Quiet luxury, a style beyond dressing up

Quiet luxury has become popular in recent years. More than a style of dress, it's a lifestyle for those who choose not to show off their financial status.

As you go through life, you may come across people you would never have imagined to be extremely wealthy or to have amassed great fortunes.

We've already talked about the "old money" - those who were born rich and have a different way of thinking and behaving from the new rich. Today we're going to talk about the Stealth wealth style. As people become more successful, they become more interested in practicing something called "invisible wealth".

And as you grow your own wealth, you might also consider practicing it. Either for security, since high exposure increases the risks to your family, or to escape the character vice of ostentation and cultivate the virtue of sobriety.

Some think of it as another offshoot of minimalism. Long ago, true normcore and extremely wealthy Silicon Valley types ran around in T-shirts and jeans.

For today's style of stealth wealth, three important principles include simplicity, high quality and the concept of saving time.

What is stealth wealth?

Stealth wealth is the simple practice whereby you keep your financial standard (or fortune) hidden from other people, possibly including friends, family and work colleagues.

It allows you to live the lifestyle you want, without having the outward appearance of being wealthy.

Unlike some flashy athletes or multi-millionaires who dress in designer clothes, send lavish gifts to others and flaunt their wealth on social media; people who practice stealth wealth prefer to go unnoticed and enjoy the true benefits of wealth.

Individuals and couples who don't lose themselves in the dazzle of what they are achieving financially may go unnoticed on social media, enjoying all the comforts they can with a high net worth, but their wealth is not outwardly apparent.

There's a famous book called The Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas J. Stanley, which includes research on millionaires in America, and notes that a luxury car doesn't always mean high net worth

Why silent luxury?

Better relationships

Some people treat you differently when they know your financial status. Some people feel embarrassed when they know your best condition

And you don't suffer the pressure of having to spend money on expensive presents

Avoid the wrong people

Some may use your generous nature to form a close bond before trying to get something from you, perhaps a favor or just to ask for a loan

Avoid unwanted attention

High exposure makes you an easy target for identity theft and fraud, scams and even legal problems when people know your true level of wealth.

More freedom

The more time spent on social media can lead to cyberbullying, social anxiety, depression and exposure to age-inappropriate content.

Social media is addictive. The mechanism of addiction works when you post a photo on social media, after seeing all the notifications of likes and positive comments appearing on your screen, you unconsciously register this as a reward, the dose of dopamine and other hormones is released, and so you become addicted to constantly posting flashy photos or feel the need to buy the latest fashion to feel good about yourself.

When you're not depended on the approval of followers or self-affirmation, owning or living as everyone else does, it is freedom.

Saves your money

This freedom saves your money from empty consumerism, which makes you buy, travel and do what others do in order to feel a sense of belonging.

Many people, for example, buy a luxury car in installments as far as the eye can see for a look that isn't even real. You can build up much better assets if you don't let yourself be influenced by the need to show off.

In practice, how to live silent luxury

Dressing

When you don't worry about flaunting the latest fashions, you don't mind having comfort as a priority. The secret of quiet luxury lies in choosing good quality, well-executed materials (high-end tailoring) without resorting to luxury brands.

There are many basic items made with the best materials and sometimes unexpectedly luxurious materials. T-shirts made from the finest fibers, cashmere, linen and leather are noble materials that maintain elegance without being ostentatious.

A good quality t-shirt is enough for those who know how to dress unpretentiously but with a lot of elegance.

There are many basic items made from the finest materials and sometimes unexpectedly luxurious materials. T-shirts made from the finest fibers, such as cashmere, linen and leather, are noble materials that maintain elegance without being ostentatious.

There are no brand logos either. It's as if there were a million discreet minimalist white leather sneakers out there, all with the same basic look.

A perfect pair of jeans, for example, is one that fits your body perfectly (fits your measurements), there's nothing more quietly sophisticated than the right fit.

The value of a look lies in its harmony in shapes and colors. Colors often used for understated luxury include grey, black, navy and camel; neutrals are preferred.

When everything in your closet is essential and indistinct, most clothes can be worn together. You can literally dress in the dark and come out looking normal.

Privacy is private

Avoid publishing personal information, such as your neighborhood (or condominium). Avoid exposing your private life.

Avoid flashy displays

Pampering yourself is inevitable, but try to do it without attracting unwanted attention.

Don't be flashy on social media, as this can alert thieves and criminals, you don't need to post new cars, designer clothes, jewelry, children's toys and so on.

Oh, and that selfie at the fancy restaurant, leave it for your private album.

Buy things with a purpose

Buy with a purpose and buy things you really like, not to show off to others or brag.

Your pocket can afford it, but it's common sense to always have a basic budget or spending limit.

Keep the cost of living and general expenses fairly similar to what you always have. Beware of dazzle. Stay focused on the things that really matter in life.

Practice Generosity

Ancient wisdom tells us: we reap what we sow, so plant generosity and reap generosity. Remember that what overflows in your life is also to serve others