Tired of flashy logos and over-the-top fashion trends? Craving a more sophisticated and timeless style? Quiet luxury might be just what you need.
It’s all about understated elegance and quality over quantity.
In this guide, we’ll uncover the secrets of quiet luxury in 2024. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right fabrics and colors to accessorizing with intention.
TL;DR
How to Style Quiet Luxury in 2024:
- Invest in quality basics: Timeless pieces in neutral colors.
- Choose natural fabrics: Cashmere, silk, wool, and linen.
- Prioritize fit and tailoring: Clothes should fit perfectly.
- Keep it simple: Avoid logos, flashy prints, and embellishments.
- Accessorize thoughtfully: Minimalist jewelry, quality leather goods.
- Pay attention to details: Well-groomed hair, polished shoes, subtle makeup.
The Foundation of Quiet Luxury
Quiet luxury isn’t about following every fleeting fashion trend. Instead, it’s about investing in clothes that are well-made and will last for years, not just a season.
Think of it this way: would you rather have ten cheap shirts that fall apart after a few washes or one really nice shirt that you can wear for years and always feel great in?
When you’re shopping, pay attention to the fabrics. Look for natural materials like cashmere, silk, and linen. These fabrics not only feel amazing, but they also tend to look better over time.
You can find beautiful silk blouses, cashmere sweaters, and linen pants that will become your go-to pieces, no matter the season.
Building a capsule wardrobe is another key part of quiet luxury. A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of clothes that you can mix and match to create many different outfits. It might include classic pieces like a structured blazer, a trench coat, a satin slip skirt, and a well-fitting pair of jeans.
By focusing on quality pieces that you love, you could build a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and stylish every day.
Quiet luxury is all about understated elegance that starts with your color choices. Think timeless colors like black, white, beige, navy, and gray. These colors are simple to mix and match, and they never go out of style.
The Art of Understated Elegance
Your clothes should fit you well, like puzzle pieces that complement your shape.
Nothing too tight or baggy – just a clean, polished look.
Think of a classic A-line midi skirt paired with a tucked-in silk blouse or a simple v-neck sweater for a quiet luxury look.
Or picture straight-leg jeans, not too skinny, not too loose, with a crisp white shirt. These are the kinds of outfits you might see on HBO’s Succession, where characters effortlessly embody understated elegance.
Good tailoring doesn’t have to be expensive. Many places offer affordable alterations, so if something you love doesn’t fit perfectly off the rack, a quick trip to the tailor can transform it.
Accessories are the finishing touch to any quiet luxury look. We’re going for understated elegance, so think minimal jewelry or a simple statement piece in gold.
Delicate necklaces or hoop earrings are always a safe bet.
Your bag and shoes are also important. A nice leather handbag or a simple canvas tote is ideal. For shoes, stick with classic styles like loafers, pumps, or boots.
Ballet flats are perfect for warmer months while riding boots will keep you stylish in colder weather.
The quiet luxury aesthetic is all about focusing on details and investing in pieces that will last season after season. You might spend a little more upfront, but these are pieces you’ll wear for years.
You might be thinking, “Okay, this all sounds great, but what if I don’t have a ton of money to spend on clothes?” Don’t worry; you don’t need a trust fund like the Roy family on Succession to rock the quiet luxury trend.
Quiet Luxury on a Budget
Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Poshmark and The RealReal are treasure troves for high-quality pieces at lower prices.
You can find designer clothes, shoes, and handbags in great condition for a fraction of the original price.
It might take some digging, but that’s part of the fun! Make it a challenge to find that perfect cashmere sweater or classic trench coat.
You’ll be surprised at what you can uncover. It’s a great way to add investment pieces to your closet without spending a fortune.
You don’t have to buy everything from expensive brands to look chic. Quiet luxury is about mixing high-end pieces with more affordable basics.
For example, you could pair a designer scarf or handbag with a simple white tee and jeans or wear a pair of gold statement earrings with a dress from a lower-priced store. It’s all about balance.
The key is to invest in a few really good pieces that you love (like a well-made blazer or a beautiful silk blouse) and then mix them with more budget-friendly items.
This way, you can still achieve that luxurious look without breaking the bank. Think of it like adding a sprinkle of gold dust to your everyday outfits!
One of the easiest ways to make your clothes last longer (and look better) is to take good care of them. This means storing them properly, washing them according to the care instructions, and addressing any stains or damage promptly.
If you invest in high-quality pieces, it’s worth it to take the extra time to care for them.
After all, you want these pieces to be a part of your wardrobe for years to come, not just for a season when they are trending.
Remember, quiet luxury is more about mindset than money. It’s about investing in quality over quantity and choosing pieces that make you feel confident and stylish. And with a little creativity, you can achieve this look no matter what your budget is.
Beyond Clothing: Quiet Luxury Lifestyle
Think of how the characters on Succession always look polished and put together. That’s part of the quiet luxury charm.
Keep your hair neat, your nails trimmed, and your skin looking fresh.
A natural makeup look and a subtle scent can add to your overall polished appearance. Remember, it’s not about following every new beauty trend but finding what works for you and sticking with it.
Have you ever noticed how a clean and tidy space feels calming? It’s the same idea with quiet luxury.
The less clutter you have in your home and life, the easier it is to focus on the things that truly matter. This doesn’t mean you have to live like a monk, but decluttering your closet and home can make a big difference in how you feel.
Plus, you’ll probably find it easier to put together great outfits with your favorite pieces when you’re not digging through piles of stuff.
This might be the most important part of quiet luxury. It’s about feeling good in your skin, no matter what you’re wearing.
