What Is the Deal With Quiet Luxury?

Logo-loathers rejoice…

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By Kaitlin Serio • Mar 31, 2023 • Last modified Apr 3, 2023

The fashion trends of the last few years, specifically the post-pandemic era, can be described as anything but quiet. Our collective obsession with sweatpants and athleisure turned to a move towards maximalism as the world reopened and people embraced dressing up again. Fancy a trip to your newly-reopened favorite restaurant followed by a movie dressed to the nines in your favorite feathery party dress? Sure, why not. Those collective ‘why nots’ were heard worldwide as we all took a much-needed reprieve from zoom happy hours and endless take-out Friday dinners on our couch dressed in the same elastic-waist pants as the week before.

Maximalism Meets Y2K Nostalgia

In 2021, brands began showing new collections following the traditional fashion calendar once again, and it was impossible not to notice the shift in aesthetic. From Bottega Veneta’s bold colors and textures like feathers and sequins to Loewe’s geometric patterns and Anagram logo bags and Chanel’s glitz and glamour, the move towards maximalism was ever-apparent. Couple that with fashion’s continued obsession with Y2K fashion, which on its own screams the bigger, the better, and, unsurprisingly, we’re now moving in the obsession direction. Finally, it seems that fashion is fatigued by maximalism.

Khaite Amelia Tote

via Moda Operandi

$2,250

What Exactly is Quiet Luxury?

Lately, the talk of “quiet luxury” has been everywhere, even making its way into pop culture, becoming a topic of discussion in TV shows like HBO’s Succession and popping up in major publications like Vogue, who reported on the trend, stating it’s going to be one of the biggest of 2023, earlier this month.

While there’s no official definition for the term, quiet luxury simply means a more low-key approach to luxury dressing, wearing high-quality basics in a way that looks luxe but can’t quite be pinned down. It’s a tailored coat by the Row paired with a cult-favorite pair of Anine Bing jeans, Jil Sander ballet flats, and a lush leather bag by Khaite. An outfit with a price tag well into the 5-figure mark, but one that only those in the know would recognize. It’s neutral hues with only tiny pops of muted colors. It’s shapes and silhouettes that are meant to last you a lifetime.

While a trend is still a trend, one that’s meant to transcend seasons is certainly one we can get behind, although I’m not sure what that means for all of the colors my closet currently consists of. Are you a fan of the quiet luxury aesthetic?

The Row Margaux 15 Tote

via Moda Operandi

$4,150

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Sara

2 months ago

If only these commenters were as quiet as their luxury items, ranting about the tackiness of logos while being tactless in your comments.

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Lisa

2 months ago

Reply to Sara

BINGO, yes yes yes. Agree 1000% I have been insulted many times by those thinking I am less than because I don’t care for a 10K or 20K bag that is ……GASP….FUGLY (IMO of course). Thank you for being our voice!!

Ed B

2 months ago

Reply to Sara

Right? Like wow, I feel like I need to go out and get some fresh air after reading the “discourse” up there. Super tacky.

And before one of those people get mad because “I’m poor” because I disagree with their comments: take it elsewhere, people are allowed to disagree with you and not be jealous of your “Birkins” roflmao what a non-flex.

Lisa

2 months ago

Reply to Ed B

Agree 1000% Ed. Thanks for speaking up!!

btdq

2 months ago

Reply to Sara

THIS, PERIOD

FashionableLena

2 months ago

I love a good logo. I also like so-called “quiet luxury”. If wearing a logo is tacky, classless, and ostentatious, I’ll wear that badge with pride. I don’t place any stock on the perceptions and opinions of strangers. They hold zero value on my life.

Judging people based on material things is also tacky and classless.

Icicle

2 months ago

Reply to FashionableLena

Agreed! I love reading this blog but lately have taken to skipping the comments on articles such as this. Being fashionable isn’t a 1 size fits all or a 1 style for all occasions. It is about feeling confident and expressing yourself through your stylistic choices–logos or no logos. I am not sure why so many women want to spew vitriol at those who wear logos–having class is about being respectful & not so judgmental–esp not over clothes/bags!

Anon

2 months ago

So many condescending readers on this blog who feel compelled to put other people down and over what, a few bits of leather. I used to enjoy this blog for the fact it had a place for people who truly enjoy fashion. Now it’s just – “you’re not rich enough to afford Chanel,” “people who wear logos are tacky,” “I’m better than you for x (insert materialistic purchase of a different kind.” Time to move on to new reading material.

