QUIET LUXURY BRANDS TO HAVE ON YOUR RADAR
If you like unfussy, elevated forever pieces, this is for you...
“Fashion should be fun.” I don’t know who started this unofficial style slogan but I couldn’t disagree more. To an extent. It wasn’t until I reached my thirties, with over a decade of working in the fashion industry under my (studded belt) that I realised what I actually liked wearing, what suited me and also what fitted my lifestyle.
I became overwhelmed with the constant cycle of trends, the ‘in’ print of the season that went with nothing else and the conveyor belt of clothes that would come across my desk every day. I know, boo hoo, but it enabled me to really streamline my style which I now describe as elevated basics combined with investment pieces in a neutral colour palette. In short, it’s quiet luxury. It’s block colours, it’s quality fabrics and it’s flattering silhouettes. Does that mean I spend a little more? Yes. Do these pieces out-last fast fashion by years and give me more cost per wear? 100%.
While luxury brands such as Toteme, Khaite and The Row bought this minimal style to the mainstream, a myriad of mid-level and even high street brands have since followed suit. Although there are more and I may do a follow-up post, I thought we could start with the OG’s that are always my go-to’s for chic, everyday pieces that I can dress up or down and combine with each other with minimum effort.
COS
Always my first stop for amazing, great quality basics (their t-shirts are so flattering) in heavy, durable fabrics. I find that Cos really come into their own for autumn/winter with fantastic knits in tonal hues and chic wool trousers. Very The Row in the silhouettes and always with an interesting twist to keep them unique.
KHAITE
Khaite always have an ‘it’ item each season which is favoured by the cool girl set but unless I genuinely love it, I tend to shy away from those pieces as everyone has them and it loses its allure for me. Their ankle boots are incredibly comfortable and are in a really timeless shape which will always hold its value.
MASSIMO DUTTI
I’m always unsure whether to class MD as high street as the price points would suggest otherwise. I absolutely love this brand for an edgier take on quiet luxury. Their tailoring and leather pieces is really their USP while their accessories scream Scandi cool - think chunky minimalism that can take your outfit to the next level.
SHOP THE MASSIMO DUTTI EDIT HERE
TOTEME
I’ve followed founder Elin Klin’s journey since the OG days of blogging and it’s a joy to see how well Toteme has done. With a more reasonable price point than The Row, it’s collections are thoughtful and far from boring. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still expensive but very classic forever pieces that will last you forever. To get more bang for your buck I’d always recommend the bigger pieces such as coats, bags and shoes.
ARKET
Similar to Cos, Arket is able to offer those great basics alongside an unexpected statement piece that instantly catches your eye and you suddenly can’t live without. Their coats and knitwear is second to none and the colour options are so rich and beautiful, you’ll be hooked!
THE ROW
Ah, the holy grail of luxury minimalism, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have encapsulated what it means to be achingly cool. No garish logos, no distracting prints, just clean lines, neutral colours (mostly) and the odd ‘it’ product (hello Margaux bag). With jackets setting you back £4k and leggings coming in at £640, you’re a long way from the high street Toto but the quality is like no other.
TOVE
If you find some of the minimal brands a little masculine, Tove is for you. Not girly but feminine in a grown-up way with a pleat here, an off-the-shoulder there and a ruffled hem occasionally. Although there’s still tailoring and there’s still leather, there’s a definitive softness that sets it apart.
BY MALENE BIRGER
You can’t get much cooler than Scandi-born brand, By Malene Birger. Very reasonable in price and the quality is absolutely beautiful. Known for its cosy blanket coats and chunky knitwear, there’s always a surprising element in each piece - from a cinched in waist to a collarless jacket. A must-buy if you’re looking to take your basics to the next level.
WARDROBE NYC
Halterneck leather tanks, cropped trench coats and stunning tailored sets are just some of the pieces you can expect to find at Wardrobe NYC. It’s minimal and quiet luxury with the edge and coolness you’d expect from a city girl.
SHOP THE WARDROBE NYC EDIT HERE
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Love this, just found you on the search page! I reckon you’d really like Aligne too, it’s sort of a mix between Arket and Tove xx