Coco Chanel's Style Rules That Still Hold Up Today
Style

Coco Chanel's Style Rules That Still Hold Up Today

Chanel freed women from the corset. Her style rules still work toward that same freedom today.

Style Rules from Chanel

Coco Chanel was a true revolutionary in the world of fashion. She "freed" women from uncomfortable corsets and gowns, and brought the trouser suit and the little black dress into everyday life.
And her "fashion" rules remain relevant today. Swipe through and learn more about a few of them
Which of Coco's innovations do you value most?

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Black and white archival photo: dark dress with jewelry beside portrait of Coco Chanel in black — Natali Bolgar illustration

Comfortable Luxury

Coco always made sure her clients felt comfortable and at ease in their clothes. Both evening and everyday lines were designed so a woman could feel at ease in any situation.

Comfortable office look: beige dress and gray wrap suit by Natali Bolgar beside archival photo of women's Chanel tweed suits

Trousers = Freedom

Chanel insisted that clothing should let you move and sit comfortably. Almost every woman shares this view and keeps at least one pair of comfortable trousers in her wardrobe.

Dark blue trouser suit by Natali Bolgar beside archival photo of Coco Chanel in wide trousers

A bag should have a strap, to keep your hands free.

Chanel believed that clothing and its accessories should be as simple and practical as possible. Yes, she invented the small bag worn comfortably on the shoulder. Such bags are exclusive and command a high price today, but they are precisely the ones that last a lifetime.

Tweed suit in Chanel style beside archival black and white photo of Coco Chanel in white hat and fur jacket

The Black Dress — a must-have

A dress perfectly suited to any event or occasion. Before the "Chanel era," black in clothing signified mourning, but she convinced everyone that black is stylish.

Little black dress by Natali Bolgar with jacket beside archival photo of Coco Chanel in black outfit with pearls

Masculine Touches in a Look

A look should combine feminine and masculine traits. Even in her skirt suits, Coco Chanel paired masculine severity with feminine grace.

Black trouser suit with white blouse by Natali Bolgar beside archival photo of Coco Chanel in white trousers

Comfortable Jackets

Before Chanel, women could barely raise their arms or move comfortably in stiff, rigid-fabric jackets. Coco created soft silk jackets that flattered the silhouette while allowing free movement.

Gray two-piece trouser suit by Natali Bolgar on stairs beside archival photo of Coco Chanel in tweed jacket

Perfume is an essential element of style.

Perfume can say a great deal about a woman. It flatters a look and lingers even after she has left the room.

Coco Noir perfume bottle by Chanel in black with gold accents — Natali Bolgar illustration for style article

Fine jewelry can stand in for accessories.

According to Chanel, well-chosen jewelry helps complete a look. Even a simple, single-color shirt or turtleneck is elevated by a pearl necklace, an unusual bracelet, or an elegant pendant.

Black top with pearl earrings by Natali Bolgar beside archival photo of Coco Chanel in pearl necklace

Clothing should never overshadow a woman

Clothing must always complement a woman, highlighting her strengths rather than the opposite. "If a woman is poorly dressed, you notice her dress. But if she is impeccably dressed, you notice the woman," Coco used to say.

Houndstooth tweed jacket with gray midi skirt by Natali Bolgar — elegant autumn look in the city