We barely get used to one trend before a new one emerges.
However, in this case (like many other fashion trends coming directly from TikTok), what is “new” inevitably draws inspiration from the past, being revisited and modernized for the occasion. Starting from the Y2K trend, which references the icons of the early 2000s and their sense of fashion, moving through the Clean Girl Aesthetic, an aesthetic with ’90s minimalist and normcore reminiscences well represented by brands like Calvin Klein and GAP, and reaching the Baddie Aesthetic, inspired by the ’90s and summarized as a mix of Victoria Beckham and Geri Halliwell’s style from the iconic Spice Girls. To the list of these revivals modernized to fit today’s dynamics and fashion system, maintaining a nostalgic and retro touch that clearly communicates the heritage of each aesthetic, adds the Quiet Luxury Aesthetic—a trend inspired by the ’90s and 2000s that embraces a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on the quality of garments and their positioning in the luxury market without being too flashy.
What does the Quiet Luxury aesthetic consist of?
Quiet Luxury positions itself as a trend that focuses on the use of expensive clothing that is not ostentatious, rejecting the idea that high fashion must be bold and flashy. Instead, it concentrates on timeless, versatile pieces that exude sophistication and minimalism. From colors, primarily encompassing neutral, nude, and desaturated tones, including white, cream, beige, and taupe as top choices, to browns and grays, and the inevitable blues and blacks. The types of items are basic, linear, tailored, and without excessive decorations.
The keyword? Sobriety. Quiet Luxury is synonymous with relaxed, whispered luxury, noticeable through the refined details of each garment rather than logos and monogram checks—a movement challenging the flashy displays of materialism often associated with traditional luxury.
But that’s not all: the popularity of this trend in the fashion field has also influenced perspectives on consumption, leading to a renewed attraction to quality, durable pieces that last long and are more versatile and easily combinable for various occasions. This promotes a more thoughtful approach to purchases and a slow and conscious fashion. Equal importance is given to sustainability, craftsmanship, and ethics in production—fundamental values for this trend and, ideally, for every purchase in our lives.
Key pieces of a Quiet Luxury wardrobe
If there’s a trend that can be defined by the phrase “few but good pieces,” it’s the Quiet Luxury Aesthetic. It focuses on carefully curated garements in neutral tones, classic silhouettes, and quality materials. Chic but seemingly simple. Such items include cashmere, alpaca, or cotton sweaters, oversized, long and elegant coats, tailored blazers, white or pastel-colored shirts, palazzo pants, midi, mini, and maxi skirts with a straight cut, silk or satin slip dresses, mini clutches, knee-high boots, slingbacks, soft scarves, and leather gloves.
From the ’90s to today: Quiet Luxury icons
Many ’90s “it girls” embraced and made their own this minimal and captivating aesthetic capable of whispering the word “luxury” without excessive showiness. From Kate Moss to Jacqueline Kennedy, and the most famous of all, Carolyn Bessette, known worldwide for her love story with John F. Kennedy Jr. and her impeccable classic and feminine style featuring pieces from Prada, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and Yohji Yamamoto. This style is characterized by clean and essential lines, sober yet never mundane looks. Over time, influencers and fashion gurus have followed in the footsteps of these fashion symbols, including Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Victoria Beckham, Leia Sfez, Matilda Jerf, and Sofia Richie. Sofia Richie, in particular, has been associated with the Quiet Luxury aesthetic, bringing it to the forefront and transforming it into a global phenomenon. From her wedding celebrated on the French coast in April to the present, every post or story from various accounts of this it girl is adorned with discreetly charming rich and famous looks featuring pieces from The Row, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Khaite, without displaying logos and brands but flaunting them in the best way possible.
