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The concept of old money styling, quiet luxury or even as it is sometimes known, stealth wealth {lols} has recently seen a resurgence. Events like the hysteria surrounding Sofia Richie's wedding, all things Gossip Girl, TV show Succession taking the world by storm and Kylie Jenner adopting a whole new understated look now she is dating Timothee Chalamat made it clear we have moved on from logo-mania and are firmly in an era of more subdued and elevated sense of styling.
In fact #oldmoneyaesthetic has been searched over 2.5 billion times on TikTok which is just insane. It's safe to say, people want to know how to bring the old money aesthetic into their lives and how to dress old money style. I would say the original {and actual old money!} style icon is Princess Diana. We now see people like Sofia Richie adopting old money style and of course, people are asking how can I dress old money?
If you're interested in dressing old money style then keep on reading as here I delve in to the essence of old money fashion and offer some insights and tips to help get the old money fashion look.
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What is old money styling?
Old money styling simply means taking a classic approach to dressing and styling, an approach that looks sophisticated, timeless and elegant - a type of style that will last forever. Old money styling refers to clothes that fit properly and look elegant without the need to look 'flashy'. Let's look closer at the elements that define this style and answer some questions you may have about how to incorporate the style in to your own wardrobe.
Kylie Jenner's take on the old money look
How do I dress in old money style?
Classic silhouettes really set the tone for old money styling so if you're looking to create this style go for well tailored pieces with clean lines and timeless silhouettes. Think of that wardrobe piece you have used for years that always adds a touch or smartness to any outfit and is never outdated. My nanna always used to tell me that you can't beat a good well tailored black jacket and the ones she had tucked away in her wardrobe were used time and time again to give her outfits an instant sophisticated look.
Taking time to build a capsule wardrobe where each piece complements the others and can be interchanged can assist the old money look. Investing in a few high quality versatile items rather than hundreds of items that are in fashion in that season will really help.
A capsule wardrobe of neutrals to achieve an old money style
Embracing a neutral palette of blacks, whites and earthy tones can add to the overall refined look of old money styling. A great example can be seen in this Ted Baker Fritta Longline Single Breasted Blazer.
Old money styling demands quality over quantity so choose pieces that emphasise quality craftsmanship and materials over fast fashion trends.
Ted Baker Fritta Longline Single Breasted Jacket giving a sleek and elegant silhouette
Is old money styling only for wealthy people?
While quality over quantity is important, old money style is more about owning timeless well made pieces rather than specifically being about the price tag. I do believe that with the right choices anyone can achieve this look even people who are on a tight budget. There are always such great sales around these days on quality clothing so with some planning, this style is achievable for anyone. Style isn't always about money, it's about taste and being able to choose the right pieces that both suit you as an individual.
How can I dress old money style?
The following list includes wardrobe staples to give that old money style:
Tops - a crisp white shirt is a great wardrobe staple for achieving a polished look. I absolutely love LilySilk for classic, elegant pieces and their Basic Concealed Placket silk shirt fits the old money aesthetic perfectly.
LilySilk Basic Concealed Placket Silk Shirt is simple, timeless and elegant
Tailored Blazer - go for a well fitted blazer like this Reiss Neutral Larsson Double Breasted Twill Blazer in neutral tones for a sophisticated layering piece that will go with anything.
Daytime Dresses - choose an A-line dress with a fitted bodice and gently flared skirt such as the Karen Millen Ponte Belted Midi Dress or an elegant sheath dress that is tailored and skims the body gently. Wrap dresses with a waist tie, a simple chic shift dress with straight lines or a well-tailored shirtdress with a structured collar and button front are all classic pieces that look smart and elegant.
Longline, monochrome dresses for old money style
Night Time / Formal Event Dressing - is a great time to show off old money style pieces from long maxi dresses in solid colours like the Revolve Queen Gown Amanda or sophisticated subtle patterns or the classic LBD (Little Black Dress) which is and always will be a versatile timeless piece. Tailored wide legged jumpsuits can also give the polished and classy look like the Club L Endure / Stone Tailored Sleeveless Wide-legged jumpsuit.
Trousers - When choosing old money style trousers, take note of fit and fabric. Go for neutral colours like navy, black or earth tones and always pair them with a classic shirt and blazer. Think well tailored wool trousers, high waisted trousers which really compliment the classic silhouette, flat fronted trousers with a straight or slim leg and, in warmer weather, linen trousers in classic shades can look super sophisticated. These The White Company Stretch Wide Leg Trousers make a smart and elegant yet easy wear.
