This Year’s Hottest Status Symbols – And How Much They’ll Set You Back

Displays of wealth, status and luxury have evolved in countless ways and 2024 marks a year of significant trend shifts. Status symbols have transformed from the obvious logomania trend of the 2010s, which featured brands like Lululemon and Channel, to more subtle portrayals of wealth in recent years.

From the appliances on your counter to the perfume in your bathroom, displays of wealth have become more casual — yet just as expensive.

If you are a prestige enthusiast, consider hopping on these trends sooner rather than later, as the status these icons offer is likely fleeting.

Here’s a look at this year’s hottest status symbols, and the price tags that come with their exclusivity.

The former Queen of the UK, Elizabeth II, was long renowned as a style icon, known for wearing bright colors, a string of pearls and a regal presence. But did you ever notice a logo on her clothing? The late queen was ahead of her time as a style trailblazer, as more designer brands are embracing a no-logo fashion philosophy. 

“A quiet luxury trend has gone strong, causing even rich trendsetters to take a step back in their eagerness to wear prominent logos,” said Joana Walker, fashion expert and contributor to Margo Paige. “The logomania trend, last seen on a large scale around 2021, has gotten effectively quieter in some social settings. Still, clothes haven’t become less expensive just because they don’t exhibit a brand’s name so ostensibly anymore. Designers caught up with the trend and appreciated quiet luxury as much as their customers.”

A perfect display of this 2024 trend can be seen in Prada’s collection of men’s sandals and loafers, which convey a more minimalistic, high-quality approach to footwear.

Perhaps one of the most significant fashion brands of the past decade was the athleisure brand Lululemon, known for its omega-shaped logo. However, this year’s athleisure status symbol has become more understated.

“This year, a popular Lululemon is replaced by a posh Alo Yoga,” Walker said. “Some celebrity fans include Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and Martha Stewart. Alo Yoga’s logo is subtle as if created to fit the quiet luxury era. The brand’s athleisure outfits have an elegance and charm that places it in the wealthy circles swiftly, and the basic high waist leggings for $135 are costly enough to be considered a high-end product at first glance.”

This year has seen a major embrace of clothing with “all the feels” and an appreciation for textured and tactile pieces. Whether frilly, frizzy or fuzzy, unique fabrics are rising in popularity as a more understated way of standing out.

“Fashion setters embrace shiny materials, dramatic ruffles, sharp angles and quality textiles, regardless of their brand name,” Walker said.

“Have a look at this Cadmus linen blouse from Malene Birger. For $275, this bohemian, loose-fit piece is detailed with densely worked embroidery, a low-cut neckline and dropped shoulders. The focus is on the experience and the texture’s top-tier standard and originality, not the logo.”

“Camper’s Black-Green Denim Jacket in quality Candiani Italian denim ($338) not only was made from a blend of responsibly sourced organic cotton and recycled post-consumer waste, but it’s also soft in touch. Those two characteristics make it hyper 2024 luxurious, and there is no need to mention the brand’s name whatsoever.”

Sustainable fashion is at the forefront of 2024 fashion trends, with luxury brands prioritizing sustainable sourcing and production methods–at a premium price point. 

“In the sustainability area, observe closely Brunello Cucinelli, an Italian luxury fashion brand whose founder joined King Charles’s sustainable markets initiative with a project to transform 1,000 hectares of degraded land in India into regenerative farms,” Walker said. “Sustainability-oriented efforts are also seen in the actions of Loro Piana, which focuses on the new fashion paradigm built on sustainability, ethics and transparency.

Brunello Cucinelli, known for creating high-quality timeless pieces that blend luxury with sustainability, offers luxury knits like the malfilé yarn cardigan which retails for $1,665.

Thanks to TikTok, Maison Francis Kurdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 has become the scent of the year. Priced at $325 a bottle, this perfume features notes of jasmine, amber, cedar and lemony saffron, creating a timeless, unique olfactory experience that users rave about online. Beloved for its lasting scent power, a single spritz offers an all-day luxury experience. 

The musky and unique scent has consumers flocking to stores despite the high price point. It’s even the signature scent of Grammy winner Olivia Rogrigo.

Jewelry remains one of the best quiet luxury investments. Unlike clothing and appliances, jewelry appreciates over time and can be passed down for generations. This year’s hottest jewelry designer is Anita Ko, whose pieces are beloved by Michelle Obama, Jenifer Lawrence, Kendall Jenner and many more A-list celebrities. 

Made of precious gems and diamonds, Ko’s jewelry defines a status symbol. Her 18K gold Cosmo hoops are priced at $4,475. Ko leans into quiet luxury with elegant yet simple pieces, perfect for anyone looking for jewelry that transitions effortlessly from your morning yoga class to the red carpet. 

In 2024, the iPhone camera is out, and digital cameras are in. While older generations grew up with digital cameras, younger generations are now setting down their smartphones in favor of traditional digital cameras for photos. 

Falling at $700, the Cannon Powershot G7 X is one of the most popular digital camera options. Although iPhones led to a 93% decrease in camera sales from 2010 to 2021, Gen Z values the quality of photos digital cameras offer and the more original content produced. Digital camera’s sensors — significantly larger than smartphones — are particularly appreciated for their low-light capabilities, offering clearer and brighter shots at dusk. 

So, if you thought your digital camera was extinct post-iPhone era, think again. That old digital camera lurking in your family home might be the hottest status symbol of the year.