What Is Quiet Luxury?
29 Jun 2024
In 2023, the trend for "quiet luxury" loudly announced itself on the fashion shows and on the streets and even became the most popular query in Google. According to the published data of Google Trends, for the last year the number of queries with this word combination increased by more than 600% compared to last year. The trend is nothing new since it has been in fashion for a long time, but it gained viral popularity spontaneously.
Like any massive trend, quiet luxury is difficult to explain in two words. Unlike "barbicore" and "mermaidcore", this understated fashion can stay with us for a long time. "Quiet luxury" is the opposite of "fast fashion", the desire to wear expensive things that will last a long time and will not lose relevance. Exquisite material, laconic lines, a noble palette of colors, impeccable fittings.
Now this trend is becoming more popular both in the fashion industry and in interior design. And this is not a momentary trend, but a global phenomenon related to lifestyle, which was formed over the last decade and modestly called good taste. The trend called "quiet luxury" is now on everyone's lips. Let's look at what's behind this fashion trend and why everyone is talking about it. Let's find out what it's good for and how to make a closet in this style.
Like any massive trend, quiet luxury is difficult to explain in two words. Unlike "barbicore" and "mermaidcore", this understated fashion can stay with us for a long time. "Quiet luxury" is the opposite of "fast fashion", the desire to wear expensive things that will last a long time and will not lose relevance. Exquisite material, laconic lines, a noble palette of colors, impeccable fittings.
Now this trend is becoming more popular both in the fashion industry and in interior design. And this is not a momentary trend, but a global phenomenon related to lifestyle, which was formed over the last decade and modestly called good taste. The trend called "quiet luxury" is now on everyone's lips. Let's look at what's behind this fashion trend and why everyone is talking about it. Let's find out what it's good for and how to make a closet in this style.
What Is Quiet Luxury?
To simplify the concept as much as possible, it boils down to this: classic monochrome pieces in calm colors prevail over flashy accessories and big logos (which, to be perfectly honest, have never been a sign of good taste). Quality materials like a cashmere neck sweater, a brick-colored cardigan, understated colors and a relaxed, sometimes oversized cut, a leather bag from vintage collections - all these things can cost a fortune, but they look modest and hardly draw attention to themselves. This is the basic core of quiet luxury - it's a kind of inside joke for you and those who understand it.
Why Is the Trend Louder Than Ever?
In fact, the elegant brevity and restrained minimalism of this style are not too new: fashion researchers state that this aesthetic is already about a century old. Yes, "quiet luxury" was not born yesterday, but it is now that this trend has become really popular.
The reasons for this are probably fatigue from the endless change of "fast fashion" trends and the growing fascination with "slow fashion", which is the opposite philosophy to it, preferring timeless silhouettes and quality to follow trends without a second thought.
One could argue that there is also an element of sustainability. The inherently calm aesthetic of quiet luxury rejects the vagaries of seasonal fashion, trusting in time-honored design. It reflects the "buy less, buy better" line of those who promote conscious consumption.
However, it is not only big fashion brands and shows in Paris and Milan that are responsible for popularizing the trend. Pop culture actively welcomes quiet luxury - you could even argue that the shows were a reflection of this trend, which was born on the screen and in social networks. Of course, the main association with understated fashion was season 4 of the HBO series "The Heirs." Google Trends data shows a sharp increase in the number of searches for "quiet luxury" and related terms after the first episode aired. Also, the movie "Tar" starring Cate Blanchett, which received several Oscar nominations, broadcast the aesthetics of understated luxury.
The reasons for this are probably fatigue from the endless change of "fast fashion" trends and the growing fascination with "slow fashion", which is the opposite philosophy to it, preferring timeless silhouettes and quality to follow trends without a second thought.
One could argue that there is also an element of sustainability. The inherently calm aesthetic of quiet luxury rejects the vagaries of seasonal fashion, trusting in time-honored design. It reflects the "buy less, buy better" line of those who promote conscious consumption.
However, it is not only big fashion brands and shows in Paris and Milan that are responsible for popularizing the trend. Pop culture actively welcomes quiet luxury - you could even argue that the shows were a reflection of this trend, which was born on the screen and in social networks. Of course, the main association with understated fashion was season 4 of the HBO series "The Heirs." Google Trends data shows a sharp increase in the number of searches for "quiet luxury" and related terms after the first episode aired. Also, the movie "Tar" starring Cate Blanchett, which received several Oscar nominations, broadcast the aesthetics of understated luxury.
How to Get the Quiet Luxury Look?
Kendall Jenner, or rather her stylist Dani Michelle, brought back the glory of old money style clothes, which were considered boring and unattractive for a long time. She dressed the top model in long knitted dresses, straight jeans, strict jackets combined with basic tops, and leather gloves of premium brands The Row, Proenza Schouler, and Jil Sander, which "profess" simplicity with a taste of luxury.
