In the summer of 2023, just a few years after the launch of Parisian footwear label Nomasei, founders Paule Tenaillon and Marine Braquet received a message on Instagram. It was from Blake Lively who, after stumbling upon their account, wanted to know where to get her hands on a pair of their Nono loafers. While Lively might’ve been the first A-lister to slide into their DMs, she certainly wasn’t the first celebrity to show interest. Tenaillon recalls a period in late 2022 when their designs were spotted, back to back, on Nicole Kidman, Kristen Stewart, and Emily in Paris’ Camille Razat. Despite the growing list of celebrity clientele, which also includes Katie Holmes, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Bella Hadid, Braquet feels that “we still haven’t made it.” She continues, “I think we will start to feel safe when our name will be a little bit more known and [we] continue to have this trust in ourselves.”
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Today, we’re expanding on that with a deep dive into the related Ralph Lauren aesthetic.
This aesthetic is just what it sounds like. It’s a specific look inspired by Ralph Lauren’s classic East Coast prep vibes.
Below, I’ll explain the elements of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, the clothing pieces you should consider buying, plus styling tips to make putting your outfits together so much easier!
Read on for everything you need to know about the Ralph Lauren aesthetic:
Key Elements of the Ralph Lauren Aesthetic
Timeless Design
One of the things that I absolutely love about Ralph Lauren is the timeless design of their clothing.
Ralph Lauren has been around for many years, and for a good reason!
The Ralph Lauren aesthetic is all about pieces that fit in any decade. Think tailored trousers, chic button-down shirts, equestrian-inspired accessories, and cable-knit sweaters.
Color Palette
Another notable aspect of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic is the colors.
The color palette of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic is usually neutral tones with bold pops of color.
The key colors to focus on for the Ralph Lauren aesthetic are navy blue, brown, cream, pure white, and pops of red.
Seasonally, the Ralph Lauren aesthetic also includes accent colors like pastel pink, yellow, and blue, as well as Kelley green.
Patterns
Patterns are also a part of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. Popular patterns include stripes and plaids of varying colors and styles.
Also, you may be interested in the cable knit look of the Ralph Lauren sweaters! Cable knit textures are a big part of their classic prep vibe.
Ralph Lauren Aesthetic Clothing
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of the aesthetic, here are some key pieces to invest in for those Ralph Lauren vibes.
Polo Shirts
Obviously, we have to start with Ralph Lauren’s iconic polo shirts. The brand is famous for its shirts displaying its trademark horse graphic.
If you want to nail the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, a polo shirt is a must.
The best part about polo shirts is that they come in a million different colors so you can find the perfect one to fit your vibe.
Collared Shirts
Collared button-down shirts are also a huge part of the Ralph Lauren aesthetic.
Collared shirts like this button-up striped shirt are super classic, so they go with everything in your closet and can be worn for years to come.
For example, you could wear this striped button-down as part of an everyday look with jeans and sneakers, or you could wear it for fancier occasions with tailored pants and loafers.
Blouses
If you are looking for something more casual to wear that will give you the Ralph Lauren aesthetic. I recommend going for a relaxed blouse like this one!
You can pair this cute blouse with some jeans and sandals and still achieve the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, just in a more casual way that you can style with your everyday looks.
Crewneck Sweaters
Another key item for achieving the Ralph Lauren aesthetic is a good crew neck sweater.
In particular, cable knit crewnecks like this one are one of my favorite clothing pieces from the brand since they’re timeless and can be worn for either work or casual occasions.
Again, you can find cable knit crewneck sweaters in a wide variety of colors to fit your vibe. Stay within the Ralph Lauren color palette referenced above, or expand out to include your personal best colors — it’s up to you.
Cardigans
If you love the cable knit crewnecks, you should also invest in at least one cardigan for your Ralph Lauren-inspired wardrobe.
Cardigans are another great way to get a comfy but chic Ralph Lauren-inspired look that you can wear every day.
What you will love about these cardigans is you can either wear a cardigan like this one by itself or you can also wear it unbuttoned over a cute shirt to help you achieve the aesthetic.
Shirtdresses
You might also be wondering what kind of dresses fit into the Ralph Lauren aesthetic.
To start, I recommend checking out collared shirt dresses. Collared shirt dresses like this one give off classic East Coast prep vibes and are perfect for the summer months.
These dresses are incredibly easy to style. All you need to do is pair a shirt dress with some sneakers or basic sandals for the perfect Ralph Lauren-inspired look.
Blazers
Blazers like this one are also great items to add to your closet to help you get this aesthetic.
A blazer like this striped one will not only give you the Ralph Lauren aesthetic because of the pattern and colors (navy, red, and white practically scream RL) but will also be a great item to help you get a classically preppy look.
To style a striped blazer like this, look to the image above for inspo. Blazers look amazing paired with classic jeans and ballet flats for a chic take on everyday wear.
Skorts
The Ralph Lauren aesthetic has a lot of overlap with tennis wear since tennis is a classically preppy sport.
For that reason, a pleated tennis skort like the one above is a great addition to a Ralph Lauren-inspired wardrobe.
You can obviously wear it for tennis or pickleball sessions, but it also looks great worn casually with a polo or sweater and loafers or flats.
Rugby Shirts
Rugby is another sport that’s often associated with the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, so naturally, rugby shirts fit perfectly into an RL-inspired wardrobe.
The rugby shirt seen above is classic Ralph Lauren with its red, white, and blue colorway. It’s styled in a trendy way in the photo above, but it would also look classically preppy if paired with a skort and loafers.
Varsity Jackets
For a trendier take on the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, a varsity jacket is a great addition to your wardrobe, especially if you opt for one in white and navy to fit the RL color palette.
The jacket above is super classic and can be styled a million ways. How cool does it look with navy trousers and white sneakers?
It would also look amazing worn over your favorite jeans with a crisp white tee.
Styling Tips for Achieving the Ralph Lauren Aesthetic
Here are some more quick tips for adding more Ralph Lauren vibes to your closet.
Dress Traditionally Preppy
One way to make styling your Ralph Lauren outfits so much easier is to think of how someone might style themselves if they want to look traditionally preppy. (As in polo shirt preppy, not Stanley Cup preppy!)
The Ralph Lauren aesthetic gives off a prep school / Ivy League vibe, which can help you in picturing how you would like to look in your outfits.
The video above gives you a great overview of Ivy League Preppy style, and most of these outfits would fit with the Ralph Lauren aesthetic.
Look Stylish on a Budget
When trying to achieve the Ralph Lauren aesthetic, obviously, it would be easiest to dress head to toe in Ralph Lauren. However, that’s not realistic price-wise for most of us.
But don’t worry — even if you are on a budget, you can still get this look.
One way you can still get the aesthetic while on a budget is by investing in one or two Ralph Lauren pieces and then building your look around them.
