In the cacophony of loud noises and noisy “look at me!” fashion we deal with on a daily basis, sometimes the only way to be heard is to speak softly. That seems to be the lesson we can take from the rise of quiet luxury looks, also known as the “stealth wealth” style. Gwyneth Paltrow nailed it at her recent trial in Park City, Utah. The fabulous femmes and gents of HBO’s Succession are giving a master class in how to dress like a billionaire with nary a logo in sight. If you’re interested in learning how to dress in “stealth wealth” quiet luxury style, we’re sharing expert advice on the best brands to wear in designer fashion (think The Row, Prada and Brunello Cucinelli).
what is the “stealth wealth” look, and how do you achieve it?
After years steeped in loud logomania, the placid have prevailed—at least this week. Forget about interlocking Bs, Cs, and Gs, repeating LVs and CDs, neon graffiti and gilded Vs. Quiet luxury has whispered its way to the top of the trend pile.
The subtly (and incomprehensibly) affluent have always exercised discretion in their style, opting for extremely luxurious yet understated basics. Impossibly soft cashmere sets, exacting but fluid tailoring and logo-less accessories in every shade of beige, taupe, mushroom, slate and olive have been the norm in tony enclaves, but recent events have brought the look to the masses.
How to dress in “stealth wealth” quiet luxury style, and best brands to wear in designer fashion, like The Row, Prada and Brunello Cucinelli.
Maybe it was when Lydia Tár stepped up to the conductor’s podium in her frigid-bitch wardrobe of menswear-inspired layers.
Or perhaps it was Gwyneth Paltrow’s après-ski power dressing for her Utah bunny hill ski trial, trotting out one impeccably well-cut (yet cozy!) look after another.
Maybe it was Succession’s eagerly awaited fourth and final season premiere, replete with colorless billionaire leisurewear.
Essential elements of “stealth wealth” quiet luxury style.
Or maybe it’s the undiversified portfolio of actual billionaires making public appearances for their far-fetched “scientific advancements” and/or congressional questioning. Whatever the sources, stealth wealth is speaking loud and clear.
So how do you achieve the looks of the casually monied? Stick to really beautiful classics from these brands. It’s well worth the investment. Some “stealth wealth” brands stem from a legendary Italian heritage, while others are newer and born in New York. Either way, embracing these brands will ensure that all eyes are on you – not on your outfit.
the 16 best designer luxury fashion brands for the “stealth wealth” trend
1. Hermès.
No surprise here. Though the Birkin and Kelly bags are anything but under-the-radar, Hermès takes the same approach to meticulous craftsmanship and supple materials with its ready-to-wear.
Women’s Belted Coat
BUY NOW – $6,800.00.
Men’s Hooded Jacket
BUY NOW – $3,775.00.
2. Loro Piana.
Since 1924, Loro Piana has provided the world with some of the best fabrics money can buy (Vicuña, anyone?), constantly innovating and offering relaxed, unassuming clothing that’s the pinnacle of Italian elegance.
Men’s Vicuña Polo Shirt
BUY NOW – $5,875.00.
Women’s Gaiole Skirt
BUY NOW – $2,775.00.
3. The Row.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s uber-luxe brand of monastic-adjacent clothes and accessories has gained a cult following of women and men happy to be swathed in it.
Men’s Zachary Shirt in Virgin Wool and Mohair
BUY NOW – $1,090.00.
Women’s Denise Coat in Cotton and Silk
BUY NOW – $4,450.00.
4. Zegna.
Another Italian standby, continuously obsessed with fabric. While suiting is its pane e burro, the house has perfected sportier off-hours pieces in the last few years, especially its Triple Stitch sneakers.
Suede Triple Stitch Low Top Sneakers
BUY NOW – $890.00.
Off White Pure Linen Overshirt
BUY NOW – $1,490.00.
5. Brunello Cucinelli.
Helmed by the man himself in the “hamlet of cashmere and harmony” in Solomeo, Italy, Brunello Cucinelli does soft tailoring and knitwear better than pretty much anyone.
Men’s Shawl Collar Ribbed Cotton and Linen-Blend Cardigan
BUY NOW – $1,950.00.
