Want to indulge in sophisticated and timeless fashion? Old money aesthetic may be right for you. It’s a major trend that has gained massive attention on TikTok. But it’s more than a mere fashion trend.
For the wearers, it’s a way of life that helps them appreciate tradition. It represents several principles and core values that have been passed down to generations and is characterized by elegance and refinement.
The old money aesthetic is associated with wealthy people who’ve inherited wealth over the generations and deliberately choose quality over quantity. It emphasizes classic, well-designed clothes and elegant accessories.
Using this lifestyle, participants are focused on looking stylish and sophisticated without the element of arrogance.
Keep reading this guide to learn about old-money aesthetics and how to incorporate it into your wardrobe.
Key Takeaway
- The old money aesthetic focuses on timeless fashion and understated elegance, favoring high-quality, well-crafted pieces over trendy, flashy items.
- This style emphasizes investing in high-quality fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere, which ensure durability and sophisticated appeal.
- Old money fashion appreciates tradition and heritage, highlighting classic styles and family heirlooms while avoiding overt displays of wealth.
- Cultivating an old money aesthetic is about developing a personal style that exudes confidence and refinement, incorporating both classic and subtle modern elements.
What Is the Old Money Aesthetic?
Credits: @adrijanaa01 / Pinterest
In the context of the TikTok Trend, old money refers to a group of wealthy individuals with renowned last names like Hearst, Kennedy, and Rockefeller. It describes families whose wealth comes from generations and has not multiplied through work. Money from such families usually comes from big businesses, inherited fortune, or nobility.
These families were the first to adopt the old money style. Later, shows like Succession and the resurgence of an old classic, Gossip Girl made the money style famous and has slowly taken over social media feeds.
The goal of the old money fashion is to create fashion that makes you look like someone who’s acquired inherited wealth. The style is timeless and elegant, focusing on high-quality, understated clothes instead of designer logos and branding.
Some critical elements of this style include:
Understated Elegance
Old money aesthetic focuses on subtlety. Wearers often go for timeless patterns such as stripes and polka dots, which complement the money outfits with delicate jewelry and perfectly polished shoes.
Also, emphasis is put on neutral colors like cream, beige, navy, and black. You can add pop colors if you like, but do it sparingly with classic accessories such as a silk scarf or pearl strand to create timeless elegance.
Generally, the style avoids flashily displaying wealth and instead focuses on subtle details that convey refinement. Think sophisticated tailoring, timeless design, and beautiful materials.
High Quality Fabrics
The money aesthetic is about quality. Wearers opt for well-crafted pieces that will last for many years. That means choosing high-quality clothes, furniture, and anything else that surrounds them.
And if you want to incorporate this trend into your personal style, remember that fashion trends come and go, but quality will last for years. So, choose pieces from quality materials like silk, wool, and cashmere.
Heritage and Tradition
Old money aesthetics is associated with a sense of history. These rich people appreciate and carry on traditions, including love of arts, family heirlooms, or just involving themselves in acts of charity.
But, at the same time, they don’t flaunt their wealth but rather enjoy it. Old money is about discretion and avoids apparent displays of wealth. You don’t need to prove anything. Instead, you display self-assurance quietly.
Timeless Style Vs. Fleeting Trends
Timeless fashion dominates the world of old-money aesthetics. Old-money elegance is more than trends and fads.
Think classic silhouettes like little black dresses and crisp white shirts that never go out of style and can be mixed and matched to create more versatility.
Because this style prioritizes quality, wearers invest in garments made of high-quality materials that form the foundation of a timeless look.
However, sometimes, a touch of modern elements can be added to old money to keep things fresh. For instance, you can add a modern belt to a classic trench coat or pair a button-down shirt with a statement necklace.
Developing Your Old Money Style
Developing old money style is not just about shopping for items. It’s all about building a wardrobe and character that quietly displays elegance and confidence. Here are some things to keep in mind to cultivate a unique take on the old money aesthetic.
Craft a Personal Style
The foundation is key when building an old money style. Fill your wardrobe with pieces such as crisp shirts, fitting blazers, and tailored trousers.
Also, opt for neutral colors like beige, black, and navy. If you want, you can add a pop of color, but be gentle with this and pick a color that reflects your taste. For instance, you can add a shade of soft blue or emerald green blouse.
At the same time, remember to add modern touches to your style. Don’t be limited to tradition even though this style demands so. Upgrade your style with oversized blazers paired with skinny jeans, or wear a cropped sweater and a midi skirt for a touch of personality.
When it comes to accessories, opt for items that showcase your unique aspects. For instance, you can wear a vintage brooch that a family member passed down, a statement pendant that showcases your hobby, or sunglasses designed for your face shape to add a personal touch.
