Old money aesthetic style is characterized by its understated elegance and timeless quality. This particular style is expressed in fashion, interior design, and overall lifestyle choices that favor classic, high-quality items over trendy, disposable goods.
Rooted in a culture of wealth that has been passed down through generations, the old money aesthetic stands out for its attention to detail, craftsmanship, and an air of nonchalance about one’s wealth and status.
Old money attire often consists of well-tailored garments made from durable fabrics such as tweed or cashmere.
There’s a notable preference for neutral tones and subtle patterns, a nod to the discretion commonly associated with the old money circle.
Accessories are selected for their quality and heritage, with items like leather-bound watches or silk scarves being key staples.
In your living spaces, opt for classic furniture pieces that echo a sense of history and longevity.
Old money homes are typically curated with a mix of antiques and bespoke items, creating a lived-in yet refined atmosphere.
Every element within the old money aesthetic serves a purpose. There is an implicit understanding that true style endures beyond fleeting trends.
Defining The Old Money Aesthetic
The term ‘old money’ represents a group in society that has inherited wealth over generations. We associate the old money aesthetic with a deep-rooted appreciation for tradition and an understated elegance.
This timeless style conveys a sense of quiet luxury that doesn’t scream for attention but instead whispers its lineage.
The key approach to old money elegance involves choosing quality over quantity.
Main Characteristics:
- Timelessness: Incorporate pieces that can be worn for decades and beyond – a testament to their lasting appeal.
- Subtlety: Focus on neutrality and simplicity rather than flashy or trendy items.
- Quality: Invest in well-crafted and durable goods that reflect a high-caliber choice.
Style Elements:
- Clothing: Tailored suits, conservative dresses, and classic coats.
- Accessories: Leather goods, scarves, and timepieces that signify old money style.
- Home Décor: Antiques and art that tell a story of heritage.
Mannerisms:
- Social Interactions: Embody a polite and refined comportment that mirrors your aesthetic preferences.
This aesthetic can be described as a visual representation of your traditions and values – always gravitating towards a classic style that emphasizes timeless elegance without the need for constant reinvention.
Old money aesthetic style isn’t merely a fashion statement; it is a lifestyle that prioritizes legacy, quality, and an appreciation for the understated beauty in all aspects of life.
Historical Roots and Influences
The term “old money” connotes inherited wealth passed down through generations. It is synonymous with refinement, elegance, and a certain understated sophistication that has developed over time.
| Key Concepts of Old Money Aesthetic | Description |
|---|---|
| Inherited Wealth | Wealth acquired through family lineage over generations. |
| Refinement | A manner of being that is cultured and polished. |
| Elegance | The quality of being graceful and stylish in appearance or manner. |
| Sophistication | A quality of refinement, displaying good taste and cultural knowledge. |
The backbone of the old money aesthetic lies in the social and cultural capitals of families who have retained their wealth over centuries. However, these days anyone can achieve the old money look by following these tips, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
- Fashion: Simple, classic lines with high-quality fabrics; avoidance of ostentatious trends.
- Lifestyle: Cultivated hobbies and a robust education; often includes philanthropy and a duty to society.
- Makeup: Subtle use of cosmetics to highlight your natural beauty.
- Hair styles: Old money hair styles are uncontrived and easy to maintain.
Through subtle signals like monograms and family crests on personal items, the aesthetic subtly reveals status without overt displays.
The old money aesthetic is deeply entwined with societal ideals about dignity and responsibility. This makes it a compelling subject for those who wish to understand the echelons of wealth and their lasting impact on style and culture.
Old Money Aesthetic Style Guide
In your pursuit of the old money aesthetic, prioritize timeless pieces that are well-made, well-fitted, and imbue a sense of tradition and subdued elegance into your everyday attire. Imagine the sort of outfit that you’d wear to English country clubs and you won’t go wrong. A trench coat, well-tailored blazer and subtle accessories works well for both men and women.
