A very small sampling of my favorite Chanel jacket inspired looks, different decades, that I'd like to share with you.

Reportedly, Coco Chanel was not a fan of the New Look, launched by Christian Dior in 1947, with its nipped in waist and rounded hips. She refused to give in to the trend, and still cranked out her now iconic Chanel suit with square, cropped jacket and simple skirt.

I admit that I'm not a die hard fan of the actual shape of her jackets. But I do admire clean, simple lines and the fact that she cut her suits from what were considered rustic, "masculine" fabrics - tweed was mainly a British textile used for menswear or country clothing. No big deal now, but at the time it was innovative.

Now, Chanel jackets and Chanel-inspired jackets in any fabric (look at the faux fur number above!) are timeless and as easy to mix and match as a pair of jeans.

{Photo source: Mémoires de la mode: Chanel, French Vogue 869, 870, 895, 899}