Old Money Style 2024: How to Dress like Timeless Elite

Old Money Style is a timeless fashion trend that exudes sophistication, elegance, and class. This classic aesthetic takes inspiration from wealthy families steeped in tradition, who prefer to invest in quality, enduring pieces that withstand the test of time.

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What is Old Money Style?

The Old Money Style is a fashion aesthetic that revolves around classic, timeless, and elegant clothing, often associated with the attire of the wealthy, established families with generational wealth.

These families have historically chosen to dress in a way that reflects their refined taste and understated wealth without appearing flashy or pretentious. Simplicity, high-quality materials, and impeccable tailoring characterize this style.

The history of the Old Money Style can be traced back to aristocratic and upper-class families, who have long followed traditional fashion, etiquette, and social norms. Members of families like the Kennedys, Princess Diana, and Jackie Kennedy influenced this style with their discreet, polished appearances.

In recent years, Old Money Style has gained popularity on social media platforms, such as TikTok and Instagram, where people recreate this aesthetic and strive to emulate its elegance and sophistication. Individuals can create a sense of timeless and refined luxury by adopting clothing items and combinations that represent this style.

Dressing in the Old Money Style means focusing on quality over quantity and opting for versatile pieces that can withstand the test of time. Some of the main staples of this look include well-fitted blazers, skirts, and trousers made from high-quality fabrics, such as wool, silk, and cashmere. Additionally, this fashion aesthetic values tasteful accessories and elegant shoes, often made from genuine leather and other durable materials.

How to Dress like Old Money?

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When adopting the Old Money aesthetic, it’s essential to select classic and timeless pieces that exude sophistication.

Let’s explore some key elements to achieve this refined look.

1. Choose Classic Colors

Stick to a neutral color palette, such as black, navy, and beige. These colors remain evergreen and seamlessly blend with various outfits.

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2. Blazers and Button-Down Shirts

A blazer is an iconic piece that can elevate your outfit, whether paired with jeans or a chic midi skirt. Opt for a longer, oversized cut for a vintage vibe. For men, button-down shirts in muted colors like white or baby blue are essential.

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3. Incorporate Tennis Styles

The tennis theme often appears in Old Money fashion. Style a white tennis skirt with a button-down shirt, a pearl necklace, and a white headband for a classy ensemble.

4. Elegant Accessories

Add a touch of elegance with accessories like a simple necklace or watch. Pearls and understated pieces showcase sophistication without being flashy.

5. Impeccable Grooming and Quality Pieces

The Old Money look relies on high-quality, synergistic garments and well-maintained personal grooming. Invest in well-crafted, subtle pieces that can withstand the test of time.

7 Old Money Capsule Wardrobe Essentials You Need

old money style flowers

1. Wool Coats

A winter staple, wool coats perfectly blend chic and functional. Opt for classic colors like black, camel, and navy to stay true to the Old Money aesthetic. A well-fitted wool coat will keep you warm while making a fashion statement.

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2. Blazers

An iconic piece in the Old Money style, blazers can easily elevate any outfit. Go for a longer, oversized cut to give your outfit a more vintage look. Blazers can be worn with jeans, trousers, or skirts, making them a versatile wardrobe staple.

3. Minimal White Sneakers

Simple, clean, minimal white sneakers are essential for achieving an Old Money look. These sneakers pair well with various outfits and provide a subtle nod to a classic, preppy aesthetic.

4. Classy Everyday Handbag

A timeless, high-quality handbag is a must for any Old Money wardrobe. Choose a structured bag made from luxurious materials, and stick to classic shades like black, brown, or beige to maintain that elegant appearance.

5. Cashmere Sweaters

Not only do cashmere sweaters offer comfort and warmth, but they also exude sophistication. Choose timeless cuts and solid colors, and invest in quality pieces that will last for years.

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6. Polo Shirts

Polo shirts are classic and versatile and essential in a preppy, Old Money wardrobe. Opt for feminine cuts and striped or solid color designs to achieve the desired look.

7. High-quality and Feminine Dresses

Invest in beautifully tailored dresses made from natural fibers instead of polyester. The Old Money aesthetic focuses on femininity, so opt for flattering silhouettes and elegant patterns.

