In a world that often celebrates on display wealth, excess, and flamboyance, as a form of social validation, a growing movement towards quiet luxury is (re-)emerging. Quiet luxury has always been there in one form or another, but 2023 has known a massive comeback of this less of a trend, and more of a timeless aesthetic. In this article, you’ll read how to embrace quiet luxury on a budget, as part of a minimalist and slow lifestyle.
The so-called `stealth wealth`, resurfaced due to highly covered celebrities’ appearances and popular series such as Succession, Industry, The White Lotus or The Watcher, has taken over the design and fashion world, but can also be encountered in other aspects of our lives – traveling, eating, social activities, etc.
Here are a few general ideas to give you some background on quiet luxury:
- Originally linked to fashion, quiet luxury emerged from the need to pause from exuberance and extravagance.
- The popularity of minimalism in interior design has played its part in promoting quiet luxury as the aesthetic to follow in these hectic times.
- Quiet luxury promotes tastefully decorated spaces where you feel safe and cocooned. It is all about versatile homes where you can live, work, learn, relax, work out, and get entertained.
- While quiet luxury is traditionally the prerogative of the rich, I believe it is also a mindset and an attitude of confidence, simplicity, and sophistication. In my opinion, it can be a source of inspiration even for those who don’t have royal or aristocratic roots.
- This subtle, refined approach to style not only reflects a shift in fashion preferences but aligns seamlessly with the principles of slow living and minimalism that govern how we live and how we spend our money.
- Quiet luxury nurtures quality over quantity and meaningful experiences over instant gratification.
- To me, quiet luxury is less about money and more about learning to think differently. It is the privilege to spend your time wisely and the inspiration to make smart investments rather than splurging on what society considers worth buying.
- Quiet luxury is about knowing and prioritizing the real luxuries in life: being healthy and being able to maintain that health and well-being, doing what you love for a living, going home to a loving family, and having free time that you can spend unwinding and growing as a human being.
Further on, I’ll explore the essence of quiet luxury, its connection to slow living and minimalism, and how we can effortlessly incorporate this approach into our lifestyle, on a budget.
Quiet Luxury in Fashion
In fashion, quiet luxury focuses on subtle, understated elegance and the timeless appeal of clothing and accessories. It means investing in high-quality, well-crafted pieces that exude sophistication without the need for conspicuous logos or ostentatious designs.
Quiet luxury is an elegant answer to fast fashion and the supremacy of logos. It shifts focus from the need to show your worth to the responsibility to act your worth.
When it comes down to quiet luxury, the emphasis is on fine materials, unique tailoring, and exquisitely crafted details. In such a wardrobe, you’re likely to find minimalist yet perfectly tailored items made out of the finest fabrics, in soft colors and neutrals. The materials of choice are cotton, leather, cashmere, merino wool, and silk.
While these fabrics are not the most affordable and building a complete wardrobe with such items might be out of reach, we can still pay attention to how a piece of clothing is stitched and designed. To integrate quiet luxury on a budget into your closet, you can invest in a few key luxury pieces over a longer period of time.
How to do quiet luxury on a budget:
1. Invest In One Single Timeless Piece Each Quarter
Opt for classic styles and neutral colors that transcend seasonal trends. Timeless pieces such as a well-tailored blazer, a versatile trench coat, a classical pair of loafers and a quality leather handbag form the foundation of a quiet luxury wardrobe.
Do your math, find out what you usually spend monthly on clothes. Use the same budget, but buy one single item quarterly. Stick to this strategy and watch your wardrobe getting transformed little by little.
2. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Shift your focus from accumulating numerous items to investing in a few well-made, durable pieces. Resist the urge to buy on sale. High-quality fabrics and craftsmanship contribute to the longevity of your wardrobe. It doesn’t have to be cashmere and silk all the way, but try to read the tag before making a new purchase.
3. Choose sustainable and local brands
Choose brands that prioritize sustainability and ethical production over fast fashion brands. Small, local producers will always sell cheaper than international apparel boutiques, and most of the time, the quality is outstanding, as they must fight big, established brands to win their audience.
Not to mention there are small brands that also get involved in local initiatives, so when making a purchase, you get to donate to a relevant cause in your community.
4. Say ‘Yes’ To Thrifting and Second-Hand Shopping
Explore thrift stores, vintage shops, and online second-hand websites to find high-quality pieces at a fraction of the original cost. This not only aligns with the principles of sustainability but also allows you to discover unique and timeless items that contribute to a quiet luxury wardrobe.
Visit flea markets, backyard sales, or ”sell my closet” events – you can never know what treasures might be hidden there.
Outlet shops are also a good idea for impressive brand names at affordable prices.
5. Curate a Capsule Wardrobe
Invest in a capsule wardrobe consisting of essential items that can be mixed, layered, and matched effortlessly. This not only simplifies your daily choices but also reduces clutter.
