Quiet luxury, stealth wealth, anti-viral. You've probably heard these terms thrown around a lot recently, especially if you're an avid Who What Wear reader. No matter what you call it, there's an undeniable shift happening now from excess to nondescript style. Quiet luxury defines both a class of anti-logo designer goods (as we've reported on) and an aesthetic that emphasizes superior quality, detailed craftsmanship, and the kind of classic and timeless style that makes luxury clothing a worthwhile investment.
As for where you might find these kinds of high-end wardrobe foundations, well, I just stumbled upon a treasure trove of them. This year, I made it my mission to shop for new clothes with a "fewer, but better" mindset. So when I had the chance to discover Brochu Walker, the maker of superb essentials, at their L.A. headquarters last month, I was instantly curious to learn more. While the name of the brand is derived from founding designers Lisa Brochu and Lauren Walker, Brochu Walker has operated with owner and CEO Karine Dubner at the helm since 2013. Known for cloud-like cashmere and an effortless Californian style, Brochu Walker has been a mainstay at retailers like Shopbop and Saks Fifth Avenue. And yet the quality of its pieces is hard to fully grasp without experiencing it in person.
I had the pleasure of test-driving six of its elevated essentials, and after feeling the fabrics and experiencing the fit, all I have to say is wow. See how I'm styling six of Brochu Walker's best basics below and get inspired by the quiet-luxury outfits I put together with each.
Lori Off-The-Shoulder Sweater
I can't even begin to describe how soft this cashmere knit was. Considering how lightweight and thin it is, I was absolutely shocked at how nice the quality was. I probably shouldn't have been that taken aback since it's made from 100% cashmere and traceable yarn that is Responsible Wool Certified (RWS). Brochu Walker takes its fabrics and materials seriously, and I learned that sourcing them can be a months-long process.
Fabric aside, I loved the versatile shape of this knit and that you could wear it as a boatneck top, off one shoulder as I did above, or even off both shoulders. The slouchy shape was the perfect antidote to structured straight-leg denim and classic accessories.
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The Everyday Shirt
At this point, I've tried so many button-down styles I should be a connoisseur. And yet I was still impressed with the Everyday Shirt I tried on from Brochu Walker. Its cotton-focused fabric means it's soft but sturdy without that crispy feeling you get from poplin blends. I took my true size here and styled it both unbuttoned and tucked in. I suggest sizing up, however, if you're going for an oversize look.
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Lori Off-the-Shoulder Dress
Did I just stumble on the perfect little black dress? Why, yes, I think I did. Without realizing it, I'd been overlooking a nonnegotiable wardrobe staple without even realizing it, so when I slipped into the dress version of the Lori sweater, I simply didn't want to take it off. It has all the coziness of your favorite lived-in sweater with the sultriness of the perfect little black dress, so when I say it's an elite staple, I really mean it. I belted it and threw on a pair of heeled sandals but otherwise kept things minimal because the shape speaks for itself.
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V-neck Layered Pullover
Sitting at the perfect intersection of preppy and quiet luxury is this sweater, which gives the illusion of a button-down shirt underneath a pullover. Most clothing with built-in layering can look cheesy, but I was impressed with how stealthy this one was—you'd never know.
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The Everyday Silk Slip Dress
Slip dresses are another one of those items you might think you can just pick up from anywhere. Let me tell you that's not entirely accurate. The fit and fabric are crucial to a great slip dress moment, and the one I tried from Brochu Walker definitely fit the bill with its liquid-looking satin that was a total dream to wear. I threw on a boxy blazer and simple flats for an easy look that could go from day to night without much styling.
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Danni Faux-Leather Skirt
"Easy" and "effortless" aren't words I'd normally use to describe a leather skirt. "Sleek" and "edgy" would otherwise come to mind, but I have to say Brochu Walker's faux-leather skirt is in step with the brand's style DNA. While it looks like a cool piece from afar, it was secretly one of the more comfy skirts I have ever tried on, thanks to elements like its drawstring waistband and soft, supple faux leather.
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More staples I'm eying from Brochu Walker:
I also had the pleasure of experiencing the brand's foray into fragrance with its debut scent Morning Light. This bright and airy scent instantly transported me to the South of France with notes of bergamot, lavender, and amber musks.
This is made from thick fabric that won't show anything underneath it.
Cool knits are key to this summer's quiet-luxury aesthetic.
Timeless and chic.
I'm into this layered look.
I think everyone needs a classic navy sweater in their wardrobe.
Next: Stealth Wealth Is In—6 Celebrity Outfits I'm Copying to Get the Look
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