One way or another, "quiet luxury" or, as it is also called, "minimalism in a new reading", is at the fashion top today. And this is certainly a welcome fact. Following this aesthetic has many advantages: "quiet luxury" is simple and elegant, restrained, but not impersonal. Collecting a closet in this style, you can get an excellent quality base, which will be relevant for many seasons. In the following, let's see what you should pay attention to in order to ace the quiet luxury look.
1. SIMPLICITY PLUS ELEGANCE
One of the main signs of "quiet luxury" is simple elegance. That is, things should be in a good way simple and concise, have clean and beautiful cut lines, without unnecessary details and excessive decoration. Whether it's a pair of jeans or a cashmere coat, classic loafers, or casual sneakers, "quiet luxury" strives for understated design and quiet elegance without garishness, ostentatious glamor, or deliberately bright logos shouting about the origin of things. In this case, those who sew clothes with their own hands are in a privileged position, because the cut and design you are free to choose your own, changing what you feel necessary.
2. PREMIUM QUALITY
Quality that cannot be faulted is another rule of "quiet luxury". The quality of the materials used to create things, the impeccability of the tailoring itself, and the fittings are all important. The overall impression can be spoiled by a zipper or buttons of inadequate quality, or a print that is not neatly combined - attention must be paid to every detail.
3. PERFECT FIT
When it comes to "quiet luxury", the perfect fit of each garment is of course important. Here again, those who create clothes with their own hands have the advantage: it is with individual sewing that it is easiest to achieve the best fit. In addition, those who have experience in sewing, as a rule, better than others are able to see and choose the styles that will adorn a certain type of figure.
4. PRINTS: QUIET CLASSICS
Most often, the aesthetic of "quiet luxury" uses materials without prints. If there is a pattern on the fabric, let it be a quiet classic: thin stripes, restrained traditional plaid. Peas and floral prints will have to pass a close selection to get a pass to the closet, imbued with this aesthetic: these patterns should not forgive the image or make it overly pretentious.
5. COLORS: NEUTRAL AND NOBLE
If we talk about colors, then first of all it will be neutral shades: achromats (white, black, shades of gray), variants of beige, deep interesting blue, dark green, burgundy, brown, and purple. Because of the laconic cut and lack of unnecessary details, color in such things begins to play a more significant role, so complex and original shades are welcome - but at the same time, they should not be shouting and excessively bright.
6. ATTENTION TO THE BASE
As far as the direct set of things for a closet in the spirit of "quiet luxury" is concerned, it will be primarily what is considered an urban base in the traditional sense and modern reading. Jackets in the men's style or pantsuit, classic perfectly sitting jeans, universal shirts, and blouses, coats and trench coats, quiet dresses, and excellent quality knitwear - the set of things in each case can be different. In general, you should get a universal capsule, which can be supplemented with accessories - of course, also of high quality.
One way or another, "quiet luxury" or, as it is also called, "minimalism in a new reading", is at the fashion top today. And this is certainly a welcome fact. Following this aesthetic has many advantages: "quiet luxury" is simple and elegant, restrained, but not impersonal. Collecting a closet in this style, you can get an excellent quality base, which will be relevant for many seasons. In the following, let's see what you should pay attention to in order to ace the quiet luxury look.
1. SIMPLICITY PLUS ELEGANCE
One of the main signs of "quiet luxury" is simple elegance. That is, things should be in a good way simple and concise, have clean and beautiful cut lines, without unnecessary details and excessive decoration. Whether it's a pair of jeans or a cashmere coat, classic loafers, or casual sneakers, "quiet luxury" strives for understated design and quiet elegance without garishness, ostentatious glamor, or deliberately bright logos shouting about the origin of things. In this case, those who sew clothes with their own hands are in a privileged position, because the cut and design you are free to choose your own, changing what you feel necessary.
2. PREMIUM QUALITY
Quality that cannot be faulted is another rule of "quiet luxury". The quality of the materials used to create things, the impeccability of the tailoring itself, and the fittings are all important. The overall impression can be spoiled by a zipper or buttons of inadequate quality, or a print that is not neatly combined - attention must be paid to every detail.
3. PERFECT FIT
When it comes to "quiet luxury", the perfect fit of each garment is of course important. Here again, those who create clothes with their own hands have the advantage: it is with individual sewing that it is easiest to achieve the best fit. In addition, those who have experience in sewing, as a rule, better than others are able to see and choose the styles that will adorn a certain type of figure.
4. PRINTS: QUIET CLASSICS
Most often, the aesthetic of "quiet luxury" uses materials without prints. If there is a pattern on the fabric, let it be a quiet classic: thin stripes, restrained traditional plaid. Peas and floral prints will have to pass a close selection to get a pass to the closet, imbued with this aesthetic: these patterns should not forgive the image or make it overly pretentious.
5. COLORS: NEUTRAL AND NOBLE
If we talk about colors, then first of all it will be neutral shades: achromats (white, black, shades of gray), variants of beige, deep interesting blue, dark green, burgundy, brown, and purple. Because of the laconic cut and lack of unnecessary details, color in such things begins to play a more significant role, so complex and original shades are welcome - but at the same time, they should not be shouting and excessively bright.
