QUIET LUXURY WITH GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI

There’s a quiet revolution happening in fashion—and it’s whispering elegance. Gone are the days of screaming logos and over-the-top embellishments. Today, the style elite are embracing something more subtle, more refined, more…expensive-looking. Welcome to the world of quiet luxury, where the look is all about less flash, more cash. Or at least, looking like it.

Inspired by the understated sophistication seen in hit shows like Succession, this trend—also dubbed “stealth wealth”—is rooted in heritage brands like The Row, Loro Piana, and Brunello Cucinelli. But the real tea? You don’t need a billionaire trust fund to pull it off. Whether you’re brunching in Brooklyn or Zoom-calling from your couch, quiet luxury is a vibe you can curate with the right fashion formula—and a few smart shopping secrets.

Let’s break down the trend, decode how to get the look without maxing out your credit card, and explore which Rakuten-affiliated brands are serving up budget-friendly elevated basics worthy of Shiv Roy herself.

What Exactly Is Quiet Luxury?

Think of quiet luxury as the antidote to logomania. It’s sleek, refined, and whisper-soft. The aesthetic is anchored in quality fabrics, impeccable tailoring, and a minimalist color palette—without any visible branding or flash. It’s the wardrobe equivalent of a private jet instead of first class: high-end, low-key.

This trend isn’t new—those in-the-know have been wearing $5,000 cashmere without a label in sight for decades—but its pop culture moment is. In Succession, the Roy family wields clothing as status armor. Shiv’s soft wool coats, Kendall’s baseball caps from $800 labels you’ve never heard of, and Roman’s fitted polos all scream money without saying a word.

But what makes it so fascinating right now is that quiet luxury has trickled down. It’s no longer just reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Thanks to a mix of smart design and accessible retailers, we’re now seeing this elevated look being reimagined for the modern shopper—meaning you can tap into stealth wealth without selling your car for a cashmere sweater.

Why It’s Hot Right Now

Fashion is cyclical. And after years of influencer culture dominated by loud designer logos, TikTok trend explosions, and maximalist everything, the pendulum has swung. Consumers are craving authenticity. They’re rethinking wasteful fast fashion. They’re leaning into timeless over trendy.

In fact, market research from McKinsey & Company shows a 24% rise in consumer searches for minimalist fashion and elevated basics since 2022. With an emphasis on sustainability, seasonless staples, and long-term value, quiet luxury aligns perfectly with the modern lifestyle ethos.

Plus, let’s face it—it’s aspirational. Quiet luxury looks like “I summer in Italy and winter in Aspen” even if you don’t. And in the world of quiet power dressing, how you present yourself really can change the game—whether you’re building your brand, showing up on social media, or closing a business deal.

How to Shop the Quiet Luxury Look (Without the Quiet Luxury Budget)

Let’s be honest: there’s nothing quiet about wanting to look like a million bucks—especially when you’re not trying to spend it. The “quiet luxury” trend, made famous by Succession’s cashmere-clad Roy family and It-girls who wouldn’t be caught dead with a visible logo, is less about price tags and more about perception. It’s about whispering elegance in a world obsessed with loud labels. And while the original blueprint was drawn by brands like Loro Piana, The Row, Khaite, and Brunello Cucinelli, building your own stealth wealth wardrobe doesn’t require a billionaire’s bank account—just a sharply curated eye, and a few insider tips.

Start With the Color Palette

The quiet luxury aesthetic speaks fluently in neutral tones. It eschews prints, clashing colors, and trendy palettes for timeless hues that exude calm sophistication: ivory, camel, navy, charcoal, chocolate, and every shade of beige in between. This color story does heavy lifting—it matches with everything, never feels dated, and instantly elevates your look without shouting for attention.

A classic example? Pair a rich taupe oversized wool coat with a cream turtleneck and tailored navy trousers. You’ve just recreated a Khaite campaign, sans the four-figure total. For transitional pieces, try muted olives and dusty blues—they offer variation while staying true to the subdued tone of the aesthetic.

Fabric Is Everything

Quiet luxury is tactile. It doesn’t just look expensive—it feels expensive. And that’s the real secret sauce. You want to seek out fabrics that carry weight, movement, and softness. Think plush cashmere, buttery silks, raw denim, crisp cotton poplin, airy linen, and heavy-gauge knits. These textures provide structure, drape beautifully, and elevate even the most minimal silhouettes.

