Introduction to Old Money Fashion
This is the complete Old Money guide, a timeless and enduring style. If you want to embody the elegance, sophistication, and quiet luxury of Old Money fashion, you’re in the right place so let’s delve right in.
Table of Contents
Understanding The Old Money Aesthetic
What is Old Money Style?
Old Money style is a timeless aesthetic that prioritizes elegance, quality, and a sense of heritage. It’s a fashion philosophy deeply rooted in tradition, often associated with aristocrats and elite classes who have inherited wealth over generations. Old Money style is characterized by its quiet luxury, impeccable craftsmanship, and enduring designs. The Old Money Style is about wearing clothes that signify a refined taste, not just wealth.
This style is less about the latest fashion trends and more about a consistent, classic look. It leans towards wardrobe staples that are versatile, functional, and age gracefully. The essence of Old Money fashion is not flashy brands that show their logo all over their design but more but more about a discreet and refined look.
Historical Roots and Evolution
The Old Money aesthetic has its roots in the rich societies of Europe and the Eastern United States, where lineage and legacy played significant roles in defining style. Originating from a time when clothing was made to last and be passed down through generations, this fashion sense reflects a deep respect for quality and tradition.
Over the decades, while adapting to the subtleties of modern fashion, Old Money style has maintained its core values. Today, it stands as a symbol of stability and understated elegance in an ever-changing fashion landscape. It represents a connection to the craftsmanship of the past.
The Essence of Old Money Fashion
Significance of Fabric Quality
Old Money has a big focus on high qualiy and luxurious materials such as Cashmere, Linen, Silk, and Wool. These fabrics are selected for their timeless appeal, durability, and because old money is very luxury orientated paying high prices for their clothes.
The Old Money Color Palette
The color palette of Old Money fashion is often very vibrant. The color pallete is dominated by neutral and earth tones, it reflects a preference for subtlety and versatility. You can see some examples in the image below.
Importance of Tailoring and Fit
Tailoring and fit is very important in Old Money fashion. It’s not just about the label or the price tag. It’s about how well a garment drapes and complements the wearer’s physique. The right fit makes the outfit look better and thoughtfully designed.
Essential Old Money Wardrobe Pieces
Formal Wear: Suits and Blazers
When it comes to the Old Money wardrobe, suits and blazers reign supreme. An Old Money suit is characterized by its high quality fabric with a timeless and simple design. Mixed with a vibrant color pallete makes you look fresh, rich and manly. You can find Old Money Suits and Blazers from Brunello Cucinelli, Kiton and Brooks Brothers my favorite being Brunello Cucinelli.
Casual Elegance: Polo Shirts, Chinos and Loafers
Old Money style isn’t just for formal events but also for casual events. For a more casual outfit pick a polo shirt, tailored chinos, and classic loafers. It’s a look that combines comfort with elegance and tradition. This is stil more formal than normal fashion but that will always be the case when you go for a more elegant look.
Winter Essentials: Overcoats, Scarves, Leather Gloves
The Old Money approach to winter wear is as much about style as it is about being warm. Old Money winter essentials could include, overcoats that offer warmth while stil looking good, luxurious scarves that make you look more colourful, and leather gloves that are both practical and stylish. For a deeper dive into Old Money winter essentials, take a look at our list of 10 Old Money Winter Coats.
Old Money Accessories
The first accessory consists of timepieces. Timepieces are not just for keeping time but they are heirlooms, often passed down through generations. A timepiece is a fancier watch that work through mechanical or automatic wind movements unlike wristwatches that run on batteries.
The second accessory is cufflinks. They are elegant additions to a suit, often chosen not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their ability to convey personal style and add a little extra sophistication to formal wear.
The last accesory is a scarf. A scarf can compliment your outfit very well because scarves are the secret spice of the fashion world, perfect for those moments when your outfit feels like it’s just one ingredient short of perfection.
