Coco Chanel style: basic rules, original models and features. Basics of the Chanel style in clothing, photos of the latest collections Suits ala Chanel

Facts from history

Thanks to Coco Chanel, women began to look graceful and elegant. The fashion designer was able to remove uncomfortable long dresses and corsets from women's wardrobes. Coco Chanel created stylish images for modern women. Pantsuits and suits made of soft fabrics with long skirts appeared in their wardrobes, which did not hinder movement and allowed them to look fashionable and feminine.

The first collection was created from jersey in 1913; ten years later, Coco Chanel introduced women to tweed, which had previously been a truly masculine material.

In 1954, the classic tweed women's suit gained worldwide recognition.

Its style, simplicity and sophisticated perfection make a woman truly elegant. The short jacket and skirt that falls just below the knees are classic Chanel pieces that are timeless.

Features and Benefits

The classic cut of the Chanel-style suit creates a luxurious, sophisticated look. These suits are the standard of style and elegance. A classic short tweed jacket, usually of a semi-fitting style, without a collar, fastened with buttons or without a fastener at all.

In addition, a distinctive detail is the presence of patch pockets or flaps, which are decorated with a edging contrasting with the main fabric. Despite the fact that fashion is constantly changing, the classic Chanel suit always remains in trend. Simplicity of cut and elegance still wins the hearts of fashionistas.

Currently, the Chanel fashion house uses patterns from Coco Chanel herself to produce classic suit styles.

Models

Despite the fact that Coco Chanel herself was a fan of trousers, her first suits were with a skirt. The classic length of the skirt is just below the knees. Following modern trends, the style of the skirt is changing - now it is not only straight and slightly tapered, but also flared at the bottom. Suits with a skirt with raw edges are very popular among young people. The variety of styles and models helps not only the youngest fashionistas look chic and elegant, but also women of the older generation.

Black and white are considered classic Chanel colors. They were the ones that could most often be found in Mademoiselle’s collections. Now Karl Lagerfeld offers a variety of colors.

So, in the spring of 2016, they presented a collection of suits with shades of pink, light green, and blue. According to him, this was done specifically so that each woman could create her own individual and unique image. In new collections, the designer shows not only classic models of suits with skirts, but also with trousers.

The straight style of the trousers or slightly flared at the bottom perfectly emphasizes the female figure. The designer uses modern fashion trends, including creating shortened and tapered models with arrows, which are very popular among young people. In any case, the classic Chanel style is not lost in modern styles.

How to choose

If you decide to choose a Chanel-style suit for yourself, choose it according to your body type. For example, tall and slender women can afford any style and material. A classic tweed suit will look chic in this case. If you want to experiment with the look, try models with flared skirts and tapered trousers. Jacket models can be elongated, with or without large collars. With such styles you will only highlight your beautiful figure and create chic images.

For ladies with curves, it is a little more difficult to choose a suitable suit. In this case, you should avoid a thick tweed suit with patch pockets and additional decorative elements, as these models will visually give you extra volume. Overweight women are better off opting for straight-cut models made from soft fabrics. It is better to choose elongated jackets, up to mid-thigh, without collars. Such models will visually make you taller and slimmer. Skirts that are best suited for you are of medium length, slightly tapered at the bottom or a straight cut - they will hide figure imperfections well. Choose straight trousers, as tapered ones will only highlight imperfections, and flared models will add extra volume and weight.

What to wear with

The Chanel suit goes well with loose blouses and tops made of silk and chiffon. You choose the color to match the suit itself. Black and white combinations remain classic. In addition, soft pink and powdery shades that will highlight a feminine and romantic image would be a good choice. In addition, you can wear a thin, plain pullover or one with horizontal stripes that resembles a vest under the jacket (this is one of Coco Chanel’s favorite styles).

Choose elegant shoes, made of genuine leather, with high heels. The classic Chanel style does not include flat shoes.

