It’s no wonder that the old money style has been dominating fashion feeds for the last couple of years. It doesn’t follow the latest micro-trend but takes the basic concept that solid clothes worn properly will last beyond any trend cycle. Here’s all you need to know about the philosophy of old money and outfit ideas for every season, size and occasion.
What Is the Old Money Aesthetic? (And Why It’s Trending)
This old money vibe became a trendy style on TikTok and Pinterest, rather than a logo or a brandy. It is said to be the reverse of the “new money” look — rather than displaying price tags, the trick with it is to have a “no-thought” look, as if you never had to think twice about your outfit.
The fashion critics have equated fashion with TV shows such as Succession, and celebrities such as Sofia Richie Grainge and fictional characters like Blair Waldorf and Meredith Blake. The style is often described as the “next chapter of quiet luxury,” with people preferring the classic and elegant designs over anything flashy. It emphasizes neutral hues, sleek lines, and some nice fundamentals with a handful of logos visible, a message that capturing wealth doesn’t have to be showy.
There has also been some commentary that the development is nostalgic; a response to the far more relaxed and more “big business” “new money” looks that featured the 2010s and yearning for the more polished looks of previous decades.
The Core Principles of Old Money Style for Women
It is best to know the basic rules of fashion, which are always referred to by the general public when it comes to fashion outfits.
- Tailoring over trends: The old money style emphasises on quality of clothing, fine lines and impeccable fits instead of ‘fast fashion’. There is a fine line between a right fitting blazer and an “on-trend” blazer that doesn’t fit, and a right fitting blazer will always appear more designer than an “on-trend” one.
- A palette with subdued colors: Consider Navy, Beige, White, Black, Gray, Cream and Soft Pastels. There are some pops of color, but the overall color scheme is neutral and versatile.
- Quality over quantity: The philosophy is to invest in high quality, few items — silk blouses, wool blazers, leather shoes — instead of buying lots of inexpensive items which wear out soon.
- Subtle branding: Logos are minimized, typically only for heritage labels that have a connection to old money style – Ralph Lauren, Chanel, or country-club old money equivalent.
- Detail work: texture and pattern. The hues of plaid, pinstripes, tweed and paisley also appear frequently but are employed to impart a certain texture in the heritage theme, rather than to state a statement.
Old Money Outfits Ideas for Everyday Wear
In the daily routine, the old money uniform is more likely to repeat a few reliable formulas than come up with something new every day:
- Tight trousers, button-down and tailored trousers. One of the most commonly reported old money outfits is a navy blazer and crisp white button down shirt with tailored trousers. Complete with a silk scarf and loafers.
- Button-down and slacks must be worn in a relaxed manner. The “quintessential old money uniform” is an oversized button down with relaxed trousers, as described.Oversized button down and loose trousers has been called the “quintessential old money uniform” because it’s a look that’s refined and relaxed yet not overly overly dressed. The more sophisticated handbag takes the more casual look to a higher level.
- Sweater vest and jeans. To create a more relaxed, campus vibe, a sweater vest over a button-down, paired with straight-legged jeans and loafers is befitting of an old-money style without too much of a formal one.
- Tweed skirt sets. Another old money combination that’s often cited is a tweed skirt suit with pearls and dark sunglasses, all in keeping with the classic Chanel look.
- Little black dress. Many style guides call the carefully paired LBD an old money must-have, and it can be used for business meetings, evening dinners, and more.
Old Money Outfits Women One Piece: Dresses, Jumpsuits, and Swimwear
The “one piece” old money outfit comes in two forms: for the day or evening, elegant one piece dresses, and for warm weather days, one piece swimsuits.
A classic old money evening dress is a floor length gown or off-the-shoulder maxi dress paired with statement jewelry and clutch, the exposed neckline allows for a simple silhouette without appearing as plain. A customized black jumpsuit is another one-piece fashion that fashion guides recommend, as it gets rid of the need to coordinate separates while still providing a sleek, wide-legged appearance and a well-defined waist.
In the realm of swimsuits, the rule holds true: Less is more. Of course, classic pieces in black or white are consistently suggested, as they are what is perceived as sophisticated and not trendy. Small touches such as gold topped straps or a fully lined, fit and structured one-piece make the difference between a traditional old money swimsuit and just any old suit — and they’re never over done.