6. ATTENTION TO THE BASE
As far as the direct set of things for a closet in the spirit of "quiet luxury" is concerned, it will be primarily what is considered an urban base in the traditional sense and modern reading. Jackets in the men's style or pantsuit, classic perfectly sitting jeans, universal shirts, and blouses, coats and trench coats, quiet dresses, and excellent quality knitwear - the set of things in each case can be different. In general, you should get a universal capsule, which can be supplemented with accessories - of course, also of high quality.
Things That Would Add a Quiet Luxe Feel to Your Closet
If you like this noble minimalism and wonder do you put together this fashion puzzle called "quiet luxury" in your closet? Here are a couple of things that would add a quiet luxury feel to your closet.
The first thing to look for in your closet is knitwear, which you don't need to skimp on if you want to look expensive and elegant. Add short-sleeved polos to your closet as if you were going golfing for the weekend, high-collar sweaters, tight-fitting long sleeves, loose vests, cardigans, and V-neck pullovers. Give preference to neutral colors, which will harmoniously fit into any image.
In the images of socialites, ladies have always been suits as tweed, and classic woolen. They should be straight-cut and in deep colors (read also: Test: can you distinguish a fashionable suit from an outdated one?). The first model in the style of Chanel goes, as a rule, with a skirt, and the set of the second you can always combine, combining the jacket with jeans or wearing pants with sweaters. The waist in the suit girls with impeccable taste emphasizes a wide leather belt and combines the image with loafers or loafer shoes.
Another sign of "quiet luxury" - is a high-quality solid-colored or striped shirt, made of dense material and holding its shape. Girls tuck it into their pants or let it out, creating a free and relaxed image. On top of it, you can put a sweater as a scarf.
Pants can be both narrow and actually wide, which came to us from the fashion of the 90s. Previously, girls wore light-colored styles with flaps and high waist, but in 2023 you can try on black, gray, and dark blue pants, preferably with arrows.
When choosing outerwear, avoid trends and favor the classics: woolen long coats and trench coats, which remain in fashion timeless. Such things look expensive if they are made of quality materials, moreover, they will last longer than seasonal models.
Each of these looks is completed by shoes, which also look feminine and elegant: pointy-toed booties, high boots with thick heels, loafers, sandals, white sneakers, loafers, and mules. You can not imagine an exit in the style of old money without accessories and jewelry. Despite the fact that the trend is devoid of flashy jewelry, all outings can be emphasized with elegant details. For example, tie a silk scarf around your neck or bag, complement the outfit with sunglasses, or decorate your neck or earlobes with pearls.
If belonging to the social elite is a chance that does not fall to everyone, it is quite possible to repeat its style. That's exactly what fashion did in the 50s, a subculture that did not belong to the high class, but repeated it. You just need to pay attention to quality and classics, which in tandem form luxury - the new trend of the moment.
The first thing to look for in your closet is knitwear, which you don't need to skimp on if you want to look expensive and elegant. Add short-sleeved polos to your closet as if you were going golfing for the weekend, high-collar sweaters, tight-fitting long sleeves, loose vests, cardigans, and V-neck pullovers. Give preference to neutral colors, which will harmoniously fit into any image.
In the images of socialites, ladies have always been suits as tweed, and classic woolen. They should be straight-cut and in deep colors (read also: Test: can you distinguish a fashionable suit from an outdated one?). The first model in the style of Chanel goes, as a rule, with a skirt, and the set of the second you can always combine, combining the jacket with jeans or wearing pants with sweaters. The waist in the suit girls with impeccable taste emphasizes a wide leather belt and combines the image with loafers or loafer shoes.
Another sign of "quiet luxury" - is a high-quality solid-colored or striped shirt, made of dense material and holding its shape. Girls tuck it into their pants or let it out, creating a free and relaxed image. On top of it, you can put a sweater as a scarf.
Pants can be both narrow and actually wide, which came to us from the fashion of the 90s. Previously, girls wore light-colored styles with flaps and high waist, but in 2023 you can try on black, gray, and dark blue pants, preferably with arrows.
When choosing outerwear, avoid trends and favor the classics: woolen long coats and trench coats, which remain in fashion timeless. Such things look expensive if they are made of quality materials, moreover, they will last longer than seasonal models.
Each of these looks is completed by shoes, which also look feminine and elegant: pointy-toed booties, high boots with thick heels, loafers, sandals, white sneakers, loafers, and mules. You can not imagine an exit in the style of old money without accessories and jewelry. Despite the fact that the trend is devoid of flashy jewelry, all outings can be emphasized with elegant details. For example, tie a silk scarf around your neck or bag, complement the outfit with sunglasses, or decorate your neck or earlobes with pearls.
If belonging to the social elite is a chance that does not fall to everyone, it is quite possible to repeat its style. That's exactly what fashion did in the 50s, a subculture that did not belong to the high class, but repeated it. You just need to pay attention to quality and classics, which in tandem form luxury - the new trend of the moment.
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