The "Quiet Luxury" of Fashion: Subtle Signals of Status in Succession
Discover the power of quiet luxury, where sophistication meets subtlety, as seen in the wardrobes of Succession's Roy family. Read on to explore how understated elegance is redefining wealth and style.
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Photographs: Courtesy of HBO
In the fast-paced world of instant gratification and fast fashion, there’s a trend that has been lingering in the shadows for years. Blending into the trend is more an intention than an error. It’s the style that speaks to those who prefer a more understated approach to wealth and sophistication: quiet luxury. The term itself sparks a sense of sophistication. But this wave of fashion isn't about flashy logos or conspicuous displays of wealth. Instead, it focuses on finely crafted pieces, impeccable taste, and an aura of exclusivity that doesn’t need to shout to be seen.
At its core, quiet luxury is about subtlety. It’s the art of dressing in a way that signals affluence and social status without announcing it. The power of this style lies in its restraint—clothing that’s not immediately recognizable to the masses but signals a wealth of knowledge about fine craftsmanship and high-end materials. It’s a fashion language understood by a select few, but for those in the know, it speaks volumes. And one of the most compelling places to see this trend come to life is in the world of Succession. (Yes, one of my favorite shows is the reason for this piece!)
On Succession: The Masterclass in Discretion
If you’re familiar with Succession, the HBO drama about the ultra-wealthy Roy family, you’ve seen the power of quiet luxury on full display. The show is a masterclass in how fashion can communicate social status, power, and wealth without overtly flaunting it. The Roy family, for all their opulence, never need to rely on flashy brands or ostentatious clothing. Their wardrobe choices subtly communicate their place in the upper echelons of society.
Take Logan Roy, the patriarch of the family, for example. His wardrobe is often filled with tailored, classic pieces—well-fitted suits in neutral tones, high-quality cashmere sweaters, and understated outerwear. There are no bold logos or eccentric patterns. Logan’s style is deliberately low-key, but it’s these very choices that make it so luxurious. Every piece he wears speaks to the quality of craftsmanship and the careful selection of timeless items, which are the hallmarks of quiet luxury.
Similarly, his children—Kendall, Shiv, and Roman—wear clothes that fit the same mold. They may sport expensive brands, but the labels are subtle and often tucked away in a way that doesn't call attention to them. Kendall’s wardrobe, for instance, often consists of minimalist designer suits, smooth leather jackets, and impeccable shirts. It’s not the loud, showy high fashion we see in some other wealthy portrayals—it's the soft luxury of a high net-worth person who doesn’t need to prove their status to anyone.
A Contrast of the Roys and Their “Outsiders”
While the Roy family represents the pinnacle of quiet luxury, there’s a distinct contrast when we look at characters like Greg, Tom, and Connor. These three—who, although are part of the family, in various ways, are still considered outsiders to the core Roy circle. They serve as an interesting foil to the refined, understated wealth the Roys embody.
Tom Wambsgans, with his clumsy, often desperate attempts to fit into the Roy family’s high-powered world, embodies a different type of status. Unlike Logan or Kendall, whose clothes speak for themselves in terms of quality and restraint, Tom’s wardrobe sometimes leans into a more performative type of luxury. He occasionally wears garish ties or brightly colored shirts that draw attention to his wealth, especially when he’s trying to prove his worth to the family. While he may wear expensive brands, he lacks the effortless sophistication that defines quiet luxury. Tom’s attempts to match the quiet confidence of the Roys often fall short because his wealth seems more aspirational—he's still in the process of defining his place in the world of power and opulence.
And I know you can’t make a Tomlette without breaking a few Greggs, so let’s analyze Cousin Greg. He’s Gregory, Greggs, Greg The Egg, Sporus, Cousin Craig, and so much more. Greg Hirsch is the “cousin Greg” of the Roy family, whose awkwardness and lack of social finesse often make him stand out like a sore thumb. His wardrobe reflects this outsider status—too often wearing affordable, ill-fitting suits that look out of place in a family accustomed to designer labels and impeccable tailoring. Unlike Tom, Greg doesn't even attempt to master the art of quiet luxury. His fashion choices signal his inexperience with wealth and his struggle to belong, rather than any signal of power. After making his place in the Roy Family, Greg’s wealth may have grown, but his understanding of how to wear it with discretion was still a work in progress.
Lastly, Connor Roy—the eldest Roy sibling—represented a different kind of wealth altogether. Unlike Logan, who dons quiet luxury with ease, Connor’s fashion choices are often eccentric and out of step with the high standards of his family. He’s frequently seen wearing cowboy hats and bold-colored suits, presenting a form of wealth that’s anything but subtle. His wardrobe is more about self-expression than status signaling, often revealing his detachment from the real power dynamics within the family. Connor’s style, while expensive, lacks the nuance and understated elegance that defines quiet luxury. His clothing choices are an attempt to make a statement, but it’s a statement that often feels out of place in the high society that the other Roys inhabit.
In contrast, the Roys themselves—Logan, Kendall, Shiv, and Roman—understand the unspoken rules of status and wealth. Their clothing isn’t just about appearance; it’s a language in itself. It tells a story of power, control, and a certain exclusivity that others—like Tom, Greg, and Connor—are still trying to master. The Roys’ style is less about individualism or drawing attention; it’s about embodying the quiet power that comes with years of accumulated wealth and influence. They are the true masters of subtlety in fashion, and their understated wardrobes send the message that real luxury doesn’t need to scream—it simply exists.
The Psychology Behind Quiet Luxury
So, why does quiet luxury have such an appeal in the first place? It comes down to psychology. In a world where social media influencers and reality stars are constantly flashing designer bags, expensive watches, and logo-centric items, there's a shift toward a more refined, deliberate kind of luxury. Quiet luxury is the perfect antidote to the excesses of loud wealth. Just like the term “Old Money Core”, it offers the wearer a kind of quiet confidence, a sense of being “in the know” without needing to shout about it.
This subtle approach to luxury also signals exclusivity. In a society where almost anything can be bought with enough money, owning something that doesn’t scream “I’m expensive” adds a layer of intrigue. It suggests that the wearer has access to something that only a few others are aware of. Whether it’s a rare fabric, a tailor with a reputation for discretion, or a brand that’s not easily recognized, this type of fashion revolves around the art of having refined taste without advertising it.
For example, consider Shiv Roy. While she’s just as wealthy as her siblings, her wardrobe choices reflect a quiet but unmistakable power. She often wears sophisticated, figure-flattering dresses in muted tones, and her accessories are subtle but undoubtedly high-end. Her style isn’t about flaunting her wealth; instead, it’s about her confidence, intelligence, and control. The quiet luxury of her wardrobe is a reflection of her own quiet ambition and desire for power.
In the end, I believe you can notice my obsession with this well-crafted show. And on another note, understand that it’s a point in time when it feels like the fashion industry is increasingly dominated by loud logos and mass-market trends, but quiet luxury stands as a powerful counterpoint. It's about clothing that speaks softly but carries immense weight—conveying wealth and status without the need for public displays of opulence. On Succession, this nuanced approach to fashion wasn’t just about the characters’ personal style—it was an essential part of what makes the world of the Roys so compelling. Their wardrobes communicated a sense of power and privilege that did not need to be flaunted, but rather, quietly acknowledged by those who understood it.