When you wear clothes that fit well and make you feel comfortable, it shows. So stand tall, smile, and rock those ballet flats or gold accessories like you were born to wear them.
Remember, quiet luxury is about living a life that feels authentic and fulfilling, not just following fashion trends.
It’s about choosing experiences over stuff and surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy. And at the end of the day, it’s about feeling good about yourself – that’s the kind of luxury that money can’t buy.
Quiet Luxury Inspiration: Style Icons
Need a little quiet luxury inspiration?
Look no further than some of your favorite stylish celebs. Think of Shiv Roy in Succession. She’s the queen of understated elegance, often seen in neutral colors, tailored suits, and simple but expensive-looking jewelry.
Or maybe you’re more of a Gwyneth Paltrow fan, with her love of classic pieces like trench coats and ballet flats. Even someone like Katie Holmes, who’s often spotted in jeans and a t-shirt, can pull off the quiet luxury look with a great handbag or a perfectly tailored blazer.
Don’t be afraid to borrow ideas from the people whose style you admire. Try recreating their outfits using pieces you already have in your closet, or hunt for similar items at a lower price.
Check out thrift stores, online marketplaces, or even your mom’s closet (with her permission, of course!).
The key is to find what works for you. Not everyone is going to love wearing a suit like Shiv Roy, and that’s okay. The beauty of quiet luxury is that it’s all about finding your unique style within the framework of quality and timeless design.
So go ahead, experiment, have fun, and make this trend your own!
Building Your Quiet Luxury Wardrobe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s get down to business and develop your quiet luxury wardrobe! This step-by-step guideline will help you create a closet full of clothes you’ll love wearing for years to come.
- Assess Your Current Wardrobe:
- Take everything out of your closet and drawers. Yes, everything!
- Now, go through each item and ask yourself:
- Does this fit me well? Does it make me feel confident?
- Is it made from quality materials? Will it last season after season?
- Does it align with the quiet luxury aesthetic? (Think classic styles, neutral colors, and good tailoring.)
- If you’re unsure about an item, try it on and see how you feel. Does it make you feel like Shiv Roy in Succession, effortlessly put together? If it doesn’t check all the boxes, it’s time to let it go. You could donate clothes you no longer wear, sell them online, or even host a clothing swap with friends. Think of it as spring cleaning for your closet!
- Create a Wishlist:
- Now that you know what you have, it’s time to figure out what you need. Make a list of the essential items you’re missing.
- Think about pieces you can wear all year round, like a great pair of jeans, a soft sweater, or a structured blazer.
- Don’t forget about shoes and bags! Ballet flats are perfect for everyday wear, while a leather tote will never go out of style.
Prioritize quality and versatility when building your wishlist. A few good-chosen pieces will go a lot further than a closet full of cheap clothes you never wear. It’s about investing in pieces you’ll love for years, not just for a season.
- Shop Smart:
- You don’t have to spend a ton of money to build a quiet luxury wardrobe. Look for sales and discounts, shop at thrift stores and consignment shops, and don’t be afraid to try less expensive brands. Many stores offer high-quality basics at a fraction of the cost of designer labels. You might be surprised at what hidden gems you could find!
- Please do your research and find brands known for their timeless designs and quality craftsmanship. Ask your friends for suggestions, read online reviews, and browse through magazines for inspiration.
- Experiment and Have Fun:
- Fashion is all about expressing yourself, so don’t be afraid to try new outfit combinations and see what works for you.
- Play with different textures, like pairing a soft cashmere sweater and leather pants or a silk skirt.
- Layer your clothes for a cool, effortless vibe that can take you from a warm day to a cool evening.
- And most importantly, have fun with it! Fashion should be enjoyable, not stressful.
Building your quiet luxury wardrobe is a journey, not a race. It takes time to find the pieces you love that fit your style. But trust me, the effort is worth it. Once you have a closet full of clothes that make you feel confident and stylish, getting dressed in the morning will be a breeze!
Conclusion
There you have it – your guide to quiet luxury! It’s about high-quality pieces you love, not expensive brands or fleeting trends.
With these tips, look and feel like a million bucks every day, whether you’re running errands in ballet flats or attending a fancy event. Remember, invest in luxe textures that feel as amazing as they look, and don’t be afraid to experiment to find your perfect classic style.
Most importantly, confidence is key.
When you feel good about what you’re wearing, it shows! Embrace your style, invest in quality pieces that will last you season after season, and let your inner quiet luxury shine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some quiet luxury brands I can look for?
While quiet luxury isn’t about labels, some brands are known for their understated elegance. Look for brands like Loro Piana, The Row, Max Mara, Brunello Cucinelli, and even some classic options like Ralph Lauren. You can often find great pieces from these brands secondhand at a lower price.
Is quiet luxury only for certain body types?
Absolutely not! Quiet luxury is all about finding clothes that fit your body well and make you feel confident. It’s about classic silhouettes and high-quality fabrics that flatter everyone.
Can I wear quiet luxury in the winter?
Yes! Quiet luxury is perfect for colder weather. Think cozy cashmere sweaters, wool coats, and leather boots. You can layer these pieces for a warm and stylish winter look.
Does quiet luxury mean I can’t wear any bright colors?
Quiet luxury is typically associated with neutral colors, but you can definitely add pops of color through accessories or a statement piece. Think of Shiv Roy from Succession and her occasional bold handbag. It’s all about balance!
What’s the one must-have item for a quiet luxury wardrobe?
It’s hard to pick just one, but a great pair of ballet flats is a versatile choice. They can be dressed up or down and are comfortable enough for everyday wear. Look for leather or suede options in neutral colors like black, brown, or beige.