You can choose pumps, low shoes, high boots. It is worth remembering that modern youth shoes, for example, Ugg boots, boots with tractor soles, with such a suit will look inappropriate and funny. Choose small bags, such as a clutch, envelope clutch, sling bag, baguette bag. They can be worn either in the hand or on one shoulder. It’s good if in this case the bags are on a long chain.

The main thing when choosing jewelry is minimalism and good quality. Give preference to precious and semi-precious stones, gold and silver. Of course, the classic option, which Mademoiselle herself loved, is the combination of a Chanel suit with strings of pearls. It is beautiful, elegant and looks appropriate both at a business meeting and at a festive event. Too bright and large jewelry looks ugly with a classic suit and makes the image tasteless. Silk scarves, large brooches and chains, gloves, and hats with small brims will help you change and create new images.

In the 20s of the twentieth century, the world of high fashion was ruled by a peasant young lady from Auvergne (France), who was able to become a style icon and completely change the fashion of her generation. Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel began her career with hats.

In a small shop, she spent days studying wartime outfits of incomprehensible cut. It was then that the idea of creating my own simple styles was born. Comfortable and, at the same time, very feminine.

What is Chanel style?

The first thing that comes to mind is a little black dress. Usually people limit themselves to this thought. Some people also remember perfume, but to really understand what Coco Chanel’s style is, this is not enough. This outstanding woman became a discovery, a breakthrough of her era. The outfits she invented still, every season, become the basis for the creation of new collections by different designers. They may be redesigned, altered, but will remain unmistakably recognizable.

Simplicity and freedom very quickly became symbols of the era of the 20s. Thus, the 20s of the twentieth century in the fashion industry, thanks to Coco, created a new, or rather well-forgotten, image of an ordinary American hard-working girl, preserved and popular in our time.

Coco Chanel's clothing style was innovative. With her advent, fashion seemed to migrate from the 19th century to the 20th. Thin chiffon in faded colors and overly elaborate plumes (feather headdresses) were replaced by pullovers and short skirts made of wool.

So, the women who followed her example began to look more and more like teenage boys in their clothes. Gabrielle brought artless simplicity into fashion. Instead of rich jewelry, women began to wear the simplest dresses and skirts made of knitwear.

Clothes and accessories

At the beginning of the twentieth century, older women were the trendsetters. It was believed that the whole society should look up to them and adopt their style. With the arrival of Chanel everything changed. Following her principle (“a woman should look young”) she achieved great success. The roles have changed. Young women have burst into the world of high fashion to replace older women.

"It's all about simplicity." Young girls have learned to look luxurious and, at the same time, discreet. Chanel offered her clients corduroy work jackets and an Indian headdress. In the outerwear category, a felt coat with sable fur inside was popular.

The talented Frenchwoman came up with many things without which it is impossible to imagine the wardrobe of a modern girl. These are cropped trousers, mules, tight lace dresses, ankle-length evening dresses, a little black dress, and finally.

Practicality is what prolongs the life of the images invented by Chanel. All her clothes have a meaning. Buttons must be sewn firmly, pockets are located correctly and conveniently.

Coco herself often acted as a trendsetter. Thanks to her childlike spontaneity, desire for freedom from frames and clichés (she tied a child's ribbon on her head as a sign of protest), a new trend appeared in the form of large bows in her hair. The fashion for bulky men's jackets also took root by accident. Coco got cold on a pleasure yacht and put on this jacket. She loved big horn-rimmed glasses, which are very popular now.

Chanel is a very sensitive person. She had a very good sense of color. Gabrielle had two “favorites”: black and white. She considered the color black to be the basis of everything. It is elegant and practical. White is a symbol of purity. Coco practically did not use bright colors, only in contrast with dark ones. I didn't like pastel colors.

Basic wardrobe

The very first and main component of such a wardrobe is a classic, formal trouser suit. Although Gabrielle herself preferred skirts, classic cropped skinny trousers of ideal length became, in a certain sense, a symbol of female freedom, and in combination with a formal jacket, a necessary thing for every successful and attractive woman. For the “work” option, flared trousers with arrows are more suitable, but for everyday life you should choose narrow cropped ones.

