Coco Chanel's Immortal Icons
Updated: Dec 20, 2024
Hat: Amazon / Cardigan: French Connection, XS-XL / Layering tee: Esteez / Skirt: The Drop, XXS-5X / Bag: Quince / Shoes: Naturalizer
I love classic, timeless style.
It is transcendent. Classic garments transcend trends, and time itself. They are immortal.
What creative vision has stood the test of time more than that of Coco Chanel?
Born Gabrielle Chanel, her creative vision centered around simplicity and freedom of movement.
Her designs honored the natural female figure. They required no cinchers or padding underneath.
What that meant for women in the 1920s was the opportunity for a more active lifestyle. Ladies could play sports, like golf and tennis, and drive cars. A century later, today's women appreciate the physical ease. It is a design philosophy forever ahead of its time.
Keep reading for seven Chanel-inspired icons. They capture Madame's creative vision not just for clothing but for women. For how women live, for how we present ourselves.
These are not duplicates or knock-offs that are trying to be what they're not. They have their own merit, yet capture the stylistic direction. They all feature Chanel's neutral palette: black, white, ivory, and beige.
The looks are reasonably priced, and size inclusive from XS-5X. As always, I have curated for the modest woman.
Let's jump in!
1 The little black dress
Hat: Amazon / Dress: Amazon, S-XL / Leather bag: Quince / Shoes: Naturalizer
Beret: San Diego Hat Co / Bow brooch: similar here / Necklace: Charter Club / Dress: similar here by Quince, XS-XL / Satin flower pin: Amazon / Shoes: Naturalizer
Along with her little black dresses, Chanel introduced jersey knit into womenswear. (Before her, it was only used in men's undergarments.)
These knit dresses follow the natural line of the body. They are neither tight nor loose. There's no need to exaggerate or constrict the female form.
2 Pearls
We often think of pearl necklaces are often prim and proper. Coco's were actually free-spirited, since the long strands looked casually thrown-on.
3 The collarless jacket
Cardigan: French Connection, XS-XL / Earrings: Etsy / Bag: Quince / Lip gloss: e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain in 'Fiery Red'
Another timeless icon: the collarless jacket. Chanel crafted hers using sweater knit, boucle, tweed, and tailored jersey. And she always wore them with a signature red lip.
Chanel's signature jacket had four pockets. She preferred that the pockets be functional, not just decorative. Browse my favorite affordable lookalikes below.
4 Cap-toe shoes
In her 1954 post-war comeback, Chanel debuted these minimalist slingbacks. They featured black silk petersham toe caps.
5 Camellias & bows
A lovely multi-petal bloom, camellias were Madame's signature flower. She was also fond of bows, which she added to frocks at the neckline, waist, and hips.
Bow brooch: similar here / Camellia pin: Amazon / Necklace: Charter Club / Beret: San Diego Hat Co / Shoes: Naturalizer
Black headband: Amazon / Gold headband: Amazon / Earrings: Etsy / Necklace: Etsy / Lipcolor: e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain in 'Fiery Red'
6 The boater hat
Madame Chanel drew much inspiration from sailors she saw while vacationing on the French Riviera. Their nautical attire inspired her boater hats and berets. She designed brim hats with leather, straw with lively veiling, and her signature tweed. She favored hats worn off of the face.
7 Boucle & tweed
Chanel's boucle & tweed pieces often featured signature frayed edges. I especially love the addition of metallic threads.
This Vera Bradley crossbody bag captures the metallic boucle look perfectly. It's functional and large enough for everyday use.
8 Nautical stripes
Black headband: Amazon / Gold headband: Amazon / Jacket: Anrabess, S-XL / Layering tee: Esteez / Skirt: Esteez, 0-18 / Necklace: Etsy / Shoes: Nine West
Stripes are yet another nautically-inspired Chanel icon. Madame also loved checks, which she borrowed from menswear but made feminine.
9 The quilted shoulder bag
The quilted shoulder bag is perhaps the most recognizable Chanel icon. This leather lookalike from affordable luxury brand Quince hits all the right notes.
To this day, none of Gabrielle Chanel's creations have ever gone out of style.
Discover more
You can see more iterations of Coco Chanel's style in The Little Black Jacket, written by Karl Lagerfeld & Carine Roitfeld.
Thank you for reading
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