What makes chic?

I truly believe, like having good skin, some people were just born chic.

So what is chic? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it’s “smart elegance and sophistication, especially of dress or manner.” I wish I could explain it perfectly in words, but the truth is, there are just some people who do things naturally, instinctively in a way that the rest of us can observe and maybe learn from. And slowly, with time, maybe dressing chic can become just as effortless.

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of attending a very elegant event at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. And I spotted a few subtle things that made people look chic. The more I thought about it, the more I realized: They didn’t seem to think too hard about it. One thing they had in common was that they were just having fun. And they looked completely comfortable in what they were wearing. Not overdone, not much thought. Just confident, and with a strong sense of identity.

At any rate, as someone who loves to people-watch and who is always drawn to the beautiful, here are the things I noticed that I think made them deserving to be called chic.

1. Finding “cool” accessories shows a discerning eye. Unique pieces often comes from travel. Check out Wawi Navarroza’s earrings from Mexico.

2. Chris Upton opted to add a ribbon to his colorful barong—an unexpected touch that was both fun and original.

3. When practical objects become part of the look, it starts to feel cool, just like Feli Atienza’s wide-brimmed glasses.

4. Confidence means not having to suffer for fashion. No one can pull off slip-on flats at a formal event quite like Tina Maristela-Ocampo.

5. Isa Lorenzo came in layered, and everything just worked. The different textures in the same color pulled the look together with a New York edge.

6. Hindy Weber-Tantoco wearing a bulul in brass makes for an unexpected conversation piece.

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7. The nonchalant attitude of Bledes Fores-Legarda, wearing her pinky ring no matter the occasion.

8. Juxtaposition is one thing these cool chicks know how to play with. Jo Ann Bitagcol’s decision to use a leather-woven bag with her layered tulle and silk top made this pairing unexpected, but somehow just right.

9. There is novelty in wearing something that can’t easily be bought, like the vintage watch seen on Kifu Augousti.

10. There’s something genius about how Kai Lim layered her butterfly top. Unexpected pairings always add to someone’s flair.

11. You don’t need to lose your identity wearing a terno. There’s always a way to make it your own without compromising its heritage. Ria Augousti can teach us a thing or two.