A suit will be useful not only for work, but will also be an excellent option for special occasions (date, meeting with friends). A bright accent in the form of a shirt in a contrasting color or an accessory in the form of an intricate evening bag, hat, or scarf will reduce the tone of formality. This combination will add romance, grace to your image, and to some extent even simplify it. You will look strict, but tasteful.

When choosing shoes for a suit, you should give preference to heels. Classic plain pumps (black and white or to match the suit) are suitable for everyday work. For a special occasion, it is better to choose a contrasting color. For example, if the suit is black or dark blue, it will be perfectly complemented by bright red patent leather shoes. Then your look will turn from a classic style into an urban romantic one.

Another important component will be the skirt. A pencil skirt is relevant for absolutely everyone and at all times. This cut allows a woman to emphasize her silhouette, model her figure (the hips look narrower), and a correctly selected length (Chanel considered the length just below the knee to be ideal) will visually lengthen her legs.

Classic colors will make your look more feminine and formal. Young girls can afford to experiment with color and even cut; the length should remain the same - below the knee, but the fabric, print, shape of the skirt can be absolutely anything. The taste and color, as they say.

A tweed suit is an integral part of Coco Chanel's clothing style. Tweed is a low-pile wool fabric from Scotland. It is very pleasant to the touch, soft, elastic, not heavy, which is important. Chanel tweed suits are, first of all, amazing jackets. They are elegant, feminine, eccentric. You can easily distinguish such a jacket from any other.

It has a number of features:

Straight, fitted cut
Symmetrical patch in the form of 2 or 4 patch pockets on both sides
No collar
Finishing the sleeves or sides of the product with braids made of braid, canvas, lace and other materials
Gold buttons with Chanel logo
The chain at the bottom is lined. Coco used it to maintain perfect proportions

This is Coco Chanel's classic tweed jacket.

Modern fashion designers make their own changes to the design of jackets. Now on the catwalks we can see various variations: three-quarter sleeves, loose fit, cropped jackets. They even change the fabric (knitwear, knitted jackets).

Also, part of the suit is a pencil skirt made of the same material, identical in color to the jacket.

This suit will be comfortable to wear in the fall. Go for walks or social events in it, with the addition of a hat.

Delicate colors (pink, blue, yellow) are suitable for everyday wear. For social events, it is better to leave classic black, dazzling white or royal gold.

A legendary fashion designer, a woman who revolutionized fashion, bold, stylish and desirable - this is all about Coco Chanel. She once promised to dress women elegantly and simply, so that the main accessory was sophistication, and the clothes did not show off, but emphasized the beauty of the body. Coco kept her promise, her rules created a sensation in society in the first half of the 20th century, and Coco Chanel's style is still considered relevant. This is what is considered to be an example of good taste, this is what is called the capacious word “classic”.

Clothing in the style of Coco Chanel is not only fashionable, but also practical, allowing a woman to feel well-groomed, beautiful and elegant. Only thanks to the designer, lovely representatives of the fair sex can wear short hair, boldly wear vests and trouser suits and use pearls instead of jewelry and at the same time look incredibly feminine and attractive.

Rule No. 1. Skirts and dresses without frills

Clothing of a simple cut, laconic colors - that’s what Coco offered to fashionistas. “The more expensive the clothes, the poorer they look,” Chanel proclaimed and created a pencil skirt that reached just past the knee. This style emphasizes a thin waist, soft curve of the hips, chiseled calves, hiding the knees from immodest looks. A pencil skirt can only be combined with single-color or two-color shoes with high, but certainly comfortable, heels.

It appeared in contrast to the lush and bright ones. Coco created it “to develop the taste” of her contemporaries. The little black dress has become a classic, relevant for any age, skin type and hair color. It will emphasize the freshness of a young beauty and the elegance of an adult woman. According to Coco, the black color adds mystery, which means it can restore youth; in addition, such an outfit cannot be spoiled by poorly chosen accessories.

