Quotes by Coco: 12 Must-Read Bon Mots From the Fashion Legend

A little while ago, I picked up “The World According to Coco: The Wit and Wisdom of Coco Chanel,” edited by Patrick Mauriès and Jean-Christophe Napias. With pages containing cheeky (but inspiring) sentences delivered by the one and only Coco Chanel, I just had to have it.

Now the book plays a dual role, resting pretty as both a coffee table book and a bible waiting to assist those searching for a thrill of guidance. Her wisdom is just as timeless as her creations.

So without further ado, here are a few of my favorite pick-me-up quotes from the book:

*ALL photos from Pinterest*

1. I am against the absurdity of creating fashion that does not last… To me, old clothes are like old friends, you know? You take care of your clothes. You repair them.

2. A dress that isn’t comfortable is a failure.

3. My age depends on the day and the people I’m with. 

4. Jewelry is not meant to make you look rich, but to make you look adorned—it’s not the same thing.

5. Women think of every color, except the absence of colors. I have said that black had everything. White too. They have an absolute beauty. It is perfect harmony. Dress women in white or black at a ball: they are the only ones you see. 

6. Work has a much stronger flavor than money.

7. Some women want to be corseted in their clothes. Never! I want women to step into my dresses and not give a damn about the rest.

8. Dressing up is delightful; wearing a disguise is sad.

9. Hide what you ought to show; show what you cannot hide.

10. Don’t think that elegance can be bought with money, affection or imitation. Your dresses and jewelry should belong to you as much as your gestures, your walk or your smile. This is the only way that they can make you beautiful without disguising you. The words of Beau Brummell are still true: ‘elegance goes unnoticed’.

11. A woman who says ‘I never wear perfume’, and whose coat smells like a wardrobe has already lost. She’s setting out in life without a chance.

12. I don’t like it when people talk about Chanel as a fashion. Chanel is a style, first and foremost. Fashion goes out of fashion. Style never.