The quiet luxury (also known as stealth wealth) trend has been bubbling for a while now but has really come to the fore since Gwyneth Paltrow’s court appearances where she wore a succession of low-key but highly expensive outfits which exemplified the look.
So, what is this trend? And, if it resonates with you, how could you incorporate it in your wardrobe without the massive price tag?
What is quiet luxury?
Basically, it’s all about taking an understated approach to your wardrobe; wearing high-quality timeless pieces in classic silhouettes and neutral tones that never go out of style. It’s the antithesis of bold logos, conspicuous branding and “bling”. The focus is on quality rather than quantity.
Quiet luxury’s easy elegance will particularly appeal to City Chic and Classic style personalities who will appreciate its pared back minimalism and the emphasis on premium fabrics. Natural style personalities may also be drawn to this trend due to its unfussiness.
Which are the quiet luxury brands?
Quiet luxury brands are refined and understated and, because they don’t rely on heavy branding and logos are generally only recognized by those “in the know”. The Row, Khaite , Toteme and, MaxMara all exemplify quiet luxury.
With its instantly recognizable checks, Burberry, is not a quiet luxury brand. Likewise, there’s nothing understated about “blingtastic” Versace, Dolce & Gabbana etc. Brands such as these will appeal to more Dramatic style personalities who relish the limelight and will likely find the quiet luxury look much too low-key.
All these labels are of course beyond most people’s budgets but there are certainly other high street brands that have a quiet luxury aesthetic, for example, Massimo Dutti and Me+ Em and Jigsaw. Equally, good old M&S and Uniqlo aren’t luxury brands but the quality of their cashmere, for example, stacks up well against labels charging several times the price. Think “classic” and avoid their “fashion” versions though so that their provenance is not easily identifiable.
Rather than getting hung up on particular brands though, think about buying quality, timeless pieces you can build your wardrobe around. Think understated elegance.
What to buy
Invest the most you can afford in classic pieces in premium fabrics that will form the backbone of your wardrobe; staples such as a beautifully tailored pair of trousers, jacket, coat and maybe a shift or wrap dress. These pieces can be supplemented by less expensive high street purchases.
Before you buy anything though, have a good look at what you already have in your wardrobe and identify the types of clothes you wear most because these are the ones that are most worth investing in. If you love a cosy jumper, for example, maybe think about upgrading to cashmere.
Quiet luxury on a budget
Shopping in the sales can be a great way to buy quality items on a budget. Avoid anything obviously “of the moment” and instead focus on well – cut pieces in great fabrics and fairly neutral colours. These should slot nicely into your existing wardrobe and add a touch of understated luxury. Dress them up by adding accessories.
Another good way of acquiring luxury designer options at a fraction of their original cost is to scour charity shops and dress agencies (particularly in affluent areas) or check out online sites such as CSD, HEWI and Vestaire Collective which have a good selection of pre-loved designer clothing and accessories.
Quiet luxury is the antithesis of conspicuous consumption and throwaway fashion. It’s about buying less and wearing more, so take your time to build a wardrobe of clothes that you love and that will stand the test of time.