I Don't Do Maximalism—6 Quiet Luxury Trends That Are Still Cool in 2025
I'm just here to quickly remind everyone that trends aren't only for the bold dressers among us. If you lean into classic style or just have days when your vibe is a bit more low-key, that doesn't mean you have to bow out of the current fashion moment—especially not when there are so many minimalistic pieces doubling as trendy items for 2025.
The term "quiet luxury" might have drifted out of style, but the aesthetic has become a permanent fixture in our fashion zeitgeist. It's all about chic and effortless pieces in rich neutral tones that look expensive, from long wool coats to chic flats. Maybe it's your entire vibe, or maybe it's just in the core pieces of your wardrobe that you know are worth investing in—the perfect chill moments to complement funkier pieces. If you like to be on-trend without feeling too trendy, these elegant staples will have your outfits feeling fresh for 2025.
Tonal Brown Looks
Rich espresso brown has been convincing us for months that it's a very chic alternative to black. As perfectly as brown pairs with this season's favorite shades of buttery yellow, olive green, and burgundy, it's just too hard to argue with the easy confidence of a head-to-toe tonal look.
Barrel Bags
If you didn't get the memo, barrel bags have arrived. The ultra-minimal cylindrical shape feels of-the-moment without doing too much and is shoppable everywhere from H&M to Reformation to The Row.
Flat Slingbacks
The way elegant flat slingbacks refuse to quit makes me so incredibly happy. They're polished yet chill, and they're so easy to style with everything from tailored skirts to denim. Add sheer black tights for an extra little something.
Creamy Denim
Creamy white jeans always feel a little more luxe than their blue and black counterparts but are just as easy to wear. Despite their summery reputation, they're especially good during colder months and happen to work flawlessly with brown tops and accessories.
Belted Outerwear
Long wool coats are the calling card of quiet luxury, and this season, I'm seeing belts being assigned to non-belted styles. Wide or thin, classic leather or mock croc, there are really no wrong answers here.
Minimalistic Loafers
Low-key loafers are thriving this winter, especially minimalistic styles that aren't doing too much. Nothing too chunky, no attention-seeking hardware or tassels—they're just easy, elevated styles that feel cool and polished.
Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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