For example, you could pick out a cute Ralph Lauren button-up collared shirt, then find clothing pieces to go with your outfit and the aesthetic that have a preppy look.
Also, thrift stores can be a treasure trove for classic Ralph Lauren items — be sure to look there if you want to build your collection on a budget!
What is your favorite Ralph Lauren-inspired outfit?
What Ralph Lauren clothing items will you be adding to your wardrobe? Which Ralph Lauren clothing pieces do you already own?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Reformation
Have you been trying to change your look to a more elegant aesthetic this year?
You’ve come to the right place.
A few weeks back, we talked about how to dress like old money, and today we’re expanding on that with some quiet luxury outfit ideas.
In case you’re not familiar with the quiet luxury aesthetic, it’s all about building a high-quality, timeless wardrobe that looks expensive and well-made but doesn’t feature luxury logos. It’s a subtle “if you know, you know” kind of vibe.
If this sounds like your dream wardrobe (us, too), read on for some go-to quiet luxury outfits to help you build out your closet.
Elements of Quiet Luxury Style
First, a quick primer on what we’re talking about when we say quiet luxury. Here are the basic elements of the quiet luxury aesthetic:
Tailored Coats & Blazers
Quiet luxury items are usually sleek and tailored, so most quiet luxury wardrobes revolve heavily around coats and blazers.
A long wool coat like the one seen above can be tossed on with any outfit to give it a more luxurious feel.
Also, tailored blazers work the same way as coats to add polish to any ‘fit, with the added benefit of being year-round staples that also work in the office.
Invest heavily in your jackets and coats to nail the quiet luxury vibe.
Well-Fitted Shirts & Blouses
Another key element of every quiet luxury outfit is a well-fitted shirt or blouse, usually in a high-quality natural fabric like silk or cotton.
For example, a fitted wrap blouse like the one seen above is a great piece to have in your closet that you can use to create multiple different types of outfits. The cream color really ups the luxury feel of this piece.
In particular, this blouse would look great with a pencil skirt for the office or with a simple pair of straight-leg jeans and flats for every day.
Tailored Bottoms
Another clothing category that’s a hallmark of the quiet luxury look is tailored pants and skirts.
Tailored bottoms like the pleated wide-leg pants seen above are, again, quite versatile. They can be worn with a cashmere sweater and sneakers for daytime or even for fancier occasions with a bodysuit and heels.
Tailored skirts, on the other hand, will give you a more classically feminine quiet luxury look that’s once again fantastic for the office.
Quiet Luxury Outfit Ideas:
Now, to put it all together, here are some quiet luxury outfit ideas to get you started building your new wardrobe.
Satin Top & Pants
Silk satin is a quintessential luxury fabric, so, naturally, a satin top and pants combo gives off a luxurious vibe.
A black satin tank like this one is a great piece to add to your closet if you are looking for something you can wear to create many different types of looks.
If you also invest in these matching silk pants, you will have a full outfit that can be worn for a more casual occasion or even for fancier occasions with fun heels and accessories.
Pleated Skirt & Button-Up Top
Pleated skirts are very popular right now, and aside from being trendy, they’re a chic staple that fits into any quiet luxury outfit.
For example, this chic pleated midi skirt looks so classic when paired with a button-down shirt (another quiet luxury staple) and some cool sneakers.
Once again, this outfit could be dressed up for the office by swapping the sneakers for heels and adding a thin belt at the waist.
A-Line Mini Skirt & Bodysuit
A-line cuts are also very popular in quiet luxury looks, so when shopping for your new wardrobe, it’s great to aim for this silhouette when possible.
For example, this A-line mini skirt is a simple and chic piece to add to your wardrobe to pair with many of your outfits. It’s short, yes, but it also looks luxe thanks to its smooth fabric and sleek construction.
You can wear this skirt with a cute blouse and boots for a more casual everyday look or you can wear it with a simple bodysuit and heels, as seen above, for a fancier vibe.
Button-Up Blouse & Neutral Pants
A button-up blouse like this one is another quiet luxury must-have. This one has fun details like a Peter Pan collar and ruffle sleeves to give it an even more luxurious feel.
The outfit above would be perfect for the summertime. Just pair this pretty blouse with a matching linen skirt and woven accessories and you’re good to go.
Alternatively, you could combine the blouse with white jeans and flat sandals for a more casual feel.
Pleated Dress
If you love dresses, you may be wondering what kind of dresses you can add to your closet to get the quiet luxury look.
A midi dress like this one, which features a fitted top and pleated bottom, is the perfect simple and chic dress to add to your closet.
You can pair this dress with simple pointed-toe heels for a classic look to wear for a special occasion. Or, you can wear it with pretty sandals or espadrilles in the summer months.
Cashmere Sweater & Pleated Pants
Cashmere sweaters are another classic wardrobe staple that can help you get a quiet luxury type of look. And they can be worn in so many different ways.
For example, you can pair this slouchy cashmere cardigan with pleated pants and heels to get a classy and elegant look that is on the more casual side.
This would be the perfect outfit to wear for an everyday look if you want something comfortable but also chic.
If you are looking for a more girly look that you can wear with this sweater, you can also pair it with one of the aforementioned skirts in this post, either an a-line mini skirt or a pleated midi skirt.
A-Line Top & Wool Pants
Wool pants are another great item to add to your closet if you are looking for pieces that will help you create multiple looks.
Invest in a pair of wool pants like these and pair them with a blouse or fitted shirt like this sleeveless turtleneck top to get a simple yet elegant look you can wear for most casual occasions.
Once again, these pants would make an excellent addition to your work wardrobe, giving them additional versatility.
Blazer & Pleated Pants
As mentioned first thing in this article, blazers are a key part of any quiet luxury wardrobe. So if you don’t have one already, do yourself a favor and invest ASAP!
Once you have a staple blazer like this one, you can add it to your looks to give them more of a quiet luxury style.
And, since blazers are classic in cut, you can show off a bit of your own personal style by opting for a colorful blazer like this pretty pale pink one.
Who says quiet has to mean boring?
Sweater Vest & Mini Skirt
A sweater vest is a fun yet classic clothing piece you can add to your wardrobe to achieve more of a quiet luxury type of style.
What I love about a sweater vest like this one is that it can worn by itself or with a shirt underneath to make your outfit stand out even more.
Pair this vest with a simple mini skirt like the one seen above, and you will have a quiet luxury look that you can wear for any occasion!
You can also add a coat to this look for even more old money style points.
Wool Coat & Jeans
You cannot have a luxury wardrobe without a tailored coat. So you should definitely consider a wool coat like this one when trying to achieve a quiet luxury style.
What’s great about a longer coat like this wool one is that it goes with any outfit, whether it’s a dress or pants. Shorter coats generally only go with pants, so you get more versatility with increased length.
To style, you can make the coat the center of the outfit by wearing it with jeans, a basic turtleneck, and matching accessories.
