You may or may not be familiar with the concept of quiet luxury. Popularised by celebrities and social media personalities like Emily Mariko, quiet luxury emphasises understated elegance and a refined sense of style that isn’t overt or excessive. Unlike more ostentatious, flashy forms of luxury, like dressing head-to-toe in designer labels and driving around in a supercar, quiet luxury focuses on appreciating the finer things in life in a modest, dignified manner. Read on to find out how you can embrace quiet luxury without spending a fortune.
Quality Over Quantity
When it comes to selecting pieces for your quietly luxurious wardrobe, think "quality over quantity." The fast fashion industry relies on cheap materials and rapid production to meet high consumer demand and the ever-changing runway trends. As a result, this industry generates significant amounts of non-biodegradable textile waste, putting immense strain on landfill sites. By investing in high-quality clothing that retains its value over time, you can enjoy long-lasting luxury while reducing your carbon footprint. That’s not to say that you can’t indulge in experimenting with the latest trends, but be mindful of your consumption habits and choose pieces based on their quality rather than their alignment with current fashion.
Timeless Design
Dressing in a way that embraces quiet luxury means opting for classic styles with a timeless appeal. Instead of chasing the rapid turnover of trend-driven fashion, creating a wardrobe and living space that smacks of classic, inherent beauty ensures a lifestyle that transcends arbitrary fashion rules and fads. In terms of style, opt for timeless pieces that have maintained their appeal over the years, like crisp, white button-down shirts, tailored blazers and pearl necklaces. In your home, consider sourcing antique, hardwood furniture, crystal glassware and elegant lighting fixtures.
Minimalism
Minimalism and quiet luxury go hand in hand. Firstly, both concepts prioritise quality over quantity. Creating a minimalism-inspired capsule wardrobe of versatile, well-crafted and durable items allows you to build effortlessly stylish and elegant outfits that testify to their quality. Additionally, both concepts embrace a "less is more" philosophy. Minimalism seeks to simplify life by reducing clutter, while quiet luxury focuses on the desirability of owning a limited number of exceptional items rather than excess for the sake of excess.
Be Careful With Branding
Quiet luxury embraces the concept of subtle branding. Instead of choosing garments that display their brands proudly and overtly, opting for items with subtle or minimal branding defines a dignified approach to luxury, demonstrating appreciation for the garment itself rather than the logo it represents. Excessive, in-your-face branding is typically associated with ostentatiousness and uncouth demonstrations of wealth. In contrast, by embracing pieces that prioritise quality over branding, you can enjoy your beautiful, carefully-chosen items in a tasteful, refined manner.
High-Quality Materials
When selecting high-quality garments, your choice of material can be the difference between a piece that stands the test of time or one that loses its luxury appeal after just a few uses. For instance, cashmere is one of the world’s most sought-after fibres due to its inherent durability and long-lasting softness. Although cashmere can fetch a high price, you can enjoy this remarkable material for less by taking advantage of discount events such as a cashmere jumper sale.
Investment Pieces
Investment pieces are more expensive upfront, but their longevity, versatility, and ability to withstand changing trends make them - as the name would suggest - worthwhile investments. For instance, a subtly-branded high-end handbag from a reputable designer, such as Bottega Veneta or Loro Piana, is an excellent way to embrace quiet luxury and enjoy the finer things in life while spending your money wisely. Investment pieces typically retain their value, meaning you can sell them for a reasonable price once you’re ready to part with them.
Neutral Colours
Quiet luxury is often associated with neutral colours due to the emphasis on timeless elegance and subtlety that the concept represents. Neutral tones, such as black, white, grey and beige, have a classic quality, making them a perfect fit for the long-lasting appeal of quiet luxury. Moreover, neutrals exude a sense of sophistication without appearing overly flashy, aligning with quiet luxury’s emphasis on subtly. If you’re eager to compile a quiet luxury-inspired capsule wardrobe, neutrals are an excellent place to start, as they are easy to style and exceptionally versatile.