Quiet Luxury vs. Maximalism: Which Style Is Winning in 2025?
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, 2025 feels like a true showdown. On one side, we have quiet luxury — sleek, minimal, expensive-but-not-flashy style that whispers "money."
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| Quiet Luxury vs. Maximalism Which Style Is Winning in 2025? |
On the other, we’re seeing maximalism turn up the volume with bold prints, layers, and color explosions.
Both aesthetics are having major moments, but which one is actually winning right now?
Let’s take a look at what each trend really means, where they show up (from celebrities to your Instagram feed), and how you can rock either vibe depending on your personality, mood, or budget.
What Is Quiet Luxury?
Think Gwyneth Paltrow in court. Think Sofia Richie Grainge's wedding looks.
Think Kendall Jenner walking down a New York street in a $4,000 coat with no logos, no fuss, just pure stealth wealth.
That’s quiet luxury.
It’s all about clean lines, tailored fits, neutral colors, and high-quality fabrics.
It doesn't scream brand names but rather speaks with subtle confidence. In 2025, this look is showing up in:
Creamy cashmere sweaters
Oversized but structured coats
Minimal jewelry (hello, tiny gold hoops)
Leather loafers or ballet flats
Brands like The Row, Loro Piana, Khaite, and Toteme are leading the charge.
These pieces don’t come cheap, but they’re meant to last, not rotate with the trend cycle.
What About Maximalism?
Maximalism, by contrast, is all about more.
More texture, more color, more personality.
Think of Harry Styles’ patterned suits, Doja Cat’s Met Gala moments, or the return of Y2K layering — yes, people are wearing two skirts again.
Maximalism is self-expression turned up.
You’ll see it in:
Clashing prints and mixed textures
Bright neon or metallics
Statement accessories (bags, boots, sunglasses)
Vintage layering: lace + denim + fur? Why not?
Designers like Marc Jacobs, Schiaparelli, and Moschino thrive in this zone.
TikTok trends like #Dollcore, #WeirdGirlAesthetic, and #EclecticGrandma are breathing new life into the look.
Why Quiet Luxury Is Trending in 2025
With the cost of living high and the job market unpredictable, people are leaning into timeless investments.
Quiet luxury offers a sense of control. You buy one coat that lasts a decade, not five trendy ones that fall apart.
There’s also a cultural shift.
The post-pandemic era created a craving for peace, simplicity, and order.
Quiet luxury fits that mood. It’s also been fueled by:
TV shows like Succession and The White Lotus
Influencers sharing "clean girl" or "old money" styles
A return to capsule wardrobes
In a loud, chaotic world, quiet luxury is fashion's version of deep breathing.
But Maximalism Is Holding Its Ground
On the flip side, maximalism gives people permission to have fun.
It breaks the rules, embraces chaos, and thrives on personality. In a social media world, bold looks turn heads and get shared.
It says: "I’m here. I’m living."
Younger Gen Z creators and stylists are going all-in on vibrant color and unpredictable combos.
The thrift-and-DIY movement is also boosting maximalist looks. You don’t need big money—just imagination.
Pop stars and celebs helping push maximalism forward include:
Lizzo (every red carpet look is a moment)
Billie Eilish (still doing oversized cool)
Bella Hadid (mixing streetwear with couture)
Quiet Luxury vs. Maximalism on Social Media
If you scroll through your feed, you’ll see both styles battling it out. Quiet luxury lives in clean, beige-toned Reels with gentle background music.
Maximalism explodes in chaotic GRWM TikToks full of sparkle, glitter, and personality.
Pinterest searches for "quiet luxury outfits" have surged, but TikTok views for "weirdcore" and "maximalist fashion" are in the billions. There’s a generational divide, too: Millennials tend to lean toward minimalism, while Gen Z embraces maximalism as rebellion.
Can You Mix the Two?
Absolutely. In fact, some of the best-dressed people in 2025 are blending them. You can pair a quiet luxury blazer with a maximalist printed skirt.
Or go all neutral but add chunky jewelry or patterned boots.
Some celeb examples of this hybrid style:
Zendaya: Flawless tailoring with bold accents
Rihanna: Expensive basics with wild, experimental accessories
Hailey Bieber: Minimal makeup with statement coats or boots
It’s less about choosing a side and more about knowing how to switch moods.
Which Style Is Winning in 2025?
It depends on what "winning" means. Quiet luxury dominates high fashion houses and red carpet stylists.
But maximalism wins in engagement, street style, and DIY culture.
If you're going for longevity, quiet luxury may have the edge.
But if you're trying to stand out, make a statement, or just have fun—maximalism is where it's at.
Fashion is cyclical, and both styles will always come back around. What matters is picking what makes you feel confident, creative, and like your best self.
Final Thoughts: Style as Self-Care
In a weird way, fashion has become a form of self-care in 2025. Whether you're investing in a neutral-toned wool coat or layering every piece of vintage jewelry you own, it’s about showing up for yourself.
Quiet luxury speaks to your calm, grounded side. Maximalism taps into your playful, expressive energy.
You don't have to pick one forever. Try both, switch it up, and let your wardrobe grow with you.
The best trend? Wearing whatever makes you feel like you.
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