Quiet Luxury, the discreet trend that makes noise

At a time when leopard print is roaring even louder, another trend is raging on the catwalks: Quiet Luxury. Between discreet elegance and a refusal of ostentation, what is hidden behind this new fashion?

Le Quiet Luxury, la tendance discrète qui fait du bruit

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Discreet and committed luxury

If you are a fan of social media, and especially TikTok, you have probably not missed the Quiet Luxury phenomenon. What is it? The story goes that this trend appeared in early 2023 through Gwyneth Paltrow during her trial following a skiing accident in 2016. The actress appeared in court every day wearing looks that were as elegant as they were sharp and designed by the greatest designers... in complete discretion. Yes! "Discreet" or "silent" luxury is the Holy Grail for Quiet Luxury fans. Exit the ostentatious monograms, logo accessories and the assumed bling-bling of the 2010s: today, elegance is about sobriety, comfort and quality. Fashion is returning to basics and mocking the codes of the "ultra rich" in favor of refined minimalism and quality clothing with simple cuts. The aim is no longer to display one's social status through ostentatious means, but to advocate more discreet values. Quiet Luxury is thus also revealing of a social and economic orientation of the time.

Quiet Luxury as a social phenomenon

Although it appears to be a simple trend, Quiet Luxury is more complex than it seems because it actually reflects a social phenomenon. Since time immemorial, each period of economic crisis has led to a return to silent basics through a refined and modest fashion, as if not to divide the different social classes. In 2008, for example, following the global economic crisis, fashion became neutral with the "No logo" trend, as if to return to essentials that everyone can afford. Today, Quiet Luxury also promises the comeback of timeless essentials at a time when inflation persists and affects consumers' purchasing power. In 2024, luxury means not needing to show it to know that you have succeeded. And if we often think that neutral tones and seemingly simplistic cuts attract CSP+ more, Generation Z shows us the opposite. More aware of environmental and societal issues than boomers and generation X, GenZ uses social networks to defend slow fashion and therefore, the return to a sober fashion, but made from sustainable and premium materials.

Elegant and timeless fashion

But how do you actually create a Quiet Luxury look? The answer is quite simple: do a 360° turn! Goodbye flashy jewelry, ultra-short skirts and other platform soles: ditch the excess and return to the fundamentals of fashion. An impeccably cut coat, perfectly tailored jeans, a satin blouse… Display a look that seems sober from a distance, but is in fact far from sober. As soon as we get closer to your silhouette, every subtlety must appear to reveal all the delicacy of your outfit. Pay particular attention to materials and details, synonymous with quality: engraved cufflinks, an embroidered Peter Pan collar, topstitched pockets… These will guarantee an impactful Quiet Luxury . As for the palette, bet on neutral and monochrome colors: beige, nude , gray, black, navy blue… Forget saturated tones in favor of refined colors. Finally, enhance your outfit with strong pieces: invest for example in a leather bag, preferably carried by hand for a preppy effect or over the shoulder for a casual version, or in black designer pumps, an all-time must-have .