Welcome to the StyleStruck guide on how to be chic. These are points that lend themselves both to a chic appearance and a chic lifestyle. Anna has also weighed in for us here at StyleStruck.ca.

The StyleStruck Guide to Being Chic (and How to Avoid Being Un-Chic.):

1. Always avoid yoga pants on the street. For that matter, avoid all yoga wear on the street, unless of course you are in fact on your way to a yoga class in which case you are indeed, very chic. (Please carry yoga mat with you to ensure we all know where you are headed and to avoid chic/un-chic confusion).

2. Avoid leggings as pants. This must be followed by a, “duh.” Leggings-as-pants is by far the easiest way to declare yourself to be a fashion victim, and nobody wants that. Nor do we want to see your hoo-ha or bottom as leggings so do display.

3. Be organized and prepared. Ever notice how truly chic women are never scrambling or anxious? Always stay calm, collected and poised. Whenever I feel the stress monster coming on, I just recite to myself, “cool as a cucumber, cool as a cucumber.” (Okay, that’s a lie. If I was feeling stressed and someone told me to do that, I’d probably club them, or swing my over-stuffed purse in their direction, and with this season’s craze for metal and stud details, that would be a very effective way to make them shut up.) In any case, keeping your cool is a key part of being elegant, and we all want that.

4. Be up on current events. Give your local news station’s, as well as a national news source’s website a scan to ensure you have an understanding of what’s going on in our world. Smart is always chic, and no one wants to be the person who is clueless when someone mentions that North Korea and South Korea may engage in war. That would be slightly embarrassing, and may have happened to me a couple weeks ago, but not again.

5. Lipstick, gloss, balm and tint are all easy ways to look polished.

6. Avoid looking like the place that trends go to die. Meaning, don’t wear all the trends at once, but rather mix a trend or two at a time in with your own style. This is what having “style” is all about.

7. No matter what anyone says, heels always elevate a look. Although, let’s avoid the pin-thin stilettos and gargantuan platforms for day, shall we ladies? Save those for night and for when you want to have a “shazam” moment.

8. Always be polite. Again, duh. Though, this seems to be less important to people these days, which is really a shame. Etiquette is an art that needs to be practiced! Be appreciative and respectful, it will be come back to you. Now that we find ourselves in the holiday season it is a prime time to hone your etiquette skills; when someone invites you to a party do you: a. RSVP right away to let the host plan her numbers b. Ignore the invite and wait until other offers come in (this is THE WRONG answer, unless you don’t want to be invited anymore) or c. Do not respond at all. I sincerely hope you all chose A.

9. If possible, ice your outfits (as in icing on a cupcake, not bling), with high-end accessories. I know we can not all afford designer pieces, I myself am not in the position to do this. But, a few well-made, good quality accessories can really make an outfit look luxe and take it from ho-hum to fabulous. A few tips to doing this: scout for deals! Look for products made from natural materials, such as leather. Almost every designer piece I own was found in a sale. (Hint: The Holts designer sale is currently happening…) Even if your outfit is worth $100 all pieces combined, it can look expensive with the addition of a designer bag or beautiful shoes.

10. If you’re having an “I have nothing to wear” moment with your closet, stick to neutrals in a monochromatic palette. There is no easier way to look chic than wear a head-to-toe look in a neutral tone like grey, black, cream, white or beige/tan. Mixing textures adds interest, as does a little gold or silver jewelry, depending on the neutral you choose to go with (I like gold with white, cream, beige/tan and black, silver with grey).

Now, for Anna’s (as in Wintour), take on How to be Chic:

1. Do not eat. If you insist on eating, choose celery sticks and a cube of cheese.

2. Do not be comfortable. Style is all about wearing runway looks into day including corsets, sky-high heels, oversized furs and tight leather everything.

3. Always, ALWAYS wear your sunnies everywhere. Even if you can’t see because it’s dark inside. Even if it’s raining outside and there is no possible need to shield your eyes from bright light.

4. Always wear heels. What do they mean by, “flat shoe”?

5. Operate with a sense of authoritarianism. Make sure everyone knows who is boss.

6. Be chilly. A cold demeanor will ensure… well I’m not sure what it will ensure, except for not having any friends. But who needs friends when you are impossibly chic?

7. Don’t bother learning to drive, or walk for that matter. In the chicest of lives you will always be chauffeured and sitting – preferably front row.

8. Only shop the most current racks of designer fashion. It is imperative to maintain appearances.

9. Chic people only need 8 points of advice. If you need anymore, clearly you are not meant to be chic.

Love, Anna

– Editor’s note: we here at StyleStruck.ca (as in Marie and I), can not be held responsible for any offense taken to Anna’s words. We do not believe in censoring our contributors. Thank you for reading and I hope this has been helpful.

Xo SS