Why the ‘Kinda Chic’ trend has celebrities joining in

“Kinda chic to repeat outfits.” “Kinda chic to be in your 50s.” “Kinda chic to cheer on other women.” “Kinda chic to read HOLA! Magazine.” If you have been scrolling through Instagram or TikTok lately, there is a good chance you have encountered some version of the phrase.

The #KindaChic trend has become one of summer 2026’s most recognizable social media formats, turning everything from getting older to wearing the same clothes twice into something worth celebrating.

Now celebrities are getting involved, including Drew Barrymore, Reese Witherspoon and Ashley Graham. An Access Hollywood post about the trend also points to Beyoncé, Kylie Jenner and Jennifer Lopez among the famous faces associated with the #KindaChic conversation. 

So, what exactly does “kinda chic” mean, and why is everyone suddenly saying it?

What Is the #KindaChic Trend?

The concept is incredibly simple. Creators post a photo carousel or video and add a phrase beginning with “kinda chic to...” before filling in the blank with a habit, personality trait, life choice or supposed imperfection.

According to The Guardian, the format has become especially recognizable for its pale yellow text layered over photos and videos. Examples range from being overdressed and repeating outfits to baking a quiche or always having another trip booked. That simplicity is a major part of its appeal.

Anyone can participate simply by deciding what they personally consider “kinda chic.” And that is where the trend gets interesting. Instead of “chic” referring exclusively to expensive clothes, polished interiors or traditionally glamorous lifestyles, the internet is applying the word to almost anything.

Why the Kinda Chic Trend Is Everywhere in 2026

The Guardian points to plus-size creator MariaBegins as one of its early adopters, noting that she used the format in April for body-positive content, including a post about continuing to share herself online despite receiving negative comments. 

By August, the format was much bigger than one corner of social media.

The publication reported that Google searches for the term had jumped 5,000%, while the hashtag had accumulated more than 60,000 Instagram posts at the time of its report. TikTok versions about everything from solo travel to facing fears have attracted hundreds of thousands of likes. 

It is also flexible enough to move between fashion, beauty, parenting, travel, wellness and everyday life. That adaptability gives #KindaChic something every viral format needs, which is people that can copy the structure without copying the exact message.

Celebrities Are Joining the #KindaChic Trend

Celebrity participation has pushed the trend even further into the mainstream.

Drew Barrymore put her own spin on it with the message that it is “kinda chic to be in your 50s,” sharing the sentiment alongside a car selfie. 

Reese Witherspoon used the format in a post with Laura Dern centered on supporting other women, while Ashley Graham connected the trend to body confidence with a Victoria’s Secret runway image and a message about cellulite never holding her back.

The Home Edit co-founder Clea Shearer also joined in with a much more personal version.

Shearer, who was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive mammary carcinoma in 2022 and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy, addressed the attention surrounding her post-cancer hair. 

In an August 13 post, she used the Kinda Chic format to acknowledge that people remain focused on her hair while making it clear that she likes it herself. 

Traditional ‘Chic’

For decades, “chic” has generally suggested an effortless kind of sophistication. The #KindaChic trend loosens that definition considerably.

Short nails? Kinda chic. Repeating outfits? Kinda chic. Getting older? Kinda chic. Doing something alone even though you are scared? Apparently, also kinda chic.