While maximalism is slowly making its way back into the mainstream via the recent runways, a look at what fashion people are actually wearing in their day-to-day lives confirms that the quiet-luxury look is still very much in favor. It’s all about a minimalist and anti-trend approach to style that feels far more timeless than it does current. With an emphasis on these classic pieces, outfits of this kind usually end up looking more elevated and expensive than the average, despite the price of the materials used.
Since fashion people are always experimenting with fresh ways to approach “rich” dressing, I’ve been keeping tabs on their latest efforts and have been saving a number of the best looks that have crossed my feed. Whether it’s a layering tactic, a certain funnel-neck coat, or an unexpected—even “wrong” shoe pairing, each of the nine outfits below exemplifies that elevated, anti-trend, and undeniably expensive-looking vibe that fashion people are inspiring me with right now.
Capes and cape tops give off an air of wealth like nothing else, but are secretly so easy to style. Wear a semisheer poncho over a solid bralette or tank to immediately elevate your basic trousers.
EDIKTED Sheer Chiffon One-Shoulder Poncho
SKIMS Satin Triangle Bralette
Favorite Daughter Effortless Wide Leg Pants
BLACK SUEDE STUDIO Slice Cuff
Aureum Collective Vittoria Everyday Bag
All you need is a great coat to look chic in the winter—yes, really. This season, fashion people know that a coat with a funnel neckline, when buttoned all the way to the top, can and should be its own outfit.
Mango Wool Funnel-Neck Coat
Nordstrom The Lennox Wide Leg Trousers
MARGESHERWOOD Beige Soft Boston Bag
Tony Bianco Zac Loafer
Go minimalist with a well-tailored collarless blazer and let the silhouette pop against a column skirt and sleek, barely there sandals.
Nordstrom Collarless Twill Blazer
KASPER Stretch Midi Skirt
RAYE Llinz Sandal
A healthy dose of croc-embossed leather makes an otherwise run-of-the-mill turtleneck sweater look incredibly elevated and expensive.
Polo Ralph Lauren Wool Turtleneck Sweater
Citizens of Humanity Cassia Skirt
Jeffrey Campbell Croc Embossed Boot
At the end of the day, a white button-down shirt and vintage-inspired jeans will never fail as a fashion person’s uniform. Right now, they’re adding an oversize clutch to make the classic pairing feel a touch more current.
COS Rounded Pima Cotton Shirt
Levi’s 501 Original Cropped
COS Folio Oversized Bag Croc-Effect Leather
Le Monde Beryl Babouche Kitten Heel Pump
An all-white outfit with black accents is another great go-to that the fashion crowd loves. For fall and winter, they’re wearing it with chunky sweaters, relaxed trousers, and ballet flats.
J.Crew 2025 Rollneck™ Sweater
Aritzia The Effortless Pant
Nordstrom Double Loop Trouser Belt
MARGAUX The Cap-Toe Demi
If you were to ask me, I’d say the number one investment piece in any winter wardrobe should be a well-tailored black wool coat. People in Paris would agree with me and are styling theirs with a menswear-inspired way with loafers, a bowler bag, and classic shirting layered underneath.
ZARA ZW Collection Wool Blend Coat
J.Crew Jules Classic-Fit Shirt in Cotton Poplin
Vagabond Shoemakers Linn Penny Loafer
Nothing Written Black Classic Golf Bag
Why settle for a basic cardigan when you can opt for a sculptural hourglass style that looks far more forward? Try a matching set with a cardigan and slim trousers. A pair of pointed-toe flats adds a sleek finish.
BIRROT Lay3 Bonded Crepe Cardigan
Leset Rio Stretch-Ponte Cigarette Pants
Jeffrey Campbell Hinted Pointed Toe Flat
A white shirt and black trousers are hardly novel, but look especially fashionable when paired with a pair of shoes that are unexpected, like heeled thong sandals.
HOMMEGIRLS Classic Cotton Shirt
Argent Straight Leg Trouser in Seasonless Wool | Black
Black Suede Studio Dana 95mm Thong Sandals