A photo from Chanel’s couture fall 1983 collection perfectly showcases the timeless elegance of Chanel’s two-toned slingback pumps, where the contrasting toe color subtly minimizes the foot’s size while elongating the leg. (Photo courtesy of WWD.)
“Fashion changes, style remains,” Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel wisely remarked.
A trailblazer in the fashion industry, Coco Chanel reigned over Parisian haute couture for many decades. During those industry-shaping years, Chanel introduced fashion pieces that liberated women from the restrictive gender norms of their era, all in the most stylish way possible.
From the iconic Little Black Dress (LBD), the 2.55 Bag, tweed jackets, the camellia flower, and her famously rebellious real and faux pearl necklaces—these are our top 10 favorite Chanel creations likely to stay in style forever!
Pearl Necklace
Chanel's mix of real and faux pearls threw the restrictive jewelry rules out the window, just as she intended. (Photos courtesy of Glamour/ PearlsOnly/ Pure Pearls.)
Unapologetically rebellious, Coco Chanel shattered all the stigmas surrounding faux jewelry and started a new era dominated by her iconic pearls. The fashion maverick daringly combined strands of real and fake pearls, breaking the old rules of costume jewelry and forever altering the way women adorned themselves.
As the legends go, Coco Chanel was frequently gifted unique and exquisite jewels by her lovers, Grand Duke Dimitri Pavlovich and the Duke of Westminster. Among the abundance of gems she received, it was the ropes of pearls that dazzled her the most, which perhaps inspired her famous quote:
"A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls."
Tweed Jackets
First Lady Jackie Kennedy famously wore a timeless pink-tweed Chanel suit on the day her husband, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1963. (Photos courtesy of People.)
Chanel and tweed go hand-in-hand. You won’t have trouble finding images of Coco radiating feminine empowerment and timeless elegance in a chic tweed jacket. This love affair started back in 1924 when Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel, during a picturesque Scottish Highlands retreat, found herself charmed by the tweed ensembles of the Duke of Westminster. Coco’s fascination with the fabric’s unique texture sparked a signature look that continues to symbolize modern, liberated women.
In 1954, Coco Chanel introduced a revolutionary piece to the fashion world: the Little Black Jacket. This iconic wardrobe staple was a stark contrast to the cinched Dior jackets of that era. The variations of her tweed jackets were impeccably tailored to maintain their form while gracefully contouring the body. Today, tweed is a defining feature of Chanel that embodies her original vision to “dress women in suits that make them feel at ease but still emphasise femininity.”
Classic Flap Bag
Iconic, stylish, and practical, the classic flap bag is likely to remain in vogue for years to come! (Photos courtesy of PurseBop.)
Do you really have a Chanel collection if it lacks the classic flap bag? Originally introduced in February 1955, the flap bag was Gabrielle’s definitive answer to the need for both style and practicality. She envisioned this iconic handbag as a symbol of liberation, a recurring theme in her work aimed at breaking away from the gender norms of previous decades.
The Chanel classic flap bag marked a breakthrough in fashion liberation, being the first handbag to feature a shoulder strap, which liberated women from the cumbersome clutch. With its eye-catching adjustable chain strap and handy back slip pocket, it naturally became the go-to bag for fashion-forward women. Notably, in the iconic 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Audrey Hepburn’s character famously sported a chic Chanel bag.
Double-C Earrings
The double-C earrings are the perfect choice to subtly (or not-so-subtly) flaunt your love for Chanel. (Photos courtesy of Teen Vogue/ Pinterest.)
Nothing screams 'CHANEL' like the iconic double-C earrings. Chanel has long been at the forefront of empowering women through fashion. The double CC—representing 'Coco Chanel,' a nickname for Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel—has evolved into a symbol of liberation from outdated fashion norms, asserting that women should feel confident and comfortable in their attire.
You'll frequently spot the iconic double C motif across various accessories by the esteemed French house, from cuffs and sautoirs to its most distinguished use in earrings. Whether as a subtle complement or a bold statement piece, Chanel's double-C earrings are a must-have adornment for every modern woman, staying true to Gabrielle's belief that “accessories are what makes or marks a woman.”
J12 Watch
The J12 Watch by Chanel is so sleek, stylish, and visually stunning that you might justify the purchase for its aesthetic—though you could always say it's just for 'telling time.'
(Photos courtesy of L'OFFICIEL.)
If you're not typically a fan of accessorizing with watches, the iconic Chanel J12 watch might just change your mind. Debuted in 2000, the J12 watch drew its inspiration from the sleek, sporty lines of race cars and America’s Cup racing yachts, embodying dynamic style and motion. However, the modern timepiece gained iconic status for reasons beyond its original inspiration—most notably, its unification of masculine and feminine design elements, which boldly challenged and redefined gender norms of its era.
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the Chanel J12 watch conceals a remarkable level of technical sophistication. From the innovative design by Jacques Hélleu to its highly durable ceramic and Swiss Official Chronometer Control-certified movement, each detail, including the perfect-sounding bezel and robust power reserve, culminates in a timeless luxury timepiece.
Wallet on Chain (WOC)
Throughout her pregnancy, Eva Longoria famously relied on a small yet chic Chanel accessory: the black Wallet on Chain (WOC). (Photos courtesy of PurseBlog.)
