20 Ways To Add A Little Luxury To Your Life (And Wardrobe)

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20 Ways To Add A Little Luxury To Your Life (And Wardrobe)

Words by The MR PORTER Team

20 September 2021

Luxury gets a bad rap these days. For whatever reason, the word has become synonymous with the worst kind of consumerist excess. Have you seen those TikTok videos of gold-encrusted tomahawk steaks? That’s what people think luxury is.

Of course, you know – and we know you know – that true luxury isn’t like that at all. In its most basic terms, luxury is spending more to buy better and longer-lasting things that provide greater comfort and spark a little more joy in your life. It’s not about status or money; it’s about happiness. And you deserve to be happy. Don’t feel bad about it or let anyone tell you otherwise.

What’s more, introducing a little luxury to your life – via your wardrobe – is a lot easier than you might think. It needn’t involve a complete overhaul, just one or two judiciously chosen pieces which you can slot into your weekly rotation. Below, we’ve picked out 20. Plenty to choose from, then.

01.

The cashmere polo shirt

A knitted polo already boasts a level of refinement above your standard item; cashmere is a further enhancement, and a tangible one at that, given that the difference can literally be felt. Add the fact that this one is from Brunello Cucinelli, the godfather of Italian luxury and a dab hand with cashmere, and you can’t go wrong.

02.

The full-grain leather boots

With a lineage that stretches back to 1849, shoemaker John Lobb has a rich archive to draw from, and this particular model, known as Alder, can be traced back to the Alpine resorts of the 1940s. Not that they won’t also look the part on the city streets this winter, where the weather-resistant uppers, storm welts and rubber-lug soles will more than hold their own.

03.

The iconic loafers

These Andy loafers by Berluti were named in honour of the model’s most celebrated wearer, Mr Andy Warhol. A classic in the sense that they have since come to define the form, the design was actually cutting edge in 1962 when it was introduced, notable for its squared-off toes, stacked wooden heels and patina, constructed at the behest of the artist.

04.

The cashmere sweater

A good few grades above the efforts of your grandma, depending on your grandma, this gloriously chunky cashmere sweater still retains that homespun appeal. Ms Gabriela Hearst sources the materials she uses from her family’s 17,000-acre ranch in Uruguay, which not only adds to the folksy charm but helps negate this item’s environmental impact. That it’s a piece you could one day hand down to your own progeny doesn’t hurt, either.

05.

The uptown sneaker

The easiest way to add a little luxury to your wardrobe? Start with your feet, with these high-top sneakers from TOM FORD specifically. Expertly crafted in Italy from supple nubuck with chunky rubber soles, these sneakers are the perfect match for adventures in tailoring or just weekend adventuring of the more relaxed kind.

06.

The first-class travel case

Travel in style with a design icon as your companion. The RIMOWA Original suitcase originally launched in 1950 and has gained a reputation as the perfect carry-on luggage. The anodised aluminium shell gives the Original its lightweight and durable properties while the TSA-approved locks offer peace of mind if you can bear to part with it at check-in.

07.

The woven-leather backpack

The backpack has become the smart option for stashing your stuff on the go and Ermenegildo Zegna proves it can also look the business. The brand’s signature PELLETESSUTA technique consists of weaving together stripes of leather to deliver enhanced durability and appearance, so that this leather backpack is the smart choice in all respects.

08.

The better belt

Named after the Brijuni archipelago off the coast of Croatia, Brioni has become a byword for the finest in menswear, down to the details. This woven leather belt may be a small detail but it will add a certain richness to relaxed tailoring or is simply a great little luxury to break up an outfit.

09.

The pebble-grain wallet

This grey, pebble-grained leather wallet will appeal to international, jet-setting types. It’s designed by American menswear legend Thom Browne, has been crafted in Italy, features the brand’s trademark striped tricolour tab that evokes the French flag (just us?) – and provides ample room for banknotes in every major currency.

10.

The timeless leather billfold

Italian fashion house Tod’s is not one for bells and whistles, and this billfold wallet, with its minimal logo plaque, is a masterclass in quiet luxury. Not too quiet, though – that rich burgundy hue, a welcome change from the ubiquitous blacks, should still draw a few “oohs“ and “aahs” whenever you settle up.

11.

The working-from-home socks

It’s often said that life’s true pleasures can be found in the little things: freshly laundered bed linen, a glass of red wine. Personally, we can’t think of anything more luxurious than enrobing your feet in a layer of cashmere – these finely ribbed socks by The Elder Statesman should do the trick.

12.

The sleek diamond cuff

If you’re a fan of Piaget’s expertly crafted timepieces (and you’d be among discerning company if you were), then might we suggest casting an eye at its bracelets, too. This diamond-encrusted white-gold cuff features the level of intricate attention to detail you’d expect from a Swiss watchmaker, but feels sleek and unimposing enough for those new to wearing jewellery.

13.

The gold-tone aviators

If standard Aviator-style sunglasses are a bit too “Maverick from Top Gun” for you – and we’re not saying that’s a bad thing, it’s just a matter of personal preference – then try this pair from Cartier instead. If the subtle, angular design of the frames sets them apart, then the build quality (they’re handmade in France from titanium) puts them on another level entirely.

14.

The woven cashmere scarf

Due to the simplicity of the garment – it’s literally a rectangle – there is really only one difference between a standard scarf and one that classes as a “luxury” item, and that’s the quality of the fabric. This one from LOEWE, woven from cashmere on vintage looms and trimmed with hand-knotted fringing, scores highly in that regard.

15.

The heritage chronograph

Montblanc is a relative latecomer to the world of luxury watchmaking, having only expanded from its core business of crafting the world’s finest fountain pens in the 1990s. Still, it’s wasted no time in establishing a similarly world-beating reputation. This sporty chronograph from its Heritage collection features a rich burnt-caramel dial, which plays nicely against the brown crocodile-leather strap.

16.

The ultimate pilot’s watch

IWC’s Pilot’s collection remains one of the watch industry’s most popular, with new styles made available every year. This one, a stainless-steel chronograph with a striking emerald-green dial, is one of the coolest we’ve seen in a long while. It’s a brand-new release for Watches And Wonders 2021, too, so you won’t see many like it.

17.

The old-school umbrella

A hood is all well and good when ominous clouds loom on the horizon, but you can’t beat a well-made umbrella for elegance. This Kingsman + London Undercover number is made with a solid chestnut-wood handle and shaft for added style kudos. While we can’t guarantee it will save you from a hail of bullets as in the film, it will certainly add a dash of Harry Hart soigné to your ensemble.

18.

The roadworthy champion

Milanese label Valextra might be better known for its structured briefcases, but this champion of luxury leather goods also knows how to interpret the classic holdall in its signature architectural fashion. Made from scuff-resistant pebble-grain leather, this roomy Boston duffle has all the space and pockets you need for a smart life on the go.

19.

The crisp white shirt

Having one of the most fashionable addresses in Paris – 28 Place Vendôme – it should come as little surprise that Charvet is considered one of the smartest shirtmakers around. Cut with the brand’s precision hand, this cotton-satin shirt has a luxuriously soft handle and will make an indispensable addition to your formal wardrobe for many seasons to come.

20.

The regal coat

Kiton is often touted as The Holy Grail among high-tailoring snobs, owing to the brand’s eye for the finest fabrics known to man. If you like the natty weave of traditional tweed but find it a little too scratchy, then this cashmere-tweed coat is just what’s missing from your wardrobe. It’s heritage and modern luxury at its finest.