Shhh…did you see what she was wearing? If you didn’t, that’s a good thing, but if you know, you know! Quiet luxury or quiet fashion is all about bespoke understated luxury. It’s not screaming in your face with logos and loud colors. If you like elegant style, this is your aesthetic.
It’s about high-quality fabrics, tailoring, and timeless staples. If you want to join this sustainable trend, here is everything you need to know about the quiet luxury movement and how you can get started.
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What is Quiet Luxury?
Quiet luxury is about having unassuming elegance. This wardrobe is created with high-quality timeless clothing. A quiet fashion capsule wardrobe can be built with clothing made of luxurious fabrics such as rich knits, wool, cashmere, and silks.
Quiet fashion is made of high-quality tailoring. The color scheme is calm and neutral. It’s minimalist luxury at its best. Here are 9 quietly sophisticated items to get started in creating this look:
9 Quiet Luxury Must Haves
You can attain this look with a good understanding of quiet luxury brands and high-quality clothing. If you know how to shop, it does not have to cost a fortune!
1. A High-Quality Wool Coat or Blazer
A tailored wool coat, blazer, or trench is a must-have for the quiet luxury wardrobe. I have a J.Crew Italian Lady Coat that I purchased 20 years ago and it was worth the investment. This is a nice mid range option for quiet luxury.
2. A Cashmere Sweater
A lightweight cashmere sweater sends a message of subtle opulence. Choose neutral colors that can be mixed and matched with high-quality skirts and pants. I love this Everlane Classic Cashmere Crew Sweater because it can go with just about anything.
3. A Silk Blouse
A silk blouse is a refined comfort. Choose a silk blouse in white, cream, or navy blue. I love this Lilysilk Basic Silk Long Sleeve Shirt. This is a great staple to have in your quiet luxury wardrobe.
4. Wool Blend Or Ponte Knit Wide-Leg Pant
Another unassumingly elegant staple of the minimalist luxury wardrobe is a high-quality wide-leg wool or knit Ponte pair of pants. I recommend this Celine Wool Gabardine Mohair Pants. If this is too pricey for you, then get the Banana Republic Italian Wool Straight Pant which is a fraction of the price of the Celine wool pants. This will be a go-to staple all year long. Mix and match with your blazers, cashmere sweaters, and silk blouses.
5. The Wool Cashmere Wrap Dress
Diane Von Furstenberg invented this high-end staple that exudes timeless elegance. While you can find a version of them in every fast fashion store today, quiet luxury wrap dresses are known for subdued luxury. This Astrid Wrap Wool-Cashmere DVF dress is worth the investment.
6. A High-Quality Ballet Flat or Pointy Toe Shoe
The high-quality ballet flat is known for timeless comfort and elegance. It’s another quiet luxury staple must-have. An alternative to a ballet flat is a pointy-toe flat made of either suede or Italian leather. The iconic Chanel ballet flat is a perfect example of a quiet luxury shoe. A good alternative if you don’t want to spend that much is the Stuart Weitzman Emila Mary Jane flats.
7. A Suede or Leather Riding Boots
A well-made suede or leather designer shoe is a quiet luxury staple that you can use to make a discrete luxury statement. Get them in black, gray, or brown to elevate your wardrobe. Some of my favorites include these leather Cole Haan Hampshire Riding Boots or these Vince Ramona Suede Knee Boots.
8. Quiet Luxury Sunglasses
Accessories can elevate your wardrobe. This is another understated refined luxury item that is a must-have to incorporate into your quiet luxury wardrobe. I recommend these Valentino Rectangle Acetate Sunglasses. Or, if you don’t have that kind of cash to spend on a pair of shades, I love these Kate Spade Bayliegh Sunglasses. I have these and love them!
9. A High-End Neutral Handbag
Being discreet with your luxury items is a hallmark of the quiet fashion aesthetic. A designer tote handbag can be your everyday workhorse. For this look, choose a quiet fashion bag without logos and brand patterns. Cuyana is a good choice for understated luxury. This Saint Laurent tote is also nondescript. Remember, you’re going for subtle opulence so no loud logo, please.
Why is Quiet Luxury A Thing?
There are many reasons why more women are interested in quiet luxury vs fast fashion. Here are the main reasons why slow fashion vs. fast fashion is here to stay:
It Saves Money In the Long Run
- Since items are high quality, they last longer, reducing the amount of clothing purchases. It improves your “Cost Per Wear”. Investing in high-quality items is a smart choice if you work hard for your money, especially in these economic times. It’s the ultimate closet edit!
It Creates A Sustainable Wardrobe
- Quiet luxury is sustainable, classic, and timeless. Unlike fast fashion, quiet fashion is not at the mercy of trends, so quiet luxury clothing will always be in style. If you are a conscious shopper and care about reducing waste, and clutter and improving the environment, buying sustainable fashion is important.
Is Quiet Luxury Only for Wealthy People?
You can get quiet luxuries for less if you know how to shop for quality clothing. It does not mean it has to cost a fortune. If you know how to identify quality tailoring, you’ll be able to build a sustainable wardrobe on any budget.
Quiet luxury fashion brands do not have to be for stealth wealth only. Take your time and shop for luxury items at discount luxury department stores, in clearance racks, and even in consignment shops. Knowing when to shop is also important. You can get some great deals during sales seasons.
Is Quiet Luxury Boring?
Absolutely not! You can incorporate your personal style identity and create an authentic wardrobe that suits your lifestyle while creating a timeless quality wardrobe. The first step is to identify your personal style. Just remember to follow the formula of discrete luxury, no bells and whistles like loud brand logos and fads.
There are 7 style types. You can use your style archetype and incorporate it into a quiet luxury wardrobe. Using accessories can also add a personal touch to the quiet luxury aesthetic.
Join the Quiet Luxury Movement
If you are looking for sustainable classic fashion, then this aesthetic will appeal to your style and your wallet. Quiet fashion is about having less clothing and creating a high quality sustainable elegant and classy wardrobe. French women for example do this best. They invest in high-quality timeless clothing and accessories that stand the test of time.
Become a savvy shopper and know how to find quality clothing in your budget and leverage discount department stores and sales. You’ll be able to build a classic high-quality quiet luxury wardrobe in no time!
