How to Wear the Quiet Luxury Trend
Content editor
Dulcie Emerson
Quiet luxury explained
So, what exactly is the quiet luxury trend?
Gaining momentum in 2024, quiet luxury is an understated way of dressing that champions premium materials and discreetly chic details. Bypassing maximalism, dopamine dressing, or flashy logomania, quiet luxury emerged as an effortlessly elegant alternative to the attention-grabbing yet fleeting trends doing the rounds on TikTok .
Style with substance
The quiet luxury trend isn't just about aesthetics; it signals a considered approach to shopping that encourages a 'buy less but better' mentality. Investing in high-quality, versatile pieces ensures your wardrobe goes the distance and remains relevant year after year. Keep your garments in immaculate condition by repairing any snags or dropped hems as soon as you notice them: our new partnership with SOJO is ideal for this.
Key pieces for a quiet luxury look
Buy less, buy better
The cornerstone of quiet luxury is premium fabrication and materials, think wool, silk, cashmere, cotton and leather for starters. Natural fibres may command a higher price tag but that doesn't mean they aren't a savvy purchase. Take care of your garments and they'll take care of you, ensuring you look polished while also being breathable, hardwearing and tactile.
Curate a 'quiet luxury' capsule wardrobe
Try writing a shopping list of foundational wardrobe items to help keep your 'quiet luxury' capsule wardrobe on track and avoid impulse purchases – your budget (and the planet) will thank you for it in the longer term. The latest collections by Jaeger and Autograph are a great place to start looking for premium pieces without breaking the bank, whether that's a plush cashmere sweater or a wear-everywhere trench coat.
Opt for a tonal colour palette
What colours convey 'quiet luxury'?
While pops of fuchsia, cobalt blue and, most recently, 'brat summer' slime green all have their moments (hello, cocktail hour), the 'quiet luxury' aesthetic calls for a tighter and more muted palette. Reach for pieces in black, navy, cream, white, camel, biscuit and tan to create the base for your outfits, adding accents in autumn-ready forest green, burgundy or pillar-box red.
Gild the look with subtle jewellery
Jewellery can be gold or silver depending on your preference and should have either a subtly sculptural or timeless heirloom feel to it, even if purchased on the high street. (We won't tell if you won't...) A masculine or vintage-looking wrist watch adds a touch of sophistication – we love a mock croc leather strap for discreet texture.
Invest in premium accessories
Planning to fast-track your way to a quietly luxurious look? Start with the accessories. A great pair of shoes, a timeless handbag, a beautiful vintage-inspired watch, and simple jewellery will all earn their keep by tying outfits together and adding polish to even the most understated occasions. Suede is hot news for autumn/winter '24 and a roomy tote bag is a chic way to stow your day-to-day essentials.
Alternatively, a more structured leather bag, like this sleek tote by L.K. Bennett, is a wise purchase. Choose a style with metal hardware that co-ordinates with the jewellery you tend to wear for a flawless finish. As for footwear, think elegant ballet pumps, durable loafers and knee-high boots in a versatile heel height.
Published 10.8.2024