Aussies Are Putting Their Own Spin on Quiet Luxury

1 year ago

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Even those not interested in fashion would’ve heard the term ‘quiet luxury’. Though it isn’t a new style of dressing, the name itself was only coined around April, thanks to the looks Gwyneth Paltrow served at her ski crash trial, the outfits Sarah Snook’s character Shiv Roy wore on ‘Succession’, and the cleaned-up, glow-up Sofia Richie Grainge showcased for her wedding in the south of France.

Simply put, it’s new-age minimalism. The trend, often also referred to as ‘stealth wealth’, focuses on investment pieces and more conscious shopping habits, resulting in outfits oozing wealth, rather than screaming it.

Naturally, like many other fashion trends, Aussies are putting their own spin on quiet luxury, adding to it their own signature laidback, coastal feel.

“This AAFW, I noticed Anna Quan, Albus Lumen and Bondi Born took things up a notch to meet the current trend of quiet luxury,” says Australian stylist Georgina Downe. “Australia has always been known for leading the way in coastal, relaxed beach wear, and so we’re doing quiet luxury differently by taking that well-known ‘beach to street’ style clothing and elevating it with clean tailoring and sophisticated shapes to create relaxed, but chic looks.”

The result is ‘quiet luxury meets coastal’ that’s relaxed beach wear with more conservative cuts and higher-end tailoring, working to give ‘old money’ vibes. Clothes are made from materials that feel expensive but are also summery, like silk and linen. Downe says one of the best examples of it is the white linen matching vest and skirt by Australian label Posse that Sofia Richie Grainge wore for one of her wedding weekend looks.

“The great thing about the way Aussie designers are doing this trend is they are creating wardrobe staples that are also diverse,” says Downe.

If you’re escaping winter in Australia and heading for warmer weather, it’s a trend you can tap into when packing. “From your beach cover-ups to day looks and dinner outfits, there should be a cohesive minimalist and slightly conservative approach,” says Downe.

“It’s not showing a lot of skin, while still feeling summery. Start with classic white linen trousers. You can wear them over your bikini with sandals going to the beach in Mykonos, or pair them with a simple tank and ballet flats to walk around Paris. Or buy a matching pants and shirt set that you can mix and match.”

Ahead, Downe shares some of her top picks for trying the ‘quiet luxury meets coastal’ trend.