HOW TO ACHIEVE ”OLD MONEY” ON A BUDGET

The old-money aesthetic has quickly become one of my favorite fashion trends. It’s all about embracing a timeless and refined style, with classic wardrobe staples like trench coats, knitwear, blazers or lady jackets, pleated trousers, silk midi skirts, and sophisticated accessories at the core of this look.

The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to channel this kind of elegance! While I believe in investing in chic, timeless pieces, there are plenty of ways to find them at budget-friendly prices. If you’ve been on the hunt for affordable quiet luxury pieces, this article has exactly what you need.

Below, you’ll find a list of essential old-money staples to invest in for spring and summer, all included in the capsule graphic above. Keep scrolling for the perfect old-money looks!

TRENCH COAT

A trench coat is an absolute essential for achieving the old-money aesthetic! It’s especially ideal during transitional seasons like spring when the weather is still unpredictable. And don’t be quick to rule it out for summer—on rainy days, a lightweight, weather-resistant trench coat is perfect for staying stylish and dry without overheating.

CREAM JACKET

A cream jacket exudes understated elegance, making it a perfect choice for an old-money outfit. This timeless, refined piece is often made from breathable fabrics, making it ideal for warmer weather. The light tones also add a fresh, bright touch to any ensemble, effortlessly elevating your look.

STRIPED SWEATER

A striped sweater is a versatile must-have in old-money fashion. Its timeless appeal allows for endless styling possibilities, making it easy to dress up or down for any occasion. This classic piece brings a touch of effortless sophistication to both casual and more polished looks.

KNIT CREWNECK

This sweater is an excellent addition to your spring or summer old-money wardrobe! It’s ideal for those chilly days when you need a bit of extra warmth. If the temperature rises and you need to take it off, simply draping it over your shoulder adds that effortless quiet luxury vibe to your look. This piece combines practicality and style beautifully!

KNIT CARDIGANS

A quality cardigan is essential for adding extra layers to an old-money outfit. Perfect for cooler spring days, a knit cardigan offers a simple yet timeless option that effortlessly elevates your look. It’s an easy go-to piece that combines style and comfort while maintaining an air of sophistication.

KNIT TANKS

Tank tops are a staple for warm-weather wardrobes, but choosing knit tank tops elevates your outfit to a more sophisticated level. I recommend opting for neutral tones, as they make it easy to mix and match with other pieces, creating an effortlessly elegant aesthetic. This simple switch can make a big difference in achieving a polished look!

KNIT OR LINEN VEST

If it’s the middle of summer and you crave the polished look of a button-up shirt without the bulk, consider a knit or linen vest instead. This piece offers a similar aesthetic to a button-up while providing a more relaxed, warm-weather vibe. It’s a stylish way to stay cool and sophisticated during the hotter months!

POLO TEE

It’s almost a given that a polo tee is a staple in an old-money wardrobe, as it’s often associated with class and sophistication. For spring and summer, I recommend opting for a short-sleeved polo; it’s the perfect top for achieving an old-money look while staying budget-friendly. This timeless piece adds an effortlessly polished touch to any outfit!

BUTTON-UP SHIRTS

Button-up shirts bring a formal and sophisticated touch to any outfit, making them an essential piece for an old-money-inspired capsule wardrobe. They can be paired with tailored pants for a refined look or worn open for a more casual vibe. Regardless of how you style it, a button-up shirt instantly elevates your ensemble, adding an air of timeless elegance.

SLEEVELESS TURTLENECK

I adore incorporating a sleeveless turtleneck into my quiet luxury outfits! It’s a fantastic option for layering in cooler weather, but it can also be worn alone with pants, shorts, or a skirt for an elegant ensemble. Its versatility makes it a timeless addition to any wardrobe!

SHIRT DRESS

A shirt dress is a minimalist piece that exudes elegant and timeless appeal, adding a lovely feminine touch to any outfit. It’s an excellent choice for spring or summer, perfect for occasions like a coffee date or dinner with friends. Its versatility and effortless style make it a must-have in your wardrobe!