Old Money Shoes
Classic Shoes: Oxfords, Brogues, Loafers
Old money shoes are about timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Classic styles like Oxfords, Brogues, and Loafers are staples, chosen for their versatility, comfort, and enduring style. You can wear these shoes at almost any occasion, from formal events to casual time with your friends.
The Craftsmanship of Quality Leather
The selection of leather in Old Money footwear is a testament to the style’s commitment to quality and tradition. These are shoes designed to be worn and cherished over years, even decades. The leather ages beautifully, developing a unique patina.
Old Money Sneakers: Classic Comfort and Style
Old Money style isn’t just about traditional dress shoes; it also embraces sneakers that combine classic elegance with comfort and durability. This approach to fashion shows that Old Money style values timeless looks in all aspects of dressing, including casual outfits.
Top Picks for Old Money Sneakers
Our guide to the “7 Best Old Money Sneakers” on our website highlights sneakers that are more than just stylish. Featured sneakers like the New Balance 550, New Balance 990V5, Reebok Club C 85, Saye Sneakers Modelo ’89, Walk’n’Dior Sneaker, New Balance 530, and Adidas Samba perfectly match the Old Money aesthetic of elegant, durable, and comfortable footwear.
These sneakers are chosen for their timeless design and practicality. The New Balance 550 is ideal for both everyday and athletic use, while the Walk’n’Dior Sneaker suits more fancier events. This variety demonstrates the flexibility of Old Money sneakers.
Old Money Hairstyles and Self care for Men and Women
In Old Money fashion, it’s evident that self care and hairstyles are as important as the clothes you wear. Every little thing shows a simple and timeless style that works for both men and women.
Hairstyles in Old Money Fashion: Classic and Polished
For Men:
- The Refined Side Part: A symbol of classic masculinity, this hairstyle is neat, precise, and effortlessly elegant.
- The Slicked-Back Look: The Slicked Back hair is a polished hairstyle achieved by simply combing the hair straight back which gives a sophisticated and refined appearance.
- The Ivy League Cut: The Ivy League Cut combines short, tapered sides with a neatly combed, longer top, embodying a classic and refined style.
- Middle Part: The Middle Part features a centered hair parting, creating a versatile and stylish look suitable for various hair lengths and occasions.
For Women:
- The Low Bun: Simple yet refined, the low bun is a versatile style that shows a sense of quiet confidence.
- Soft Waves: Gentle, cascading waves offer a timeless look that is both graceful and alluring.
- The Ponytail: A high ponytail, sleek and smooth, can be both functional and stylish, perfect for various occasions.
Self care Practices in Old Money Culture
For Men:
Selfcare within old money is know for precision and quality. From skincare routines involving premium products to traditional wet shaving techniques, every aspect is about maintaining a dignified and neat appearance. The use of subtle fragrances complements their persona without overwhelming it.
For Women:
Selfcare for women in Old Money circles revolves around a polished and natural look. Skincare routines are meticulous, focusing on maintaining a timeless beauty. Makeup is used to enhance rather than transform, favoring a more natural, classic look. Perfumes are chosen for their elegance, leaving a gentle yet memorable impression.
Top Brands for Old Money Fashion
In Old Money fashion, certain brands have become known for their timeless style. These brands are cherished for their products, heritage and values they represent. They excel in creating pieces that align with the Old Money aesthetic, combining quality, tradition, and elegance.
- Burberry: Famous for its iconic trench coats, Burberry embodies British elegance and has been a wardrobe staple in Old Money circles for generations.
- Brooks Brothers: As the oldest clothing retailer in America, Brooks Brothers is synonymous with classic, refined style, offering everything from impeccable Oxford shirts to tailored suits.
- Chanel: Chanel’s iconic tweed jackets and little black dresses represent the French approach to Old Money fashion elegant, sophisticated, and always fashionable.
- Loro Piana: An Italian luxury brand specializing in high-end wool, cashmere, and fur garments. Loro Piana is known for incredible quality and epitomizes old money elegance, particularly renowned for its use of luxurious materials.
- Hermes: Established in 1837, this French luxury brand is known for its iconic Birkin and Kelly bags. Hermes represents the pinnacle of luxury, combining exceptional craftsmanship with timeless elegance.
