The rich are getting obscenely richer, but when it comes to clothing, many prefer ‘simple’ understated fashion. Here’s a lowdown on the billionaire dress code
Technology may go out of style but fashion is here to stay. Fashion is a very powerful communication tool. It can go from the breakthrough of ripped jeans to the classic throwback of the 90’s blowout look. Fashion is an ever-evolving industry. One serious contender in that field is the Ultra Rich. They have mastered the art of dressing to reflect power and influence – from the minimalist uniforms of tech moguls to the extravagant ensembles of showbiz tycoons. They carefully make statements beyond wealth. Whether consciously or subconsciously these billionaires have got it down to the ‘T’.
Tech Titans Rise
Mark Zuckerberg’s grey T-shirt and hoodie combinations are one of the most famous examples of understated luxury. At a glance, you won’t be able to make out that this man is a billionaire beyond words, but a closer look at a well-fitted T-shirt will tell you that this is too good to be just ‘store bought’.
Brunello Cucinelli is the man with the magic fabric and threads — each costing around $400. The hoodies are priced at $3,000. The same holds for Steve Jobs, who consistently donned his iconic black turtleneck by Issey Miyake, paired with Levi’s jeans and New Balance sneakers.
According to fashion stylist Priya Malhotra, “For tech billionaires, their wardrobe reflects efficiency and brand identity.
Zuckerberg and Jobs adopted a uniform-like approach to minimize decision fatigue, but the underlying message is clear: They don’t need extravagant fashion to prove their status.”
Most Tech Titans follow a more simple and traditional dressing. This type of approach helps them to align with their ideologies that operate outside social circles and traditional ones too. It is a choice that signals a detachment from conventional luxury while still commanding authority through their presence.
Over The Top Styles
On a different side of the table, billionaires in the entertainment, sport and luxury industries embrace couture like whipped cream on top of hot cocoa in winter. Rihanna, an icon in both music and business, understands the power of statement fashion. From her extravagant Guo Pei gown at the Met Gala to the bold maternity looks, she has popularized her wardrobe choices to reinforce her status as a trendsetter and business mogul. For example, Rihanna’s yellow Guo Pei Met Gala gown reportedly cost $500,000, while some Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian outfits are custom-made, costing over $1 million per look.
“Fashion is the language of dominance,” explains fashion designer Rajiv Kapoor. “Billionaires in creative industries often dress to maintain an aura of exclusivity and aspirational living.” Elon Musk, though primarily known for his ventures in technology, has begun experimenting with fashion in recent years. Whether it’s donning a custom white-tie outfit at the Met Gala or a futuristic black leather ensemble, Musk understands that dressing differently can set him apart and generate media attention.
Quiet Luxe Wear
A growing trend among the ultra-rich is the rise of ‘’ quiet luxury ‘’ or as some may even call it, ‘’ stealth wealth.’’ This movement revolves around wearing high-end brands that do not rely on logos but exude sophistication through craftsmanship and exclusivity. Brands like Loro Piana, The Row, and Zegna cater to the ultra-wealthy who prefer refined, discreet luxury.
“Old-money billionaires and new-age financiers favour a kind of fashion that whispers rather than shouts,” says fashion consultant Arjun Mehta. “They opt for custom suits, handmade shoes, and rare fabrics that only those within the elite circles recognize. This signals an elite knowledge of fashion that separates them from mainstream trends.”
Jeff Bezos, for example, transitioned from his typical corporate casual wear to tailored Tom Ford suits as his public image evolved. Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH and one of the wealthiest men in the world, often opts for impeccably tailored yet understated suits — an embodiment of the wealth he represents. For instance, Elon Musk has been seen wearing a $100,000 Richard Mille watch, while Bernard Arnault (LVMH CEO) is known for his custom Louis Vuitton luggage collections worth hundreds of thousands.
Status & Power
Beyond personal style, the wardrobes of billionaires serve as strategic tools to align with their business ventures. Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, frequently sports casual, adventurous attire, reflecting the daring, rebellious spirit of
his brand. Tesla’s Elon Musk and Meta’s Zuckerberg, both champions of futuristic technology, are increasingly leaning into edgier, avant-garde styles that align with their vision of the future. Donatella Versace, the creative force behind Versace, her signature designs — bold colours, intricate embellishments, and figure-hugging silhouettes — embody confidence and unapologetic glamour. “Versace has always been about empowerment,” Donatella once stated in an interview with Harper’s Bazar India. “When a billionaire walks into a room in Versace, they aren’t just wearing fashion—they’re wearing confidence, legacy, and status.”
After all, it’s the way that you walk in the room that sets everyone’s sight on you, it is more than just a display of wealth — it is a carefully curated expression of power. The ultra-rich communicate their influence without speaking a word since personality and power go hand in hand, and soon billionaires are learning that so does fashion too
