"Frugal Chic" is Gaining Popularity on TikTok—Here’s What It Entails

      Recently, while browsing TikTok, I stumbled upon a series that intrigued me: the idea of "frugal chic." "At first glance, she seems quite luxurious, but beneath it all, she is very smart with her finances. She knows when to indulge and when to hold back," states Mia McGrath. This reminded me of why I initially embraced a more minimalistic style—to save money by resisting the urge to follow every trend. Although frugality and chicness may appear contradictory, they can indeed coexist.

      Being frugal doesn't equate to being cheap—it means being purposeful. It involves having a collection of essential pieces that you truly love, along with a thoughtfully curated assortment of items you frequently use—a signature fragrance, a favorite nail polish color, a capsule wardrobe, and a simplified skincare regimen. This approach emphasizes quality over quantity, steering clear of overconsumption in favor of timeless items rather than fleeting purchases that you may tire of quickly.

      Below, McGrath shares her insights on how to embody both frugality and chicness.

      **A Signature Scent**

      "The frugal chic woman doesn’t own a plethora of perfumes. Instead, she has one signature scent that is instantly identifiable. Warm, fresh, and subtly enchanting, her fragrance is part of her identity. Mine is Eau des Sens by Diptyque—a vibrant, floral skin scent that feels luxurious, sensual, and understated. Plus, a little goes a long way."

      **Bare or Buffed Nails**

      "She maintains clean, short nails, either bare or with a clear finish. It’s low-maintenance, impactful, and timelessly stylish. Use cuticle oils, glass nail files, clear polish, and topcoats."

      **Strategic Gifts**

      "She knows exactly what gifts she appreciates receiving. While she can afford to buy these items for herself, there’s something special about receiving a gift that you normally wouldn’t splurge on, like an expensive candle."

      **A Capsule Wardrobe**

      "She wears outfits repeatedly as if it’s her superpower—favoring neutral colors, refined basics, and valuing quality over quantity. Consider brands like COS, Arket, Uniqlo, vintage blazers, and secondhand leather."

      **Gold Hoops Always**

      "She possesses one or two pairs of earrings that complement every outfit, and she wears them daily—such as Mejuri, Missoma, or affordable finds on Etsy with genuine gold vermeil."

      **A High-Low Mix**

      "She pairs Uniqlo trousers with a vintage Max Mara coat. It’s not about the brand; it’s about the aesthetic. Combining secondhand designer pieces with high-street staples."