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Quiet luxury in fashion refers to a subtle and understated approach to design and style that emphasizes timelessness over flashy or ostentatious elements. This aesthetic is often characterized by a minimalist and refined approach, focusing on simplicity, clean lines, and attention to detail. But here’s the key: quality craftsmanship—and that means expensive. Rest assured, we rent quiet luxury styles for those aiming to make it their signature style.
Quiet luxury, sometimes called understated elegance, ties to the notion of “old money”—a concept that goes beyond the financial aspect and carries cultural and social connotations. Families with old money are thought to have a long history of social prominence and cultural refinement. In a word: class. It’s no wonder women want to emulate this look.
We can’t argue with a desire for high-quality apparel. It’s a breath of fresh air after years of fast fashion and the damage it’s done to the environment. Quiet luxury is firmly “slow fashion”. The aesthetic encourages a more restrained and sophisticated approach to fashion and a commitment to enduring style over fleeting trends.
What’s Not Quiet Luxury
If you want to rent quiet luxury garments, there are a few things to avoid.This doesn’t mean the looks mentioned below are out of style; they just don’t fit the understated, elegant vibe you’re after. Personal style is not one-size-fits-all.
Logomania: Garments with excessive logos or branding should be avoided when you rent quiet luxury. Instead, the emphasis is on subtle, discreet branding or entirely logo-free pieces. Brands that embody the quiet luxury aesthetic tend to shy away from flashy logos. Instead, they rely on discreet branding, allowing the quality of the product to speak for itself.
Excessive Embellishments: Clothing with too many embellishments, such as sequins, rhinestones, or excessive embroidery, may not align with the quiet luxury aesthetic, which often leans towards uncluttered sophistication. If, like me, you love flair, find it in the structure of garments rather than applications. Clean lines and well-defined silhouettes contribute to the overall sense of elevation.
Trend-Driven Pieces: When you rent quiet luxury, scroll past items that are overly trendy and may quickly go out of style. The focus is on classic, enduring styles that have a timeless appeal. Remember those expensive jeans with the bling all over the back pockets from a few years back? They are the opposite of quiet luxury.
Loud Patterns and Colors: While patterns and colors are not entirely excluded, overly bold or loud patterns and colors might be less common in quiet luxury fashion. The color palette tends to be neutral and muted, favoring timeless shades such as black, white, beige, and subtle earth tones. This choice enhances the versatility of the pieces and allows for easy integration into various outfits.Overly Casual or Athletic Wear: While comfort is important, pieces that are overly casual or associated primarily with athletic wear might be less prominent in quiet luxury wardrobes. The focus is often on refined and well-tailored pieces. It may be time to break up with Lululemon, but don’t be mistaken—comfort is not compromised for the sake of style. Rent quiet luxury pieces that feel as good as they look, with a sense of ease and wearability.
Key features of the quiet luxury fashion aesthetic
Now that we know what’s NOT quiet luxury, let’s dive into what does define this style.
Subtle Elegance: Quiet luxury is about refined elegance that doesn’t scream for attention. It often relies on subtle details, like discreet logos or fine stitching, to convey a sense of sophistication.
High-Quality Materials: The use of luxurious and high-quality materials is paramount. This might include fine fabrics such as silk and cashmere, chosen for their durability, comfort, and tactile appeal. Read on for more on this.
Timeless Design: Quiet luxury pieces are designed to withstand the test of time. The focus is on creating garments that are classic and not subject to fleeting trends. This approach ensures longevity and versatility in the wardrobe.
Attention to Craftsmanship: Precision in craftsmanship is a hallmark of quiet luxury. Every stitch, seam, and detail is carefully considered, reflecting a commitment to quality and excellence.
Attention to Fit: The fit of garments is crucial when you rent quiet luxury fashion. Tailoring is precise, ensuring that the clothing complements the body’s natural lines and proportions. Here’s how to get it right.
Overall, the quiet luxury fashion aesthetic is a celebration of subtlety, quality, and enduring style, appealing to those who appreciate sophistication without the need for overt displays of wealth or status.
Must – Rent Quiet Luxury Pieces
To rent quiet luxury looks, select timeless, well-crafted pieces that exude sophistication and understated elegance. Here are the styles to look for when filling your case from Armoire:
Tailored Basics
To pull off the quiet luxury look, you will need essential clothing items that are carefully crafted with attention to detail and precision in their construction. These pieces typically have a more structured and refined silhouette, enhancing the overall sophistication of an outfit. The emphasis is on impeccable tailoring, high-quality materials, and classic design, making them versatile wardrobe staples.
Crisp White Button-Down Shirts: A well-fitted white button-down shirt is a timeless piece that can be dressed up or down. Look for one with a tailored fit, quality fabric, and thoughtful details like French cuffs or a pointed collar.