- Brunello Cucinelli: This Italian brand is known for blending luxury with casual comfort, focusing on high-quality materials and exceptional tailoring. Brunello Cucinelli offers a modern take on classic style, aligning perfectly with the old money aesthetic.
- Ralph Lauren: An American fashion powerhouse, Ralph Lauren is celebrated for its classic style and exceptional quality. The brand’s pieces, ranging from signature polo shirts to luxurious cashmere blends, fit the Old Money aesthetic, symbolizing timeless American fashion. Ralph Lauren is one of the more affordable brands on this list.
The products used in the images are examples of what these brands sell so check out their sites for a better look.
If you want to read more about old money brands, check out our article on The 10 Best Old Money Brands
Building an Old Money Wardrobe on a Budget
Achieving Old Money Style Affordably
Embracing the Old Money aesthetic on a budget is like crafting an artwork with thoughtfully chosen, affordable materials. It’s about finding those timeless pieces that speak of elegance without the hefty price tag.
Affordable Old Money Brands
There are several brands that offer the Old Money look without straining your wallet. Here are five:
- Uniqlo: Known for offering a wide range of essential clothing at very competitive prices. Products typically range from approximately $20 to $100, making it highly accessible for a broad audience seeking quality and style but alot of their clothing doesn’t fit the old money aestethic.
- Eleante: Targets a niche market with a focus on quality and modern elegance. Average prices seem to range from $40 to $100, with some items going higher but still maintaining an accessible luxury approach.
- Tommy Hilfiger: Offers a mix of casual and formal wear, with prices often ranging from about $50 to $250. Sales and discounts can significantly lower the cost, making it a relatively affordable option.
- Brooks Brothers: As a premium brand, product prices typically range from $50 to over $500, reflecting its heritage and quality craftsmanship. Sales events can offer more competitive pricing, making it accessible at a higher price point.
- Ralph Lauren: Has a wide price range across its various lines, from Polo’s more accessible items at $50 to $300, to Purple Label’s luxury offerings that can exceed $1,000. This range allows for accessibility but generally positions Ralph Lauren as a premium brand.
Old Money Values
Old money families place a high importance on education, recognizing it as the foundation for smart decision making and keeping up with the fast changing world and in general gives you more opportunities. Alongside this, a strong work ethic is instilled, trying to show the value of hard work and achievement.
Etiquette And Manners
Like most rich families or royalty, Old Money families have strict etiquette. These families often engage in formal etiquette training and play sports like golf. This focus on manners is not just a social thing but also a way to prevent the ego and entitlement often associated with wealth from taking over.
Health, too, is a priority, with a focus on maintaining good physical and mental well-being through healthy eating, exercise, and avoiding excess.
Security and privacy are important, reflecting a need to protect wealth and maintain healthy community relationships. Old money families value privacy, recognizing that excessive public knowledge about their affairs can complicate relationships and potentially threaten their wealth.
Despite their wealth, old money families do not spend thier money recklesly and instead follow the principles of value and sustainability that probably helped build their fortunes.
Social skills and networking are crucial, with an emphasis on politeness, good conversation, and quiet confidence.
In summary, the old money lifestyle is not just about wealth but about a set of values and behaviors that have been made over generations. It’s a blend of sophistication, intellectual, social responsibility, and a commitment to maintaining traditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Old Money fashion aesthetic is a testament to a lifestyle that values tradition, quality, and elegance. This guide has navigated through the intricate world of Old Money style, highlighting the importance of classic designs, high-quality materials, and the timeless elegance that characterizes this fashion philosophy. From the significance of fabric quality and tailoring to the essentials of an Old Money wardrobe, we have explored how this style is less about quick trends and more about a consistent, enduring look.
Moreover, Old Money fashion is deeply intertwined with a set of values and behaviors passed down through generations. The emphasis on education, work ethic, etiquette, and manners goes beyond appearance, embodying a lifestyle of sophistication and responsibility.