Debuting in 1997, the Wallet on Chain (WOC) became yet another iconic addition to Chanel's prestigious accessory collection. The game-changing design of the WOC is almost without flaw, offering unparalleled versatility, petite elegance, and practicality. It also embodies quintessential Chanel luxury in every detail, from the iconic interlocking CC logo to the signature quilted pattern, echoing her truism that "elegance is the line" or in French:
"l'élégance, c'est la ligne."
(Elegance is the line)
Season after season, the Chanel Wallet on Chain proves to be a hot favorite, appearing almost every season with an array of equally elegant designs. Noteworthy variations include the Classic Flap, 2.55, Boy, Half Moon, seasonal Mademoiselle, and Chanel 19. Struggling to pick just one? Join the club.
Camellia Flower
As the queens of winter flowers, camellias stand out as stunning evergreen shrubs with blooms so exquisite that they became a favored design element of Chanel. (Photos courtesy of WWD.)
“There are a hundred ways to wear a flower,” Chanel accurately said. This sentiment became emblematic in 1913 when Mademoiselle Chanel first adorned her belt with a white camellia. Captivated by its simple shape, pure appearance, and lively nature—even blooming in winter—she not only favored the camellia but also transformed it into a signature symbol of her brand.
Chanel found a kindred spirit in the resilience and simple beauty of camellias. Predominantly white, the camellia became a recurring element in the Maison's designs, creatively reinterpreted in their collection for over a century since the Mademoiselle first admired them. She fell so completely that her fascination with the camellia continues to thrive in Chanel's floral creations to this day.
Two-Toned Slingback Pumps
Chanel's iconic two-toned shoes cleverly minimize the foot's appearance and elongate the leg, showing exactly why it has stood the test of time. (Photos courtesy of WWD.)
Coco Chanel revolutionized women's footwear in 1957 with the introduction of the two-toned slingback Chanel pump. Remarkably, over six decades since their debut, these two-toned pumps remain a hot commodity—every season brings a fresh iteration that sells out instantly (but to be fair, each 'new' version maintains the ingenious features that originally made it a staple).
The initial design of these slingbacks was inspired by men’s shoes of the time, aiming for a universally appealing style that epitomizes classic, chic, and comfortable fashion. The contrasting toe color is ingeniously designed to minimize the foot’s appearance and extend the leg’s length—a clever feature that has had the world's most glamorous women falling head over heels for it.
Chanel Brooches
The perfect finishing touch for your outfit? A Chanel brooch is a no-brainer. (Photos courtesy of Pinterest.)
Among the most collectible items from Chanel are the brooches, inspired by the Maison's most iconic symbols and codes. From the majestic lion, representing Gabrielle Chanel's zodiac sign, to the camellia, her all-time favorite flower, and the iconic double-C design, each brooch ensures your outfit is perfectly completed in the quintessential Chanel manner.
While the left side is traditionally seen as the ‘correct placement’ for wearing a brooch, Chanel was known for her unique and rebellious style. Amanda Harlech, who has studied Chanel's life and work for over two decades and worked closely with Lagerfeld and Viard, describes her as ‘rebellious’ and ‘daring.’ Chanel herself would likely applaud your creativity in wearing her iconic brooches wherever you see fit!
Dresses
Marilyn Monroe, The Asphalt Jungle 1950. (Photo courtesy of Manifesto.)
Chanel's streamlined dress designs enabled women to shed their corsets and embrace the practicalities necessitated by wartime life. The brand’s dresses—available in a wide variety of designs, shapes, lengths, and colors—make choosing a delightful challenge, but if you had to pick, the Little Black Dress (LBD) stands out as the ultimate timeless classic.
The LBD is a revolutionary concept from Coco Chanel in the Golden Twenties that has been embraced by legendary figures throughout history. From Audrey Hepburn’s unforgettable look in Breakfast at Tiffany's to Marilyn Monroe's legendary glamour, and not forgetting Coco Chanel herself, the Little Black Dress continues to be a defining piece in the history of fashion. In 1994, Princess Diana made a legendary appearance in the so-called ‘revenge dress,’ an off-the-shoulder black silk evening gown that epitomized beauty, power, and liberation.
Chanel on a Budget? You’re Not Dreaming!
(Photos courtesy of Harper's BAZAAR .)
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel's monumental legacy began when she opened her first boutique, Chanel Modes, at 21 rue Cambon, initially selling hats before revolutionizing every facet of fashion. Today, her timeless creations are highly sought after globally, cherished by those who buy, love, and even sell them second-hand (or pre-loved). Curious? You can explore a literal goldmine of Chanel's pre-loved classics on ZenLuxe.
Buying second-hand Chanel and other luxury brands is no longer stigmatized; in fact, it’s widely celebrated. Pre-loved fashion has become so mainstream that even top celebrities—like SZA and Florence Welch—proudly wear their second-hand pieces in the spotlight.
Now’s the perfect time to embrace the trend of affordable luxury. ZenLuxe simplifies the process, allowing you to easily shop, order, and receive surprisingly affordable luxury items right at your doorstep. It's a wonderful time to be alive, don't you think?
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a fashion writer who lives and breathes all things vogue and glamour. For her, the most therapeutic aspect of fashion goes beyond simply shopping for the latest styles that appear in stores—it’s fully experiencing this glamorous world from the little details to the big moments (there's nothing quite like the thrill of flipping through a sleek fashion magazine, is there?).
