It is possible that you have encountered the phrase “quiet luxury” when perusing fashion publications or social media. It’s a fashion trend that suggests a quieter side, but it’s definitely made a big splash in the media.
“Quiet luxury is the complete opposite of fast fashion and the antithesis of ‘logomania,'” claims fashion writer and stylist Maggie Gillette. The word and, to a lesser extent, the trend, became widely known on TikTok because of celebrities like Sophia Richie, who rose to fame in 2023 as a style icon.
This understated take on upscale style is more about wearing luxurious fabrics and perfectly fitted clothing than it is about flaunting riches overtly by dressing in specific well-known brands. In certain instances, it also involves donning labels that might only be known to individuals acquainted with the “social codes of the upper class,” as stated by Gillette.
Describe Quiet Luxury.
Natural fibers, muted color schemes, elegant, low-key shapes, and well-fitting clothing are the main characteristics of quiet luxury.
According to content producer and shopping expert Jen Reed, “The biggest thing to keep in mind here is that you want to focus on the quality of your pieces—not necessarily the price tag or the brand—and the silhouette.” “Consider monochrome outfits, muted hues, and chic handbags. All of these are essential elements of this movement, which I firmly believe is here to stay.
This translates to giving natural fabrics with a premium hand-feel, like cashmere, linen, and silk, priority over less expensive materials like polyester. The clothing and accessories are properly lined where appropriate, the stitching is expertly done, and the panels of the fabrics are carefully aligned in a calm luxury. There should also be no overpowering, obtrusive logos in any piece.
In the sense that nothing about quiet luxury should stick out or draw attention in the manner that trends usually do, Gillette describes it as sort of an “anti-trend.” “As a result, calm luxury has a timeless quality. Ironically, this anti-trend is becoming a megatrend because it appeals to people of all ages and has contributed to its popularity across generations.
The Top 6 Calm Luxury Brands
We’ve selected a few brands that lend credence to the quiet luxury trend so you can better understand what it entails.
1. The Row
“Quiet luxury” has come to be associated with this brand. And the prices are definitely exorbitant, as the name suggests. “Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen founded this American business, which specializes in refining upgraded fundamentals. Gillette says, “I would have a closet full of their gorgeous outerwear if I had an endless budget.”
Shop The Row
2. Abercrombie
Think “simple, streamlined silhouettes and classic pieces that will truly never go out of style” when considering quiet luxury, according to Reed. Abercrombie, a preppy Americana brand, succeeds in that regard. “I adore Abercrombie because they offer sophisticated basics like straight-leg jeans, a timeless trench coat, and a crisp white button-down.”
Shop Abercrombie
3. Totême
Should you have a slightly Scandinavian sense of style, the Stockholm-based fashion label Toteme may be more to your liking. Despite only being ten years old, the company has made a name for itself in the market and is renowned for its classic style and minimalist designs that go well with any modern wardrobe. It focuses heavily on using high-quality fabrics and expert craftsmanship to create a variety of apparel and accessories.
Shop Totême
4. Piana Loro
Now, Loro Piana is the epitome of understated elegance. According to Gillette, “the Italian company wasn’t as well-known as some other heritage brands, despite being around for almost a century and being owned by the luxury conglomerate LVMH for ten of those years.” “When a character from Succession wore one of their over-$500 cashmere baseball hats, it received a boost in the brand recognition category.”
Shop Loro Piana
5. The Season of Hunting
With a strong foundation in fashion and design, Danielle Corona founded Hunting Season in 2006, specializing in opulent accessories. Among its most sought-after products are compact leather goods and purses without emblems, which emphasize efficiency over complicated designs and clean lines. The company also offers a lovely line of woven accessories.
Shop Hunting Season
6. Celine
Let’s embark on a discreet, opulent journey to France to see Celine, a fashion label that has amassed 75 years of design expertise. “With her well-edited minimalist collections, Phoebe Philo was credited with making the brand a must-have for sophisticated and stylish women in the late 2000s,” according to Gillette. “The quality permeates all of their designs, and the outerwear and leather goods continue to exude quiet luxury.”
Shop Celine