What Is Quiet Luxury: Meaning and Guide for a Trend

A new fashion movement is taking over the runways, and it's called the quiet luxury trend.

In contrast to styles like boho and Y2K, the quiet luxury aesthetic is more than just a passing phase; it reflects our current financial landscape and a refined sense of taste. But before we dive deeper, let's clarify what quiet luxury truly means. In essence, it represents a modern form of minimalism that emphasizes investment pieces and mindful shopping practices.

Key Elements of Quiet Luxury Aesthetic

• Understated Elegance: The essence of quiet luxury style lies in its understated elegance, embracing a philosophy of minimalism and refined simplicity. This aesthetic prioritizes clean lines, sumptuous fabrics, and impeccable tailoring, all highlighting pieces that radiate effortless sophistication. 
• Quality Craftsmanship: Every stitch, seam, and detail is carefully crafted to uphold the highest quality standards. By selecting top-grade materials and working with skilled artisans, the silent fashion trend emphasizes precision and a keen eye for detail.
• Timeless Aesthetics: Quiet luxury outfits have proven to be timeless, embodying a lasting elegance that transcends passing fads. This aesthetic marries classic silhouettes with modern elements, creating designs that balance contemporary flair and enduring appeal.
• Attention to Detail: In the realm of understated luxury, the intricate details truly stand out—think perfectly aligned buttons and meticulously finished hems. Every aspect is thoughtfully designed to enhance the overall garment. This dedication to quality goes beyond what meets the eye, emphasizing comfortable linings, expert tailoring, and responsible production practices.
• Palette of Neutrals: Characterized by neutral and earthy shades such as black, white, beige, gray, navy, and olive, the silent luxury color palette showcases a refined sense of sophistication.
• Minimalist Branding: The era of showcasing brand logos has ended. Now, subtle or even non-existent branding has taken the spotlight.

Essential Quiet Luxury Brands

Quiet luxury brands are known for their outstanding fabrics and quality craftsmanship. Their designs feature clean lines and a subtle nod to current trends without being overly flashy, often incorporating nearly invisible logos. Below is a list of our top favorites: 

• A.P.C.: Celebrated for its elegant lines and minimalist designs, incorporating raw denim and premium materials. This French brand curates understated fashion collections for both men and women.
• ERIKA CAVALLINI: Embodies a narrative of prestigious minimalism, skillfully interpreted through the lens of contemporary women's fashion. It artfully combines captivating details and unique cuts, creating a fresh and appealing aesthetic.
• FTC CASHMERE: Renowned for its elegant and classy designs crafted from eco-certified, premium cashmere. The brand is acclaimed for its flowy silhouettes, sleek lines, and soft textures, offering minimalist collections for both men and women.
• HEREU: A Spanish brand specializing in accessories and footwear, it embodies the warmth and beauty of the Mediterranean spirit. Their shoes and bags showcase unique designs for men and women that seamlessly blend modern elegance with timeless charm.
• HOUSE OF DAGMAR: The minimalistic style of this Swedish brand of women's clothing expresses Scandinavian coziness and self-sufficient luxury. High-quality materials and bold cuts make you stand out in a classy way that catches the eye and captivates the beauty of the clean design. 
• JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN: This brand specializes in exquisite-quality wool fabrics, such as merino and cashmere, offering soft silhouettes and designs for women and men that resonate with a timeless aesthetic.
• LISA YANG: The Stockholm-based brand of women's clothing that blends a Western appreciation for comfort with the refined aesthetics of the East. Each piece showcases exceptional minimalism, reimagined classic cuts, and an unwavering commitment to quality.
• TIGER OF SWEDEN: Based in Stockholm, this brand is renowned for its impeccable tailoring and dedication to purposeful style. Their male and female collections embody Scandinavian sophistication, showcasing minimalist decorative touches, graceful silhouettes, and innovative designs.

Quiet Luxury Outfit Ideas for Women

Mastering silent fashion is all about investing in the fundamentals, as the style focuses on simplicity rather than gaudy details. The tailoring should always be impeccable and well-defined, even if the dress has a relaxed vibe, while the accessories should be sophisticated yet subtle enough not to overshadow your personality. While neutrals aren't strictly necessary for nailing the stealth wealth look, many brands and personalities linked to this aesthetic typically lean towards them. Still, adding a touch of color every now and then can definitely enhance the overall vibe. 

