15 Famous Fashion Quotes by Legendary Fashion Designers

We love a good inspirational quote, especially as it pertains to fashion. And while social media can be a great source to turn to when it comes to trends (hello TikTok!), finding and embracing your own unique sense of style is so important. For those days you feel like you have nothing to wear or really want to dress to impress, some words of style wisdom can give you the confidence boost you need to put together a great outfit.

Just like their designs, these famous fashion designers’ quotes are truly timeless. Bookmark this article and come back to it any time you’re in a style rut or want a reminder of the power of fashion.

1. Gianni Versace on trends

“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 to live.” - Gianni Versace.

2. Yves Saint Laurent on style

“Fashion fades, style is eternal” - Yves Saint Laurent

3. Vivienne Westwood on the importance of fashion

“Fashion is very important. It is life-enhancing and, like everything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.” - Vivienne Westwood

4. Christian Dior on a well-curated wardrobe

“Don’t buy much, but make sure that what you buy is good.” - Christian Dior

5. Marc Jacobs on expressing yourself through fashion

“My relationship with fashion has always been that each of us stars in our own movies and costumes ourselves to play the part we want. You take blouses and jeans and dresses, and you put them together, and they tell your story.” - Marc Jacobs. 

6. Coco Chanel on the power of a good outfit

“Dress shabbily, and they remember the dress; dress impeccably, and they remember the woman.” - Coco Chanel

7. Oscar de la Renta on the art of dressing well

“Being well dressed hasn’t much to do with having good clothes. It’s a question of good balance and good common sense.” - Oscar de la Renta

8. Christian Louboutin on how shoes can uplift you

“Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.” - Christian Louboutin

9. Ralph Lauren on the true meaning of fashion

“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” - Ralph Lauren

10. Betsey Johnson on dressing for yourself

“Always have fun with fashion. Dress to entertain yourself.” - Betsey Johnson

11. Vera Wang on not sacrificing comfort

A woman is never sexier than when she is comfortable in her clothes.” - Vera Wang

12. John Galliano on having more fun with fashion

“I think people should have fun with fashion, should enjoy wearing beautiful clothes—but also not save everything for the best. Fashion is there to be enjoyed, to be indulged—to wow in. Don’t save it for Sunday best only. Get it out of the tissue paper and be sensational every day.” - John Galliano

13. Karl Lagerfeld on how money can't buy you style

“Never use the word ‘cheap’. Today everybody can look chic in inexpensive clothes—the rich buy them, too. There is good clothing design on every level today. You can be the chicest thing in the world in a T-shirt and jeans—it’s up to you.” - Karl Lagerfeld

14. Donatella Versace on dressing for success

“I know fashion is not something that can change the world, but it can change the woman. It can empower the woman. It can make her strong, in herself, and to believe in herself more.” - Donatella Versace

15. Miuccia Prada on dressing for who you want to be

“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts go so fast. Fashion is instant language.” - Miuccia Prada

By: ELIZABETH KADAR; AUG 24, 2023; ELLE Magazine, USA