Silk Skirt & Turtleneck Sweater
You might also want to add a sleek midi skirt like this silk skirt to your wardrobe. Once again, silk is a quintessential quiet luxury fabric.
This midi skirt looks amazing when paired with a cashmere sweater and heels as seen above. Note that the outfit is monochromatic in tone, which helps it feel even more expensive.
Quick Styling Tips for Creating Quiet Luxury Outfits
1. Add a Few Trendy Pieces
Quiet luxury style is trendy right now, and if you want to make the style even trendier, you can add a few of-the-moment pieces to give your outfits extra interest.
The video above shares tons of great examples of how to combine quiet luxury with other 2024 fashion trends for a very current look.
2. Show Off Your Personal Style
You may also be interested in how you can show off a bit of your own personal style when dressing in quiet luxury looks.
Here, the key is to accessorize. Items like purses, shoes, and jewelry will help you make the quiet luxury aesthetic your own.
Just be sure to opt for muted colors for the most classic feel.
3. Be Mindful of Budget
Sometimes, it can be tough to find quiet luxury looks on a budget because higher-quality clothing pieces are usually pricey.
The key is to consider cost per wear and invest in items you’ll get a lot of use out of.
For example, you can buy a jacket that you can wear with multiple different kinds of looks to help you save. Or, you could buy a pair of tailored pants that you know you can wear to work and school.
And remember, no wardrobe is built overnight!
I recommend saving up for a few high-quality pieces instead of buying a bunch of cheap ones. That’s what real luxury is about.
Which quiet luxury outfit ideas are your favorite?
What clothing pieces will you be adding to your closet to create your quiet luxury looks? How do you like to style quiet luxury outfits?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking all things old money style and how to get that quiet luxury look for yourself.
Today, we’re continuing that series!
When you’re trying to dress old money, it’s important to invest in classic silhouettes, neutral colors, and quality materials. This goes for your shoes as well as your pants.
Today, we’ll be listing the pants you need for your old money wardrobe. From oversized trousers to chic capris, we’ll explain the styles that scream old money the most.
Read on to learn the old money pants styles you should be shopping for, plus tips for styling old money pants!
Old Money Style Pants for Women
Classic Silhouettes
As mentioned earlier, the key to nailing old money style is to first focus on classic silhouettes.
For example, the hourglass shape is classic and will always be in style for your outfits.
To achieve this, start with a pair of trousers that fit you at your natural waist. Then, add a bustier like this one for a trendy take on classic, quiet luxury style.
Neutral Colors
Another important thing to note when shopping for old-money clothing is colors! In general, old money-style clothing revolves around neutral colors.
So, in the context of old money pants, you should be focusing on finding tan, white, grey, black, brown, and navy pieces.
Neutral pants will go with everything in your wardrobe and will remain in style for decades to come.
Quality Fabric
Also, fabric is really important when it comes to achieving old money style.
For example, a very common old money fabric is tweed. Often associated with the brand Chanel, tweed is luxurious and synonymous with quality.
In addition, natural fibers like wool, cotton, and silk are also hallmarks of old money style. Look for pants in these fabrics to nail the look.
Old Money Pants We Love
Tailored Pants
No old money wardrobe would be complete without a pair of classic tailored trousers.
Tailored pants are just what you need to add to your looks to make you have more of an old money style.
My favorite thing about tailored pants is you can wear them for basically any occasion, depending on how you style them!
For example, you can wear them with some cute sneakers and a blouse for an everyday look, or you could even pair them with a blazer and heels for an outfit that is fancier.
Pinstripe Pants
Another pant style that gives off an old-money vibe is the pinstripe pant!
Pinstripe pants are reminiscent of classic business suits, and they’re so flattering and cute. These pants are also easy to style because you can wear them with multiple outfits!
For example, some heels and a short-sleeved shirt will give you a super cute and chic look with these pants.
Foldover Pants
One other type of pant that is popular right now that also will give you the old money look is foldover pants!
These pants are basically tailored pants with a fold-over design at the top. This style of pants adds something a little extra to your look so that you will stand out.
So, if you want a simple pair of pants but also want to look trendy and chic, I recommend these pants that come in black with a white foldover design at the top for an edgy and chic look.
Silk Pants
If you are looking for a comfy pair of old money pants that you can wear for everyday looks, you might be interested in these silk pants!
What I love about these silk pants is they look very chic and classy, but they also are simple to style and insanely comfortable for casual days.
You can totally also wear these pants for fancier occasions if you wear some cute heels with a blouse or fitted top!
Wide-Leg Pants
If you like the tailored pants look, you might also like these pants! These pants are tailored as well, however, they are a wide-leg pant, which gives them a bit of a different kind of fit.
These pants are a little looser of a style and have wider legs and a nipped-in waist for a trendy, vintage-inspired silhouette.
Again, you can style these for casual or formal occasions since they’re so versatile and simple.
Tailored Cargo Pants
If you are looking for an old money-style pair of pants that looks even more trendy, you may want to check out tailored cargo pants like these!
Cargo-style pants have been very popular recently, so if you like this style of pants but want to change the vibe of your wardrobe to more of an old-money style, these tailored cargos are a perfect compromise.
Capri Pants
You might also be interested in a pair of pants that has a more fitted style. If so, then you should check out capri pants like these!
Capri pants have a more fitted style than the usual tailored pants, and they also come a bit shorter. They’re very classic if you buy them in a solid, neutral color like black.
These pants look great when styled with a cute sweater and heels, and they’re perfect for warmer weather.
Plaid Pants
You can also get tailored pants in different kinds of patterns that will give you the old-money vibe!
For example, plaid pants like these will add something different to your wardrobe that you can wear to give you a more old-money vibe to your outfits.
And what you will love even more about these pants is how neutral they are. Instead of a bright, garish plaid, these are nice and muted which is key for a quiet luxury look.
Wool Pants
Other than tweed, another kind of fabric to look for when creating an old-money wardrobe is wool!
Wool pants like these will give you a fancier look with your outfits and are also high-quality so they’ll last for years.
These pants would be great to wear for a fancier or professional event with a blazer and some heels!
Flowy Pants
Here’s another super trendy take on old money style — oversized flowy trousers.
If you like the tailored pants look but want to wear something a bit more casual, these are the perfect medium.
Even though they are flowy, the style and look of these pants will still give off the old-money vibe that you want, and you will definitely look trendy!
Tweed Pants
As mentioned above, tweed is another type of fabric that is very common in old money style clothing!
So, when shopping for your new wardrobe, you might also want to check out pants made of tweed fabric.
These pants give off total Chanel vibes!
Houndstooth Patterns
Another type of pattern that you may be interested in when shopping for your old money looks is the houndstooth pattern!
While the cut of the pants above is a bit on the trendier side rather than classic, the houndstooth print is a must to add to your old money wardrobe.
