Quiet luxury: Dress with discretion

Our stylist has carefully pieced together discreet and luxurious garments that give a dressed-up feel with a focus on Italian quality and elegance.

Text: Viktor Gustafsson
Photo: Gustaf Peterson

Publisert 30-03-2024

Quiet Luxury, minimalism and monochrome colour schemes are nothing new. However, the recent seasons' backlash against big, flashy logos and designs has stood strong despite its humble appearance. Quality and timeless style is something that we at Care of Carl talk a lot about, something that can mean different things depending on who you ask.

When you invest in a garment, there is usually an endorphin rush surrounding the purchase, having finally taken the plunge. But how do you feel about the garment after a year? Five years? Below we have two combinations that pair effortlessly in a dressy direction, with just the right amount of discretion that doesn't steal the limelight. These are garments that don't necessarily steal the show, but which with the right composition give you a stylish expression and will prove to be lifelong investments.

Classic in black

With the right garments, material and attitude, a all-black outfit can be an excellent choice when wanting to make a sophisticated impression. The black zip sweater from Italian Piacenza Cashmere is a versatile and functional garment. We choose to replace the shirt with a t-shirt and have the zip completely closed. This gives the experience of wearing a black polo shirt, but with an added detail in this form of the zip. A pair of dressy black trousers with a wider fit allow the proportions in this look to be even more interesting. Black loafers or derby’s in black leather, preferably with a bit of shine, keep the degree of formality high. Don't forget the watch or the black glasses/sunglasses to add the final element.

Tone-on-tone Italian

A tie that pairs tone-on-tone with the shirt? Yes, if you combine it correctly. The shirt from Purple Label (Ralph Lauren), which features a soft-brushed cotton quality, exudes luxury and discretion. The tie from the same brand is in soft wool and combines tone-on-tone with the shirt. An interesting way to use the tie, as in many cases a colourful tie would have a harsh contrast.

The idea behind this look is not to highlight the tie, but rather to build layers that make the whole ensemble a little more interesting. The overshirt from Zegna doubles-up as a casual jacket, where we keep most of the buttons closed with the exception of the top ones. If you like to keep to earthy tones, it's important to find a balance. A full beige look in the same material will immediately look wrong. You can instead mix materials (cotton, wool, denim etc), fits (slim, boxy and roomy) and even sometimes work with different layers, so the entirety will be more stylistically intact. It is precisely the materials or the model of the clothes that must be the key in a subdued monochrome look, in the same way that an accent colour would have done in a more colourful interpretation.