Pulse Picks
What Is Quiet Luxury and Why It’s Not Just for Rich People
If you’ve ever admired a beautifully tailored blazer or a perfectly cut pair of trousers and wondered why it didn’t scream “luxury” with logos, you’ve seen quiet luxury. It’s the subtle art of looking expensive without broadcasting it, an aesthetic that leans into craftsmanship, muted tones, and timeless designs instead of flash and flamboyance.
It is a trend that has been called 'readymade style', and it gained pace following shows like Succession and personalities like Gwyneth Paltrow embracing it, it favours content over signage.
What Makes Quiet Luxury?
Quiet luxury is the subtle, refined fashion movement that speaks softly of wealth. In contrast to ostentatious designer logos and fashion-forward looks, quiet luxury emphasises classic design, flawless tailoring, and high-quality materials.
It's less about what brand made your clothing and more about how your clothes are made, and how they suit your life.
Quiet luxury is all about subtle sophistication at its core. Think of the softness of a cashmere sweater, the razor-sharp tailoring of a perfectly cut blazer, or the sharp lines of wide-leg trousers in a subdued colour. It's all intentioned, refined, and understated. It's not about quantity or fame but about quality and craftsmanship.
Building a Quiet Luxury Wardrobe
When building a quiet luxury wardrobe, think of the following:
Neutral colour palettes: Think beige, black, navy, taupe, and ivory, colours that never lose their popularity and always seem put together.
Tailored silhouettes: Blazer silhouettes tailored to fit, high-quality pants, and sleek dresses that hug your frame as if made just for you.
Natural fabrics: Cashmere, organic cotton, linen, silk, and real leather, not synthetics.
Understated accessories: Classic watches, fine jewelry, leather belts, and unadorned bags that don't scream brand names or logos.
All pieces in a quiet luxury wardrobe serve a purpose and are made to excel, both physically and aesthetically.
Quiet Luxury Essentials: Men + Women
Both men and women's quiet luxury is about wardrobe staples that are simple but superbly made. Here are a few items to consider when next you go shopping.
Price: ₦21,999, Where To Buy Men’s Trouser: Shop Russul Boutique.
Pants & Trousers: Opt for straight-leg or tailored trousers in neutral colours, camel, taupe, navy, or charcoal. Some Nigerian clothing brands are causing a storm with its tailored garments and chic men's trousers that fuse Western style with African flair.
These pants offer a sleek, professional look with a touch of modern flair. The high-waisted design provides a flattering fit, while the flare leg silhouette elongates your figure. The split hem adds a subtle yet stylish detail, making these pants perfect for both work and after-hours events.
Price: ₦11,000, Where To Buy Women’s Pants: Shop Sojoee.
Price: ₦32,500, Where To Buy Men’s Shirt: Shop Russul Boutique.
Shirts & Tops: A crisp white button-down or quality knit sweater is a discreet luxury anchor. Opt for better materials; silk, linen, cotton blends.
This fitted white tank bodysuit is the definition of clean and sleek. With a flattering square neckline and cap sleeves, it exudes an effortlessly polished vibe. The snap closure at the bottom keeps everything smooth and secure, making it a go-to for pairing with jeans, skirts, or wide-leg trousers.
Price: ₦8,100, Where To Buy Women’s Tops: Shop Sojoee.
Coats & Trench Jackets: Timeless coats make this style a must have. Simple trench coats or slender overcoats form an elegant silhouette. They are an investment that lasts longer than fashion itself.
Price: ₦450,000, Where To Buy: Shop Deji & Kola.
Shoes: Opt for streamlined loafers, slim ankle boots, or black, beige, or cream-coloured leather sneakers. Nigeria has boutiques all over West Africa and retails classic men and women's shoes and neat boots ideal for understated elegance.
Price: ₦25,500, Where To Buy Men’s Shoes: Shop Sojoee.
Watches & Jewelry: A tough leather-strapped watch with a simple face, or dainty gold hoops and slender chains, complete the look. Flash versus substance, choose understated pieces that only get better with time.
This his-and-hers watch set combines classic style with everyday functionality. Both watches feature a durable ion-plated case, genuine leather bands, and mineral glass for a polished, long-lasting finish. With 50-meter water resistance and a clear date display, they’re made to handle daily wear without losing their edge.
Inside, the analog movement keeps accurate time with just ±20 seconds variance per month, powered by a battery that lasts up to 3 years. The men’s watch measures 50×44.9mm and weighs 64g, while the women’s is a more delicate 36.5×33.1mm at 35g—perfectly balanced for comfort and style.
Price: ₦145,000, Where To Buy: Shop Watchlocker.
Why Quiet Luxury Isn't Just for the Wealthy
Quiet luxury isn't about how much, it's about wearing timepieces over trendy ones. Think of pieces that stand the test of time, that are both fashionable and environmentally friendly. Neutral colours, classic shapes, enduring textures that won’t go out of style.
Quiet luxury being just for the wealthy is an ideology that holds no water. If you’re cutting down on costs, then all you need are fewer pieces, each with a purpose, and voilà, this capsule wardrobe is all you need to piece together a single, cohesive look.
Another way to easily build a quiet luxury wardrobe is by investing in not only fewer, but quality pieces, a quiet suggestion to shop less, yet better.
Quiet Luxury Style Tips: Elevating the Aesthetic
To elevate your Nigerian wardrobe, utilise these style tips:
One subdued item (olive, beige, off-white) holds the group calm. Contrast with black loafers or leather watches, but avoid logos.
One clean watch, subtle earrings, narrow belt.
Use natural fabrics like linen, silk, cotton.
Every single piece must coordinate. Think layers in coordinating shades: cream top under navy coat, beige pants with cognac shoes.
The essence of quiet luxury isn’t in labels, it’s how you wear it. It can be asking Veekee James to style you or browsing online at DexStitches to collect a cool watch, the assurance is the same: quality, confidence, and understated sophistication.
You don’t need the bank account of a billionaire, just a discerning eye. Through careful curation, your wardrobe can be a subtle yet powerful statement, one that conveys everything without being overly loud.