A few luxury pieces that fit you perfectly and look impeccable over time will save you time and money in the medium and long term.
A sophisticated black dress and a well-tailored jacket can be worn in a variety of contexts if combined with different shoes and accessories. When shopping, think in terms of outfits and think long-term instead of treating each item separately – it will cost you much less.
6. Rent Luxury Pieces
Consider renting high-end items for special occasions instead of purchasing them outright. This allows you to indulge in luxury without a significant financial commitment.
Various fashion rental platforms offer a rotating selection of designer pieces for a much more affordable price.
7. Personalize with Accessories
Although quiet luxury is mostly associated with a clean, minimalist look, it doesn’t mean you will have to give up accessories.
While a complete wardrobe overhaul might be expensive, investing in essential accessories can elevate your entire look. A classic leather belt, an elegant hat, a delicate watch, an unobtrusive piece of jewelry, or a timeless pair of sunglasses can add a touch of quiet luxury without breaking the bank or overwhelming your outfit.
Quiet Luxury in Interior Design
Fashion and interior design have always been closely connected and yes, your home can also have that `quiet luxury` feel. Unlike more opulent or eclectic decorating styles, quiet luxury in interior design focuses on timeless elegance, artisan craftsmanship, and a harmonious blend of form and function.
Do you know those rooms flooded by natural light, tastefully furnished with one-of-a-kind pieces made of natural materials, boasting a minimalist design and textured surfaces? Refined interiors that incorporate architectural details and iconic design elements that withstand passing trends?
- The goal of quiet luxury in decorating spaces is to create a sophisticated and comfortable environment that catches one’s attention with less.
- The quiet luxury aesthetic aligns perfectly with the slow living principles, as it promotes a mindful approach to what we own and purchase.
- A lived-in vibe and a sense of effortless beauty is what best defines a space that falls into the ”quiet luxury” aesthetic. Less colors, less furniture, less decoration. You let quality and details do the talking.
- The general opinion is that such a look isn’t that affordable, but nothing can stop us from borrowing the philosophy behind it and still sticking to a budget.
- Instead of succumbing to seasonal trends and mass-market products, those who embrace quiet luxury take the time to curate on-demand, handcrafted pieces, that come with a unique story.
- The right furniture items and accessories may take much longer to be found, ordered and produced, but they stand out through style and durability and don’t need to be replaced anytime soon.
- Quiet luxury means buying less and less often, it means inviting unique items only into your home.
- Quiet luxury hits common ground with slow living in that they both encourage us to invest in quality items that reflect our personality, hold sentimental value and have a lasting impact. It fosters a deeper connection with our belongings. Meaning we get to be surrounded by items we truly love and we will be using for decades.
I’ve put together a few ideas on how to integrate quiet luxury on a budget into your home. Without having to fully redecorate, that is:
1. Declutter and Simplify
One of the simplest ways to add a sense of luxury to your home is to declutter and simplify your space. Keep surfaces clear of unnecessary items and opt for just a few beautiful decorations.
2. Focus on Quality Basics
Invest in a few high-quality, timeless pieces of furniture and decor rather than buying lots of inexpensive items. Look for items made from natural materials like wood, stone, or metal, which often have a luxurious feel.
3. Upgrade Soft Furnishings
Invest in luxurious but affordable soft furnishings such as plush throw blankets, velvet accent pillows, and high-thread-count sheets. These small touches can instantly elevate the comfort and style of a room.
4. Focus on Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in creating ambiance and adding a touch of luxury to your home. Opt for soft, warm lighting with dimmer switches to create a cozy atmosphere. Consider adding statement light fixtures or elegant table lamps as focal points in your rooms.
5. Embrace Neutral Colors
Neutral color palettes, such as soft creams, grays, and muted tones, can create a sense of calm and sophistication in your home. Use accent colors sparingly to add interest without overwhelming the space.
6. Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements like oversized plants, stones, or driftwood into your decor. Not only do these elements add visual interest, but they also create a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
7. Invest in Art and Accessories
Invest in a few statement pieces of art or decorative accessories that reflect your style and add personality to your space. Look for affordable art prints or create your own artwork to add a personal touch to your home.
8. Focus on Comfort and Functionality
Ultimately, true luxury is about comfort and functionality. Invest in a high-quality, comfortable sofa, cozy blankets, and functional storage solutions that make your home a well-organized and inviting place to be.
By combining these budget-friendly strategies with the principles of quiet luxury, you can curate a wardrobe or a home that reflects your style while remaining mindful of your resources.
The key takeaway is that a slow living and minimalist approach is not about the quantity of items but the quality and intention behind each piece. It is not about how much you spend, but about how that item makes you feel.
Quiet luxury can be declined from clothes to interior design, traveling, eating, or the car you drive. It is a mindset that replaces unnecessary opulence with meaningful living.
And for all we know, making room for good things in life can only lead to a life well lived.
