10 Ways You Can Have ‘Old Money’ Style Without Spending Yours
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With so many blast-from-the-past trends becoming fashionable again (I see you, fold over yoga pants), it’s refreshing to see a surge in popularity of a style that can only be described as *classic*. Has this look always been around? Of course; it is, in fact, where it gets its name. But it’s only recently that the sophisticated wardrobe pieces—the staples that have long been engrained in chic capsule wardrobes everywhere—have come into the spotlight.
What Is The ‘Old Money Aesthetic?’
The term, coined by Gen Z on TikTok and other social media platforms, is an ode to the (presumably) effortless dressing of society’s elite, the upper echelon, if you will. Often referred to as “quiet luxury” or “stealth wealth,” the old money aesthetic centers around the preppy, tailored pieces of timeless elegance, with an emphasis on quality, wealth, and a status that you can’t buy—you inherit it.
The Essential Pieces To An ‘Old Money’Wardrobe
If your style is less crop tops and low-rise jeans and more tailored clothing and carefully crafted items, then you’re in the right place.
These are the items that you’ll most often see in an ‘old money’ look:
Tailored dress pants or trousers
Well-fitting jackets and blazers
Soft sweaters
Leather accessories
Minimalistic jewelry
Classic dress shirts
Versatile, yet comfortable shoes, such as flats, mules, and loafers
Structured handbags
The emphasis is on classic pieces that can be both dressed up and dressed down (although an old money look would never be too casual). Color doesn’t have a place here; instead, neutrals—such as creams, beiges, and browns—fill the color palette to allow for an endless variety of outfit options centered around these staples. And flashy labels and logos? They’re nowhere to be seen.
While this is a look that often comes with a high price tag, there are still many ways that you can embody the spirit of Princess Diana’s everyday looks or Jackie Kennedy’s famous style without spending a fortune to do so.
The Preppy Bookworm
With a look that feels straight out of a picturesque castle library, this outfit combines a thick knit cream cardigan with a pair of preppy, patterned trousers. Gold accessories keep the look chic and elevated, while a pair of smart loafers is a must-have staple in your closet.
East Coast Nautical
The East Coast is well known in the US as a region where old money wealth is omnipresent. Home to Ivy League schools, Maine lobster, and the Hamptons, this outfit looks (and feels) like New England. The striped sweater has a subtle nautical vibe but is balanced out with a pair of brown trousers. Quilted textures and black hues act as your accessories, while the gold accents add just a hint of shine.
Casual Like Diana
No one embodies the old money aesthetic quite like Lady Diana. Not only did she always look effortlessly put together—whether running errands or attending events—but she did so with an ease that, even to this day, so many of us remember. The look is as simple as it gets: a crisp white shirt, a pair of light wash denim, and brown accessories that tie the look together.
Parisian Chic
And no, we don’t mean Emily In Paris’ famous French fashion. Parisian chic style includes many of the same structured, classic items that you would normally find in an old money wardrobe. In this case, we combined the rich, earthy tones of various shades of brown with coordinating black pieces. For additional flair, add a pair of dark tights beneath the skirt.
Classically Casual
Taking another page from Princess Diana’s book, this combination of jeans and a tailored blazer is about as casual as you’ll see. The preppy look is finished with our favorite classic accessories and a pair of low, comfortable heels to add a chic touch to this otherwise relaxed outfit.
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Blazer |
Turtleneck |
Jeans |
Belt |
Pumps
Vacation In The Hamptons
While much of the old money aesthetic is centered around heavier pieces, such as blazers and trousers, it doesn’t mean that you have to forsake your style in the warmer months! This light and airy look is right at home on the summertime beaches of the Hamptons, a glass of wine in hand. Tailored trouser shorts and a simple tank make a perfect pairing for an upscale afternoon event and round sunglasses can keep the sun out of your eyes.
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Tank |
Shorts |
Sandals |
Crossbody Bag |
Sunglasses |
Belt
Weekend At The Boarding School
With a look that is one part school uniform and one part relaxed weekend attire, the sweater vest and jeans combination was born. With an outfit that is this simple and casual, there’s no need for dressy heels, so we simply paired our go-to denim fit with loafers for an everyday look that whispers old money.
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Shirt |
Sweater Vest |
Jeans |
Loafers |
Hoops
Pulled From A Ralph Lauren Ad
When you think of attainable old money style, who is the first designer that you think of? If your first answer wasn’t Ralph Lauren, then you haven’t been paying attention! A classic striped shirt with a pair of tan trousers is quintessential private school fashion, while we upgraded the look by swapping our favorite loafers for a pair of heels.
A Modern Jackie O.
An updated take on Jackie Kennedy’s classic black and white style, this dress has a fitted silhouette that is further accentuated by a simple black bow belt. A black bag and black heels finish out the look, while the gold earrings pair beautifully with the gold buttons on the dress.
Monochromatic Chic
Another way to exude that feeling of quiet luxury is to create a monochrome outfit. The shades of tan create a blank canvas on which to apply a few statement pieces (subtle ones, of course). We chose a pair of oversized sunglasses to be the focal point, but the two-toned shoes are what really tie it all together.