Old Money Outfits Women Summer: Vacation and Resort Style
The old money side of the country-club and coastal references is most prominent in the summer. These are just some that have been tried and tested for warm weather:
- Stripes and khaki: A nautical stripe top and khaki or tan pants are often described as an “old money” summer outfit reminiscent of those worn at a yacht club or on the water.
- The traditional style of striped shirt and high-waisted pants: When paired with boat shoes or flats, this is said to be an “out at sea” comfortable summer outfit.
- White skirts as the outfit’s key component: A full white skirt and a simple black tank and sandals (or sneakers) are touted as being an all-in-one summer outfit that can be combined in several different ways during the vacation season.
- Light linen and light tailoring: In neutral colors, breathable fabrics ensure a tailored look even on the hottest days, a factor that comes into play when old money dressing isn’t about comfort over structure.
- Cooler summer evenings will be cool with trench coats: No matter the weather or the season, a light trench is always an outerwear garment that will effortlessly make any outfit look better and make you stand out, which should be matched with a matching bag and some matching ballet flat shoes.
Old Money Outfits Women Plus Size: Making the Aesthetic Work for Every Body
Old money dressing is not just for people of plus size, as size is just not a factor for old money writers — they seek fit, fabric, and proportion, which can be interpreted with any body shape. All of the following tips are included in every plus-size style guide:
Invert the investment process: Invest in tailoring first. A well-fitted blazer, cashmere sweater and fitted trousers are suggested as core items with the emphasis on the correct size and cut of clothing which is altered to fit the individual.
Opt for fabrics that provide good drape: Heavy crepe and wool trousers with wide legs, silk blouses and cashmere knits are preferred because they are not clingy or revealing.
Structure flatters curves: Curvy silhouettes (such as wrap, a self tie belt or seaming at the waist) are suggested over shapeless or boxy styles, as these provide shape without hindering the ability to move around.
There is no change of the palette and the staples: For plus size clothing, the styles for camel coats, cream cashmere, ivory blouses and pearl jewelry are the same as for straight size clothing — it’s just a matter of accenting them with such items, and the focus remains on quality and neutral colors, not changing the style.
Key Wardrobe Staples and Accessories to Build an Old Money Look
A few items come up time and time again in old money style guides, whatever size, season, or occasion you’re looking at:
- A custom-made camel or beige trench coat worn over minimal pieces.
- A structured blazer (navy, black or houndstooth is preferred).
- This is the blouse or shirt worn with the old money outfits; it is a main ingredient in many old money outfit formulas.
- Wide or straight tailored trousers, of wool or cotton to suit season.
- Quality footwear is always chosen over the trendy shoe styles such as leather loafers, ballet flats or kitten heels.
- Structured leather handbag with neutral colors, preferred over brands with logos.
- Delicate gold pieces and pearl jewelry, not too much of either.
- Sometimes with a tie at the neck or a bag handle looped with a silk scarf for a final look.
Conclusion
Women’s old money outfits are not about spending the most money, they’re about going with a purpose. The common thread with all of these types of wardrobes is to put money into something that is well cut, well made, and neutral in color; and to choose subtle branding, and let the fit and fabric do the talking with a one-piece evening look, a breezy summer collection, or a plus-size capsule wardrobe. It’s a no-brainer, whether you’re following a fashion trend or not: Style guides of all kinds agree that it’s patience and repetition, and not constant reinvention, that will help you deliver the aesthetic you’re searching for, every season.
FAQ’ S
It is a single piece of swimwear, that can be worn during the day and night, a jumpsuit or a classic swimsuit for the warm season. Again, a plain, clean silhouette in black or white is preferred over a design with patterns or logos.
For summer, they opt for nautical stripes and khaki, high-waisted shorts and boat shoes, and white skirts paired with a simple tank. The lightweight and breathable fabric properties of materials such as linen are preserved in hot weather, which also maintains the refined silhouette.
Yes. Plus-size style writers emphasize that fit, fabric and proportion are more important than size to the aesthetic. Flattering curves beautifully with tailoring, draping fabric (e.g., crepe or cashmere) and built-in structure (e.g., seaming).
Have basic wardrobe: a tailored blazer, silk blouse, wide-leg trousers, and trench coat. These are repeated in most of the outfits which were used for the old day, evening and vacation.
Not necessarily. Often it is the heritage brands such as Ralph Lauren or Chanel that are cited, but budget-friendly options with the same tailoring, fabric quality and neutral hues are just as suitable for this style.
Also Read
Cocktail Attire: Dress Code Guide, Outfit Ideas & Styling Tips for Men and Women
