When given the chance to learn style tips from Coco Chanel, even the most fashionably impaired recognise that it is time to stop what you are doing and take note! Famous for creating very stylish looks from a limited colour palette and a swipe of rouge à lèvres (red lipstick), read on to find out how Chanel herself would teach you how to dress.
Style Tips from Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel started her career as a seamstress but went on to grow a globally recognised brand that is still adored today, long after her death. There are perhaps few designers more iconic than Coco Chanel and the fashion advice she once gave to her fans is still relevant even today! The “Chanel” approach to dressing is still very much relevant today despite the fact that the French-born designer lived between the years of 1883-1971. Coco Chanel swore by a few simple but logical style tips that she herself would use when showcasing her own personal style!
For a woman who wore few other colours than black and white, Chanel is seen as one of the most stylish women of all time. So what makes her simple but elegant style so iconic, and how can we follow in her footsteps?
“Fashion Changes, But Style Endures”
Coco Chanel always believed in establishing your own true style. During the years in which Chanel was active on the fashion design scene, she witnessed numerous changes in fashion styles but her own style always remained – and that is most important!
“Beauty Comes When Fashion Succeeds”
When you look and feel stylish and fashionable, it will show through your personality making you look more beautiful both inside and out!
“A Woman with Good Shoes is Never Ugly”
Good shoes are the key to any outfit. Look at a woman who is unable to walk in her shoes, is wearing ugly shoes, dirty shoes, or who looks painfully uncomfortable in her shoes and it will show. It isn’t about wearing high heels, it is about wearing good shoes – shoes that fit well, shoes that look good, shoes that look classy and compliment your outfit, shoes that make you feel confident and well dressed!
“Fashion is architecture. It is a matter of proportions.”
Chanel also advised that to dress well you must ensure that your clothes fit well. If one garment is tighter fitting then you should balance it out by wearing another garment that is looser fitting. The key to dressing to look elegant and classy is to wear slim fitting clothing – clothing that fits well but doesn’t cling to you in an unflattering way.
How to Live Like Coco Chanel
Embrace Minimalism and Simplicity:
Coco Chanel famously said, "Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance." Embracing minimalism and simplicity is essential to living like Coco Chanel. Start by decluttering your wardrobe and curating a collection of classic, versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched effortlessly. Invest in timeless staples such as a little black dress, tailored blazers, and quality accessories that never go out of style. Apply the same minimalist approach to your home decor and daily routines, opting for clean lines, neutral colors, and clutter-free spaces. By simplifying your life and surrounding yourself with only the essentials, you'll embody Coco Chanel's philosophy of understated elegance in every aspect of your lifestyle.
Cultivate Confidence and Independence:
Coco Chanel was a trailblazer who defied societal norms and forged her path to success with unwavering confidence and independence. To live like Coco Chanel means embracing these qualities and owning your uniqueness with pride. Cultivate self-confidence by setting aside self-doubt and embracing your strengths and talents. Foster independence by making decisions based on your values and desires rather than seeking validation from others. Remember that true elegance comes from within and radiates outward when you stand tall in your convictions and embrace your individuality with confidence and grace.
Invest in Timeless Fashion Staples:
Central to Coco Chanel's legacy is her creation of timeless fashion staples that continue to influence style decades later. To live like Coco Chanel, invest in these iconic pieces that form the foundation of a chic and sophisticated wardrobe. Start with the little black dress, a symbol of effortless elegance and versatility that can transition seamlessly from day to night. Add tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, and classic trench coats for timeless sophistication. Complete your look with accessories like quilted handbags, pearl necklaces, and oversized sunglasses for a touch of Parisian glamour wherever you go.
Embody Grace and Poise:
Coco Chanel was renowned for her grace and poise, qualities that defined her allure and presence. To live like Coco Chanel means embodying these traits in your daily life, from your posture to your demeanor. Practice good posture by standing tall with shoulders back and chin up, exuding confidence and self-assurance. Pay attention to your body language and gestures, conveying grace and elegance in every movement. Incorporate self-care rituals and grooming habits that make you feel confident and poised, whether it's a simple skincare routine or a signature fragrance that leaves a lasting impression.
Embrace Individuality and Authenticity:
One of Coco Chanel's most enduring legacies is her celebration of individuality and authenticity in fashion and life. To live like Coco Chanel means embracing your unique sense of style, personality, and values without apology. Experiment with different looks, trends, and aesthetics to discover what resonates with you and reflects your true self. Embrace imperfections and quirks as part of what makes you beautifully unique. Remember that true style is not about following the crowd but about expressing yourself authentically and confidently, just like Coco Chanel did with her revolutionary approach to fashion.