All-Black Outfit

An all-black outfit can make a bold statement, but it can also embody understated elegance. To achieve this look, ensure that all your pieces are perfectly coordinated and drape beautifully in all the right places. Keep jewelry simple and opt for a contrasting handbag to add some dimension. For our ensemble, we paired the Classic regular-fit trousers Faye from Tiger of Sweden with a dark grey Turtleneck cashmere sweater from FTC and topped it off with a black Oversized suit blazer for a sophisticated finish.

Preppy

For a chic, androgynous look that transitions from leisure to business meetings, pair our beige Wide-leg suit trousers with a Striped patch-pocket shirt and layer Lisa Yang's Crewneck cashmere sweater Renske over your shoulders. Complete this ensemble with a stylish handbag and a pair of white sneakers, creating a timeless and versatile appearance.

Contrasts

For elegant winter outfits, style the grey Ribbed cashmere dress Nari from Lisa Yang with the beige Belted relaxed coat Cameron from House of Dagmar. Complete the outfit with cream-colored ankle boots, a pair of luxurious sunglasses, and delicate gold accessories to embody the essence of quiet luxury through the details.

Dark Denim

Light denim washes evoke a vintage street style, while dark denim can easily fit into a minimalist capsule wardrobe. When styled thoughtfully, these jeans can seamlessly align with a quiet luxury aesthetic. For a great daily look, pair the High-rise Straight Jeans 90's Pinch from Agolde in black with a Patch-Pocket Striped Shirt featuring a classy blue-and-white stripe pattern. This combination is perfect for your everyday errands.

Hues of Brown

Suppose you're drawn to subtle colors and tone-on-tone outfits rather than bold contrasts. In that case, you can achieve a refined, quiet luxury style with brown Corduroy straight-leg trousers from House of Dagmar, a Roundneck fine-knit top Rowen by Lisa Yang, and a Knitted waistcoat by Erika Cavallini. To complete the ensemble, pair it with elegant accessories like stylish sunglasses, a chic handbag, and delicate gold jewelry for that touch of sophistication. 

Classic Accessories

Handbags play a crucial role in understated fashion. They often reflect the personality and style of their owner. If you're new to investing in quiet luxury, consider the Cut-out leather bag Onada from Hereu. This bag is practical and stylish, embodying sophistication without flashy logos. 

Regarding accessories, opt for simple gold or silver jewelry to elevate your look without overpowering it. A sleek, Thin buckle belt is also a fantastic choice. As winter approaches, the Knit cashmere scarf Paris from Lisa Yang is the perfect addition to keep you warm and chic.

Tailoring 

The quiet luxury trend focuses on investing in pieces that boast longevity rather than chasing after fleeting fads. Aligning closely with minimalism, this concept often manifests in clothing that features minimal embellishments, allowing the quality of the construction to shine through. It prioritizes perfectly tailored silhouettes over items that grab attention with bold, quirky details. House of Dagmar exemplifies this philosophy beautifully, with their Wide suit trousers paired with the Classic wool blazer in grey, topped off by a Brushed alpaca top underneath. Together, they create a look that is both understated and elegantly sophisticated.

Quiet Luxury Outfit Ideas for Men 

The quiet wealth aesthetic reflects a maturing outlook in men's clothing. It appeals to individuals who, amidst the chaos of fast fashion and ever-changing trends, find comfort in the understated, the authentic, and the timeless.

Dark Tones

Can a hoodie become a staple in your quiet luxury wardrobe? We believe it can, especially if it is the Hooded Pullover Nakkne from Tiger of Sweden. Pair it with the black Slim-Fit Jeans Pistolero and complete the ensemble with the timeless Leather Bomber Jacket from Aeronautica Militare. For those finishing touches, add a sleek watch and minimalist boots to elevate your look.

Neutrals

Here is the perfect outfit for your everyday errands. The Tapered classic jeans Adler from Citizens of Humanity, paired with a standout belt and chic boots, add an avant-garde flair. Meanwhile, the grey Relaxed round-neck pullover from FTC brings a touch of luxury. To elevate the look further, throw on the black Wool blazer Julien from Tiger of Sweden, transforming your outfit into smart attire. To finish off this stealth wealth vibe, add accessories like a stylish pair of sunglasses or a timeless handbag that feels like it has a story to tell.

