A Guide To Nailing That “Chic But Cool” Trend You’ve Been Seeing All Over your Feeds
the perfect balance
By Victoria Lewis | 10th July 2026If your Instagram algorithm is anything like mine (and let’s face it, if you’re reading this, chances are it is), then you may have seen a barrage of girls captioning their style as “cool but chic”. A look defined by individualism and marked by candid street style shots, “cool but chic” is the effortlessly put-together aesthetic we all wish we could embody.
Given that this phrase has no strict dictionary definition, we’re here to help you wade through the murky waters and truly recreate this off-duty look. Welcome to our guide to nailing the viral “cool but chic” trend.
So, what is “cool but chic” anyway?
To be frank, this trend is a subtle amalgamation of them all. The “cool but chic” look is all about combining aesthetics to create an unexpectedly cohesive ensemble. It’s not even necessarily about the pieces themselves, but the way they are styled. These looks pair the casual with the elegant, combining streetwear with an air of femininity. “Cool but chic” is where a kitten heel doesn’t feel out of place with a varsity shirt, and slouchy jeans are offset by a silk cami and heels.
The bottom line is it’s all about adding the unexpected. Layering, not shying away from colour, and taking calculated risks when pairing pieces together are all hallmarks of the cool and the chic.
How to get the look
Go for local brands that have a unique point of view (ROMY is one on my radar right now), and don’t be afraid to go against the grain a little. Clash those prints, wear your sporty track pants with a silk dress shirt, and layer until it feels so wrong it’s right.
If you need a formula, try going one for one: one casual item, then one dressier, and so on and so forth. So if you start with a pair of dress pants, add a slouchy tee, or if you opt for a silk blouse, add a pair of chunky sunglasses.
It’s about picking pieces and brands that haven’t hit the mainstream, going against the grain with vintage finds you still aren’t sure were a case of thrift blindness or not, and accessorising strategically. A touch of disjointedness, albeit subtle, is the shortcut to standing out in a “chic but cool” look.
Imagery: @sina.anjulie / ROMY/ @lara_bsmnn
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