Meaning of shabby chic | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A form of interior design where furnishings are either chosen for their appearance of age and signs of wear and tear or where new items are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique.
   also, attributive, uncountable
2. A similar form of fashion in which clothing is made to appear aged or damaged.
   uncountable

Examples

“To be sure, she wasn't stylish--one would hardly look for that at Madame's--nor was there anything about her costume that suggested even the shabby chic.”

“Are they shabby chic or just shabby? Are there places for people to sit and chat, to read, watch the sun set, or enjoy the views?”

“Some furniture is described as shabby chic. I am just shabby. A person would not be concerned about spilling wine on me, much less my rug.”

“Can the rumpled elegance and mismatched opulence of shabby chic find happiness with cutting edge digital tools and techniques? We say yes, it can — even though shabby chic is perhaps the most difficult style to do well digitally because […]”

“Pros: quirky character; beautiful setting. Cons: sometimes shabby rather than shabby chic; not much to do in vicinity; minimum stay required.”

CEFR level