For colder months, lightweight cashmere sweaters (especially in a fine rib or waffle knit) layer seamlessly under coats and jackets. A brushed wool overcoat in camel or grey instantly channels that old-money appeal, while silk button-downs in earthy hues pair perfectly with wide-leg trousers or a pencil skirt. In warmer seasons, linen trousers and relaxed suiting sets offer a breathable but still tailored vibe. Pay close attention to finish and weight—wrinkle-prone doesn’t mean unrefined if the fabric feels luxe.

Iconic brands to look for include COS (for sharp minimal tailoring), Toteme (Swedish precision with a feminine slant), Theory (for buttery basics), and Vince (California polish meets city chic). For knitwear, Naadam and Everlane offer superb quality at a fraction of designer prices.

Tailoring Is the Secret Sauce

You can’t fake fit. No matter how expensive the item, if it doesn’t hug your frame or hang in the right places, the magic’s lost. Tailoring is the ultimate style equalizer. A $50 blazer, if expertly cinched and hemmed, can rival one ten times the price.

Invest in a trusted tailor—it’s the single smartest move you can make on your quiet luxury journey. Take your blazers in at the waist, slim the sleeves, crop your pants just above the ankle. Adjust the shoulder seam if needed. Customizing ready-to-wear pieces ensures they feel made for you, which is precisely the vibe quiet luxury exudes: bespoke without the boast.

When shopping, focus on structure. Look for sharp shoulder seams, strategic darting, high-quality lining, and weight in the fabric. A great coat should feel substantial, not flimsy. A midi skirt should fall with gravity and grace, not cling. Reiss, Massimo Dutti, and Club Monaco offer beautifully tailored garments that feel far more expensive than their price tags.

Elevate Through Silhouettes

The quiet luxury woman is never overdressed—but she’s never underwhelming. She favors clean lines, relaxed structure, and thoughtful proportions. Boxy blazers, straight-leg trousers, column skirts, cocoon coats, crew neck knits, and fluid maxi dresses all play into the look. There’s a quiet drama to the way she moves: not in frills or feathers, but in the swish of a silk dress or the ripple of a well-cut pair of pants.

Stick to pieces that elongate, skim, or sculpt—without overexposure. A slightly oversized button-down tucked into wide trousers? Perfection. A floor-length slip dress under a trench with no visible logos? That’s the aesthetic. For layering, play with lengths: a long-line blazer over a mini skirt and knee-high boots, or a cropped cashmere cardigan over a silk cami and culottes.

Accessories: Understated Icons

Quiet luxury doesn’t mean boring accessories—it means smart ones. Think tonal leather bags (preferably top-handle or slouchy totes), sculptural gold earrings, refined loafers, and subtly luxurious shoes. Enter: Giuseppe Zanotti.

While known for red-carpet sparkle, Zanotti’s newer styles slot perfectly into the quiet luxury conversation when styled right. Think of the BRENDHA SLING BACK in croc-embossed leather—pair it with a navy pantsuit and a silk tank for a power-dinner look. The INTRIIGO KNOT 90 in soft satin adds texture and elegance to a neutral cocktail dress. And the GZ-WEAVE offers a unique woven touch that elevates a minimalist white shift dress.

Avoid anything overtly trendy or logo-forward. Instead, choose accessories that whisper individuality: a vintage watch, tortoiseshell sunglasses, a suede clutch. Quality and subtlety are your guiding stars.

Invest Strategically

You don’t need a 50-piece capsule wardrobe to pull off quiet luxury. You need the right 15 pieces. Invest in foundation garments that are versatile and seasonless: a wool-blend coat, straight-leg jeans in raw denim, a camel crew neck sweater, a tailored blazer, silk camisoles, loafers or minimal heels, and neutral-toned dresses that can go from day to night with a simple change of shoes.

Use high-low dressing to your advantage. Mix a well-tailored high-street blazer with vintage designer trousers. Combine a luxurious knit with affordable trousers in an elevated cut. The contrast will read as intentional—and effortlessly cool.

Don’t forget outerwear. It’s the first thing people notice and a key visual anchor in your quiet luxury story. A robe-style coat, an oversized trench, or a double-breasted blazer in wool are all excellent starting points.

The INTRIIGO KNOT 90 sandals are a testament to refined elegance. Crafted from rose pink satin and adorned with crystal embellishments, these high-heeled sandals feature a delicate knot detail that exudes femininity. ​Farfetch

Ideal Occasions: Perfect for formal events such as weddings, gala dinners, or upscale cocktail parties.​

Styling Tips: Pair with a minimalist slip dress in neutral tones to let the shoes take center stage. Accessorize with delicate jewelry and a sleek clutch for a cohesive look.

USD $795.00  (Shop Now)

BRENDHA SLING BACK

The BRENDHA SLING BACK pumps are a blend of classic design and modern flair. Featuring a patent leather finish, square topline, and kitten heel, these slingbacks offer both comfort and style.

Ideal Occasions: Suitable for office wear, business meetings, or semi-formal gatherings.​

Styling Tips: Combine with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt and a crisp white blouse for a polished, professional look. Add a structured handbag to complete the ensemble

USD $795.00  (Shop Now)

JANIEE STRETCH

The JANIEE STRETCH boots offer a sleek silhouette with their stretch fabric construction. These boots are versatile, making them a valuable addition to any wardrobe.​

Ideal Occasions: Ideal for transitional seasons, suitable for both daytime outings and evening events.​

Styling Tips: Pair with midi skirts or skinny jeans and a structured blazer for a chic, modern look. Accessorize with a statement belt to accentuate the waist.

USD $995.00  (Shop Now)

BRENDHA CROCO

The BRENDHA CROCO slingbacks feature an embossed crocodile effect, adding texture and depth to any outfit.​

Ideal Occasions: Perfect for business casual settings or upscale brunches.​

Styling Tips: Wear with monochromatic ensembles to let the shoes subtly stand out. A tailored jumpsuit or a midi dress in solid colors would complement these shoes well.

USD $895.00  (Shop Now)

RAQUEL D’ORSAY 105

The RAQUEL D’ORSAY 105 pumps are the epitome of elegance. With their pointed toe and stiletto heel, they are ideal for formal events.​

Ideal Occasions: Suitable for black-tie events, formal dinners, or sophisticated soirées.​

Styling Tips: Pair with an evening gown or a tailored suit. Opt for minimal accessories to maintain the focus on the shoes.

USD $995.00  (Shop Now)​

GZ-WEAVE

The GZ-WEAVE shoes, with their intricate weaving detail, add a unique touch to any outfit.​

Ideal Occasions: Versatile enough for both casual and formal attire.​

Styling Tips: Combine with a casual dress for a relaxed look or with tailored pants for a more formal appearance. Keep accessories minimal to let the shoes be the statement piece.

USD $850.00  (Shop Now)

SOLHENE

The SOLHENE sandals are characterized by their minimalist design, making them perfect for summer outings.​

Ideal Occasions: Ideal for beach parties, casual gatherings, or daytime events.​

Styling Tips: Pair with linen dresses or wide-leg trousers for a relaxed yet refined look. Add a straw hat and a tote bag for a complete summer ensemble.

USD $650.00  (Shop Now)

GUENDALINE

The GUENDALINE pumps, with their classic design, are a staple for any wardrobe.​

Ideal Occasions: Suitable for various occasions, from office wear to evening events.​

Styling Tips: Style with everything from office attire to evening dresses. Accessorize according to the occasion to elevate the overall look.

USD $1050.00  (Shop Now)

BRENDHA STONE 45

Featuring subtle embellishments, the BRENDHA STONE 45 slingbacks add a hint of sparkle to an outfit.​

Ideal Occasions: Ideal for daytime events or casual gatherings.​

Styling Tips: Pair with dresses or tailored separates. Opt for neutral tones to let the subtle sparkle of the shoes shine.

USD $1150.00  (Shop Now)

GZ MYA SPARKLE 105

The GZ MYA SPARKLE 105 sandals are adorned with sparkling details, making them perfect for special occasions. ​

Ideal Occasions: Suitable for evening events, parties, or any occasion where you want to make a statement.​

Styling Tips: Pair with understated outfits to allow the shoes to be the focal point. A little black dress or a sleek jumpsuit would complement these sandals beautifully.

USD $950.00  (Shop Now)

Quiet luxury isn’t about dressing rich—it’s about dressing like you know your worth. It’s confidence in simplicity. It’s the choice to wear pieces that feel good, fit beautifully, and stand the test of time—not because someone else told you they were “in,” but because they just are.

You don’t need logos. You need intention. Whether you’re building your wardrobe with a stylist’s eye or just upgrading your day-to-day essentials, remember: understated is always underrated.

You don’t have to scream to stand out. Whispering style is far more powerful.