Suits and Tailoring
Suits: For a quintessential old money look, select suits that are expertly tailored to your measurements. Traditional fabrics like tweed are often our go-to choice for their durability and classic appeal.
- Double-breasted Suits: These offer a powerful silhouette, making them a staple in old money wardrobes for both business and formal occasions.
Tailoring: We recommend the expertise of a skilled tailor to ensure that your dress shirts and trousers fit impeccably.
| Garment | Fabric Choice | Tailoring Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Suits | Tweed | Yes |
| Dress Pants | Wool, Flannel | Yes |
Old Money Casual Essentials
For casual wear, choose garments that balance comfort with classic styling.
- Polo Shirts: The polo shirt is a casual yet refined choice, perfect for a relaxed day at the country club or a casual outing.
- Chinos: Paired with a well-fitted polo shirt, chinos are a cornerstone of men’s casual wardrobes for their versatility and comfort.
Dress Code Essentials
Old money formal attire is uncompromising in its sophistication and adherence to tradition.
- Dress Shirts: Select dress shirts made from high-quality cotton, which are a must for their breathability and crisp appearance.
- Dress Pants: Ensure that your dress pants are well-fitted. Opt for classic cuts that withstand the ebbs and flows of fashion trends.
Accessories and Footwear
The right accessories and footwear are pivotal to complement your old money aesthetic.
- Loafers: No footwear collection is complete without a pair of chic leather loafers, embodying casual elegance.
- Trench Coats: These not only offer functionality but also add an extra layer of timeless flair to your look.
Accessories: Select pieces like a leather handbag or a silk scarf to add a subtle flair to the old money aesthetic. Jewelry should be subtle, whether simple gold chains or discreet pearl earrings.
Old Money Color Palette and Textures
The old money aesthetic champions an understated color scheme that exudes timelessness and refinement. As connoisseurs of this style, we lean heavily on a palette of classic colors. These hues are not only versatile but also symbolize the enduring taste that transcends seasonal trends.
- Classic Colors:
- Navy: A hallmark of sophistication, navy is a frequent choice in our wardrobe and home decor.
- Cream: Soft and subtle, providing a calm and collected backdrop.
- Hunter Green: Reflects a connection to heritage and the natural world.
- Burgundy: Adds depth and richness to the aesthetic without overwhelming.
In terms of fabrics, tweed emerges as a quintessential material that embodies old money style.
Enhancing texture and incorporating pattern, tweed integrates well with the classic color spectrum by offering earthy tones and a tactile dimension.
Our fabrics of choice are those that age gracefully and speak to our appreciation for craftsmanship:
- Wool: For its durability and classic appeal.
- Silk: Signifying luxury with its smooth finish.
- Cashmere: Synonymous with comfort and timeless elegance.
Old Money Fashion Brands
When curating a wardrobe that resonates with the old money aesthetic, we advocate choosing pieces that exude timelessness and sophistication.
The idea is to invest in quality over quantity, preferring garments that offer refined style with a hint of understated luxury.
Certain brands recurrently embody this philosophy, consistently featuring in the closets of those adhering to old money fashion.
Ralph Lauren remains a quintessential pillar of old money fashion. Known for its classic lines and high-quality materials, this famous American brand reflects a lifestyle of comfort and effortless elegance.
Its Polo line is often associated with the preppy look, a crucial element in the old money style.
The following are other notable brands that are commonly aligned with the old money aesthetic:
- Brooks Brothers
Regarded as the original authority on American style, offering refined ready-to-wear ensembles. - Barbour
British heritage brand celebrated for its iconic waxed jackets, ideal for outdoor elegance. - Burberry
Particularly their trench coats, which symbolize a blend of traditional British style and functionality. - L.L.Bean
Synonymous with quality and durability, their pieces often become wardrobe staples. - Todd Snyder
American premium menswear brand, known for its stylish jackets and polo shirts.
These brands, much like Ralph Lauren, emphasize a wardrobe that isn’t swayed by fleeting trends but rather maintains an unwavering commitment to quality and classic design.
