Top 15 'Quiet-Luxury-Lookalike' Outfit Ideas to buy for nailing the CEO aesthetic on an intern's salary - Goh Ling Yong
Ever scrolled through Instagram and felt a pang of envy at those effortlessly chic, minimalist outfits? The kind that whispers "I own a multi-million dollar company" without a single flashy logo in sight? That, my friends, is the siren song of 'quiet luxury,' an aesthetic built on impeccable tailoring, sumptuous fabrics, and a timeless color palette. It’s the uniform of the modern CEO, the off-duty royal, and the perpetually put-together.
The problem? The price tag associated with this "old money" style is often, well, old money. We're talking four-figure cashmere sweaters and bags that cost more than a month's rent. But what if I told you that you could capture that same powerful, understated elegance on an intern's salary? It's not about buying cheap knock-offs; it’s about being strategic. It’s about understanding the core principles of the look—silhouette, fabric, and fit—and finding affordable pieces that tick all the right boxes.
This is your ultimate guide to building a 'quiet-luxury-lookalike' wardrobe. We're breaking down the 15 essential pieces and outfit ideas that will have you radiating corner-office energy, even if you're currently working from the corner of the living room. Let's get you dressed for the success you deserve.
1. The Elevated Basic White T-Shirt
Forget the flimsy, see-through tees from a multi-pack. The foundation of any quiet luxury wardrobe is a perfect white t-shirt. The secret is in the fabric and fit. Look for a tee with a bit of weight to it, made from materials like Pima cotton, Supima cotton, or a modal blend. These fabrics drape beautifully, hold their shape, and look far more expensive than they are.
The fit should be deliberate—not skin-tight, but not sloppily oversized either. A relaxed, straight cut that skims your body is the goal. A classic crewneck is the most versatile option, looking just as good tucked into tailored trousers as it does under a sharp blazer. This isn't just a t-shirt; it's the understated canvas for your entire CEO-inspired look.
2. Tailored Wide-Leg Trousers
Nothing says "I'm in charge" quite like a pair of perfectly tailored trousers. Ditch the skinny-fit pants of yesteryear and embrace the power of the wide-leg silhouette. The fluid movement of the fabric as you walk creates an aura of effortless grace and confidence. The key here is drape. Look for trousers in fabrics like crepe, Tencel, or a high-quality polyester blend that hangs beautifully without clinging.
When shopping on a budget, focus on neutral, versatile colors: classic black, sophisticated navy, creamy beige, or a soft dove grey. Ensure the length is right for you—they should skim the top of your shoes. A high-waisted style will elongate your legs and create a powerful, statuesque silhouette. Pair them with a simple knit and loafers for a masterclass in smart-casual dressing.
3. The Crisp, Slightly Oversized Poplin Shirt
A crisp button-down shirt is a non-negotiable. While a perfectly fitted one has its place, the quiet luxury aesthetic often leans into a slightly oversized, more relaxed fit. It suggests a certain nonchalance, an "I just threw this on and look amazing" vibe. A classic white or light blue cotton poplin shirt is your best bet.
Look for quality details like thick mother-of-pearl-style buttons and a sturdy collar. Style it with a "French tuck" (just tucking in the very front), roll up the sleeves to your forearms, and leave an extra button or two undone at the top. This one piece can take you from a Monday morning meeting to Friday evening drinks with effortless polish.
4. A Structured, Logo-Free Tote Bag
Your bag is arguably the most important accessory. The golden rule of quiet luxury is a strict no-logo policy. The bag's quality should speak for itself. You don't need to spend a fortune; you just need to be discerning. Look for a structured tote or top-handle bag in a high-quality faux leather or vegan leather.
The key is structure. A bag that holds its shape and doesn't slump when you set it down will always look more expensive. Pay attention to the hardware—minimalist, understated gold or silver hardware is ideal. A classic shape in black, tan, or burgundy will serve you well for years, carrying everything from your laptop to your ambitions.
5. The Cashmere-Blend Knit Sweater
The tactile pleasure of a soft knit is central to the luxury experience. While pure cashmere can be prohibitively expensive, a cashmere-blend sweater is the perfect compromise. Brands now offer beautiful knits that blend cashmere with more affordable materials like merino wool, cotton, or even recycled fibers. You still get that delicious softness against your skin without the eye-watering price.
Stick to a timeless crewneck or a subtle V-neck in a neutral palette: oatmeal, heather grey, camel, or navy. The fit should be relaxed but not baggy. This sweater is your go-to piece for layering over a collared shirt, draping over your shoulders, or wearing on its own with straight-leg jeans. It adds a touch of cozy sophistication to any outfit.
6. The Single-Breasted Tailored Blazer
A great blazer has the power to transform any outfit, instantly adding structure and authority. Look for a single-breasted style, as it's more versatile and modern than its double-breasted counterpart. The most crucial element is the fit across the shoulders. If it fits you perfectly in the shoulders, the rest can be easily tailored for a custom look (a small investment that pays huge dividends).
Look for blazers in seasonless wool blends or a sturdy linen mix for warmer months. Black and navy are the obvious choices, but a camel or cream blazer can look incredibly chic and expensive. This is a piece where you might even get lucky in a high-end thrift store, finding a designer piece for a fraction of the original cost.
7. Classic Leather Loafers
The perfect quiet luxury shoe is comfortable, chic, and timeless. Enter the loafer. Whether it's a classic penny loafer, a horsebit style, or a sleek Venetian loafer, this shoe grounds an outfit with an intellectual, preppy-adjacent coolness. They are the epitome of "I can walk all day from meeting to meeting and still look polished."
