Inspired by: Coco Chanel

For many of us, grey jersey is the basis of our wardrobe. Coco Chanel was the first to incorporate the knit into proper clothing. We love pairing a grey sweatshirt with a black leather skirt or a colorful blazer.

Another first: Chanel made the tweed pencil skirt—and jacket, of course—a staple. Now we can't live without either.

Boater hats were the topper of the summer, and Mademoiselle Chanel was quite fond of them. This one reminds us of her in particular because of its floral accoutrements.

A seafarer's staple made fashion-y: Chanel wore her sailor blouse with a long pleated skirt. We suggest pairing this casual version with flared denim and platforms.

Ballet pumps are de rigueur these days, but it wasn't always so. Chanel made them worthy.

Chanel wore her hair short even when it wasn't trendy and loved borrowing riding clothes from the boys. We owe menswear-inspired jackets like this Isabel Marant stunner to her for sure.

Another look Chanel snagged from the sailors and made her own. Now we can't get enough of stripey mariniere shirts, which come in gazillions of combinations beyond blue and white.

Chanel took costume jewelry to a new level with her piled on chains and pearls—and you can, too.