Autumn's Hot Trends: How 'Discreet Chic' is Making Minimalism the New Luxury

Hello Forecasters,

Welcome back to the Inflection Point.

This week, we're covering the 'discreet chic' trend.

TLDR;

The rise of 'quiet luxury' has made understated elegance, quality materials, and timeless designs the new status symbols.
Sheer, lace, fringe, leather, long skirts, bows, and tailored suits dominate the catwalks.
Olive greens, reds, and leopard prints are this season's palettes.
Prepare to see preppy tweed, tartan, and structured pea coats making a comeback— yes, it's giving Bridgerton ‘English country weekend.'

Goodbye, flashy campaigns; hello, "real" luxury.

"Real opposed to fantastical, fashion is the unifying message of the new season" - Vogue.

Luxury brands are connecting with the next generation of consumers by embracing the mundane.

Gen Z are OVER:

Flashy campaigns
Unattainable lifestyles

The NEW vibe:

Marketing the everyday, relatable, and boring as 'cool.'

So, why the shift?

The rise of 'discreet chic' is a response to broader cultural shifts towards minimalism, sustainability, and authenticity — as well as changing attitudes towards status and wealth.

Over the past decade, the increased cultural desire for simplicity, decluttering, and mindfulness has influenced consumers to value fewer, high-quality items over large quantities of ostentatious goods.

Bottega Veneta

A more deliberate approach to luxury has shifted the focus to craftsmanship and timeless style rather than overt displays of wealth.

Economic uncertainty and recession fears play a role.

Ostentatious displays of wealth can be perceived as tone-deaf during economic instability.

As inequalities become more visible, the cultural backlash against excess and wastefulness renders flashy displays of wealth socially irresponsible or out of touch with global challenges.

Quiet luxury also aligns with the principles of sustainability.

Consumers are seeking products that reflect their values. In an era of mass production and fast fashion, there is a renewed appreciation for authenticity, individuality, and enduring quality. Shein hauls and Temu Tik-Tok trends are the opposite of the discreet chic mentality.

With more influence over trends and brand perception, consumers are more discerning and informed, valuing quality and story over brand names.

A post-pandemic mindset and clean girl aesthetic tie into the discreet chic trend.

During COVID, loungewear became uniform. Comfort and simplicity took center stage, and brands began to mirror that shift.

Viral trends prioritizing minimal makeup, effortless style, and well-being align perfectly with the 'boring' luxury aesthetic.

It's all about making the ordinary feel extraordinary and finding beauty in the mundane.

The decline in the dominance of logo-centric luxury and a rise in brands prioritizing craftsmanship, heritage, and understated elegance are at the core of this fashion shift.

The brands leading the discreet chic trend and forecast to rise in consumer interest over the next year are:

Is boring the new black?

Not quite.

NWO.ai reviewed all the latest fashion trends from Milan Fashion Week to see which ones will continue to rise.

Here are 14 trends forecast to explode in Fall 2024.

1) Leopard Print

Michael Kores

2) Sheer Skirts

Chanel

3) Tailored Suits

Saint Laurent

4) Pleated Maxi Skirt

Bottega Veneta

5) Preppy Style

Miu Miu

Prada

6) Bow Ribbon

Balmain

7) Academia Style

Loewe

Tommy Hilfiger

8) Lace Trim

Gucci

9) Minimal Chic

Ferragamo

Brunello Cucinelli

10) Olive Green Clothing

Chloe

11) Tartan Pattern

Carolina Herrera

Christian Dior

12) Cropped Jacket

Schiaparelli

Tods

13) Fringe Trim

Louis Vuitton

Valentino

14) Lingerie Style