A Quick Style Guide for Women from Legendary Designers (11 photos)

Only true connoisseurs of beauty—iconic designers who know every subtlety of feminine charm—can truly understand a woman's elegance. They have laid down simple rules to help you always stay effortlessly stylish and captivating. Essential wisdom every woman should know!







1. Oscar de la Renta (1932-2014)

Walk like you have three men walking behind you.





2. Coco Chanel (1883-1971)

In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.

Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty... Nothing ages a woman more than trying to look young.

Nobody is young after forty, but I know 50-year-olds who are far more attractive than three-quarters of poorly groomed young women.

There are no ugly women, only lazy ones.

Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one accessory off.



3. Anna Wintour (71)

If you can't be better than your competition, just dress better.



4. Christian Dior (1905-1957)

Every bite stays in your mouth for two minutes, in your stomach for two hours, and on your hips for two months.

A woman's perfume tells more about her than her handwriting.

If you have bowed legs, wear a plunging neckline.



5. Joan Crawford (1905-1977)

Find your own style and have the courage to stick to it.

Choose clothes that fit your lifestyle.

Build your wardrobe like an actress—it should be versatile enough to play many different roles.

Find your happiest colors—the ones that make you feel truly great.

Care for your clothes like good friends.



6. Gianni Versace (1946-1997)

Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way you live.



7. Diana Vreeland (1903-1989)

The only real elegance is in the mind; if you've got that, the rest really comes from it.



8. Bill Blass (1922-2002)

When in doubt, wear red.



9. Vivienne Westwood (80)

Buy less, choose well, make it last!



10. Giorgio Armani (87)

A carefully chosen fragrance can become your signature. It is the first thing people notice when you enter a room and the last thing that lingers when you leave.

Elegance is not about being noticed, it's about being remembered.

A cheap pair of shoes is false economy. Never skimp on the basics: shoes are the foundation of your wardrobe.

The importance of accessories is growing these days, so invest in shoes, belts, bags, ties, and the like. That way you can refresh your outfit again and again. Keep in mind the colors you wear and choose matching accessories—and remember, both black and brown go well with gray. A watch is one of the most important items you'll buy; it speaks volumes about who you are.

Black and navy are more slimming than any other colors. By sticking to this palette, you can afford to experiment with shapes and textures.

Choose fabrics in neutral colors without loud patterns—they will last you longer in terms of fashion.

And of course, ladies, don't forget your inner mindset. As Sophia Loren (87) famously put it, "Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful."