Quiet luxury is indisputably having its way in the sartorial sphere. And this shunning of maximalism is more than a passing trend. It’s an approach to fashion and lifestyle that emphasizes quality and elegance through subtle and timeless pieces.
With a focus on quality and an emphasis on timeless pieces, capsule wardrobes have much in common with quiet luxury. So it’s only natural to build a quiet luxury capsule wardrobe.
Here’s one to get you started.
HOW MANY OUTFITS DOES THIS CAPSULE WARDROBE MAKE?
For a quiet luxury capsule wardrobe with 12 clothing items (not counting shoes), here’s the breakdown:
Tops: 4 options
Bottoms: 3 options
Dresses: 2 options
Outerwear: 3 options
Let’s calculate the total unique outfits:
Multiply the options for each category together: 4 (tops) * 3 (bottoms) * 2 (dresses/skirts) * 3 (outerwear) = 72 outfit combinations
With this quiet luxury capsule wardrobe, you can create 72 unique outfit combinations by choosing one item from each category. This doesn’t even include the variations created with different shoe pairings.
This post contains affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission when you shop, at no cost to you.
QUIET LUXURY CAPSULE WARDROBE
Tops
Silk Blouse
Office polished. Casual chic. Pick your adventure with a silk blouse that imparts an understated elegance to any outfit.Cashmere Sweater
Sumptuously soft and refined, a cashmere sweater is a staple in a quiet capsule luxury wardrobe. When it comes to styling this seasonless essential, your options abound.Oxford Shirt
Don’t overlook the brilliance of a well-tailored dress shirt. Layer it. Leave it half-tucked. Style it with your loafers at the office or heels on date night.Minimalist Turtleneck
High necklines are par for the course in this wardrobe. A sleek turtleneck in a color that flatters your features does wonders for an outfit.Building a quality closet? See investment pieces worth splurging on.
Bottoms
Tailored Trousers
Trousers serve up style in formal settings and on casual days, depending on the shoes you select of course. Pay attention to fit- the more structured the trousers, the more formal they’ll feel.Straight-Leg Jeans
A flattering pair of denim deserves a place in your closet. The straight leg is effortlessly polished. Choose a raw hem for a little edge.Pencil Skirt
Let’s add yet another classic silhouette that flatters the figure- the sleek pencil skirt. Opt for a structured skirt that hugs your figure without being overly tight.Outerwear
Wool Coat
While not a year-round staple, a timeless wool coat will envelop you in a layer of luxe warmth come fall and winter. It’s an investment piece that elevates effortlessly.
Polished Blazer
A must-have in minimalist capsule wardrobes everywhere, the blazer comes in an array of options to suit your style. Pinstripe or solid. Structured or loose. Pick your adventure.
Cashmere Cardigan
If ever a garment could convey wealth and nonchalance in one dramatic drape, it’s the cashmere cardi.
Dresses
Little Black Dress
Quiet elegance takes form in the classic LBD, perfect for versatile styling. If you find black a tad too common, tilt toward a burgundy or navy.Wrap Dress
The wrap dress nails the flattering but not too revealing angle with ease, making it a perfect addition to a quiet luxury capsule wardrobe. The dresses below feature muted tones which are ideal in an understated closet.Bags
Structured Tote
Maybe it’s the clean lines. Or the mystery of what’s tucked inside. Either way, a structured tote blends function and elegance for its own unique allure.
Crossbody Bag
A quality crossbody is worth its weight in gold. Just picture it slipped over a wool coat and paired with tall boots. Or layered over a sleek turtleneck and trousers. It just works.
Shoes
Leather Loafers
You may have spotted loafers in my dark academia capsule, but the timeless shoes go well beyond campus. Choose a well-crafted pair for polished looks that don’t sacrifice comfort.Slingback Pumps
Slingbacks exude understated charm suitable for both formal events and everyday elegance.Classic Flats
From ballerinas to mules, there’s a wide wide world of flats to explore. Pointed flats elongate the leg so I prefer them to rounded counterparts. But you pick your ideal pair.Tall Boots
Sleek and refined, tall boots have moved beyond equestrian realms and into mainstream style. I can’t be the only one spotting some adorable skirt and tall boot combos lately- both mini and midi varieties.QUIET LUXURY OUTFITS
BUILD A LUXURY CAPSULE WARDROBE ON A BUDGET
1. DEFINE YOUR BUDGET
Building a quiet luxury wardrobe begins with establishing spending limits. Determine how much you’re willing to invest in each piece.
This clarity will ensure you don’t overspend and helps narrow your choices as you shop. So determine what areas are lacking in your closet and create a list of what matters most.
Learn a few ways to set a wardrobe budget here.
2. PRIORITIZE KEY PIECES
So you’re curating a quiet luxury wardrobe. Naturally, you should focus on timeless and essential pieces that you can wear year after year. Concentrate on pieces that
- Embody understated elegance
- Feature timeless silhouettes
- Are in neutral colors that are easy to mix and match
Think classic tailored pieces, versatile dresses, and well-constructed blouses. These foundational items serve as the backbone of your wardrobe, ensuring versatility and longevity.
Oh, another way to get the most out of your luxury capsule – pick multi-functional pieces. You can wear the ones below in multiple ways. Consider it one way to maximize your minimalist looks.
3. SHOP SECONDHAND
Discovering treasures via resale presents a savvy route to curating your quiet luxury collection. Hunt for those sales or gently used garments from reputable brands. Explore
- Scout online platforms dedicated to resale like Poshmark, The RealReal, or Vestiaire Collective
- Shop seasonal sales- the ideal time to snag last season’s luxury pieces
Remember babes, brands aren’t everything. Prioritize superior materials and craftsmanship over flashy labels. Often, lesser-known brands deliver similar quality at pocket-friendly prices.
4. EMBRACE MINIMALISM
Here’s to high standards. Edit ruthlessly and shop intentionally. Keep only the items that align closely with your unique luxury style. Your focus? Versatility, darling. Choose pieces that seamlessly blend with multiple outfits, reducing the need for excess.
5. MIX HIGH AND LOW
Master the art of mixing high-end investments with affordable finds to craft a wardrobe that exudes sophistication within your budgetary confines. Direct more resources toward timeless pieces while embracing reasonably priced alternatives for trendier items. This strategy ensures a fusion of quality, style, and financial prudence in your closet.
QUIET LUXURY FAQS
Brands like Theory, Vince, Reformation, Cos, and M.M.LaFleur offer quality products at more accessible price points than luxury brands. Explore a list of mid-range luxury brands here for more options.
No surprise here. Neutrals like gray, ivory, cream, and taupe, rule in quiet luxury wardrobes. Clothing often features a subdued color palette that exudes sophistication and timelessness. More colors commonly associated with the quiet luxury aesthetic include: rich jewel tones like plum and emerald and earthy colors like muted greens and milky blues.
EXPLORE QUIET LUXURY BRANDS
Still on your quiet luxury quest? Browse quiet luxury brands sorted by price point here.
