What Exactly Is the Quiet Luxury Trend?

Classic silhouettes, high-quality fabrics, fine craftsmanship, and the aura of heritage: Dressing in the vein of quiet luxury has been around for generations. Think English royals with their cashmere jumpers, oxford shirts, and Land Rovers; Lauren Hutton’s 1970s suiting; and Gwyneth Paltrow’s court looks in 2023. However, the terms used to describe this look (and, some would argue, philosophy) — notably “stealth wealth” and “quiet luxury” — are a newer thing, having bounced around social media over the past few years, thanks in large part to the popularity of Succession. (Google searches for these terms jumped nearly 900% after the first episode aired June 2018.)

Characters in the hit show not only embodied the quiet luxury way of dressing — typified by what celebrity stylist Emily Men calls a “refined and timeless aesthetic, emphasis on high-quality craftsmanship and materials, and excellent tailoring” — but also underscored its lack of flash by scorning those who didn’t follow suit. See Tom Wambsgans (played by Matthew Macfadyen) ostracizing a “ludicrously capacious” Burberry Title crossbody bag, swathed in a blown-up version of the brand’s signature house check. 

Of course, the idea of building a wardrobe of quality pieces tailored to fit your body and lifestyle isn’t just about looking good. It helps project an air of confidence and ease — also hallmarks of quiet luxury — that some of the most accomplished (and, yes, wealthy) people exude as if it were their birthright. After all, it’s hard to look effortless in an ill-fitting pencil skirt that frequently rides up or when adjusting bra straps beneath a silk shirt. (As legendary stylist and fashion editor Polly Allen Mellen proclaimed in the 1994 fashion documentary Unzipped: “Fussy? Finished.”) 

Think of Steve Jobs’ Issey Miyake black mock turtlenecks or Jane Birkin’s eponymous Hermès bag; these quality pieces were luxurious, for sure, but also made to move with the wearer’s lifestyle. True luxury also improves with wash and wear. The chicness of Birkin’s bag was that it developed a patina — and soul — with practical use. No wonder modern-day poster girls for quiet luxury, including Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, carry their lived-in Birkins (and logoless The Row Margaux and Ingrid bags) in the same manner.

Some say this component of quiet luxury prioritizes sustainability. (For those of us with a budget, opting for higher-quality items probably means buying less overall.) But with the ultrarich’s choices to fly private and/or own and staff multiple houses, it’s hard to say whether they’re shopping for clothes with the planet in mind. There is a strong aspect of the stealth wealth approach that requires quality craftsmanship, though, which is why some might argue that getting a “quiet luxury” look produced by fast fashion defeats the purpose. Because no matter how timeless the design, it’s not actual luxury if the wearer can’t enjoy the feel of quality fabrics on their skin or if the item falls apart in a single washing.

That’s not to say you can’t build a wardrobe ruled by quiet luxury without dropping gobs of cash. Splurgy pieces from The Row, Toteme, and Khaite are certainly made with craftsmanship to last, but so is a pair of vintage, pure-denim Levis (made without stretch) and a host of beautifully produced goods found in pre-owned sites, flea markets, and consignment stores. Ditto for well-made contemporary clothes in natural fabrics and colors that complement your features. 

“Look for classic, clean silhouettes in neutral colors and luxe fabrics, such as cashmere, silk, and wool,” Emily Men says. “Avoid anything with a logo and focus on a streamlined, tailored fit.” Picking up pieces that you can’t wait to wear again, then having them tailored for your body and lifestyle needs, is a luxury that will never go out of style.