pair of classic black slacks or a pencil skirt, and add a colorful long-sleeve top. The colorful heels accentuate this pop of color, making the whole outfit look effortlessly styled and chic.

A Sleek Dress and Heels

Try a sleek dress and heels to incorporate more color and pattern into your chic fashion style.

A body-hugging dress in a fun pattern or jewel-tone color brings a slight edge to an otherwise classic chic outfit.

Check out our selection of ethically-made dresses for more outfit inspiration.

A Lace Top and Midi Skirt

If you want a more formal chic look, wear a lace blouse and a midi skirt.

White or black lace is a classic choice that looks amazing on everyone. Pair a loose lace top with a matching midi skirt, or add a pop of color with a unique pastel or interesting pattern.

A Black and White Color Palette

Black and white are popular colors when it comes to chic fashion style. Create a minimalist, sleek look by combining the two classic colors.

Wear a gauzy white dress with a black belt cinched around your waist or black cropped pants with a classic white button-up. The possibilities are endless and versatile.

Knee-High Boots

Knee-high boots are an excellent way to add texture to any chic fall or winter outfit.

Vegan leather boots are a sustainable option that looks great with jeans, a dress with tights, or leggings.

Shop our selection of knee-high boots that are built to last.

A Trench Coat

A trench coat is a versatile must-have to embody the chic fashion style.

Trench coats in neutral colors like camel, black, and cream elevate any outfit into something elegant, timeless, and chic.

Buying a new sustainable trench coat doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s a selection of our favorites.

A Plaid Blazer or Coat

Chic fashion style isn’t all black and white. A plaid blazer or coat is an excellent way to add subtle color and pattern to your wardrobe.

Wear a Prince of Wales plaid blazer with a beautiful beige blouse and jeans, or complete a black-and-white office look with a collegiate-looking tattersall coat.

There are so many different plaid and check patterns out there that you’re bound to find a few timeless yet modern coats you love.

A Wrap Dress

The wrap dress, popularized by designer Diane von Fürstenberg, is one of the most iconic pieces of chic clothing.

Wrap dresses look amazing and flattering on all body types, making them a must-have item. Find a chic wrap dress in a pattern or color that you love, and get ready for it to become one of your favorite outfits to wear year-round.

Check out our selection of summer dresses for some iconic wrap dress styles.

A Sweater Vest and Jeans

Combine preppy and edgy elements into your chic fashion style with a classic sweater vest and jeans.

Wear a cozy light-colored sweater vest with a lacy bralette and high-waisted mom jeans for an effortless and modern outfit. You can also layer a vintage-inspired sweater vest over a collared shirt for a more professional look.

Don’t miss our selection of affordable sweater vests.

A Comfortable Midi Skirt

A comfortable midi skirt will take you far when it comes to chic fashion style.

Midi skirts are easy to mix and match with tank tops, blouses, sweater vests, and so much more. While classic solid colors are great, don’t be afraid to get adventurous with floral patterns and soft pastels.

Explore our selection of sustainable midi skirts.

An Off-the-Shoulder Blouse and Jeans

An off-the-shoulder blouse and jeans are great if you want a more relaxed outfit that embodies chic fashion style.

Experiment with wearing off-the-shoulder blouses with interesting cut-outs, silhouettes, and patterns. Jeans match just about anything, so don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone.

Wide-Leg Pants and a Simple T-Shirt

Wide-leg pants with a classic t-shirt will always look amazing regardless of the era.

Wear well-tailored but comfortable slacks and a tucked-in cotton shirt for a classic outfit with a modern silhouette. Dress your look up with a blazer or elegant coat.

Explore our selection of wide-leg pants and jeans.

A Sunhat and Wrap Skirt

Chic fashion style is easy to achieve in the summer with a floppy sunhat and simple wrap skirt.

On top of protecting your skin from the sun, a big straw sunhat adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. Choose breathable, sustainable fabrics like cotton or linen when choosing a chic wrap skirt.

Don’t miss our selection of the best affordable wrap skirts.

Feminine Blouses with Sheer Fabric

Chic fashion style is all about elegance and femininity. Sheer blouses with ruffles, soft colors, and romantic silhouettes are just what you need.

A flowy blouse with semi-sheer elements is easy to layer with jeans, boots, and a classic trench coat. The sheer fabric gives this classic look a subtly sexy edge.

Explore our selection of classic blouses that are sustainable and timeless.

A Striped Shirt

A Breton-style striped shirt is a wonderful basic to have in your wardrobe. It’s the ultimate chic fashion style piece because it’s classic, versatile, and elegant.