You could wear these pants casually, as seen above, or for a true old-money look, I’d style them with a button-down shirt, sweater, and ballet flats.
Styling Tips for Old Money Pants
1. Creating Versatile Looks
What’s great about wearing old-money-style pants is you can wear them for more casual events or even for events that are a bit fancier.
Just pair your pants with a blouse for a cute but chic everyday look. Or, you can pair your old money pants with a bodysuit and blazer to get a fancier look!
2. Adding Trendy Pieces
Adding other trendy pieces to your look will give you an even more fun outfit! For example, you could pair your outfit with trendy accessories like chunky loafers or ballet flats to add fun to your look.
Or, you could purchase trendier old money pants, like tailored cargo pants, to really upgrade your style!
3. Dressing Up Your Pants Looks
To switch from day to night look with old money pants, all you need to do to make your outfit look more fancy is add some heels or a fancy blazer to complete your look!
Which old money pants are you going to add to your wardrobe?
Do you have old money pants in your closet? What kind of old money pants will you be purchasing?
For the most recent collection — which Sehested called “the best collection we ever have made” — Gestuz doubled down on the sentiment, blurring the line between going-out wear and business-core because, as the press release read: “Why save the fun for rare occasions?” This translated into rebellious pieces like a denim set with a cinched waist, blazers worn over sheer skirts and briefs, and pinstripe pants paired with a chainmail top, an aesthetic that Sehested, who is constantly inspired by the ‘70s and ‘80s music, describes as “eternal rock and roll but in a more mature way.”
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our links. Please read our full disclosure here.
Levi’s
In 2024, there’s more of a focus on quality clothing than ever before.
We’re all tired of fast-fashion pieces that rip within two wears, and it’s time that we all slow down and start shopping quality over quantity.
If you have been looking to add some pieces to your closet that you can keep forever, then you may be wondering what brands you should be looking for!
There are specific clothing brands that offer timeless pieces. We’re talking high-quality pieces in classic and classy cuts that will go with everything for years to come.
So, if you are interested in building your forever wardrobe with some classy pieces, take note of the timeless clothing brands listed below.
Top 22 Timeless Clothing Brands We Love
1. Patagonia
For those of us who live in colder weather, you may be looking for some winter clothing that you can keep forever and wear year-round.
If this sounds like something you are looking for, I highly recommend checking out the brand Patagonia.
Patagonia sells high-quality winter clothing items, such as this fleece jacket, that will be the perfect way to build your winter wardrobe that will last you a lifetime.
The best thing about Patagonia is that they guarantee their clothes for life and they will even repair their items for you if needed down the road.
2. Dr. Martens
Shoes can make or break an outfit, so you will want to make sure that you have the perfect shoes to go with your new wardrobe.
And, if you are looking for some timeless brands that you can buy your shoes from, Dr. Martens is one such example.
Dr. Martens is a great brand of shoes that sells high-quality boots like these that are always in style, and you can wear them with multiple kinds of outfits. Plus, their quality is incredible!
3. The North Face
The North Face is another brand that sells clothing items and accessories that you should also consider adding to your wardrobe!
With The North Face, you will be getting classic winter wear, such as this super cute puffer jacket that you will be able to keep forever.
4. Levi’s
If you are a jeans girl, you may be wondering what kind of timeless jeans you can purchase.
If you are looking for the perfect jeans that will always be in style, you need a pair of Levi’s. Levi’s has been around for many years and has always been a popular jean brand.
You’ll never be out of style in a pair of classic Levi’s; it’s just a fact.
5. Hermes
If you are looking to invest a bit more into building your dream wardrobe, you may be interested in saving up for designer pieces.
If we’re talking timeless clothing brands, Hermes is THE prime example of a classic, chic, and high-quality brand.
Hermes is famous for their expensive handbags, but their scarves are relatively inexpensive (for Hermes) and they’re investment pieces you’ll wear for your entire life.
6. Prada
Prada is another timeless clothing brand that’s been around forever.
These days, Prada makes great pieces that are both classic and trendy. For example, these Prada loafers are stunning and you can totally wear them with many different outfits.
What I love about these shoes is that they can also give you more of an edgy look, so if you are trying to find something more fun to add to your style, these chunky loafers may be just what you are looking for!
7. Chanel
Most people who are interested in designer brands know of Chanel. This brand is one of the most well-known fashion houses of all time.
So, if you are really looking to add something timeless to your wardrobe, you can’t go wrong by investing in Chanel.
In particular, I love these shoes because they are fashionable and comfortable, perfect for classing up any outfit.
8. Uniqlo
Uniqlo is the most affordable brand on this list if you are looking for basic, quality clothes at low prices.
What’s great about Uniqlo is you can purchase fashionable and timeless clothing pieces like this sweater that you can throw on with multiple different kinds of outfits to get a classy look!
9. Ralph Lauren
Another less expensive brand that you should also consider is Ralph Lauren. Ralph Lauren has also been around for many years and offers many classic clothing pieces like this crewneck!
Crewneck sweaters like this Ralph Lauren one give off classic, quiet luxury vibes.
And what I love about these sweaters is you can purchase them in many different colors, such as this stunning purple.
10. Alexander McQueen
You may also be looking for the perfect everyday sneaker to add to your wardrobe! If so, then you may want to check out Alexander McQueen‘s offerings.
What I love about these sneakers is that they are simple but also chic and can be worn with basically any type of outfit for your everyday looks!
And they will give you a comfy but also stylish pair of shoes that you can wear for your everyday activities.
11. Banana Republic
Banana Republic has also been around for many years and makes some classy clothing pieces that will definitely help you create your dream wardrobe!
For example, this cashmere sweater will give you something simple but also classy that you can wear as an everyday look.
This sweater also comes with a collar to give you more of a sophisticated look and you can purchase it in some super cute colors like this subtle pink to make your outfit stand out more.
12. Coach
Coach is also a less expensive designer brand that you should consider when building your timeless wardrobe!
Coach makes adorable clothing pieces, such as this pink tweed skirt, that will add something classy and girly to your wardrobe that you can keep forever.
Just pair this skirt with some cute shoes and a blouse, and you will have the perfect outfit to wear to make you look stylish for fancier occasions!
13. Tommy Hilfiger
Similar to Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger is also known for its logo and has been around for many years.
This is another clothing brand that sells timeless clothing pieces that you can use to build your dream wardrobe!
For example, this collared button-up shirt with the Tommy Hilfiger logo may be just what you need to add to your closet to give it a timeless and classy vibe.
14. Calvin Klein
Another timeless brand for those of us who are in love with jeans is Calvin Klein!
I absolutely love Calvin Klein jeans because they can be worn with more casual fits or even with fancier outfits.
For example, these Calvin Klein jeans would be a great piece to add to your wardrobe if you are someone who is looking for a pair of jeans you can keep forever.
Pair these jeans with some fun heels, and they will be great for everyday activities or even for fancier events.