VeronicaGA

2 months ago

Nothing new here. Many of us are not interested in logos and ostentatious designs. We find elegance in simplicity, beautiful materials, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Alice

1 month ago

Reply to VeronicaGA

Agree!

Terri

2 months ago

Reply to VeronicaGA

Very well said!

Zoe

2 months ago

Reply to VeronicaGA

so well said <3

Pamela

2 months ago

Reply to VeronicaGA

Exactly, some of us actually value what luxury really stands for, rather than certain types of people who prefer clothing, shoes, and bags that are merely nothing more than glorified billboards. It’s disappointing for this to be a mere trend

Sandy

2 months ago

Wow, snobbery much? Some of the comments below are a bit ridiculous. I have many different designers in my closet, logos and no. Wear what you love but allow others to do same without judgement. I see so many wonderful outfits that consist of high low items.

Lila

2 months ago

Honestly, it’s so tacky to see someone wearing those Chanel logo earrings or anything Gucci/Louis Vuitton monogram. I’m even at the point where I’m putting my Birkins in the back of my closet since it’s been co-opted by so many people without style and elegance to carry one. I saw a woman carry one wearing what was obviously Zara and I rolled my eyes so hard. Have some class.

C D

1 month ago

Reply to Lila

There’s some coded language in your comment that you might want to reflect upon. Specifically, the sentence describing how you’re no longer interested in carrying a Birkin because it has been “co-opted” by others “without …. elegance to carry one.” It sounds like you’re, at best, referring to persons whom you view as having an inferior socioeconomic status — or, at worst, POC who don’t match the stereotypical WASP-y Hermes customer. I say this as a WASP who comes from multigenerational wealth (i.e., “old money”) whose privilege has been checked by others. I am grateful for those who have called me out for inadvertently using similar coded language in the past, so I’m just trying to pass on what I have learned. I have no idea what your background is, but your comment could be hurtful to persons who are less privileged than you (I’m assuming some degree of privilege since you mentioned owning multiple Birkins). I just wanted to offer a different perspective since we don’t always realize how our words might affect others.

ClassyBehaviourTrumpsAll

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

I feel like this whole comment section went a little nuts.

The only real thing I want to say is with regards to this:

“I’m even at the point where I’m putting my Birkins in the back of my closet since it’s been co-opted by so many people without style and elegance to carry one.”

I totally get feeling turned off by seeing folks carry bags you own in a way you don’t agree with. But you would’ve really loved your bags/Birkins when you bought them…you didn’t buy them for someone else’s approval. It sounds like you dress and carry your bags in a way that feels comfortable, stylish, and elegant for you. So you do you!!! If someone tacky or with mixed ethics or whatever carries it in their way, don’t let it influence you from enjoying what you own and what you spent your hard-earned money on for whatever reason your purchased it for (if you appreciated the design, the brand’s values, it’s pretty, etc.).

Wear all the things you have/want in good health, and in your unique way regardless of whoever else may have them.

That said, if the way others have carried it have just plain turned you off from them, then fair enough. You do you, sis, and we can all agree life’s so much more than bags! ❤️

Lisa

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

Madam, you are NOT in agreement with us. What is wrong with ZARA? and WTF regarding your Chanel earring remark? YOU are the reason we are griping. Get a grip and come down to reality.

Brava

1 month ago

Reply to Lisa

You may not be aware but fast-fashion brands like Zara are major polluters on both ends of the manufacturing-retail process. Their practices are unsustainable and, in my opinion, unethical.

Lisa

1 month ago

Reply to Brava

I am fully aware of what Fast fashion and Zara is all about and what they create and how it affects our environment. That is not a topic of this discussion or blog. That is my entire point we need to stick to the subjects at hand, and either like or dislike the bags in our comments. Not go off on tangents and start discussing world news. There are too many people with too many lifestyles, and too many different opinions to become a subject of this. It takes over the entire comment section and pretty much hijacked the subject at hand. Think about that .

Helloh

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

TF is wrong with Zara? Elitist cat.

SlurmLoco

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

I am literally putting on my Chanel logo earrings, and loading a pristine Gucci boat bag as well as my beautiful LV Chantilly right now in your honor Lila. Triple monogram Monday. 💕

Openny

1 month ago

Reply to SlurmLoco

🥰

Temmy

2 months ago

Reply to SlurmLoco

I love you!💕

ClassyBehaviourTrumpsAll

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

Personally, I find it refreshing when someone comfortably carries a high-low mix. To me it feels down-to-earth and says nothing more than this person feels confident wearing whatever they feel like wearing. And that’s absolutely my cup of tea, but to each their own. Does it make it less classy if someone purchases designer RTW at outlet prices? Wear whatever feels you and feels good.
To OP – if the point of quiet luxury is to wear it so only those in the know know…..naaaah. Just wear good quality items that fit well and feel good when they’re on. Whether they’re $50 or $5,000.
Just because someone chooses to do high-low doesn’t mean (A) They don’t deserve to carry their bag. (B) That they don’t have $$$$ RTW sitting in their closet.

