When you want to draw attention without dressing too excessively, you’re aiming for subtle luxury. The key to achieving this fashion style is to invest in high-quality pieces that you can mix and match to create a look that announces classiness without teetering on arrogance.
While your apparel is your outfit’s centerpiece, accessories add some much-needed flair to complete the look. A pair of statement earrings or a designer handbag will do the trick, but the sheer variety of options available allows for personalization and creativity in a way that fully encapsulates your sense of style.
Keep reading for tips on how to dress with subtle luxury.
1. Know your style
Everybody has a distinctive sense of style, so it’s critical to identify yours before swiping your credit card for a piece that doesn’t make you 100% happy. By being more selective, you can ensure that you find clothing that fits your aesthetic without having second thoughts.
If you’re unsure of what your style is, take a look at the types of clothing and accessories you’re drawn to when shopping. Do you prefer printed or basic pieces? Are you more interested in comfort or fashion? Do you have a colour palette preference? Asking yourself these questions will help you better understand your style.
Moreover, you can also discover various styles by looking at online pin boards like Pinterest or flipping through magazines. If you find a look you like, save them somewhere you can access it for future reference.
2. Invest in key pieces for each occasion
While you already have a rotation of clothing that can serve you well daily, some key pieces are considered must-haves in your closet.
These key pieces will form the foundation of your looks, and you’ll be able to build upon them with other items in your wardrobe.
A good way to think about it is to consider the types of clothing you would want to wear on a special occasion. You can then break them down into different categories, such as dresses, separates, outerwear, and so on.
Alternatively, you can consider planning clothes around events such as wedding parties, job interviews, dinner parties, and even funerals. This way, you won’t have to do any last-minute scrambling when an event suddenly pops up.
3. Quality over quantity
Invest in enough high-end pieces to create a versatile wardrobe. Remember, quality trumps quantity. One way to start is by getting a good idea of your usual routine and planning your fits based on that routine. If you go to work every weekday and go out at night on the weekends, for instance, make sure you have enough pieces to cover both scenarios.
Of course, there’ll be some occasions that call for more formal attire, but those can usually be handled with a few key items like a well-tailored blazer or a cocktail dress. The goal is to have a small selection of quality pieces that you can mix, match, and layer to create different looks, not a cluttered wardrobe full of clothes you never wear.
4. Accessorize with understated flair
Once the foundation of your outfit has been assembled, it’s time to top it off with some accessories. But instead of going for gaudy or excessive pieces, stick to understated items that look elegant.
For example, a delicate necklace or some tennis bracelets can add just the right amount of flair to your outfit, and they’re easy to take off if you need to tone things down a notch. A purse or tote is also a great way to finish off your look while still being practical.
Of course, your shoes are also a key component of your outfit, so make sure you choose a pair that is both comfortable and stylish. A classic pump or ballet flat is always a good choice, especially ones that are neutral in colour. But be sure to have at least one bolder pair in your closet for when you want to make more of a statement.
5. Get it tailor-made
An overlooked but important aspect of dressing with subtle luxury is making sure your clothes fit properly. No matter how expensive or fashionable an item is, it won’t look good if it’s too big or small for your frame.
Be sure to try on clothing before you buy it, and pay attention to the way it drapes on your body. If you’re unsure of your size, ask a salesperson for help or consult a sizing chart. Once you have the right fit, you’ll be able to rock any outfit with confidence.
Of course, you can get away with having loose-fitting clothing the more relaxed the scenario is. Summers and warmer weather call for looser, airier fabrics, so you can definitely take advantage of that when the time is right.
6. Stay modestly dressed
The beauty of subtle luxury is that it doesn’t require you to show a lot of skin. In fact, less is often more when it comes to this style.
As such, you should avoid dresses or tops that are too low-cut, and go for pieces that offer more coverage. This doesn’t mean you have to wear frumpy clothes, but you should aim for a look that looks eye-catching without being too revealing.
