Dive into the world of Old Money Aesthetic, where timeless elegance, quality, and subtlety reign supreme. Discover the secret to achieving this classic and sophisticated look without breaking the bank, and learn how it continues to inspire new generations. Are you ready to embark on a journey to refine your style and elevate your wardrobe?
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Old Money Aesthetic is a timeless, sophisticated style that conveys traditional wealth and class.
Timeless clothing staples, accessories and grooming are essential elements of Old Money Style.
Gen Z has embraced the revival of the Old Money Aesthetic through Stealth Wealth & Quiet Luxury trends popularized by Lana Del Rey.
Understanding the Old Money Aesthetic
The Old Money Aesthetic embodies sophistication, class, and a visual representation of wealth and history. It encourages the creation of a unique style that mirrors the values of Old Money. Quality and meticulous selection are the keys to crafting a timeless look that reflects this affluent lifestyle. Style icons such as Gianni Agnelli and the Duke of Windsor exemplify the Old Money Aesthetic, showcasing a refined money wardrobe that transcends time.
Grooming holds great significance in this aesthetic, contributing to a polished and sophisticated look in any setting, be it a business meeting or a social event.
Old Money vs. New Money
Old Money represents inherited wealth and tradition, while New Money signifies newly acquired wealth and a more ostentatious display of riches. High society often values the Old Money Aesthetic for its sophistication and elegance. Famous Old Money icons include Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and fashion designers like Ralph Lauren. The term “Old Money” has been romanticized in literature and media, with works like The Great Gatsby illustrating the distinction between Old Money and New Money.
Old Money celebrities often originate from established wealthy families, while New Money celebrities include self-made billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg.
The Timeless Appeal of Old Money Fashion
Old Money Fashion appeals to those who value sophistication, understated luxury, and a sense of history in their style. Classic clothing staples for the Old Money Aesthetic include:
Knit polos
Relaxed tailored suits
Linen shirts
Tennis sneakers
David Beckham is renowned for his casual style. He likes to include the Old Money aesthetic with well-fitted chinos, polo shirts and classic accessories such as watches and leather goods.
Essential Elements of Old Money Style
Classic clothing staples, timeless accessories, and impeccable grooming and etiquette are the fundamental elements of Old Money Style. Timeless accessories such as pearl jewelry, leather goods, and elegant watches are pivotal in accomplishing the Old Money look, adding a layer of sophistication and elegance to the outfit. This money lifestyle is not only about appearance but also about embracing the values and traditions of the old money style.
Grooming and etiquette enhance the Old Money Aesthetic by underscoring sophistication, cultural knowledge, and impeccable personal care, ensuring a stylish and sophisticated demeanor without seeming arrogant.
Classic Clothing Staples
Some classic clothing staples for the Old Money Aesthetic include tailored suits, crisp button-down shirts, and neutral-toned sweaters. Tailored suits in classic colors such as navy and charcoal, crafted by highly skilled hands, are perfect examples of Old Money style suits. To achieve the Old Money aesthetic with a crisp button-down shirt, it is recommended to opt for slim-fit trousers, tailored jackets, and well-fitting suits.
Pairing the shirt with beige trousers, a brown belt, and a neutral-colored sweater tied around the shoulders is also suggested.
Timeless Accessories
Timeless accessories such as leather belts, silk scarves, and sophisticated jewelry are essential components of the Old Money Aesthetic. Specific types of jewelry favored in the Old Money aesthetic include pearl necklaces, rings with a thick gold seal, expensive-looking watches, and other classic designs.
Silk scarves in Old Money fashion are typically styled as headbands, providing a touch of elegance to the overall look when worn with casual outfits.
Grooming and Etiquette
Proper grooming and etiquette play a significant role in the Old Money Aesthetic, with a focus on classic haircuts, facial hair maintenance, and refined manners. Hairstyles typically associated with the Old Money Aesthetic include:
Straight hair with a hairband
Mini hat
Pony wavy hair in a pigtail
Sleek bun
Wavy hair with a headscarf
Neatly-maintained facial hair can improve one’s overall appearance and contribute to a polished and distinguished look, reflecting the importance of facial hair maintenance in Old Money grooming.