TAILORED SHORTS

Much like tailored pants, tailored shorts elevate any outfit and impart that quiet luxury vibe. If it’s a hot day or you plan to spend time at the beach or by the water, tailored shorts are the perfect choice. They offer a chic and comfortable option while keeping you stylish in warmer weather!

SLIP SKIRT

A slip skirt is an excellent way to add an elevated and feminine touch to any outfit. Its silky appearance and slightly fitted silhouette exude refinement, while also being breezy enough to pair beautifully with any spring or summer ensemble. This versatile piece is a must-have for effortless sophistication!

CLASSIC BLUE JEANS

Blue jeans definitely have a place in old-money fashion. These timeless pants can easily be incorporated into a high-end outfit when paired with elevated tops, sophisticated shoes, and refined accessories. With the right styling, blue jeans can seamlessly blend comfort with elegance, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe.

PLEATED TROUSERS

Pleated trousers are undoubtedly one of the most elegant pieces you can have in your wardrobe, making them a must-have for a quiet luxury capsule. While they exude sophistication, they can also be dressed down for a casual outing, whether you’re enjoying brunch or shopping with friends. Their versatility allows you to effortlessly transition from chic to relaxed styles.

CAP

You might be surprised to learn that a baseball cap seamlessly fits into the old-money aesthetic, but it’s true! This classic accessory adds a subtle sporty and preppy touch, effortlessly conveying a quiet luxury vibe while maintaining a laid-back sophistication.

TOTE BAG

Totes are perfect for spring and summer when you’re out enjoying the sunshine and need a stylish way to carry all your essentials. I recommend choosing neutral tones like beige, cream, camel, black, or classic white for a timeless, versatile look that complements any outfit. This accessory is both practical and effortlessly chic!

RAFFIA BAG

A woven raffia tote is effortlessly chic and an ideal accessory for summer! However, it works just as beautifully in spring. With raffia bags available in a variety of shapes and sizes—whether you prefer a crossbody, tote, bucket bag, or shoulder bag—you can easily find one that fits perfectly with the quiet luxury aesthetic. It’s a versatile piece that adds texture and style to any warm-weather outfit.

CROSSBODY BAG

A crossbody bag is a staple accessory for the old-money look! Leather or faux leather options have an effortlessly sophisticated appearance, and opting for gold-toned hardware can instantly elevate your outfit. A crossbody is perfect for staying hands-free during an outing or for adding a relaxed, yet polished, vibe to your ensemble.

CLASSIC FOOTWEAR

Classic footwear is essential to complement timeless clothing pieces! Simple yet elegantly designed shoes are perfect for achieving the old-money look, and choosing neutral tones enhances the overall classy aesthetic.

Here are the types of footwear I recommend for the quiet luxury style:

  • Pumps
  • Heeled sandals
  • Brown sandals
  • Ballet flats or loafers
  • Classic sneakers

These options strike the perfect balance between sophistication and versatility, effortlessly enhancing any old-money outfit.

CONCLUSION

Remember, true luxury lies in the details. Pay attention to the fit, fabric, and craftsmanship of your clothing. Opt for neutral colors and timeless silhouettes that can be easily mixed and matched. And most importantly, embrace a mindset of slow fashion, valuing quality over quantity and building a wardrobe that stands the test of time.

TOP FASHION COLOR TRENDS FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2024

Are you excited to dive into the color trends for Spring/Summer 2024? While bold colors have recently been the star of the fashion scene, this season is seeing a shift towards lighter pastels. From soft pastel yellows to serene sky blues, I’ve compiled the top color trends for the upcoming season to help you stay on trend and look your best.

PEACH FUZZ

Let’s kick things off with the Color of the Year: Peach Fuzz!