15. J.Crew
J.Crew is also a timeless clothing brand that you should consider when shopping for your new wardrobe.
This clothing brand sells some classy pieces that will definitely give you a cool, put-together vibe, such as this adorable dress.
This dress you could totally keep forever and will be great for formal events.
16. Dior
For a more expensive brand that is timeless, you cannot go wrong with Dior.
Dior is definitely expensive, however, they sell some stunning pieces that you will wear for your entire life.
For example, Dior sells gorgeous shoes like these slingback pumps, which would be the perfect shoes to wear with your fancier outfits.
What I also love about these shoes is the super cute bow that is part of the slingback, which adds something fun and girly to these shoes!
Also, pointed heels always look classy, so you will definitely give off a classy vibe if you add these shoes to your wardrobe.
17. Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent is another stunning clothing brand that will definitely help you to build a timeless wardrobe!
For example, Saint Laurent makes this gorgeous silk blouse that could be worn to fancier events to make sure you look classy and chic.
What I love about this blouse is it comes with a super cute bow in the front that will make your outfit stand out.
18. Marc Jacobs
Almost everyone knows of Marc Jacobs. This is another clothing brand that is timeless and one that you should consider.
A lot of people may know of Marc Jacobs because of the designer purses that this brand makes, however, what some people may not know is Marc Jacobs also sells clothing.
For example, this turtleneck from Marc Jacobs is super timeless and features high-quality construction and interesting details.
19. Brooks Brothers
Brooks Brothers has also been around for years and makes clothing pieces that are definitely timeless.
For example, if you like to wear dresses and are looking for some dresses you can add to your wardrobe to make it more timeless and classy, then you should check out this brand.
This color-block dress will add something classy and timeless to your wardrobe and would be good for work events as well as everyday occasions where you want to look chic.
20. Burberry
Burberry is another designer brand that you may have heard of before. The brand is known for its check design, and in particular its trench coats and scarves.
The brand is known for its quality and impeccable construction, so any Burberry piece you buy will stay in your wardrobe forever.
And don’t worry because they also make clothing with a bit of a different design than their classic one, so you have more options to choose from.
For example, this Burberry sweater comes in a super cute yellow and pink design that you will love!
21. Armani
Armani is another fancier clothing brand that you should check out if you want to elevate your wardrobe.
For example, this tweed zip-front short-sleeve jacket is a great item to add to your wardrobe if you are looking for some timeless pieces.
As we mentioned in our Old Money Fashion Guide, tweed is a timeless fabric that will always be chic, making this one great investment piece.
22. Gap
Finally, we have Gap. Gap is an affordable, accessible, and forever classic American brand.
What I love about Gap’s clothing is they make some great basic pieces that you can add to everyday looks to make casual but also classy-looking fits.
For example, this boatneck long-sleeve shirt is so simple and chic. Just pair this shirt with some jeans and loafers, and you will have a cool but classy look you can wear every day.
Which timeless clothing brands do you like the most?
Which clothing brands do you think are timeless? Which of these brands do you already have in your closet?
Like Bode, Rose, who has collaborated with brands like Nike and Clarks, is one of menswear’s most exciting names, captivating even women. “The thing about menswear is that while I can appreciate it, it is never really my focus when fashion week occurs,” says Sumbu. “But the way Martine Rose makes menswear made me pay attention.” She points to Rose’s fall/winter 2024 collection, which played with oversized, asymmetric proportions, as a good example of the designer’s genius. “I truly believe, especially with the drought of female fashion designers within luxury houses, that she will be leading the creative direction for one of them soon,” says Sumbu.
In the early 2000s, Hoffman started her brand with handmade silk pieces she would sell in boutiques. “I’d paint, I’d sit, and I’d paint,” she says of the one-of-a-kind prints and patterns she created during the time. By 2005, the designs were getting mass-produced on other fabrics like jersey. “That grew into a much broader ability to sell and to distribute because I wasn’t handmaking everything,” she says. “Then, I introduced swim [in 2008].” This marked a turning point for the brand, with print-forward swimwear and vacation-ready dresses becoming a signature of the brand for the next decade. Celebrities du jour like Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie wore Hoffman’s clothing, the brand’s Miami Swim Week fashion show appeared on an episode of MTV’s The Hills spin-off The City, and Mara Hoffman pieces were everywhere.
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Expensive makeup brands have long been associated with luxury, exclusivity, and quality. These high-end products often come with a hefty price tag, but the investment is worth it for many.
From designer fashion houses to celebrity-owned brands, the luxury makeup world is vast and diverse, catering to various tastes and preferences.
Understanding luxury makeup requires appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship of creating these products. From the carefully selected ingredients to the elegant packaging and branding, every detail is designed to evoke a sense of sophistication and glamour. For those who value quality and exclusivity, luxury makeup brands offer a unique experience that mass-market products cannot replicate.
While there are many expensive makeup brands on the market, some stand out for their exceptional quality, innovative formulas, and iconic status. These brands are often associated with high fashion, Hollywood glamour, and beauty industry innovation.
For those who are willing to invest in their beauty routine, we’ve rounded up the top 10 luxury makeup brands that offer a range of key products that are worth the splurge.
What Makes Makeup Luxurious
Luxury makeup is all about those special ingredients that make it stand out from mass-market alternatives. Here are some of the key elements that make it worth the extra money:
Exceptional Quality: Luxury makeup brands invest heavily in research and development, ensuring their products are of the highest quality. From finely milled powders to long-lasting pigments, luxury makeup offers an unparalleled experience.
Innovative Formulations: These brands often introduce cutting-edge formulations that not only enhance beauty but also provide skincare benefits. Ingredients are carefully selected for their efficacy and safety.
Elegant Packaging: Luxury makeup products are presented in exquisite, high-quality packaging that reflects the brand’s image. The packaging becomes an extension of the product, enhancing the overall experience.
Exclusive Limited Editions: Many luxury brands release limited-edition collections, creating a sense of exclusivity and collectibility. These products often feature unique shades and packaging.
The benefits of high-end makeup go beyond just its luxurious feel and finish. It comes with several advantages, including:
Longevity: Since it’s often used by pros and celebrities, most luxury makeup is formulated to last longer on the skin, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups throughout the day.
Skin-Friendly Ingredients: Luxury brands often use high-quality, skin-friendly ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation or breakouts than cheaper drugstore ingredients.
Superior Pigmentation: The pigmentation in luxury makeup products is usually more intense, allowing for vibrant and long-lasting color payoff.
Luxurious Texture: The texture of luxury makeup is often velvety, creamy, or silky, providing a luxurious feel upon application.
Unique Shades: Luxury brands often offer a wider range of shades, including unique and bold colors that can’t be found in mass-market brands.
When it comes to luxury makeup, several brands come to mind. These high-end makeup brands offer quality products and are known for their exquisite packaging, long-lasting formulas, and unique ingredients.