Choose Quality over Trends
Fabric quality reigns over fleeting trends. Therefore, when crafting your old money look, invest in outfits made from high-quality material. These pieces should form the foundation for your wardrobe. Opt for a well-tailored blazer made from luxurious wool or a silk blouse with a flawless drape.
Note that fast fashion trends prioritize affordability over durability. Most items are constructed with low-quality fabrics that wrinkle easily, lose their shape, and get torn quickly. However, old money aesthetic prioritizes quality, and in the long run, wearers will save money.
At the same time, this fashion favors classic and vintage colors that will always be in style. A well-made coat will last many years, while a trendy item may look worn after a few months.
So why does quality matter when it comes to old money style? Here are some reasons:
Appreciate craftsmanship: By picking high-quality garments, you appreciate the skill and dedication that goes into making them. Instead of flashy logos, you opt for heritage brands and skilled designers that foster a deep connection with your outfits.
Sustainable style: Since you will wear the garments for so many years, it creates a sustainable approach to fashion. Besides reducing waste from fast fashion, it encourages responsible consumption.
Boost confidence: Wearing well-made clothes that fit you well can significantly boost your confidence. You tend to look polished, sophisticated, and put together regardless of what you are wearing.
Invest in Timeless Pieces
Investing in timeless pieces is one of the key elements of money aesthetics. That helps you build a wardrobe that displays quiet luxury and sophistication without seeming like you’re trying too much. Here are some things to guide you:
Pay Attention to Foundation Pieces
Think of well-tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, and dark-wash trousers. You can mix and match to create old-money elegance for various occasions. At the same time, opt for garments in neutral colors such as navy, cream, black, or beige. These are versatile and will always be in style. You can add flashy colors if you like, but avoid going overboard.
Opt for Classic Pieces and Add Modern Touches
Look for items with classic silhouettes that match your body type. Sheath dresses, A-line skirts, and straight-leg trousers are excellent choices. Besides being stylish, they’ve remained and will remain elegant for decades.
But, even while you’re preserving traditions with your old money look, don’t be scared to add a touch of modernity. An oversized blazer, a cropped sweater combined with a midi skirt, or a high waist trousers are great choices to upgrade your look without compromising its timeless elegance.
Build a Cohesive Collection
Avoid shopping for trendy items. Instead, consider how an item will complement your existing wardrobe and the outfits it can pair with. Prioritize versatility over a fashion trend that will not last for long.
But be patient. Remember that crafting a timeless wardrobe takes time. So don’t be quick to buy all items at once. Focus on key staples and gradually add the rest. Then, remember to invest in well-tailored clothes that fit perfectly.
Create a Capsule Wardrobe
You can create an old money capsule wardrobe using high-quality, timeless pieces, which you mix and match to create elegant looks. Here are some tips:
- Opt for neutral colors like cream, beige and black. These are versatile and serve as an excellent foundation for your wardrobe. Choose well-tailored trousers, a cashmere sweater, a silk blouse, or a crisp polo shirt.
- Invest in a well-tailored blazer. This is a must-have in your old money style. It elevates any outfit, whether dress or jeans. Choose a single-breasted blazer in classic colors like navy or black.
- Have a versatile dress in your capsule. A sheath dress in a neutral color can serve both formal and informal occasions, depending on how you accessorize it. For instance, you can wear it with heels and statement jewelry for a night out or just the dress with nice comfortable shoes for a formal event.
- Include timeless bottoms. Purchase several well-fitting trousers in different designs. A dark wash trouser is perfect for everyday life, while a light-colored linen trouser exudes sophistication in summer. A classic midi skirt in a neutral color is also another versatile item. You can pair it with a blouse and heels or with a T-shirt and sneakers for a casual look.
- Invest in more than clothes. High-quality shoes are a must-have in your wardrobe. A pair of pointed-toe flats and elegant pumps are perfect for work and weekend events. Add loafers or oxfords, which offer a relaxed vibe. Also, buy timeless accessories like pearls, a classic leather watch, a delicate necklace, or a silk scarf.
Remember that when building this type of wardrobe, prioritize quality over quantity.
You’d rather have fewer, better pieces that will last for many years and drape better for a polished look than many low-quality pieces.
At the same time, don’t underestimate the power of a perfect fit. Tailor your clothes to complement your body.
Essential Wardrobe Staples
- Tailored blazers: These are available in various fabrics, such as wool and linen. They elevate an outfit instantly from simple to sophisticated.
