Since 2022, quiet luxury has been the buzzword on everyone’s lips. It’s been spotted on runways, splashed across magazines, and even showcased on television—most memorably in HBO’s Succession, which propelled neutral tones and understated opulence into the spotlight through the impeccably chic wardrobes of the Roy family.
The clean, minimalist aesthetic can be traced back much further, often tied to an air of exclusivity and an elite club. Think of Princess Diana’s polished 90s wardrobe, Coco Chanel’s philosophy of simplicity, and Hollywood royalty like Gwyneth Paltrow’s preference for understated yet captivating clothing. Whether on her Instagram’s carousel mirror selfies or the array of sophisticated, pared-back looks during her 2023 ski accident trial that unexpectedly made headlines – we have all seen them before.
But, as we know, fashion trends are cyclical, and while some experts may be quick to declare the quiet luxury trend is diminishing, it has undoubtedly shaken up the fashion zeitgeist at its core. With many still favouring minimalist and understated elegance in their day-to-day sartorial choices, we thought to give you a proper breakdown of what quiet luxury is and how you can channel this timeless style in 2025.
What is Quiet Luxury
In essence, quiet luxury is a recycled, new-age minimalism that emphasizes on investment pieces — perhaps an heirloom or a vintage staple — and a strong sense of restraint. Yes, restraint, because at its core, quiet luxury is about dressing without much effort, carrying that je ne sais quoi that comes from owning the highest-quality of clothing that money can buy. You don’t follow trends, you simply know what to wear.
Of course, in broader impact the quiet luxury resurgence was quickly embraced after the loud, logo-heavy monograms that had dominated since the early noughties. In fashion history, its modern revival can be traced to when visionary designer Phoebe Philo took the helm at Celine (2008–2018), celebrated for their luxurious fabrics and impeccable tailoring, and resonated with how women actually dressed in their daily lives.
While quiet luxury is rooted in restraint, it also champions mindful shopping — investing in fewer, but more meaningful, designer pieces that stand the test of time. It’s about building a wardrobe where each item serves a purpose, whether it’s a versatile cashmere sweater, a perfectly tailored blazer by Brunello Cucinelli, or a classic Fendi leather bag that ages beautifully. This approach rejects the constant churn of fast trends, focusing instead on longevity, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
How to Channel Quiet Luxury in 2025?
At its core, quiet luxury remains a blend of minimalism and functionality, elevated by a sense of refined elegance. The secret formula to channel this vibe is not about dressing in bland, head-to-toe greys (although that can work beautifully), but rather about curating harmonious combinations of colours, textures, and impeccable taste into one cohesive look.
The palette leans toward neutrals and earthy tones — camel, cream, charcoal, olive — but is occasionally punctuated by a single rich accent like burgundy, midnight blue, or forest green to keep it fresh and modern.
A perfect example is Gwyneth Paltrow, the de facto poster girl for quiet luxury. In this mirror selfie, she wears a crisp, collared baby-blue shirt paired with off-white knee-length shorts, finishing the look with retro-tinted sunglasses. The structured collar and clean lines balance the relaxed fit, while the soft, airy palette captures the effortless refinement that defines the quiet luxury aesthetic.
While in the other standout selfies, the Goop owner beautifully paired a long, double-breasted coat layered over a simple mini dress creates an effortlessly refined silhouette, free of logos or excess embellishment. The focus on quality fabrics, perfect fit, and subtle textures makes the outfit feel timeless, intentional, and elegantly understated.
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