IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TK MAXX
Quiet luxury is about buying less but buying better, and that’s one trend we can get behind. Where to shop the trend without the luxury price tag? Well, everyone knows there’s no deal like a TK Maxx deal …
Perhaps the most buzzed-about trend of the year, quiet luxury has made itself heard loud and clear. But what exactly is the trend, and how can we incorporate it into our wardrobes without breaking the bank? Sparked by brands like The Row, Khaite and Totême and catapulted by TV shows like the Roy family’s Succession style, Sienna Miller’s neutral wardrobe in Anatomy of a Scandal, pop culture moments like Gwyneth Paltrow’s court wardrobe and Sofia Richie’s wedding looks this year, at its essence it is about inherently classic simple designs, clean lines and refined silhouettes and building a wardrobe of elevated classics that you’ll reach for on repeat. The brands who have helped to define the look let the quality of the pieces do the talking and the minimalist, understated but highly considered style has fast created a growing tribe of followers – what might look like just another green coat or beige knit to some, sends a signal to those in the know …
We spoke to Dr Dion Terrelonge, fashion psychologist, about how this trend took hold, why it is attractive to shoppers, and how exactly we can get the quiet luxury look – without the luxury price tag.
“It’s something that’s been around for so long, it’s just what we’re calling it now. Quiet luxury is essentially a style that is quite minimal, more restrained, focused on timeless, high quality, well-crafted pieces. When you look at these pieces it’s more about the design, quality and their simplicity than it is about whatever brand or logo is emblazoned across it. It’s much more about the item itself. That to me is quiet luxury – that you know you’re wearing something that is just made really well.”
Earrings, €8.99; tan coat, RRP €270, TK Maxx price €189.99; polo neck knit, €24.99; skirt, RRP €59.95, TK Maxx price €36.99; brown gold chain bag, €49.99; patent court heels, €22.99.
Why has quiet luxury taken hold now?
While the pieces that define the trend may be nothing new, according to Dr Terrelonge, it has gained more momentum now in response to the overly conspicuous styles that we have seen over the last few years. The logo-heavy trend has reached saturation point, largely due to overexposure on social media.
It could also reflect a growing change in consumer attitude towards sustainability and circularity. According to Dr Terrelonge, “people are actually beginning to wake up to the fact that ultra-fast fashion is a false economy so they’re more interested in spending their money more wisely when they do want to buy something new.” Perhaps this means investing in better quality, buying natural materials or even purchasing fewer trend-led items that we won’t tire of after one season.
“If you are thinking about items that will last you a long time, not only should you think about the quality but also the style of the item. If the piece is too brash, too out-there, too niche or too trend-focused, you know that once that trend is out, it will be very hard to rework. It’s about seeking those timeless classic pieces instead,” explains Dr Terrelonge.
Earrings, RRP €14, TK Maxx price €8.99; polo neck knit, RRP €140, TK Maxx price €36.99; striped shirt, RRP €115, TK Maxx price €39.99; trousers, RRP €97, TK Maxx price €39.99; croc print bag, €24.99; croc print loafers, €22.99.
How to get the quiet luxury look
Although the name suggests these items will be expensive, that needn’t be the case. TK Maxx is quite literally a treasure trove when it comes to the products on offer – you’ll find everything from big name designers to up-and-coming brands and one-off gems, at up to 60% less than the RRP. You never know what you might find, and that’s part of the fun but when you do find a gem, snap it up – because when it’s gone, it’s gone!
If shoppers are going into TK Maxx to pick up key pieces to achieve the quiet luxury look, what should they consider?
Sunglasses, €7; earrings, €16; aviator jacket, €149.99; knit, RRP €220, TK Maxx price €99; lace detail skirt, €27.99; bag, €39.99.
Streamline your focus
After establishing the gaps in your existing wardrobe, identify the items you would like to purchase, whether that’s a new pair of boots, a winter coat, or a great piece of knitwear. Look for items that are going to mix and match easily with each other and with existing items in your wardrobe. This might mean shades of beige, taupe and cream, or black, navy and grey. One thing to avoid is anything that’s overly patterned or printed. “It’s about consistent rather than conflicting looks,” explains Dr Terrelonge.
While colour palette is important, fabric is perhaps more so. Always opt for the best fabric you can afford, whether that’s 100 per cent silk, merino wool, cashmere or organic cotton. Natural fabrics will not only look richer, but they will also feel better against your skin. Choose leather shoes, belts and bags, and where possible invest in solid gold or silver jewellery, according to taste – anything filled or plated will tarnish. Avoid heavily logoed sunglasses and accessories that you are likely to get bored of. And be wary of anything that looks like it fits into any fleeting trends – pieces should be classic and timeless, something you know you would be as happy to wear in two years as you would in 20 years.
In essence, quiet luxury is about buying less but buying better, and that’s one trend we can get behind. Let the quality of your pieces do the talking – even if that means wearing items that whisper, rather than shout.
Shop the quiet luxury trend in TK Maxx stores nationwide now; www.tkmaxx.ie.
Dr Dion Terrelonge is a fashion psychologist who advocates for sustainability. She shares psychological insights on consumerism and our personal relationships with fashion, to help us understand our own habits, so we can make better-informed decisions, for people and the planet. Dr Terrelonge previously lectured in Fashion Psychology at University Arts London and regularly delivers talks on fashion psychology, features on podcasts and in media publications including Dazed, Stylist and Vogue, and was recently the resident expert for a BBC fashion show.
Photographer: Evan Doherty
Styling: Corina Gaffey
Assisted by: Orlaigh King
Make-up: Orlaith Shore
Hair: Michelle Grimes
