Today Juliet and I are having some fun and talking about the ‘quiet luxury’ trend in fashion and how to get the look for fall.
Elle magazine calls quiet luxury ‘new-age minimalism, with a larger focus on investment pieces and thoughtful shopping habits.’
I love all of that and I think we are all over labels and logos and this simplicity is a welcome trend and change. Quiet luxury is all about neutrals and classics. Think basics, but elevated with beautiful fabrics, good tailoring and in muted colorways.
Some want to say it started with the ‘stealth wealth’ of the Succession series, but it’s really just a new embracing of quality basics. Many of us realized we needed less clothes during the pandemic …and we also like wearing clothes that are comfortable. It’s all sort of converging to create this trend along with the rejection of over the top branding and designer logos. These things go in cycles and with the over saturation of multi-thousand dollar bags, I knew it was coming.
It’s democratic fashion. We can buy a pretty grey sweater and a camel coat at Uniqlo or the Gap, and if it’s made decently, and we pair it with some simple jewelry and nice styling, we can look just as luxe as the gal wearing Bruno Cuccinelli, and no one will be the wiser.
This article in Bazaar, says it’s a lifestyle and reading this piece, made me think I want to embrace that sort of life! I think of a few friends who live that way.. You don’t them on social media. They are busy living their best lives quietly, enjoying what matters -without a lot of keeping up with the Joneses stuff! We don’t need any validation from anyone, but ourselves. We can live with less and enjoy more of the good stuff.
Shopping and Styling Tips
This trend is an opportunity to get some great pieces in the closet. It’s a chance to add classics and maybe a few standout nicer pieces to your rotation. Shop your closet, check out resale shops and online before you buy and use these ideas as a guide..
Focus on muted tones, soft and natural fabrics, classic tailoring, nice leather bags and shoes in simple shapes and solids. All of these things telegraph quality and can be found from $20 to $2,000, and it can often be hard to tell the difference.
Look for bias cut satins, and wool coats, leather like pieces, and soft sweaters..Also the details can upscale a look, so lizard look or croc embossed belts and shoes give that Ralph Laurenish feel as does simple metal jewelry.
You can’t go wrong with a monochrome look, so when in doubt stay in the same colors when building an outfit. Layering sweaters with one wrapped around your neck as a scarf or as a belt is another way to layer on luxe textures. Have fun playing with what you already have- and check out the guy’s closet too.
Between high end designer and the mass produced clothes there are retailers like Jenni Kayne, Rails, COS, Me + Em, WYSE and others that have created small curated collections of excellent quality and nary a logo. These small retailers narrow the choices down and are good investments.
The goal is to look like you have a life of ease, but the right pieces and rotate looks around your beautiful classics.
Things that would add a quiet luxe feel to your closet:
A satin slip skirt, dress or top
A soft cashmere sweater -Layered with another as a scarf is cute….
A wool coat in a grey, camel or navy
A jacket in a plaid or tweed. ( More on this post.)
A simple leather bag
A low heel or ballet slipper or leather boot.. Look for rich colors and textures.
A leather like skirt, pant or jacket
A pair of pearl earrings (can be faux), a mix of chains and simple band rings. The heirloom handed down look is even better.
Some pieces to consider..
Just a few ideas here to add to your closet mix…
Pleated Skirt Just looks so fresh now whether you wear it with sneakers or a heel. This J. Crew skirt in leather is just a great look and would be nice with a soft sweater, white button-up, or a tweedy jacket.. They also have a new pull-on pleated in camel and 6 other colors.
A minimal sweater/top I love the look of this sweater at COS that has matching pants… and this pretty yellow mohair sweater has that luxe vibe about it.. COS is a good resource for minimal things that have that Row or Khaite feel at a lower price and quality is nice.
I really like their cashmere crewneck.. and these long sleeve t-shirts...
Something Satin…I love this little satin shell and tried it at the Rails store.. This dark moss color is lovely, but so is the black..
Their satin pull on skirt with a concealed elastic waist is also a great piece… as is the long sleeve blouse. I love this rich color and the cream.. Lots of possibilities…These are wonderful classics for the closet.
More good satin slip skirt color options here at J. Crew – and pretty options in their satin like luster crepe.
Classic trousers. I want a pair and these from Sezane come in ecru and navy..and these at J.Crew in grey, camel or black are a simple classic..and in petite or tall too.
