Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Low-Maintenance-Luxury Looks

When it comes to our wardrobes, there's no replacement for quality or investment pieces, but nowadays, most of us don't want to seem try-hard or high-maintenance. Instead, trending aesthetics like stealth wealth and quiet luxury have refocused our idea of fashion, indicating a shift toward understated garments that ooze ease and nonchalance. Style is no longer about keeping up with the Joneses or fashion one-upmanship — modern elegance is about top-tier clothes and accessories that seamlessly fit the wearer's lifestyle. But how do you get the look without overdoing it?

Unfortunately, minimal upkeep and a breezy vibe don't automatically mean that the low-maintenance look is without its pitfalls. If you're aiming for an effortlessly expensive air, there are a few critical fashion mistakes that could undermine your aesthetic.

Fads like quiet luxury may be intended to create a low-maintenance vibe, but that's not the same thing as getting careless with your personal lookbook. Considerations like shape and silhouette are still key — you could curate a wardrobe of the season's hottest styles and still ruin your outfits by sporting garments that don't hit the right fit or drape.

The solution? Paying attention to sizing and proportion. Don't force yourself to chase fads that don't complement you or your body shape — find the styles that help you feel your best, and lean into them.

Of course, it's still possible to rock an oversized garment with the right balance. However, you may find it harder to nail the low-maintenance vibe with too many baggy pieces in play, creating an ensemble that looks interesting but high-effort. When shopping in person, consider asking a shop attendant to provide feedback and help you find the perfect fit. And don't forget the transformative potential of alterations, which can take the impact of your clothes from adequate to impeccable. 

Flashing recognizable logos or iconic prints may seem like a quick shortcut to couture, but it can also send the wrong message if you're striving for a low-maintenance vibe. In addition to looking high-maintenance, oversaturating your ensemble with branding can be visually busy, creating a look that's less chic fashionista and more ad-covered NASCAR driver.

But what if you already have some treasured logo pieces in your collection? No worries! If you do want to incorporate pieces with noticeable branding — say, a classic LV-print Louis Vuitton handbag — just stick to the mantra that less is more. Limit yourself to a single branded garment or accessory to make it the focal point of an otherwise understated outfit.

Like color trends, patterns tend to come in and out of style with each new season, so it's understandable that you might want to play with different prints while they're in vogue. Often, this pattern mixing can create artsy and interesting mismatched vibes. If your goal is a low-maintenance look, though, you may need to exercise some restraint in the types and number of patterns you combine.

Avoid jarring, high-contrast pairings — plaid and polka dots won't do the trick here. Can eccentric pattern-mixing be cute? Yes. Is it low-maintenance? Not so much.

That said, the thoughtful and intentional application of select print pieces still has a place in low-maintenance styling. Much like incorporating branded clothes or accessories, the key is to highlight a single statement item. 

While we can always appreciate a bit of dopamine dressing, adjectives like "loud" and "eye-catching" are antithetical to low-maintenance looks. As such, brash hues like neons and primary colors are almost always out of step with this particular aesthetic. Instead, you want to create an ensemble that sets aside obvious head-turners for more subtly alluring accents. Think of your low-maintenance outfit like a fine perfume: Would you rather have something with an overwhelmingly strong aroma or a fragrance that tickles the senses with its lingering charm?

For low-maintenance vibes, your best bet is to begin with an adaptable and widely flattering color scheme. For a splash of interest, you can then add one accent color in moderation. Red is a timeless example of a bold color that marries well with neutral looks — consider adding hints of the hue with a red lip, a cherry-toned handbag, or irresistibly fiery heels.

It may feel like low-maintenance luxury comes with a lot of rules, but as with all aesthetics, the most compelling guideline should always be authenticity. Why? Because even if you nail every other aspect of this fashion trend, you won't feel comfortable or confident in your low-maintenance looks if they don't fit your personal taste and style.

If you're not sure where to start, there are ways to cultivate your personal style without defaulting to the latest and greatest fads. In short: If you don't love it, you won't want to wear it, so treat yourself to pieces that evoke a sense of Marie Kondo-esque joy. This will not only make putting together your low-maintenance style more fun, but it will also create a highly personalized wardrobe that's truly one-of-a-kind.