You’ve heard of “quiet luxury,” which has (quietly) established itself as the most popular aesthetic of 2023. (*Explainer that we don’t call it “trend” anymore. Does aesthetic sound more … fundamental? Capitalist? However, in the context of fashion, it’s precisely the same.)
The quiet luxury of Gwyneth Paltrow fighting for her right to ski – or something similar, I’m not sure what the specifics are wrapped in a soft wool merino made by The Row that costs more than a million dollars. (How rich do you need to be to pay that much for an item that’s not even cashmere?) A subtle luxury is the stretch of Kendall Roy in an unbranded black baseball cap by Italian luxury brand Loro Piana and Tom Ford sneakers. It’s Mark Zuckerberg in his signature charcoal-grey T-shirt. Instead of ordering from Gap, he buys at Brunello Cucinelli in Milan.
A lavish spending spree on extravagant luxury is supposed to be classy. However, in reality, it’s disgusting. There’s something grotesque in the dog whistles of wealthy people wearing the code that only rich people can recognize. It’s as if they don’t consider how they appear to people who walk by for as long as those in the business-class lounge understand it.
I love the utility of an elegant navy blazer as well as anyone. The quiet luxury look is great. Soft neutral colors and a comfortable, semi-skim shape that doesn’t feel tight; carefully selected pieces that don’t get blitzed up with slogans or embroidery or sequins, or logos. This is all great.
The only thing that could be better about tranquil luxury is the subtext of money, which is the subtle flashing of dollar symbols of a garment attempting to convey the right message to other wealthy people. It’s much more elegant when you cut the subtext out.
The more elegant method is to put aside the ridiculous prices and trendy Italian-label heritage and embrace the fashion aesthetic without paying a penny. Spending money on the basics of clothes is only for those with more money.
The quiet luxury can be quite practical. Consider luggage, for instance. Most wealthy people use soft holdalls, not wheelie cases because once you’re taken to the gates of your private aircraft, you don’t need to fret about the sweaty trip through Gatwick’s South terminal. The soft bag is becoming the best option for our everyday needs ever since airlines have begun putting extra costs for bags that cannot be put into the seat next to you.
A simple approach to elegance that quiet luxurious exudes hair in hair slicked back around the nape of the neck and a dot of nail polish that is clear – takes a lot less time and money at the salon than an energizing blow-dry and beautiful nail art. Most importantly, silent luxury is all about the ease of wearing soft knit and wide-legged pleat-front pants for work instead of a shimmering sheer sheath dress. Ballet pumps in place of heels with spikes.
The music of stealth wealth in the world is irritating; however, what’s not to like if we could take the look away for a mere buck? A pale, top-to-toe style can make you anxious to wear on the commute. However, a clean white T-shirt with dark jeans strikes the perfect impeccable note.
A quiet-luxury accessory’s elegant and sophisticated look doesn’t require diamonds or pearls. All you need is a gold-plated chain necklace, Hoop earrings, or studs. (And using the same earrings and necklace all day is a splurge of elegance, so you don’t have to remove them at night.)
Stay caught up in the details. There is no need to spend your money on elegant luxury. In fact, (whisper it) it’s way more stylish if you don’t.
How to get the quiet luxury look without the vulgar price tag
