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How Old Money Dresses?

by Shunzhi Nie 09 May 2024

As early as last year, the trend for the aesthetics of the rich appeared on social media: users discovered the old money fashion trend. Even Vogue calls it a key trend for 2023 and advises using it as a reference point for everyday outfits and holiday looks.

Today, the fashion world is gripped by two fashion trends: quiet luxury and old money, which have points of contact but are different. The old money style is a timeless classic that exudes elegance and class. There will be no oversize, bright colors, full of logos, ultra-trendy 2000s, and floating trends.

The best example of the super popular old money fashion trend comes from famous TV series and movies such as The Crown, Gossip Girl, The Talented Mr. Ripley, and others. It draws inspiration from the stories of wealthy families who prefer to invest in quality and durable items that stand the test of time. Quiet luxury is a minimalist approach to fashion that also emphasizes elegance, quality, and versatility, without showing off logos on things.

Today we will tell you more about old money aesthetic that has been gaining momentum since last year. What clothes you should choose and what fashion tricks you should know to look unparalleled, please keep reading since we tell you in this blog.

Old Money Aesthetic

Harper's Bazaar explains the concept of “old money”: it refers to “old” money passed down from generation to generation. Wealth that was inherited, not earned.

Exactly as a style, old money originated in the twentieth century, although the concept itself, of course, appeared even earlier. The stereotype about the refined taste of the elite was formed in the time of Louis XIV, when in Paris there were walking paths and ordinary people for the first time saw with their own eyes the cream of society.

In the 20th century, unlike European countries, there were no wealthy families with a long history in the United States. But at the same time, America had already formed its own aristocracy. These people studied at the best universities, practiced the so-called noble sports, such as polo or horseback riding, and read a lot. While young people tried on images in the spirit of hippies and dressed in sequins from head to toe in the disco era, they adhered to conservative tastes - nothing flashy, calm colors, and classic styles.

This style is characterized by simplicity, sophistication, high quality things and is considered a continuation of the aesthetics of quiet luxury. Rich people did not want to show their huge fortune because of their clothes, so they chose things that looked simple and at the same time refined. The main elements of the image were high-quality clothes in neutral shades, simple styles, designer things without logos, and elements of preppy style.

Princess Diana, Kate Middleton, and Jackie Kennedy are considered to be famous examples of creating an elegant style. The old money aesthetic is ideal for business images, office dress codes, or important events. Modern old money style implies conscious shopping and investment in your closet. Quality pieces are designed to last and resist the fickleness of fashion, they will never age or be lost to capricious trends.

Now old money is not so much about elitism and class as it is a trend in fashion. However, it is not about transience like many other trends.

Old Money Style – What Are the Characteristics?

Old money aesthetics is opposed to fast fashion. The old money style has a special aesthetic and characteristics. First of all, it is characterized by a classic capsule closet. Its selection focuses on quality over quantity, favoring durable items that never go out of style. This includes tailored pants and suits, structured dresses, and cashmere sweaters of luxury brands.

The main feature of the old money style is simplicity. In essence, old money is a minimalist style of clothing. Designer Cass Dimicco, explains that when things in your closet are simple and of high quality, they are easier to re-wear. Everything should be easy to combine, making it much easier to choose what to wear.

Conservatism. Elegant style implies modesty, which manifests itself in elongated hemlines, loose cuts, and classic shallow necklines.

Attention to detail. This is displayed in the careful selection of fabrics, precise tailoring of garments, combination of textures, and thoughtful placement of décor.

Elegant hairstyle and makeup. Light curls, laconic low tufts, ponytails, and shells with careless strands near the face will perfectly fit into the style. Makeup is characterized by modesty, special attention is paid to the even skin tone, light blush, well-groomed eyebrows, and lush eyelashes.

Confidence and grace. One of the most important aspects of style is demeanor: confidence, grace, and a sense of ease in the environment.

As for styles, old money suggests classic silhouettes and the use of preppy elements. These are jackets, sweaters and cardigans, vests with rhombuses, simple white or blue shirts, pleated and midi-skirts A-silhouette, polo shirts, and suit shorts.

Color scheme, fabrics, and accessories For things to belong to the old money style, they should be of high quality and calm tones. There are a few things to pay attention to when forming an old money closet.

Colors and fabrics In old money style, neutral and muted colors are preferred. The idea is to create a timeless and elegant look, not based on bright or bold colors. The most appropriate shades are:
navy blue;
light blue;
beige and brown;
all shades of gray;
white and black;
olive and khaki.

