Old Money Aesthetic Style Guide : Quiet Luxury 2024

Old money fashion and old money aesthetic represent a world of timeless elegance and understated luxury. These styles emphasize quality over flashiness, favoring classic designs and sophisticated tailoring that never go out of style. Unlike trend-driven fashion, old money looks are all about tradition, heritage, and refined taste. Whether you’re looking to embody this aesthetic or are simply curious, this guide will walk you through the key elements of old money fashion, how to embrace it, and where to find iconic pieces.

What is Old Money Aesthetic?

Old money aesthetic reflects the wealth and refinement of individuals whose families have had wealth for generations. This style draws inspiration from aristocratic heritage, focusing on a look that is polished but never gaudy. Unlike new money, which tends to emphasize showy luxury, old money style values understated elegance. Traditional pieces like tailored blazers, pearls, and Oxford shirts are staples in this aesthetic. The old money aesthetic thrives on subtle sophistication, where the quality of clothing speaks for itself rather than relying on logos or trends.

Key Characteristics of Old Money Fashion

Old money fashion is defined by several key characteristics that distinguish it from trend-focused fashion. Here’s a breakdown of these essential traits:

These features make old money fashion an enduring and versatile style choice, with garments that can be passed down through generations.

Old Money Brands: The Pinnacle of Quality and Taste

Several brands have long been associated with the old money aesthetic due to their commitment to craftsmanship and timeless design. These brands are known for their quality, often offering wardrobe staples that are elegant and long-lasting.

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren is renowned for its classic American style characterized by preppy and polished designs. The brand is famous for its tailored blazers, polo shirts, and sporty yet elegant attire, reflecting a timeless sophistication

Hermès

Hermès is synonymous with high-end luxury and craftsmanship, particularly celebrated for its exquisite leather goods. The brand’s Birkin and Kelly bags are iconic symbols of wealth and taste, while Hermès scarves are beloved for their timeless designs and meticulous craftsmanship, making them favorites among old money people.

Brooks Brothers

Established in 1818, Brooks Brothers is one of the oldest American clothing brands, known for its traditional menswear and womenswear. The brand specializes in impeccably tailored suits, dress shirts, and classic apparel that exude understated elegance and quality.

Burberry

Burberry is a quintessentially British brand famous for its trench coats, which are enduring symbols of refined outerwear. Known for its distinctive tartan pattern (Nova Check), Burberry combines heritage with modernity, offering a range of apparel and accessories that embody classic British style.

Chanel

Chanel is synonymous with luxury and sophistication, known primarily for its haute couture, ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, and perfumes that appeal to rich people. Founded by Coco Chanel, the brand’s tweed jackets, little black dresses, and elegant accessories epitomize timeless elegance and understated luxury.

These brands cater to a clientele that values consistency in style and the finest materials, ensuring they maintain their prestigious status in the fashion world.

Old Money Outfits for All Season

After season, the old money aesthetic continues to influence personal style and fashion choices. Old money fashion adapts effortlessly to each season. Here are some examples of how to curate an old money wardrobe for any time of the year:

The old money aesthetic is not just about specific pieces, but how they are worn year-round in a way that maintains effortless elegance, reflecting the style icons of the past.

Embracing an Old Money Aesthetic: Where to Start?

Embracing an old money aesthetic in fashion involves cultivating a timeless and understated style that exudes elegance and sophistication. Here’s a breakdown of where to start:

Tailored Blazer

Invest in a well-fitted blazer made from high-quality material. Opt for classic colors like navy or beige, as they are versatile and pair well with other wardrobe pieces.

Classic White Dress Shirts

A crisp Oxford shirt in white or pale blue is a must-have. Choose one with a good fit and quality fabric to ensure longevity.

Quality Accessories

 Select accessories that are understated yet refined. Consider simple pearl earrings, a classic leather belt, or a vintage watch. These pieces add a touch of elegance without being flashy.

Neutral Color Palette

Base your wardrobe around neutral colors such as beige, navy, white, and grey. These colors are timeless and can be easily mixed and matched to create sophisticated outfits.

By focusing on these key investments, you’ll build a wardrobe that embodies the classic and timeless essence of old money style. Remember, the key is to prioritize quality over quantity and to select pieces that will stand the test of time both in terms of durability and style.

Old Money vs. New Money: Aesthetic Differences

While both old money and new money are associated with wealth, they reflect very different fashion choices. Old money fashion is subtle, timeless, and often muted in its use of color and branding. New money fashion, on the other hand, tends to emphasize logos, designer labels, and trendier pieces that scream luxury.

Old money aesthetics prioritize heritage and legacy, while new money aesthetics focus on the “here and now,” often emphasizing wealth through showiness.

Where to Shop for Old Money Aesthetic

Building an old money wardrobe requires careful selection from brands and stores known for their commitment to quality and timeless design. Here are some ideal places to shop:

Luxury Department Stores

Luxury retailers like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue are perfect for sourcing high-end, old money fashion. These stores carry a wide selection of classic brands known for their craftsmanship. You can find staples like cashmere sweaters, tailored blazers, and timeless leather accessories. With their selection of luxury brands, these stores are perfect for creating a well-rounded old money wardrobe. Each of these department stores regularly features collections from the most prestigious designers, giving you access to the timeless styles you seek.

Heritage Brands

When it comes to heritage brands, look no further than Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, and Burberry. These brands have stood the test of time, offering classic pieces that resonate with the old money aesthetic. Ralph Lauren’s iconic polo shirts and tailored suits are a perfect reflection of the sophisticated yet approachable old money look. Brooks Brothers offers timeless American tailoring, specializing in formalwear like blazers and dress shirts. Burberry, with its heritage trench coats and quality knitwear, remains an essential in the old money wardrobe. Each of these brands emphasizes high-quality fabrics, classic designs, and refined craftsmanship, making them key players in maintaining an old money style.

