I’m a personal stylist. Here are 5 secrets to achieving the quiet-luxury look — even if you’re not rich.
As a personal stylist, I love trends like quiet luxury that encourage people to buy quality pieces that can be worn for years, or even decades.
After all, quiet-luxury style is all about using high-quality, understated pieces to create effortless looks.
Some celebrities have really nailed it. One example that comes to mind is Gwyneth Paltrow and the outfits she wore during her 2023 ski-collision trial.
Her chic, understated looks were covered closely by fashion publications like Vogue and consisted of lush sweaters, fitted blazers, and leather boots in various neutrals. Her classic outfits managed to say, “I’m rich” without screaming it.
Some fictional characters — like many in the final season of HBO’s “Succession” — have also exemplified the quiet-luxury look by mixing quality neutrals and timeless silhouettes.
Fortunately, the quiet-luxury trend is really easy to duplicate. Here are five tips to keep in mind if you want to nail this look.
Don’t go overboard with logos.
If you’re going to have a logo on your outfit, try to stick with understated, small ones.
Head-to-toe looks covered in logos from expensive brands can scream, “I’m trying too hard to look rich.”
Quiet luxury stresses the quiet. Items that fit this trend tend to look luxurious when they don’t have visible branding.
The good news is that avoiding logos can make creating high-end looks for less very easy.
Whenever I’m unsure if a piece feels quietly luxurious or not, I ask, “Would a Nancy Meyers heroine wear this while meeting her architect for an espresso in her recently renovated kitchen?”
Many of the lead characters in the director’s movies have mastered understated-yet-chic outfits, so the piece is a winner if my answer is “yes.”
Check the tags before buying a garment.
Many wool pieces are built to last.
Get into the habit of checking what garments are made of, especially since higher prices doesn’t always mean you’re getting higher-quality materials.
Clothing made of natural materials tends to last longer and look richer than pieces made of artificial fabrics such as acrylic and polyester.
You’ll want to prioritize cotton, linen, cashmere, wool, and silk.
Do your best to invest in quality.
You can have fun with this trend and find quality pieces even if you have a tighter budget.
Despite having “luxury” in its name, this trend does not have to break the bank.
To start, I suggest upgrading your basics to the highest quality you can afford. One way to do so on a budget is seeking out sale finds at luxury department stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom, or their discount spin-offs, Saks Off Fifth or Nordstrom Rack.
Also consider buying high-end pieces secondhand. I’ve had good luck finding luxury items at The RealReal, an online marketplace.
I recently purchased a 100% cashmere Giorgio Armani blazer there for the price of a marked-down Banana Republic jacket.
Quiet luxury is all about a relaxed silhouette.
A good coat can elevate any look.
If you’re trying to lean into this look, leave your shapewear and skintight pieces at home. Embrace wide-leg pants, pleats, relaxed jeans, button-up blouses, and simple sweaters that are a little bit loose.
When choosing pieces, picture yourself as the kind of low-key chic person who replies to compliments with, “Oh, this thing? I just threw it on. I’ve had it for years.”
Simple accessories subtly up the ante of a look.
A belt can bring an entire outfit together.
One (or two) false moves and quiet luxury can look more boring than quiet. The easiest way to avoid this is with simple accessories.
Some of my favorite ways to elevate an outfit are with understated gold or silver hoops and a simple belt. A pearl or gold stud earring, simple chain necklace, or architectural ear cuff can also add an instant pop of chic to a simple look.
I also suggest investing in classic pieces that can instantly make you look more put together — like a trench coat or leather belt — and wearing them often.