Coco Chanel's style in everyday dresses was expressed mainly in styles such as sheaths or models with a simple, tailored top and full skirt. All of them go perfectly with a string of pearls on the neck or wrist. Black/white at one time became the hallmark of the Chanel house, as well as a hallmark of her own style. Minimalism, contradiction, brightness in the absence of color - the main idea of the fashion designer. Clothing should emphasize the beauty of its owner, and not dominate the image.

Rule No. 2. Perfect pants

The rebel Chanel was the first to suggest that ladies go out in trousers, although she almost never wore them herself. The designer created women's trousers that were straight, short, but always covering the knees. At the premiere show they were presented with a sweater. Pantsuits in the Coco Chanel style are classic, most comfortable and functional models. The silhouette in this case is looser, with patch pockets, zippers and buttons.

Rule No. 3. Jacket and blazer

Clothing should not hinder movement. This rule corresponds to a jacket, the model of which is made just below the waist. Distinctive features of the style are narrow sleeves and lack of a collar. Such a jacket may either have no buttons at all, or be fastened with small fasteners of the same tone as the fabric. This wardrobe item should be worn with a simple, preferably silk blouse in white or pastel color.

A jacket in the Coco Chanel style is made only from thin fabrics, which allows you to beautifully play up the female silhouette. Colors should never be bright or flashy. Preference is given to shades of blue, gray and brown. If you need to create, it is acceptable to use red.

Jackets were introduced into fashion by Coco back in the 30s of the last century, and they still remain relevant due to their simplicity and elegance. The designer considered this kind of thing to be basic, allowing a lady to feel noble and comfortable at the same time. The Coco Chanel style jacket is designed for discreet and sophisticated ensembles, and will also look harmonious even with jeans. This wardrobe element is characterized by the following nuances:

sleeve length three quarters;
raw edge;
main colors of jackets: white, black, sky blue, soft pink, beige, red.

Rule No. 4. Handbag 2.55

Traditional clutch bags are alien to Coco's style. Under the number 2.55, which means “February 1955”, the handbag with a shoulder strap is “encrypted”. These days, this accessory is not uncommon, but it corresponds to Coco’s style if the following conditions are met:

plain, dim color;
without large shiny parts (exception - logo);
strap in the form of intertwined chains;
medium size, classic rectangular shape;
secret pocket for storing cash;
a secret round pocket called the “Mona Lisa smile”, the main purpose of which is to store love notes;
Mademoiselle square clasp.

Today, Coco Chanel's style is used to create handbags from a wide variety of materials, such as cotton, velor, silk and even denim. You can find modern models decorated with rhinestones and sparkles. Such a handbag can save literally any boring look, adding delicacy to it. An excellent option would be powder shades that look really stylish in the evening and during the day.

Rule No. 5. Perfume

“A perfume that smells like a woman herself,” is how the fashion designer called the legendary Chanel No. 5, an important touch to the image of sophisticated elegance. A straight bottle with a black CHANEL lettering on the outside, a tart scent with notes of lily of the valley inside...

What do you wear at night? - Marilyn Monroe was once asked.

Only 5 drops of Chanel,” the beauty answered.

Rule No. 6. Costume jewelry, jewelry

Coco had a passion for accessories, but insisted on using them thoughtfully and sparingly. Costume jewelry is incompatible with jewelry. It is unacceptable to use several types of stones or metals in the image. A woman in the style of Coco Chanel looks elegant thanks to the simple cut of the dress, decorated with a white collar, an artificial flower or jewelry. It was proposed to simply change accessories, turning the dress from everyday into evening and elegant.

Rule No. 7. Haircut

The combination of masculine and feminine principles is the secret of attractiveness from Coco, who was a fan of short boyish haircuts. But what really distinguishes a lady from a boy is her carefully groomed, immaculately styled hair. The style allows women to wear “boyish” hairstyles, such as bob, bob, pageboy.