Blazers: Tailored blazers are essential for achieving a polished and put-together look. Opt for classic colors like black, navy, or gray, and choose a style that complements your body shape. A well-structured blazer can elevate a variety of outfits, from casual to formal.
Tailored Trousers: Invest in a pair of well-fitted trousers made from high-quality materials. Whether in classic black, neutral tones, or pinstripes, tailored trousers are versatile and can be paired with blouses, sweaters, or blazers for different occasions.
Classic Trench Coats: A timeless trench coat adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. Look for one with a flattering cut, a belted waist, and quality fabric like cotton or a water-resistant blend. Neutral colors like beige or camel are traditional choices.
Shift Dresses: Shift dresses are simple, straight-cut dresses that fall gracefully from the shoulders. Choose a shift dress in a neutral color or a classic pattern for a versatile piece that can be worn to the office or dressed up for more formal events.
Pencil Skirts: Pencil skirts are slim-fitting skirts that often hit at or just below the knee. They create a tailored and sophisticated silhouette, perfect for professional settings. Choose neutral colors like black, gray, or navy for maximum versatility.
Silk Blouses: Silk blouses add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Look for styles with clean lines and minimal embellishments. These blouses can be paired with trousers, skirts, or jeans for a refined and polished look.
Structured Sweaters: Invest in high-quality knitwear with a structured fit. Cashmere or merino wool sweaters in classic styles and neutral colors can be layered or worn on their own for a timeless and cozy look.
Turtlenecks: When constructed of high-quality material, turtleneck sweaters exude a sense of elegance and sophistication. They provide additional warmth around the neck and can be styled in various ways, making them a versatile choice.
Tailored basics form the foundation of a quiet luxury wardrobe, providing a solid base for creating elegant and versatile outfits. The key is to choose items that are well-made, timeless in design, and can be effortlessly mixed and matched for various occasions.
High-Quality Fabrics & Luxurious Knitwear
When we refer to high-quality fabrics in the context of fashion, we’re talking about materials that are carefully selected for their superior characteristics in terms of durability, comfort, and overall aesthetics. These fabrics contribute to the luxurious feel and appearance of apparel.
Luxurious knitwear is premium-grade, knitted garments made from exceptionally fine and soft materials. The emphasis is on both the quality of the yarn and the craftsmanship of the knitting process. These pieces are designed to provide not only warmth and comfort, but also a sense of refinement and sophistication.
Cashmere is one of the most sought-after and luxurious fibers for knitwear. It is derived from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats and is prized for its exceptional softness and insulating properties. Cashmere sweaters are lightweight, yet incredibly warm, making them ideal for cool weather. They often come in classic styles like crewneck, V-neck, or turtleneck.
Linen is known for its breathability, lightness, and slightly textured appearance. Linen is often used in shirts, dresses, and suits, contributing to a relaxed yet refined aesthetic in quiet luxury fashion.
Merino Wool sweaters are soft, breathable, and provide excellent insulation. They are versatile enough to be worn in various seasons, offering both comfort and style. Merino wool is also known for its moisture-wicking properties, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in warmer temperatures.
Alpaca wool comes from the fleece of alpacas and is valued for its luxurious feel and lightweight warmth. Alpaca knitwear is often softer than sheep’s wool and hypoallergenic. Sweaters made from alpaca fibers can have a luxurious drape and a silky texture.
Silk is a natural fiber that adds a touch of luxury to clothing. It drapes beautifully, feels soft against the skin, and has a subtle sheen. Silk is often used for blouses, dresses, and accessories in quiet luxury fashion.Choosing clothing made from these high-quality fabrics adds a sense of indulgence and refinement to your wardrobe. If you’re after the understated elegance look, you can’t cut corners here. It’s the key element in achieving the quiet luxury aesthetic, where the focus is on timeless pieces that stand the test of time in terms of both style and durability.
Rent Quiet Luxury: A Checklist
Stick to a palette of neutral tones such as black, white, beige, gray, and navy. These colors are versatile and create a cohesive and sophisticated wardrobe.
- White button-down shirts
- Well-fitted blazers
- Tailored trousers
- Classic trench coats
- Little Black Dresses (LBDs)
- Shift dresses with clean lines
- Wrap dresses in neutral tones
- Cashmere sweaters in versatile colors
- Fine wool or silk-blend cardigans
- Turtleneck sweaters for a sophisticated touch
- Structured wool or cashmere coats
- Classic leather jackets
- Silk blouses for a touch of luxury
- Wide-leg trousers in premium materials
- Pencil skirts in high-quality wool or cotton
Finishing the look
- Timeless leather loafers or ballet flats
- Classic pumps in neutral colors
- Quality leather ankle boots
- Structured leather handbags with clean lines
- Timeless watches with simple designs
- Classic silk scarves in neutral patterns
- Delicate stud earrings
- Simple necklaces
- Bracelets with subtle details
- Clean and minimal makeup