Vintage Stores

For a more budget-conscious approach or to find one-of-a-kind pieces, consider exploring vintage stores and thrift shops. These hidden gems can offer some of the most authentic old money staples. Vintage boutiques often carry high-quality, pre-loved clothing, such as wool coats, silk scarves, or even designer handbags from decades past, at a fraction of the original price. Shopping vintage not only aligns with the old money emphasis on quality and longevity, but it also gives you the chance to own pieces with history and character. Look for stores that specialize in designer goods or high-end collections to ensure you’re purchasing items that maintain the integrity of the old money aesthetic.

Boutiques in Europe

If you’re traveling or shopping internationally, boutiques in fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, or London offer access to exclusive European designers and rare finds that can’t be found anywhere else. European boutiques are known for carrying bespoke items and meticulously crafted garments, often from heritage brands that have been cherished by old money people for centuries. Shopping in these cities allows you to immerse yourself in the culture of old-world luxury, where you can find everything from bespoke tailoring to handmade leather goods. Look for boutiques in neighborhoods like Le Marais in Paris or Via Monte Napoleone in Milan for unique items that embody the old money aesthetic perfectly.

Timeless Style Through Iconic Old Money Elegance Styles

Some iconic figures have defined the old money aesthetic over time, becoming the faces of timeless elegance. Notable examples include:

Jackie Kennedy

As a First Lady, Jackie Kennedy epitomized old money fashion with her simple yet luxurious wardrobe. She was known for her shift dresses, pearls, and pillbox hats. Her style was minimalist yet exuded wealth through quality fabrics and impeccable tailoring.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly, a Hollywood star turned princess, embodied elegance through clean lines, classic silhouettes, and an aura of sophistication. Her wardrobe was a mix of structured blouses, tailored suits, and elegant gowns, emphasizing simplicity and grace.

Prince Charles

As a member of British royalty, Prince Charles consistently exemplified traditional old money fashion. He is often seen in immaculately tailored suits with pocket squares, understated accessories, and neutral tones that reflect timeless aristocratic style.

These figures showed that sophistication is less about following trends and more about sticking to the classics.

Curating Your Old Money Aesthetic: Tips for Success

Successfully building an old money wardrobe requires a mindset that values longevity, quality, and elegance. Here’s how you can curate a wardrobe that reflects timeless refinement:

Invest in Quality

Prioritize craftsmanship. A single, high-quality coat, for instance, will last you decades compared to multiple fast-fashion items. Opt for fabrics like wool, cashmere, and fine cotton.

Keep it Neutral

A neutral color palette—navy, beige, white, grey, and earthy tones—forms the backbone of an old money wardrobe. These colors allow for easy mixing and matching across seasons and ensure your outfits remain timeless.

Avoid Logos

The old money aesthetic shies away from loud branding. Instead of flashy logos, choose garments that emphasize subtlety through design and material. Look for pieces where quality craftsmanship speaks louder than a label.

Look for Timeless Pieces

The foundation of your wardrobe should consist of classic items that stand the test of time. Focus on purchasing trench coats, leather shoes, well-cut blazers, Oxford shirts, and tailored trousers or skirts. These are pieces that never go out of fashion and can be passed down through generations.

Accessorize Sparingly

Less is more when it comes to old money accessories. Minimalism is key—stick to timeless items like a simple pearl necklace, leather belts, a classic wristwatch, or understated gold jewelry. Quality should shine through, not quantity.

Prioritize Fit Over Fashion

Ensure your clothes are well-tailored to your body shape. A perfectly fitted blazer or pair of trousers not only enhances your appearance but also adds to the overall elegance of your outfit.

Maintain Your Wardrobe

Old money wardrobes are known for their longevity, and this requires proper care. Invest in high-quality garment bags, polish leather shoes regularly, and dry clean delicate fabrics when necessary.

Embrace Vintage and Heirloom Pieces

Old money fashion isn’t about buying new pieces all the time; it’s about incorporating items with history. Consider vintage shopping or using family heirlooms to bring a unique and personal touch to your wardrobe.

By adhering to these principles, your wardrobe will exude the classic elegance of old money style while being practical, durable, and utterly refined.

Conclusion

The old money aesthetic The old money aesthetic is all about embracing timeless elegance, quality craftsmanship, and a sense of understated luxury that resonates with personal style. It’s a style that transcends trends and focuses on pieces that will stand the test of time. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your wardrobe, building an old money look means prioritizing classic, high-quality pieces that reflect a sophisticated, yet unpretentious lifestyle.

FAQs

What defines old money fashion?

Old money fashion is characterized by timeless, high-quality pieces, subtle elegance, and a preference for heritage brands. It emphasizes understated luxury over flashy trends.

How do I start embracing old money style?

Begin with wardrobe staples like a tailored blazer, an Oxford shirt, and neutral accessories. Invest in quality over quantity and stick to classic cuts and fabrics that are favored by old money people.

What are the differences between old money and new money fashion?

Old money fashion is subtle and timeless, while new money fashion tends to focus on bold trends and visible logos. Old money emphasizes heritage, while new money highlights current status.

Which brands are considered old money?

Brands like Ralph Lauren, Burberry, and Brooks Brothers are synonymous with old money fashion due to their history of craftsmanship and timeless designs.

Can I find old money fashion pieces in vintage stores?

Yes, vintage and thrift stores can be great places to find timeless, well-made items that fit the old money aesthetic, often at a more affordable price.