A modern look from the house of Chanel

A century later, the image created by Chanel was democratized. There is more color here, dresses and skirts show off the knees, and summer collections include shorts. But the following details remain the unshakable features of Chanel’s style:

minimalism of color and accessories (maybe a red handbag, shoes or a neckerchief, but don’t wear a red jacket);
a pencil skirt is complemented by tights and shoes of the same tone (black under a black skirt);
Patterned tights are unacceptable;
there should be nothing superfluous in the finished image, all elements are interconnected in color and style;
clothes must be comfortable, and the silhouette must be clearly defined;
Ideally, the neck, hands, shins, and ankles remain open.

Time is inexorable, it moves by leaps and bounds, but Coco Chanel’s style remains just as relevant. Photos depicting girls dressed in accordance with all the above requirements and canons are sure to evoke admiration for the femininity and extraordinary elegance of the models. When choosing the perfect outfit, remember that Coco Chanel always put a woman with her tenderness, beauty, modesty and sexuality first. “Fashion comes, but style remains,” these words have survived eras, and ladies who follow wise advice continue to captivate the eye.

The legendary Coco Chanel gave women all over the world the opportunity to dress simply and comfortably. Having become a revolutionary in the world of fashion, she brought into everyday ladies' outfits what all the fair sex had dreamed of for a long time - comfort. A Chanel-style suit is a time-tested classic that is still relevant today. Let's find out what such an outfit should be like these days.

A little history

She burst into the world of big fashion like a breath of fresh air: Coco Chanel gave women all over the world the opportunity to get rid of suffocating corsets, fluffy skirts, and most importantly, “legalized” women's trousers.

Today it is almost impossible to imagine a business woman’s wardrobe without an elegant tweed two-piece trouser. It was this fabric that Chanel first gave great life to with her unique women’s suits, and then new associations: modern classics, self-sufficient woman, business casual style.

The modern suit a la Chanel has gone through a long history and a long path of transformation. Chanel released the first collection of their tweed in 1926. But these clothes were not appreciated. Year after year, Coco changed cuts and styles, leaving only one constant component of her clothes - tweed. And now, already a 70-year-old woman, in 1954 Chanel finally receives recognition: a short tweed jacket and a classic-length skirt (well covering the knees) become real favorites of the fashion community around the world.

Peculiarities

This classic Chanel jacket is made from soft tweed. The length is short - barely reaches the top line of the skirt's waistband. The design is always very elegant - in an intricate checkered pattern or with a melange effect. The silhouette of such a jacket is necessarily semi-fitting, there is no collar, and there is no clasp or button closure. Coco herself was very fond of the latter option: the delightful trendsetter pinned such a jacket with a brooch or cameo.

The legendary jacket from Chanel has always had such characteristic features as patch pockets - two or four. They were decorated with original braid, the color of which either matched the tone of the suit or contrasted with it. During the evolution of the Chanel suit, models of jackets equipped with a fur or English collar (short, velvet) began to appear.

An important trademark of Mademoiselle Coco's suits was high-quality fittings and expensive finishing: buttons marked with the company logo, a thin chain sewn into an expensive silk lining.

Varieties

Of course, the models produced by the fashion house today meet all the requirements of current style for a modern woman. But there are things that will always be in demand. This is a classic. Therefore, in many modern collections, a lot of space is still given to tweed two-pieces - both trouser and ensembles with a skirt.

For admirers of a purely feminine style, the “skirt and jacket” option remains a priority. So, the most popular options today are those with a pencil skirt, the length of which barely reaches the knee. In this case, the jacket is most often chosen with or without an English collar.

For lovers of modern clothing, Chanel offers both options with non-classical skirts, for example, pleated, and sets with shorts or skinny trousers. At the same time, the design of the jacket can include a shawl collar, trim using fringe and other interesting innovations.

