33 Affordable Buys That Still Feel Like Pure Quiet Luxury

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(Image credit: @tylynnnguyen)

Tylynn wears a Me+Em suit. 

One of the biggest trends to come out of 2023, is actually, controversially, not really a trend at all. You may have heard the term "quiet luxury" a lot recently, especially if you regularly find yourselves scrolling Instagram or TikTok. It's defined as a wholly understated approach to dressing, an "anonymous feel” which is surprisingly defining the luxury catwalks right now—an arena that usually loves to showcase extremes. The whole idea behind quiet luxury is that, if anything, it's an 'anti-trend', meant to be a celebration of timeless, low-key dressing (albeit done in an elevated manner). Think a white shirt, tank and wide-leg trousers look, a simple white linen dress in summer, or a logo-less camel wool coat in winter.

Spearheaded by mega luxury brands like The Row, Loro Piana, Bottega Veneta (who famously sent Kate Moss down the catwalk in that flannel shirt and jeans look recently) and notably the buzzy new Ferragamo creative director, Maximilian Davis, who is using the quiet luxury approach to bring the Italian heritage brand bang up up to date. As a result, at first consideration it would be easy to rule out quiet luxury as a fashion movement only available to those with high-net-worth budgets. But, I'm here today to dispel that myth. 

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(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Yes, this "stealth wealth" approach is all about investing in quality pieces that look expensive, and that look like they will last (or could already have been) in your wardrobe for many years. This is partly the reason why I believe it's proving to be so popular—because aren't we all looking to buy less and wear our wardrobe pieces more in the current environmental (and economic) climate? You can, however, still get this polished look—and good quality too—on the more affordable end of the scale. You just have to know where to look. 

As an expert fashion editor, that's where my skills come in, and if you keep scrolling you can find my edit of the very best affordable quiet luxury buys that I'd recommend investing in. I've been careful not to include anything in "cheap" fabrics to ensure you still get long-lasting quality out of your buys, so naturally you won't find anything at Primark price points. But, everything here is under £500, and ready to make you look like you spent £5000. You're welcome. 

Shop Affordable Quiet Luxury Pieces:

Up Next: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.