The Quiet Luxury Trend Is Outdated In 2025 - Here's What To Wear Instead
In fashion circles, quiet luxury has been the overarching theme of the 2020s so far. The rise of influencers living lavishly and previously relatable celebrities transforming into billionaires has led to a cultural shift where people will do anything to look wealthy, including dressing like they're so loaded that they don't need to show it off. It's easy to see how this understated form of dressing appealed so widely, but according to Warren Wright, stylist at SHOWRMM in Los Angeles, it's all about to change.
"... the general consumer was always drawn to logos and branding; therefore, that mindset can't maintain a quiet-luxury wardrobe over time and truly be satisfied," Wright tells Glam exclusively. Though we now associate signature logos and patterns, like the brown palette of Louis Vuitton or the double C of Chanel, with the noughties' new-money-esque act of trying too hard, these symbols will always be alluring because they signify exclusivity. For those who are genuinely drawn to the clean lines and neutral tones of quiet luxury, Wright has some reassuring news: Although we're moving away from stealth-wealth attitudes, minimalism is still all the rage in 2025.
A counter to the in-your-face logomania of Y2K and the 2010s, quiet luxury features the scaffolding of minimalism, but there are a few subtle twists that take it into old-money territory. Both minimalism and quiet luxury are marked by neutral palettes and classic, unembellished silhouettes, but the former relies on a sense of practicality and functionality. Many of the pieces in a minimalist wardrobe can be adapted and reused because of their basic, unremarkable nature. By contrast, quiet luxury embraces expensive fabrics and perfect tailoring to bring logo-less garments to the next level. In 2025, learning to separate the two will get you the fashion gods' tick of approval.
Quiet luxury's exit is making way for true minimalist dressing and preppy fashion in 2025
While trends are remaining understated, they're reframing their focus from opulent quiet luxury to barely there basics. "Currently I'm seeing a resurgence of minimalism (Calvin Klein, Phoebe Philo) and prep as the antidote to what people had issue with regarding quiet luxury," Warren Wright shares exclusively with Glam. "I also feel that most consumers don't grasp that minimalism was always within reach; as the collections hit the runway later this year, I believe we'll see a new type of minimalism from many brands."
Minimalism is serving subtle upgrades on old favorites in 2025. Checks, plaid, and flannel are in, but the designs should be muted and paired with other wardrobe basics, like dark-wash denim. Millennials aren't happy that the outdated cuffed jeans trend has made a comeback in 2025, but folding up your jeans can be a good way to hit two birds with one stone. The timeless jeans-and-tank combo is also getting a facelift this year, incorporating new materials like mesh (although the little white tank is still as good as ever). Essentially, you can master minimalist dressing in 2025 by including personal touches that give an ensemble enough character that it's not totally stripped down but not too much that it becomes too loud. The usual suspects are still go-tos when it comes to tones: Think gray, wheat, and blue.
Along with minimalist wardrobes, 2025 is also giving preppy — this classic aesthetic is enduringly popular, but its modern revival will include unexpected combos. Bring out your inner private-school kid by matching tailored pants with sneakers and polo pieces with denim and ballet flats. Barn jackets, sweater vests, and boat shoes are all fair game, and don't be afraid to clash those preppy gingham, polka-dot, and argyle patterns. And as the cherry on top, here are our best tips for the perfect preppy makeup look.