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?

To unlock the secrets of such low-maintenance luxury, Glam spoke exclusively to Peter Martinez, co-founder, fashion stylist, and designer at Leather Skin Shop. "The idea of luxury fashion without high maintenance is gaining traction, which marks a much-needed shift away from the traditional association of luxury with excessive up-keeping," says Martinez. "It's about creating a polished look that requires minimal upkeep, such as investing in high-end manicures to keep your hands looking flawless without the daily nail care routine. Or, curating a wardrobe with premium quality pieces that last longer."

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, Martinez points out 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. As Peter Martinez exclusively points out to Glam, "It might be a top-quality clothing item from the most sought-after high-end brand, but if it looks sloppy on you, it can detract from your overall style."

The solution? Paying attention to sizing and proportion. "A tailored-fit garment enhances your silhouette, giving a luxurious look even without much accessorizing," advises Martinez. The designer also recommends, "Learn about your body shape and buy clothing designed to flatter your body type." Don't force yourself to chase fads that don't complement you — 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. As Martinez urges, "It's cliché for a reason: Invest in tailoring."

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. "Contrary to popular belief, luxury isn't just about flaunting brand names," Peter Martinez exclusively tells Glam. "Imagine the effort required to consistently showcase brands, a high-maintenance approach that can quickly become overwhelming." 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.

"Remember that luxury comes from subtlety," Martinez explains. "High-end brands typically do not showcase large logos, as their quality and craftsmanship speak for themselves. Therefore, wear logo-free clothes with confidence, and focus on quality, fit, color, and body shape suitability to create an eye-pleasing, refined look with your clothes each time." 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.

As Peter Martinez exclusively advises Glam, "When you finally decide to go for a low-maintenance luxe style, always be careful of the color and pattern choices. You should aim for cohesion, as it is a vital element in a luxurious appearance." In other words, 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. "When wearing patterns, keep only one patterned piece," says Martinez. "Pair it with plain, coordinating pieces to create a graceful look."

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. "Despite being a common refrain, it's worth repeating: Stick to a neutral palette with classic cuts!" Peter Martinez exclusively tells Glam. "Tonal outfits are the epitome of luxury and are the easiest to create over and over, even with a capsule wardrobe." 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. As Peter Martinez exclusively warns us, "The biggest mistake while going for low-maintenance luxury is to choose clothing and accessories that do not resonate with your unique personality." 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. "Don't simply follow each and every trend," Martinez tells Glam. "Go for pieces that feel true to your identity. The authenticity will be easier to maintain, and you will curate a wardrobe that you can wear over and over again." 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.