In terms of etiquette, those who embrace the Old Money aesthetic are usually expected to observe traditional etiquette rules, including having impeccable table manners, displaying politeness in all circumstances, and engaging in appropriate conversation.
Old Money Style Icons: Inspiration for Your Aesthetic
Old Money Style Icons, such as the Kennedy Family and Princess Diana, provide inspiration for those looking to emulate the aesthetic. The Kennedy Family is known for their elegant and sophisticated style, which embodies the Old Money Aesthetic, while Princess Diana’s timeless grace and classic fashion choices make her a perfect example of the Old Money look.
Kennedy Family Elegance
The Kennedy Family is renowned for their elegant and sophisticated style, which embodies the Old Money Aesthetic. Notable outfits of the Kennedy family that reflect the Old Money aesthetic include:
Pencil skirts
Flared blue jeans
Handmade loafers
Heirloom pearls
Cashmere
Style icons Jackie Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy are renowned for their timeless and elegant fashion selections, often captured in getty images.
The Kennedy family regularly donned brands such as Tiffany & Co., Jack Rogers, and Brooks Brothers.
Princess Diana’s Timeless Grace
Princess Diana’s enduring elegance and traditional sartorial selections render her an apt exemplar of the Old Money look. Her iconic fashion choices that embodied the Old Money Style comprised of:
Elegant and classic dresses for formal occasions
Sophisticated and stylish outfits for everyday life
The incorporation of timeless pieces such as blazers
Her wardrobe exuded quality and a refined aesthetic, which is evident in the incorporation of tailored suits, elegant dresses, and refined accessories within the Old Money aesthetic, all curated in her own style.
Affordable Ways to Achieve the Old Money Look
You can attain the Old Money Aesthetic on a budget by smart thrift shopping, blending high and low brands, and prioritizing quality over quantity.
Thrift shopping and vintage finds offer an economical way to assemble an Old Money wardrobe. Simultaneously, pairing high-end brands with more affordable alternatives can help form a sophisticated Old Money look without straining your wallet.
Thrift Shopping and Vintage Finds
Thrift shopping and vintage finds present an economical approach to attaining the Old Money look. Vintage items frequently possess a perpetual quality that can be challenging to locate in contemporary clothing, and thrift stores are an excellent source to uncover unique, singular pieces.
Several of the most appropriate thrift stores for locating classic, old money style pieces include:
Goodwill
Salvation Army
Vintage boutiques
Online thrift stores such as Etsy, Depop, and thredUP.
Mixing High and Low Brands
To effectively mix high and low brands to create an old money look, one should focus on investing in a few higher quality key pieces in their wardrobe. Brands such as:
Brooks Brothers
Burberry
J.Press
Ralph Lauren
Chanel
These brands have a subtle and classic aesthetic, which should be considered.
By pairing affordable basics with select statement pieces from old money fashion brands, an overall look that appears sophisticated and refined can be achieved.
Investing in Quality Over Quantity
Prioritizing quality over quantity guarantees a wardrobe that not only stands the test of time but also upholds the Old Money Aesthetic. For an Old Money aesthetic, it is advised to invest in clothing pieces such as:
Striped button-down shirts
Ralph Lauren-style sweaters
Flowy tennis skirts or shirts
Sweater vests
Collared shirts
Pleated skirts
Black leather jackets
Denim jeans
Tweed jackets
Tennis skirts
White linen pieces
Tailored pants
Blazers
Crisp button-down shirts
Midi dresses
Old Money Aesthetic in Pop Culture
Pop culture has popularized the Old Money Aesthetic through works such as The Great Gatsby, which portrays the opulence and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, emphasizing Old Money fashion and style. Similarly, Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl personifies the Old Money Aesthetic with her preppy, polished, and luxurious wardrobe.