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Praline

2 months ago

Reply to ClassyBehaviourTrumpsAll

Delusional comment. I have worked in luxury retail for 25 years and the reality is most people can only afford belts, shoes, and bags. That’s the only reason they go for a high-low mix. They don’t have a choice!

Lisa

2 months ago

Reply to Praline

That’s a pretty bold statement to make about me. YOu don’t even know me. I can afford to wear whatever I WANT. I CHOOSE to wear high-low, imagine that Karen!!

Edith King

2 months ago

Reply to Praline

You working there and barely being able to afford anything makes you an expert. Are you a forensic accountant as well?

Praline

2 months ago

Reply to Edith King

I m not a sales associate. I m very privileged to make a lot of money—probably more than most of the people here. But unlike you, I don’t shame people for their income level.

Lisa

1 month ago

Reply to Praline

Karen, you pretty much just did. Your elitist comments have pretentious, written all over them. Come back down to earth, honey, while you may have all the money in the world, most don’t. The fact that you turn your nose up at that is what I call Disgusting and rude. I don’t discuss how much money I have or the wealth of my family. It’s only my business and not anyone else’s. Congratulations honey, you are rich and have stated it on this page in several ways. Certainly doesn’t make you better than anyone else. Time for you to go back to your shallow life.

Ed B

1 month ago

Reply to Praline

“I don’t shame people for their income level”

“That’s the only reason they go for a high-low mix” (unwritten message: not because they have a certain style or genuinely like low end stuff too) “They don’t have a choice!”

Maybe you didn’t mean to, but the way your comments read to me is that indeed you do carry judgement related to income/wealth. You’re saying that “most people” can’t afford to have a choice and that is the only reason they high-low mix. To the point where you call it “delusional” to think otherwise.

Ella

2 months ago

Reply to Praline

That’s not true at all! Most people buy the aforementioned items because they may have longevity/other reason. Theoretically, if you can afford a 3k bag you can afford a Burberry coat but you may choose to buy a trench from a non-brand, or a different color because it suits the overall look, or you just like the one from Zara. I was recently at Bvlgari set on buying a very expensive ring for my 40th but was wearing a b zero (a more entry point style minus engagement ring and other jewelery etc). Given I was dressed quite casually the shop assistant decided I wasn’t a serious purchaser and suggested cheaper items and was reluctant to show me more valuable ones. I found this highly annoying, just because someone has purchased a certain item you shouldn’t make a judgement on their ability to afford other things. Needless to say I took my business to Cartier!

Lila

2 months ago

Reply to ClassyBehaviourTrumpsAll

It’s truly tiresome to see the same responses from people who obviously choose to misconstrue my comments and reveal who they are through their projections.

And I love how you choose to disgustingly misinterpret Zara comment towards income and not towards the disposable, exploitative, and fast-fashion contexts Zara operates in. Speaks a lot about the demographics of those who “mix high and low” speaks volumes.

Fabuleux

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

It’s the same person just changing the name under which they post. Ignore them.

Zaldy

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

Hey, clearly we all have varying perceptions of what it means to “be classy” or “have class”. It seems that the commenters who’ve been called out as being snobs feel a certain way about being called out. For me it’s giving “how dare these people have an opinion of ME, I wear Chanel!”. People will have an opinion of you just as you have of them.

Jay Currie

1 month ago

Reply to Zaldy

I fear you confuse “be classy” with “have style”.

Lila

2 months ago

Reply to Zaldy

It’s not becoming if you own that Birkin allegedly for its quality and craftsmanship and in the same outfit wear something like Zara or Shein which is Hermes literal antithesis in values. That’s not classy, that’s not mixing high and low; that’s hypocrisy.

Lisa

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

Ohhh OK Ms. Authority on Fashion that I have never heard of. You should probably quit while your ahead seeing that the majority of us do not agree with you and your comments are foolish and pretentious. Maybe you should hide in the back of your closet with your Birkins….

Willow

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

No no you don’t get it. If you’re privileged enough to spend $10k+ on a bag , it is only classy and refreshing to support fast fashion. Wearing ethical brands is not classy at all!

