Illustration by Ashley Peña
This article appears in the September/October issue of ESSENCE, available on newsstands now.
After the popular HBO series ended inheritance And since the Roy family left our screens, their minimalist fashion aesthetic has sparked conversation across social media platforms and publications. The talk will focus on the latest fashion trends that are rooted in traditional white thinking and behavior. Inspired by his three white families who acquired wealth through mass media ownership: the Hearsts, the Murdochs, and the Mercers, the fictional Roy family represents the ideals of American luxury and wealth. While ‘quiet luxury’ – a no-frills approach to fashion, such as investing in classic pieces – is in vogue, the flashy style of overindulging in logos and trendy items is perhaps out of fashion.
This current focus on fashion is in stark contrast to the popular idea of ”soft living,” which originated in the Nigerian influencer community and means enjoying an easy life. An instinctive move away from the social, cultural, and political conditions that inevitably push black women to the last place, soft living also means shopping for expensive beauty products, taking big Instagram-worthy vacations, and buying luxury brands. is characterized by. A peaceful life contains the characteristics of a nouveau riche. This coincides with black Americans’ newfound ability to enjoy the luxury retail market on a larger scale.
But black women who like to show off their lavish purchases and lavish trips on social media are now being told that their wealthy lifestyles are ostentatious. As the saying goes around the internet: “Money talks, wealth whispers.” Quiet luxury can mean a stripped-down lifestyle, but some say the way it’s categorized within a culture can give an elitist or racist impression. . They point out that attachment to the label is often associated with black people. It seems to me that to reject this aesthetic is also to reject the people who express it. Some say that’s all the more reason why Black women shouldn’t be too quiet in the way they celebrate themselves.
“Even as we lean toward a life of luxury, we push back against it and push back against it. And I think there’s a lot of power in being able to do that,” says the licensed psychologist and certified financial planner. says one Dr. Tracy Williams. “People have so many opinions about how Black women live their lives. I think it’s important for Black women to make their voices louder than Black women’s voices. . [those] Other people also live for themselves. ”
Embracing luxury, whether in a “flashy” way or through the recent trend of investing in timeless items, can be a good thing if done with financial responsibility. “There are four questions you should ask yourself before you spend money,” says Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche. new york times bestselling author of deal well with money. “Those questions are, ‘Do I need it? Do I love it? Do I like it? Do I want it?’ Needs like food, shelter, clothing, and water are paramount, so you need to ask yourself: Will I be unhealthy if I don’t take this? Will I be in danger? Address your own needs first. Next, the purchase of “love” begins. Women, especially black women, ignore this element of love. Love is something that still brings you joy a year later. ”
According to Arish’s logic, if a trip abroad or designer shoes bring you joy, your money is well spent. There is nothing wrong with a black woman sharing her personal “love purchases” with her world as long as her needs are met. Even if she later changes her mind about her purchase, her experience with it still has merit.
“Five years from now, someone might notice. I could have invested my money instead of buying this wallet which doesn’t have a high resale value” says Dr. Cicely Horsham Brathwaite, psychologist, author, and executive coach. “But it’s about being able to explore, and knowing that you can change direction later if the path you chose turns out not to be for you. Or even if it was the right path at one time. , that may not be the case right now. As Black women, we are often not given the luxury of trying things, making mistakes, and learning from them.”
Whether it’s investing in a white button-down shirt or tailored piece by Lowe or Saint Laurent, buying Fendi’s latest monogrammed bag, or indulging in a little luxury, you can invest in purchases that will make you happy without going broke. You should. Do it without worrying about what others think, including the internet.
“I do my hair,” Williams says. “I get a massage every month. I like going out to new restaurants. I’m going on a trip with my family next year, so I’m saving money for that. On a daily basis, I enjoy all these little luxuries. You’ve found a way to incorporate it into your life. Once you’ve taken care of the basics, can pay your bills, have savings, and a plan for the future you’re working on, go ahead and enjoy what you love. . Have fun,” Williams added. “Life is too short not to do that.”