Here are the top 10 best expensive makeup brands on the market, plus their bestsellers:
1. Chanel: Timeless Elegance
Founded in 1909 by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, Chanel is a brand synonymous with sophistication and timeless elegance.
Chanel has revolutionized the makeup industry with its innovative formulations and sleek packaging. Iconic products like the Chanel No. 5 fragranceand the Rouge liquid lipsticks have become staples in the beauty routines of fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Best Sellers:
2. Tom Ford: The Epitome of Luxury
Tom Ford, synonymous with sophistication and luxury, launched his eponymous makeup line in 2011.
Tom Ford‘s makeup collection exudes luxury and glamour. The Lip Color collection, encased in sleek gold packaging, is a cult favorite. The brand’s eyeshadow palettes, known for their rich pigmentation, have also garnered a dedicated following among makeup enthusiasts.
Best Sellers:
3. Estee Lauder: Timeless Beauty
Estée Lauder, founded in 1946, symbolizes timeless beauty and elegance.
Christian Dior, the French fashion designer, founded Dior in 1946, and the brand’s legacy in makeup is equally remarkable.
Dior’s fusion of fashion and beauty has resulted in some of the most luxurious makeup products on the market. The Diorshow mascara, known for its volumizing effect, and the Diorskin Airflash foundation, renowned for its airbrushed finish, testify to its commitment to excellence.
And don’t forget the Dior Lip Glow, a luxury tinted lip balm that comes in the most beautiful packaging and shade range.
Best Sellers:
5. Charlotte Tilbury: Red Carpet Glamour
Charlotte Tilbury, a renowned makeup artist, launched her eponymous brand in 2013, and it quickly became synonymous with red-carpet glamour.
Honestly, everything by Charlotte Tilbury is trending these days, a testament to the brand’s ultra-effective formulas.
Hourglass Cosmetics is an innovative luxury makeup brand known for its commitment to cruelty-free and vegan formulas.
Hourglass Cosmetics has tons of popular products. Their Ambient Lighting Palette, in particular, is internet-famous for imparting a candlelit glow to the skin, while the brand’s Vanish Airbrush Concealer offers full coverage and a waterproof finish.
Best Sellers:
7. MAC Cosmetics: Makeup for All
MAC Cosmetics, founded in 1984 in Toronto, is a brand that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
MAC is the most affordable brand on this list but is still considered high-end due to its wide use by makeup artists. The brand’s Studio Fix Fluid Foundation is a favorite among makeup artists for its broad shade range. The iconic Ruby Woo lipstick is a classic red that suits every skin tone.
L’Oréal, one of the world’s largest cosmetics companies, has a diverse portfolio of luxury brands, including Lancôme, a luxury favorite for decades.
L’Oréal’s Lancôme brand is known for its L’Absolu Rouge lipsticks, which offer intense color and hydration. They’re also famous for their Dual Finish Powder Foundation, widely considered the best product in this category.
Best Sellers:
9. Armani Beauty: The Pinnacle of Elegance
Armani Beauty, an extension of the iconic fashion house, is synonymous with understated elegance.
Armani’s makeup range exudes sophistication and refinement. The Luminous Silk Foundation, celebrated for its natural, radiant finish, is a staple among makeup artists and celebrities. The Lip Maestro liquid lipsticks offer intense color with a velvety texture.
Best Sellers:
10. Yves Saint Laurent: Where Fashion Meets Makeup
Yves Saint Laurent, the iconic fashion brand, brings its sense of style and elegance to the makeup world.
Yves Saint Laurent is one of the most popular luxury makeup brands in the world. Their Touche Éclat Radiant Touchis a cult-favorite concealer and highlighter that brightens the under-eye area. The Rouge Pur Couture lipstick collection offers a spectrum of luxurious shades. And their Lash Clash mascara is TikTok-famous for its lash-doubling effects.
Best Sellers:
Tips and Recommendations
To make the most of your luxury makeup experience, here are some tips and recommendations:
1. Invest in Quality Brushes
Luxury makeup deserves quality brushes. Investing in high-end brushes will ensure seamless application and help you achieve professional-looking results.
2. Skincare Prep
Before applying luxury makeup, ensure your skin is well-prepped. Cleanse, moisturize, and use a primer to create a smooth canvas for makeup application.
Luxury makeup products are often highly pigmented. Start with a small amount and build up if needed to avoid overdoing it.
4. Customized Shade Selection
With a wide range of shades available, take the time to find the perfect match for your skin tone. Many luxury brands offer shade-matching services to assist you.
5. Storage
Store your luxury makeup products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve their quality and longevity.
What do you think about these expensive makeup brands?
What are your opinions on these expensive makeup brands? Luxury makeup brands offer more than just products; they are a complete lifestyle. Did you find our list enjoyable? If so, which one is your personal favorite?
If our list of expensive makeup brands helped you decide what to buy, check out these related articles below —
Though it admittedly might not be your first choice for a weekend getaway, Boston is experiencing a rebirth of sorts, thanks in part to the redeveloped Seaport District. Picture yourself taking a stroll along the waterfront―the faint smell of water in the air as you scope out new restaurants, bars, and hotels, like the sprawling Omni. Stop for a coffee break at Fan Pier as you scroll through the lineup for the upcoming Boston Calling Music Festival, featuring the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Alanis Morissette, and Queens of the Stone Age, among others. If concerts aren’t your thing, cheer on runners at this year’s Boston Marathon, taking place on Monday, April 17. Here, we tapped Boston native Sarah Flint, the designer behind her namesake footwear brand, for the things you can’t miss―as you aimlessly wander in very cute shoes, of course.
TRAVEL
o Walk — Boston is often referred to as “the walking city.” It makes sense, then, that being on foot is the best way to see all of its charming streets, historical sites, and unique shops. In particular, the Anderson Memorial Bridge on the Charles River is a great area to explore. It connects two neighborhoods: Allston and Cambridge.
o Bike — Bikes are another way to get around, especially during the warmer months. There are plenty of biking trails to best experience your surroundings.
o Train — Using the MBTA is without a doubt the fastest option. The subway runs throughout Boston and into Cambridge as well as nearby suburbs, providing access to everything the city has to offer. To use the train, you upload money into a Charlie Card. There’s even a song called “Charlie” on the MBTA!
STAY
o The Whitney Hotel Boston — A charming hotel in Beacon Hill, The Whitney perfectly balances the city’s vibrancy with chic signage and gleaming architecture. It sits at the foot of Longfellow Bridge just off the Charles River Esplanade, where you can find biking and walking paths, and plenty of room to hang outside.
o The Newbury Boston — This beautifully restored hotel has bright, ultra-stylish rooms and a rooftop bar overlooking the historic Boston Public Garden. The property is nestled on one of Boston’s most quaint corners and is an easy walk to shopping, dining, and many notable sights in the Back Bay, like the Boston Public Library.
o The Langham, Boston — The Langham is a historical luxury hotel located in the Financial District. Originally built in 1922, the building was once Boston’s U.S. Federal Reserve Bank until the ’80s. There’s New England-chic décor throughout, plus, on Saturdays, it offers a chocolate buffet. (Yes, you read that right.)