This soft peach hue exudes warmth and tranquility, making it an ideal choice for the upcoming warmer months. As the Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz will also make a significant impact in the Fall/Winter 2024 palette. Despite being a peach shade, its light tone offers versatile styling options. You can effortlessly pair it with various neutrals, as well as shades of blue, grey, and dark red, for a balanced and stylish look.

OLIVE GREEN

Military Green adds a touch of utility and sophistication to the fashion world. This versatile khaki hue can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for any occasion. Expect to see a range of forest greens, from lighter to darker shades, as it’s a universal color that can be easily styled by everyone.

NAVY BLUE

Navy Blue remains a timeless classic that never loses its appeal. Its versatility allows it to be dressed up or down for any occasion. This year, expect to see Navy Blue paired with other understated luxury colors like cream, sky blue, and camel. You can opt for a monochromatic look by wearing different shades of navy from head to toe, or mix it with your favorite colors. Whatever you choose, Navy Blue will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your outfit.

BRIGHT ORANGE

Fashion shows featured two distinct shades of orange this season: a soft pastel orange and a vibrant, darker bright orange. The vibrant hue is ideal for those with warm skin tones, as it complements your complexion beautifully. For those with cooler undertones, the lighter pastel orange will enhance your natural glow, offering a fresh and radiant look.

PISTACHIO GREEN

A refreshing new shade of green is making waves on the runway this season. This subtle yet sophisticated hue adds a contemporary edge to any outfit, whether you’re sporting a chic pantsuit or a flowy midi skirt. For a polished daytime look, pair it with neutrals, or combine it with navy blue for a touch of classic elegance.

LILAC

Let’s discuss Lilac, a soft and delicate hue that exudes romance and femininity. This powdery lavender shade is ideal for the upcoming season, whether you’re wearing a pastel lilac dress or adding a touch of lavender with a pair of heels. For a chic daytime look, pair Lilac with grey or brown, or mix it with other pastels for a harmonious spring 2024 ensemble.

PALE BLUE

Next up is Chambray Blue, also known as Icy Blue—a powdery shade that exudes calm and tranquility. This cool blue hue feels like a refreshing breath of air, making it perfect for the upcoming season. Pair it with crisp whites for a clean and airy look, or mix it with other pastels for a soft, colorful ensemble. For a bolder statement, try color-blocking with cherry red or bright orange to create a striking contrast.

CHERRY RED

The vibrant red that ruled Fall/Winter 2023 has transitioned into a richer Cherry Red for the upcoming season. This deep, bold hue makes a striking statement, perfect for those who love to stand out. Whether you’re wearing a crimson dress or a burgundy blazer, dark red is sure to turn heads and add a touch of luxury to your outfit. It pairs beautifully with neutrals, and also makes a dynamic contrast with bold colors like pink and blue.

BABY PINK

Shifting from the bright pink that ruled fashion last year, Pastel Pink, also known as Millennial Pink, introduces a touch of sweetness to the fashion scene. This soft, feminine hue is perfect for those who love to showcase their delicate side while maintaining a chic and modern look.

PASTEL YELLOW

Last but not least, we have pale yellow or as some like to call butter yellow. it’s a shade reminiscent of a lemon drop and warm sunshine. This soft and cheerful hue offers the perfect sense of freshness to any outfit, making it a must have for summer 2024. Pale yellow pairs perfectly with shades of blue, so you can pair it with denim for a casual look or with navy blue for a formal look.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the fashion color trends for Spring/Summer 2024 showcase a blend of timeless elegance and fresh, modern hues. From the serene Peach Fuzz to the vibrant Cherry Red, these colors offer a range of options to suit every style and occasion. Soft pastels like Pastel yellow and Lilac bring a touch of tranquility and romance, while versatile shades like Navy Blue and Military Green add sophistication and practicality. Whether you’re embracing bold statements or subtle elegance, this season’s palette ensures that there’s a perfect hue to enhance every look and make a stylish impact.