Quiet Luxury: Tips for Cultivating Your Style

Quiet Luxury is a trend that embraces restraint over abandon. In this article, we’re going to explore the key elements of this elegant style.

We’ll also show you how to reconstruct your wardrobe to embrace the Quiet Luxury trend. With tips on shopping and creating looks, you'll soon have this style covered.

What Is Quiet Luxury?

Quiet Luxury has evolved out of post-pandemic times. The lessons of recent years have shown us that it’s time to be more mindful in every area of our lives. This includes how we dress and make purchases.

The Quiet Luxury trend embraces this approach. It calls for simplicity in the pieces we wear and the way we shop for them. It’s also about buying fewer yet high-quality items in the spirit of sustainable fashion.

Buoyed by the popularity of the drama Succession, whose characters sported an elegant look, Quiet Luxury has taken hold.

Its popularity has thrived, as it embodies values that many hold dear. The values of sustainability, responsible purchasing, and classic style that lasts a lifetime.

Basic Principles of Quiet Luxury Style

Minimalism and Restraint

Minimalism and restraint are at the heart of the Quiet Luxury trend.

The pieces that reflect this style offer clean lines. Unnecessary details are absent. They're functional too, serving their purpose — but with panache. The color palette is neutral, allowing you to mix and match items with ease. 

This is an understated style that lets the wearer’s character and beauty shine through. There's no vying for attention with your wardrobe.

Quality

With Quiet Luxury, quality always wins over quantity.

To dress the Quiet Luxury way, invest in high-quality materials that will last. Natural fabrics like merino wool, cashmere, and silk effortlessly channel this style. They’re practical and flattering too. Silk drapes to create an elegant silhouette. Cashmere is lightweight yet insulating.

The multifaceted nature of these materials means they work now. And they will continue to do so in the future.

Timelessness and Sustainability

Timelessness and sustainability complement one another.

Choose a classically designed piece and it will defy shifting fashion trends. It will look as fresh in years to come as the day you bought it.

Shopping this way is also sustainable. Buying fewer but better-quality clothes is the way forward. It means less consumerism, less waste, and a happier planet.

Wardrobe Elements

Let’s break down the elements of the Quiet Luxury style for a woman to understand how it works.

Essential Pieces

Get back to basics with a capsule wardrobe comprising quality key pieces. This base will allow you to mix and match your items to create authentic Quiet Luxury looks.

Neutral blazer

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A versatile neutral blazer elevates any outfit.

Cashmere sweater

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The simplest cashmere sweater offers an abundance of luxury. 

Silk slip dress

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A slip dress in luxe silk can take you from day to night, channeling the Quiet Luxury look.

Tailored black pants

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A classic pair of black pants is always on trend. Style them up with a statement coat or down with a white T-shirt and pumps.

Leather handbag

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A classic leather handbag stands the test of time, its changing patina reflecting your shared history.

Let’s not forget that Quiet Luxury style for men is trending too. For guys, key elements can include a plaid sports jacket, a rollneck sweater in merino wool, or a linen shirt. The same principles of quality and restraint apply.

Color Palette

Create a neutral color palette, which allows you to mix and match any items. Add a vibrant color in small quantities, if that’s your style.

These shades work well for a neutral base:

• Black
• White
• Gray
• Ecru
• Camel
• Blush pink

For a pop of color, choose:

• Scarlet
• Navy blue
• Bottle green

Fabrics and Materials

Some fabrics and materials lend themselves to the Quiet Luxury trend. Cashmere, for example, can only be collected for a short time every year. Its limited supply and soft and breathable properties make it sought-after.

Quality leather has a similar kudos. Full-grain Nappa leather is one of the most desirable varieties thanks to its soft and luxe feel.

Natural fabrics reflect the Quiet Luxury style. Here's our list for inspiration:

• Leather: Opt for full-grain leather, complete with unique imperfections.
• Silk: Ahimsa silk offers a cruelty-free option. Silk is made from boiling silkworm cocoons. With ahimsa silk, the silkworm leaves the cocoon before treatment begins.
• Linen: Look for the texture and natural creases that assure authenticity.
• Cashmere: This desirable material exudes understated luxury.

Mastering Quiet Luxury: Applying the Elegance

Follow our tips to create stunning outfits.

How to Shop for Quiet Luxury

You don’t need to spend a fortune to embrace the Quiet Luxury trend. All you need to know is how to shop:

Shop Smart

• Buy the best quality your budget allows. Be aware of when sales are due and buy up key items at these times.
• Source pre-loved, quality pieces on sites like eBay. Or head for The RealReal, the online marketplace for authentic designer fashion.
• Try Vestiaire Collective, a French online platform for pre-loved luxury items. One of its strengths is its rigorous authentication process.

Shop Unique

• For unique and vintage pieces, check out Etsy.
• Find hidden gems in thrift stores and flea markets.
• If there’s a style you love, get a garment made in that look.

How to Create Quiet Luxury Looks

Now you’ve built up your essential pieces, it’s time to put them together. Follow these principles to help you:

Mix Things Up

• An affordable dress can look sensational with a cashmere wrap.
• Pair folk-inspired jewelry with a minimalist all-black outfit.
• Revive the oldest items in your wardrobe. Revitalize a classic jacket with a designer scarf you found in the thrift store.

Consider Shape and Form

• Create a silhouette that flatters your natural shape.
• Experiment with layers and textures. If you can’t decide between two cashmere sweaters, wear both. Drape the second over your shoulders to pay homage to the Quiet Luxury trend.

Just Be You

Quiet Luxury is about making a trend work for you and your unique tastes. Harness what you love about this elegant style and put your own personal stamp on it. Add your signature color or accessorize with heirloom jewelry — it’s your shout.

Quiet Luxury: The Finishing Touch

Quiet Luxury is not an exclusive trend. With a little know-how, it’s a style that everyone can achieve. Keep in mind the philosophy “less is more” and you’ll stay on point.

Its simple ethos and affordable options let you express the best version of yourself.

With Quiet Luxury, low maintenance translates into high impact. The boost is not only to your wardrobe — but your self-image and well-being too.