Women’s Fluid Corduroy Tailored Blazer Jacket
BUY NOW – $4,495.00.
6. COS.
Swedish artful economy at its best—and at prices the 99% can afford. COS was one of those fashion editors’ secrets they’d stock up on in Europe before the stores opened in the U.S.
Men’s Tapered Poplin Pull-On Pants
BUY NOW – $89.00.
Women’s Pleated Midi T-Shirt Dress
BUY NOW – $135.00.
7. Jil Sander.
The epitome of luxury minimalism.
Men’s Crew Neck Sweater
BUY NOW – $790.00.
Women’s Long Sleeve Top with Scarf Neckline
BUY NOW – $1,200.00.
8. Agnona.
Damn those Italians know their incredible knitwear. Look for subtly glamorous, timeless pieces meant to be accessorized with an Aperol spritz.
Women’s Silk Knit Sweater
BUY NOW – $1,560.00.
Men’s Silk Cotton T-Shirt
BUY NOW – $780.00.
9. Stòffa.
A relative newcomer on the scene, Stòffa has slowly and quietly built a tight collection of relaxed, elegant clothing that you’ll have forever.
Double Breasted Shirt Jacket
BUY NOW – $1,300.00.
Silk and Linen Drawstring Trousers
BUY NOW – $475.00.
10. Giorgo Armani.
Ever since American Gigolo, Armani has been a benchmark of Italian ease and tailoring. After its Julian Kay days, it’s become a bastion of sedate, luxurious dressing.
Men’s Icon Single Breasted Jacket in Cupro
BUY NOW – $2,095.00.
Women’s Silk Blend Twill Straight Cut Trousers
BUY NOW – $1,195.00.
11. Khaite.
Distinctly New York in both origin and sensibility, Khaite has been a go-to for insiders and It-girls seeking feminine classics with a touch of 90s Carolyn Bessette.
The Sicily Dress
BUY NOW – $680.00.
The Scarlet Cardigan
BUY NOW – $1,780.00.
12. Gabriela Hearst.
Gabriela Hearst says “There is a purpose to every piece” when talking about her eponymous collection inspired by both the ranch in Uruguay where she grew up and New York City.
Vargas Pant in Silk
BUY NOW – $1,390.00.
Coleridge Vest
BUY NOW – $950.00.
13. Lemaire.
Understated french staples with a utilitarian slant from a man who cut his teeth at the helm of Hermès. Christophe does wonders within a palette of neutrals, too.
Medium Croissant Bag
BUY NOW – $1,370.00.
Women’s Double-Breasted Seersucker Overcoat
BUY NOW – $1,785.00.
14. Prada.
When Gwyneth walked into that Utah courtroom in head-to-toe Prada—a navy knit polo, asymmetrical black skirt and lug-soled boots all highly appropriate for the lingering winter—well, it was another notch on the belt of our intellectually subversive matriarch of fashion, Miuccia Prada.
Women’s Gabardine Midi Skirt
BUY NOW – $1,650.00.
Men’s Single Breasted Cotton Jacket
BUY NOW – $2,100.00.
15. Max Mara.
Max Mara will not bend to the winds of trends. Since 1951, the label has been making the kind of pragmatic, but beautiful tailored separates that build a wardrobe—their cozy coats can always be seen trotting down Madison Avenue.
Ludmilla Icon Coat
BUY NOW – $6,590.00.
Wool Crepe Gilet Jacket
BUY NOW – $1,590.00.
16. Toteme.
The idea of uniform dressing becomes increasingly appealing when the uniform consists of the sophisticated, minimalist pieces Toteme has become known for.
Belted Cady Blazer
BUY NOW – $920.00.
Striped Cotton Poplin Shirt
BUY NOW – $350.00.
best designer luxury fashion brands for the “stealth wealth”
That’s our considered advice on how to dress in “stealth wealth” quiet luxury style, and the best brands to wear in designer fashion to nail the look, like The Row, Prada and Brunello Cucinelli. Timeless, effortless, and unfussy, these are wardrobe investments sure to pay a high dividend for years to come – even if your last name isn’t Roy.
