What is the old money aesthetic?
The old money aesthetic is a fashion trend styled around timeless and understated luxury items. Also known as “quiet luxury” or “stealth wealth,” the old money style is associated with the wealthy classes but prioritizes quality over flashy logos and brands. Followers of the old-money aesthetic prioritize elegance and sophistication above all else. Rather than showcasing wealth in a flashy or gaudy way, old money dressers look for well-made investment pieces with luxurious fabrics and cuts that subtly express their supposed financial fortune. The name “old money” comes from the idea that people who dress in this aesthetic come from families with inherited wealth rather than money they’ve recently worked for and earned. Popular icons of the old money style aesthetic include Princess Diana and the TV character Shiv Roy from HBO’s Succession. To channel the old money aesthetic for men, look to style icons like David Beckham and Jonathan Bailey.
Key Wardrobe Essentials for the Old Money Aesthetic
Tailored suits The tailored suit is the pinnacle of the old money aesthetic. High-quality tailoring is essential to the polished vibe of this fashion trend, ensuring that each piece fits you perfectly and makes even the simplest of cuts look exquisite. When choosing a suit, stick to neutral colors like navy, charcoal gray, and earthy brown. If you go for a pattern, choose something that adds depth without being overpowering, e.g., pinstripes or checks.
Cashmere sweaters High-quality cashmere sweaters are luxurious yet practical, so they make for a great investment in your old money aesthetic wardrobe. Plus, cashmere sweaters are super versatile—they can be dressed down with well-fitting trousers and white sneakers or worn for a more formal occasion with a structured skirt and blazer.
Dress shirts Dress shirts and blouses are a staple in the old money aesthetic—especially a crisp and well-fitted button-down. Choose flattering fits that align with your silhouette, and opt for durable and high-quality fabrics like Egyptian cotton and silk. Silk blouses are a particularly good choice to add a balanced touch of femininity and sophistication to any outfit.
Polo shirts Nothing screams coastal elite like a polo shirt, so they make for an easy (but casual) way to infuse your ‘fit with a bit of stealth wealth. Choose time-honored hues for your polo shirt, such as navy blue, forest green, and dusty brown. Pair your polo shirt with tailored chinos or skirts for a relaxed yet polished look!
Blazers Another crucial element of any old money wardrobe, the blazer is a versatile and stylish item that can be worn for a variety of occasions and seasons. Try a navy blazer for a nautical, yacht-adjacent touch, or go for a double-breasted blazer for a more formal look.
Trench coats Trench coats are an important outerwear investment that comes in many different styles, so go for something that fits your style and makes even you believe that you’re a trust fund baby (and hey, maybe you are!). Start by investing in a neutral-colored trench that can be worn with practically any outfit. If you’d like a more elevated feel, however, try a trench with luxurious details like a dramatic collar, unexpected color blocking, avant-garde silhouettes, or an especially luxe fabric.
Tailored trousers and skirts Invest in high-quality bottoms and tailor them to fit you exactly—then pair your trousers or skirt with an equally well-fitted blouse and classic blazer. Any trouser or skirt can work as long as it looks sophisticated, elegant, and timeless. A-line skirts and wool trousers work particularly well because they emulate these qualities! You can also dress down from time to time and throw on a pair of jeans! Go for a well-fitted, high-quality pair in a dark wash and couple them with a tailored blazer to maintain an air of sophistication.
Dresses and gowns When you’re looking for a dress or formal gown to fit the old-money aesthetic, choose a timeless style that has elegant details and high-quality fabrics. For example, try high-cut necklines, midi- and maxi-lengths, and A-line or sheath silhouettes. You also can’t go wrong with a little black dress, which is a staple in any wardrobe and ideal for any event.
Quality footwear You can wear a range of shoe styles to fit the old-money aesthetic, but you should aim for high-quality footwear that will both last longer and add elegance to your outfit. Some great old-money shoe options include ballet flats, pumps, leather flats, sleek boots, and slim white sneakers.
