What does the term "quiet luxury" mean and why has it exploded in popularity in the fashion world and on social media in recent months? Is it really a trend and is it really new to the fashion industry? We will try to answer all these questions and give our advice on whether and how you can best participate in and emulate this new "honest" fashion era without necessarily paying the hefty price tag.
"Honest luxury" is the term used to describe the speed with which fashion aesthetics, brands and designers are moving towards a more understated approach to luxury, away from logos and anything that is too current and trend-driven. It is a return to more minimalist shapes, neutral colours, tailored suiting and invisible branding. It is a 'less-is-more' approach to shopping that focuses on classic and timeless pieces of fashion that you invest in for life and are designed to be worn for many decades, if not forever, because of the quality of the fabric.
Although we agree that it's not an easy aesthetic to define and is more of an attitude and culture than anything else, quite luxury is synonymous with luxurious minimalism and personal style fashion that reminds you of the classy "French women fashion style". In other words, buying less but of higher value and aesthetics. It is also a move that is closely linked to the notions of sustainability and wearability in the modern fashion world.
So why is this particular style so popular today?
There are 4 main reasons that have led to the massive popularity of the quite luxury trend, namely
a. the backlash against the new money aesthetic
b. the rise in popularity of TV series about the lives of the 1% upper class
c. the economic downturn and the need to dress more discreetly
d. It's easy to follow and emulate.
To recreate the style on a budget, you need to
- Understand the mindset, which is all about simplicity and elegance, a refined, understated taste that does not care about flashy logos, but values tradition and heritage.
- Understand the neutral colour palette, which tends towards blacks, whites, greys, creams, navy blues and olive greens that can give an effortlessly luxurious feel.
- Buy the essentials by choosing staples in quality fabrics
In simple terms, opt for crisp tailoring, white and cream polo shirts, knitwear and smart trousers, anything cashmere or even wool alternatives, black or brown loafers if you're going for leather, beige or brown if you're going for suede.
The good news is that there are a growing number of fashion labels that embrace luxurious simplicity and can help you achieve the look you want in a relatively affordable way. This allows you to invest in pieces that your wardrobe will love forever and that will elevate your personal style for decades to come.
For example, wear a classic trench coat and cashmere jumper for a timeless look that reflects your personal style. Wear camel coats, which exude understated luxury and are designed to last a lifetime. Upgrade your cashmere collection with organic fabrics and craftsmanship that are timeless. Choose sophisticated and elegant designs that are all about the subtle approach to style. Finally, opt for chic tailoring, seductive slip dresses and quilted jackets. Opt for polished accessories, iconic cardigans and casual eveningwear, and choose labels that all fans of quiet luxury should have in their wardrobes.
Stay away from the logos, bold colours and outrageous prints of trendy luxury brands and opt for 'real' fashion pieces that are timeless and forever wearable. Follow your pared-back, anti-trend approach to fashion and choose pieces made from the finest materials and produced to the highest standards. Embrace the new age of high-end minimalism with a touch of old-fashioned classic elegance and subtlety.
Our advice is to remember that trends come and go but style is eternal, so try to dress according to your personal taste and what makes you feel comfortable and confident - in other words, dress authentically.