EAT
o Beacon Hill Books & Cafe — The perfect spot for afternoon tea with friends, where you can relax with a book and a quick bite. The cafe has a curated selection of reads, matched with a warm atmosphere to boot.
o Tatte Bakery and Cafe — Situated in the heart of Beacon Hill, Tatte boasts a beautiful morning pastry display, seasonal tarts, cookies, and cakes. On the weekends, it serves brunch all day long. The space is an open kitchen, so you can see the chef in action while he cooks. Outside, there’s a large patio where you can sit and enjoy your carb-filled order in all its glory.
o Coquette — This coastal French-inspired brasserie located in the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport has delicious fresh seafood, a hot-and-cold raw bar, and flatbreads. The vibe is sophisticated with velvet chairs, art murals, and glass chandeliers that function as prime photo backdrops.
SHOP
o SoWa Vintage Market — For a guaranteed good time, head to this market in the South End filled with food, crafts, vintage finds, and food trucks. You can find unique, one-of-a-kind pieces from mid-century furniture to old prints, jewelry, and clothing.
o Brodney Antiques & Jewelry — Brodney Antiques & Jewelry is a must-see family-run shop that has a wide range of antiques and curiosities. It sells jewelry, small metal and ceramic pieces, paintings, and other fine arts and crafts. A great option for gifting.
o Newbury Street — If you are in the mood to shop until you literally drop, visit Newbury Street in Beacon Hill, where you will find countless cute boutiques and stores to fit anyone’s taste.
EXPERIENCE
o Beacon Hill — In addition to Newbury Street, exploring the rest of Beacon Hill is one of my favorite things to do in Boston. It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods known for its charming cobblestone streets. Filled with boutiques and antique stores, it will keep you occupied for hours on end. One of my favorite stops is the Boston Athenaeum—check out the fifth floor reading room.
o Faneuil Hall Marketplace — A bustling marketplace with countless shops and restaurants, Faneuil Hall has three buildings surrounding it: North Market, South Market, and Quincy Hall. I love going to Quincy Market, a stop on the Freedom Trail in the heart of downtown.
o The Museum of Fine Arts — One of the top things to do in Boston, not to mention one of the most comprehensive art museums in the world. The MOFA houses over 500,000 works, from ancient Egyptian times to interactive contemporary art.
Deputy Editor
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
By the time Bethann Hardison took the stage at the Fifteen Percent Pledge gala Saturday night to accept the Pioneer Award, the audience was already primed with a clip from Invisible Beauty. Fresh off a Sundance premiere and co-directed with Frédéric Tcheng, the documentary follows the model and activist through her influential career, from the 1973 Battle of Versailles fashion show (featuring a rare quorum of Black models) to her later coalition work around industry representation. Watching the film, Hardison said from the podium at the New York Public Library’s main branch, “you start to realize that you don’t remember the things you said 20 years ago, 30 years ago. I was pretty, uh, gangster back then.” Laughter rumbled across the crowd of mostly Black designers, models, and entrepreneurs. “I still am gangster,” she clarified, ever the sly provocateur. “Just a more mature, savored kind of gangster.”
The Fifteen Percent Pledge, a nonprofit born of a viral 2020 Instagram post by Brother Vellies creative director Aurora James, has become an upbeat agent of change. Her original proposition—that retailers should stock Black-owned brands in proportion to population data—corralled a high-profile group of early cosigners, including Sephora, Nordstrom, Moda Operandi, and West Elm. Last fall, the Pledge made its own retail debut, by way of a holiday pop-up in SoHo with an all-Black edit. (The web store continues through March.) But this weekend’s second annual gala marked a new evolution, centered around an inaugural round of grants—totaling nearly $300,000—presented by Shop with Google. “We’ve put over 600 Black-owned businesses onto the shelves of our Pledge takers, but it takes more than access,” James said earlier that afternoon, shortly before slipping into a metallic floral dress by her friend Christopher John Rogers. “It also takes capital. It also takes resources. It also takes having someone to call that can help guide you through some of the things that you don’t know.”
Model Imaan Hammam. The setting inside the library. Aurora James, in a strapless floral dress by Christopher John Rogers, poses with (from left) Emma Grede, Selby Drummond, Karlie Kloss, and Ashley Graham.
By Davis X Prutting/ BFA.
The event highlighted another means of visible support, with its reprised “black tie, Black designer” dress code. An expectant Hannah Bronfman turned up in a sequined two-piece by Harbison Studio. “I styled this not with the bump out, and Aurora was like, ‘No, we need more skin,’” she said with a cherry-red smile. “So here we are!” Sergio Hudson, whose label won the night’s second-prize $35,000 grant, wore a custom black-and-white striped jacket—his team’s first foray into menswear, using leftover fabric from his current collection—alongside a Schiaparelli brooch and earring. “Elsa Schiaparelli is my greatest design inspiration, so when they started releasing the jewelry, I slowly started collecting it,” Hudson said. No loaners here: “Of course I don’t borrow! I mean, I get enough people borrowing from me.” Brandon Blackwood, like so many attendees, had one of his bags in hand (“I love seeing them in the wild!”), topped off with a Yankees hat. And for Vogue global contributing fashion editor-at-large Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, dressed in a puff-sleeved look from her new Target capsule, it was a full-circle moment. “I wore Target x Peter Pilotto to my first interview with Anna Wintour because it was fashion that I could access,” she said. “The idea that, now, their collaborations are made with people like me, it feels like an actual commitment to building a more equitable industry.” She gestured toward her feather-bedecked shoes and bag, both by Brother Vellies. “Ms. James, she really does it up. You know, I love a little bit of gla-mour,” she added, leaning into the word as André Leon-Talley might have.
The prevailing mood was forward-looking: When James spoke of an economic future “with a smaller, and one day nonexistent, racial wealth gap,” the room broke out in applause. (The crab cake with fried green tomato—part of Sophia Roe’s menu curation—elicited the same reaction from nearby attendees.) But there was also a deep sense of gratitude for forebears. A statuesque Veronica Webb, who presented the Pioneer Award in Sergio Hudson, recalled being signed to Hardison’s agency at 19. “Bethann and I go back like parchment, like camel humps,” she said, describing her mentor as someone who “blazed a trail when it was dark—there was no path, there was nobody ahead of her.” Danessa Myricks, behind the industry-favorite makeup line, lifted up “all of my ancestors,” she said. “I’m giving credit to my parents, who didn’t have opportunities like this, who were cleaning floors, cleaning houses, working 24 hours a day so that I can be here.” Black Boy Knits creative director Jacques Agbobly cited their mother as an ongoing source of inspiration. After immigrating from Togo, she would go door to door to different hair shops as a braider, sometimes sleeping on-site to save money in order to bring her children to America. “Then, when we got here, I spent a lot of time with her in the hair shops. Those were very intimate and bonding moments for me and my family,” Agbobly said, drawing a connection between the evening’s green cable-knit sweater and the particularly intricate handwork by Slayed in Braids’ Helena Koudou.
