This article was reviewed by Melissa Young and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophie Burkholder, BA. Melissa Young is a Freelance Fashion Stylist based in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 10 years of professional experience, Melissa's objective is to elevate people's confidence and comfort through the power of fashion. Her professional background is in commercial styling and she has extensive experience in styling for editorial, television, and film. She has styled for brands including Diageo Crown Royal, Hilton Hotels, IHG Hotels, and Getty Images, and has been featured in several publications, including PUMP Magazine, Moevir Magazine, and Upscale Magazine. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Carolina.
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We’ve all heard the phrase “if you’ve got it, flaunt it”—but when it comes to money, more and more people are trending toward “if you’ve got it…show it off in understated and subtle ways.” That may not be the catchiest phrase, but the increasingly popular old-money aesthetic is certainly catching on! The old-money aesthetic is all about showcasing wealth in an understated and elegant way. We’ll teach you how to do just that in this complete guide to old-money wardrobe essentials, outfit ideas, and how to make this look your own.
Old Money Style: Key Essentials
- Well-tailored suits, trousers, and skirts
- Sophisticated outerwear, like blazers and trench coats.
- Iconic polo shirts and crisp button-ups.
- Maxi dresses with an A-line silhouette or high neckline.
- Gold and pearl jewelry.
Steps
Wardrobe Essentials for the Old Money Style
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Tailored suits The tailored suit is the pinnacle of the old money aesthetic.[2] 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.[3]
- If you go for a pattern, choose something that adds depth without being overpowering, e.g., pinstripes or checks.
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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.[4]
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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.[5] Silk blouses are a particularly good choice to add a balanced touch of femininity and sophistication to any outfit.
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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![6]
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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.[7]
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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.[8]
- 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.
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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.
Michael Kors, Fashion DesignerInvest in well-tailored clothing that fits perfectly. "Someone in a well tailored suit will always shine brighter than someone in an off-the-rack suit."
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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.
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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.[9]
Expert Q&A
Video
Tips
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While the old money aesthetic is all about wealth, you don’t actually need a lot of money to wear this style. Focus on investing in (or thrifting!) a few high-quality pieces rather than having a large wardrobe of luxury items.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.instyle.com/old-money-aesthetic-outfits-8629630
- ↑ https://youtu.be/eiLFqHYBLAI?t=209
- ↑ https://youtu.be/eiLFqHYBLAI?t=72
- ↑ https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/how-to-embrace-the-quiet-luxury-trend-without-breaking-the-bank/
- ↑ https://noblemanmagazine.com/quiet-luxury/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/eiLFqHYBLAI?t=84
- ↑ https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/how-to-embrace-the-quiet-luxury-trend-without-breaking-the-bank/
- ↑ https://www.instyle.com/old-money-aesthetic-outfits-8629630
- ↑ https://youtu.be/eiLFqHYBLAI?t=255
- ↑ https://modernhighsociety.com/old-money-accessories/
- ↑ https://theeverygirl.com/old-money-hair-trend/
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/how-to-choose-the-best-blush-color-8439370
- ↑ https://modernhighsociety.com/basic-manners/
- ↑ https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/trends/a43449527/quiet-luxury/
- ↑ https://www.vox.com/the-goods/22638568/old-money-aesthetic-dark-academia-prep-tiktok-pinterest-instagram
- ↑ https://lithiumagazine.com/2021/02/09/gen-z-stop-glamorizing-old-money/
- ↑ https://thekit.ca/fashion/trend/old-money-aesthetic-tiktok-luxury/
- ↑ https://fortune.com/2023/07/24/stealth-wealth-clothing-succession/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0kCeXR8Axy4?t=21
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0kCeXR8Axy4?t=198
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0kCeXR8Axy4?t=408
- ↑ https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/how-to-embrace-the-quiet-luxury-trend-without-breaking-the-bank/
- ↑ https://youtu.be/0kCeXR8Axy4?t=613