6 Brands That Tap Into The “Quiet Luxury” Trend
I remember reading a quote from Phoebe Philo that went something to the effect of “don’t buy a trend, buy a wardrobe”.
Fashion’s current buzz phrase – quiet luxury – very much plays into that ethos, an idea that high-end style does not have to be full of froth and fancy but can take on a softer sartorial indulgence, from timeless shapes to flattering fabrics, impeccable cuts to muted colour palettes you’ll get wear out of every day.
Buzzwords in the fashion world come and go, but “quiet luxury” might be one that deserves to stick around. It’s essentially about buying smarter, buying better and, in turn, buying less in order to dress with a more sustainable conscience.
Think of pieces that don’t immediately pander to trends but stand the test of time – a well-cut suit, a camel coat or the perfect wide-leg trousers. Colourways that form the building blocks of a wardrobe that never feel too “now” but always feel polished – navys, greys, camels or monochrome. Pieces that might not make you the most head-turning dresser in the room, but you’re certainly the best.
There are a plethora of brands that hold this softer, more sobering approach to their aesthetic doing incredible things right now, from the London label that’s more affordably priced than most to the Queens of quiet luxury themselves, the Olsen twins and their own high-end line. Scroll to find out more and to shop some of their pieces that you will never regret buying…
1. THE ROW
Once known for their vintage-inspired, bohemian approach to dressing, the Olsen twins’ signature looks have grown into something undeniably polished. In 2001 they launched their label The Row and it has become one of fashion’s most sought-after high-end labels.
The Row’s commitment to impeccable cuts and luxurious fabrics has never wavered, and from season to season, the collections still hone that androgynous, timeless feel. In fact, you could take a piece from 10 years ago and it would still feel cool and current.
The pieces aren’t cheap, but they will become treasured heroes of your wardrobe – I like to think of The Row as the womenswear answer to buying the perfect suit.
SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION AT MYTHERESA.COM
2. RAEY
Launched in 2015 by the team at MATCHES, Raey is all about pared-back wardrobe staples with an undeniably cool edge. The cuts are simple and timeless but often come up oversized to lean into that cool fashion girl feel.
The brand also makes manufacturing decisions based on reducing environmental and social impacts, from using recycled fabrics to an open dialogue of “Responsible Notes” that customers can read in every listed product description. Creative Director at the brand, Rachael Proud, sums the brand up perfectly when she says “The aim for Raey is to create clothes that people want to wear.”
We love their knitwear and powerhouse wide-leg trousers, fashion editor-approved denim and summer dresses you’ll bring out year after year.
SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION AT MATCHESFASHION.COM
3. KHAITE
Remember that mushroom-hued vest and cardigan combo Katie Homes was spotted in that pretty much broke the internet? That was Khaite. The NYC-based label has continued to produce a concise edit of timeless pieces every season, from flattering denim to wear-anywhere black dresses and has become one of the fashion set’s most loved brands in recent years.
SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION AT MATCHESFASHION.COM
4. MARCÉLA LONDON
Whilst most brands that fall into the “quiet luxury” camp are eye-wateringly expensive (the clue kind of sits in the phrase itself) this is one brand that’s putting an affordable spin into the area.
Marcéla London is your answer to hard-working, great-looking luxury basics at a lower price point. With an emphasis on quality fabrics, modern cuts and fluid silhouettes expect the chicest puddle hem trousers, effortless cropped blazers and substantial knitwear that will transform your winter wardrobe.
The brand echoes the looks of The Row, Celine, Totême but with prices starting under £100.
SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION AT MARCELALONDON.COM
SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION AT NET-A-PORTER-COM
5. TOVE
Tove is born out of one goal – designing modern, feminine pieces that work for busy lifestyles.
This collection is born out of one goal – designing modern, feminine pieces that work for busy lifestyles. Based in London, Trove was founded by two friends, Camille Perry and Holly Wright, and their capsule edit of basics and timeless pieces have been spotted on countless fashion influencers in the know.
The brand really comes into its own in summer, with elegant bandeau dresses made for summer holidays, the ultimate edit of going-out tops you’ll wear on repeat and slouchy tailoring that is both comfortable and cool.
SHOP THE COLLECTION AT NET-A-PORTER.COM
6. TOTÊME
There isn’t a style influencer worth their salt who hasn’t been seen in a Totême piece in recent years. Whilst some of their pieces hit Instagram cult status almost instantly – think that scarfed jacket or fluted sleeve striped knit – the brand, as a whole, has continued to offer pieces that will build a wardrobe for years to come.
That’s down to the overriding simple Scandi aesthetic, from classic trenches to fail-safe knits, clean lines to minimalist detailing. This is the kind of brand you’ll want to wear for the rest of your life.
The kind of brand you’ll want to wear for the rest of your life.
SHOP THE FULL COLLECTION AT HARVEY NICHOLS
ON THE HIGH STREET
“Quiet luxury” can be tapped into on the high street, it’s all about savvy, smart shopping. Look for limited edition lines that often produce more designer-inspired cuts and use better, more sustainable fabrics. Seek out natural fabrics – the high street have some stellar silk, leather, cashmere and linen pieces right now. And, if in doubt, size up. A roomy, more oversized silhouette always adds a more expensive look.
Brands we love leaning into “quiet luxury” are Jigsaw, COS and Massimo Dutti. Scroll to shop some of our current favourites…
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.