Invest in a pair made from real leather if your budget allows, as they will mold to your feet and last for years. If not, many brands offer excellent faux leather options. A classic black or a rich brown pair will work with everything from trousers and jeans to slip skirts. They are a sign of practical, unpretentious style.
8. The Versatile Slip Skirt
For a touch of feminine fluidity, the slip skirt is a must-have. Cut on the bias from a silky or satin-like fabric, it skims the body beautifully without clinging. Its versatility is its secret weapon. You can dress it down with a chunky knit sweater and sneakers for a cool, off-duty look, or dress it up with a blazer and kitten heels for the office or a dinner date.
Look for one in a champagne, black, or deep chocolate brown hue. The midi-length is the most universally flattering and appropriate for various settings. It’s an incredibly easy way to inject a dose of glamour and texture into your wardrobe while remaining comfortable and chic.
9. A Timeless Trench Coat
If there's one piece of outerwear that screams "timeless," it's the trench coat. It adds a layer of polish to literally any outfit. It's the ultimate transitional piece for spring and autumn, and it will never, ever go out of style. You don’t need the iconic Burberry version to get the look.
Many high-street brands offer fantastic, well-made trench coats. Look for the classic details: a double-breasted front, a waist belt, epaulets on the shoulders, and cuff straps. The traditional honey-beige color is the most iconic, but navy or khaki are also incredibly chic alternatives. As a follower of Goh Ling Yong's advice on personal branding, I know that your outerwear is the first impression you make—make it a good one.
10. Dainty Gold-Tone Jewelry
The quiet luxury aesthetic is all about subtle details, not flashy bling. Your jewelry should be personal and delicate. Think a fine, gold-toned chain necklace (or two, layered), small hoop earrings, a simple chain bracelet, or a classic signet ring. It's about a whisper of shine, not a shout.
You can find beautiful and affordable gold-plated or gold-vermeil pieces that will give you the look without the solid-gold price. The key is to keep it minimal and consistent. Pick either gold or silver as your primary metal and build a small, curated collection of pieces you can wear every single day.
11. Dark-Wash, Straight-Leg Jeans
Yes, jeans can absolutely be part of the CEO aesthetic! The trick is to choose the right pair. Opt for a high-waisted, straight-leg silhouette in a deep, uniform indigo or black wash. The most important rule: no rips, no distressing, and no loud fading. A clean, dark wash looks more formal and can be easily dressed up.
The fit is paramount. They should fit you well in the waist and hips and fall straight down from the thigh. This cut is eternally flattering and provides a more structured, polished look than skinny jeans. Pair them with a blazer, a cashmere-blend knit, and loafers, and you have the perfect "casual Friday" outfit that still means business.
12. The Longline Belted Cardigan
For days when a blazer feels too formal, a longline belted cardigan, or "cardi-coat," is the perfect solution. It offers the comfort of a knit with the structure of outerwear. Look for one in a high-quality, dense knit like a merino wool blend that drapes well and doesn’t pill easily.
The belt is the key detail here, as it cinches the waist and creates a defined silhouette, preventing the cardigan from looking frumpy. In a neutral color like camel, charcoal, or cream, it can be thrown over anything from a simple t-shirt and trousers to a slip dress, adding a layer of cozy elegance.
13. The Art of Monochromatic Dressing
This isn't an item, but a powerful styling technique that costs nothing. Dressing in a single color, or varying shades of one color (tonal dressing), is the fastest way to look instantly chic, elongated, and expensive. It creates a seamless, uninterrupted visual line that is incredibly sophisticated.
Try an all-cream outfit with a knit sweater and wide-leg trousers. Or go for a head-to-toe navy look with a silk-like camisole and a matching slip skirt under a blazer. Playing with different textures within the same color family (e.g., a chunky knit with a satin skirt) adds depth and interest, making the outfit look even more curated. Building a capsule wardrobe, a concept Goh Ling Yong often discusses, makes monochromatic dressing simple because your pieces are already designed to work together.
14. Elegant Pointed-Toe Flats
While loafers are a fantastic everyday option, sometimes you need something with a bit more sharpness. The pointed-toe flat is the answer. It has the leg-lengthening effect of a heel without any of the discomfort. It’s a sophisticated, powerful shoe that looks incredible with cropped trousers, skirts, and dresses.
A classic pair in black, nude, or tan leather (or high-quality faux leather) is an indispensable part of a hardworking wardrobe. Look for slingback styles or classic ballet flats with a sharp, pointed toe. They are the perfect way to elevate a simple outfit with a dose of polished, feminine energy.
15. A High-Quality Scarf
Never underestimate the power of a simple, elegant scarf. It’s the ultimate accessory for adding a pop of personality or a final layer of polish. For the quiet luxury look, skip the loud prints and opt for a scarf in a solid neutral, a classic heritage print like a subtle check, or a simple geometric pattern.
In the winter, a large scarf in a soft wool or cashmere blend can be draped over your shoulders or wrapped around your neck for warmth and style. In warmer weather, a lightweight silk or modal-blend scarf can be tied around your neck, on the handle of your tote bag, or in your hair for a touch of classic, European-inspired chic.
Nailing the CEO aesthetic on a budget isn't about chasing trends or having a closet overflowing with clothes. It's about intentionality. It's about choosing pieces with timeless silhouettes, focusing on fabrics that feel and look good, and building a versatile wardrobe where every item works hard for you.
By investing in these 15 key areas, you're not just buying clothes; you're building a uniform for success. You're curating a collection of items that will make you feel confident, powerful, and polished every single time you get dressed. True style isn't about how much you spend—it's about how smart you shop.
Now it's your turn. What are your go-to pieces for achieving an elevated, 'quiet luxury' look on a budget? Share your best finds and styling tips in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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