Quiet luxury - how to lean into the trend as a plus size woman

If you spend time on social media, or are a fan of Succession like I am, you have likely heard the term 'quiet luxury'. In fact, few fashion trends have garnered as much attention over the past year - the irony being that it's not a trend at all.

What do I mean? In the fast-paced world of fashion, trends come and go, but quiet luxury offers an alternative approach to fashion that prioritises subtle elegance, timeless style, and understated sophistication. 

So, just what is quiet luxury, and how can you incorporate it into your wardrobe as a plus size woman?

Quiet luxury takes a stand against fleeting trends and conspicuous branding - no Louis Vuitton monogram print here. Instead, the focus is on celebrating craftsmanship, exceptional quality, and refined details. Think: a supple leather handbag with no discernible brand name or logo, or a well-fitted woollen jumper. 

One of the core principles of quiet luxury in fashion is the emphasis on timeless items. Consider the items in your closet that you have had for years and still regularly wear. They're likely made from durable, quality fabrics (think cotton, linen or wool), and don't lean too heavily into trends that would 'date' them as belonging to a specific year or fashion season.

Investing in items with enduring allure makes good economic sense: the more times you wear a garment, the lower the 'cost per wear'. Ie. The classic denim jacket you've had since your early 20s has paid for itself many times over. Whereas the chartreuse mini dress that was 'in vogue' a couple of seasons ago is likely languishing in the back of your wardrobe, having been worn only a handful of times. 

While investing in quality, timeless pieces may cost more upfront, they will form the basis of a wardrobe that remains relevant season after season, helping you to cultivate a sense of sophistication and refinement for years to come.

Minimalist aesthetics are the basis of quiet luxury. Think: clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and uncluttered silhouettes that become the canvas for self-expression (more on that later).  

However, the minimalist aesthetic is about more than muted colours - it's about letting the quality of pieces speak for themselves, rather than relying on flashy logos to connote their value and, by extension, confer social standing. 

Case in point: the designer shopping videos that have taken over TikTok, full to the brim of bags that often cost more than a new car. Absolutely no shade to those who love rocking designer labels, but for those of us with more *ahem* modest budgets, dialling back your focus on brand names, and instead focusing on the quality of the piece itself showcasing a sense of confidence and self-assuredness. 

One of the reasons I love quiet luxury is its alignment with sustainability and ethical practices. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, quiet luxury encourages conscious consumption, as reduced dependence on 'fast fashion'. This is certainly a priority for us at LükBook, and why we are proud to partner with a number of sustainable, Australian-made fashion brands. 

By investing in well-made, long-lasting pieces, you can reduce your environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry. It can also help you to get off the fast fashion 'treadmill', which has many of us convinced that in order to be stylish we need to buy into the latest trends, irrespective of how they align with our personal aesthetic or values.

Repeat after me: quiet luxury does NOT mean boring. There is absolutely no requirement to dress in muted tones if that doesn't float your boat. Love emerald green? Add a pop of it to your winter wardrobe via a fabulous wool scarf. A fan of bling? Trawl the markets for fantastic, vintage jewellery that has that certain 'je ne sais quoi'.

If anything, quiet luxury encourages you to embrace your personal style - because rather than purchasing what is considered fashionable, you are leaning in to your individual preferences. Choose pieces that resonate with your authentic self, and confidently present your take on quiet luxury to the world!