Quick, name a trend that’s been getting a lot of attention recently. Depending on your information source for all things fashion, most likely your answer was one of these five; wide-leg pants, metallic footwear, oversized blazers, denim maxis, and the ever-popular, quiet luxury.
In the never-ending quest of figuring out my personal style, so far I’ve determined that quiet luxury ain’t it. The aesthetic of quiet luxury gained notoriety recently due to an A-list celebrity’s court battle, an IGer’s wedding wardrobe, and a highly-watched TV series. But in reality, it has existed for centuries with skilled artists and craftsmen commissioned to create bespoke garments and accessories that were unique, personalized, and of exceptional quality. While all that has its merits, those fine goods are often beyond the means of most.
At its core, quiet luxury is defined by Elle Magazine as “… taking an understated approach to luxury, highlighting subtle sophistication and craftsmanship as opposed to overt displays of wealth and flamboyance.” Also referred to as “stealth wealth”, this trend is marked by a more toned-down, minimalist look highlighted by high-quality fabrics, tailored cuts, classic silhouettes, and neutral tones that are believed to never go out of style.
In general, I understand the appeal of this aesthetic with its eschewing of bold logos, conspicuous branding, and trend-driven fads. Quality of fabric, cut, and construction of a garment are standards I evaluate when making a purchase even if the brand isn’t a luxury one. Where the trend loses me is in the austerity of the style; unadorned, neutral, minimally accessorized. So much so that I’d considered calling this post “No, I Won’t Be Quiet”.
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Despite my recent realization that I prefer a color palette made of mostly darker neutrals for my wardrobe, I’m also aware that I gravitate to patterns, textures, and when the mood strikes, a bit of shine. I doubt that anyone reviewing my IG feed would ever peg me as a minimalist nor do I think that I could ever be happy as one. Far from advocating for an endless cycle of fleeting fast-fashion trends, I’m embracing an anti-trend approach to honing my personal style.
But really, isn’t anti-trend just another “trend” soon to be discarded when something cooler, edgier comes along? No, because its premise is based on functionality and long-lasting pieces and investment in clothing that lets the wearer express themselves without fear of being “trendy.” While this may sound a bit like quiet luxury, it’s so much more personal and less defined.
According to The List, the anti-trend movement is all about listening to your own artistic style rather than simply copying your favorite influencer. Trends are not a “one size fits all” type of thing so no one is under any obligation to follow them. In fact, you’re individuality might be better expressed by doing something that goes against a trend. Besides, they’re likely to cycle back in a few years anyway so if you missed it before, you’ll get another chance. Being unconventional can be a good thing and who doesn’t like taking a walk on the wild side every once in a while?
It was an unconventional idea that sparked the idea for the topic of this post as well as my outfit. That unconventional idea was to wear socks with sandals which I had done the night before this photo shoot when I wore these fisherman-styled ones with a pair of jeans that are a smidge too long on me when worn with a more modest heel. As I considered my footwear options that would give me the most height, these clogs came to mind since it’s January and a bit chilly, I wore them with socks. It was the perfect solution even if it did get a WTF look from The Husband.
And the clogs fit my feet better with socks, so even better! Now the question was how would this combination look with a dress or skirt? I’m glad that I asked myself the question because I think I’m onto something with this. Opting for black socks with my black shoes nearly gives the illusion of booties. Tights would probably be a good option as well. Another realization I’ve come to recently about my “style” is that given an option, I will mix prints rather than pair a pattern with a solid. Case in point, choosing a striped sweater to wear with my floral skirt.
No matter the cost of the items, a combination like this would never pass muster as “quiet luxury”. When developing an anti-trend mindset, you don’t need to ignore what’s popular at the moment. It might just be that you should rethink how you can wear what you already have.
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Outfit details:
Utility jacket, A New Day (secondhand); Polo sweater, Old Navy (retail); Skirt, brand unknown (secondhand); Sandals, Korks (retail)
Let’s Wrap This Up
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. The feature post from the last link-up, TIMELESS VS. TRENDY: FINDING YOUR STYLE BALANCE, was contributed by Iris over at La Moumous. The message of her post dovetails so perfectly with today’s and Iris says that she strives to inspire women to embrace their uniqueness and to share tips and tricks on how to showcase their best attributes while remaining classy and elegant.
