10 Style Lessons To Takeaway From Chanel’s SS21 Collection

‘I wanted it to be very joyful, colourful, and very vibrant too,’ says Virginie Viard of her SS21 Chanel collection – unveiled today at the Grand Palais in Paris on the final day of a fashion month that’s looked like no other.

The show was dedicated to the actresses who are muses to the maison. ‘I was thinking about actresses at the photocall, on the red carpet, that moment when they’re being called to by the photographers: their faces a little distracted, their attitude a little out of sync with the outfits they’re wearing. And then there’s the fans waiting for them behind the barriers, this very lively side to cinema that happens beyond cinema, that’s what I like,’ says Viard. An accompanying film sees Rianne Van Rompaey, Mica Argañaraz and Louise de Chevigny captures the cinematic mood of the collection.

So what of the clothes? Classic, ladylike Chanel codes were remixed with a newly youthful spirit; nubby tweed skirt suits and perfect little black dresses interspersed with denim, T-shirts and peppy shots of pink. It’s not just Chanel’s red-carpet regulars who will be swooning over the results. These are the pieces to bring a dose of ‘ooh la la’ to your wardrobe and the key style lessons to take away now.

1) Downsize your bag

Proof that bigger is not always better, this season Chanel’s irresistible bags were downsized to dinky proportions. They were worn crossbody, swinging from belts, attached to bangles or suspended from necklaces.

2) Rethink pink

Peppy shades of pink from sugared almond to Pepto Bismol to the unapologetically Barbie variety are the easiest way to add a shot of optimism to your wardrobe now. The one piece to seek out next? A pair of high-waisted, baggy jeans, like those seen on Jill Kortleve.

3) Unleash your inner superhero in a cape

If 2020 has left you feeling a little powerless, then now is the time to rewrite the narrative. Sheer, swishy capes added irresistible superhero flair to the collection’s after dark looks.

4) Brave a bodysuit

Feeling confident? Then a second-skin catsuit is the piece for you. Just think of it as a high-fashion evolution of all those leggings you’ve been living in for the past few months.

5) Pledge brand allegiance

For those of us bored of quiet dressing, it’s time to go loco for logos again. The Chanel name was embroidered in pearls onto a knit, found scattered in metallic on a double-breasted denim jacket and reimagined in neon lights (a nod to the collection’s cinematic provenance) on dresses and T-shirts. The telltale interlocking Cs were also everywhere.

6) Dig out your capri pants

A jaunty suiting update, tailored jackets were worn with trousers that hit just below the knee or Bermuda shorts. If this is what workwear looks like in 2021, we’re ready to return to the office.

7) Make it all about the belt

Behold your new statement accessory: the belt. Viard sent of versions in woven chain-and-leather (reminiscent of the iconic bag straps) or with interlocking C buckles. The ritziest versions were the multi-stranded pearl iterations (pearls, by the way, are set to be worn everywhere and everything).

8) Trade your trackpants for running shorts

The haute way to wear athleisure, satin running shorts are the ultimate dress up/dress down piece for SS21 (you should wear yours with heels and tailoring rather than trainers and a hoodie). Expect this to be a major trend on the streetstyle circuit next season.

9) Invest in a vest

Boxy vests with capped sleeves were another cheery addition to the Chanel tailoring repertoire this season. Here they were worn with pleated and asymmetric skirts.

10) And finally… Give the fascinator a chance (yes, really)

The lesson: never say never. Long dismissed as the ultimate fashion faux pas, the black net versions felt fresh rather than fusty. Still can’t face it? Then the interlocking C headband is the alternative way to top off your look next summer.