If someone sports a Louis Vuitton, you know they’ve got cash; if they’re rocking a Gucci bag, you know they’re hip.
Such is the elementary understanding of fashion labels.
However, it’s not always so black and white.
The world of designer brands is intricate and complex, requiring a careful eye to discern the subtle nuances.
Especially when it comes to what’s no longer worn by the affluent.
Some folks have an edge in identifying these shifts in trends; often, they exhibit these eight shared habits:
1) Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch, the brand that was once the epitome of cool for the rich and young, seems to have lost its prestige.
Just like emotions, fashion trends are fickle and unpredictable.
They rise and fall without warning, leaving us in a constant state of adaptation.
But for Abercrombie & Fitch, the tide seems to have turned for good.
The brand that was once a beacon for the wealthy youth is no longer held in high regard by the upper class.
However, this doesn’t mean it’s fallen out of favor entirely.
The middle-class crowd still swears by it, loving its casual yet stylish designs.
What was once a status symbol for the rich is now a beloved go-to for the rest.
It just goes to show that in the world of fashion, one man’s trash truly can be another man’s treasure.
2) Juicy Couture
I remember when I first saw those velour tracksuits making waves back in the early 2000s.
Everyone who was anyone had one, especially among the rich and famous.
But times change, and so do trends; those same tracksuits that once screamed wealth and status are rarely seen among the high rollers these days.
Yet, there’s a special place in my wardrobe, and many middle-class closets, for those iconic pieces.
They’re comfortable, they’re nostalgic, and let’s be honest, they’re still pretty cute.
It’s fascinating how what was once a luxury item has become a comfort staple for the rest of us.
Just goes to show, fashion is as much about personal preference as it is about societal trends.
3) Guess
Guess, known for its trendy denim and statement tees, has had a rollercoaster ride in the fashion industry.
The brand, which reached its height of popularity in the 1980s and 90s among the rich and famous, has seen a shift in clientele in recent years.
Surprisingly, Guess jeans were once as coveted as a pair of high-end designer jeans today, with their iconic triangle logo symbolizing status and style.
Now, however, the wealthy have moved on to other high-end brands.
Despite this shift, Guess remains a favorite among the middle class.
Its relative affordability combined with its lasting reputation for style makes it a popular choice for those seeking designer flair without the hefty price tag.
4) Michael Kors
When Michael Kors burst onto the fashion scene, his designs were a hit among the elite.
His handbags were particularly coveted, seen as status symbols among the rich and fashionable.
However, like a star that shone too brightly too fast, Michael Kors’ popularity among the wealthy has considerably dimmed.
The brand’s decision to increase accessibility and affordability led to its products being too commonplace for the taste of the affluent.
Yet, this move made Michael Kors a darling among the middle class.
The allure of owning a designer brand at a more affordable price point is simply irresistible.
5) Coach
When I think of Coach, I fondly remember how it was one of the first designer brands that caught my eye.
The fine leather and the distinctive ‘C’ logo were hard to miss.
It was a brand that the wealthy proudly displayed but, just like me, the rich and famous have moved on.
They’re not clamoring for Coach bags like they used to and the brand’s ubiquity has led them to seek exclusivity elsewhere.
Yet, I still find myself drawn to Coach’s timeless designs—and I’m not alone.
Many in the middle class continue to appreciate its blend of quality and affordability.
It seems Coach has found its place in our hearts, if not in the hands of the rich.
6) Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren, a brand synonymous with luxury and status, has seen an interesting shift.
The polo shirts with the iconic logo were once wardrobe staples for the wealthy.
Today, they’re conspicuously absent from their closets.
Ironically, the brand’s commitment to timeless, preppy style might be its undoing among the rich.
In a world where the affluent crave uniqueness and novelty, Ralph Lauren’s classic designs have become too ‘expected’.
However, this hasn’t deterred the middle class.
They continue to appreciate Ralph Lauren’s consistent quality and understated elegance.
In a twist of fashion fate, what’s fallen out of favor among the rich is exactly what keeps the rest of us coming back.
7) Calvin Klein
Calvin Klein, a brand once celebrated among the rich for its minimalistic style and provocative advertising, seems to have lost its sheen among the elite.
The monogrammed CK was a symbol of status, appearing on everything from underwear to jeans.
However, the winds of fashion are ever-changing.
The rich have moved onto flashier brands, leaving Calvin Klein behind.
Yet, Calvin Klein remains a popular choice for the middle class—mainly the upper middle class.
The brand’s clean lines, versatile designs, and affordability make it a go-to for many of us who want designer style without breaking the bank.
Despite its fall from grace among the wealthy, Calvin Klein still has its loyal followers in the middle class.
8) Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger, with its distinctive red, white, and blue logo, was once a favorite among the upper class.
The brand’s classic American aesthetic symbolized luxury.
However, the rich have largely moved away from Tommy Hilfiger.
The brand’s heavy reliance on its logo and Americana vibe has become passé among the wealthy in their pursuit of more unique, high-fashion brands.
But for the middle class, Tommy Hilfiger remains a beloved brand.
Its timeless designs, quality materials, and moderately priced items make it a popular choice for those seeking designer style without the exorbitant price tag.
In fact, Tommy Hilfiger’s continued success is largely thanks to its loyal middle-class customer base.
Reflecting on fashion’s fickle nature
If you’ve journeyed with me this far, hopefully, you’ve noticed that the world of fashion is as complex and nuanced as the human mind itself.
Because fashion isn’t just about brand names and price tags.
It’s about personal style, comfort, and the thrill of expressing yourself; it’s about finding joy in a well-worn piece of clothing, regardless of whether it’s deemed ‘in’ or ‘out’ by the upper class.
If someone understands that, they’re not just a fashion aficionado.
They’re someone who appreciates the true essence of style – an individual who recognizes that trends come and go, but personal style is eternal.
The next time you put on your favorite Guess jeans or Michael Kors bag, remember: It doesn’t matter if the rich have moved on.
What truly matters is how these pieces make you feel.
Fashion is about feeling good in your own skin.