Old Money Aesthetic Accessories
Accessorize with classic jewelry pieces, simple handbags, and chic scarves. Remember that your goal here is ~understated elegance~. You want to wear the types of accessories that never go out of style and that complement your look without overwhelming it. Minimalist gold jewelry is always a good choice, as are pearl earrings and necklaces. For handbags, choose a simple design made with high-quality fabrics and construction. A faux leather handbag, for instance, is elevated, stylish, and durable. Long-hauler bags are also a staple in the old money aesthetic wardrobe. Scarves are also essential quiet luxury accessories—while we can’t all fill a wardrobe with Hermès scarves, you could invest in one of these chic kerchiefs or look for a budget version in a similar style.
Old Money Aesthetic Hair, Makeup, & Fragrance
Hair Keep your hair neat and polished with understated hairstyles. Cut a clean shoulder-length bob, style a slicked back pony, or go for a sleek blowout. Stick to your natural hair color if possible, and if you choose to dye your hair, choose a shade that could realistically be your natural hair color.
Makeup Go for a natural, “clean girl” look with subtle makeup in neutral shades. Choose a blush that matches your skin tone, such as soft corals and peaches for light skin, warm pinks and mauves for medium skin, and deep fuchsias and berries for dark skin. Depending on your coloring and preferences, stick to neutral eyeshadow colors like gold, brown, white, and pink. Maybe add a cat eye for some flair—it is a classic, after all! When it comes to the lip, apply a nude shade that’s not far off from your natural lip color. If you want an added touch of glam, coat your lips with a shiny (not glittery) lip gloss or balm. Don’t overdo it on foundation or bronzer—stick as close to your natural skin tone as possible. A tinted moisturizer is a great choice for the old money makeup look.
Fragrance Choose quintessential fragrances that complement your tastes. Try vanilla scents that aren’t overly sweet, sophisticated floral fragrances like rose and neroli, or unisex scents like musk and pine. Some great old money fragrance options include Creed Boutique’s Royal Oud, Yves Saint Laurent Opium, and the ever-iconic Chanel Nº5. Perhaps the most old-money thing to do is just to have a signature scent at all. Choose a perfume that you like the smell of and that fits your personality, and make that your very own iconic fragrance!
Old Money Aesthetic Outfit Ideas
Look 1: Classic Old Money Outfit For an easy-to-achieve look that highlights the simplicity of the old money aesthetic, start with a pair of well-tailored trousers. Pair the pants with a crisp white button down, then throw a neutral-colored sweater over your shoulders. Add another touch of elegance with gold chain jewelry and black slingback sandals.
Look 2: Preppy Old Money Outfit For an old money outfit that especially gives off those I went to boarding school vibes, start with a flowy tennis skirt or shirt dress as your base layer. Throw a blue-and-white striped button-down over the dress or skirt (and leave it untucked). Tie an oversized cable-knit sweater around your shoulders for the final touch of quiet luxury. Add a white or silver pearl choker around your neck for some timeless glam.
Look 3: Light Academia Old Money Outfit For this cross between the light academia and old money aesthetics, tuck a light blue button down into a tailored pair of plaid trousers. This preppy and chic outfit gains an extra level of sophistication with a brown belt, oversized square sunglasses, and a quintessential straw tote.
Look 4: Pop-of-Red Old Money Outfit Tuck a striped button down into a structured white mini skirt. Fasten a neutral-colored belt around your waist (bonus points for gold accents), then accessorize with a pearl necklace and oversized straw tote. Finally, infuse this old money look with a bit of personality with a pair of elegant red pumps.
Look 5: Italian Lakeside Old Money Outfit To master this look wherever you are (which may or may not be on the shores of Lake Como with an Aperol Spritz in hand), find a maxi-length dress that channels femininity and maturity. For example, look for a high-neck, sleeveless, loose-knit dress in a neutral color that hugs your curves and shows off your summertime tan. Accessorize the look with a straw bucket hat and oversized straw tote. For shoes, go barefoot or wear your favorite pair of simple, neutral-colored sandals.
Look 6: Coastal Kennedy Old Money Outfit Channel the infamous it girl of America’s royal family (*cough* Jackie Kennedy *cough*) with this breezy old money look. Layer a sleek and sleeveless black bodysuit under a pair of high-waisted chino shorts (or a similar medium-length neutral short). To make this look a true old money showstopper, take a chic scarf and tie it around your head. The scarf should cover the majority of your head like a hood with the ends knotted beneath your chin. Customize this look with accessories, such as a straw tote bag, gold or pearl bracelets, and your favorite pair of sunglasses.