Striped shirts look great with brightly-colored A-line skirts, classic jeans, and more.

It’s best to go with a classic black-and-white color scheme to achieve chic fashion style but feel free to experiment with different color combinations.

A Chic Lounge Set

A chic fashion style doesn’t mean getting dressed up every single day. A matching lounge set is a great way to add some comfort to your chic fashion wardrobe.

Loungewear sets with high-waisted bike shorts, slim-fit joggers, or square-neck tanks are excellent choices for a chic fashion wardrobe. These pieces are easily dressed up or down, depending on your mood.

Check out our favorite sustainable loungewear brands to find your perfect set.

Understated Jewelry

Less is more when it comes to chic fashion style. Gold and silver jewelry is perfect because it’s understated, subtle, and classic.

You can easily add extra polish to an outfit with simple gold hoops or a silver necklace. Rings with small gemstones and charm bracelets are other beautiful options.

Explore our favorite sustainable jewelry brands if you’re looking for new pieces.

Embrace Neutral Colors

Neutral colors are the foundation of chic fashion style. Neutrals like beige, white, and black are easy to mix and match. They never go out of style.

Find wardrobe basics like classic tees, trousers, and blouses in soft neutral colors, and you’ll be curating effortlessly chic outfits in no time.

Simple Sweaters

Minimalist, well-made sweaters bring a timeless air of elegance to any wardrobe.

Opt for simple sweaters with superb construction and high-quality fabrics like organic cotton. You can create a cozy yet chic look with a well-tailored sweater, dark-wash jeans, and simple heels.

Explore our selection of the best sustainable sweater brands.

Well-Tailored Jeans

They can be tough to find, but well-tailored jeans do wonders for your self-confidence and sense of style. When you find that perfect pair of jeans, you can create endless chic outfits.

Do a deep dive with our master list of the best sustainable denim brands.

A Little Black Dress

Everyone needs at least one little black dress in their chic style rotation.

A little black dress is a classic way to look elegant, feminine, and edgy all at the same time. Black is naturally slimming, making it an excellent color for anyone.

A Colorful Dress and Heels

Add a pop of color to your chic fashion style with a bright or pastel dress.

From midis to minis, a dress is an easy way to look effortlessly chic and put together. Add strappy heels or classic pumps to take this look to the next level.

Check out our favorite sustainable heels.

Add Statement Accessories

Add standout accessories like a statement bag or oversized earrings for extra pizzazz in your chic fashion wardrobe.

Create a minimalist, monochromatic look as a blank canvas for a colorful designer bag or brightly-colored shoes.

Explore our selection of vegan leather handbags for your next great statement piece.

Black Leggings and an Elegant Blouse

An elegant top layered over black leggings is a comfy alternative to structured trousers and stuffy blouses.

Black leggings look put together without sacrificing the comfort and flexibility we all love. A long tunic or flowy blouse adds a boho feel to this chic fashion outfit.

Check out our selection of organic cotton leggings.

Classic Cuts and Simple Silhouettes

Less is more when it comes to chic fashion style. It’s worth investing in a few high-quality pieces with classic cuts and simple silhouettes.

Think classic coats, elegant shift dresses, and well-tailored pants that avoid flash-in-the-pan trends.

This minimalist approach to building a capsule wardrobe gives you well-tailored pieces that are easy to mix and match into an endless array of outfits.

A Belted Waist

A major part of the chic fashion style is crafting the perfect silhouette.

Create a cinched waist with a sustainably-sourced vegan leather or vintage belt. Dresses, blazers, and high-waisted trousers all look great with a belted waistline.

Check out our selection of vegan belts.

Tailored Slim-Fit Pants

Tailored slim-fit pants are timeless, elegant and will last in your closet forever.

Invest in at least one pair of cropped pedal pushers or tailored trousers for a chic wardrobe staple that can mix and match with your favorite pieces you already own.

Explore our selection of affordable work pants to find your perfect pair.

A Classic White Shirt and Pleated Skirt

A classic white button-up with a taupe or black pleated skirt makes the perfect chic summer outfit.

Finish the look off with flats and a vegan leather handbag for a timeless look that works across seasons.

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About the Author: Liz Flynn

Liz Flynn is a freelance writer, fiber artist, and amateur art historian. She is passionate about making sustainable, ethical fashion accessible to everyone. In her spare time, Liz can be found crocheting, reading, hiking, or hanging out with her beloved dog, Atwood. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Art History and Education from UC Riverside.

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