We find that their garments boast a richness that doesn’t scream for attention yet is recognizably premium, capturing the essence of old money fashion.
When worn with confidence, these brands convey a narrative of heritage and understated affluence.
Old Money Lifestyle Choices: Home and Social Grace
When we think of the old money aesthetic, we envision not just elegance but a commitment to an inviting home décor and an embedded culture of good manners.
Home Decor and Living Space
In your living spaces, strive for timeless designs that reflect your heritage and stability. Old money homes often feature:
- Classic furniture: Think Chesterfield sofas and Chippendale armchairs.
- Heirloom pieces: Items passed down over generations are displayed with pride.
- Quality over quantity: Choose fewer, but higher-quality items that withstand the test of time.
- Subtle luxury: Fine art and oriental rugs adorn old money rooms, but the opulence is never ostentatious.
Your living space should be a testament to your lifestyle – comfortable but cultivated, and always welcoming.
Manners and Etiquette
Uphold a lifestyle that exudes grace, characterized by unwavering good posture and manners in social settings. Key aspects include:
- Polite conversation: Engage in discussions that are respectful and avoid controversial topics.
- Table manners: Know your way around a formal dinner setting, from the correct use of cutlery to the way to hold your wine glasses.
- Written correspondence: The art of writing thank-you notes and invitations on beautiful stationery is still held in high esteem.
Social graces are a reflection of old money heritage, demonstrating a deep commitment to good manners that are respected across generations.
Diffusion of Old Money Style into Modern Culture
The old money aesthetic has become popular in modern culture, primarily through social media platforms like TikTok.
This platform, known for its viral trends, has seen many young people adopt elements of the old money style, blending vintage luxury with contemporary fashion.
The aesthetic emphasizes classic silhouettes, quality fabrics, and a timeless appeal that resonates with a demographic yearning for sophistication and understatement.
Shows like “The Crown”, “Succession” and “Gossip Girl” have played significant roles by dramatizing the lives of the wealthy elite, further inspiring the modern interpretation of old money fashion, where tailored suits and conservative dresses are celebrated.
Channel your inner Blair Waldorf with spotless white tennis skirts and other high-quality pieces in neutral colors. Princess Diana is another old money style icon.
The following table illustrates key old money attributes that have permeated into current trends:
| Feature | Description | Example in Modern Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Tailored Pieces | Well-fitted clothing items | Suits and blazers on high streets |
| Luxury Fabrics | High-quality materials | Cashmere sweaters in retail stores |
| Neutral Palette | Subdued color schemes | Beige and navy tones dominating fashion look books |
These trends are being embraced and redefined; for instance, we find:
- Vintage watches are now paired with minimalist wardrobes.
- Loafers and brogues become staples alongside contemporary casual wear.
- Pearl necklaces and signet rings are re-imagined for daily accessorizing.
The adoption of old money style has extended beyond fashion to include behavior and lifestyle, with a nod to the leisurely pursuits associated with generational wealth, like tennis and sailing.
We see the influential power of the old money aesthetic not just as a fleeting fashion trend but as a broader cultural movement, solidifying its relevance in our daily lives.
How to Embody Old Money Elegance
To exude the old money aesthetic, you must understand the importance of subtlety and understatement.
Choose pieces that are timeless and elegant rather than trendy. Investing in quality, even for simple wardrobe staples, is key because these pieces last longer and often look better with age.
Here’s how to achieve the perfect old money look:
- Clothing: Opt for subtle color palettes and avoid flashy logos.
- Tailoring: Consider tailoring your clothes to fit well, ensuring that you look polished without being overt.
- Personal Style: While your outfits may be mixed and matched, ensure that they complement each other to display a balanced and harmonious appearance.
- Accessories: Invest in quality accessories that add depth and sophistication.
- Leather goods, silk scarves, and minimalist jewelry are our staples.
- Home Decor: To embody this aesthetic at home, add a touch of antique or heirloom furniture alongside modern comforts.
- This combination displays both your respect for the past and a commitment to modern-day quality.
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