Look 7: Summertime Old Money Outfit The old money aesthetic doesn’t disallow you from being casual and comfy when the temperatures start to rise. Start with white, high-waisted sailor shorts—look for a pair that hits at about mid-thigh. Button up a black linen shirt and tie the excess fabric into a knot around your waist. Finish the look with a brown faux leather tote and your favorite gold-framed sunnies.
Look 8: High Society Old Money Outfit This monochrome outfit radiates the elite elegance of the upper crust (without having to spend an elite amount of money). Start with any well-tailored white two-piece set, like a vest and high-waisted trousers. Stick to crisp and clean fabrics, and make sure that both pieces fit you like a glove. Polish off the look with minimalist gold jewelry, a matching white handbag, and a white Panama hat.
The Old Money Aesthetic Beyond Fashion
Channel the old money aesthetic in your manners and living space. Infuse your living space with sophisticated pieces that showcase an appreciation for fine art and culture. Study proper dining etiquette and preserve traditions that are important to your heritage and local community. Further embrace the etiquette and values of the old money lifestyle with the following tips: Speak thoughtfully and listen to the perspectives of others. Avoid gossip whenever possible and engage in meaningful intellectual debates. Learn good table manners and otherwise be polite by showing up to places on time and demonstrating respect in all your interactions. Educate yourself on current events and broaden your horizons by studying a range of subjects. Prioritize discretion and learn to value privacy in your own life and the lives of others. Avoid flaunting wealth or oversharing about your life.
Social Context for the Old Money Aesthetic
Old money style has ignited discourse around wealth and its impact on trends. The core goal of the old money aesthetic is to give off the image of class and luxury above all else. Many trend experts, publications, and social media users have pointed out the strange co-occurrence of the rise in this money-based trend alongside prevalent social issues such as a widening wealth gap, ever-increasing inflation, and an unchanging minimum wage. However, it’s possible that people in the middle and lower classes use this trend to provide a sense of validation and inclusion during a time when access to elite groups and wealth classes is increasingly unattainable. Plus, the “look” of wealth (and how it shows up in fashion) has always evolved based on pop culture and current political ideologies, so it may make perfect sense that the idea of “quiet” luxury (rather than flashy brands) has gained traction in a time where flaunting wealth may appear cruel or out-of-touch. Looking to pop culture, HBO’s Succession, for instance, has been credited with some of the popularity for the “stealth wealth” trend. Consumers have historically looked to the screen for what to wear and how to behave, so it’s no wonder that the old money fashion from the show has infiltrated the real world.
Old Money Aesthetic: The Key Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s Overall, embracing the old-money aesthetic means embracing elegance, sophistication, and tradition in every aspect of your life. For a quick guide to the old money aesthetic, follow this list of definitive do’s for the quiet luxury lifestyle: Invest in quality pieces made from high-quality fabrics in ageless, always-on-trend cuts. Choose tailored pieces that are fitted to your body measurements. Embrace subtlety with neutral colors and understated patterns. Maintain a groomed appearance with elegant hairstyles and natural makeup. Opt for simple accessories made out of faux leather, pearls, and gold. Embrace layering blouses and scarves to add depth to your looks. Practice posture and manners to carry yourself with old money elegance. Show appreciation for arts and culture, such as literature, art, and music. Prioritize sustainability by choosing quality over quantity, wearing vintage and heirloom pieces whenever possible, and caring for your clothing so it lasts longer.
Don’ts Along with all the things you do want to do when building an old money wardrobe, there’s an equal amount of fashion faux pas that you want to avoid. To truly reflect the elite classes that you’re trying to emulate, don’t: Wear brands and logos on your clothing, at least not to excess. Neglect fit and tailoring and wear ill-fitting clothing (which will negate the elegance factor). Choose overly trendy items that will go out of style in minutes and clash with this timeless aesthetic. Forget about footwear—make sure to wear clean shoes in good condition. Over-accessorize with flashy jewels; less is more when it comes to old money. Ignore fabric quality and wear cheap fabrics instead of well-made, natural fiber garments. Rely on bold and bright colors and ignore the power of sophisticated neutrals. Compromise your personal style in an effort to adhere exactly to the old money aesthetic.
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