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What does “luxury” actually mean? It is a term that has become thoroughly overused in modern society, used to describe everything from sports cars and holidays to mattresses and make-up—its ubiquity is at odds with the exclusivity it’s supposed to denote. In the fashion industry, a world ruled by brand hierarchy, the categorization of luxury has remained relatively consistent, however, the aesthetics have shifted with the decades: from the full-skirted femininity of Dior’s New Look to the logo-clad mania of the noughties. So, what does luxury look like in 2023?
Thanks to the pared-back stylings of brands such as The Row, Bottega Veneta, and Khaite, we have seen a return to a more low-key approach to luxury—“quiet luxury” as some people are calling it, or non-trend trends. It’s less austere than minimalism but more polished than “normcore.” It’s Sienna Miller in Anatomy of a Scandal meets off-duty Olsen twins; it’s a battered Hermès Kelly bag or a Max Mara investment coat thrown over an ancient pair of vintage jeans.
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Confused? We admit that it’s not an easy aesthetic to pin down, and it’s more of a mood than anything else, but if we know one thing, it’s that “quiet luxury” is a look that will stand the test of time, as it’s essentially a synonym for elevated basics. So, to get you started, we’ve compiled a list of twelve pieces that will help you on your way to creating 2023’s “quiet luxury” look. From Proenza Schouler’s cinched-waist blazers to prized layering pieces from Miu Miu, scroll down to see and shop our edit.
The Cinched-Waist Blazer
A blazer is a timeless piece of tailoring, known best for being classically menswear-inspired and having everlasting closet appeal. This season, however, we’re gravitating toward blazers from Proenza Schouler, Wardrobe.NYC, and others that feature more feminine details, specifically cinched-waist silhouettes.
The Clean-Lined Skirt
Crafting a spring capsule wardrobe begins with a floor-grazing maxi skirt. Inspired by the clean-lined skirts at Peter Do SS23, offerings from Beare Park, Matteau, Nili Lotan, and more are masterfully minimal, worn best with a crisp button-up or on-trend tank top.
The Sleek Jean
It’s always refreshing to see denim make its runway debut. At Altuzarra SS23, a soft and sleek wide-leg jean was the hero piece. Styles from Re/Done, Agolde, and Khaite make a similar statement.
The Prized Layering Piece
Nineties-inspired layering tactics could be seen all over the spring runways and most notably at Miu Miu SS23. Not one lightweight knit, but multiple were layered atop one another to create a cool and covetable look. Other notable knits include offerings from Baserange, Éterne, and Bite Studios.
The Nonchalant Trouser
A nonchalant, nondescript trouser courtesy of The Row, The Frankie Shop, or Cos should be style staples you return to season after season. Not to mention, a relaxed-fit trouser makes almost every outfit look effortless, especially in versatile colorways like khaki, black, or chocolate brown.
The Seriously Strong Outerwear
All-in-one-outfit outerwear has been making a strong statement both on the runway and on the street, thanks to offerings from Mango, Wardrobe.NYC, Another Tomorrow, and more. Just throw on over a worn-in white T-shirt or a pair of baggy jeans and expect a look that is effortlessly elegant every time.
The Elevated Essential
When it comes to those elevated essentials that deserve permanent placement in your wardrobe, nothing comes close to a plain white tee or a tank. On the Coperni SS23 runway, tank tops anchored some of the strongest looks. Get the look with styles from The Row, Petit Bateau, and Totême.
The Luxe Loafer
A loafer that looks both low-key and luxe at the same time is an instant win in our eyes. No one does the sleek style quite like The Row, but pairs from Khaite, Weejuns, and Tod’s are just as good.
The Power Shirt
Sartorially speaking, the power of a button-up shirt should never be underestimated. Showcased most notably on the Bottega Veneta SS23 runway, wear yours with a polished midi skirt or tucked into a tailored trouser. The styling options are endless with this closet classic.
The Biker Jacket Alternative
As seen on the spring runways, there are few things as luxe in a spring capsule wardrobe as a buttery-soft piece of leather. And this season, we’re gravitating toward more tailored styles from Cos, Loulou Studio, and Burberry.
The Trophy Bag
Simple, quiet elegance is the name of the 2023 bag game. Styles from The Row and Bottega Veneta have the making of an It bag, but with timeless closet appeal. Same goes for DeMellier’s croc-embellished tote bag and a Savette crossbody.
The Simple Statement Sunnies
No essential accessory collection is built without a pair of simple, statement sunglasses. At Saint Laurent SS23, black sunnies were featured with almost every look, creating a result that was strong and subtle. Styles from Ray-Ban, Gucci, and Celine are similarly statement-making.