This pair at H&M is an affordable trouser pant option that looks good in three colors.
Wool Coat I bought myself this navy Marta Coat with some of my birthday money.
I saw this coat when walked into the Rails Palo Alto and it was love at first sight. It feels like butter and wraps easily around you. It’s not heavy as it’s unlined. I think at my age I need coats that don’t weigh a lot.
It also comes in black and a cream. This is a gorgeous piece that will make everything look upscale with its simple styling.
NOTE: it runs large and I bought an XS.
I also love this chocolate coat at Madewell..( on sale right now)….. and this simple coat from Rails which comes in hazelnut, cream, grey and a camel.
At Mango this coat in grey is a great option too… and this right, comes in a few pretty colors.
An ankle boot. Love the look of this by Madewell. It’s classic and yet modern and has a quality look to it. We all need a boot like this… Pretty with a trouser or a dress.. And this suede one is also gorgeous…
Ballet flat I know I wrote about the Chanel style ballet flats on this post and another, but this pair from Tory Burch slipped my notice and I love this luxe quilted look…and the practical nubby rubber sole.
Lizard/Croc look. This J. Crew Italian shoe is very Ralph Lauren whether you wear it with trousers and a sweater or baggy jeans and a blouse. This shoe is a closet forever piece… I also have my eye on this faux croc belt at Jenni Kayne..
I love this bag at Mango very 90’s…and they also make this classic in black and brown very luxe.
I’ll have more about handbags – some great ‘quiet luxe’ options on next Tuesdays post.
How to Look Like a Million Bucks..
Lastly, I leave you with some fun and the wisdom of Michael Kors. I tore this out of Allure back in 2005, and this is still relevant and great advice on dressing well….in the quiet luxe sort of way…
How to Look Like a Million Bucks
Fashion designer Kors lives in New York and vacations in Capri. Looking rich isn’t about owning a yacht. It’s appearing as if you’ve just stepped off one. Once you’ve nailed the basics, like having killer shoes and great hair, it is all about the upkeep.
Disregard the weather. Strappy sandals in winter, sunglasses on a cloudy day, these are signs of the glamorous life. If you look like you should be in St. Barts in December, then you are above the elements.
Fake it. Start every season with a stack of little black tees. Whenever you put on one, you’ll feel like a Bouvier sister. Then find a good pair of cubic zirconia studs and rings. It will seem as if someone gives you great gifts, you can afford them yourself, or they were in the family. All work in your favor.
Own it. Buy an expensive dress, and wear it often. It lets people know that you didn’t borrow it. Classic socialites, such as Nan Kempner, went out in the same gowns over and over again because they were, in fact, theirs. And save up for brown crocodile pumps. They can be worn with everything, and unlike black, brown croc develops a patina that looks better with time. ( I would add here please fake croc only.)
In the red. A woman with money has beautiful skin. So make sure yours has a little natural shine and stick to makeup in neutral shades, such as taupe or slate. The one exception is red lipstick. Wear this with nothing else for a full Katharine Hepburn moment. It should look very nonchalant, very throwaway like you just woke up, washed your face, and went out with red lipstick.
Polish up. A rich girl always has beautifully manicured hands, but doesn’t act like she thinks about them. This means no French manicures or bold colors (pick soft pink or beige tones instead). Keep the nail length short enough to suggest you go horseback riding. ( I do have to say I love a short red nail.)
Head for broke. Nothing sets you apart like a gorgeous mane of hair. You want fabulous color and lots of shine so if you aren’t a whiz with the blow-dryer, spend the money on a blowout. And when you pull your hair back, use a tortoiseshell comb or barrette. It’s the scrunchy of the rich.
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So what are your thoughts on quiet luxe? Have a closet of nice basics and simplify your life! It’s about ease, and living a quality life of less things really.
Juliet and I will be discussing more about Quiet Luxe on our Instagram LIVE Thursday the 28th at 9 a.m. pacific time. Please pop by and join the chat! If you miss it, it will be on Juliet’s page to watch later on.
Now please stop by Juliet’s to see what she has shared for ‘Quiet Luxe.’
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Kim
I’ll be back for the Weekend Post and Cindy and I will be sharing Signature Style -Fall Handbags soon too.
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