“You are what you wear” is a phrase that has been uttered at least once by anyone who has had anything to do with the world of fashion. So whether you’re anti-trender or find quiet luxury more to your tastes, putting an emphasis on quality pieces that can stand the test of time and don’t end up in a landfill after a few wears is always a smart choice. But most importantly, be true to yourself!
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, tweet, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Photo credit: MMPerez
14 Comments
It’s ironic you’ve written this post right now, Rena. I’ve been thinking and thinking about my style. I even wrote a post about it. But, I honestly cannot pinpoint my style…except for one one thing…it definitely isn’t quiet luxury! I don’t think I’ve been a quiet anything in my entire life! I think about trends but usually only so far as how that impacts what I’m buying. As I was writing today’s post, the photos I took for Thursday’s post kept popping up because I’d already downloaded them. And, there is such a huge difference between the two looks. I think I’m whatever the heck I feel like wearing style…can we call that a trend? Well, I guess that could get scary considering what some people feel like wearing (including me at times). Your posts are always so thought-provoking, and I appreciate that.
Thanks for the link up! I hope you’ll join me on the 10th as well as Thursday!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
That’s a great outfit, it really distils the essence of Rena, to my mind. I’d never do quiet luxury as it’s presented because I love color too much.
I love your skirt!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
Rena, I absolutely adore this outfit! The mix of prints, the dark color palette with splashes of color, the socks with sandals….this is all right up my style alley! I am definitely an anti-trendist to my core. Great post, my friend!
Shelbee
I love the mix of patterns in this look! I couldn’t agree more about staying true to yourself. Thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
My style has seemed to evolve to more of a classic look, but I still love to mix it up- like I do with patterned tights and other ways. I love the socks with your shoes, a look I am fond of. I thnk the key is dressing how you feel is YOU. I do love to have wonderful fabrics, but it doesn’t have to be designer.
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
I like a little bit of everything really! When looking at my closet, you would see neutrals. brights, skirts, jeans, a little bit of everything. Probably some classic mixed with boho and whatever strikes my mood.
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Love this eclectic outfit, Rena. It looks very well thought out and carefully put together but with your own personal style! I feel most comfortable in colorful classics and tend to skew a bit retro, but like to experiment. So who knows, it is always changing! Thanks for your interesting posts and the link up!
Rena, I love this post! And I love that every one of my friends has her own personal style, different from my own, and I think they all look great. Your outfit featured here looks great on you! I always say, I’ve never followed trends, so I never look “out of style.” I favor knee-length sheath dresses and pencil skirts, some maxi skirts, jackets, solid colors, strappy heels, straight leg or bootcut dark wash jeans, and throw in some surprises every once in a while just to shake my friends up! I wear everything for decades; no fast fashion for me. Someone was raving about a scarf I wore recently, wondered where she could get one. I thought about it and had to tell her I got it at Nordstrom but doubt they still carry it, since I bought it 30 years ago!
I never understood the definition of signature style. To me that means that someone wears a lot of the same. Boring. That said…….. lol at yourself Nancy…….I love those sandals!! They are fabulous and that skirt! And the socks……. yeah, love it. I just love it when someone wears what she likes!
Hi, Rena – This is a well-written, thoughtful post. I like the rebellion. Haha! This also goes so well in the linkup with Gail’s “Reclaiming the Frump Factor.” Thanks for sharing these thoughts – Angie, http://www.yourtrueselfblog.com
Love this post. I am so anti-trendy. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Rena, I love this post! And I love that every one of my friends has her own personal style, different from my own, and I think they all look great. Your outfit featured here looks great on you! I always say, I’ve never followed trends, so I never look “out of style.” I favor knee-length sheath dresses and pencil skirts, some maxi skirts, jackets, solid colors, strappy heels, straight leg or bootcut dark wash jeans, and throw in some surprises every once in a while just to shake my friends up! I wear everything for decades; no fast fashion for me. Someone was raving about a scarf I wore recently, wondered where she could get one. I thought about it and had to tell her I got it at Nordstrom but doubt they still carry it, since I bought it 30 years ago!
I can’t do quiet luxury – I’m the exact opposite…the louder the better! I love the mix of prints and the socks and sandals!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com