That’s them.

Willow

2 months ago

Reply to ClassyBehaviourTrumpsAll

1. I personally find it trashy, disgusting, and vulgar considering you can afford a high end bag (a freaking $10k bag btw) but choose to support fast fashion which not only continues to exploit developing countries for manufacturing but contributes all to the waste issue plaguing the environment, not to mention the crass amount of synthetics. So tell me you don’t care about ethics without telling me.

2. Okay Anna Wintour

3. OP never said that

Gigi

2 months ago

Reply to Willow

Exactly. You nailed it.

Wendy

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

Thank god some sense on this site. Seeing the people in the forums having their regularly scheduled meltdowns over price increases, not getting their “quota bag”, or a stitch not being 1000% centered on their monogram bag that’s louder than a megaphone is so tiring.

You’re not the target audience. Move!

Rita

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

Do you even realize how tacky you sound? Birkins…the silence you hear is me rolling my eyes.

Genie

2 months ago

Reply to Rita

Did the latest price increase price you out?

BeatUpBirkinBeth

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

I get it. Personally it would be lovely to reach a level of evolved where people don’t feel the need to point out and put down, specially behind the anonymity of the internet, other human beings who they think are beneath them. In the meantime I’ll keep buying and wearing what I like and just not give a flying fudgesicle. Oh and darling, there’s nothing classy at all about being a stuck up snob, you might think it is, it’s not, darling dear. It’s just simply rotted.

Lila

2 months ago

Reply to BeatUpBirkinBeth

Chastising me for being a stuck up snob whist being a stuck up snob is a level of hypocrisy I hope to never achieve

Lisa

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

If you are not a snob why are you taking such offense to the comments? Hypocrisy rearing it’s ugly head??? Don’t throw rocks at……you know the saying.

Willow

2 months ago

Reply to BeatUpBirkinBeth

You’re getting angry over a comment, but say you don’t “give a flying fudgesicle“? Make it make sense. Some of y’all like getting mad for no reason.

Amelia

2 months ago

Reply to Willow

I think Beth means they’ll just do their thing style wise and not care what other people think about their style. Beth is also calling out the snobs on this thread. Some of them can be pretty nasty. Seems quite obvious. Maybe not to those who are very superficial and out of touch?

Karine

2 months ago

Reply to BeatUpBirkinBeth

Exactly. Well said.

Bernadette

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

It’s even worse when they “claim” to *love* Hermes or even Chanel yet only own a Birkin or Classic flap. Like be honest darling, you love to look like you’re part of that world, but please. We know why you want that bag, it’s obviously not because you allegedly love that brand.

I’m glad I’m moving to more subtle brands that haven’t been diluted and I’m anticipating what Phoebe Philo is bring.

Ed B

1 month ago

Reply to Bernadette

I don’t know if you responded to the right comment, because it basically says “I own Birkins I’m better obviously” lol which like… not one wealthy person I know would brag about Birkins of all things. Saying “I would never wear logo stuff from LV etc” but then bragging about Birkins is… funny. Same if they had commented about Chanel flaps.

I agree more with your comment than the one you responded to. Subtle brands are cooler to me, but not because “I own Birkins I’m so cool”. The poster you replied to should’ve at least suggested they own multiple bags from Hermes not just “my Birkinssss”.

Zoe

2 months ago

Reply to Bernadette

what an elitistic comment. i have seen a lot of ladies wear channel from head to toe and have no sense of style at all. and please channel brings no style to most looks.

Bernadette

2 months ago

Reply to Zoe

Your second sentence was my point dear. People only wearing luxury but utterly lacking the allure, sensibility, and panache to pull it off.

And Chanel can absolutely bring style, you simply do not see it because you don’t know how to wear Chanel and because the brand has been diluted by those who have no style, even the higher-ups are aware of this issue. Corporate likes to refer to them as rodents, but you didn’t hear it from me.

Ela

2 months ago

Reply to Bernadette

Good God. Has anyone told you that being condescending is in extremely poor taste? Well-mannered and elegant people go out of their way to make everyone feel valued. Looking down your nose at somebody else is…..nouveau riche.

Genie

2 months ago

Reply to Ela

I bet you’d know a thing or two about being nouveau riche <3

Zoe

2 months ago

Reply to Bernadette

Luxury it is not only Chanel.. I do not chose to wear Chanel as i do not find it appealing. No creativity there- just plain showing of how much money i spent. Rick Owens, Ann Demeulemeester, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yanamoto ( the list can go on)… Fashion and style is about creativity and not owning the same style in different colours or material.