White trousers and stripes for old money style
Cardigans - If your preference is for cardigans over blazers, choose cashmere for a luxurious look and stick to a classic button fronted one in neutral colours or with think lines and a slim or classic fit. I truly love a cardigan that can double up as a jacket and the ones I currently owned can be paired with anything for an instant outfit elevation. I adore the Hobbs Ainsley Cotton Blend Knit Jacket for its elegant yet relaxed style.
Ainsley Cotton Blend Knit Jacket by Hobbs
Skirts - as far as skirts go, old money styling can be achieved with a classic A-line skirt with a fitted waist and gentle flaring. Also a tailored pencil skirt that hugs the figure and stops at the knee always look so flattering and is a true wardrobe staple, my mum still has pencil skirts from her corporate days and they never date. Tweed or wool skirts made from quality fabrics and pleated skirts (particularly if they have very sharp well-defined pleats) like the Sezane Dila Skirt or the Champagne Gold Pleated Satin Midi Skirt from Sosandar can look super feminine and elegant. Again, sticking to neutral colours such as navy, black and beige and having subtle pinstripes or checks can give a real elegant touch.
Accessories of course are just as important when it comes to adopting an old money style. There are endless designer bags that are timeless such as Chanel, Hemes or Louis Vuitton but it doesn't necessarily have to be a designer bag. A structured leather tote in neutral works well. Satchel bags featuring a top handle and detachable strap look so elegant in fact any top handle bag that is well structured will provide that old money vibe.
Similarly a small leather crossbody bag in a classic shape is timeless as is an exotic leather clutch made from quality leather. I am a particular lover of this Coach Eliza Top Handle bag and the Aspinal Midi Mayfair 2 Ivory Patent Croc, both super stylish and elegant.
How can I dress old money without spending a lot of money?
Look at all stores both expensive and non-expensive and search for classic items. Invest in quality pieces during sales time because there are some real bargains to be had, take your time to get it right and build your new capsule wardrobe. Take a look at this chic Mango belted handmade coat and the elegant Hobbs Maddox Faux Fur Coat. Or for a timeless and elegant dress, what about the affordable Sosandar / Marks & Spencer V-Neck Belted Midi Tailored Dress, it's truly style and taste rather than money that counts here.
Can I mix old money style with modern fashion trends?
Absolutely! Dressing should be fun and combining classic pieces with modern pieces can give you that unique personalised twist on old money styling. I adore this Women's Argyle Sweater mixed with a classic white shirt and mini skirt - elegant, fun yet soooo stylish.
Are there any old money fragrances / scents that I need to wear to get the old money style?
Fragrances will always play a role in my personal grooming, they can leave a lasting impression and evoke memories for years to come. They can also be an important element if you're aiming for an old money style and opting for timeless and elegant scents with rich, deep notes would be my recommendation. Here are some iconic fragrances that have been around for years and will help with that overall old money style:
Chanel No. 5 is a classic iconic perfume created by French fashion house Chanel and launched in 1921. This scent has floral notes and has been loved by many for decades.
Joy by Jean Patou 1930 a classic perfume by French Designer Jean Patou and perfumer Henri Almeras. This was launched in 1930 and has a floral scent.
Guerlain Shalimar Eau De Parfum is a legendary fragrance created by the French perfume house Guerlain and first introduced in 1925. It is known for its oriental scent with notes of bergamot, iris, jasmine, rose and vanilla.
Youth Dew Eau De Parfum by Estée Lauder - dating back to 1953 Estee Lauder's Youth Dew was originally created as a bath oil and became popular as a scent with its oriental-spicy fragrance with rich and warm notes of rose, jasmine, lily of the valley and spices. It was groundbreaking in its time for dual use as a bathing product and scent.
Princess Diana's old money look
Sofia Richie's old money look
I hope you have enjoyed this blog post. Life is a journey in which we are all learning about new things always and I absolutely love learning about new/reinvented fashion styles. While I spend a lot of time in gym kit and dressed down, I love to dress up too and over the past year or so I have been learning to reduce the number of fashion items I buy and have found investing in more classic pieces that are timeless has simplified my wardrobe, saved me much needed space and made my decision making about what to wear easier.
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