What Does Old Money Look Like?

Old Money style is characterized by a refined, classic, and sophisticated look. The key to achieving this aesthetic is to focus on timeless pieces and muted, earthy tones like black, navy, and beige. These colors never go out of style and can be worn with various outfits, making them an essential part of the Old Money wardrobe.

For women, the Old Money look often includes blazers, which can be worn with jeans or chic midi skirts and pullovers. Opt for a longer, oversized cut to give your outfit a more vintage feel. Additionally, accessories like a simple necklace, watch, belt, scarf, or hat can add a touch of elegance and sophistication1.

The Old Money aesthetic often features American preppy fashion combined with modern looser silhouettes for men. Key pieces might include tailored pants, oxfords or old money loafers, button-up shirts, and lightweight sweaters. Emulate this look by focusing on high-quality fabrics like wool and cashmere, as they give any outfit an air of refinement.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to remember that the Old Money style is not just about clothing; it’s an entire way of life grounded in good manners, graciousness, and understated elegance.

So, how can you exude this air of class without breaking the bank? The answer lies in cultivating a wardrobe of well-chosen, high-quality pieces rather than overstuffing your closet with trend-driven items.

How to Choose Quality Materials?

old money quality materials

When adopting the Old Money Style, selecting high-quality materials is essential for a classic and timeless wardrobe. This contributes to the authentic look and promotes longevity in your clothing investments. So, how do you choose quality materials for your Old Money wardrobe?

First and foremost, opt for natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool, and silk. These materials offer better breathability, durability, and comfort than synthetic fabrics, ensuring your items last longer and maintain their classic appeal.

MaterialKey Benefits
CottonSoft, breathable, and easy to maintain
WoolWarm, moisture-wicking, and durable
SilkLuxurious, smooth, and alluring

Another tip for choosing quality materials is to pay attention to the garment’s construction. Look for solid stitching, even seams, and the absence of loose threads or fraying edges. In clothing like blazers, jackets, and suits, dry cleaning should be used sparingly to maintain fabric integrity.

In terms of color for your Old Money wardrobe, consider earthier and muted tones, such as black, beige, khaki, creamy white, dusty green, and sky blue. These colors give the natural and refined aesthetic associated with Old Money.

Lastly, prioritize quality over quantity. When building your Old Money wardrobe, investing in fewer, high-quality pieces that stand the test of time rather than overstuffing your closet with cheaper, fast-fashion items is better. Don’t be afraid to invest in iconic pieces like blazers, tennis skirts, and riding boots; they will be the foundation of your timeless and elegant style.

Our Favorite Old Money Brands

old money style

To dress in the old-money style, there are several iconic old money clothes brands and designers you might want to follow.

Some popular old-money designer brands include Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Brunello Cucinelli, and Hermès. These names are well-established in fashion and are known for their refined and sophisticated looks.

Let’s explore a few notable designers in more detail:

  • Ralph Lauren: Known for their timeless preppy style, Ralph Lauren offers clothing items such as oxford shirts, polo shirts, and khaki pants – all staples of the old money wardrobe.
  • Lacoste: This French brand is famous for its stylish polo shirts, which can be paired with khaki pants or a sophisticated skirt for an effortless old money look.
  • Brunello Cucinelli: Paying homage to Italian craftsmanship, Brunello Cucinelli presents knitwear, tailored suits, and accessories that exude sophistication and a sense of luxury.
  • Hermès: This high-end luxury brand is all about elegance, with accessories like their iconic silk scarves and leather goods perfectly complementing an old money outfit.

The following brands also exhibit old money characteristics: YSL, MaxMara, Chanel, Bec + Bridge, Dior, Cartier, Nanushka, Balmain, Loro Piana, Barbour, and Armani. These underrated brands offer various clothing, footwear, and accessories to help you achieve the old money aesthetic.

These are the exact outfits the rich swear by and that will make you look so too.

