Quiet Luxury: Understand the Stealth Wealth Aesthetic
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go quiet luxury if you’re feeling…
austere
refined
high-quality
expensive
understated
timeline & influencers
post-2008 - similar to post 1980s excess, 2008 economic downturn led to a shift in consumer sentiment that made flaunting wealth seem excessive and unfashionable
2020 - social media excess and fast fashion backlashed creating a stealth wealth interested audience
Celebrity influencer Sophia Richie Grainge became the queen of stealth wealth by posting her life on Instagram, unwittingly becoming the poster child
Stealth Wealth Aesthetic Gift Guide
Discreet luxury brands (The Row, Bottega Veneta)
Classic jewelry (gold necklace or ring from Jennifer Meyer)
Luxury skincare (choose any essential from Dr. Barbara Stern)
Cashmere sweaters (try a classic neutral from Altuzarra)
Silk pajamas (La Perla silk pajama set)
High-quality leather handbag (Sensi Studio, Amazon)
Similar Trends
minimalism, coastal grandmother
Stealth wealth fashion (aka quiet luxury) focuses on quiet luxury and understated elegance. Think refined outerwear, monochromatic and well-tailored clothes in neutral palettes, and elegant, classic handbags. This aesthetic emphasizes high-quality items that may be from expensive fashion houses but do not feature overt or obvious logos. The style is sustainable and values durability and quality over excessive spending, the opposite of fast fashion. The stealth wealth aesthetic is about confidence, refinement, and a discerning eye for quality. The opposite of showing off, it’s about appreciating the finer things in life without overtly showcasing them.
Stealth wealth has had its ups and downs throughout history but recently gained renewed popularity. In the 1980s, the haute couture industry's rise of logomania resulted in visible luxury brands like Chanel and Dior becoming status symbols. However, the era's conspicuous consumption led to a backlash, and some people chose to embrace a more understated and timeless approach to luxury fashion, prioritizing quality materials and classic silhouettes over flashy logos. With the rise of social media and the constant stream of extravagant lifestyles promoted on social media platforms (can you say Kardashians?), fatigue around excess and fast fashion hit once again.
Build a capsule wardrobe with luxury basics
Today’s stealth wealth lifestyle is driven by various factors such as economic conditions and changing attitudes. Younger consumers from the millennial and Gen Z generations, who came of age during or after the financial crisis, have a more pragmatic and socially conscious approach to wealth. They often prioritize experiences over material possessions and value understated luxury that reflects quality and is sustainable and timeless.
Minimalist Luxury & Understated Elegance
Fashion:
High-quality craftsmanship: Stealth wealth emphasizes pieces made with high-quality materials that are built to last. Quiet luxury brands reign supreme, such as The Row, Jil Sander, Toteme, and Brunello Cucinelli.
Tailored pieces with subtle details: Focus on minimal silhouettes, impeccable tailoring, and enduring classics such as well-fitted blazers, trousers, and high-quality basics such as cashmere sweater sets. Choose items with superior stitching, fabric quality, and discreet embellishments.
Neutral tones and monochrome looks: Opt for muted and timeless colors like ivory, navy, and earthy hues. Streamlined, monochromatic dressing exudes sophistication.
Understated elegance: Prioritize a subtle and sophisticated aesthetic rather than overt displays of wealth.
Hair:
Effortless elegance: Choose hairstyles that look polished without being overly styled. A sleek, chin-length bob or lob is chic and timeless, as is a low ponytail for a sophisticated yet relaxed vibe.
Natural texture: Embrace your hair’s natural texture with minimal product so it doesn’t look over-styled.
Makeup:
Natural look: Focus on flawless skin with a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer following a serum (try Royal Fern). Highlighter on the cheekbones for a glowing finish.
Subtle eyes and lips: Neutral eyeshadows, defined lashes, and a touch of mascara are all that’s needed. Keep lips nude with soft pinks, peaches, or flesh-toned shades.
Accessories:
Investment pieces: Invest in timeless jewelry like delicate gold necklaces, diamond studs, and elegant bracelets. Minimalist watches with clean dials and leather straps.
Quality purses and bags: Opt for well-crafted leather bags without flashy logos. Both timeless and functional, choose a tote without overt logos. For extra sustainability choose a pre-owned luxury piece.
Nails:
Well-manicured: With an eye on luxury, neatly trimmed nails are elegant and practical.
Neutral shades: Beige, nude, or pale pink complement the stealth wealth aesthetic.
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