The old money aesthetic is back with a vengeance this summer, with TikTok videos boasting about linen shirts and Ralph Lauren loafers racking up millions of views. It’s also been revitalised by the hit TV show Succession and influencers like Sofia Richie.
Quiet luxury, or stealth wealth (as Gwyneth Paltrow called it) has become the new fashion trend. But is this trend sustainable?
1. It’s Authentic
Whether you’re an heirloom rich or self-made, the Old Money aesthetic is all about embracing values like grace, poise and respect. This carries through into your everyday life, resulting in refined and sophisticated mannerisms and language. It also means staying educated about culture and world events and expressing thoughtful opinions with tact and diplomacy. It’s about cultivating a lifestyle that’s rooted in tradition and values the finer things in life, such as good posture, polished manners, and a love of classic literature, art and music.
The Old Money style is a timeless aesthetic that will never go out of fashion. It’s about investing in classic staples that will last for years to come, such as tailored blazers, button-down shirts and trench coats. Then, mix and match those pieces with stylish and understated accessories such as a leather handbag or classic shoes. Stick to timeless hues such as black, white and camel that exude sophistication and are incredibly versatile.
It’s also about keeping branding to a minimum and steering clear of loud logos. The Old Money aesthetic focuses on understated luxury, and this includes your grooming choices as well. Opt for a side part or neatly combed hairstyle to accentuate your wardrobe and maintain the sense of elegance that is essential to this style. And when it comes to footwear, sneakers have become a more accepted choice in recent times, especially when worn with a suit or in a more casual setting. But always make sure your sneakers are in excellent condition and aren’t showing any signs of wear. You can even design custom made sneakers to fit your style and guarantee their quality! Then, finish off your outfit with an elegant silk bow or poufed bow tie to complete the look of enduring sophistication.
2. It’s Relaxed
Unlike fast-paced trends, this aesthetic is a breath of fresh air that provides a much-needed respite from the hectic world of fashion. It focuses on quality over quantity, and the idea is to invest in timeless pieces that won’t go out of style.
Fabric quality reigns supreme in the Old Money Aesthetic, and there’s an emphasis on using natural fabrics that feel luxurious to the touch. This includes silks and velvets, which are the epitome of elegance. It also means using high-quality materials like leather and wool, which are known to last for decades.
The Old Money Style is also characterized by refined fabrics and a sleek silhouette. This includes tailored blazers, tailored pants, and even linen shirts. It’s also a style that favors tailored dresses over flowy ones, as well as classic accessories that elevate any outfit. These include pearl earrings, a classic handbag, and simple gold necklaces.
When it comes to color, avoid bright colors and garish patterns. The Old Money Aesthetic prefers neutral shades like navy blue, beige, and cream that look sophisticated and timeless. For those who want to add a pop of color, opt for a subtle shade like a scarf or blouse peeking out from under your blazer.
In addition to wardrobe, the Old Money Style is also characterized by a polished demeanor and good manners. This includes a respect for others’ privacy and avoiding gossip. It’s also about having a range of educated opinions and exhibiting an appreciation for the arts.
With its quiet sophistication and understated luxury, the Old Money Style is a trend that’s here to stay. Whether you’re looking for a way to elevate your personal style or are interested in using the Old Money Style in your brand’s marketing, this aesthetic is worth considering.
3. It’s Comfortable
The key to the old money aesthetic is finding comfortable clothing that still exudes elegance. For height, there are several options besides lifts and insoles. The style is all about understated luxury and refined simplicity, so opt for fabrics like wool and silk blends. These materials are breathable and durable, and they will last longer than cotton or linen clothing. Opt for tailoring whenever possible to ensure that your clothes fit you perfectly. This will not only make you feel more confident, but it will also give your outfit a polished look.
Another important element of the old money aesthetic is avoiding overly trendy items. Trendy accessories and colors can quickly go out of style, so stick to classic pieces that will never go out of fashion. Also, avoid pairing your clothing with too many patterns, as this will detract from the elegant simplicity of the style.
One of the best ways to achieve the old money style is to wear tailored blouses and blazers. The classic silhouettes of these pieces will flatter your curves and create a sleek, sophisticated look. Opt for fitted blouses that hug your shoulders and cinch at the waist, as well as blazers with structured shoulders and a timeless color palette like navy or black.
To pull together an elegant, yet casual outfit, consider wearing a pair of tailored khaki trousers with a white button-down shirt and classic blazer. Then, accessorize with a brown faux leather tote bag and gold-framed sunglasses for an ensemble that will effortlessly transition from day to night.
The old money style has always been a popular choice for those who prefer to avoid the flashiness of trends and instead embrace understated elegance. This timeless, classic aesthetic is perfect for anyone who wants to look and feel like a million bucks.
4. It’s Timeless
In contrast to the fads that pop up and fade out quickly, the old money aesthetic is timeless in the truest sense of the word. It’s a style that could be worn tomorrow or 100 years from now without looking out of date. It’s a style that prioritizes quality over quantity and that sticks to classic neutral colors. It’s a style that exudes class and sophistication, which is why it attracts young fashion bloggers on TikTok and Instagram who want to create a capsule wardrobe that can stand the test of time.
The resurgence of this style has coincided with the rise of “quiet luxury” — a trend that values understated luxury over flashy logos. This style has become a popular look among wealthy millennials and Gen Z, who are inspired by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow’s park city lifestyle during her ski accident trial. However, this style can be expensive, and it’s important to recognize that it’s not a sustainable lifestyle for people who are living paycheck-to-paycheck.
A good way to achieve an old money style look on a budget is to shop second-hand and buy vintage clothing. Also, invest in timeless accessories like pearl earrings and leather bags. Avoid trendy jewelry that will quickly go out of style. Also, embrace layering and add a scarf for an elegant touch.
Another important tip is to choose comfortable yet refined tailoring that flatters your figure. For example, a fitted blazer is a good choice and looks great with khaki chinos. Another great option is a sweater vest, which will give you that Ivy league-vibe. To complete the look, opt for a pair of sleek loafers or oxfords.
5. It’s Affordable
The old money aesthetic has been all over Pinterest and TikTok lately, conjuring up images of long weekends spent sailing in St. Tropez and winter holidays hitting the slopes in Switzerland. But what many don’t know is that styling this look doesn’t require a nine-figure bank account.
Instead of displaying wealth by wearing designer clothing and accessories, the old-money style celebrates timeless pieces that stand the test of time. The goal is to be discreetly high-end, with no visible brand logos. This makes the style more accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget.
While this style may seem a bit outdated, it’s a great way to display sophistication and class. It also emphasizes impeccable grooming, with clean and polished hair, manicured nails, and a healthy skin routine. It’s not a trend that is meant to be followed blindly, but rather one that encourages personalization through the use of different styles and fabrics.
When it comes to clothes, a blazer is an essential piece for the old-money look. The style can be paired with a classic button-up shirt and chinos for a casual outfit, or with a tailored suit for work or a formal event. It’s also important to invest in quality fabrics, like wool or silk, which are softer and more luxurious than cotton or linen.
While the old-money aesthetic is currently making waves on social media, it’s worth remembering that fashion has always been about escapism and fantasy. In an era where many countries are facing economic uncertainty, the appeal of old-money styles may be a sign that people want to return to a time when things seemed simpler and less complicated.