Clothes of similar shades are easy to mix, creating countless combinations of outfits. The Glamour edition recommends using the monochrome technique, mixing neutral and muted pastel colors. Ami brand shows a trendy version of the image: a beige suit, olive high boots, and a small blue handbag.

Quality is paramount. Choose natural fabrics: silk or wool, cashmere or linen. These materials not only look good but also stand the test of time. Structured materials such as jersey, tweed, and bouclé are also very popular.
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The Old Money Aesthetic Style Guide 2024

If you're looking to expand your closet and give it a more sophisticated and refined style, old money style outfit ideas are a great solution. With the right pieces and creativity, you can create a closet that exudes class, elegance, and understated luxury. Whether you're dressing up for a formal event or just running errands around town, old money style outfits are a chic choice that will never go out of style.

From fitted blazers and cashmere sweaters to silk scarves and pearls, there are endless ways to incorporate classic elements of this style into your closet. Whether you prefer a monochromatic style or something bolder, there are plenty of ways to interpret old money styles in your own way. So, grab your favorite classic pieces and get started on creating the perfect old money style outfit.

Wear your sweater over your shoulders
Wearing a cashmere sweater tied at the shoulder creates an air of casual elegance as if you just stepped off the tennis court. It's a mostly simple technique, but it can do wonders as well as being very practical. When the late spring or summer nights get a little chilly, you'll have something you can wear immediately without having to wear a jacket.

Sporty old money look
The look of a polo shirt with plain denim shorts and white high-top sneakers. So it's not just for sports! If you replace the sports shorts with linen shorts and put a fluffy cardigan on the top, you will get quite a comfortable casual look for cool summer evenings. The only thing left is to pick up white sneakers and gather your hair in an elegant low bun - the best manifestation of tennis core!

Now, this outfit reminds you of Princess Diana's modernized outfit, don't you think? A long cardigan made of thick fabric with a mini skirt creates a sleek outfit. And sneakers can be replaced with classic loafers, as they will be elegant and stylish. Don't forget about socks, for old money style it's a must!

White shirt
The basic thing of such a closet is a white blouse or shirt, which can be worn with pants, jeans, and skirts. It should be free or straight cut and have long sleeves, which can always be twisted. The collar can be different, but if you have a classic shirt in your collection, then feel free to unbutton the top buttons and decorate the neck with a large gold necklace.

Wool jacket
The perfect addition to fall looks is a jacket made of dense fabric. Choose a straight model in basic colors that will allow you to easily fit it into your closet. In this case, you can also wear printed jackets, but the patterns should also reflect a luxurious taste: as a rule, women with good taste prefer either plaid or houndstooth.

Tweed suit
The suit that best reflects the “old money” aesthetic. Tweed jackets and skirts became in trend several seasons ago and do not plan to surrender their positions. Most often, fashionistas choose a shortened both top and bottom - such a cut allows you to competently emphasize the figure, without violating its proportions.
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How to Dress like Old Money: Tips and Tricks to Look like a Millionaire

Don't experiment with the color scheme
In images in the style of old money do not mix too many shades. It is better to give preference to a light palette - thanks to her bow looks really expensive. Add accents with the help of gentle colors: mint, dirty blue, and light pink.

The style should be chosen carefully
Deliberate oversized or frank products are not suitable for the old money style. The only piquant accent that you can afford is a mini. And in this case, the “dangerous” length of the outfit should be compensated by a strict jacket or a relaxed sweater.

Play on the contrast of textures
Because of the strict rules visually expensive images can seem boring. The contrast of textures is designed to save the situation. Leather with knitwear, dense cotton with flying fabrics, tweed with satin - all these combinations will be successful.

Opt for classic shoes
Old money allows you to experiment with the shapes of bags, but not shoes. Pairs in classic style will be the safest option. Look for loafers (better glossy), neat loafers, oxfords, or neat boots without unnecessary accents. Such will not only help to put together a visually expensive image but will also last you for more than one season.

Don't forget about the power of accessories
Jewelry and other accessories can help putting an accent in an understated image. Just remember not to select from noticeable stones in favor of pearls or metal products. You should also remember about headbands, satin rubber bands, and discreet hairpins. Handkerchiefs can also be used - for example, tied on the shoulders or the wrist. The main thing is to choose those that look expensive.
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