"Frugal Chic" Is Trending on TikTok—Here's What It Means

I was recently scrolling on TikTok when I came across a series that caught my attention: the concept of "frugal chic." "On the surface, she appears very luxurious, but underneath it all, she's very savvy about her money. She knows where to splurge and where to save," says Mia McGrath.

It reminded me why I started dressing more minimally in the first place—to save money by avoiding the pressure to keep up with every trend. While frugality and chicness might not seem to go hand in hand given their apparent duality, they absolutely do.

Being frugal doesn't mean cheap. It means being intentional. It's about having wardrobe staples you love wholeheartedly and a curated selection of items you consistently reach for—a signature scent, a go-to nail polish color, a capsule wardrobe, and a simplified skincare routine. It takes us back to basics: quality over quantity. You're avoiding overconsumption in favor of pieces that are timeless rather than short-lived buys you'll get sick of.

Below, McGrath is sharing her tips on being both frugal and chic.

A Signature Scent

"The frugal chic woman doesn't have a whole shelf of perfumes. She has one, and it's instantly recognizable. Warm, clean, and quietly captivating, her scent is part of her presence. Mine is Eau des Sens by Diptyque—a zesty, floral skin scent that feels expensive, sensual, and understated. Bonus: A little goes a long way."

Bare or Buffed Nails

"She keeps her nails clean, short, and either bare or with a clear coat. It's low-maintenance, high-impact, and timelessly chic. Use cuticle oils, glass nail files, clear polish, and topcoats."

Strategic Gifts

"She is very clear about the gifts she loves to receive. Although she has the means to splurge on these things herself, there's nothing like getting a present that you wouldn't buy for yourself normally, like a luxe candle."

A Capsule Wardrobe

"She rewears outfits like it's her superpower—leaning into neutral tones, elevated basics, and quality over quantity. [Think] COS, Arket, Uniqlo, vintage blazers, and secondhand leather."

Gold Hoops Always

"She has one or two pairs of earrings that go with everything, and she wears them every day—Mejuri, Missoma, or budget finds on Etsy with real gold vermeil."

A High-Low Mix

"She'll wear Uniqlo trousers with a vintage Max Mara coat. It's not about the label. It's about the eye. Secondhand designer paired with high-street classics."