How to Update a Vintage Chanel Suit
If you are lucky enough to have a vintage Chanel suit somewhere in your closet, it can be well worth the effort and expense to have it brought up to date. Here are some easy ways to give it a modern take. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Be open-minded when you try on a vintage Chanel suit. Some of the details, such as large shoulder pads or tacky buttons, may be easier than you think to change. Remember that the fabric in vintage Chanel will be especially high quality and most vintage Chanel suits will have been custom made, so you have a real investment piece on your hands that is well worth saving.
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Realize that many of today's Chanel suits have skirts that hit around the knee and short, tailored jackets. You can get this look by bringing up the hemline of a longer skirt and tailoring a long, shapeless jacket.
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Call your nearest Chanel clothing boutique (if there is one within a reasonable distance) and ask if they have a seamstress on staff who can rework a vintage suit. Or, call a local department store that carries Chanel and ask the salesperson to recommend someone who can do some strategic alterations.
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Make sure that any tailor or seamstress you select is comfortable working with Chanel, since you will want to maintain the original detailing and quality of your suit.
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Look at some of the current Chanel suits to get ideas of what you like. Try on different cuts to see what suits you best so you can get an idea of what type of alterations you would like done to your vintage suit. You might also collect pictures of suits you like to give your tailor an idea of what you want to achieve with the final product.
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Tips & Warnings
When you visit the tailor, bring a blouse and boots or pumps and jewelry you will wear with your suit to give him or her an idea of how you will wear the finished item. This will help both of you envision what type of changes to make.
See if you can buy new Chanel buttons, as this is a quick and easy way to update a suit quickly.
Steer clear of trendy alterations. You want the changes to keep the suit looking fresh and modern for a while.
Be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars on your alterations. Chanel suits are so well made they are worth investing in strategic changes so you will be able to wear the item today.
