There are several terms used to define the quiet luxury fashion aesthetic, such as stealth wealth, old money, and recession-core. This fashion trend centres around the concept of investing in high-end clothing that doesn’t loudly showcase affluence. It involves opting for garments that are less ostentatious and devoid of excessive branding, instead focusing on premium materials like Merino wool, Pima cotton, cashmere, silk, and leather, coupled with subtle embellishments, textures, and accessories. Essentially, it shifts the style paradigm from maximalism to minimalism.
This shift toward less-garish dressing is believed to have been influenced by the 2008 recession. Despite the wealthy continuing to purchase expensive clothes, designers found safety in simplicity and neutrality. An exemplar is Phoebe Philo, the creative director of Celine from 2008 to 2018, who became renowned for her understated yet lavish designs.
More recently, the TV series Succession reintroduced the concept of quiet luxury, featuring characters wearing notably expensive yet unpretentious attire. Gwyneth Paltrow’s court-core outfits, as well as Sofia Richie’s effortless style, further propagates the idea of subtly displaying one’s economic status.
Embracing the quiet luxury trend is straightforward and feasible within any budget. Here are six quiet luxury ensembles I put together that you can effortlessly adopt. —Christina Armanious
Dark Quiet Luxury
The colour black is associated with glamour, luxury and sophistication, making it an optimal pallet for the trend.
How I styled the look: Aritzia Curio Vest + Reformation Mason Short in black + rhinestone belt + Coach pointed toe ballet flats
Achieving an understated sense of luxury hinges on investing in high-quality pieces that are designed for maximum utility. Constructed from wool and boasting a full lining, this timeless black Aritzia vest stands as a versatile cornerstone, adaptable to a plethora of styling options. When paired with tailored, relaxed shorts, the ensemble exudes an effortless opulence. These Reformation shorts, made from lightweight woven suiting fabric and designed with pleats, are suitable for a variety of occasions, from office settings to cocktail parties.
The concept of quiet luxury encourages the incorporation of subtle textures and details into your accessory selection. Belts serve as excellent tools for elevating the basics, and when paired with these pointed-toe ballet flats, the outcome is a polished look, underscored by tasteful refinement.
How I styled the look: Aritzia Banister Jumpsuit + peep toe heels + mini purse
This Aritzia jumpsuit radiates a sense of austerity by focusing on construction over extravagant details. It combines luxury with minimalism and functionality, showcasing its flattering contouring and length, chic halter neckline, smocked back, and matte satin fabric. A true investment piece, this jumpsuit can seamlessly transition from season to season with some layering.
How I styled the look: Reformation Nelle Knit Dress + thrifted chequered heels
Should one seek to encapsulate the essence of understated elegance with a single garment, this black and white knit dress from Reformation emerges as the quintessential choice. Every delicate detail, from the refined white accents tracing the neckline and sleeve straps to the structured bodice and classy midi length, emanates an aura of polished grandeur. When styling the dress, don’t be afraid to play around with simple designs, exemplified by these black and white chequered heels.
Light Quiet Luxury
The trend also favours a lighter colour palette, such as white, tan, cream, ivory, beige, mushroom, camel, and oatmeal.
How I styled the look: Reformation Erin Silk Top + Reformation Mason Short in mushroom + gold platform heels
Creating a quiet luxury ensemble from head to toe involves skillfully combining premium fabrics. Consider, for instance, the supple silk charmeuse of this Reformation top, harmoniously contrasted with the woven suiting material of the shorts. These two pieces boast remarkable versatility, making them indispensable staples when curating a quiet luxury capsule wardrobe.
How I styled the look: RW&CO. Maxi Sleeveless Dress With Pleated Skirt + Walmart Time and Tru Kelly Slides + Roots Mini Lola Woven Bag
Simplicity is the ultimate form of elegance, and a plain white dress, a colour associated with luxury and sophistication, can go a long way. This dress from RW&CO. exhibits a soft drape fabric and pleated skirt, imbuing it with a high-quality appearance and effortless styling potential. The dress pairs well with black faux leather pillow sandals, featuring stylish crossover straps, available at Walmart. These sandals transcend versatility, offering both comfort for a casual outfit, and elegance for a polished evening look.
Accentuating the ensemble, the mini woven bag from Roots adds a discreet textured element to the look. Whether you opt for a laid-back afternoon charm by wearing it as a crossbody or transition it into a chic handbag for the evening, this bag enriches your outfit.
How I styled the look: Reformation Stevie Pant + Zara off-the-shoulder poplin top + Zara flip flop heels + mini bag
A well-fitting pair of trousers, like this one from Reformation, is a wardrobe staple that exemplifies the quiet luxury aesthetic. The meticulous tailoring, coupled with the woven suiting fabric, makes your outfit look a lot more expensive. To elevate the overall look, opt for a complementary neutral palette, pairing the trousers with a cropped white off-the-shoulder poplin top and white flip flop heels. This combination ensures that the distinctive design of the fold-over waistline remains the focal point without being overshadowed.
By adhering to these styling principles, you’ll be able to capture the hallmarks of the quiet luxury trend during the autumn and winter seasons as well.
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August 18th, 2023 at 8:50 am
What a lovely article!
Quite luxury is what all we need!
Thanks a million. Now I can style many things I have in my closet.
Keep up the great articles Vita Daily!