The Ideal Wardrobe, According to Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel, the epitome of timeless, classic style and good taste, was full of fashion wisdom, with much of it still holding true to this day. The famed designer and Chanel founder had strong opinions about the way that one should and shouldn’t dress. While at times, Chanel’s musings on style were overly blunt, there is much to take away from them. In fact, it’s even possible to build a wardrobe around her thoughts on style.

There are key points from Chanel on everything from the best colors to wear (take a wild guess) to the accessory that can make or break an outfit. As arguably one of the most important icons in the history of fashion, Coco's words leave a lasting impression. Scroll down to see the makings of a Coco Chanel–approved wardrobe and what the fashion legend has to say about them.

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(Image credit: Henry Clarke/Condé Nast via Getty Images)

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Wardrobe Element #1: Simplicity
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Wardrobe Element #2: Good Shoes
(Image credit: Roger Viollet via Getty Images)

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Wardrobe Element #3: Black and White
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Wardrobe Element #4: Well-Fitting Clothes
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Wardrobe Element #5: Plenty of Dresses
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Wardrobe Element #6: Polish
(Image credit: Roger Viollet via Getty Images)

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Thoughts on Polish, Part 2:
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Keep scrolling to shop Coco Chanel–inspired pieces

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.

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Allyson Payer
Senior Editor

Allyson is a senior editor for Who What Wear. She joined the company in 2014 as co-founder Katherine Power's executive assistant and over the years has written hundreds of stories for Who What Wear. Prior to her career in fashion, Allyson worked in the entertainment industry at companies such as Sony Pictures Television. Allyson is now based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and is originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a BFA in theater. Her path to fashion may not have been linear, but based on the number of fashion magazines she collected as a child and young adult, it was meant to be.