Our Editor’s Quiet Luxury Picks Are A Mouthwatering Array Of Affordable Buys & Investment Pieces

It can be hard to know which trends have staying power, and what is just tomorrow’s forgotten TikTok aesthetic. But we have a feeling “quiet luxury” isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The term itself might be new, but the style it describes is anything but. Well-made investment pieces that lack bold logos and colors have always been around, but recent forces in pop culture (and a whole lot of social media commentary) have made them undeniably buzzy. The popularity of HBO’s Succession, alongside celebs sporting more tailored, minimalist ‘fits rather than label-heavy apparel, has led to the “stealth wealth” look going mainstream again. Fashion enthusiasts worldwide are now giving it their own spin, either via the opulence of a timeless investment piece or a really convincing dupe. (Now that’s the real stealth wealth).

R29 editors have also embraced the trend, even if we’re more likely to be heading to the L train over the Roy family’s private jet. For a little taste of quiet luxury, check out our picks that range from high-quality basics to classy jewelry and timeless handbags we swear by. You could even curate a whole head-to-toe outfit from our editors’ recs. Ahead, browse through R29 editors’ top quiet luxury list to live out the “old money” aesthetic, starting at just over $50.

DÔEN Shae Tank

“I don’t often have the funds to invest in new designer/luxury big-ticket items, but high-quality basics is a category I feel is really worth the investment. This near perfect — and slightly under-$100 — pointelle tank is on the more attainable side and is something I know I’ll wear over and over and over again.”

Rowing Blazers Warm & Wonderful Crocheted Bucket Hat

“For the typical Rowing Blazers shopper, buying a preppy accessory or sweater may not seem like a splurge, but for me, it was a fun summer indulgence that I love to brag about. I recently wore my last season RB mountains painter’s hat on a vacation out west, and cannot recommend treating yourself with a fun accessory or hat enough. If you’re most suited to the classic RB style, a la the Princess Diana iconic sheep sweater, may I tempt you with the matching sheep crocheted bucket hat that’s almost a little too perfect.”

Sandro Paris Cropped Sleeveless Sweater, $220, Sandro Paris Short Pleated Knit Skirt

“In my book, quiet luxury items are the styles where you walk past someone in the streets and have to take a second glance because they look so polished, but you can’t quite put your finger on why. Sandro Paris does it for me with all of its Parisian-chic ensembles. The brand recently released a plethora of the latest summer arrivals, and this matching pointelle knit set caught my eye.”

“The delicate details like the pattern, the pleats in the skirt, and the contrasting stripes are all subtle but eye-catching. The best part is that the styling capabilities are endless. Just imagine the set with a sweater draped on your shoulders with mules, or paired an oversized black wool coat and loafers for the fall.”

The Row Small N/S Park Leather Tote

“If you know me, you know I dream of nothing more than to be dressed in head-to-toe The Row — and essentially morph into the fourth Olsen sister. So it should be no surprise that I was seriously considering investing in this perfectly sized classic black bag as a birthday gift to myself, but ultimately decided to give myself another month or two to save some dollars before I take the plunge into supple leather heaven. Note: if you’re interested in something similar that’s also big enough to fit a laptop.

Alex Crane Playa Shirt|Lines

“To me, nothing encapsulates ‘quiet luxury’ more than a well-made linen button-down shirt, especially if the material is French linen. I’ve been wearing this striped number from Alex Crane whenever I want to channel my polished side.”

“It’s a very simple item at first glance, but the devil is in the details: the full-bodied organic linen looks good even with a bit of wrinkling after multiple washes, the tips of the collars can be buttoned down like a dress shirt, and the buttons are made from corozo, a compostable nut derived from the rainforests in Brazil. It’s my favorite casual chic item I always reach for whenever I am not sure what to wear, and it looks great on its own (I like to tie a knot at the end for a more retro vibe), or as a layering piece worn over a slip dress.”

Polène Cyme Bag

“What I like about the quiet luxury trend is that it’s allowed understated brands like Polène shine. This bag is the epitome of quiet luxury: well-made, cheaper than actual designer bags, and incredibly versatile and classic. This is actually my work bag since it fits a 13-inch laptop and all my essentials without feeling bulky. Because of this, I’ve worn it with pretty much anything, from jeans and a white button-down to a maxi skirt and tank top.”

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