Stylists Reveal How to Achieve Quiet Luxury Look Without Breaking the Bank
You might believe that projecting an image of wealth requires splurging on high-end designer items, but fashion experts insist this is a misconception. The 'quiet luxury' trend, characterized by understated elegance and minimalist aesthetics, has dominated fashion circles for years, with influencers showcasing perfectly manicured nails, coordinated outfit sets, and subtle designer accessories. This movement gained significant traction during Sofia Richie Grainge's April 2023 wedding, where she was hailed as the embodiment of the 'clean girl aesthetic.' Her elegant slick-backed buns, minimal makeup, and monochromatic ensembles, frequently shared on TikTok, inspired countless fashion enthusiasts to emulate her refined vibe. Similarly, stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Lawrence have been celebrated for their subdued, tasteful styles, reinforcing the appeal of this sophisticated look.
Despite its enduring popularity, achieving the quiet luxury aesthetic does not necessitate draining your savings or hiring a personal stylist. Multiple stylists and fashion professionals consulted by the Daily Mail emphasize that simple, cost-effective strategies can elevate your wardrobe, making even budget-friendly pieces appear more expensive.
Perfect Tailoring Transforms Any Garment
According to New York City-based fashion stylist Liz Teich, also known online as The New York Stylist, impeccable tailoring is one of the most effective ways to enhance the luxurious appearance of clothing, regardless of its original price. "When something fits for you, it always looks more expensive than it is," Teich explained. She highlights that minor adjustments, such as hemming to suit your shoes, adding darts for a better fit, or modifying sleeve lengths, can dramatically improve the look of inexpensive items. This technique, which Teich employs regularly on photoshoots through tailoring or behind-the-scenes tricks like pinning, ensures garments appear polished and high-end.
Additionally, Teich stresses the importance of maintaining clothing in pristine condition. Ensuring items are impeccably clean and wrinkle-free, even through simple actions like using a lint roller on a sweater, significantly elevates their overall aesthetic. Celebrity fashion stylist Kim Appelt echoes this sentiment, noting that wrinkled pants or dresses can instantly downgrade an outfit, creating a sloppy impression.
Classic Jewelry and Cohesive Hardware Enhance Elegance
Jewelry plays a pivotal role in completing any outfit, and selecting timeless pieces can convey wealth without a hefty price tag. Appelt, author of "Style for Everybody," advises opting for classic jewelry over trendy items. "Classic jewelry always looks wealthier than trendy," she revealed, recommending pearl or diamond studs and small gold or silver hoops for those on a budget. Many retailers, including Forever21 and Nordstrom, offer affordable alternatives like cubic zirconia diamond earrings and imitation pearls.
To create a cohesive look, Appelt suggests pairing these with a simple chain necklace that matches the earrings and a few dainty stackable rings. This combination can mimic the effect of having a personal shopper at luxury boutiques like The Row. She also emphasizes simplifying accessories: "One bold accessory is more powerful than five loud or busy ones that are all competing for attention." Furthermore, sticking to a single hardware type, such as silver or gold, in jewelry helps avoid a cheap appearance, as mismatched hardware can detract from a luxury vibe.
Neutral Colors Elevate Wardrobe Sophistication
Observing quiet luxury icons like Meghan Markle and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who frequently don neutral-colored outfits, reveals a strategic choice. Teich explains, "Neutrals tend to always look more elevated and therefore expensive." While beige need not be boring, introducing color through a simple pop, like a red scarf, or adopting a monochromatic scheme can make bold hues appear more luxurious. Appelt adds that neutral colors are not only stylish but also cost-effective, as they allow for easy mixing and matching of wardrobe pieces, enhancing versatility and reducing the need for frequent purchases.
Avoid Designer Logos for Authentic Luxury
Contrary to popular belief, flaunting designer logos from head to toe does not project wealth effectively. Image strategist and celebrity publicist Tracy Lamourie asserts, "When it comes to clothing, wealth whispers, but insecurity shouts, and often it shouts in logos." Truly affluent individuals often avoid overt branding, as they have nothing to prove. Lamourie advises projecting confidence and authority by eschewing logos, aligning with the understated essence of quiet luxury.
Smart Shopping Strategies for Trendy Looks
For those enamored with designer trends but deterred by high prices, there are numerous ways to achieve the look affordably. Instead of opting for cheap dupes, Teich recommends shopping on secondhand platforms like the Phia app, The Real Real, Vinted, and Poshmark to acquire pre-owned designer items at reduced costs. This approach not only saves money but also allows for curating a unique, quality wardrobe, as trends often recycle older designs.
Discount stores such as Marshall's and TJ Maxx, which offer brand-name items at lower prices, can also support quiet luxury aspirations. Appelt's key tip for shopping at these outlets is to prioritize fabric over labels. "Natural fibers will wash and wear better and also have a naturally classic look and feel," she said, recommending materials like cotton, wool, and silk blends. Additionally, inspecting details like lining, stitching, and button quality—opting for neutral buttons over shiny gold or silver ones that may look cheap—ensures a more refined outcome.
Focusing on building a capsule wardrobe with timeless, versatile pieces is another smart strategy. Appelt suggests asking whether an item can be worn in at least three different ways, such as a blazer that pairs well with jeans, skirts, or knit dresses. Paying attention to how cuts fit your body type is crucial; for instance, slouchy cardigans suit athletic frames, while fitted blazers flatter curvy figures, and tailored pants with high rises benefit those carrying weight around the middle. Clean denim without rips or frays universally elevates any look.
By implementing these expert tips—tailoring, choosing classic jewelry, embracing neutrals, avoiding logos, and shopping wisely—anyone can achieve the coveted quiet luxury aesthetic without financial strain, proving that style and sophistication are accessible to all.
