In the ever – shifting landscape of fashion and popular culture, a new term has been on everyone’s lips in recent weeks: quiet luxury. It seems as though no matter where you look, whether scrolling through social media feeds, reading fashion magazines, or engaging in conversations with friends, the topic of quiet luxury inevitably arises. But what exactly is it, and why has it captured the collective imagination of so many?
The perfect storm that gave rise to the conversation around quiet luxury can be traced back to several cultural touchpoints. Gwyneth Paltrow’s courtroom style during her ski – slope lawsuit became a subject of intense scrutiny and discussion. Her understated yet elegant outfits sparked debates about what it means to dress with sophistication in a public and high – stakes setting. Then, there’s the new season of Succession, the hit HBO show. The fashion worn by the characters, which exudes an air of opulence and refinement, has inspired countless TikTok videos, newsletter articles, and features in traditional publications. Alongside these cultural moments, there’s also a broader shift in the shopping ethos of fashion – conscious individuals. The mantra “buy less, buy simple” has gained traction, and quiet luxury seems to fit perfectly into this emerging mindset.
So, what precisely is quiet luxury? Elle UK defined it as “new – age minimalism with a larger focus on investment pieces.” While the link to minimalism is undeniable, with its emphasis on quality materials, neutral color palettes, and basic silhouettes, there’s more to it than meets the eye. At its core, quiet luxury is deeply connected to the aesthetic associated with the “old – money” archetype. It’s about clothing that appears effortless and unassuming, yet simultaneously exudes an air of exclusivity and wealth. Picture garments that could be worn to a casual pool party, but are so precious that the thought of them getting wet is almost sacrilegious. Or consider practical pieces like a Barbour coat, which manage to convey a sense of class and heritage.
This trend is not unlike the normcore movement of the 2010s, which also had a profound impact on the fashion world. Normcore celebrated universal appeal, making items like white trainers, vintage jeans, and classic sweatshirts fashionable. It opened the doors to a more inclusive definition of style, encouraging people to look within their own closets and embrace the everyday pieces that had been overlooked. What made normcore so appealing was that it didn’t require consumers to rush out and buy new items to be part of the trend. Quiet luxury, in a similar vein, is fashionizing classic pieces that can be found in a variety of places, from high – end brands like The Row to more accessible retailers like Lands’ End.
Take, for example, the polo shirt. A Lands’ End polo might cost $59.95, while a similar one from The Row could set you back a staggering $1,490. Clearly, there are differences in quality and cut between the two. However, for those who are more focused on achieving the overall look of quiet luxury rather than the minute details, the Lands’ End option offers an accessible way to participate in the trend. This accessibility, combined with the aspirational nature of the “old – money” aesthetic, is part of what makes quiet luxury so appealing.
In a world where fast fashion has long dominated, quiet luxury represents a shift towards a more intentional and sustainable approach to dressing. It’s about investing in pieces that will stand the test of time, both in terms of style and quality. Whether it’s a simple cashmere sweater, a well – tailored pair of trousers, or a classic leather handbag, these items are meant to be cherished and worn for years to come.
As the conversation around quiet luxury continues to evolve, it’s clear that it’s more than just a passing trend. It reflects a deeper desire for authenticity, quality, and a sense of timeless style in a world that often values the new and the trendy above all else. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast looking to embrace this new aesthetic or simply someone curious about the latest cultural phenomenon, quiet luxury is a trend that is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.
