Not too long ago, the point of fashion seemed to be announcing your style to the world. It was the perfect avenue to show off wealth with prominent monogramming and eye-catching patterns.
Perhaps the world got tired of this perpetual competition. Or, as Elle observes, Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge’s spectacular 2023 wedding introduced a subtle, more elegant aesthetic: quiet luxury.
The fashion world is shifting from “loud” designs that use in-your-face brand logos. A desperation to be on trend is passé. Quiet luxury clothing draws inspiration from minimalism. It focuses on clean lines, muted neutrals, excellent fabrics, and meticulous craftsmanship.
These fashion choices are expensive. Duh. After all, they are a testimony to opulence with taste. Besides proving stealth wealth, this Succession-inspired movement radiates many other personality elements.
You Believe in Understated Sophistication
The soul of quiet luxury in couture is being understated, not underwhelming. A preference for this aesthetic denotes a classy personal taste but does not want to harp on about it.
Such clothing veers away from prominent branding and keeping up with the Kardashians. These designer dresses appeal to people who wish to be effortlessly stylish. They go about life with confidence, embracing subtle feminism. This refined fashion sense needn’t rely on fancy fonts, visible brand logos, or distracting prints.
Essentially, a quiet luxury personality embodies wealth and charm without grating on anyone’s nerves. Brochu Walker observes that siding with timeless, luxe, and yet versatile outfits can achieve a look of refinement.
While understated outfits opt out of visible branding, they often have signature detailing. For example, you may note a bias-cut silhouette or a scooped hem.
The popularity of this dynamic also stems from its fitment to different life stages. For example, a midi or mini Havana dress can be an all-occasion outfit that travels well. It can be a low-effort pick for a school mums’ event or a brunch date with friends.
You’re Not Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
A rampant problem with fast fashion is how soon you must hit the stores again.
Many “trendy” items of clothing get dated very fast. Moreover, they usually don’t prioritize quality in fabrics and craftsmanship. So, while you may feel pleased about a packed closet haul this season, it will be time to shop again as the pieces deteriorate.
If retail therapy sounds enchanting, the skies soon cloud when you consider the high prices of consumer goods in America. Pew Research pitched August 2024 prices 22% higher than their standing before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over time, you end up splurging quite heavily on perennial shopping trips.
Contrastingly, those who invest in a few quality pieces from the quiet luxury aesthetic will likely wear them often over the years. In fashion, picking a long-term perspective over trendspotting can be financially wise.
You Care About the Natural World
In many ways, quiet luxury is the antithesis of fast fashion. The latter is infamous for being unsustainable and damaging the environment. Clothes with a poor shelf life frequently end up in landfills. It is conspicuous consumption at its worst.
But when you invest in long-lasting pieces, the premium goes toward high-quality, sustainable materials that won’t get outdated anytime soon. For example, linen and 100% cotton fabrics are more eco-friendly than nylon and polyester.
Cashmere, another popular fabric for quiet luxury, decomposes easily compared to synthetic materials. However, with the increasing demand, both farmers and goats are struggling for breathing space. Opting for post-consumer or recycled cashmere can be better for the environment than virgin options.
Another way quiet luxury choices lower your carbon footprint is through their evergreen nature. An all-weather, all-season characteristic keeps such dresses relevant to your wardrobe. Never mind the buzz on fashion ramps. As the planet revolves, you can pair them with accessories for fresh looks, like a vintage scarf or a classic watch.
You’re Not Obsessed With Attention
The Guardian’s fashion editor, Jess Cartner-Morley, beautifully explains the connection between fashion and attention. Since the beholder controls the attention, does it give us power? In that case, isn’t seeking attention only an illusion?
The quiet luxury movement takes the pressure off striving for everyone’s eyes on you. Instead, it recommends clothing with confidence and an absorbing narrative. The story does not evaporate when the spotlight shifts. People who root for this aesthetic will likely be self-assured and composed. They can make a point without needing to shout from the rooftops.
Recent research published in the European Journal of Marketing found that purchase intentions were reduced by 19% when logos were too visible. Many buyers found it off-putting, inauthentic, and uncool. More fashion brands are taking note of this prominent shift in the customer psyche.
Interestingly, some fashion watchers opine that quiet luxury may be heading out. Themes like hyper-feminism or Barbiecore can offer more individualized statements.
But let’s say this: Quiet luxury does not care about changing trends. Does your personality align with its core values of confidence, sustainability, and poise? You have a wardrobe for the ages.