Bernadette

2 months ago

Reply to Zoe

Dear, just because you do not like and cannot afford Chanel doesn’t mean you have to disparage it. Simply move on with your ‘fashion’ brands and let us people who love timeless elegance in peace.

We all have our own different tastes.

Mel

2 months ago

Reply to Bernadette

Hey, “dear”. Timeless elegance? I know exactly what your style is. All the girlies who bray about timeless elegance have a variation of it. Here’s what’s really happening. You are all profoundly uncool. When I look at you, I don’t think ‘wow she has style’. I think ‘wow, she has money’. And all the money in the world won’t buy you something that makes people’s head turn for the right reasons. Saying ‘dear’ a lot doesn’t make you look like you have more to offer sartorially than money, but your style sure does reflect your personality: pretentious without having earned it. Chanel. Really.

Zoe

2 months ago

Reply to Bernadette

i do not like something does not mean i cannot afford it. but whatever makes you happy.

Lisa

2 months ago

Reply to Zoe

She’s insecure. Ignore it; if she were truly classy, she would exude confidence and build those around her up and support them. She thrives on insults because she phony and is not what she is projecting so hard to be. I’m here for you and agree 1000%.

Willow

2 months ago

Reply to Bernadette

Exactly . And some are just not as refined as others

Emily

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

if I ever feel my life is sad, I’ll think about you and it will make me feel much better

Lila

2 months ago

Reply to Emily

Don’t be jealous emily. It’s unbecoming

Emily

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

I’m pretty sure I own way more Hermes and Chanel than you but I am not so serious about myself.

Sandy

2 months ago

Reply to Lila

I agree with Emily, I am fairly sure it is not jealousy that motivated her comment.

SoManyLosersSoLittleTime

2 months ago

The comments here are hysterical! People can’t sleep at night because some pair their birkins with Zara. Get a life! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

CDANSLAIR

2 months ago

Wearing logos is tacky. Period. It’s the first sign that you have no class and no taste.

Fashion brands cater primarily to middle-class buyers who are desperate to signal their purchasing power and tribal identity through visible logos. Louis Vuitton makes more money selling belts with shiny LV buckles than hard-sided luggage. Hermès sells H-buckle belts by the truckload to people who have no interest in other H products. And so on…

Everyone is allowed to wear what they want, but let’s be honest about why people love logos. It’s not because they are stylish and elegant.

Anastasia

1 month ago

Reply to CDANSLAIR

As a professional woman I like what I like! When I wear any type of logo, I’m paying homage to the brand, not signaling my purchasing power! My purchasing power is signaled by other “assets” such as my home, etc. Btw the bag someone carries does not always depict their wealth.

CDANSLAIR

1 month ago

Reply to Anastasia

“I’m paying homage to the brand” OMG I laughed so hard. The lack of self-awareness is brilliant.

Rush

1 month ago

Reply to CDANSLAIR

Interesting. So Princess Diana, carrying many a Chanel during her life, has no class and no taste? That’s a new take!!!!

SlurmLoco

2 months ago

These comments are the internet version of “You can’t sit with us!”.

If you’re a Birkin/Chanel carrying “lady” begrudging a Zara and logo loving wearer while casually tossing out “nouveau riche”, I question everything about you. If you have that kind of coin, you’re not on purseblog virtue signaling your class, misspelling words, or using the word “dear”. And if you are, boy howdy, I feel sorry for you.

However, if you’re a logo loving lass mixing high-low and just putting out good energy, I’m here for it, do you. As to quiet luxury, loud luxury, no luxury, etc., wear what you love, love what you wear and live joyfully. It’s a tough crowd here LOL.

Ed B

1 month ago

Reply to SlurmLoco

Right? The “I own Birkins, dear” is just laugh-out-loud funny to me. I’ve been very lucky and went to private schools all my life and met people from different levels of wealth from around a couple bil and often generational wealth to people who were there on scholarship (usually middle-class). Absolutely none of them, even “nouveau rich” ones were silly enough to try to one-up anyway saying “I have Birkins thoooo”. At most some loved loud logos and stuff but good lord none said “I have a Birkin/I have a Chanel flap”. If you’re around actual wealth, it doesn’t take long to realize it’s not a flex at all.

And 10000% wear what you love!!! I don’t personally love logos but it’s a style thing for me, not affordability. My wardrobe is boring and plain AF.

All of you are mad

2 months ago

I cannot for the life of me understand what I am reading here. Most of you need to go outside and touch grass. God forbid your entire existence is tied to leather goods and luxury clothing.