Everyone’s talking about “quiet luxury”. The term itself is pretty self-explanatory, but in case you haven’t been tuned in, the phrase describes a type of luxury that flies under the radar rather than presents itself upon arrival. Think brands like The Row, Jil Sander, and Loro Piana. The aesthetic doesn’t include apparent logos, short-lived trends, or flashy pieces that look like overt displays of wealth. From appearance alone it shouldn’t be immediately obvious whether something is Nili Lotan or Brunello Cucinelli—only when you look closer does the quality and craftsmanship reveal its designer pedigree. It’s difficult to say why social media has become so hyper fixated on this type of subtly, but after a stint of logo-heavy collaborations and collections, the shift feels like a breath of fresh air. Since the look relies so little on bells and whistles, to nail down quiet luxury means investing in the basics. The tailoring should always be expert and well-defined (yes, even if it’s a “slouchy” dress), and the accompanying accessories should look elegant yet not overpowering. While wearing neutrals aren’t a explicit requirement for pulling off quiet luxury, brands and figures who have become synomous with the phrase seem to implicitly favor them (although a pop of color here and there isn’t out of the question). While everyone continues to talk about quiet luxury, ahead see the five foundational tips on achieving the look.
Quiet luxury borders minimalism in that the sartorial approach doesn’t include a lot of outward glitz and glam. The layered necklace trend doesn’t apply here: instead, it’s about one or two power pieces that seemingly go with everything. Seen by stylish people, a beautiful watch is the preferred way to do it. Go for clean and timeless styles like the Serpenti or Tank watch (sans the diamonds).
This category applies mainly to the winter season, but even in the spring and fall, elegant outwear is absolutely a must. Sharp lapels, thick wool, and a thoughtfully designed silhouette are key details that separate okay coats from expensive-looking coats. Max Mara coats are the blueprint in this regard, but up-and-coming designer brands like Toteme have managed to create covetable toppers popular within the quiet luxury space.
It sounds counterintuitive, but a luxury bag in this sense should keep people guessing. Within the context of quiet luxury, it directly contradicts the idea of buying a bag for its easily identifiable logos or trendy shapes. While logos remain a big selling point for brands like Gucci and Fendi, other labels have completely subverted that notion. We’ve seen the rise of logo-devoid purses like Khaite’s Olivia hobo and The Row’s lady bags in recent years, with more designers following suit.
A great sweater is a common hack for looking expensive, so it’s not surprising that sumptuous knits are a defining staple of the aesthetic. Whether it’s a pullover, a cardigan, or a skirt, the material should feel weighty and luxurious to the touch. Trends also don’t really factor in here, so stick with classic silhouettes that avoid flashy buttons or patterns.
The purpose behind the quiet luxury wave is to own pieces that have a long life behind the hype of what’s of the moment. Keeping in line with the close ties to minimalism, this usually translates to separates with few accouterments to distract from its overall construction. It’s more so about pieces that frame the body perfectly versus those that instantly hooks you in with an eccentric detail.
An outfit is only as good as the shoes that accompany it, and here there’s no exception. Unlike the other categories mentioned, dabbling with trends is perfectly acceptable, however, they should never stick out to the point where it overshadows everything else. Go for styles that will still keep their appeal several years out.
