“Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress.”
- August 19, 1883 – January 10, 1971
- Born in France
- Designer, businesswoman
- Founded the Chanel brand and advocated modern and simple fashion, especially popularizing the “Chanel suit” and “little black dress,” and contributing to the liberation of women.
Quote
“Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress.”
Explanation
In this quote, Coco Chanel challenges the common notion that elegance is purely about outward appearances or acquiring new and expensive clothes. For Chanel, true elegance goes beyond the material and fashionable—it is about how one carries oneself, the attitude behind one’s appearance, and the subtlety of one’s choices. Elegance, in her view, is not about chasing the latest trends or accumulating a wardrobe full of clothes, but about developing an innate sense of grace and confidence that transcends the fleeting nature of fashion. True elegance comes from within and is reflected in how we present ourselves through our demeanor, values, and choices.
Chanel herself exemplified this philosophy throughout her career. She was not interested in excess or over-adornment, but in designing clothes that made women feel comfortable, empowered, and self-assured. Her creations, such as the little black dress and the Chanel suit, were designed to exude refinement and timelessness, focusing on quality and simplicity over the latest fashion craze. Chanel believed that a woman could be both elegant and independent, with a wardrobe that reflected her personality and purpose, rather than constantly seeking newness or following superficial trends.
In modern times, this quote resonates as a reminder that elegance is not something that can be bought or achieved through material excess. It is found in the simplicity, confidence, and authenticity of a person’s choices—whether in fashion, behavior, or lifestyle. True elegance is about being yourself with grace and poise, and not relying on outward trappings to define your worth. This idea speaks to the value of quality over quantity, encouraging individuals to focus on cultivating their own sense of style and identity rather than constantly striving for the next external trend. Ultimately, Chanel’s words remind us that elegance is a state of mind, not just a new dress.