- Versatile polo shirts are a timeless essential that can be worn in formal or casual settings. For business meetings or gatherings, pair them with jeans or even office trousers/skirts.
- Classic dress shirts showcase a level of formality that is perfect for an old-money image. They feature crisp lines and well-structured designs, so you can wear them for work, important meetings, or refined gatherings.
- Well-fitting dress pants exude sophistication, refinement, and effortless elegance, which are key principles of the old-money aesthetic. Choose dress pants with a straight leg or a slight taper starting from the knee downwards. Please avoid overly skinny or baggy cuts, even though they’re trendy. Depending on formality, you can also pick a pleated or flat front style.
Fabric Quality
Old money aesthetic aims at prioritizing quality over flashy trends. Besides looking good, this fashion encourages wearers to appreciate timeless style and craftsmanship. Here is why you should choose quality fabrics:
- Durability: Old money style focuses on outfits that are built to last. It favors quality materials like wool, silk, and cashmere, which are durable and age beautifully. These materials are wrinkle-resistant and maintain their shape as they age.
- Appreciation for craftsmanship: The old money aesthetic appreciates the skill and effort that go into making quality garments. Choosing high-quality fabrics promotes heritage brands and artisans who put effort into making quality clothes and embrace traditional techniques.
- Subtle sophistication: High-quality fabrics boast sophistication and luxury. Think about the rich texture of cashmere, the crispness of fine cotton, or the soft drape from silk. These materials offer a polished look beyond flashy logos and fashion trends.
- Comfort: Luxury fabrics like wool are comfortable and breathable. Wool will keep you warm during cold months, while breathable materials like cotton ensure comfort during hot weather.
It’s also worth mentioning that the old money style is the antithesis of fast fashion. By prioritizing quality, conscious shopping, and timeless elegance it goes against everything fast fashion stands for.
Colors and Fashion
Credits: @vhindinews / Pinterest
Color plays an integral role in money elegance. Opt for classic hues that build your wardrobe’s foundation. These include black, cream, grey, beige, and other neutral colors. They are versatile, so you can mix and match easily.
Avoid loud and trendy colors since old money avoids anything that is too flashy or trendy. Stay clear of neon colors and anything that screams for attention.
When it comes to patterns, choose subtle ones that offer understated elegance. Remember, the goal is to portray confidence and sophistication quietly.
Patterns to consider include herringbone, glen plaid, pinstripes, and houndstooth. Please consider the occasion and season when choosing these patterns. For instance, pinstripes are suitable for old office money outfits, while houndstooths work well in the fall and winter.
Accessories and Grooming
These are the finishing touches to the old money style that elevate your look from simple to effortlessly sophisticated.
Choose accessories with a timeless appeal. Ensure they are of high quality, such as a well-tailored silk scarf, a timeless leather watch, or a gold pendant. Stay clear of overly flashy or trendy accessories and choose items beyond aesthetics.
At the same time, opt for classic hairstyles. Men should get classic haircuts and ensure proper grooming and maintenance. While women should go for a polished bob for a unique style.
Also, remember to practice good posture and good manners. Besides being etiquette, they showcase refinement, confidence, and self-assurance.
Stand tall with your shoulders back and relaxed and your head high. Practice graceful movement that demonstrates composure. Speak clearly and concisely. Be an active listener. Mind your table manners.
Shopping for Vintage and Quality
Explore thrift stores and vintage shops as they have unique and well-made items (like winter coats). Look for old money outfits made from natural fabrics like silk and wool, and remember to be persistent and patient as it takes time to find hidden gems.
Also, consider bespoke tailoring for your outfit to achieve a polished look. A good tailor can adjust the trousers’ fit, shorten the sleeves, or reduce the waist for a flattering look.
Lastly, remember to pay attention to the outfit’s condition when browsing vintage items. Check out any tears, missing buttons, and signs of wear. Inspect the zippers and seams to ensure they are functioning properly.
Style Icons
You can get inspiration from icons like Princess Diana and David Beckham, who’ve flawlessly pulled the old money aesthetic. These celebrities merge timeless classic pieces with excellent grooming and impressive charm to create a unique style.
Looking at how they’ve executed the old-money aesthetic can help you analyze timeless fashion choices. When pairing your outfits, ensure that the looks adapt to and reflect your own style.
Conclusion
Credits: @sueprado / Pinterest
Old money aesthetics is not just a fashion trend. It goes beyond wearing expensive clothes and instead focuses on timeless quality and refined taste. It’s about cultivating confidence and self-worth that goes deeper than material possessions.
It is a journey, not a destination, that aims to appreciate quality and tradition. Make sure you invest in timeless pieces and always choose high-quality fabrics.