“Taking something really beautiful and then fucking it up”: That’s what excites Jack Miner about his work at Interior, the label he co-founded with longtime friend Lily Miesmer. Together, the two are set on redefining “specialness” — not by aspiring to prim perfection, but by taking luxurious classics and flipping them into something sharp-witted.
Since launching in 2020, Interior has slowly evolved its take on elegance from a certain crafty intricacy (Miner previously worked at Bode) towards an altogether darker vision, ultimately building to a boiling point in its first runway show this past September. The duo burned, tugged and tore at lace and silk, taking surface perfection and dragging it lithely through the gutter.
“[It’s] creating specialness through a sense of tension, which ultimately is emotive,” says Miner. “We want to convert women on emotion, we want people to feel something.”
A look from Interior’s Spring 2023, which debuted on the runway at New York Fashion Week in September.
Photo: Courtesy of Interior
Miesmer and Miner are currently in their feelings, too. Logging in over Zoom — Miner from the office, Meismer from a hotel room somewhere in Europe — the two have already spent plenty of time weighing the highs and lows of the experience. With a little over a month’s distance from their brand’s Spring 2023 show, titled Sweet Days of Discipline, Miner explains that he’s finally arrived at a calm sense of joy.
“When I think back on it now, I could almost cry.”
When they set about designing Interior’s most recent collection, a runway show wasn’t even on their minds. In June, they found out that the label had been selected as a recipient of IMG’s NYFW Small Businesses grant, which ultimately pushed them to present their latest in a whole new context, graduating from a February presentation-cum-martinis and fries party at the Waverly Inn to a dark theater in the East Village.
“[It] forced us to do something, in a good way, bigger than we were mentally ready to do. It proved to us that we really could do it, and that we were ready,” says Miesmer. “Jack and I joked the minute it was over, ‘Okay, we’re never doing that again.’ And then we were like, ‘We could put on a show in three weeks. It would be fine.’”
Interior’s Fall 2022 collection was presented at the Waverly Inn in February. This look would go on to be worn byundefinedTessa Thompson, who has donned the brand multiple times on the red carpet.
Photo: Courtesy of Interior
“It’s an almost existential experience,” adds Miner. “There’s this realization that everyone is there helping you realize a dream that you have for yourself. Everyone’s working toward a common goal together, which is really wonderful, but it simultaneously feels like the stakes are so high — for everyone, and for you most especially, as the person that’s decided to put this thing on and ask everyone for their support.”
For Spring 2023, the duo looked to the idea of the woman in the attic, or, as described in the show notes, “this subtle nod to a creeping chaos in spite of frantic efforts to keep order.” On the day of the show, as The Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind” played forcefully over the speakers, the models emerged from their proverbial prisons, hems dirtied, sweaters torn, shirts askew.
“Stressed socialites that looked ready to snap,” is how Sarah Spellings, fashion news editor at Vogue, describes the look.
Having reviewed the label’s last four collections for the outlet, Spellings sees the show as theatrical, an evolution from its past seasons.
“My favorite detail is that they worked with a movement coach to perfect the walk,” she says. “They’re very much leading with their heads and kind of storming. It wasn’t a graceful walk, necessarily.”
Eschewing the typical affluent heiresses as inspiration, it’s Bertha Mason — the wealthy first wife locked inside the Rochester mansion in “Jane Eyre” — who finally gets her due.
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Still, the question must be asked: Will shoppers find distressed dresses and undone hems luxurious?
Often, when buyers pay a visit to studios after a runway presentation, they expect to see perhaps double the amount of pieces that appeared on the runway. (There will be commercial designs meant to be more realistically sellable.) Instead, the duo behind Interior stand by the thoughtful unraveling of every single runway look.
This sheer paneled dress from Interior’s Spring 2022 collection has been worn by Jodie Turner-Smith (pictured), Gabrielle Union and Abbi Jacobson.
Photo: Kate Green/Getty Images for Netflix
Before debuting a collection, they scrutinize every piece down to the last button, choosing only to offer exactly what the audience of editors and retail executives saw at the time of the show. They’re here to prove that specialness doesn’t always mean adding more. They attribute that assuredness and specificity in part to their launch amid the pandemic. There was an inherent essentialism from the start.
“There’s very little bullshit in the brand. There’s no filler,” Meismer says. “All we do is kill things that aren’t bringing our point of view to the world in a new, exciting way. Jack is merciless with a red pen whenever we’re going over our style count and our line plan.”
And while the friends admittedly approach fashion with an intellectual headiness, “our clothes are clothes that are about clothes, if that makes sense,” Miesner says.
But it would be foolish to write the brand off as clothing too smart for its own good: Ultimately, they understand that their designs can’t just exist for creativity’s sake.
“I don’t think that they would have a problem if someone told them, ‘Oh, yeah, like I did wear this white leather suit to go on a walk in Central Park during the rainstorm,’” Spellings says. “Something tells me that they’d be quite charmed by that.”
“If you’re coming at design from solely a commercial standpoint, it won’t work, and if you’re coming at that also exclusively from an artistic standpoint, it won’t work,” Miesner says. “It’s about finding the marriage of the two and figuring out how what you’re craving and what your woman is craving can translate into something that’s wearable and luxurious and feasible.”
Interior’s imperfect specialness has made it an industry favorite in only a few seasons.
Photo: Courtesy of Interior
The designers feel like harnessing that craving is more attainable than ever. Interior’s first retail launch was at Net-a-Porter as part of its Vanguard program; its Fall 2022 collection is the first available at brick-and-mortar stores — including Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue — for customers to see, touch and try on. In other words: Destruction is coming to the designer floor.
Interior is on the brink where many emerging brands find themselves: establishing its aesthetic while faced with evolution. New York has seen many up-and-coming labels lose sight of their original vision — or, on the opposite side of the pendulum, become too repetitive to successfully withstand the sweeping trend cycle.
Luckily, Meismer and Miner have a secret weapon on their side: “That survival gene that’s so embedded in our DNA will serve us forever,” says Meismer. “We do everything ourselves to a psychotic degree, and I hope we never lose that can-do spirit, because that’s when people get a little lazy and a little messy.”
As Interior’s Spring 2023 collection explores that tug towards chaos that emerges in the grasps for control, Meismer and Miner are in many ways lilting towards the opposite: In the spin of evolution, they’re finding solid ground. The center can hold.