In modern collections of the fashion house you can find a number of innovative techniques:

combination of tweed and chiffon;
covering the buttons with the fabric from which the jacket is made;
decorating the jacket with a belt made of contrasting fabric.

All this suggests that the costumes once created by Gabrielle Chanel are constantly evolving in accordance with the spirit of the times, but still remain classics.

Color solutions

Pink remains one of the most popular colors among connoisseurs of feminine Chanel style, so the designers of the fashion house are trying to release new collections using a variety of shades of this delicate color.

However, black and white are still considered classic - both individually and in pairs. The latter option allows you to achieve bright contrast - a very important element in a Chanel suit.

However, this is not all. Modern collections of the famous brand delight their fans with a variety of colors to suit every taste. Thus, you can find your favorite tweed suits made in pastel colors (cream, lemon, mint, lavender) with constant contrast in decoration (most often white). The imagination of designers also provides a wide selection of costumes in bright colors.

Fashion trends 2020

Of course, the classic Chanel style is fertile ground for inspiration for many other brands, designers, and fashionistas. The laws of style dictated in an outfit from a famous fashion house are observed today even without the use of clothing from this brand.

Many fashionistas prefer to create “Chanel” outfits using more affordable clothes from copycat brands. And we're not just talking about costumes. Dresses in the Chanel style are still incredibly popular.

However, true admirers of high fashion still prefer clothes created by the hands of great masters. And in this sense, the creations of the Chanel house will never lose their relevance. So, today we can distinguish two main categories of Chanel clothing.

Youth style

This trend is characterized by short skirts with a trapezoidal or tapered cut. The belt is high, the jacket is extremely short, perhaps even a bolero. Representatives of the younger generation are very fond of three-piece suits, consisting of a skirt or trousers, a jacket and a top, made in the same fabric. Also fashionable today is a set of a sheath dress and a short jacket. Chanel's youth collections also differ from the classic ones in that they often deviate from the traditional material - tweed.

Suits for women 40-50 years old

In adulthood, femininity blossoms to its fullest, and it is no longer so important to emphasize it as to complement it or even restrain it. That's why a Chanel-style suit is a must-have for any lady aged 40-50. After all, it was the sophisticated Coco who knew how a woman should look during these years.

A few important points that will become the basis of an impeccable style:

Colors. If you use black, keep it company with soft pink or deep red tones. The first option is suitable for every day, the second - for special occasions. Do you like monochromatic ensembles? Then pay attention to pastel colors.
Print. Any pattern in the Chanel style is simple, unobtrusive, but at the same time represents the pinnacle of style and grace. Therefore, feel free to choose any one you like and wear it with pleasure!
Style. The best options for this age are skirts that reach mid-calf or slightly higher, as well as loose trousers. But, in general, every fashionista can focus on her individual figure characteristics. Many beauties, even in these years, can afford both mini and skinny ones, the main thing is that the outfit matches the situation.

Star looks from Chanel

At one time, the first lady of the United States, Jackie Kennedy, became one of the most important popularizers of the Chanel tweed skirt suit. The pink suit, which became Jacqueline Kennedy's signature look, is now forever associated with the modern businesswoman.

Style icon Victoria Beckham has always demonstrated excellent taste. Even during her participation in the popular band Spice Girls, whose members were distinguished by memorable flashy (and sometimes completely tasteless) costumes, Vicky stood out with her beautiful stylish and discreet outfits. Even now, the singer and model prefers strict simplicity to outrageous styles and colors: a cropped jacket from Chanel is excellent proof of this.

Ashley Olsen sets an example of how to complete a formal outfit with a classic Chanel jacket. The actress perfectly complemented the “black bottom and white top” of other brands with a men’s-style item from Mademoiselle Coco.

An even more masculine version of a lady's outfit in the Chanel style is demonstrated by the heroine of exciting blockbusters - Milla Jovovich. Such a trouser suit is especially suitable for a woman of mature age, emphasizing the solidity of her status and, possibly, the authority of her character.