Light-Colored Pants

Another way to express quiet luxury is by pairing the grey Straight-fit trousers Tenutas from Tiger of Sweden with the tucked-in Poloneck pullover Eross. A few combinations evoke quiet luxury, like trousers worn with a polo. Finish off with black loafers, a stylish necklace, and a vintage pair of sunglasses for added flair. Ultimately, the goal is to create a look that feels understated yet never dull.

Elevated Minimalism

For a polished and refined look, pair the navy Corduroy chino trousers Constantin from A.P.C. with a light brown Crewneck cashmere pullover by FTC. Layer on the Bouclé overshirt Lennon from Les Deux for added texture. This outfit radiates a subtle elegance, making it ideal for various occasions. Complete the ensemble with stylish brown or black boots to tie everything together.

Tailoring

A relaxed way to showcase understated luxury is to pair black Straight-leg wool trousers Tense from Tiger of Sweden with black loafers and white socks. Complete the ensemble with a sleek leather belt and the Rollneck cashmere pullover from FTC, crafted from ultra-soft pure cashmere. The look takes it up a notch when you layer a light blue Striped button-down shirt Greg from A.P.C. over the turtleneck - left unbuttoned and tucked in to highlight the belt. To add even more style, throw on a black beanie for that extra cool factor.

On the Go

This look begins with a classic foundation of wool. The grey Wool suit trousers Como from Les Deux serve as a versatile base, which we'll elevate with the Alpaca-blend roundneck pullover Adryan from Tiger of Sweden. To maintain the focus on the neutral colors, we'll finish off the ensemble with the sleek black Wool jacket Emile from A.P.C. Alternatively, you could swap in a sweatshirt for the pullover, but it's best to steer clear of any printed or branded pieces. 

Classic Accessories

Luxury isn't just about clothing; it extends to accessories as well. Opt for leather belts that forgo oversized buckles, like the Leather belt Bombazine from Tiger of Sweden. Clean-dial watches, high-quality leather wallets, and well-designed bags that blend form and function without shouting for attention are essential. The Briefcase Bays from TTiger of Sweden serves as a classic choice for achieving a minimalist look. As winter approaches, don't forget about warm accessories like the Stitched alpaca scarf Aster from Holzweiler. Throughout, let the quality and understated elegance be your guiding principles.

FAQ about Quiet Luxury Style

What is quite luxury? 

Quiet luxury is an emerging fashion trend that focuses on investing in high-quality, minimalist pieces known for their timeless elegance. It represents an 'anti-bling' philosophy, standing in stark contrast to trendy avant-garde designer brands that favor bold logos and extravagant patterns. 

What defines quiet luxury?

The essential aspects of this trend include the finest quality materials, carefully chosen shades of natural and neutral colors, and an impeccable cut and fit. 

What are the rules for quiet luxury?

Focus on timeless classics. Aim for a clean, uncluttered aesthetic that radiates effortless elegance. Maintain a minimal color palette, as the beauty of quiet luxury rests in simplicity. Don't overlook the impact of thoughtfully selected accessories; they can elevate your outfit significantly. Remember, the subtle details can make all the difference, so choose your accessories carefully. Just like with any aspect of fashion, invest in classic pieces that will stand the test of time. Above all, carry yourself with confidence, as it truly is the best accessory you can wear. 

Is quiet luxury still in? 

The trend of quiet luxury remains incredibly popular among fashion insiders, and it continues to dominate the runways as we look ahead to upcoming seasons. 

What are the colors for quiet luxury?

Quiet luxury emphasizes muted tones and natural hues, meaning beiges, taupes, grays, and creamy whites—these shades are timeless, exuding a sense of calm and understated sophistication. Incorporating deeper earthy colors like charcoal, navy, aubergine, or olive can introduce a subtle richness to the palette. Neutrals such as black and white also play a key role in this elegant scheme.

What is the difference between quiet luxury and preppy?

The preppy style blends school uniform elements such as blazers, button-down shirts, polos, pleated skirts, and loafers, all infused with an intellectual flair. On the other hand, quiet luxury emphasizes a more understated elegance centered on high-quality craftsmanship. By definition, this aesthetic is characterized by minimalism, sleek lines, and a natural color palette, setting it apart from the preppy look.