52 Old Money Outfits That Will Make You Look Old Money

1. Button-Down Shirt + Pullover Over Shoulders

2. Tweed Jacket + Black Tights

3. Old Money Aesthetic Outfits: Tennis Skirt + Polo Shirt

4. Wool Coat + Knee-High Boots

5. Old Money Aesthetic Outfits: Cream Jeans + Basic Top

6. Tweed Jumpsuit + Pink Coat

7. Knitted Turtleneck Pullover + White Suit Pants

8. Jeans + Blouse

9. Black Blazer + Knee-High Boots

10. Tweed Dress + Black Tights

11. Blazer + Skirt

12. Knitted Top + Black Mini Skirt

13. Oversized Knitted Sweater

14. Oversized Sweater + Silk Dress

15. Black Shorts + White Knitted Sweater

16. Tennis Skirt + Sweater Vest

17. Tulle Dress

18. Oversized Button-Down Shirt

19. Knitted Suit

20. White Poplin Dress

21. Pastel Yellow Dress

22. Jogging Suit

23. Tennis Skirt + Button Down Shirt

24. Pink Plaid Tweed Blazer + White Dress

25. White Shorts + White Knee-High Boots

26. Tweed Dress Suit

27. Cropped Blazer + Black Shorts

29. Knitted Dress

30. Knitted Button-Down Sweater-Dress

31. Blouse + Leather Skirt

32. Silk Dress

33. Black Tennis Skirt + Button-Down Top

34. Plaid Dress

35. White Dress + Sweater Vest

36. Oversized Black Blazer + Knitted Sweater over Shoulders

37. Silk Dress

39. Oversized Black Blazer + Black Tennis Skirt

40. Black Mini Dress

41. Knitted Top + Black Skirt + Mary Jane Pumps

42. Knitted Top + Cream Jeans

43. Plaid Sweater + Black Shorts

44. Pastel Yellow Dress + White Gloves

45. Black Midi Dress

46. Black Dress + White Button-Down Shirt Underneath

47. Black Tennis Skirt + Knitted Pullover

49. White Tweed Suit

50. Faux Fur Cream Top + Straight Leg Creme Jeans

51. Cropped Oversized Blazer + Yellow Denim Skirt

52. Black Mini Dress + Hat

FAQ:

What are 5 old money style colors?

They are navy blue, forest green, burgundy, camel, and cream.

What is the old money dress code?

Timeless, classic pieces, such as blazers, tennis whites, cable knit cashmere sweaters, and midi skirts characterize the old money dress code. This style is often associated with leisure activities like horse-riding, polo, and racquet sports and is more understated and less flashy than new money fashion.

What are some old money must haves?

Old money must-haves include a tailored blazer, a classic trench coat, a quality leather handbag, a pair of well-crafted loafers, and a simple, elegant watch.

What are some old money basics?

Old money basics are a white shirt, a navy blazer, a pair of khaki trousers, leather penny loafers, and a silk scarf. These staples form the foundation of a classic, understated wardrobe.

What are some old money fabrics?

Five classy fabrics include tweed, cashmere, wool, Egyptian cotton, and linen. These materials are durable and convey a sense of classic elegance.

What are 5 old money jeans models?

Old money jeans are typically understated, high-quality, and classic in style. Five models that fit this aesthetic are the Levi’s 501 Original Fit, Ralph Lauren Sullivan Slim, J.Crew 484 Slim-fit, Brooks Brothers Red Fleece, and the A.P.C. Petit New Standard.

What is the old money attire?

Old money attire means classic, quality pieces: tailored blazers, crisp button-ups, leather loafers, and elegant dresses. Think timeless over trendy, with a focus on understated luxury.

What are some old money accessories you need to have? 

Essential accessories are a leather belt, a classic watch from brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe, a silk scarf, pearl earrings, and a quality leather handbag or briefcase.

Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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Elisa
Elisa

Elisa Steffes reviews designer fashion brands and elegant pieces for a living. She also loves Old Money Brands and is passionate about writing about topics related to this classic style.
She has close to 3 years of experience in SEO and has taken the Streetstylis Pinterest account to one of the most popular magazines on Pinterest and Instagram.
When she's not working, you'll find her doing Pilates, dancing or hanging out with her friends in Malta.

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