Are you struggling to master the old-money style? I’ve got you covered! This complete guide will help you nail the old-money aesthetic, along with 10 effortlessly chic outfit ideas you can recreate.
The old-money or quiet luxury style has surged in popularity over the past few years, largely due to the influence of TV shows like Gossip Girl, Succession, and various celebrity fashion moments that brought this aesthetic into the spotlight.
This style revolves around high-quality, logo-free pieces, timeless designs, and tailored cuts, often paired with elegant accessories for a vintage-inspired touch. Think tailored suits, trench coats, cashmere sweaters, and monochromatic outfits. In essence, the old-money look is all about well-made, understated, and timeless fashion choices that exude sophistication without being flashy.
To effortlessly embrace this style, it’s important to understand the origins of the old-money aesthetic. It stems from a lifestyle associated with those who have inherited wealth, rather than earning it through work.
Their typical hobbies—sailing, tennis, horse riding, golfing, and attending polo matches—heavily influence the fashion choices. That’s why many of the outfits we’ll be discussing are inspired by the attire worn for these activities, blending elegance with a timeless, preppy charm.
While shows like Succession gave us a glimpse into the old-money aesthetic, I believe the true epitome of elegance is Princess Diana. Renowned for her timeless style and grace, she became an icon in the world of fashion. Her ability to effortlessly exude charm made her a lasting influence, and her outfits continue to represent the essence of old-money fashion. From her power suits to casual polo shirts, Diana’s wardrobe consistently embodied classic, understated sophistication, perfectly capturing that old-money vibe.
HOW TO ACHIEVE THE OLD MONEY LOOK
No need to rob a bank to achieve this style! While the quality of the clothes is important, your personal taste and unique style matter even more. It’s all about how you can effortlessly put together simple pieces to create sophisticated old-money outfits.
To fully embrace the old-money aesthetic, focus on these five key elements:
1. CREATE AN OLD MONEY CAPSULE WARDROBE
An old-money wardrobe is built around timeless staples that never go out of style. By incorporating these classic pieces with your unique personal flair, you can effortlessly create endless old-money outfits. The best part? You likely already have many of these items in your current wardrobe, so there’s no need to splurge. It’s all about mixing and matching these essential old-money staples to achieve the look.
Old Money Wardrobe Includes:
- Old Money Wardrobe Includes:
- Cashmere Sweaters
- Trench Coat
- Pair of loafers
- Button-Down Shirt
- Pair Of High-Waisted Trousers
- Blazer
Accessories:
- Vintage sunglasses
- Pearl Necklace
- Hoop Earrings
- Silk Scarves
- Headbands
- Structured Leather Bag
2. QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Investing in high-quality pieces is key to achieving that classic old-money style, and they’ll last you a lifetime. However, buying quality doesn’t require a huge bank account. There are plenty of affordable options made with premium materials—you just need to know where to shop and carefully check the material list before making a purchase. It’s always preferable to choose pieces made from natural fibers for that refined, long-lasting appeal.
3. PATTERNS
Avoid bold, extravagant prints like animal or floral patterns. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with them, they give off a completely different vibe from the old-money aesthetic. Instead, opt for more understated graphic prints, such as stripes, polka dots, and checks, which align better with the timeless, sophisticated look of old-money style.
4. TAILORING
It’s essential to always tailor your clothes for the perfect fit—never too tight or too loose. Invest in structured, high-quality pieces that are impeccably tailored to suit you like a glove and highlight your figure. Well-fitted clothing is a key element of the old-money aesthetic, adding polish and sophistication to any outfit.
5. COLORS
The old-money style often embraces a neutral color palette, featuring soft, understated tones with the occasional pop of color. To simplify your outfit planning, here are some popular old-money color combinations to keep in mind as you put together your looks:
OLD MONEY OUTFIT INSPIRATION
BLACK KNIT DRESS
A black knit dress is a staple for your winter capsule wardrobe. To elevate the look, you can add tan or brown accessories, or go for classic pearl accents for a touch of elegance.
BLAZER & RIDING BOOTS
Instead of opting for something overly oversized, a classic blazer looks incredibly chic. Pair it with white leggings and riding boots for the ultimate old-money vibe. Don’t forget the accessories! The gold details on the belt add a touch of elegance, while statement glasses and a black headband bring in those perfect vintage vibes.
You might also consider a double-breasted blazer with gold buttons—it’s super chic! A navy blazer paired with neutral colors is another fantastic option to achieve that sophisticated look.
MONOCHROMATIC LOOK
I hesitated to include yet another monochrome look in this guide, but the truth is, wearing tonal outfits is one of the simplest ways to achieve that old-money aesthetic. Monochrome ensembles create a polished, sophisticated vibe that effortlessly embodies the style.
TRENCH COAT, JEANS & LOAFERS
This look is more casual, making it perfect for daytime outings. Most of us likely already have these pieces in our wardrobes, but I’ve linked some stunning options for you just in case, including the best Loro Piana dupes!
CABLE KNIT SWEATER & WHITE SHIRT
This look is incredibly easy to recreate, and it’s timeless—you can wear it year after year without it ever going out of style.
WOOL COAT & SILK SCARF
Nothing says old money quite like a silk scarf! It’s a simple yet elegant way to add a pop of color to your neutral outfits. You can wear it with a wool coat, paired with jeans and ankle boots or white trainers for a chic, polished look.
COAT, SHIRT & TURTLENECK
How stunning is this outfit? The colors perfectly embody the old-money aesthetic, and the striped coat adds a super chic element to the look. If you love wearing shirts in winter, layering a turtleneck sweater underneath is a great idea for added warmth and style!
WHITE TENNIS SKIRT & SWEATSHIRT
Remember when we discussed tennis as one of the classic old-money hobbies? That’s why a white tennis skirt is a must-have for achieving the old-money look! Simply pair it with a sweatshirt and knee-high boots for a chic ensemble. You can also opt for a grey or black skater skirt, which is easier to style during winter—just add a pair of leggings underneath for warmth and comfort.
TWEED 2-PIECE SUIT
A matching set is essential for achieving that old-money look, especially in tweed. I believe tweed adds a touch of class to any outfit. Paired with a wool coat, it creates a sophisticated formal look that’s perfect for colder days.
CHECKED BLAZER & KNIT TOP
This look embodies the ultimate Ralph Lauren aesthetic: a checked or houndstooth blazer paired with a cozy sweater. This type of pattern instantly lends a heritage feel to any outfit. For added warmth and a vintage touch, consider layering a white shirt underneath—it’s a classic combination that never goes out of style!
