If you’ve not been swept up in the Succession discourse, where have you been? The darkly humourous series that follows the twisted, scandal-ridden lives of the Roy media dynasty has spawned a thousand deep-dive articles on everything from the most sharp-witted remarks to the best fashion looks.
Succession’s main characters‘ wardrobes are undoubtedly talking points: Kendall Roy’s iconic cap collection and Logan’s blazer-and-scarf combo have both heavily influenced my spring wardrobe, and I am eternally indebted. But in my opinion, there’s one character whose sartorial choices haven’t garnered nearly enough attention: Naomi Pierce.
More on work fashion:
- How to dress like your favourite Succession character
- How to look expensive: 7 secret tips to looking luxe every day
- Want to look like a boss at work next week? Enter the trouser suit
Since her character’s entrance in season two, Naomi – from a rival media dynasty – has become my unsung hero of the show. That’s thanks to her poise, her painfully chic cropped bob (which she’s swapped for a messy pixie-mullet in season four – as if she could get any cooler) and her extensive, envy-inducing wardrobe.
There’s no denying that Naomi’s outfits are completely scene-stealing, even during the most heated Roy argument. Her wardrobe is the material manifestation of her personality: meticulous, quietly-rich, all accessorised with an air of sangfroid.
‘Quiet luxury’ was stirring as the fashion buzzword of 2023 pre the release of Succession season four, but there’s no doubt that the huge popularity of the show, has propelled it into the mainstream.
Trend analysts have noted the retreat from gold and statement jewellery on the red carpets, with celebrities opting for bare necklines and ring-free fingers. The fashion industry’s mother of minimalist dressing, Phoebe Philo, has announced the long-awaited debut of her own high-end clothing label this year. The old money set has long rejected the logos and labels tied to fashion brands, but with millions suffering in an economic crisis that spans both sides of the pond, the flashing of obvious luxury has become viewed as tasteless across a wider cross-section of society.
This attitude towards loud, brash luxury was stunningly summarised in Tom Wambsgans much-meme’d scathing put-down of someone’s £2,500+ Burberry bag: “Because she’s brought a ludicrously capacious bag. What’s even in there? Huh? Flat shoes for the subway? Her lunch pail? I mean, Greg, it’s monstrous. It’s gargantuan.”
Luckily “quiet luxury” dressing is an aesthetic that is, ironically, very easy to pull off on a lower budget.
Only the most discernable fashion critic will be able to identify a Proezner Schouler or The Row piece at a glance; the majority of us wouldn’t have a clue. Instead, it’s all about the way in which you style the clothes, and that’s where I think we should all be looking to Naomi Pierce as the ultimate master of quiet-luxury dressing. Her wardrobe encapsulates all the elements that create this look: monochrome, tailoring, minimalism and timeless pieces.
To help you achieve your own quiet luxury wardrobe for a lot less, I’ve broken down Naomi’s best Succession looks, and how you can recreate them on the high street for multiple occasions.
Quiet luxury office wear
As soon as Naomi sauntered on screen in this look, I immediately jumped on my laptop to order myself a pair of white trousers. I’ve been seeing white trouser looks cropping up everywhere so they’re set to be a staple of the summer. A pair of white trousers is a sleek and sophisticated starting point for any outfit and linen and cotton blends are ideal for the warmer weather.
The contrast between a black top and white trousers will immediately grab the attention of onlookers, but for something more subtle, gravitate towards neutral beiges and taupes or pair with a blue-and-white striped shirt. To take the look from day to night, swap in a satin camisole, and for the ultimate finishing touches, a plain black pair of sunnies and pearl accent earrings are a must.
Quiet luxury loungewear
Post-lockdown, the loungewear trend doesn’t look to be going anywhere any time soon. It might, however, be time to trade out your two-piece tracksuit for something more elegant yet just as comfortable. Here, Naomi wears a button-up white soft ribbed Proenza Schouler two-piece, and luckily for us, rib-texture loungewear is a staple that high street fashion just loves to recreate. Look for thicker materials that give a more expensive feel.
Colour-wise, opt for creams, whites, and beiges – anything in a neutral palette looks immediately chic. Wearing light colours says to the world: “I’m not afraid to spill a £500 glass of Cabernet down me because I’m that rich.” Even if, in reality, the bottle is from your local Sainsbury’s.
Quiet luxury for going out-out
My all-time favourite Naomi look, this half and half monochrome top may have permanently altered my brain chemistry. Unfortunately, buying it would also permanently damage my finances, so a high street alternative is a must.
The fitted structure and longer length of the tube top immediately adds a more luxurious feel to this look. Wear with a straight black trouser and court stilettos for an effortless yet put-together outfit, and for a more casual look, try a two-tone oversized sweater.
Naomi pairs this look with a statement silver chunky chain necklace and matching bracelet, but shuns a bag altogether. It might not be practical, but you’ll have people wondering, where does she put all of her stuff? Keep them guessing and stay well away from any ludicrously capacious bags.
Quiet luxury for everyday
The 90s are actually a fantastic era to reference for timeless, subtly luxurious fashion inspiration. I’m not talking about Marc Jacobs grunge or Spice Girl-fever, but rather Helmut Lang, Calvin Klein and my favourite 90s style icon (and another quiet luxury dresser), Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy.
The leather blazer is a staple of the 90s and is an incredibly versatile piece, so one well worth having in your wardrobe. Real leather will set you back considerably more than faux alternatives, but there are some great options on the high street for both.
I love how Naomi styles it with a simple black turtleneck, which could be paired with straight leg mid-blue jeans or black mini skirt and slingback heels or black ballerina pumps.
Straight leg leather trousers are another Naomi-approved 90s throwback. In season three, episode seven, she wears them with a Proenza Schouler gold buttoned bandeau top for an edgy yet clean look. The takeaway: a leather blazer and leather pants lend low-key luxury to a look when styled properly.
Quiet luxury for date night
Aka, when you’re going round your S/O’s ex-wife’s house to drink her incredibly rare and expensive bottle of vintage wine. This look has all the elements of an outfit that could have gone completely wrong: exaggerated shoulders, oversized gold detailing and a slight Libertines-esque vibe, but Naomi manages to style this in a way that reads 90s Chanel runway rather than 00s Indie band.
Invest a little more in the blazer to ensure you get one with a strong structure and isn’t just going to fall about you, and keep the outfit all-black to avoid 80s territory. FYI, your local charity shop is a good place to find a good quality vintage blazer for less. Style with a plain loose V-neck top, cropped black straight leg jeans and accessorise with a gold buckle belt and flat shoes.
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