The Great Gatsby and the Roaring Twenties
The Great Gatsby showcases the opulence and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, with a focus on Old Money fashion and style. The Roaring Twenties had a profound impact on Old Money fashion, with corsets becoming smaller, hemlines rising, and new patterns emerging.
Evening dresses became more sophisticated and costly, reflecting the affluence of the period.
Blair Waldorf and Gossip Girl Glamour
Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl embodies the Old Money Aesthetic with her preppy, polished, and luxurious wardrobe. Her sophisticated and elegant style consists of:
Tailored dresses
Pearls
Headbands
Designer accessories
Blair’s outfits exude luxury and refinement, mirroring the traditional and conservative fashion choices associated with Old Money.
Gen Z and the Resurgence of Old Money Fashion
Gen Z has adopted the Old Money Fashion trend, emphasizing stealth wealth and a revival of the aesthetic, influenced by artists such as Lana Del Rey. The Stealth Wealth and Quiet Luxury trends highlight the understated elegance of Old Money Fashion. Concurrently, Lana Del Rey’s music and style have spurred a resurgence of the Old Money Aesthetic, inspiring a new generation to adopt the look.
Stealth Wealth and the Quiet Luxury Trend
Stealth Wealth and the Quiet Luxury trend emphasize the understated elegance and timeless appeal of Old Money Fashion. This trend, being one of the notable fashion trends, involves dressing in high-quality materials and well-tailored pieces without ostentatious logos or conspicuous branding.
Luxury knitwear brands such as Loro Piana and Brunello Cucinelli are often associated with stealth wealth.
Lana Del Rey and the Old Money Aesthetic Revival
Lana Del Rey’s music and style have contributed to the resurgence of the Old Money Aesthetic, inspiring a new generation to embrace the look. Her luxurious and vintage-inspired style, melancholic and nostalgic music, as well as her portrayal of a glamorous and mysterious persona have resonated with many, further popularizing the Old Money Aesthetic among Gen Z.
Learn more, visit Mastering the Art of Old Money Style: A Guide for the Distinguished Man.
Summary
In conclusion, the Old Money Aesthetic is an enduring and alluring style characterized by timeless elegance, quality, and subtlety. By understanding the origins of this aesthetic, drawing inspiration from style icons, and implementing affordable ways to achieve the look, one can successfully adopt the Old Money Aesthetic and elevate their wardrobe. Let the charm and sophistication of Old Money Fashion inspire you to create your own timeless style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the old money aesthetic called?
The old money aesthetic is commonly referred to as “quiet luxury” and “stealth wealth”, but it was popularized following the Grainge wedding, leading many influencers and content creators to simply refer to it as old money.
How do you get the old money aesthetic?
To get the classic Old Money aesthetic, incorporate blazers, wool pea-coats and natural fibre fabrics in neutral colours such as navy, greys, whites and earth tones. Mix patterns like stripes, plaids and checks for added sophistication. Focus on textures, splurge on quality fabrics and keep basics like sweaters and coats black.
Why is it called old money aesthetic?
The ‘Old Money Aesthetic’ is a way of dressing inspired by the inherited wealth of famous family dynasties like the Kennedy’s, Getty’s and Vanderbilts. It prioritizes quality, heritage and subtlety over flashy displays of wealth, with preference for classic, high-quality pieces that never go out of fashion. This style exudes wealth and class without being ostentatious.
What is the clean girl old money aesthetic?
Clean girl and old money aesthetics emphasize slimness, flawless and dewy skin, glossy lips, smooth hair, light makeup, a fresh scent, gold jewellery, and an organized lifestyle to create a look of sophistication and luxury.
What are some clothing staples for the Old Money Aesthetic?
For the Old Money Aesthetic, clothing staples include tailored suits, crisp button-down shirts, neutral-toned sweaters, and classic accessories.
